𝔀𝓮'𝓻𝓮 𝓳𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮𝓺𝓾𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷' 🔪

[moonfeather]

One step at a time... We'll just keep going no matter what. ➢ Let's go on an adventure...! ⏮⏭

Comments

[gutsygloves]

... Sure did. He became a being of absolute hatred and slaughtered the whole kingdom that he wanted to protect so badly.

[Lifting a hand up, Akira gently clinches it into a tightly packed fist. He remembers his experiences in that realm and speaking to the spirits of his victims. Some were angry, others were still fearful and some showed regret into the monster that the night had become.]

It shows that anyone with hatred and anger in their heart can become something like that... Just as long as you've got the right conditions. And...

[He remembers the words that the Odio spoke to him: "O Foolish Child... "In anger finds his strength... "Whose faith in men endures despite their sins." Even if Akira tried to act tough and above it all, he was still a vulnerable young man who felt more than the average person.]

I guess I get scared sometimes. My powers are linked to my emotions and all... So if something happens and I slip up, I might end up becomin' a freak like that.

[moonfeather]

... I was afraid of making a mess of things all the time when I was younger.

[The guards at the gate open it up so that they can both step outside. She gives her nod of thanks before continuing her conversation with Akira.]

I still am really.

But you have a very heavy burden in your power. And you've made it this far, met me and I can't call you anything else but a kind person despite everything you may have felt as everyone's whispers poured into your heart.

[Fio looks at Akira with some renewed determination.]

So if you're able to stand here in front of me like this then... I'll keep doing my best too, Akira.

[gutsygloves]

[Afraid of making a mess of things, huh? He felt that it was a similar experience like himself... Even now, he's afraid of losing control. But he had to remember that he was the one grasping these powers of his and not the other way around.

Her words felt like cold water hitting him in the face. He was worried about turning into something that even his sister wouldn't be able to look up to him anymore... But those words bought him back into reality. He's quiet as he follows Fio and ponders on her short speech.]

Heh... It's been a pain in the ass for sure, but I don't regret these powers of mine. I can use 'em to help people as best as I can. Even if I turn into a monster, I'd rather be one that can protect people.

[His forehead flickers briefly with a yellow light... Companionship, friendship, camaraderie begun to flow within his heart. Then he flashes her a very bright smile and gives her a thumbs-up. It was almost as if he was the sun itself.]

But thanks for the pick-me-up! As long as we stick together, we won't lose to something like hatred!

[moonfeather]

You're welcome.

[That's all that needs to be said really. But Fiorella is feeling a lot more heartened after their talk and she smiles back at Akira. The gates close behind them and the princess takes a deep breath.]

Alright. Time to get to work. Since we're outside the city, we have a lot more freedom of movement but we should keep collateral damage to a minimum if possible.

[gutsygloves]

Okaaaaaay! I've dyin' to flex my muscles a bit!

[He takes a moment to stretch his arms and even strikes a little guts pose once he felt his body become fully relaxed. Physical strength was one thing, but what about his mind? That felt clear as crystal as well... Whenever it came to battling, Akira was a jack of all trades, but master of none. He was no martial artist, but he knew how to compete against the rest of them with his street fighting skills. And esper abilities could even put some magicians out there to shame.]

Since this is your home turf, I don't mind if you take the lead. If you can defeat the enemies up front, then I'll support you from the back! Healin' shouldn't be a problem for us either.

[He's even got that covered by being able to heal up some cuts and bruises! The less critical the wound, then the less time and energy it would take. Of course, he couldn't revive the dead or heal anything fatal... If so, then certain people that have already past on in his life would still be there.]

[moonfeather]

[Just being right outside the city, there aren't any immediate signs of danger. Having had the experience, however, Fio knows that after a mile or two they'll start seeing more.

The Singed aren't subtle creatures.]

We'll follow signs of smoke and burnt smells. It may be faint since any assigned mages are cleaning up the remains of their damage but we'll focus on the areas that haven't had the attention yet.

[Let's go!! Down the path they go and soon enough, emerging from some trees are the plumes of ashy smoke.]

Already? That's much too close for comfort.

[And with that, Fiorella summons her glowing daggers by her side and starts to jog ahead.]

Watch my back!