melodiesoflife | A Month in the Life of Jaune

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A Month in the Life of Jaune

Dying in Bed

This is the worst.

[Jaune’s voice cracks as he complains to the empty room. Three days he had been laid up with the flu. Fever, aches, a runny nose, a cough like he’d never had. His optimism that it will end soon is wearing thin at this point – if anything, it’s getting worse, since that cough hadn’t been there yesterday. At least, he thinks it was yesterday. The days kind of blend together when you sleep all day. He coughs miserably then grabs a tissue and blows his nose before tossing it weakly in the general direction of the trash can with the rest, not caring if it goes in or not.

It’s the first time he’s been sick and his mom hasn’t been there to take care of him, too, which really isn’t helping. She always made sure he had plenty of soup and tea. And while he could go out into the kitchen and raid the place for some, he’s really comfy and it’s just so much work right now. His moogle was… trying, he supposed, but it was clear he had no idea how to care for a sick human. He had considered calling his housemates, but Chrom and Donny always seemed so busy and Pyrrha… well, things were still weird between the two of them. Besides it wasn’t like he is actually dying, despite how it feels. He’ll get through this. It’s already been three days. It’ll pass soon, right?

He coughs again and has to sit up and bend over due to the force of it before flopping back down with a moan and curling back up.He sees Pumpkin Pete fly off, muttering something about getting someone because moogle medicine didn't seem to be working.]

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Back Amongst the Living

[It’s been a week (he thinks) since he’s been out and about – the flu really did a number on him. But now that he’s all better, he’s going to enjoy some fresh air, something he never knew he missed, and grab some groceries for the house while he’s out. He takes his time going there, though, enjoying the weather and the people around him. He’s not really looking at anything in particular, oblivious to his surroundings as he strolls down the street.]

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Never a Dull Moment

[Jaune’s really didn't know how he got himself in these situations. He was minding his own business, taking a walk in the park, and the next he was being chased by a chocobo. He didn't even know what he did wrong. He had given it a pat on the beak as he passed by it, and it squawked and tried to bite him. So he booked it. And it gave chase.

To anyone else, it was probably a comedic sight, the teen running frantically and crying apologies for the unknown grievance. Jaune,though, was in trouble. The chocobo was much faster than him, and any second it would catch up to him. He looked around frantically for some sort of haven. A box, a pipe, anything would do. He nearly cried in relief when he saw an easily climbable tree. He scrambled up to safety, just barely avoiding getting his ankles nibbled and continued to cry at the beast.]

I'm sorry, okay! Now go away! Please?

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[Jaune glances away from the threat for a moment to spot K'pandolu. A familiar face, at least.]

Nothing! I didn't do anything! I walked by, pet the thing, and it attacked me!

[And then he wound up in the tree. He isn't even sitting on a limb of the tree, but rather is stuck standing on a stub of a broken branch too tiny for him to sit on and clinging to the trunk of the tree for his dear life.]

That's odd… Some birds don't like people, but…

[…she'd have thought there'd be supervision, if one of them were out and about. She shakes her head, and gives Jaune a concerned look.]

In any case- I'll see if I can distract him. Hopefully that'll give you some time. [either to get out, or find a better position. She moves towards the bird, eyes intent, one hand out.]

Some time for what?

[And she was already moving. Crap. Okay. Think, Jaune. The chocobo is distracted and - is it rubbing its beak into her hand? Okay, that's just not fair.]

Seriously? You let her pet you?

[It's not even paying him mind anymore, completely enamored with K'pandolu.]

[There's a moment where she's nervous about how the chocobo will react to her, but she holds still as the bird turns to consider her and- oh. The chocobo leaning into her touch is better than she'd expected, and she can't quite stop herself from reaching out to give it some pats.]

So you are actually a soft touch, then?

[She glances back at Jaune, still skritching the chocobo.]

Well- you should be all right now. It might… be best if you don't make eye contact, though.

[Yeah, not a bad idea. Jaune looks down. Well crap. His path back down would take him right in front of the chocobo. Looks like his only option is to jump.]

Just watch out, okay?

[He can't get a running start or anything, so he doesn't go too far when he flings himself off the tree. He realizes how poorly thought out his plan is halfway through the air and lets out a panicked cry. It's by sheer dumb luck that he doesn't land on top the bird, instead toppling into a bush right behind it.

At least it isn't a trash can.]

[She nods, keeping an eye on him as he jumps- and then winces when he falls, ears pressing back for a moment. The chocobo starts as well, flapping its wings and letting out a loud cry, and K'pandolu loops an arm over its neck before peering worriedly at Jaune.]

Are you all right?

[she's ready to start casting Cura if he needs it, either way.]

[There's a small groan before Jaune's voice is heard.]

I'm good.

[It's a little weaker than it should be, but given the way he landed it makes sense - he's all but impaled his stomach on a branch. Nothing major, though it'll probably bruise. A surprisingly successful landing, if he does say so himself. A minute later he rights himself and stumbles out of the bush, a small scratch on his cheek from his fight out of the shrub. He freezes, seeing how close the chocobo is and watching it very carefully - he doesn't want to repeat the whole incident again.]

Maybe if I stand really still it won't notice me?

[He really hopes the bird has poor hearing and he's only loud enough for her to hear him.]

[She relaxes a little at the sound of his voice, still concerned. At least he's up to moving.]

Good to hear.

[well- the trouble is the chocobo's still interested in what that crashing sound was, but K'pandolu's doing her best to keep it distracted and turned away. She shakes her head, looking concerned.]

I wouldn't count on that lasting too long. They're quite observant, really. [a trait she appreciates, for the most part, but right now…] I'll try and lead him away and we'll catch with you later. Yes?

[Jaune nods and keeps his voice quiet when he replies.]

Sounds good to me. Thanks - I owe you one.

[He's just going to wait until it's far enough away to make a break for it.]

[she nods, lifting a hand as she turns.]

Glad I could help. Focus on getting back to town for now, though. I'll see you there.

[and she urges the bird on, with a few false starts and a fair amount of clicking.

Later, with the chocobo once again with the others at the farm, she'll come to see how Jaune's doing, Saki doing her part to help find him.]

How're you feeling now?

[As soon as the chocobo is out of sight, Jaune books it out of the park, getting some odd looks as he sprints in terror - the thing could change its mind, after all. He finally collapses at a cafe with a strawberry banana smoothie. He's about halfway done when K'pandolu walks in.]

Pretty good now that I don't have a crazy bird chasing me.

[He motions to the menu board.]

Can I get you anything?

[It's the least he can do.]

Good. They're really very nice creatures, most of the time…

[she is definitely biased, though.

She nods, offering him a smile before she takes a quick glance at the board herself.]

I'll take a smoothie as well. How's yours?

[Jaune doesn't have much experience with chocobos, so he just nods silently.]

It's really good - much better than the ones back home. What type did you want?

Maybe you should take their recipe back. Unless- do you know how to make them?

[she hums, before nodding to herself.]

Strawberry for me.

I don't think they'll just give me their recipe. Kind of defeats the purpose of me paying for them. I'll be back in a sec.

[He takes his wallet out and orders the smoothie, returning with it after a few minutes and giving it to her.]

Here you go! Careful not to drink it too fast.

[Jaune had learned that the hard way.

He stared at her for a moment. They've spoken a few times, but Jaune realizes he doesn't really know much about her. He should probably fix that.]

So, what's your world like?

I suppose not. Particularly if it's a house recipe.

[AH WELL.]

Thank you. [she takes it and sips, mindful of Jaune's warning.

She lifts her head when he asks, one ear flicking forward.]

Eorzea? It's a good place, overall. It's similar in some ways to Crystallis, I suppose… but not entirely. [she goes quiet for a moment, gaze distant. she misses home a great deal. It doesn't last long, as she straightens up, looking at Jaune again, willing to expand on that.] But you wanted to hear what it is like, and fortunately, I've travelled through quiet a lot of it to be able to tell you! There's Thanalan- in the southern reaches of Aldenard. It's largely desert, but if you dismiss it as that you'll miss some gems- there's a goobbue east of Camp Drybone, still carrying some of the plants it picked up in life, and statues around the Highbridge.

Go further east and north, and you'll find yourself in the southern parts of the Black Shroud. It's a vast forest, home to many kinds of life- and the sylphs, who'll be friendly if you run into them, but prone to playing pranks on people. Travel all the way through, and you'll find yourself in Coerthas. It's… less welcoming to travellers, unfortunately- the Highlands were covered in snow after- after Dalamud fell. [she pauses, frowning, and adds] Most of Ishgard aren't too fond of foreigners, either. But there are some who are quite welcoming- luckily for us. We were looking for an airship, you see.

[Jaune settles in, listening dutifully. In school he may fall asleep, but being here with all these different people? How could he not be interested? He misses his home too, sure, but at least he has Pyrrha and Ruby here. Did K'pandolu have anyone?

He perks up a little at "we."]

"We?" Who's we? Do you have friends from your world here too?

[Learning a little of other worlds has been a highlight, even if K'pandolu's heart remains with the Scions and Eorzea. It's helped, in the harder moments, because while some of the others arrived in Eorzea, they're not all awake now.

She nods, taking a quick sip before answering.]

Yes- Alisaie's here- I don't know if you've met her? She's a young Elezen, about so tall- [she gestures at the appropriate height.] I wasn't travelling with her then, but with her brother, and a few other good friends.

[Jaune thinks for a moment before shaking his head.]

I don't think I've met her. But it's good that you have someone here.

[Having woken up next to Blake's crystallized form, he wasn't sure what he would have done if Pyrrha and Ruby hadn't been here.]

Her brother and friends were the ones you were looking for an airship for, right? Why did you need one?

[she cups her hands around the milkshake, eyes dropping for a moment.]

It is. It's… hard, without another who knows where you've come from.

Well- [she leans forward, focused on Jaune again.] We needed to enter the domain of Garuda, the Lady of the Vortex- she'd created a storm so fierce no one could have entered on foot, and even an approach by air was full of troubles- most of which we were able to circumvent, fortunately.

[not the haring around to different people because they couldn't get the right element the first time, though.]

[Jaune nods, trying to follow, but in reality he's thoroughly lost. He's trying, though.]

Wait, the Garda lady created a storm? How is that even possible? Can people just create storms where you're from?

~~[Says the guy who's teammate controls polarity.]~~

[it would probably have helped to start at the beginning, but here we are.

She shakes her head, frowning.]

No- well, maybe in theory, if you had the strength. But Garuda is… Garuda is what we call a primal in Eorzea, the deity of the Ixali. Her aspect is the aspect of wind, and so she has great control over them.

[This is a lot to digest.]

So, in other words, you're going to fight a god? That's kind of cool. Also terrifying. Aren't you worried she's going to smite you or something?

[There's this thing called tact. Jaune has none.]

[K'pandolu actually smiles a little at it being called cool.]

We were definitely worried. Garuda's fiercer than the other primals, and the Ixali had used more crystals to summon her, giving her greater strength on top of that.

Oh.

[Jaune's not sure why he was expecting a confident "nope" there ~~probably too much time spent with Ruby~~ so he's silent for a moment while he tries to figure out what to say to that.]

Well, you have a team to fight it, right? And not just any team, a team of Heroes of Light. And we're going to beat this thing over here, so fighting some goddess will be a piece of cake.

...Right?

[He really has no idea what they're going up against over here but there is no point in being a pessimist.]

A Month in the Life of Jaune

Re: Never a Dull Moment

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