Chocobo - Go Go Go!

[neverfirstclass]

Who: Cloud, Shining Armor, Zelda, Rukia, Ace, Pyrrha, Yuri, Bartz and K’pandolu
Where: On the road to and adventures in the Crystal Forest
When: February 1-6
Summary: Cloud and his friends embark on a journey south across the continent to visit the fabled Chocobo Forest
Warnings: None

To say that Cloud was overwhelmed by the support he received in chasing down a rumor for the sake of his chocobo would be an understatement. Friends and acquaintances both had come together to help, largely by a single bond: their love of Chocobos and their desire not to see one suffer any longer than he had to from the illness he’d been suffering. It would be a long journey, but as long as luck was with them and they moved swiftly he hoped that they would be back in around a week.

Comments

[neverfirstclass]

A day or two more? It took Cloud a moment to realize he was making a joke about not getting enough sleep. Chuckling he pushed himself back to his feet and brushed the dirt off of his pants. "Yeah, it's been a while but I don't remember Crystal Stasis being too restful. But I'm glad you're with us again. Suzaku was worried about you too."

At the question of his bird he glanced back over his shoulder to where Zack was bedded down. "He's doing okay. He doesn't want to rest while everyone else is riding so he's tiring himself out even faster. I hope this all works out and then he can run his heart out on our way home."

Cloud knew this was a longshot. He had his hopes, but he couldn't help be worried about the possibility that the rumors were just that.

[confidentia]

It so happened that he'd actually meant these words, referring to the group that had left without him rather than the unfortunate stasis itself, but hearing that chuckle, decided against correcting his companion. Nevertheless, with a myriad of things remaining unanswered, he couldn't bring himself to joke about it, his smile growing a bit wistful in process. "Yeah. I do know that he was well-cared for while I was gone, and for that I'm grateful." He'd learnt of his best friends taking turns watching over the bird, and he had no doubts that Cloud must have made his own contribution, as well.

The cadet nodded firmly, finally locating the injured Chocobo further in the back, the familiar black feathers barely noticeable in the dim light. Falling quiet for a moment, the boy curled a finger under his chin, thoughtful.

"Um, Cloud?" He hesitated. "It might be more of a temporary measure, but there's something I could at least try before we get there."

He smiled again, weakly.

"... It's a song. I have been practicing them for a while now, and the one I've learnt recently significantly improves Chocobos' performance. At the very least, it should be enough to restore a part of Zack's energy."

[neverfirstclass]

"I ran into Minato at the stables a few times. He was taking good care of Suzaku too. Be sure to thank him." He knew Ace would, but he wanted to at least report back the good that the other Hero had done.

Zack stirred restlessly in his sleep. There were some nights where he would actually slip into some solid deeper sleep but more often and more recently it was a shallower fevered rest. But still the bird soldiered on.

His plumage had turned back to its original yellow, the dye that indulged the bird's vanity having washed or worn out over the past two months. At the very least he hadn't been molting or developing bare patches. This all could be far worse but that didn't make it better.

"A song huh? I think he'd appreciate it. Anything you could do to help would be great. I know what he wants more than anything else is to be able to run on his own...but it's probably better for him to stay put in the sleigh for now."

let's pretend that feather mention never happened :D

[confidentia]

That one part Ace continued to be absolutely puzzled about, despite having been informed about his friend's tireless efforts. Minato had never struck him as an avid chocobo lover, and it certainly didn't look like he'd manage to overcome his uncertainty, from the little the cadet had seen. And yet—....

"I have, and I gladly will, again, when I have a chance." Smiling, the boy turned around to rub the feathers on Suzaku's neck reassuringly for the last time before walking up to the injured bird.

His brows furrowed when he'd gotten closer, crouching down to inspect the damage inflicted upon the poor animal's body as a result of his illness. "I'm not sure now is the right time, it might only disturb his sleep." Seeing the chocobo shift restlessly, he reached out his hand to gently press it against Zack's feathered head. "The other effect is that it makes them move twice as fast," he explained, "and though tomorrow it could aid us in reaching the Forest more quickly, we wouldn't want him overexterting himself now, do we?"

Re: let's pretend that feather mention never happened :D

[neverfirstclass]

Cloud watched with anxious anticipation as Ace inspected Zack's sleeping form. There was a faint hope in his heart that the other Hero might have an answer to his companion's ailment and that they could end their journey victorious here and now. Or at least take the pressure of it off.

But that was not to be and he at least wasn't let down too hard by it. "Using it to help us travel faster might be good. Not just for Zack but everyone else here. We have a long way to go and I know there are other expeditions being planned. I'm still a little surprised how big this group got." A small tear of happiness came to Cloud's eye and was quickly wiped away.

It was nice to have friends.

[confidentia]

If this had been the case, there would have been no need for expeditions of any kind, but ultimately, Ace's options were for the time being just as limited as everyone else's. "I'll do my best tomorrow, then." He was certainly thankful for the opportunity to get some rest beforehand, not knowing for how long he could actually continue after the last day's trek.

The least he could do was at least try to soothe the bird's pain with a quick healing spell, despite knowing that in the face of such sickness it would probably help very little, if at all. "This is no longer just about Zack, but helping one another, as well." With the last of his magic gliding over the Chocobo's injuries, the cadet rose to his feet to let him rest. "How many people are there?"

[neverfirstclass]

Looking around, Cloud took in the sight of the camp. Most everyone was bedding down now, but a few were still up and about, chatting or eating or taking care of their mounts. "Nine of us, including you and me. I was a little worried there were too many of us and we'd have to pack too many supplies but thanks to Shining we've been able to use the extra birds to help pull the sleigh."

As Ace finished up with Zack, Cloud took his place by his side petting the neck of the resting bird. Zack trilled softly in his sleep, stirring but remaining in his dreams. "If you or Suzaku are hungry there should still be some stew and some greens by the fire."