[ When the Sinless managed to claim Tifa and him, the sweltering rage that bubbled up inside was palpable when they were finally set free. His resistance to the effects of the wine was quite strong though; the only visible change as of yet was the golden hue of his eyes. Cloud's hold a certain luster to them, no amount of magic and celestial influence able to quell the glow of mako underneath. The two fought and joined the efforts of the rescue team without a second thought. By all accounts, they really should have been running as well after all the effort the party went through in busting in. But that wasn't their style— no. They got busted out? Now they were going to bust heads and rescue as many other people as they can.
But the decision to remain behind, while not a costly one, certainly left them in the thick of it for far longer than intended. The ensuing skirmish and battle between the Moon Knights and chosen Moonblessed against the vulpine schemers was a challenging one. They weren't just deep within the basement dwellings either. Eventually, Cloud was successful in finding his stolen weaponry and clothing. What would eventually follow as he's eventually split from the others, was a more troubling confrontation. It's Cloud versus three Sinless deceivers, all very difficult to hit. That being said, the acerbic swordsman fights with the ferocity of an army. Illusory though his status may have been, he harbors the power of SOLDIER as their fight eventually leads to the outside and onto the rooftop. A multi-leveled structure that looks beautiful on the outside, it's betrayed by the corruption and sin that rots the foundation.
Even though Cloud and his opponents took the long way up, leaping and soaring through the sky while his captors gave chase, there were other ways of getting up here. As one Sinless thinks they've caught the swordsman's blind spot, he frees a hand up by tossing a sword in the air; he successfully snags them by the front of their outfit before mercilessly slamming them into the ground, the rooftop cracking beneath their body on impact. Bouncing from the force of the slam, it kills any air inside their lungs as they choke to gasp. Too bad that wasn't the end of it as their body is kicked straight off the rooftop. Come to think of it, they were pretty high up now... ]
Hmph—!
[ He catches his sword just in time, keeping up with now two attackers with parries and dodges across the roof, swinging back as he looks for a way to end this quick. Honestly, there's really no love lost for this place, so if he causes some damage? He'll do exactly that. Cloud’s fighting stance lowers, the edge of his massive blade tilted towards the Sinless. He couldn’t waste too much time here. ]
[ Having spent few months in this planet already, Marie is no longer a stranger to how certain situations end up getting spectacularly out of hand. Back home, it was basically the norm, but here it gains an extra touch of bizarre that can be entirely blamed on the variety of Moonblessed that share this space. Admittedly, having so many different people in one place also increases the potential of dramatic twists like the kidnapping plot in Obscuria, although fortunately in that case the solution was quite satisfactory and neither she nor her closest friends had been gravely injured from the ordeal.
However, back then, Marie still had a Master. Fighting against a big bad boss was greatly within her capacities, and Ritsuka's presence also calmed her heart in certain ways few other people ever did. Now that she's gone... the Queen has realized with abject horror that she's no longer a formidable stonewall against the bunch of seductive cultists of the Fox who so easily subjugated her and threw her in a jail.
Her stay within the captive walls had been relatively calm, aside from the wine's effects pricking through the barriers of rationality and spreading uncomfortable heat across every inch of her body's insides. The rescue forces, as predicted, had broken into the place and saved everyone, and a fleeting glance at a mirror had her recoil at how gold her eyes look now. Magic Resistance is a skill every Rider possesses, but her own was never that strong, and that's why she had to learn how to walk again as she stumbled and slipped her way out of obvious danger. After finding her clothes and the rose ring aiding her powers, she picked a direction and darted towards it without a second thought.
Such decision leads her to the building's rooftop. It doesn't even take a glance for her to understand how high up she currently is. Despite her decent Luck, all her golden eyes register is a fierce battle between the fox people and someone who clearly stands out from the rest, blonde hair shining among the storm of same-faced cultists. One particular impact from the man's attack causes Marie to struggle in order to keep her balance as the ground shakes under her feet, threatening to crumble. The late realization that her choice of action was quite poor dawns on her without mercy.
The man is visibly outnumbered, clearly needing assistance, and Marie can at least serve as a distraction for him to take the enemies down. But as he gets on a stance, she finally recognizes that face, and that hairstyle. Before her mind advises her against it, she beats it to the punch by crying out, certainly attracting more than a pair of eyes on her. ]
[ It becomes clear, very quickly, that the Sinless that were handling Cloud were caught by relative surprise when the new voice cries out. His sword stops, grip tightening when he realizes just who it was across this side of the temple's roof. In the flurry to escape and join the mounted rescue with his fellow Moonblessed, he could have sworn he caught a glimpse of the girl while his hands were tied.
Seeing her here though, causes the hairs on the back of his neck to bristle on end. His golden eyes widen as his usually sound judgment would have saved him from making the same decision she did... ]
Marie?!
[ It's that singular moment of hesitation that would put Cloud at a disadvantage, the loose robes of the vulpine cultists swaying as if they were dancing. But he's seen this before. And with it, came the blond's body subconsciously moving as the tiling beneath his boots crumbles. This was ridiculous; they could cast their elemental spells even on this rooftop?! Suffice to say, the blond slides a short distance across the roof after rolling off the now collapsed segment where they cast the 'Earth' spell.
Marie's distraction does serve a purpose though, their attentions seemingly turned towards the wayward queen. It's that single fault that Cloud recognizes that grants him his own opening, lunging forward and thrusting one of two swords at one of the Sinless. This time it was the swordsman's turn to go on the offensive, dual-wielding his largest blades after splitting them apart. He pushes the enemy back with every intention of getting closer to Marie. ]
... ?!
[ That's when Cloud makes his next mistake— underestimating the illusions and trickery these sly foxes would use. The very same cultist he thought he slammed down and kicked off the roof emerges a short distance from Marie from the shadows, waving their arms and preparing to slam their clawed palms down on the roof, casting a spell. ]
[ Cloud's gold eyes mirror hers with like a perfect, yet uncanny match. Marie would be almost mesmerized by them, along with the elegant movements and fluttering of clothes the Sinless produce, how beautiful their enemies look as they fight and subjugate with obsessive purpose. She gets easily distracted when she sees something that hits her aesthetic fancies, no matter the situation she's in, and admittedly a lot about Lunatia in general is source of endless daydreaming sometimes. She often thinks she can even afford it, given her unit being one that is almost impossible to kill on the battlefield.
Fortunately, it takes the ground crumbling from under her feet to snap her out of those silly thoughts. However, her reaction time is much slower than the split second she should have taken to take a leap and land on a safer surface. If Ritsuka was still here, casting the Evade skill, she would have saved the Rider from a disastrous outcome. Alas, the only thing Marie feels is dread rushing through her veins, blood going cold, her lips hanging and spelling a single gasp as she now lacks balance, and as part of the rooftop is undone like it was mere butter, the Queen of Lillies finds herself falling.
If only she was stronger, and more reliable, and not such a fool...
Her arm is outstretched upwards on instict, Cloud's name uttered shakily, as if he had the time to come up there and catch her hand. There's no way it would happen. He's not that fast, is he? She hadn't seen enough of his fighting prowess to ascertain of that. Truth suckerpunches through her optimism and leaves a hole, forcing her to believe that she's, by now, as good as splattered to the cement below.
What an ugly death. Not at all befitting of her. She wonders where she's going to be summoned next, after her spirit returns to the Throne of Heroes. Such a fall wouldn't damage her Spirit Origin too hard, would it?
Even within the spikes of fear, she still finds a tad bit of hope. ]
[ Any stratagem Cloud could think of on the fly was immediately discarded, his mind rendered blank before the vulpine cultist could even cast their spell. Everything the young swordsman could perceive was all instinctive. Everything that he could feel was rendered cold and heavy- telling him that it was too late to change anything. He was destined to fall for their illusions and indulge in their idea of "sin". She was already gone, his mind tells him as the cultists bar his path. Tonight, amidst the chaos and attempts to save everyone, upon this rooftop... Cloud was fated to fail.
...
And yet, his body fights against what his eyes and mind share in. He fights through the Sinless, blades only sparing them a single crossing slash outwards as he rushes past. Did he cleave through them with that immense speed? He doesn't know. Cloud doesn't care. Before he can even realize what he's doing, the blond has already sheathed his swords and found himself diving over the side of the temple. Cloud's deep gold eyes are focused solely on the girl in free fall ahead of him. His lips are tight, the only emotion shining through being in his eyes, hardened and narrowed with split-second determination. If there's fear, it's heftily overshadowed with focus. If he could catch her, he could take the full force of the fall, hopefully landing on his feet.
His heart pounds in his ears as he reaches out for her, hand extended and the thoughts of those he'd failed before flashing through his mind's eye. Never again; so long as Cloud was breathing and able, he wouldn't let a single person he cared about get hurt. The queen was the only thought in his head right now. She was what mattered. Catch her. Save her. He wouldn't waver, be silent or stand idly by anymore. With an outstretched hand, he calls her name. ]
[ Debris accompany her to the deadly journey downwards, encouraged by gravity. Being the romantic sort, Marie could already think about how at the very least she won't be the only one thing shattering to the impact. It's a distracting thought, which is actually good. Even when she was executed, she never thought of herself, refused to take a guess on how much pain she was going to suffer, how quick it would have been; she focused on her people, looked at them, wondered if they were going to be alright after she was gone. Worrying, loving, wishing the best for them. The least bit of despair and resentment was tucked really far to the back of her mind, and it stayed after her ascension, but what matters is that she had a rather placid death all things considered. Their insults and cheers were the last white noise before everything went dark.
This time, although the details are uglier, those few seconds she has left are rather easier to deal. She's alone, wind is the only thing filling her ears, it's all so much more peaceful, and her second last hope is that it will be quick. Of course, her last one is wholly devoted to Cloud and the others. The fox people are excellent combatants, but their numbers are fewer. Everything is going to be alright, even without her. It has to be alright.
She takes a deep inhale, probably her last on this planet, and closes her eyes. No one is yelling, and whatever other sound is muffled by the wind. Marie Antoinette is ready to go, back to where she came from. No one is calling her name after all—
"Marie!"
...
He called. Cloud. Marie's name... he called it. Spelled it so loud and clear it pierces the wind out of her eardrums.
But why...
...
His hand has grabbed hers at some point. She didn't notice her own arm was still outstretched. Her eyes open wide, and she sees him, following right after her.
They're falling together.
...
Oh, no. She doesn't want to die, if it means she'll drag him down with her. Please. No.
Cloud doesn't deserve this! He can't die! She won't let him die! Because he called her name so loudly, he was concerned for her, he wanted to save her. It wasn't like back then. Nobody moved a finger to save her from the guillottine. But now...! If she let this person die, Marie would... she would...
... never forgive herself! ]
CLOUD!
[ With her defeaning voice, she squeezes his hand, and her ring shines in a radiating light. Red marks appear over the man's skin, but it's far too late to stop and look at it; her focus is somewhere else, something else that should arrive and catch them anytime now—
Indeed, less than one second later, she's on her horse, instinct guiding every movement of hers as she pulls Cloud closer and holds on tight.
Messily but surely... they land. To the ground. Safely. ]
[ From that very moment he successfully grabbed her hand, fleeting relief washes over him. There's a part of him that knows that so long as he caught her, everything was going to be alright. He could handle a fall like this, Cloud surmised as their eyes met. The wind that threatens to break around them from how fast they're falling is paltry to the blond. All he needed to do was pull her body against his and land with her in his arms. They'd be safe.
Marie would be safe; another person who helped him when he felt lost in what to do. She was kind and sweet... She didn't deserve any of this. None of the captives of the Sinless deserved this. After everything he's lost and accepted in his life, Cloud didn't struggle through despair to come out the other side weaker for it. That wasn't who Tifa and his family needed. That's not who his friends counted on. Nothing else mattered but cherishing life and the people he shared it with.
"There's not a thing I don't cherish!"
And he would prove that mantra tonight. He won't let her die- this ordinary yet truly one of a kind person... ]
Ah—?!
[ Well, he was half right. Marie Antoinette truly was one of a kind. But he was about to find out just how special she was as she calls back to him. The light that shines forth from her ring comes so abruptly, the blond's eyes widening in bewilderment as the spot underneath his gloved hand glows bright red. Concealed beneath it, etched into his skin, would be something that would soon come to light, their paths entwined as he's soon pulled in by the girl with newfound strength.
By the time he's realized what's happening, they've already come to a not-so-smooth landing, riding atop a crystalline horse as he holds onto her. He's usually the one in the proverbial driver seat, but he was not expecting this. Regardless of what would have happened without this equine intervention, in the end it was the queen that saved them both... The debris and rubble that accompany their fall hits the temple grounds surrounding them as his eyes move from the ride beneath them to the girl before him. ]
Marie...?
[ Though his tone is laced in concern, the first words out of his mouth would have been "you okay?" had it not been for what just happened. Cloud still hasn't fully realized what he's done. What they've done. ]
[ They're on land now, safe and perhaps a bit aching, but alive. Marie worked up a miracle, or perhaps she was never that powerless even without a Master's guidance.
... More importantly, it's not over. She can sense the Sinless from up above descending to start their pursue, and it's like they're already breathing down her neck. Sorry, Cloud, but she'll have to ignore your confusion for a little while longer, because she's going to pat her crystal steed on its neck and shout firmly: ]
Go!
[ Complying immediately, the horse breaks into a fast sprint already, its hooves leaving holes in the cement like diamond. Hopefully Cloud is holding onto her tight, because it's going to get a bit rocky up there.
It's only after they're far enough from the temple that she feels safe enough to slow her horse into a trot. Keeping her summon up for too long would drain her of Chroma, although she can't ignore how she feels little fatigue compared to before. Now that they're relatively safe, all thoughts she kept away from the forefront of her brain for the sake of focusing on escape are flooding back at once. Suddenly, she grabs Cloud's hand - the one she'd seen a red glow forming on.
It takes a brief glance to confirm her fears.
A contract has been made. ]
How... [ She mutters, incredulous. ] How could this happen?
[ His instincts kick in the same time that Marie takes notice of their vulpine pursuers, looking up when they descend after them. This fall was nothing to them either, so light on their feet as they would soon be on their position. There could be no survivors if their sacred ritual was compromised in the first place! ]
What's—
[ "Go!" ]
!
[ Luckily? Cloud does exactly as she hopes, leaning forward to warp his arms around the reinvigorated Queen before he loses his balance. He's not used to being on the passenger seat on anything like this. And had it not been for his heart pounding in his chest so wildly and the adrenaline pumping through his body, making his head feel lightheaded as he focuses, he would have felt a little sick.
Something he never quite got over when he wasn't behind the wheel of something, was motion sickness. Again, Cloud was fortunate to have far more pressing matters at hand. Eventually, the pathway they make for themselves as they ride fast across the temple grounds and past the point of immediate danger (the Moon Knights and other Moonblessed were likely to take care of the rest) smooths out. Which gives him time for his arms to loosen their grip on her waist as he stares down at his gloved hands. ]
.....
[ As Marie slows her steed into a trot, he peels away his gloves, just in time for Marie to suddenly turn to grab his hand. There she would find it.
His eyes widen at the wild yet patterned seals. Those weren't there before... And they're unlike the runic patterns the cultists painted him and the others with before. But it's Marie's thoroughly baffled tone that suddenly has him more alarmed. ]
What is this? [ "Thank you"s and "Merci"s would have to wait. There's concern in Cloud's voice, but it's less that he's suspicious of her and more...lost. ] What's happening?
[ Marie's now cradling the hand with both of hers, gentle yet firm, silently communicating her intention not to let it go anytime soon. Gold eyes trace the red lines running across his skin like a real tattoo. The symbol is much different than what Ritsuka bore, its glow still lingering renderly over the outline, fresh as blood. Her back is facing Cloud, so he can't see the way she's chewing her bottom lip and frowning deeply at such development.
Reasonably, he's asking for explanations. There's no way she can easily give him an answer without uncovering the entire concept behind her existence as a Servant, and everything else that comes with it. Holy Grail, heroic spirits, classes, summoning, contracts, Chaldea, singularities... So many words she'll have to shove into sentences that make sense. They need somewhere to sit down so she can rest properly and then start speaking. ]
... First, let's get off.
[ She releases his hand and hops off her horse, legs unsteady for a moment before gaining some balance. Tension is high, and she barely believes she can feel the blunt end of adrenaline-inducing stress even as a spirit. After Cloud also got off, the horse has completed its role and vanishes in a sparkly mist of crystal particles. Marie supposes she'll have to explain that, too.
Taking his marked hand again, she leads him towards a patch of green. There are only a bunch of trees around, and she settles for a large one to rest against. The sun is setting down for the day, but the city is still luminous around them, as the streetlights are going lit alltogether.
Sighing, the Queen sits on the grass and pulls Cloud over, then pauses for a minute, and then begins. ]
What I'm about to tell you is a long story... it might take a while. I hope you're not too tired, otherwise we can postpone this to tomorrow.
[ There's something that strikes him familiar about the patterns of his symbol. Like a pair of piercing feral eyes that silently spoke to him. Wordlessly granting him a purpose to call upon them. Whatever these were, they seemed to have been caused by Marie herself- at least, so was his initial assumption. The way she fussed and cradled his hand, there's an underlined tension that begins to creep its way up his spine. Was this some kind of curse?
A curse coming from someone like her... No- he didn't want to think it. He refused to allow himself to come to that conclusion. When the young queen releases his hand, Cloud is left temporarily sitting atop the horse, holding his own wrist as he stares down at the Command Spells. Studying them, that flash of her calling his name as they fell together coursing through his mind's eye. The memory flashes hot red, snapping him back to reality as he swings off the summoned steed.
He's left to stare, in partial awe as they're reduced to ether. A summon... It's reminiscent of what he was capable of doing with the right Materia. But that was hardly important right now.
The difference between the time that Marie took his hand as a wounded little wolf, and the way she leads him towards the patch of green and a tree to settle against... The atmosphere feels heavy, downright palpable as he takes a seat at her side. This was it. When she offers to postpone this until tomorrow, there's a part of him that kneejerk wants to take her into consideration. He wasn't the only one who was captured by the Sinless. Marie was strong, stronger than he ever would have thought- but perhaps she was tired too. ]
No.
[ Something like this couldn't wait. And with that, Cloud gently shakes his head as it to grant her the affirmation to continue. Despite the weight he feels bearing down on them, he still trusts her. Trusts her enough to dive off the side of the temple to save her. ]
I want to know.
[ Those once brilliant sapphire blues of his were changed to the matching gold as those foxes. Yet despite this, there's a subtle glow in this light brought about by the mako he's infused with. And right now, he's solely paying attention to her, expectant yet patient. ]
[ The weight of guilt is almost unbearable, like a large rock sitting on her chest. Marie figures this is the least she deserves for what she has done. Not enough apologies will cancel such a crime, despite how little control the both of them had over the entire thing. Now that the damage is done, what she must do is to deliver the next impact as softly as possible.
Cloud wants no breaks before her explanation. That's fine, she guesses... the sooner she tells him, the less painful it will be later when he registers everything and makes his verdict. It's not as if there are any alternatives to speaking the truth as it is. There are no longer reasons to hide anything by now. Everything will come down like broken waterworks, and she can only hope he's emotionally strong enough to take it all. His eyes show a faint glow, and she lowers her own, rather focusing on her words than looking back at him. ]
Very well. First of all, my real name is Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna, better known by the people as Marie Antoinette. I was the ruler of France, alongside King Louis the 16th. What you're looking at is the spirit of that Queen, who tragically passed away at the end of the 18th century.
[ In order to make him understand, she will have to stop and give him some context behind that. She narrates the legend of the Holy Grail, before revealing that such an artifact is indeed real and as powerful as those tales told. Then, the existence of the Throne of Heroes, and consequently that of the Heroic Spirits. How the Holy Grail Wars began, why they did, what a Master is, the purpose of a Servant, her class as a Rider, a quick rundown of the other existing classes, and then the reasons why she ended up in Chaldea and went through the single craziest widescale plot to save humanity ever possible. Of course, she also added in her adventure in that unknown desert island to lighten the mood a little bit.
In-between those events, she'll tell Cloud more about herself, her powers, why she could summon that horse, her Noble Phantasms, and other details. Her throat feels a bit parched after talking so much, but unlike a normal human being she can handle it, and she will tell him as such: Servants don't need food or sleep unless they run out of mana. For the sake of not breaking the solemn air around them, she won't mention anything about intimacy being a factor that would help regain mana, much like how the Moonblessing system works. ]
... I think I've covered everything. [ A pause, while she nervously massages her neck. ] If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
[ And for most of the story, the context behind the story, and her true identity, he's relatively silent. Most of his reactions come from his expressive eyes. But there's something amidst all of that which causes Cloud to pause in thought. The Holy Grail. While not intimately familiar with the legends, he knows enough. Enough to know that there exists a power on his planet that would allow one to harness the nigh-unstoppable force that is the Knights of the Round. He doesn't say anything of it, absorbing what he can about the Throne of Heroes. Heroic Spirits. What Marie herself was.
By the end of it all, and as her story comes to a close, the woman who was classified as Rider would find that he seemed reflective. He looks down at his hand, the Command Spells fresh as can be. It's like if he ran his fingers across them, it would smudge like ink- not the case. As far as he understands the situation he's put himself in, had it not been for Prismatica's own mysterious source of power anchoring her here? It was up to him to supply her with mana. As per the terms of the contract for the sake of achieving victory. For the sake of war; not that it applied here. To say that his mind was blown was a big understatement. The gravitas of their newfound bond wasn't lost on him. ]
I'm your...Master...?
[ Cloud clenches his hand before letting it fall in his lap, his eyes following suit away from her. For a couple long moments, he's still. Would he be bewildered? Ask if there was some way to take this back? That he didn't ask for any of this? His silence is palpable...
That is how the order of things have shifted, at the moment. I am, without a doubt, your Servant.
[ Even after her whole explanation, how much she's ranted about this and that factoid in much detail, Marie believes she hasn't told him enough. Unfortunately, what other information she could have stored in her mind has gone lost in the immense sea of emotions laying waste among all the rest. She did offer to answer any question Cloud might wonder about, at the very least.
But besides the blatantly obvious one she nodded at, he comes up with a statement that gets her to blink. Were this scene not the fallout of a desperate escape from the clutches of crazy cultists, she would have chuckled at it. Instead she merely blinks, tired although gradually understand what he's talking about. Their first meeting, much joyous and worthwhile than the entire mess today has been so far. Her following sigh is pretty mirthless. ]
I am no simple girl, either, but I still wish to be treated that way. After all, I lost my royalty upon death, and all I am left with is my humanity and a fighting heroic spirit that was shaped to me by the merciful Grail.
[ The first question that ran through her newfound Master's mind was, "Where do I start?" He had yet to ask her anything else, and truth be told, he likely wouldn't anytime soon. She'd given him more than enough information. Enough that she'd practically laid herself to bare for him. This was the second time they'd met, and this certainly wouldn't have ever crossed his mind on his list of ways he planned on "paying her back".
His thought from before, that he turned to words as he remembers that day, was likely him coping. It's all a whirlwind to him, yet so long as he focused on the "simple girl" he'd come to know, he felt like he wouldn't get too lost. As he sits there at her side, he stares at her silently while she lays down what she wishes to be treated as. How she talks about herself, restored from death as a heroic spirit... The air that surrounds her is completely different from the person who so jovially took his hand that day. The one that wouldn't take "no" for an answer. He sighs in the end, softer than hers as the gentle glow of his golden eyes returns to the skies above the streetlights.
And for half a moment, he doesn't say anything, resting his forearm on his knee. ]
This is gonna take some getting used to.
[ There's no dread to be found in his voice when he finally speaks again. Cloud is thoughtful, still staring out at the stars. ]
But, when I look at these... [ He raises his palm in front of him, his command spells on full display. Cloud may not fully understand yet, but he didn't have to. ] It means you're okay, right?
[ Because impromptu and unintentional or not- this was the sign of their bond. He couldn't look at her as some 'Servant' to do his bidding. He didn't want to make her fight, or to treat her as such. Frankly, he's okay with remembering the "simple girl". She's the one he dove after. ]
Edited (got rid of the last sentence. honestly i'll prolly use it for a later thread. dkfajhsd sorry) 2019-08-23 22:32 (UTC)
[ Hands fumbling at her lap, fingers tugging at the bottom of her dress, Marie nods in understanding when Cloud tells her he needs time to get accustomed to this new situation that had been almost literally thrust into him. She will not scorn at him for that, obviously, and there is no way she would judge any of his consequent reactions. In her mind, it's still her fault. It will keep being her fault even after he feels better about it. ]
Take all the time you need.
[ His next question is weird, but a glance to his hand spells what he means way too better. Marie's next nod is more tentative, slower. ]
Yes. Thanks to the Chroma here, however, we don't have to stay in physical proximity of each other all the time. My other Master left the planet weeks ago and I was still doing decently.
[ A timid glance to the side, away from him. ]
I believe the only instance where closeness is required is during a fight. My powers would increase exponentially if you were with me.
Mm... That's one upside. At least you can use Chroma like an anchor without someone.
[ Since he's wrapped his head around the fact that mana and the contract is what initially maintains a Servant's form in the current world. When she makes mention of their closeness during any conflicts, whereas her gaze falters from him, his remains trained on her, quieter and contemplative. ]
...
[ The "only instance"... Maybe he's reading into things too much. But...did she think that she was a burden to him? Cloud wouldn't express it, especially with just how fast this whirlwind of events swept both of them off their feet. But he leaves it to mull over in the back of his mind. Even so, though he doesn't reach out to her physically, the blond finally does speak up. A bit more honestly this time. ]
Got it. If things get dicey around here, I'll stay close so you won't have to worry about that.
[ He's not sure how to put this into words, and the more he thinks about it, the harder it gets without feeling like he'll embarrass either one of them. But...he really did like the time they spent together, even if it was to patch him up. Cloud can't help feeling that things have changed, irrevocably so, even if he didn't want to give up what they'd started. ]
I... [ ... and ultimately, he decides against saying it. And mentally kicking himself for doing so. Instead resigning himself as the two take their time to rest up. ] Alright. I think I'm going to go back and check on the others.
[ Now that things have settled down some and most of the cultists were rounded up. ]
[ This entire talk was already embarrassing on its own, even without Cloud making it moreso, but a big chunk of that emotion is the sheer guilt Marie is still feeling. Whatever he could have said wasn't going to make her feel worse. At this moment, after all that happened between the kidnapping and... this, she feels quite like she's hitting rock bottom, as far as her mood is going.
It had been a long time since she felt this way. Probably since the day she was told she wasn't going to see her children again.
No... that's silly. Nothing would be as horrible as those colds said to her. ]
...
[ She made herself even more upset for no reason. Ah, stupid.
With a gentle shake of her head, she gives out a long sigh. Marie wants to stop Cloud and tell him he still needs the rest, but something hangs up in her mind and prevents her from saying anything.
It's yet again the shadow of guilt, telling her that he doesn't need her. She messed up spectacularly, and doesn't deserve to keep her new Master close with the excuse of preserving his safety. He will be fine on his own; Marie knows that very well, after watching him fight the cultists.
The hand she wanted to raise in order to stop him remains glued to her lap. ]
... Alright. But you must be careful. I do not think the threat is over yet.
[ Curt sentences spoken in a soft voice. The Rider has a somber look on her face.
It's best to let him go for now. They both need to process everything properly. By themselves. ]
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july event;
[ When the Sinless managed to claim Tifa and him, the sweltering rage that bubbled up inside was palpable when they were finally set free. His resistance to the effects of the wine was quite strong though; the only visible change as of yet was the golden hue of his eyes. Cloud's hold a certain luster to them, no amount of magic and celestial influence able to quell the glow of mako underneath. The two fought and joined the efforts of the rescue team without a second thought. By all accounts, they really should have been running as well after all the effort the party went through in busting in. But that wasn't their style— no. They got busted out? Now they were going to bust heads and rescue as many other people as they can.
But the decision to remain behind, while not a costly one, certainly left them in the thick of it for far longer than intended. The ensuing skirmish and battle between the Moon Knights and chosen Moonblessed against the vulpine schemers was a challenging one. They weren't just deep within the basement dwellings either. Eventually, Cloud was successful in finding his stolen weaponry and clothing. What would eventually follow as he's eventually split from the others, was a more troubling confrontation. It's Cloud versus three Sinless deceivers, all very difficult to hit. That being said, the acerbic swordsman fights with the ferocity of an army. Illusory though his status may have been, he harbors the power of SOLDIER as their fight eventually leads to the outside and onto the rooftop. A multi-leveled structure that looks beautiful on the outside, it's betrayed by the corruption and sin that rots the foundation.
Even though Cloud and his opponents took the long way up, leaping and soaring through the sky while his captors gave chase, there were other ways of getting up here. As one Sinless thinks they've caught the swordsman's blind spot, he frees a hand up by tossing a sword in the air; he successfully snags them by the front of their outfit before mercilessly slamming them into the ground, the rooftop cracking beneath their body on impact. Bouncing from the force of the slam, it kills any air inside their lungs as they choke to gasp. Too bad that wasn't the end of it as their body is kicked straight off the rooftop. Come to think of it, they were pretty high up now... ]
Hmph—!
[ He catches his sword just in time, keeping up with now two attackers with parries and dodges across the roof, swinging back as he looks for a way to end this quick. Honestly, there's really no love lost for this place, so if he causes some damage? He'll do exactly that. Cloud’s fighting stance lowers, the edge of his massive blade tilted towards the Sinless. He couldn’t waste too much time here. ]
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However, back then, Marie still had a Master. Fighting against a big bad boss was greatly within her capacities, and Ritsuka's presence also calmed her heart in certain ways few other people ever did. Now that she's gone... the Queen has realized with abject horror that she's no longer a formidable stonewall against the bunch of seductive cultists of the Fox who so easily subjugated her and threw her in a jail.
Her stay within the captive walls had been relatively calm, aside from the wine's effects pricking through the barriers of rationality and spreading uncomfortable heat across every inch of her body's insides. The rescue forces, as predicted, had broken into the place and saved everyone, and a fleeting glance at a mirror had her recoil at how gold her eyes look now. Magic Resistance is a skill every Rider possesses, but her own was never that strong, and that's why she had to learn how to walk again as she stumbled and slipped her way out of obvious danger. After finding her clothes and the rose ring aiding her powers, she picked a direction and darted towards it without a second thought.
Such decision leads her to the building's rooftop. It doesn't even take a glance for her to understand how high up she currently is. Despite her decent Luck, all her golden eyes register is a fierce battle between the fox people and someone who clearly stands out from the rest, blonde hair shining among the storm of same-faced cultists. One particular impact from the man's attack causes Marie to struggle in order to keep her balance as the ground shakes under her feet, threatening to crumble. The late realization that her choice of action was quite poor dawns on her without mercy.
The man is visibly outnumbered, clearly needing assistance, and Marie can at least serve as a distraction for him to take the enemies down. But as he gets on a stance, she finally recognizes that face, and that hairstyle. Before her mind advises her against it, she beats it to the punch by crying out, certainly attracting more than a pair of eyes on her. ]
Cloud!
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Seeing her here though, causes the hairs on the back of his neck to bristle on end. His golden eyes widen as his usually sound judgment would have saved him from making the same decision she did... ]
Marie?!
[ It's that singular moment of hesitation that would put Cloud at a disadvantage, the loose robes of the vulpine cultists swaying as if they were dancing. But he's seen this before. And with it, came the blond's body subconsciously moving as the tiling beneath his boots crumbles. This was ridiculous; they could cast their elemental spells even on this rooftop?! Suffice to say, the blond slides a short distance across the roof after rolling off the now collapsed segment where they cast the 'Earth' spell.
Marie's distraction does serve a purpose though, their attentions seemingly turned towards the wayward queen. It's that single fault that Cloud recognizes that grants him his own opening, lunging forward and thrusting one of two swords at one of the Sinless. This time it was the swordsman's turn to go on the offensive, dual-wielding his largest blades after splitting them apart. He pushes the enemy back with every intention of getting closer to Marie. ]
... ?!
[ That's when Cloud makes his next mistake— underestimating the illusions and trickery these sly foxes would use. The very same cultist he thought he slammed down and kicked off the roof emerges a short distance from Marie from the shadows, waving their arms and preparing to slam their clawed palms down on the roof, casting a spell. ]
Grr—
[ "Hail Vulpus!!" ]
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Fortunately, it takes the ground crumbling from under her feet to snap her out of those silly thoughts. However, her reaction time is much slower than the split second she should have taken to take a leap and land on a safer surface. If Ritsuka was still here, casting the Evade skill, she would have saved the Rider from a disastrous outcome. Alas, the only thing Marie feels is dread rushing through her veins, blood going cold, her lips hanging and spelling a single gasp as she now lacks balance, and as part of the rooftop is undone like it was mere butter, the Queen of Lillies finds herself falling.
If only she was stronger, and more reliable, and not such a fool...
Her arm is outstretched upwards on instict, Cloud's name uttered shakily, as if he had the time to come up there and catch her hand. There's no way it would happen. He's not that fast, is he? She hadn't seen enough of his fighting prowess to ascertain of that. Truth suckerpunches through her optimism and leaves a hole, forcing her to believe that she's, by now, as good as splattered to the cement below.
What an ugly death. Not at all befitting of her. She wonders where she's going to be summoned next, after her spirit returns to the Throne of Heroes. Such a fall wouldn't damage her Spirit Origin too hard, would it?
Even within the spikes of fear, she still finds a tad bit of hope. ]
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...
And yet, his body fights against what his eyes and mind share in. He fights through the Sinless, blades only sparing them a single crossing slash outwards as he rushes past. Did he cleave through them with that immense speed? He doesn't know. Cloud doesn't care. Before he can even realize what he's doing, the blond has already sheathed his swords and found himself diving over the side of the temple. Cloud's deep gold eyes are focused solely on the girl in free fall ahead of him. His lips are tight, the only emotion shining through being in his eyes, hardened and narrowed with split-second determination. If there's fear, it's heftily overshadowed with focus. If he could catch her, he could take the full force of the fall, hopefully landing on his feet.
His heart pounds in his ears as he reaches out for her, hand extended and the thoughts of those he'd failed before flashing through his mind's eye. Never again; so long as Cloud was breathing and able, he wouldn't let a single person he cared about get hurt. The queen was the only thought in his head right now. She was what mattered. Catch her. Save her. He wouldn't waver, be silent or stand idly by anymore. With an outstretched hand, he calls her name. ]
Marie!
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This time, although the details are uglier, those few seconds she has left are rather easier to deal. She's alone, wind is the only thing filling her ears, it's all so much more peaceful, and her second last hope is that it will be quick. Of course, her last one is wholly devoted to Cloud and the others. The fox people are excellent combatants, but their numbers are fewer. Everything is going to be alright, even without her. It has to be alright.
She takes a deep inhale, probably her last on this planet, and closes her eyes. No one is yelling, and whatever other sound is muffled by the wind. Marie Antoinette is ready to go, back to where she came from. No one is calling her name after all—
"Marie!"
...
He called. Cloud. Marie's name... he called it. Spelled it so loud and clear it pierces the wind out of her eardrums.
But why...
...
His hand has grabbed hers at some point. She didn't notice her own arm was still outstretched. Her eyes open wide, and she sees him, following right after her.
They're falling together.
...
Oh, no. She doesn't want to die, if it means she'll drag him down with her. Please. No.
Cloud doesn't deserve this! He can't die! She won't let him die! Because he called her name so loudly, he was concerned for her, he wanted to save her. It wasn't like back then. Nobody moved a finger to save her from the guillottine. But now...! If she let this person die, Marie would... she would...
... never forgive herself! ]
CLOUD!
[ With her defeaning voice, she squeezes his hand, and her ring shines in a radiating light. Red marks appear over the man's skin, but it's far too late to stop and look at it; her focus is somewhere else, something else that should arrive and catch them anytime now—
Indeed, less than one second later, she's on her horse, instinct guiding every movement of hers as she pulls Cloud closer and holds on tight.
Messily but surely... they land. To the ground. Safely. ]
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Marie would be safe; another person who helped him when he felt lost in what to do. She was kind and sweet... She didn't deserve any of this. None of the captives of the Sinless deserved this. After everything he's lost and accepted in his life, Cloud didn't struggle through despair to come out the other side weaker for it. That wasn't who Tifa and his family needed. That's not who his friends counted on. Nothing else mattered but cherishing life and the people he shared it with.
"There's not a thing I don't cherish!"
And he would prove that mantra tonight. He won't let her die- this ordinary yet truly one of a kind person... ]
Ah—?!
[ Well, he was half right. Marie Antoinette truly was one of a kind. But he was about to find out just how special she was as she calls back to him. The light that shines forth from her ring comes so abruptly, the blond's eyes widening in bewilderment as the spot underneath his gloved hand glows bright red. Concealed beneath it, etched into his skin, would be something that would soon come to light, their paths entwined as he's soon pulled in by the girl with newfound strength.
By the time he's realized what's happening, they've already come to a not-so-smooth landing, riding atop a crystalline horse as he holds onto her. He's usually the one in the proverbial driver seat, but he was not expecting this. Regardless of what would have happened without this equine intervention, in the end it was the queen that saved them both... The debris and rubble that accompany their fall hits the temple grounds surrounding them as his eyes move from the ride beneath them to the girl before him. ]
Marie...?
[ Though his tone is laced in concern, the first words out of his mouth would have been "you okay?" had it not been for what just happened. Cloud still hasn't fully realized what he's done. What they've done. ]
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... More importantly, it's not over. She can sense the Sinless from up above descending to start their pursue, and it's like they're already breathing down her neck. Sorry, Cloud, but she'll have to ignore your confusion for a little while longer, because she's going to pat her crystal steed on its neck and shout firmly: ]
Go!
[ Complying immediately, the horse breaks into a fast sprint already, its hooves leaving holes in the cement like diamond. Hopefully Cloud is holding onto her tight, because it's going to get a bit rocky up there.
It's only after they're far enough from the temple that she feels safe enough to slow her horse into a trot. Keeping her summon up for too long would drain her of Chroma, although she can't ignore how she feels little fatigue compared to before. Now that they're relatively safe, all thoughts she kept away from the forefront of her brain for the sake of focusing on escape are flooding back at once. Suddenly, she grabs Cloud's hand - the one she'd seen a red glow forming on.
It takes a brief glance to confirm her fears.
A contract has been made. ]
How... [ She mutters, incredulous. ] How could this happen?
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What's—
[ "Go!" ]
!
[ Luckily? Cloud does exactly as she hopes, leaning forward to warp his arms around the reinvigorated Queen before he loses his balance. He's not used to being on the passenger seat on anything like this. And had it not been for his heart pounding in his chest so wildly and the adrenaline pumping through his body, making his head feel lightheaded as he focuses, he would have felt a little sick.
Something he never quite got over when he wasn't behind the wheel of something, was motion sickness. Again, Cloud was fortunate to have far more pressing matters at hand. Eventually, the pathway they make for themselves as they ride fast across the temple grounds and past the point of immediate danger (the Moon Knights and other Moonblessed were likely to take care of the rest) smooths out. Which gives him time for his arms to loosen their grip on her waist as he stares down at his gloved hands. ]
.....
[ As Marie slows her steed into a trot, he peels away his gloves, just in time for Marie to suddenly turn to grab his hand. There she would find it.
The mark of a Master.
His eyes widen at the wild yet patterned seals. Those weren't there before... And they're unlike the runic patterns the cultists painted him and the others with before. But it's Marie's thoroughly baffled tone that suddenly has him more alarmed. ]
What is this? [ "Thank you"s and "Merci"s would have to wait. There's concern in Cloud's voice, but it's less that he's suspicious of her and more...lost. ] What's happening?
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Reasonably, he's asking for explanations. There's no way she can easily give him an answer without uncovering the entire concept behind her existence as a Servant, and everything else that comes with it. Holy Grail, heroic spirits, classes, summoning, contracts, Chaldea, singularities... So many words she'll have to shove into sentences that make sense. They need somewhere to sit down so she can rest properly and then start speaking. ]
... First, let's get off.
[ She releases his hand and hops off her horse, legs unsteady for a moment before gaining some balance. Tension is high, and she barely believes she can feel the blunt end of adrenaline-inducing stress even as a spirit. After Cloud also got off, the horse has completed its role and vanishes in a sparkly mist of crystal particles. Marie supposes she'll have to explain that, too.
Taking his marked hand again, she leads him towards a patch of green. There are only a bunch of trees around, and she settles for a large one to rest against. The sun is setting down for the day, but the city is still luminous around them, as the streetlights are going lit alltogether.
Sighing, the Queen sits on the grass and pulls Cloud over, then pauses for a minute, and then begins. ]
What I'm about to tell you is a long story... it might take a while. I hope you're not too tired, otherwise we can postpone this to tomorrow.
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A curse coming from someone like her... No- he didn't want to think it. He refused to allow himself to come to that conclusion. When the young queen releases his hand, Cloud is left temporarily sitting atop the horse, holding his own wrist as he stares down at the Command Spells. Studying them, that flash of her calling his name as they fell together coursing through his mind's eye. The memory flashes hot red, snapping him back to reality as he swings off the summoned steed.
He's left to stare, in partial awe as they're reduced to ether. A summon... It's reminiscent of what he was capable of doing with the right Materia. But that was hardly important right now.
The difference between the time that Marie took his hand as a wounded little wolf, and the way she leads him towards the patch of green and a tree to settle against... The atmosphere feels heavy, downright palpable as he takes a seat at her side. This was it. When she offers to postpone this until tomorrow, there's a part of him that kneejerk wants to take her into consideration. He wasn't the only one who was captured by the Sinless. Marie was strong, stronger than he ever would have thought- but perhaps she was tired too. ]
No.
[ Something like this couldn't wait. And with that, Cloud gently shakes his head as it to grant her the affirmation to continue. Despite the weight he feels bearing down on them, he still trusts her. Trusts her enough to dive off the side of the temple to save her. ]
I want to know.
[ Those once brilliant sapphire blues of his were changed to the matching gold as those foxes. Yet despite this, there's a subtle glow in this light brought about by the mako he's infused with. And right now, he's solely paying attention to her, expectant yet patient. ]
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Cloud wants no breaks before her explanation. That's fine, she guesses... the sooner she tells him, the less painful it will be later when he registers everything and makes his verdict. It's not as if there are any alternatives to speaking the truth as it is. There are no longer reasons to hide anything by now. Everything will come down like broken waterworks, and she can only hope he's emotionally strong enough to take it all. His eyes show a faint glow, and she lowers her own, rather focusing on her words than looking back at him. ]
Very well. First of all, my real name is Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna, better known by the people as Marie Antoinette. I was the ruler of France, alongside King Louis the 16th. What you're looking at is the spirit of that Queen, who tragically passed away at the end of the 18th century.
[ In order to make him understand, she will have to stop and give him some context behind that. She narrates the legend of the Holy Grail, before revealing that such an artifact is indeed real and as powerful as those tales told. Then, the existence of the Throne of Heroes, and consequently that of the Heroic Spirits. How the Holy Grail Wars began, why they did, what a Master is, the purpose of a Servant, her class as a Rider, a quick rundown of the other existing classes, and then the reasons why she ended up in Chaldea and went through the single craziest widescale plot to save humanity ever possible. Of course, she also added in her adventure in that unknown desert island to lighten the mood a little bit.
In-between those events, she'll tell Cloud more about herself, her powers, why she could summon that horse, her Noble Phantasms, and other details. Her throat feels a bit parched after talking so much, but unlike a normal human being she can handle it, and she will tell him as such: Servants don't need food or sleep unless they run out of mana. For the sake of not breaking the solemn air around them, she won't mention anything about intimacy being a factor that would help regain mana, much like how the Moonblessing system works. ]
... I think I've covered everything. [ A pause, while she nervously massages her neck. ] If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
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....... ..........
................... .....
.................................................. ....................... ..............................
[ And for most of the story, the context behind the story, and her true identity, he's relatively silent. Most of his reactions come from his expressive eyes. But there's something amidst all of that which causes Cloud to pause in thought. The Holy Grail. While not intimately familiar with the legends, he knows enough. Enough to know that there exists a power on his planet that would allow one to harness the nigh-unstoppable force that is the Knights of the Round. He doesn't say anything of it, absorbing what he can about the Throne of Heroes. Heroic Spirits. What Marie herself was.
By the end of it all, and as her story comes to a close, the woman who was classified as Rider would find that he seemed reflective. He looks down at his hand, the Command Spells fresh as can be. It's like if he ran his fingers across them, it would smudge like ink- not the case. As far as he understands the situation he's put himself in, had it not been for Prismatica's own mysterious source of power anchoring her here? It was up to him to supply her with mana. As per the terms of the contract for the sake of achieving victory. For the sake of war; not that it applied here. To say that his mind was blown was a big understatement. The gravitas of their newfound bond wasn't lost on him. ]
I'm your...Master...?
[ Cloud clenches his hand before letting it fall in his lap, his eyes following suit away from her. For a couple long moments, he's still. Would he be bewildered? Ask if there was some way to take this back? That he didn't ask for any of this? His silence is palpable...
Until, ]
Jeez... So much for a nurse, huh?
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That is how the order of things have shifted, at the moment. I am, without a doubt, your Servant.
[ Even after her whole explanation, how much she's ranted about this and that factoid in much detail, Marie believes she hasn't told him enough. Unfortunately, what other information she could have stored in her mind has gone lost in the immense sea of emotions laying waste among all the rest. She did offer to answer any question Cloud might wonder about, at the very least.
But besides the blatantly obvious one she nodded at, he comes up with a statement that gets her to blink. Were this scene not the fallout of a desperate escape from the clutches of crazy cultists, she would have chuckled at it. Instead she merely blinks, tired although gradually understand what he's talking about. Their first meeting, much joyous and worthwhile than the entire mess today has been so far. Her following sigh is pretty mirthless. ]
I am no simple girl, either, but I still wish to be treated that way. After all, I lost my royalty upon death, and all I am left with is my humanity and a fighting heroic spirit that was shaped to me by the merciful Grail.
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His thought from before, that he turned to words as he remembers that day, was likely him coping. It's all a whirlwind to him, yet so long as he focused on the "simple girl" he'd come to know, he felt like he wouldn't get too lost. As he sits there at her side, he stares at her silently while she lays down what she wishes to be treated as. How she talks about herself, restored from death as a heroic spirit... The air that surrounds her is completely different from the person who so jovially took his hand that day. The one that wouldn't take "no" for an answer. He sighs in the end, softer than hers as the gentle glow of his golden eyes returns to the skies above the streetlights.
And for half a moment, he doesn't say anything, resting his forearm on his knee. ]
This is gonna take some getting used to.
[ There's no dread to be found in his voice when he finally speaks again. Cloud is thoughtful, still staring out at the stars. ]
But, when I look at these... [ He raises his palm in front of him, his command spells on full display. Cloud may not fully understand yet, but he didn't have to. ] It means you're okay, right?
[ Because impromptu and unintentional or not- this was the sign of their bond. He couldn't look at her as some 'Servant' to do his bidding. He didn't want to make her fight, or to treat her as such. Frankly, he's okay with remembering the "simple girl". She's the one he dove after. ]
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Take all the time you need.
[ His next question is weird, but a glance to his hand spells what he means way too better. Marie's next nod is more tentative, slower. ]
Yes. Thanks to the Chroma here, however, we don't have to stay in physical proximity of each other all the time. My other Master left the planet weeks ago and I was still doing decently.
[ A timid glance to the side, away from him. ]
I believe the only instance where closeness is required is during a fight. My powers would increase exponentially if you were with me.
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[ Since he's wrapped his head around the fact that mana and the contract is what initially maintains a Servant's form in the current world. When she makes mention of their closeness during any conflicts, whereas her gaze falters from him, his remains trained on her, quieter and contemplative. ]
...
[ The "only instance"... Maybe he's reading into things too much. But...did she think that she was a burden to him? Cloud wouldn't express it, especially with just how fast this whirlwind of events swept both of them off their feet. But he leaves it to mull over in the back of his mind. Even so, though he doesn't reach out to her physically, the blond finally does speak up. A bit more honestly this time. ]
Got it. If things get dicey around here, I'll stay close so you won't have to worry about that.
[ He's not sure how to put this into words, and the more he thinks about it, the harder it gets without feeling like he'll embarrass either one of them. But...he really did like the time they spent together, even if it was to patch him up. Cloud can't help feeling that things have changed, irrevocably so, even if he didn't want to give up what they'd started. ]
I... [ ... and ultimately, he decides against saying it.
And mentally kicking himself for doing so.Instead resigning himself as the two take their time to rest up. ] Alright. I think I'm going to go back and check on the others.[ Now that things have settled down some and most of the cultists were rounded up. ]
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It had been a long time since she felt this way. Probably since the day she was told she wasn't going to see her children again.
No... that's silly. Nothing would be as horrible as those colds said to her. ]
...
[ She made herself even more upset for no reason. Ah, stupid.
With a gentle shake of her head, she gives out a long sigh. Marie wants to stop Cloud and tell him he still needs the rest, but something hangs up in her mind and prevents her from saying anything.
It's yet again the shadow of guilt, telling her that he doesn't need her. She messed up spectacularly, and doesn't deserve to keep her new Master close with the excuse of preserving his safety. He will be fine on his own; Marie knows that very well, after watching him fight the cultists.
The hand she wanted to raise in order to stop him remains glued to her lap. ]
... Alright. But you must be careful. I do not think the threat is over yet.
[ Curt sentences spoken in a soft voice. The Rider has a somber look on her face.
It's best to let him go for now. They both need to process everything properly. By themselves. ]