027; [text/action for Olivine]

[newhero]

What's the best way to hang on to something really important to you? Do you keep it close to you, or do you lock it up somewhere safe?

[... not that Sora is entirely aware of a way to lock memories up somewhere safe, but if it comes to the point that he can't keep them in his heart where they belong, like he's concluded after a hazy dream last

Comments

[action]

[usedroar]

[ Guess who made it back into town a few hours ago?

Skarmory's landing is surprisingly graceful, considering Leon is on her back. With a rider, she looks like a proper metal chocobo. True to his style, Leon's made her a harness to wear, which he unstraps before dismounting. Skarmory immediately races down the beach to see Sora, her trainer following more sedately behind. ]

[action]

[newhero]

[AND NOBODY DROWNED, EVEN! look at Sora perk right up when he sees Skarmory on the fast approach-- he scrambles to his feet, dusting the sand off of his clothes, then lifts an arm to wave frantically.]

Skarmory! Leon! Hey!

[action]

[usedroar]

[ ...because he took the ferry, orz. The flight was at Skarmory's insistence once they'd arrived.

Skarmory halts a few steps away and gently butts her head against Sora's shoulder in a gesture of affection. Leon strolls up, giving Sora a friendly nod. He cants his head, as if to say 'why all alone on the beach, Sora?' ]

[action]

[newhero]

[just don't tell Sora, he's impressed with Skarmory's flying abilities! as such, he's offering momma bird a friendly pat on the beak.]

When do I get a chance to fly, too, Skarmory? Maybe after you've rested a bit.

[action]

[usedroar]

[ No one will tell Sora. ]

She flies smoothly. You're welcome to try.

[ Skarmory chirps at the idea. YES HOP ON BOARD SHE WILL SHOW YOU A WHOLE NEW WORLD ETC ETC ]

[action]

[newhero]

-- Thanks, Leon! And Skarmory.

[IT WILL BE A MAGIC PLACE HE NEVER KNEW. Sora kind of... tries to figure out where exactly he's supposed to sit as he climbs aboard, settling down on Skarmory's back. he is a tinier and much lighter passenger; Skarmory's free to fly as high as she's able.]

[action]

[usedroar]

[ Leon watches as Sora clambers aboard. He motiond to the harness, pointing out its various features. ]

Here, you can tie these straps around your legs if you're worried about falling, and you can hold on here-- [ There's a smooth leather band across Skarmory's neck, to which a handhold has been affixed. ] --to leave her head free.

[action]

[newhero]

I'm not worried, Leon! I trust Skarmory. [but he takes a hold of the handhold with both hands, nodding at Leon with a grin.]

[action]

[usedroar]

Good. Now hang on.

[ And--he motions, and they're off, Skarmory shooting down the beach before taking a grand leap into the air. Sora is a lot lighter than her trainer, so she doesn't need as much of a running start. ]

[action]

[newhero]

[WHOA, GEEZ-- Sora almost slides right off at takeoff, and has to practically cling to Skarmory to hang on, but once she levels out, he relaxes enough to let go, straightening and getting a look at how high up they are.]

Wow...

[action]

[usedroar]

[ From the ground, Leon waves. As Skarmory climbs, his form gets smaller and smaller, until he's nothing but a speck on a long stretch of sand.

Skarmory shrieks encouragement. ARE YOU READY FOR THIS, SORA. ]

[action]

[newhero]

[AS READY AS HE'LL EVER BE-- Sora has to yell above the whistle of the wind.]

GO FOR IT, SKARMORY!

[action]

[usedroar]

[ Skarmory screams, tucking her wings and legs tight against her body.

And drops. ]

[action]

[newhero]

[-- THIS IS EVEN STEEPER THAN SPACE MOUNTAIN AAGHH-- Sora's stomach is probably still up somewhere toward the top of the troposphere, and he latches back on to Skarmory as if for dear life. don't go easy on him, Skarmory! he's going to be laughing hysterically once they reach the ground again.]

[action]

[usedroar]

[ Skarmory's drop is fully controlled, taking them in an arc until they are skimming over the water, leaving a jetstream in their wake. If Sora reaches down, he can touch the sea.

When her momentum is spent, Skarmory flaps, climbing once more. She's not done with you yet, spiky boy. ]

[action]

[newhero]

[Sora's hair is going to look hilarious when this is over-- but his grin is stretching farther than the ocean once the ascent begins again, and he pats his right hand free of saltwater on his jumpsuit.]

Geez, what was Leon so worried about? You're the best flier I've ever seen, Skarmory!