melodiesoflife | Event || Genesis

You...

[For a moment he stares at her, as if not comprehending -- because he doesn't, at first, until he abruptly remembers that no-death rule. Then Ven starts, shocked.]

Ah! You did?!

[He hesitates, gaze quickly dropping, and then after a moment remembers her question.]

...Oh -- uh, no, I'm not sure. After the fight at the hospital, I don't remember much. I passed out for a while.

[And this is where it gets confusing -- he's heard it referenced that there are two Yunas in this world, but he assumed that was only referring to the name, not in the literal sense. As far as he knows, he saw Yuna in the fight against the Ultima Weapon; so if she died, then...]

...Was... that how it happened? Because of the Ultima Weapon?

[Could he have done something better to prevent it?]

[Yuna shakes her head.]

I wasn’t there for that. It was with the illusionist.

[She knows about the younger version of herself and while they share the same face, Yuna doesn’t believe they look all that similar. It’s been 5 years for her, she isn’t anything like the sixteen year old girl who went off to fight Sin.]

You probably saw the other Yuna and then Rikku, most likely. [Not that she can blame her cousin for being close to her. Her other self still had to be protected. Yuna is fine being alone.]

It can be a little confusing.

[Again, Ven stares, but that's already making a strange bit of sense. Why the Yuna that night seemed... different, and not just in her clothing. How she didn't seem to recognize Ven when she saw him.]

Huh...

[He looks down at his hands thoughtfully, although still sadly. Whoever this Yuna was or wasn't, is or isn't, and even if she's alive and okay now -- the fact that she died... that she had to die for that cause... it's rattling, to say the least, even after all his close brushes with death in the last week.]

Yeah, a little.

[But anyway, backtracking just a bit--]

But yeah, after that I... think I ended up in a medical tent again. Someone must've taken me. [One of the other Heroes? Did Rae get someone?] Some people mentioned something about a meeting, I think, but I really don't remember much. Sorry.

[Yuna shakes her head with a smile.]

Don’t worry about it. We are all here now.

[Her smile widens slightly and she taps Ven’s forehead.]

Don’t go getting weird ideas okay. Now that we are here I’m sure we can do more.

[Yuna glances down at his leg.]

How’s the pain? Has anyone tried to numb it?

[That startles him slightly -- more so the confrontation than the contact -- but after a couple heartbeats Ven breaks into another smile.]

Yeah. You're right.

[At the mention of his injury, he also looks down at it before lightly shaking his head.]

No, it can't be healed with magic. A few people have tried. It's a lot better than it was, though. [He frowns slightly.] But all the healing I know uses magic, so...

[Maybe he can get it checked at the hospital when they get back... or not, depending on how bad he feels. After all he's been through, he's not thrilled by the idea of having it poked at some more.]

[Yuna's head tilts to the side as she looks at his leg curiously.]

I have heard of other way to relieve pain but I don't know them off the top of my head.

[Something with needles and then another method with medicines.]

Anyway, did you want to try and see the festival? I'd be happy to help you get there. I don't know how much walking might hurt.

[...Needles. Don't tell him that.

He's thinking more along the lines of herbal remedies, but either way, it's kind of a moot point at the moment. He'll ~~put it off~~ figure it out later.

Ven does light up a bit at the question, though.]

Yeah! I heard about it, but... [Well. Leg. Sleeping. Self-control, etc.] ...I haven't really had the chance. I think I can go out for a while, though. I just can't move too fast. [Or jump, or crouch, or lean over too far...] You don't mind?

[Yuna shakes her head.]

You can even use me as a crutch if you need it. Either way, you shouldn’t be forced to hang out here the whole time.

[Her head tilts to the side as she offers Ven her hand.]

Let’s go. I’m sure we can at least see what there is and if you need a break let me know and we can stop.

[He grins.]

Okay! Yeah, let's go! [He hesitates just long enough to glance at his pile of clothes, though; he's still in his base layer, that tight-fitting sleeveless shirt, but thanks to the heat, he leaves it at that. Ven does, however, snatch up the black strap bearing the Master symbol, quickly buckling into place around his chest.

But then he takes her hand, and despite his attempt to minimize use of his bad leg, standing is always easier said than done in his current state. So he ends up leaning on Yuna more than intended for a moment, but as light as he is, it's probably not a terrible burden.]

So have you been there yet? What's it like? What should we look at first?

[Someone's excited to finally get out and about.]

Edited (forgot some parts herp) 2015-08-06 20:52 (UTC)

[Yuna's smile widens as she pulls him up. She really doesn't mind helping him out and she's stronger than she looks. Those muscles on her thin form are dense from playing Blitzball and exploring.]

A little. It's like any other festival: food, games, later they might have fireworks too.

[She's happy that he's so excited and she'll lead them through the forest and into the city. It's bright and there are laughing faces and prizes and all sorts of things to do. So once she's sure that Ven has had a chance to absorb everything she turns to him with a question.]

What would you like to do first?

[Ven's limp is obvious as they go, but he's already adjusted to the awkward motion and -- with the exception of the soreness -- he pretty much ignores it. Once they reach the city limits, Ven does take a moment to take it all in: the people, the sounds, the sights. A refreshing change to the tired silence of the church -- and an encouraging reminder of why he fought as hard as he did. For people like this, for the chance to let them enjoy these kinds of carefree and happy days.

And then he considers the question thoughtfully. Games and rides are definitely off-limits for now, at least for himself, but...]

Hmm... how about we look at some of the games? I don't mind watching. [Or cheering Yuna on if she's more in the mood for them.]

[Yuna smiles, there are even some games that he can play. If she holds him up.]

Alright!

[She guides him over to the first stand. It looks like a simple game: chests are all line up in a row and the player has to pick one. It’s a simple game of chance. Whatever is in the chest is your prize. The game next to that is a little more complicated. You have to throw bags at a target and when you do it will dump the man in water.]

What about these? I’m sure you can still throw or point; can’t you?

[That makes him grin slightly in challenge.]

Heh, yeah, I can do that much! [That's more of a joking shot at his sorry state than it is a defensive reply.]

Oh, but -- I don't have any money on me. Rae was keeping it. [It was just unnecessary weight during his battles.]

[Yuna just shakes her head.]

I think the games are free because of the festival and if you want a snack I have a little bit.

[She is just used to carrying money, even when fighting. It hasn't ever bothered her in the past.]

So go on and try!

[Oh. Well, in that case!

And of course, he'll opt for the throwing game (since it's more his thing and by this point he's craving just about any kind of physical activity), so after the Tarutaru at the booth hands him a sandbag, Ven pauses, rolling it between his hands to get a feel for it.

Once, he wouldn't have had to; now, he's more conscious of many of the differences between his true abilities and those he's been given in this world. Sometimes small things -- like weight -- need to be considered more carefully.

...And sometimes it doesn't really matter, because Ven's aim and arm are still definitely up to par, as shown when he nails that small target on his first try.

He grins as cheers break out from the onlookers -- but then the stallholder offers a deal, saying that if Ven can make the next two shots without missing, he'll triple his prize.

Ven shoots Yuna a look. He's not used to betting.]

What d'you think? Should I go for it?

[Yuna watches in amazement, her smile widening with his throw. She loves games like these though she is average at them. When he turns to as her and almost jumps into the air in her excitement, clapping her hands together as her smile stretched into a grin.]

Yes! I know you can do it!

[All of the heroes of light were talented but it’s amazing to see him doing so well; even if it is just a game. She can’t help but feel excited as she watches him and after his first throw she finds herself cheering and clapping as if the ambient noise might help him succeed.]

[Ven laughs at that, and then nods determinedly as he accepts two more sandbags. They've drawn a few more observers into the crowd, but Ven ignores the attention and focuses on that target. It's child's play, really -- were he using his Keyblade, he could hit it with only a glance beforehand -- but he's not about to get cocky.

After another moment of rolling his wrist experimentally, he aims, pivots on his good leg, and throws -- and hits the target again. More cheers, although the stallholder isn't helping the pressure with his verbal build-up ("Two for two! But can he make three, or was it just beginner's luck?"); but again, Ven concentrates--

--and throws--

--and for the third time, that poor guy is dunked into the water.

Ven's perfectly willing to go for a fourth if necessary, but he's awarded with a bag of gil (if the stallholder seems generous, well... Ven did just attract a whole new line of customers) and some congratulations. He turns to Yuna with a broad smile, holding up his winnings.]

How was that? And hey, you mentioned food, right?

[LUNCH IS ON HIM]

[Yuna is laughing and cheering with the crowd. There are many who want to try but they aren’t about to push Ven out of the way. He gets a lot of waves and a few people looking to shake his hand as Yuna attempts to pull him from the crowd.

Once they are free of the gathering she turns towards him with a wide smile.]

That was amazing!

[Of course she had a feeling that Ven would do well despite his leg and it makes her happy to see that he’s so excited.]

What did you want to eat? There are all sorts of food stands but it looks like they have places where you can order at tables also.

[He scratches the back of his head and looks a tad awkward at the praise, but he's still grinning, and the mention of food choices is enough to move on.]

Hmm... [He glances down the crowded street thoughtfully. It doesn't feel like he's done much, but his leg's already asking for a break -- so he nods at a small diner a little further down, where some tables have been set up on the sidewalk under umbrellas.]

How about we stop for lunch? Then we can try one of the stands for dessert! [Or several stands. That money's already burning a hole in his pocket but he is pretty hungry, okay.]

[Yuna nods and then takes a position next to Ven's arm. She can tell that he's straining himself so she attempts to take a little bit more of his weight than she had before.]

Let me help.

[They slowly step towards the dinner in question and their end goal. Yuna keeps a smile spread across her lips as she helps Ven down to the chair. She waves inside, hoping a waiter saw them and then took a seat across from Ven.]

Thank you for lunch. I'll have to make it up to your some how.

[Ven thanks her as she helps him to the chair, trying not to look too relieved as he sits. By now he's worked out the best ways to sit in order to minimize the pain, so it doesn't take him long to get comfortable -- or close to it, anyway. All the same, sitting is much better than standing.]

Heh, don't worry about it! You helped me get out of the church for a while, so I'd say we're even. [He did venture a little ways into the woods a few times, but he likes the buzz of the city, the noise and the life and the company of other people, even if they mostly pass him by.]

It's... nice, though. Seeing people like this again. [His smile turns a little sad, his tone falling in volume so as not to be overhead by the other diners.] Y'know -- happy and enjoying themselves.

[Something Aqures Ixen lacked for the last few weeks.]

[Yuna rests her chin in her hands, her gaze watching those who walk by them. She can't help but smile at Ven's comment.]

You're right.

[She laughs softly.]

It was the Blitzball tournament. Ah, I really miss that sort of happiness. Maybe when this is all over... we can finally see people smile again.

Mm... [He nods lightly.] I'm sure we will. It might take a while, and a lot of effort, but... [It's worth it.

But now the waiter's come out to meet them, and Ven only needs to glance over the menu items before picking something -- a sandwich and some tea -- and then grins at Yuna.]

We've got some Gil to spare, so help yourself!

Just tea please.

[She smiles at the waitress who seems happy to take their order and leave them be. Yuna looks around and then settles on watching those who are passing]

It really is amazing to see this. You know, there is a city in Spira that was ruins in my time but over a thousand years ago it was like this. Everyone happily moving through the city and then it was gone.

I wish I could have seen it.

Wow, really? [Somewhere that old... Ven follows Yuna's gaze, trying to picture such a thing. Busy and bustling like this once, and then empty and dead a millennium later.

It brings back thoughts of the Keyblade Graveyard, and he suddenly wonders how it must have looked thousands of years ago. Was it always that dead and desolate? Or was there life there once, now trampled and stripped bare by the ravages of war? Now that he's seen that kind of devastation up close, he can understand a little better how it might have ended up the way it did.

Despite the afternoon heat, Ven feels a chill at the thought. After a moment, though, he shakes himself out of it, blinking and finding himself back in the warm present. (Well. Technically the past, but that's getting confusing.)]

Do you think... [He hesitates, again lowering his voice. He's heard this discussed already, somewhat.] We're supposed to be here to see something, but... if we know what happens -- don't you think we should try to change it?

Event || Genesis

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Cafe ~ want to end this here?

Cafe ~ sure! here's good~