Report 7 [Accidental Video] (SUPER backdated to Jan 8th) (trigger: dying)
[The PCD crashes to the ground and flickers on, skidding away from Tieria.
He looks ragged and out of breath, staring severely at something (or someone) off screen. His eyes weren't the only thing pointed in that direction, as it seems that he'd finally found something to waste his bullets on.]
God dammit.
[The video starts glitching, fuzzing out ( Read more... )
But why? Honestly, why? Why would anyone be so reckless when the world around them shook and burned and people died? Why was he playing a hero, despite not having any means to defend himself? Or - or did he come over here knowing he would sacrifice himself, that idiot? Either way, it was wrong.
The girl was quietly crying too, he noticed as he leveled his gaze with hers for a second. Hope was aware that all this time, she only tried her best to sound composed, and he was truly grateful for that. His own voice was a miserable mixture of broken sobs and with time, it was getting even worse as he let the wave of exhaustion wash over him. Conserving his strength for the big battle ahead would be a difficult task now, as he could feel the world around him blacking out and he hoped, he prayed that he would not just suddenly collapse.
Nevertheless, it indeed was working, just like she said, and there was no way in hell Hope would give up on his efforts now, when the results were so clearly visible. He had tried to challenge fate before, and he would do that once again, because he was not allowing Tieria to die ever again. ]
Breathe. Slowly - just b-breathe.
[ Out of all three of them, no matter how worn out he felt, Hope was probably in the best condition, the boy realized, the sudden cough catching his attention. ]
... H-hey, you okay?
[ It wasn't difficult to tell that not exactly, not when she'd used so much of her powers to get them out of the building. Wondering why it slipped his mind before, he quickly sends a green wave in Mercury's direction as well. Obviously, most of his energy is still focused on supporting Tieria's breathing, but it wasn't like him to neglect the other companion when she'd done so much for their sake.
There's this familiar stinging feeling in his chest, sygnalizing they've already used up most of the time Alexander could give to them. Fortunately, the Eidolon was doing a marvelous job, and even with him gone, they could probably keep going for a while, flames in their nearest vicinity gone for now.
Finally, Lady Luck could have been on their side. ]
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He closed his eyes, trying to focus on the warm feeling spreading through him. Not a burning feeling, but a much softer, kinder feeling. He was going to owe these people so much... How was he ever going to-
A sudden scratch in this throat and hitch in his breath catches him by surprise, eyes widening. Tieria bursts into a coughing fit, even though he tried to fight the urge. It was one of those coughs you couldn't ignore, or keep down. His eyes watered a bit, but no tears this time.
It didn't hurt as bad as what he had just gone through.]
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Just him. [Her look was stern. She was not prepared to argue.] I'm fine. There's a limit, and you need to use it on him.
[She could get healing later. She would find Sailor Moon, or at the very least, a first aid kit. Her wounds her superficial. It was her own foolish need to hide her tears that caused the coughing. Her own pride was doing more harm to the situation than good.
Why couldn't she stop thinking about herself?]
What--[Tieria's body started to convulse into a violent round of coughing. Instinctively, Mercury seized Tieria with both her hands and scooped him up to sit up straight.]
What's happening? [Her eyes shot to Hope with worry. Was he coughing up the last remnants of soot? Was this a good sign--indication that his breathing had fully resumed and could now clear his lungs himself? Or was there liquid in his lungs? Had her dramatic exit been a huge mistake?]
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Watching Tieria struggle with breathing, he lets out a loud gasp and works on strenghtening his spells even harder. Confronted by Mercury's gaze, he's clueless as what to say or do, opting to lean a bit closer to examine the situation. Placing one hand on Tieria's shoulder to help keep him in place, he observes him closely, his eyes wide from worry. ]
I don't-- [ Nervous, he squeezes the other's shoulder lightly. ] T-Tieria?
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Tieria's breathing was a little sporadic after that, but his coughs die down, and he leans back against Mercury. Trying to breath lighter, so it wouldn't scratch his throat further, he looked at Hope. How was he suppose to tell them he was alright with his throat as raw as it was? All the screaming, smoke, and fire really had done a number to it.
Still trying to maintain eye-contact, he closed his eyes for a couple beats, then opened them again.]
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Instead, she brought one hand to Tieria's back, and the other onto the ground to keep herself steady against the weight of Tieria's body.]
Here. [Mercury lifted a hand up to Tieria, drawing from the humid, muggy air around them a pool of water to hover over the palm of her hand.] Sip this, but slowly. You still need to breathe.
[She looked to Hope, offering him a relieved smile. She hadn't expected this operation to go as it did, but she was glad he was here for it.]
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The tears, cuts and little bruises were still fresh on his skin, but he returned the smile, feeling a weight being lifted from his shoulders. The moment Alexander finally vanishes, Hope sways a bit, eyes losing focus for a second or two, but he manages to gather up enough strength not to let them slid shut. He struggles with the sudden drowsiness, exhaling deeply, but... peacefully. They went through so much in such a short time, why would he give up now, when the end drew so close? Nonsense. ]
Don't ever... scare us... like that again, you hear? [ He strikes a weak smile, this time in Tieria's direction. And then, another healing spell. With their guardian gone, they will need to act a bit faster. ]
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Looking between the two of them, he was glad for the moment's rest. Sure, he hurt all over, but it was nothing compared to the earlier inferno. In fact, he had felt worse at home once, then he did now, in this moment. Things were going to be okay. He was going to be okay. They were going to be okay.
But then the strange large creature looming on the outskirts disappeared... Tieria really wasn't sure where that had come from, but Hope seemed to visibly pale after it was gone. Was there something wrong with him? Was he over exerting himself? He shouldn't- Why would-
But the smile silences his thoughts. It was hard to argue with that face... Tieria swallows a little more water, the whispers tentatively.]
Sorry...
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It won't be for long, but we need to get you to shelter so nothing more happens. [Mercury looked to Hope, who was looking pale after that exertion.]
I know it's going to be difficult, but I need you to stay with him in my place. Someone needs to watch him. [Pointed look to Tieria. There was no telling that once he was healed enough, he wouldn't run off again.]
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But what other answer could he give? ]
I will. I-It's alright, I'll handle it. [ A decisive nod follows. Because surely, nothing would be as difficult as the mission they had just experienced. Or rather, completed. ] ... A shelter, it is, then.
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Should he still try to stay awake? Miss Mizuno had said he needed to... but that was earlier... Hope might worry if he drifts off now... No, it was better to stay awake for this. If they had to, so was he.
At that revelation, Tieria moved slowly to sit up, so that he wasn't resting on her anymore. Seems he was getting some strength back...]
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Tieria-san, I don't need you to speak, but I need you to promise me that you won't leave Hope's side.
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He does not interrupt their little exchange, only giving Tieria a serious stare as he waits for the response. ]
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Ami's voice brings him around again, and he makes eye contact with the girl. Why was she- Oh. Oh. He looked at Hope for a brief second , then back at her. Tieria knew he was far from decent health-wise, however... He still...
No. That would be a poor idea, especially considering everything he just went through. What they just went through. Continuing to rest on Hope, Tieria gave Ami a nod, this time holding her eyes in his own the entire time.]
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Alright. [Finally pulling away from her gaze, Mercury stood, retrieving her PCD and twisting the earring to pull up her visor.]
I'll leave him to you, then. [With that, she gave the two one final glance before turning on her heel and running off in the direction from which she came.]
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[ This is all Hope is able to utter before the girl disappears from their sight. Everyone has their own battles to fight, so it's not quite over, but what matters is that they at least managed to start off well.
There comes the silence. Although a bit... hesitantly and irregularly, flames around them reappear, which sends an uneasy feeling through his spine, but Hope doesn't want to move just yet, wishing to make use of the moment while it lasts. As he sits and lets the healing magic flow, his grip on Tieria gentle but firm, he closes his eyes, just for a second and listens to the sound of his own heart, beating wildly.
Has it been going like that for the entire time? Hope has no idea. ]
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