vieraofinaba | Open Post: Yua Narukami

[The good news is that no one decided to try and wake up Yua the next morning. Her own internal alarm on the other hand decided to do that instead. And probably for the first time in a long while, the viera did not want to get out of bed. Sure there were times when one just wanted to stay just because but this was a very different reason.

At first she thought it to be a strange waking dream, having shared the night with the enemy and much much more but seeing Emet-Selch's--no, Hades's slumbering face, it was made clear that it was true and she enjoyed every moment of it. She learned many things that night and it made her want to find out more about this city of spires, the people who lived there...her past life. There's still so many gaps but Yua wants to continue this path.

She doesn't have the heart to try and wake him, knowing that sleep is precious to them both. Maybe she has time to make some tea for them both but she'll need to speak to the manager about that. Would his coat be enough so people don't ask questions? It's a thought she ponders as she pulls the garment around her tightly and peeks out her door...

To see a note waiting for her.]

What's this?

[Opening it up, she can see the scrawl of the manager telling her to go to the Ocular for urgent business as soon as possible. Maybe they have a way to get rid of this Lightwarden aether or a start to it?]

Well, that's one way to get my attention.

[But she doesn't want to leave now...alas, the cons of being the world's hope. Quickly grabbing her clothes and chakrams, she hangs Hades's jacket on the nearby coat rack and gently kisses his forehead, whispering an apology and that she'll try to make up for it. Besides, how urgent is this news?

Turns out to be very.

Lakeland is under attack and she's needed to help them out once she and the twins set up the barriers in the Crystarium. Although Alphinaud strangely kept blushing everytime he looked at her and Yua couldn't figure out why. Alisaie had no idea but shrugged it off once they went into battle.

And it was a damn bloodbath. Sin eaters invaded and while Yua was able to vanquish a few along with the Crystarium forces at the Imperative, some lost their lives or worse. But how? Wasn't the Lightwarden dead? Why were there sin eaters around? The answer came as an airship flew by with Valthry speaking how they should bend the knee to Eulmore. It was enough for Yua to have a moment of wanting to yeet the longest spear into that thing and pop it, see if the fat asshole lives after that.

Needless to say, Yua was pissed. Have the best night of her life then wake up and it goes to shit. "Story of my life." She groaned as she tried her best to see to any wounded soldiers as one even reached out to her after they noticed her arm was bleeding from a spear flying past her and nicked her.

"We wouldn't want it to scar if possible." They said as they healed her up. Yua just found the idea laughable and ironic but couldn't bring herself to say it. Not now. And so the group goes back to the crystal city to come up with another plan and to help the wounded who wouldn't turn. And like before, they would tell Yua to go rest.

"Why? Aren't I needed?"
"You've already done enough, more even. Now let us pull our weight because this isn't something only you can do. Besides, you look-"
"You look like shite."

Alisaie, she loves you for saying that because that got her to laugh. Yua will try to stay out of the way but kami knows being restless sucks. Nothing honestly helped her as she found herself going back to the Pendants later on when the sun went down. The first thing she did was close the window then walk over to the lone mirror in the room.

"We wouldn't want it to scar if possible."

Those words stuck to her as she removes her shirt and bra, showing off to anyone else flawless skin. But then Yua is holding a small what appears to be a black prism and presses it on her skin, revealing the truth. Hell, she's surprised Hades didn't notice it.]

One little scratch won't hurt me...just another one to add.

[No one has ever seen these before, Yua won't let them. After all, how would she even explain how she got them? How would they react if they knew...?]

[ When Emet-Selch finally stirred from his rest he noticed that he was very much alone in the bed. This was, admittedly, a disappointing realization. He had been looking forward to spending a bit more time with the hero, either in bed or out. When he surveyed the room he caught sight of his coat hung carefully. Under his breath he let out a low chuckle before finally easing himself up and off the bed. ]

How thoughtful of you.

[ In no time at all he was dressed (with just the snap of his fingers, of course), and after making sure every medal on his coat and his hair was in place in the lone mirror, he ascian vanished from the suite through a portal.

The time that followed had him revisiting the reconstructed city for roughly a bell before moving on to see whatever it was that took the warrior away this time around.

From the shadows he witnessed the events of Lakeland. He offered no succor, no assistance. He simply observed. There was still the matter of judging whether this lot would be worthy of his assistance and he had not forgotten this. He would move from location to location, taking in the sights of the struggles and deaths. And all the while his expression was blank.

What did eventually earn a spark of curiosity from him though was when he did find his hero among the those on the battlefield. An eyebrow arched as he drank in the visage of her dancing around her enemies, wielding the chakrams with ease and grace. It was captivating and he only cemented the fact that he wished to learn more about this style of combat. It certainly had its visual appeal.

But like all things, the battle eventually came to an end. Once the crowds had settled and the land was littered with both corpses of man and sin eater, he took it as his queue to depart. It was then that he returned to Amaurot once more to linger, to wait. His warrior would return to her suite in due time and he had every intention of checking on her.

When that time did finally come to pass, it was clear the man had never heard of knocking because one moment she was alone in her room, the next the familiar sound of a portal opening could be heard and the ascian seen stepping out from it. He was greeted by the sight of the warrior of darkness in the nude and at first, an amused smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Emet-Selch had gotten as far as to opening his mouth to make some sort of quip (something along the lines of 'this is a greeting i could grow accustomed to') but it died on his tongue, as did the mirth in his gold eyes. ]

[She didn't think anyone would come by to see her, even their local ascian shitstirrer. It didn't seem to be a time for a visit but Yua was so lost in her own thoughts that she didn't hear Hades come in, not that he would knock because what the fuck is a door compared to teleporting. It's only when she looks up into the mirror that she sees his reflection staring at her.

She should say something to try and break the tension but she freezes, her eyes widening as if cornered by a predator but no quippy one liners or jabs come out. 'He sees them...oh kami, he sees them!' Yua panics to herself and did what instinct told her to do: grab her shirt and try to cover up her front.]

Sorry, I thought no one would come to see me tonight.

[It's quiet but her tone is just as shaky as her body, like it were a leaf beginning to fall and looking downward. She feels ashamed despite the reasoning behind it not her fault. It's just another reminder of something painful.]

Edited 2019-09-09 06:15 (UTC)

[ Hades stood still for one, two, three beats before his footsteps carried him across the room, closing the distance between them.

A hand closed over the one that held the clothing article and pushed it down just enough to see the scar etched upon her skin. At first he said nothing while his free hand traced the marking. Through his silk-dressed glove he felt her shake.

There was nothing in his expression to give away what he was thinking. ]

You hid yourself behind a glamour.

[ His tone was low and, unlike hers, steady. He had said this as if they were discussing the weather. ]

Edited 2019-09-09 20:53 (UTC)

[A whimper leaves her throat as the shirt flutters to the floor, pooling at her feet. He can see the Y-shaped scar on her chest, precise in its etching. Below that was another that kept looping from the bottom of her chest line and further down below her navel and right to her panty line. It looked as if it was made by a child beginning to color but the marks are clean...too clean.

These were not those gained in battle but rather to see the person suffer. Even the Warrior of Darkness has her secrets and this one she didn't want anyone to see.]

I had to. No one would understand it...or even question how I am still standing after what it implies.

[And yet he is tracing them. Yua is trying her best not to smack his hand away in fear but she still trembles.]

[ Hades was no fool. There was a distinct difference between scars earned from battles and scars suffered from torture. These were too clean. Too methodical. Too personal. He moved his hands to rest on either of her upper arms to hold her at arms length. His gaze traveled down her body, taking note of every one of those scars.

Then, in a voice just barely above a whisper, he spoke again. But there was something else to his tone. Something... dangerous. ]

Who did this to you?

[Oh hells, that tone in his voice does not sound good. The matter is...complicated in every sense of the word. Still shaking, her hands reach to touch the back of his arms in an attempt to keep him calm.]

It happened a long time ago...even before I came to the Source. Even so, it was a complicated mess and the reasoning why no one has seen them until now.

[Technically Krile has an idea but she's never seen Yua's scars.]

But what worries me the most is how others would see them, question me with how strong I must be to endure such pain...and they wouldn't like my answer.

[This time, she looks straight at him.]

Because I didn't.

[ There was no ulterior motive to his actions. His hands released her arms in favor of cupping her cheeks, thumbs brushing against them. Leaning forward he pressed a kiss to her forehead first only to follow it with another to her lips. It was short, barely lasting for a moment. It was his intention to soothe her trembling spirit and nothing more. But there was little to be down for the fury that smoldered within him.

Someone had dared to force this soul-- the soul of someone he had cherished dearly eons ago, through unspeakable torture. There were the visible scares of the flesh but those could not have been the only ones. No. With how she was shaking now the scars ran much deeper. ]

I am not one to shy away from complications. And time means nothing to me for I have been around for eons. Tell me who and I will take care of everything.

[ Though his voice was controlled, quiet, there was no denying the fact that this was not something he would take lightly. A name. A description. Just anything she could tell him and he would see to it that they were erased from existence. He damn well means to try to that is. ]

['Take care of everything' in this context makes Yua believe that he means to kill whoever hurt her back in Moebius. A part of her couldn't help but find the gesture almost endearing but she can practically feel the rage underneath the calm. Her own aether begins to flare up as it tries to reach out to him in an attempt to try and soothe him. But there's a few bumps in the road in the plan he wanted to perform. Mainly that she has no idea where Moebius was within the span of the multiverse, the people were probably Travelers like herself but unknowingly playing along like puppets, and Liminal Space is very very hard to find. Even being a very powerful ascian, he would not be able to find it.]

These will be much worse, even for someone like yourself. As for who...to be honest, I cannot remember. The faces are blurry but the deeds I can recall clearly even if I want to forget it...you don't need to go on a warpath just for me for something that happened years ago.

[It still terrifies her. Not just Moebius but everything involving her time in Liminal. But she worries more what would happen if Hades went busting in and started destroying everything or worse, the arcana finding a way to end him. Yua wouldn't wish that even on her worse enemy.]

[ The warmth of her aether reached out in a soothing hold, curling and wrapping around his own. Yet all that did was remind him of their connection and his own aether resisted her attempts to reassure him at first. It did not help that now he was aware that it was not by the hands of one but multiples that had harmed her. ]

Then I will look into it myself.

[ His voice was unwavering. Affirmed. As if there was no changing his mind. As a sorcerer of eld he knew of no being who could stand against him, especially so when driven by fury. ]

I will find out their identities and repay them in kind.

[Oh right, she had to be connected and fall in love with the man who would be fine stabbing a bitch if they wronged him. And that includes hurting his loved ones. Although replace 'stab' with 'snap' and that would be accurate.

She'd hate to see what an accident would entail.]

As much as I would appreciate the thought, there are a few complications with that. As in too many multiverses to go through and not knowing where it is.

[Oh hells, she's gonna need to explain isn't she? Tugging him close, Yua will guide Hades to the bed to sit down.]

Alright, I'll need to explain about the place and what Liminal Space is and how I consider it the darkest time for me. Damn near broke me...and like hell I want you to go through the same thing.

Edited 2019-09-10 15:25 (UTC)

[ Following his guide the ascian had settled down to sitting on the bed, but did not relinquish his connection to her just yet. His gloved hand held on to her bare one and made sure his gaze met hers.

Instinct told him to pull her into his embrace but he quelled the thought. She seemed determined in her own way to explain everything. So until she actively sought out for his touch he would settle on painting contact by holding her hand.

He had lapsed into silence, partially because were he to speak he would have argued, insisted even further, that he would have been fine. Did she truly doubt his power? Preposterous. But he wanted to know about this... this Liminal Space Yua spoke of. The more information he could obtain, the better. ]

Edited 2019-09-10 18:55 (UTC)

[Doubt his power? Not at all. It's knowing when there is one powerful being, there's another in the wings ready to squish them like an insect. And the Arcana in her mind were powerful enough to do so and Yua refuses to even picture him being ensnared by them somehow.

This is a good start as her shaking gets quieter. Still nervous as hell but they have to start somewhere.]

Liminal Space...is like a place between worlds. No one knows where it is or managed to map it because it always changes. Beings who call themselves Trumps or Arcana brought us unknowingly at the time in order to do something to these other worlds. As for what, I don't even know. Looking back, I have to wonder if it was some kind of sick game but that will forever remain a mystery.

[And unknowing to her, it was true.]

One of the worlds we went to...or rather one place in particular was a prison called Moebius. We weren't given what we needed to do, only a time limit. And if we didn't make it...it reset.

[Prison, Death, and Time Loops. A terrible mix. She can't help but look down at her scars when she speaks.]

So you can imagine what happens next. Every time we failed...I always somehow ended up dead in one way or another. And time reset itself all over until nothing remained but a bloodbath. It made me wonder what was the point but I never learned...all I can go on is that someone has a sick sense of humor.

[Well one does.]

There were a few of us after Moebius who were tired of all the secrets and being pawns for higher powers and decided to throwaway a choice; they were thrown out, some into their own dungeons waiting for others to get them out. I don't need to say which side I was on.

Dungeons on the other hand...well, there's a saying: Out of the frying pan and into the fire. They were our own prisons and they weren't any better. I was 'lucky' to have pulled myself out of those mini hells.

[To anyone else, Yua would be considered a hero. However, there was a sense of emotions that didn't quite fit with heroic...

Loneliness. Pain. Sorrow.

And a small jolt of Emptiness.

Her aether shrinks down and stays close by, as if admitting this was some sort of shame. Shouldn't she be powerful enough to handle all of this?]

When I could, I helped others out of theirs. Everyone else I was there for...but when it came to me, no one did.

[ All while Yua spoke, he remained still and silent. He maintained his composure but the more that she went on in her explanation, the more his anger began to burn. These beings had powers that could rival that of their people eons past. But where Amaurot was a symbol of creation and the future, this... this Moebius seemed of the opposite nature.

But to see her aether retreat within her was the most troubling of all. He knew it was dangerous to be so attached to the viera yet it was too late for regrets. Not when he found her with her soul so close to how it used to be. it was his turn to reach out to her-- gripping her hand he made an attempt to help coax her aether back out, closer, to maintain that connection. To show her that he was here. For her.

How truly strange for an ascian to be. But these were not normal circumstances now were they? ]

This is what you had suffered before you were returned to the source. And the scars...

[ Hades refrained from touching them again. He had already witnessed how she reacted to that before. Instead, he drew in a slow breath as he stared deep into her gaze with an unwavering one. The ascian was not going anywhere anytime soon.

Not when she was in this state. ]

You were ignored by those too selfish to see your worth and took advantage of your selfless nature. It was a burden you were forced to carry, alone.

[Some would say they were moving too fast and too soon. Both are falling deeper and deeper quite possibly without a safety net but Yua accepted this the moment she kissed him in Rat'tika. Although the moments are brief, she can notice how easily the mask he wears fall between the public eye and behind closed doors. For every moment outside that shows a scathing remark about those trying to save the world, there's one trying to comfort her. It's a start and Yua won't fault him for trying his best.

And it's the simple gesture of holding her hand that makes her look at him differently. Despite the dramatics, it's what is shown by simple body language such as focusing on her face and not the scars. She supposes aether counts but the woman is no expert on it as she feels it slowly moving out again like a frightened animal.]

I felt alone then. Almost every time when I got close to someone, they would vanish on me. It got to the point that I began to care less and less that it felt numbing.

[The memory of her screaming at Souji comes to the forefront of her mind at that point: "You saw me start to go Empty and did nothing about it?!" The rage she felt at her other self that still slowly burns deep within and the only reason why it hasn't consumed her was because of other forces. The ones that Yua knew kept her afloat during her time in Liminal; if it wasn't for them, who knows what would have happened to her.]

But there were two people there whom I considered close, like family that kept me from falling down. They helped me when I needed it the most and I could never express how grateful I am to them.

[And through all the despair she had felt, all the pain she went through, there was a flicker of something within the darkness: Hope. Not painfully bright but just a small glint with the potential to grow.]

[ Just the fact that her aether had responded to his like so helped to ease his frustrations a fraction. It was not by much but it was a start.

All he could do was continue to listen. Every moment that passed as she spoke the more his mind felt conflicted between impulsive emotions that he had not felt in literal eons and analyzing the situation she had suffered on how to assess these beings.

Snapping his fingers, the shirt that had been abandoned on the floor before was now covering up her upper body. It was a small gesture in hope to ease her mind; and to keep from further inciting his anger. He still felt the urge to make those responsible pay but now was not the time for that.

Instead, with her hand still in his, he would give her wrist a very gentle tug. If she would allow it his intention was to only hold her close. ]

[Small gestures are honestly the best way to get her attention, to show what their intent is. Hades already put himself in a good position in her books by focusing more on her and not what her body shows; when the shirt comes back on her, it just makes her feel like speaking up about this was the right choice. He's more than likely hiding how furious he is but wants to focus on what she needs.

He's trying to be a good man and Yua won't let his kindness go to waste. Her response to his tugging is to lean in and hold onto him tight, her head resting on his shoulder.]

I haven't been able to tell anyone this before. Kept it all inside because I don't think people would grasp it fully...no one knew really what I've been carrying around for years. Not until now.

[It hurts to think on the horrible memories but just speaking on it makes Yua feel a little lighter. It also helps that the other person is a good listener.]

Sorry that it probably killed whatever mood you were in before but thank you for letting me tell you.

[ It was a testament to the trust she showed in him for having told the ascian all of this. She had bared her soul to him. It was something he found to be endearing. His lips found the top of her head as she clung to him and his hand combed through her hair in a, hopefully, soothing manner. ]

You have nothing to hide from me, my dear. Wear your glamours for your own sake if you must-- but do not think for a moment that I will think anything less of you.

[ Dark aether reached out to light while he spoke quietly in her ear. ]

You have spent enough time dwelling on this however and I am feeling rather generous.

[ The best way to stop thinking about the memories of long ago was to provide a distraction of the present. Or so he believed. It worked many a time before for him. It certainly gave him the excuse to attend theater performances to his heart's content in the past. ]

Tell me what it is you wish to do and I will grant you that wish.

[It was what she needed to hear desperately; her biggest fear put to rest by at least one person. She's less frightened by this and she and her aether relax into his touch. She feels safe with him...comfortable even. Will she ditch the glamours? Not for a long time but Yua is willing to take them off if he asked. She can at least do that.]

I appreciate it.

[And then he asks what he can do and Yua is stumped for once. Shocker, right? She can't help but give a small chuckle.]

Usually I'm the one who is asking that. Swear it's ingrained into my brain or something...if I'm honest, I just want you to stay with me, even if only for tonight. I'll try to figure something we can do and it's not like there isn't a ton of things to do here.

[Look, she knows of one thing but variety is the spice of life. But also, what would a hero and a villain do together without destroying the place? Yua is trying to run different ideas in her head but what would interest him? Kami forfend she needs to really check out the Crystarium scene. Would they even have shows?]

[ His aether continued to embrace hers as he held her close. A curled finger found its spot under her chin, guiding her to tilt her head up so that he could see her face. There was an amused smile on his lips when he let out a quiet chuckle. ]

As it just so happens, I have no appointments that would keep me from you this evening. Which I look forward to seeing just what you come up with for the two of us.

[ Options were somewhat limited here on the First. Walking about in the open of the Crystarium would only lead to confrontation and for the time being, he'd rather not. While he found amusement in pushing the buttons of the gunbreaker Hades just wasn't in the mood for it. ]

[Rather limited. The last thing anyone wants is a fist fight breaking out and it would probably be Yua throwing the punches in defense. If they have to ask, she'll just throw back the fact that they hit first plain and simple. It takes her a minute but the realization that right now, Yua is planning an impromptu date and it makes her realize that she's in this deep.]

Hells, if I knew there was a trope performing here, we would be there in a heartbeat. I haven't seen a play since seeing the Lexentale family and the Majestic Imperial Theater Company which feels like ages ago.

[You know, after discovering long lost secrets and weird magic. Oh wait, that's Tuesday. But she does take notice of the small orchestrion on the counter across the room. Surely that has music already inside, right? Maybe that would be a start...]

I suppose you don't dance...?

[ His eyes lit up in genuine interest at that name and a true smile formed. It had been sometime since he had last watched one of their plays, It was one of those few memories of the Source, as Solus zos Galvus, that he was fond of. Not a single one of the playwright's stories had bored him and for his continued excellence, as Emperor, he had presented to the Lexentale writer an airship to continue his work. ]

I always did enjoy their work. One of the exceedingly few redeemable factors of the Source.

[ Hades followed her gaze then to the orchestrion. At her question he smirked, leaning forward just enough to bring his lips to hover over her own. ]

Are you truly asking a member of the Royal Garlean Family if he can dance?

[ He so did enjoy messing with her like this. ]

[She was about to say that they're staying in Kugane however it would mean...ok, just focus on the now. And certainly do not mention Varis and his censorship; that would probably piss Hades off.

She returns his smirk with her own and good measure, gives him a quick kiss. How could she not take it when the opening is right there?]

How silly of me to ask. I know how to dance but it's usually solo. However when it comes to a partner I am a bit lost.

[Sure she's danced with Ranaa and their teacher but it was like a trope thing. No, she's referring to the kinds where you need to be in personal space.]

[ It had been decades since he last danced but it was not something so quickly forgotten. The idea of dancing was preferred over going out anyway. At the kiss he hummed before easing himself off the bed and turning to face her. ]

Then I shall be your tutor for this evening.

[ Extending one hand to Yua while his other was held behind his back, Hades dipped forward in a bow. ]

Shall we dance, my dear?

[If she only had a fancy dress, Yua would believe it to be the start of a grand ball. Smiling at the hand extended to her, the viera stands up and takes it.]

I'd be honored.

Part 3

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