faithfulflame | Fifth Prayer: Loss

[She'd just checked Usagi's room, and it was empty. Nothing remained of Sailor Moon save for a half-empty bucket of pudding just sitting in the fridge. With a cry of frustration, the normally reserved miko took it out and hurled it at the trash bin, chocolate oozing down the wall. This was just too much. First Ami, then that awful Apep creature taking Sabriel, and now Usagi!

Her friends would need to be told, of course. So, a few minutes later a Voice transmission pops out over the journals. Rei's voice is tight and controlled, but there's definitely an undercurrent of sadness]

I'm sorry to inform everyone that Tsukino Usagi-san has been sent home by the Malnosso.

Please think of her fondly, and wish her luck.

Should anyone wish to make a formal prayer for her, I will be available to help with that, so please contact me via the journal.

[Closing the feed, Rei picks up her journal and heads out to the little tent shrine she, Ami, and Usagi had put together months before, lighting a flame on the brazier with Eferin and preparing several prayer strips of her own for her friend and Sailor Moon. She burns them, and sends her wishes to the other girl, whereever she might be]

Be well, Usagi-chan.

(OOC: Feel free to respond via voice, or find Rei at her little hideaway)

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You're not.

[But...what to do?

He reached his hand out for her's in an awkward, oddly timid gesture. Physical contact had its merits, but he wasn't sure where the limits were--if there were limits.]

[She takes his hand in hers, the warmth helping with that, a lot]

Losing your first friend. Its hard.

It is.

[He didn't have much reference, but he had Generals Thymilph and Adiane. The former was his mentor and commanding officer for most of his career; the latter was a beastwoman with whom he trusted his revenge against Gurren Lagann too. The knowledge that she had died, compounded by losing her entire crew to the depths and the compounding frustration after weeks of losses had stabbed a knife through his soul.

It wasn't a feeling that he ever had before, and not one that he had since.]

...

I'm sorry that you have to be the one to clean up after this.

Clean up?

[She doesn't get it. Her mind has wandered too far. Thoughts of Usagi, really]

Manage everything after this.

[It was simple, if uncomfortable for both of them. While Viral understood as a soldier the importance of maintaining a level head, he also understood--intimately--that sometimes there was no choice. Minds crack and bodies freeze. Many times there was no one left to help with that.]

We do what we must. I have to keep it together. I've already broken down too much. But, Ami-chan is going to take it worse, I...have to be strong for her. And...for you.

[This was the first time he's seen her in such a mess--proof enough that she hadn't broken down too much. Bodies and minds need a break sometimes. They can only be strong for so long...]

Supporting your allies is a noble desire, but don't forget to be strong for yourself. I...have dealt with hardships of my own--I can handle myself for a while longer.

Worry about yourself and yours.

Viral-san. I...haven't got anyone else...but you and Sabriel-chan.

[Her voice is practically a whimper]

Ami-chan was kidnapped...

I heard that feed.

[A beat. What should he do in this situation?]

These abductions are temporary. Ami will be back soon enough.

...I can't provide much, but if you need anything from me...

[He could make ikayaki, at the very least.]

Viral-san.

Just...stay with me. Don't...leave me alone...

[Her hand squeezes his tightly. She trusts you, you know]

[The echo of desperation in her voice was something he didn't want to hear. Ever. She was a kind young woman, but one who had as many problems as he did at her core. He squeezed her hand in return, delicately. He wanted to be sure that he didn't hurt her on accident.]

...I can do that. Whenever you need it, I can do that.

T-thank you.

[Her voice trembles with gratitude.]

How...about you?

I'll be fine.

[His voice is brisk and business like, deflecting from all concern even as he contemplated his place in Luceti. He was surrounded by humans, and after Sabriel he was hesitant to place any trust in them.

...but Rei had been nothing but kind to him.]

...

I do need a place to keep my belongings. My spot in the woods is impossible to go back to, and...I can't go back to House 44 now.

House 3 has empty rooms. I know...you may not want to stay with us, but you may keep your belongings there.

[Rei knows by now that the Beastman may not want to stay, or that Ami may not wish it when she returns, but if he needs a room]

[He nods solemnly at her offer. She was right--he wasn't keen on staying with anyone, but a room was a room. Even he had his limits when it came to braving the elements.]

I appreciate that, Rei. I won't be in much, or a bother, but its better to have a room where I can store everything safely.

I know you won't, Viral-san.

[What she does NOT say is that Sabriel is also moving in for a time, until Rei can get back on her feet as well. Of course, this is a play on her part to get the two talking again. Even miserable, Rei hates the idea of friends drifting apart.]

There will be plenty of space. I do not think Ami will mind.

...

[He nods again in quiet gratitude, not entirely certain about how to take such an offer.]

Thank you. I will return the favor one day.

Of course. I'm sure things will be alright.

Fifth Prayer: Loss

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