Fifteenth Strike - [Action]

[not_klonoa]

[Being returned to the village after a tough and seemingly never ending battle seemed like such a blessing to many. Some were happy, asking how things were in the village, some were mourning the loss, and others were giving explanations of what had occurred during the battle

Comments

[salvationfound]

[Kratos had awoken for real while Presea was at the war, and while his stomach was still sore, all that really remained was a scar. Yet another one to add to his body, really. He'd been staying in his house and generally avoiding the rest of the public - if they knew he was the one of the ones who defeated Aku, he didn't want to deal with their attention. Kratos always preferred to keep out of the spotlight.

He feels Presea's mana before he hears her coming, and thus he decided to walk out and meet her. He could tell she was weak and tired just from sensing her energy. Pretty soon, she's in view, and though Kratos is glad to see her, his expression doesn't show it.]

Presea.

[not_klonoa]

[Presea had her eyes on the road ahead, in case she stumbled for the nth time during her walk, so she doesn't notice Kratos until he calls out to her. Even then it's a little surprising, though she obviously doesn't show that.

Presea lifts her head heavily and stares at Kratos in silence for a long time, using her axe as a brace to keep herself up. Something was wrong. That wasn't...but she saw--and the images and voices--! He even pat her head just like daddy.

Presea doesn't have time to gather her thoughts. Her energy gives out and she leans too far on her axe, tumbling forward onto the ground. Splat.]

[salvationfound]

[His frown deepens a little at that. She really gave it her all out there, huh... Well, with a small sigh to himself, he goes over to her. Really, girl, you need to learn how to save your strength. He bends down - slowly and with a hidden wince, you'd think he was actually feeling his age or something, and picks her up, one arm under her legs while he lets her upper body rest against his chest and shoulder. Standing up again forces another jab of pain through his midsection, but soon enough, he heads back to the house.]

[not_klonoa]

[You try dealing with all the crap out there, mister. On top of the Third Party, Presea had to deal with wayward allies, trigger-happy demons, and another monster. She had little choice than to use all her strength. It was either that or die, and the latter option was out of the question.

When she's lifted up, Presea tenses for all of one second, before staring up at her housemate placidly. She couldn't sense his mana, but she could hear how hard Kratos' heart was beating. Like he had just ran a mile or two.]

...You are still injured.

[salvationfound]

[So she's still awake enough to realize that... Well, Kratos won't stop for that. He keeps walking in a steady fashion so as not to jostle her too much, even though she isn't asleep yet.]

... I'll be all right.

[not_klonoa]

[Presea's not out of commission yet, but she's getting close. She leans her head against Kratos, since there's not much other choice, and she is tired. It takes a moment for her to respond, since Presea is taking the opportunity to relax and gather up her strength. She does, however, have something to say.]

No. You must rest. [Pot, meet kettle.]

[salvationfound]

I will once we return to the house. [Lies.] At this point, it would seem you need rest far more than I do.

[not_klonoa]

[Presea will be holding you to your word, Kratos. For the moment, however, she gives a quiet nod. She'll just wait until they get home and chastise her housemate if he doesn't get to bed as well once she wakes up, because the exhaustion and mana depletion is taking its toll on Presea's body. Though her soul had been locked away, she was still human, and her body took the brunt of anything she did to it.

It's about another few minutes before her eyelids droop and finally close completely.]