twenty-eighth breath ✧ action

[ingrate]

[There's a figure walking slowly and aimlessly out of the woods towards town. While it's easily identifiable as Isamu by appearance, his mannerisms and posture will seem completely off to anyone who knows him

Comments

[ledbythewind]

[Richard is exhausted. Between worry and the sudden appearance of monsters and strange environments everywhere, "rest" hasn't exactly been a word in his vocabulary for the past week or so. Still, that hasn't stopped him from patrolling the village and keeping an eye out for Isamu and Cheria-- if anything, the monsters have only prompted him to step up his patrols out of a fear that they could happen upon his friends before he or anyone else does.

This is why, when he finally DOES spot what seems to be Isamu, it's less than two seconds before a relieved smile spreads across his face and he jogs towards his friend as quickly as his tired legs can handle.]

Isamu!

[ingrate]

[Noah stops. Turns to look at the approaching blonde.

Some part of him recognizes him, the part in the back of his mind who knows who's body he's currently sharing. The name doesn't immediately come, however, so he simply waits for the other to get closer.]

[ledbythewind]

[And get closer he does, slowing to a stop in front of the other and giving him a good look-over to check for any obvious injuries.]

I'm so glad you're back... you're not injured anywhere, are you? No strange effects?

[So occupied is he with making sure that Isamu is all right that he hasn't even noticed the glowing eyes...

... which means his very next response is to go for a hug once he's sure his friend isn't bleeding.]

[ingrate]

[Before Richard can hug him, a invisible shield will form between them.

"Isamu" remains where he is, regarding the blond with what might be mild curiosity.]

[ledbythewind]

[Richard hits that shield and stumbles backwards, startled and trying to figure out what just happened, because he's sure he didn't just imagine that. Is this some kidnapping effect or part of the experiment.]

What the--

[ingrate]

You are not to touch me.

[He doesn't seem upset, just... calmly stating a fact.

It's Isamu's voice, but hollow. Distant.]

[ledbythewind]

[... that voice isn't Isamu's. Well, more accurately, it is, but there's something unnatural about it that makes the hairs on the back of Richard's neck stand up.

Quietly:]

Who are you?

[ingrate]

I am nameless.

However, the one who owns this body had taken to calling me Noah.

That will suffice.

[ledbythewind]

... his sponsor.

[There's a sick feeling in his stomach, because he remembers all too well what Naoki had told him about the Reasons and what they had involved. That was why Isamu had...]

[ingrate]

Yes.

Perhaps it is fitting, given that I allowed him use of my powers, that I am now allowed this experience.

[Noah seems to now be finding his own hands rather fascinating.]

[ledbythewind]

What do you want with him this time? He no longer desires your powers.

[Richard can't believe, can't possibly believe after all of his experiences, that it could be anything good.]

[ingrate]

This was not anticipated. I hadn't planned to take him over.

All the same, I will make the best of the experience.

[He frowns, looking Richard over slowly.]

I believe I hunger. You should feed me.

[ledbythewind]

[Richard's eyes are still narrowed to suspicious slits as he regards his "friend." It's taking a considerable amount of effort for him to remain calm right now; all he can think of is his own experiences with Lambda and the potential for something similar to happen to Isamu.]

Am I supposed to believe that you will return him in the end?

[ingrate]

You need believe nothing.

As I can promise nothing.

[ledbythewind]

...

[Out of instinct, his hand moves to grasp the hilt of his sword, but... he can't draw it. He can't attack Isamu's body, even if Isamu himself isn't the one piloting it.]

[ingrate]

[Yellow eyes watch the other's movements. Uncaring.]

You misunderstand.

I did not place myself here.

As such, I'm unsure how to leave.