And you know, we're on each other's team

[twilightofmen]

[ Since the Dark Ones had learned of Aria's existence in this world, the two blades often found themselves fighting tooth and nail to get by. Leroy was still out there somewhere, and the two swords were determined to find him.

It was a struggle sometimes, but if nothing else it brought them closer.

Today had been harder than most. They'd been taken by surprised by a hoard of lower level Dark Ones. The numbers had been nearly overwhelming, but when the dust cleared, their leader, a high ranking Dark One, had made himself known. The opportunity was too good, he'd said. He reveled in the chance to destroy the last of the Ragnarok Series, and take this new blade, and her power, for his own.

Exhausted though they were, they somehow managed to gain the upper hand, and win.

It left Ragnarok exhausted, though, and unable to leave his blade. Aria would have to carry him again. ]

Comments

[aeolian]

[ Aria's not much better off. Ragnarok is heavy, and her vision is hardly better than a blur from her own exhaustion. But she hauls him away far enough for her to deem safe, before her legs give out and she slumps to the ground.

Still holding the blade, of course. ]

... Ragnarok? [ she's not sure if he's still conscious. ]

[twilightofmen]

« I'm here. »

[ his voice is quiet, though. Muted. ]

« Are you all right? »

[aeolian]

Nothing a good polishing won't cure. [ fatigue is heavy in her voice, but she tightens her grip on the sword. ] But you should rest for now. I just wanted to... [ make sure he was still with her. Hear his voice. ] ... check.

[twilightofmen]

[ There's a bit of a pause there. When he next speaks his voice has regained a little of its strength. Mostly for her benefit. ]

« You would tell me if you were hurt, wouldn't you? »

[aeolian]

[ that earns him a soft laugh. Really, worrying about her even now? ]

I wouldn't be carrying you if I was hurt! You're heavy, you know.

[twilightofmen]

[ a low chuckle ]

« An unfortunate design flaw. But I think... it is best if I rest for a wile. You should do the same. »

[aeolian]

In a little bit! I'll... sit guard for now.

[twilightofmen]

[ He isn't really in any position to stop her, and gives the telepathic equivalent to a resigned sigh. ]

« Very well, but please... wake me if you need anything. »

[aeolian]

[ she'll leave a light, teasing kiss on his hilt. ]

I promise.

[twilightofmen]

[ He only vaguely registers that, and later he might even wonder if he dreamed it, as if such a thing were possible. A moment later, he's pretty much dead to the world. ]

[aeolian]

[ It's a few long moments before Aria speaks softly, closing her eyes. ]

... I almost thought I'd lose you.

[twilightofmen]

[ He's still out, deep in whatever state he needs to be in to gather his power, but he reacts to that. The blade in her arms thrums softly with a promise of power, of protection. A promise of never being alone again. ]

[aeolian]

[ even through that haze of exhaustion, it's hard not to notice that. Aria hesitates, as though waiting for him to speak, or prove he's not actually asleep... but when nothing else happens, she releases her breath in a sigh. ]

It's silly, isn't it? After so long, I thought I was used to being the only one like this... and now--

... When did you start meaning so much to me?

[twilightofmen]

[ The blade thrums again, and something in Ragnarok's mental presence suggests a smile. He's quiet still, for just a moment longer. When he does speak, he still sounds a little muted, but she couldn't honestly expect him to stay asleep through all that, could she? ]

« I've asked the same question recently myself. »

1/2

[aeolian]

[ ... hold on-- ]

[aeolian]

Ragnarok--! [ Aria, don't sound so indignant. ] Weren't you supposed to be sleeping??

[twilightofmen]

« I was, but someone kept talking. »

[aeolian]

... I'm sorry. It wasn't really anything important.

[twilightofmen]

« No, Aria... I believe it was deeply important. »

[aeolian]

Not so important that it can't wait. [ tapping the blade in admonishment. ]

[twilightofmen]

[ He chuckles a little. ]

« Hold me a little while longer, then. Until I can return the favor. »

[aeolian]

I'll try to remember not to drop you.

[ but she says it with a smile. ]

[twilightofmen]

[ There's another chuckle before he drops off again, and is well and truly out of it for a good hour or so. ]

[aeolian]

[ which is fine, since Aria will stay silent this time. And maybe doze, just a bit. ]

[twilightofmen]

[ As usual there's no warning when he reappears, he just does. There's a bit of a smile on his face as he watches her a moment. ]

It seems you were just as tired as I was.

[aeolian]

[ she'll stir as he speaks, murmuring some sort of drowsy protest.

Give her a minute.

Or three. ]

[twilightofmen]

[ Poor thing.

He's fine to let her rest, looping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. He even presses a light kiss to the top of her head. ]

[aeolian]

[ Okay, no, she's up. Sort of.

She'll murmur his name after a minute. ]

You're warm...

[twilightofmen]

Go back to sleep, Aria.

[aeolian]

It's all right. [ and she lifts her head to stretch a bit. ] I can sleep more later.

[twilightofmen]

What did I say about straining yourself?

[aeolian]

And who's the one who couldn't even change his form?

[ YEAH, IT WASN'T HER. ]

[twilightofmen]

And who's the one who fell asleep while they were supposed to be on guard duty?

[aeolian]

[ SPUTTER. ]

I was just resting my eyes!!

[twilightofmen]

[ FLAT LOOK

but for only about half a second before he breaks into a grin. He can't even pretend to be annoyed. ]

To be fair, that was quite the ordeal.

[aeolian]

I should be happy that we're so popular, but I can't help but feel just a little annoyed...

[twilightofmen]

I've never been popular with the Dark Ones. I think I prefer it over this.

Perhaps one day we can have a bit of a vacation.

[aeolian]

I'd like that! Going somewhere nice and quiet...

[twilightofmen]

I'd like that. Very much.

[aeolian]

Mm! Then it's a date.

[twilightofmen]

I'll hold you to it.

In the meantime, I believe this is probably the best place for us to stay for the night.

[aeolian]

The ground's not very soft, though...

[ le sigh more, Aria. ]

[twilightofmen]

I very much doubt we'll find a bed, you know.

[aeolian]

I know, I know, I just needed to lament a little.

[twilightofmen]

[ He gives an amused little snort, looping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close ] I hope this will suffice.

[aeolian]

Perfect!

[ Seriously, she's already snuggling. ]

[twilightofmen]

[ He buries his face in her hair a moment, pressing another kiss to the top of her head ]

Rest well, Aria.

[aeolian]

[ She nods, wearily-- and just like that, she'll be out like a light.

... Again. ]