She's here. [ As if Tidus wouldn't have heard that already.. Her glow is helping a bit though. It's keeping him from full on crying for now. ] Look, just..
[ There's a lot of things Inigo almost says too. That Tidus shouldn't have to rush, or telling him to be careful, in case something may happen to him on the way here too--
But he doesn't say any of them, swallowing everything right back up at the last minute. ]
Don't trip on your way over, man.
[ It's a very faint attempt at a joke - a Tidus-like joke, judging by that very un-Inigo-like 'man' there.
His voice is quiet as he says it though, not quite able to summon the humor necessary.
But, true to his word-- he'll wait right there, sitting right outside a station with Jumblie on his lap. ]
[ It's a travel that's going to take longer than the five minutes asked to waited on before making a call about Roland. Tidus can't help it; even with that extra cheat he's got going, the distance is still great, and that's with Tidus rushing, his magic going, and what he's learnt from Piccolo.
Heck, under this heat and actual larger spaces, he's getting his first real workout while applying energy into speed, and Tidus may be testing himself just to reach close to Inigo in the fifteen minutes it takes him. Breathing hard as the approaching building gives him reason to slow; pushing himself off the last tree that brings his figure into view.
...just to stop and put his hands on his knees to give himself five. Just five... just another five!
at least five seconds, where he can lift his head and-- ] ANYTHING?
[ Seeing Tidus arrive, being there in the flesh, is such a relief. Even though Inigo is worried at the same time about the other's exhausted state - he really must have ran all the way over. But who could blame Tidus for that under the current circumstances, when they have absolutely no idea what's going on other than Roland not picking up any calls, completely uncharacteristically?
Inigo shakes his head. He holds out his arm, showing that his SCA is now - once more, considering he's made plenty of calls in the time it took for Tidus to get there - still attempting to contact Roland to no avail. ]
Still nothing.
[ The words are soft, barely there, though at least Inigo's gaze is directed up at Tidus. His eyes are clouded with worry. ]
Roland would never not notice it for this long. Especially since he was so paranoid about something potentially happening, and-- [ Inigo sucks in a breath, trying to think of the state of the guy in front of him, reaching out a hand that doesn't quite reach Tidus, yet still wants to tug on him. ] Sit down.
[ Because Tidus really does need to catch his breath.
(And Inigo-- Inigo doesn't want to be alone right now. Or devoid of human company, even with Jumblie here. Please.) ]
[ His calves ache, but Tidus moves on automatic, knows how to do it without acknowledging the level of exhaustion running through his body. Just to get beside Inigo, to flop down where he knows the other guy would rather him be, than any noticeable distance.
A small grunt leaves his lips. He has the energy to turn his head to look at Inigo's SCA, but doesn't bother to examine it -- he doesn't need to. He already knows. ]
We'll make a call. [ It's a low-spoken decision, breath gulped in before he speaks a note higher: ] To the rest- someone might've seen him. We've got Purples all over. He's going to be fine.
[ Usually he would have make some sort of physical contact by now, other than just them sitting side by side like this. Maybe meeting Tidus halfway, opting to go for his patented sideways half-hug rather than a full on hug. But right now he doesn't. Inigo just sits there, nodding. ]
Alright.
[ His own voice almost feels a little raw, like it's hard to speak up, but he still does. His hand hovers over his SCA to cancel the call so they can instead use the team channel, but the hand shakes, hesitates. ]
Can we-- can we use yours? I don't want to stop. In case he'd pick up. [ Inigo is well aware of how pathetic he must sound. But he doesn't know what else to do. He may be managing to keep most of the panic down for now, but that just means it instead manifests in ways like these while he sits here.
At least he's grateful for Tidus's company. It does make things so much better. How would Inigo have managed if he had to face this by himself? Even with Jumblie's help, as she's resting against his stomach right now.. It's not like she's a total miracle worker. ]
[ They put out the call on Tidus's SCA, a fumbling mess that it is. But it's a chaotic time, and it only gets more harrowing when they receive no confirmation on anyone seeing Roland around. Nowhere last seen, no nothing.
Tidus can't keep still. No matter how his legs protest in the moment he starts to stand, he finishes, grunting as they come to a dead end on the situation. ]
What's even-- you don't just disappear! Where is that guy? I'm going to find him!
[ He's not going to sit around. He's not sticking still. Tidus switches his SCA over to the map, the exclamations that've appeared since that day. the fist of his hand by his side hitting against his leg. ]
Let's try these new spots. Look, there's something about the pandas losing it. There?
[ Inigo doesn't want to stand either, though for entirely different reasons. He does drag himself onto his feet too though, a good moment or two after Tidus is already standing, but his legs feel like jelly. Like he could fall over at any moment.
He looks down at his screen, finally clicking the cancel button on the call, just in case anyone tries to get in touch with them about having seen Roland. ]
.. there? You think? It's a while away from here..
[ But then again, what do they have to lose? It's not like they'll find him just by sitting around here, and Inigo has always admired Tidus's proactivity. What if they head in exactly the wrong decision though? What if--
The possibilities keep spinning through Inigo's mind. ]
But why wouldn't he answer for this long if it's just some pandas--
[ Before Inigo can fully discuss this with Tidus, or even head out, there's a sudden sound coming from both their SCAs. Kaiba's voice.
Everyone, this is urgent. I need your attention. There's a group called 'world miners' on the planet with us. They move in on empty worlds and strip them for resources, and they already killed someone over it. Not one of us, but.. No one should be alone right now. Be ready for attacks.
Inigo's face grows so pale that it looks like he's about to pass out on the spot. Not just because the message itself, but because of the possibility. They already killed someone. No one should be alone right now.
What if these people didn't kill just one person so far and Kaiba just doesn't know? What if Roland--
He involuntarily gasps, slapping one hand over his mouth, the other latching onto Tidus's arm. ]
[ It'd be a lie to say there were reasons waiting on Tidus's tongue. Why just some pandas? He doesn't know, he doesn't care, he just doesn't want to stay here doing nothing, get out there and look all day if he has to!
-- none of that has the chance to come out. Kaiba's call instead comes through. The pair listen, and all sensation drains from Tidus's body, all warmth, leaving a chill that he doesn't shudder for, but sinks in deep.
It's the arm latching him that spurs him awake. Nearly yanking it back, he moves with it clinging on anyway, turning his body to give his arm more flexibility while he taps at his SCA. He makes the call, Roland. Dots show as it tries to connect, and Tidus waits with grains of patience. ]
Pick up, pick up, pick up pick up pickupPICKUP.
[ He yells at the device at the end there, for nobody but himself, or as to will Roland to wake from whatever slumber he's currently taking. Even death. ]
[ Every single moment they have feels agonizing. It feels like longer than it actually is too - like every second gets stretched into the span of an hour, of an eternity. Of a million thoughts and mental images of what could have happened to Roland, where he could be right now.
Inigo can feel himself falling into the abyss of the mental panic, but he knows he can't allow himself to. Not under the current circumstances. Not while Roland may need their help. ]
Tidus, we.. [ He still hasn't let go of the other's arm. It feels like Inigo may just crumble entirely if he does, like Tidus is his last remaining anchor right now. ] We have to go look.
[ Where? Who knows. Where would they even start in a place this big?
But what else can they do?
There's a definite tremble in Inigo's voice. He wouldn't be able to hide it even if he'd try. ]
We can't just stand around here while Roland might be in danger..!
[ It's a vast weight. What can they do? But it's one of those times that Tidus doesn't get stuck on the question, though it struggles to get out of his mouth. At least, as quickly as he wants it to- ]
Then we'll-- we'll ask Seto if he's with him, and if he isn't, we'll have a look around! Alright? that's all we can do!
[ Tidus doesn't care about where they're looking, if it means wandering around lost and blind. His SCA shutting off a call that won't connect, he returns back to the line, reaches out to Kaiba.
--he's there.
And so will they be, soon, as hurried as they can get there. ]
[ Kaiba did his part, and the rest of them left behind in the clearing were in the thick of fighting off eight robots at a time. It wasn't that the task was difficult. By all means, Curufin alone could have done it, lending to that seemingly unreal elven resiliency Roland's witnessed time and time again. No, no. The problem was his mind has effectively begun to turn its gears into a direction he's not sure he can control, he's not sure he wants to visit. But between the truth and Halo's fading -
- just like him, just like him on the platform and if he ever removed his watch again; and all of them now -
Roland is handling the robot well enough, up until his SCA crackles to life with a call that unbeknownst to him, has been trying to get through for the past hour. It startles him, the sound and the glance to his watch. It's enough of a distraction to take a laser hit directly to his left shoulder, piercing him. He grits his teeth, but manages to slay his opponent out of frustration, a move in three slashes before it fizzles out and slumps to the ground. He has to go. He has to go.
There are perhaps, pleasantries exchanged. The four remaining in the group know Kaiba left first to warn the rest of the train, and they would handle the truth of this little side journey in their own times. Roland doesn't know what he says, can't remember. He looks back at the patch of ground stained with blood, forgetting his own state of look, red in his own clothes, not quite drenched but marked in a clear sign that altercations were had and he did not come out of totally unscathed. Halo, who was once a girl asking for their help, now, gone.
Roland is already running away from the site by the time the next call from his SCA comes through. He hesitates only for a brief moment before he answers it, at last, with a tap to his earbud. ]
Hello? [ He answers huffing, voice laden with exhaustion, but hardened still. ] Where - where are you?
[ Inigo can't help but think there's not a single moment he's been more grateful to have Tidus at his side than right now. Inigo is still struggling to only barely - and even then, not really - contain his panic right now, so Tidus being able to make these calls for them right now means the world.
Especially as they hear those liberating words. Roland is there. He's there, he's alive.
And of course, one of mind and spirit in this, Inigo and Tidus leave to head over there as soon as they can. Thankfully they have the aid of the grav-con - this mission sure is an exercise in Inigo having to get better and better at using it really quickly, huh - and Tidus's magic to help them get there faster than anyone regularly would by foot. But it still feels like too long. What if something happens before they get there? What if they're not quick enough, despite going absolutely as quickly as they can?
With Roland's name still on the display of Inigo's SCA, it's very easy to just hit it and try to make the call connect while he's running and pushing himself off trees to jump through the air.
Maybe it's desperation, maybe worry, but-- he just can't wait. He has to make sure Roland is okay. Inigo doesn't even have his earbuds in, just to make sure that if the call does connect this time, both of them can hear Roland's voice come through clearly.
And it does. They're still running, rushing, so Roland may be met with a moment of nothing but rushed jungle running sounds, but Inigo's voice comes through soon enough. ]
Fa-- Father!
[ The word is squeezed out, his breath heavy from how fast they're going. ]
[ He feels it at last - the pain of his body, the cuts across his arms, the side of his ribs, the hole bleeding out of his shoulder as blood drips down pool at his SCA. Roland's running out of steam. It's not like he came to the clearing at the peak of health. His breathing grows heavy, and he decides he needs to get a head start on his wounds before the two of them arrive to his location. ]
[ But he feels a lightness wash over him somewhat at the sound of Inigo's voice, like part of his fears might just be the shadows playing tricks in his head. They're not alone, the two of them at least, and that's enough to have him exclaim a non-verbal sound of relief.
No, not yet. Not until he sees them for himself. ]
Inigo, good, you're - [ Roland groans, raspy. ] D-9. This is D-9. Stay alert.
[ He manages that much before he goes off the SCA, and sets himself down at the nearest foot of a tree, its roots thick and messy. Out of his Arms Bands come potion after potion, downed and chugged like elixir, empty containers discarded to the side. Then, a bandage, gauze, and - dammit. He hears himself mutter. He left the salve with Koumyou Sanzo. Then just the bandages for now, as he tries to clean the small burns and cuts on his arms, then meshes gauze in a ball to stop the bleeding in his shoulder with a firm press. The potions were helping his stamina, but for now all he can do is wait. Keep his breathing steady. The same instruction he gave Halo, before... Just breathe. ]
[ The heightened emotions are as bad as the humid heat. A tidal wave trapped inside bodies not meant for such turmoil, a thrashing of unsettled waters. From the original apprehension, to the calls, those out to everyone, Kaiba's one after. The relief that's almost sickening to Tidus's gut to receive, his own worries like a gut knotted, then gripped tight.
Gravcons and magic help. Not thinking about the earlier exhaustions, not allowing anything but the push to their destination. Tidus lags in comparison to Inigo, but that's fine, saying- "Keep going!" if he looks behind, waving him off.
They don't both need to rush. And Tidus will keep moving, sluggish, but he'll get there. Just give him the time. ]
[ There's no way Inigo is going to fully pull ahead. As much as he wants to see Roland so badly right now, desperation feeling like a beast trying to claw its way out of his chest, Inigo can't leave Tidus alone either. Not after the message from Kaiba they received. No one should be alone right now. If something happened to Tidus just because Inigo was desperate to see his father, Inigo would never forgive himself.
So even though he does pull ahead a little bit each time, he keeps waiting, resting very momentarily while leaning against a tree branch or a - non-armadillo - rock. Even if Tidus gestures for him to go ahead, he still waits for the other to catch up each time before he starts moving again.
It's only when they get really close to Roland's location that it gets to be too much. It's only a little bit further, but Inigo can't afford to stop or pause now. He rushes the last bit ahead, trying to look for any sign of life among the shrubbery - until he spots a familiar head of hair.
His breath stops in his throat, and without thinking - about Roland's injuries, for example, and the fact that Inigo isn't exactly helping those with what he's doing right now - he absolutely flings himself at the man, clinging to Roland as if he's a raft in the middle of the ocean.
Inigo doesn't say anything, wouldn't even be able to force out words to begin with, considering how hard he's breathing from the trip here. Instead he just starts full on sobbing from the bubble of the worst of potential despairs bursting, bowing his head as the tears start to stream down his cheeks. ]
[ It happens faster than he expects. In fact, Roland is nothing if not quiet, focusing everything he has into concentrating on the silence of the jungle, or the ambient noise of leaves against leaves and insects trying to scutter about. There's so much going on in his head that he isn't sure what sensation to focus on first. The twitch in his arm, the heaviness of his legs, or that his heart is pounding faster than it's ever had to on this train, on this adventure that has now taken a dire turn for the worst.
He is a statue against the trunk of the tree, yet the world spins behind closed eyes, the back of his head resting solidly against grain. The Potions he chugged was not a good idea, but he needed stamina. He's exhausted. He's scared. He won't admit it, but it'll come out somewhere, somehow -
So when Inigo flings himself at Roland, he winces as tight arms squeeze a wound half-healed. Yet the pain isn't what makes him jolt, it's the fact that Inigo, sweet kind Inigo is safe, and is here, has found him at last. He leans his forehead forward, trying to reciprocate even as he is trapped in the embrace, in the stream of sobs. Roland would sob too, would cry if he told them that they're all in grave danger.
That Roland might have led the ones he cares for into the worst of the storm. A fool till the end. The president of nothing. ]
I'm so glad you're okay - ![ Roland chokes out, barely coming through when the emotion is stuck at the back of his throat. Tries to hug him back, but eventually settles to hiding his face against whatever crook he can find of Inigo's proximity. His breathing becomes more erratic. The shadow in his head grows braver.
Inigo will disappear too. The train has tied him in. Inigo will disappear and it's because of you. Another son, are you happy now? Another one gone.
He feels his teeth and jaw clench, grow tense. ] It's not safe, there are world miners. Did you find them? Did they hurt you? Did -
[ - Kaiba's message come thru? But those are not what he says as he looks up to see the second, Tidus panting out of breath from the chase. The gold and the see-through, Halo's body blinking out of existence. Just like. Just like.
He is properly out of it, now, the tremble in his eyes almost uncharacteristic. All of them will disappear. And you led them to the ministry. You. ]
[ Tidus won't fight Inigo, though he desperately wants to. What are you doing? Go on! But Inigo is as stubborn as him, and Tidus knows there's no arguing some things, so he doesn't waste the energy he doesn't have.
Still, as they come close and Inigo flings himself ahead, Tidus does come to a stop. Giving them space, thinking, not sure if Roland looked well, did he-? But he'll find out soon enough. All he wants to hear is Roland speak, have all the confirmation on this world that he's okay.
He's not sure he gets it. ]
Hey- [ He staggers forward, taking the few handful of steps so he can collapse more comfortably onto his knees. Fists on his knees, head bowed but picked back up again as- ] We're fine! We didn't see nothing. What about you? Roland - You hurt?
[ One thing at a time. He'll even hold back on his feigned complaints. Well, he needs to catch his breath first anyway. ]
tag order chaos because it makes sense, excuse me here one second--
[ It's an instant reaction. Whatever hold Inigo has on him, he breaks free in a burst of strength that he's not sure comes from anywhere but absolute panic, frozen in place and refusing to let him go. One arm is around Inigo's neck, the other reaching out for Tidus's. Both of them in his hold, both of them still alive, but for how long can he hide them from - ? ]
What have I done...?
[ Avoid the ministry. They don't like what they can't understand.
I don't know what happens now... And she's gone, just like that, no do-overs, no second chances, gone, disappeared, flecks of gold in the air, voidcraft floating about in debris, no chances to be saved.
He's not the same man that left for camp this morning, and all Inigo and Tidus have for it is the choked sound that Roland tries to hide. The grip of not wanting to let them go. The fear rolling off of him. The guilt. The guilt.
The blood in his shoulder seeps down still. He doesn't care as the wound opens by the centimeter with the angle he forces himself to embrace them at the same time. He is asking for forgiveness. Please, let it not be too late. ]
[ At first Inigo doesn't even notice Roland's state. In fact, maybe he actually notices the other's physical state before he ever notices a thing about the mental state, considering how caught up Inigo is in his own emotions. Tears overflowing, blurring his sight to a point where he can't even see anything anymore, chest still heaving from the exhaustion of rushing all the way over here, not getting any reprieve between the sharp intakes of breath between tears.
It's only after he's been jostled around until the man is holding them both, only when Roland speaks up again, that Inigo realises something feels off.
Off enough for him to try and stop his tears - which isn't really working while he's still so overwhelmed, so he instead reaches up with one hand, trying to wipe them away enough so he can actually see Roland. ]
What.. What do you mean? [ His own voice is so tight from tears, only getting tighter from worry. ] What happened?
[ Tidus doesn't fight back as Roland pulls him in. He's not even aware of what's going on at first when it happens, mind becoming a scrambled mess of trying to guess, to be alert. An attack? Did someone come? But then there's the rambling of a man not entirely there, too close to his ears to be ignored, though the press of his face into Roland's clothes stifles some of the sound. ]
Roland...?
[ He can't help his own questioning fear, confusion. But as he doesn't move out of that hold, Tidus realises he feels something wet against his cheek. Reminded of a colour of red he thought he saw before the pull, he peels himself away, no matter the man's grip. Asking, trying to get through to him as he does- ] Roland, what happened? No one followed us, we ain't seen nobody. We heard-- are you bleeding?
[ The realisation kicks in, as he turns his eyes from Roland, to a growing stain nearly ignored. Tidus touches his cheek, dragging it down as the colour smears his fingers, his skin.
How much blood--? ]
--You're fine. [ He says it on automatic, hands coming out, and his mind is slow with the exhaustion and jumble of emotions swirling around his head, but the soft white glow comes. Hands resting on his shoulder gently, but bringing the magic as close as it can without a firmer grip.
Tidus looks to Inigo, a frown, waiting for any kind of sense to show itself. ]
[ As fast as he comes to embrace them both in his arms, the sight of this familiar glow radiate off of Tidus is enough to unsettle him to the point of wrenching his hand away from his shoulder before the magic can do a thing. Pushing them both away with a shove, giving them distance, lending them the space needed to see Roland's eyes wide in fear that's never been there ever before. Not on this train. Not with them, who he tries to hide from, the worst parts of him undeserving of their shared light. Roland doesn't look like the same man they met with in earlier days, and it's more than just how disheveled he has become, more scrapes and bruises and blood staining his forearm.
It's the little things, more than anything.
It's Roland's heaving breaths, the darting of his eyes like he can't meet either men, not Inigo's soft concern nor Tidus's assertive one. The slight tremble by the top of his lip, or how he is trying to open his mouth to say something but at the last minute decides, he can't. ]
Please, don't - don't heal me. Not with that, not -
[ He hears himself scramble for the words though his head is not helping in the slightest to be coherent. He hates this. The sensations are too overwhelming. Roland coughs, tight in the throat as three potions drank in succession begin to brew wrongly in the pit of his stomach. But he'd rather take more of that than see this magic, Tidus's magic, in front of Inigo too who would one day, without his watch, without this damn train!
His arm, injured as it is, shakes as a palm reaches out to lean against the tree. His other hand covers his mouth. Roland stares at the emptied bottles discarded by the roots. Litter. Proof. ]
...Give me a second. J-Just let me - [ He coughs again, though his shoulders are quick to rise and fall with the timing of breath catching up and slowing down all at once. Push it back, he says. Push it all the way back. ]
Give me another potion, if you have one. Or an elixir. A salve. Anything. I-I can't remember what I put in my Arms Band right now. I'm sorry, just anything but - [ He shakes his head. Denying it. Refuses it. He won't see it. He won't.
At least Inigo knows it's not just him not getting what's going on here - that look he shares with Tidus is all he has to know as to the fact that they're both in the dark here. It's obvious that something happened to Roland, something that must have had to do with what Kaiba said across the SCAs, but even that is still much too vague to explain something of this magnitude.
Roland pushing them away. Giving them that look, even more terrified than when he was looking at the sky after they arrived here, more terrified than when he talked about his world, about Will.
The relief from a few moments ago is gone, turned into nothing but the remainders of tears in the corners of Inigo's eyes, no longer falling. They found Roland alive rather than dead, sure, but-- they didn't find the usual Roland. ]
.. Roland, it's.. Whatever happened, it's over now. [ Whatever happened indeed. What could possibly make Roland so afraid of Tidus healing him? It doesn't make sense. None of this does.
Inigo is inclined to reach out, but feels a bit more hesitant after he just pushed them away a moment ago. Does he just need some space? Turning his head, Inigo shares an uncertain look with Tidus. What do they do? At least they can give him a potion from Tidus's Arms Band, but..
A potion won't solve this. This whole thing. Roland's current state. ]
We're here to help, so.. so please tell us what's wrong. We can't help you with what's wrong unless we know.
[ He doesn't get it. Roland pushes them off, pushes them away, and Tidus stays where he's been moved, frozen in his confusion. A fear growing underneath his emotions as it reflects stronger, raw and real in Roland's own eyes back at him.
Did someone do something to him? Use a spell on him, make him vulnerable to magic? It's all Tidus can think, grab to make any sense from this reaction. He doesn't want to panic, but it's as if a vice is gripping on him inside, threatening to tighten.
What happened? What's made Roland like this--? ]
It's just magic. My magic. [ As if that might make a difference, delivered on a voice feigning reassurance. But he'd glanced down with Roland's own look at the discarded bottles, and was more potion what Roland needed? An elixir? But he frowns, goes on to insist, ] I can close up the wound. It'll only take a sec. I'll make it quick! I promise!
[ Would it mean anything? If he assured him that he'd be fine, that it'll be okay. But everything about Roland now, so erratic, so unhinged -- Tidus calls up a small container in his left hand, the golden puff of magic disappearing around it.
One of the soreaway salves, brought on a moment of thought. But he keeps a hold of it, not offering. Not even sure if that's what he should be calling up and not something else. ]
[ That almost gets him to laugh, but it comes out as another cough. It's over now? No. No, it's only just begun, hasn't it? He is a fool, and he has always played the fool even before. Always the one dreaming too big, the one who had no say in the matters of the real world. The one who made the wrong decisions, who chose the wrong things that led to doom, to despair, to death. Is this his punishment for being selfish? For choosing to accept time and time again a role of which he was not worthy -
- He shakes his head. His memory is growing muddled. These are not his words, these are not his fears. Except that they are, and the air is too thick for him to take calming breaths despite the attempts for distance. Aware of the two pairs of eyes staring at him for sense, but all he wants to do his hide, run, climb the highest mountain to take a breath. The empty hand, stained with grime and dirt, the one Halo held as she disappeared...he loathes how heavy it feels. He loathes every decision he's ever taken, risk and reward thrown out the window even as he preaches it to Tidus every now and again. Contact the ministry? What a joke.
What has he done? To them? To the people he now holds too dear to shy away from? ]
No. We'll bandage it, or nothing. I'll walk it off till camp.
[ Though Roland won't meet Tidus's gaze then, the second offer to heal him with his magic is denied, this time with more force. There is no other answer acceptable to him at the moment. None at all. He can't do it. He can't see that light come out of him, not when Inigo is watching and Roland can imagine everyone he's ever met on this train suffering the same fate, all because the train is destroyed out of being an anomaly the ministry could not understand, the train being chasing like a wild dog - ]
...We can't stand around and chat any longer. I assume Kaiba was able to escape and spread the news on the SCA line? [ He finds some semblance of calm, some steadying force coming from the pit of his stomach, unnatural as it is. It's what's needed. Necessary. They have no time. He has no time to wallow. He has to keep moving. For them. ] Is that how you two knew when to call? Did...Did you meet a world miner?
[ First thing's first. He's worried but if they're here unscathed, then that must mean they just ran here, right? They didn't fight. They're not hurt. It's going to be okay.
[ This whole situation feels so wrong. That look earlier on Roland's face, the way he's completely shutting down Tidus's offer to help heal him, despite there not being any clear or obvious reason for it. The way he's shutting down any and all of their inquiries, just putting on that calm face again, telling them they have to go.
And maybe Roland is right. No, he's probably right, considering standing around here talking is just about the worst possible thing to do when there's danger lurking around, when there are people seemingly out to hurt anyone who gets in their way.
But still-- ]
You can't do this.
[ There's obvious desperation in Inigo's voice that he doesn't bother to hide. ]
You can't just-- just pretend nothing is wrong when a moment ago you were looking terrified! [ Maybe it's hypocritical for Inigo of all people to say that, but he's been trying. It may not always succeed, but he's been trying to share more and more of his actual worries with Tidus and Roland lately, so maybe that's why it extra hurts to get shut right out when he's more worried about Roland than he's ever been.
Inigo glances over at Tidus, the desperation now visible in his face as well, hoping the other will agree with him - or at least understand. They can't just let Roland do this, right? Pretend everything is right when it obviously isn't? They both know the guy - he'd carry it with him to his grave, constantly worrying about it, even if he wouldn't mention it out loud.
His gaze turns back to Roland. Still not stepping closer to keep giving him space in case he needs it, but not shutting up just yet. ]
You can't just shut down Tidus's offer to help without any explanation! How would you feel if we were the ones doing that to you, huh?! If you found either of us by ourselves like that, you'd want to know what was up too! [ Maybe he's getting a little too worked up, but he can't help it. Inigo has been so incredibly worried about the other for the past hour or so, and now it's all just spilling over, the tears he was barely trying to contain and stop a moment ago now starting to flow again. ]
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blitzcheer) wrote2020-04-28 11:07 am
ugh sorry to BURDEN you with these TAGS before i SLEEP!!!
[ There's a lot of things Inigo almost says too. That Tidus shouldn't have to rush, or telling him to be careful, in case something may happen to him on the way here too--
But he doesn't say any of them, swallowing everything right back up at the last minute. ]
Don't trip on your way over, man.
[ It's a very faint attempt at a joke - a Tidus-like joke, judging by that very un-Inigo-like 'man' there.
His voice is quiet as he says it though, not quite able to summon the humor necessary.
But, true to his word-- he'll wait right there, sitting right outside a station with Jumblie on his lap. ]
siiigh
Heck, under this heat and actual larger spaces, he's getting his first real workout while applying energy into speed, and Tidus may be testing himself just to reach close to Inigo in the fifteen minutes it takes him. Breathing hard as the approaching building gives him reason to slow; pushing himself off the last tree that brings his figure into view.
...just to stop and put his hands on his knees to give himself five. Just five... just another five!
at least five seconds, where he can lift his head and-- ] ANYTHING?
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Inigo shakes his head. He holds out his arm, showing that his SCA is now - once more, considering he's made plenty of calls in the time it took for Tidus to get there - still attempting to contact Roland to no avail. ]
Still nothing.
[ The words are soft, barely there, though at least Inigo's gaze is directed up at Tidus. His eyes are clouded with worry. ]
Roland would never not notice it for this long. Especially since he was so paranoid about something potentially happening, and-- [ Inigo sucks in a breath, trying to think of the state of the guy in front of him, reaching out a hand that doesn't quite reach Tidus, yet still wants to tug on him. ] Sit down.
[ Because Tidus really does need to catch his breath.
(And Inigo-- Inigo doesn't want to be alone right now. Or devoid of human company, even with Jumblie here. Please.) ]
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A small grunt leaves his lips. He has the energy to turn his head to look at Inigo's SCA, but doesn't bother to examine it -- he doesn't need to. He already knows. ]
We'll make a call. [ It's a low-spoken decision, breath gulped in before he speaks a note higher: ] To the rest- someone might've seen him. We've got Purples all over. He's going to be fine.
[ He'll repeat it, as many times as he has to. ]
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Alright.
[ His own voice almost feels a little raw, like it's hard to speak up, but he still does. His hand hovers over his SCA to cancel the call so they can instead use the team channel, but the hand shakes, hesitates. ]
Can we-- can we use yours? I don't want to stop. In case he'd pick up. [ Inigo is well aware of how pathetic he must sound. But he doesn't know what else to do. He may be managing to keep most of the panic down for now, but that just means it instead manifests in ways like these while he sits here.
At least he's grateful for Tidus's company. It does make things so much better. How would Inigo have managed if he had to face this by himself? Even with Jumblie's help, as she's resting against his stomach right now.. It's not like she's a total miracle worker. ]
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Tidus can't keep still. No matter how his legs protest in the moment he starts to stand, he finishes, grunting as they come to a dead end on the situation. ]
What's even-- you don't just disappear! Where is that guy? I'm going to find him!
[ He's not going to sit around. He's not sticking still. Tidus switches his SCA over to the map, the exclamations that've appeared since that day. the fist of his hand by his side hitting against his leg. ]
Let's try these new spots. Look, there's something about the pandas losing it. There?
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He looks down at his screen, finally clicking the cancel button on the call, just in case anyone tries to get in touch with them about having seen Roland. ]
.. there? You think? It's a while away from here..
[ But then again, what do they have to lose? It's not like they'll find him just by sitting around here, and Inigo has always admired Tidus's proactivity. What if they head in exactly the wrong decision though? What if--
The possibilities keep spinning through Inigo's mind. ]
But why wouldn't he answer for this long if it's just some pandas--
[ Before Inigo can fully discuss this with Tidus, or even head out, there's a sudden sound coming from both their SCAs. Kaiba's voice.
Everyone, this is urgent. I need your attention. There's a group called 'world miners' on the planet with us. They move in on empty worlds and strip them for resources, and they already killed someone over it. Not one of us, but.. No one should be alone right now. Be ready for attacks.
Inigo's face grows so pale that it looks like he's about to pass out on the spot. Not just because the message itself, but because of the possibility. They already killed someone. No one should be alone right now.
What if these people didn't kill just one person so far and Kaiba just doesn't know? What if Roland--
He involuntarily gasps, slapping one hand over his mouth, the other latching onto Tidus's arm. ]
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-- none of that has the chance to come out. Kaiba's call instead comes through. The pair listen, and all sensation drains from Tidus's body, all warmth, leaving a chill that he doesn't shudder for, but sinks in deep.
It's the arm latching him that spurs him awake. Nearly yanking it back, he moves with it clinging on anyway, turning his body to give his arm more flexibility while he taps at his SCA. He makes the call, Roland. Dots show as it tries to connect, and Tidus waits with grains of patience. ]
Pick up, pick up, pick up pick up pickupPICKUP.
[ He yells at the device at the end there, for nobody but himself, or as to will Roland to wake from whatever slumber he's currently taking.
Even death.]no subject
Inigo can feel himself falling into the abyss of the mental panic, but he knows he can't allow himself to. Not under the current circumstances. Not while Roland may need their help. ]
Tidus, we.. [ He still hasn't let go of the other's arm. It feels like Inigo may just crumble entirely if he does, like Tidus is his last remaining anchor right now. ] We have to go look.
[ Where? Who knows. Where would they even start in a place this big?
But what else can they do?
There's a definite tremble in Inigo's voice. He wouldn't be able to hide it even if he'd try. ]
We can't just stand around here while Roland might be in danger..!
tfw you handwave a conversation smirk emoji
Then we'll-- we'll ask Seto if he's with him, and if he isn't, we'll have a look around! Alright? that's all we can do!
[ Tidus doesn't care about where they're looking, if it means wandering around lost and blind. His SCA shutting off a call that won't connect, he returns back to the line, reaches out to Kaiba.
--he's there.
And so will they be, soon, as hurried as they can get there. ]
[ closed / network -> action. ]
- just like him, just like him on the platform and if he ever removed his watch again; and all of them now -
Roland is handling the robot well enough, up until his SCA crackles to life with a call that unbeknownst to him, has been trying to get through for the past hour. It startles him, the sound and the glance to his watch. It's enough of a distraction to take a laser hit directly to his left shoulder, piercing him. He grits his teeth, but manages to slay his opponent out of frustration, a move in three slashes before it fizzles out and slumps to the ground. He has to go. He has to go.
There are perhaps, pleasantries exchanged. The four remaining in the group know Kaiba left first to warn the rest of the train, and they would handle the truth of this little side journey in their own times. Roland doesn't know what he says, can't remember. He looks back at the patch of ground stained with blood, forgetting his own state of look, red in his own clothes, not quite drenched but marked in a clear sign that altercations were had and he did not come out of totally unscathed. Halo, who was once a girl asking for their help, now, gone.
Roland is already running away from the site by the time the next call from his SCA comes through. He hesitates only for a brief moment before he answers it, at last, with a tap to his earbud. ]
Hello? [ He answers huffing, voice laden with exhaustion, but hardened still. ] Where - where are you?
[ Please, please, please, please ]
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Especially as they hear those liberating words. Roland is there. He's there, he's alive.
And of course, one of mind and spirit in this, Inigo and Tidus leave to head over there as soon as they can. Thankfully they have the aid of the grav-con - this mission sure is an exercise in Inigo having to get better and better at using it really quickly, huh - and Tidus's magic to help them get there faster than anyone regularly would by foot. But it still feels like too long. What if something happens before they get there? What if they're not quick enough, despite going absolutely as quickly as they can?
With Roland's name still on the display of Inigo's SCA, it's very easy to just hit it and try to make the call connect while he's running and pushing himself off trees to jump through the air.
Maybe it's desperation, maybe worry, but-- he just can't wait. He has to make sure Roland is okay. Inigo doesn't even have his earbuds in, just to make sure that if the call does connect this time, both of them can hear Roland's voice come through clearly.
And it does. They're still running, rushing, so Roland may be met with a moment of nothing but rushed jungle running sounds, but Inigo's voice comes through soon enough. ]
Fa-- Father!
[ The word is squeezed out, his breath heavy from how fast they're going. ]
Coming.. we're on our way!
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[ But he feels a lightness wash over him somewhat at the sound of Inigo's voice, like part of his fears might just be the shadows playing tricks in his head. They're not alone, the two of them at least, and that's enough to have him exclaim a non-verbal sound of relief.
No, not yet. Not until he sees them for himself. ]
Inigo, good, you're - [ Roland groans, raspy. ] D-9. This is D-9. Stay alert.
[ He manages that much before he goes off the SCA, and sets himself down at the nearest foot of a tree, its roots thick and messy. Out of his Arms Bands come potion after potion, downed and chugged like elixir, empty containers discarded to the side. Then, a bandage, gauze, and - dammit. He hears himself mutter. He left the salve with Koumyou Sanzo. Then just the bandages for now, as he tries to clean the small burns and cuts on his arms, then meshes gauze in a ball to stop the bleeding in his shoulder with a firm press. The potions were helping his stamina, but for now all he can do is wait. Keep his breathing steady. The same instruction he gave Halo, before... Just breathe. ]
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Gravcons and magic help. Not thinking about the earlier exhaustions, not allowing anything but the push to their destination. Tidus lags in comparison to Inigo, but that's fine, saying- "Keep going!" if he looks behind, waving him off.
They don't both need to rush. And Tidus will keep moving, sluggish, but he'll get there. Just give him the time. ]
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So even though he does pull ahead a little bit each time, he keeps waiting, resting very momentarily while leaning against a tree branch or a - non-armadillo - rock. Even if Tidus gestures for him to go ahead, he still waits for the other to catch up each time before he starts moving again.
It's only when they get really close to Roland's location that it gets to be too much. It's only a little bit further, but Inigo can't afford to stop or pause now. He rushes the last bit ahead, trying to look for any sign of life among the shrubbery - until he spots a familiar head of hair.
His breath stops in his throat, and without thinking - about Roland's injuries, for example, and the fact that Inigo isn't exactly helping those with what he's doing right now - he absolutely flings himself at the man, clinging to Roland as if he's a raft in the middle of the ocean.
Inigo doesn't say anything, wouldn't even be able to force out words to begin with, considering how hard he's breathing from the trip here. Instead he just starts full on sobbing from the bubble of the worst of potential despairs bursting, bowing his head as the tears start to stream down his cheeks. ]
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He is a statue against the trunk of the tree, yet the world spins behind closed eyes, the back of his head resting solidly against grain. The Potions he chugged was not a good idea, but he needed stamina. He's exhausted. He's scared. He won't admit it, but it'll come out somewhere, somehow -
So when Inigo flings himself at Roland, he winces as tight arms squeeze a wound half-healed. Yet the pain isn't what makes him jolt, it's the fact that Inigo, sweet kind Inigo is safe, and is here, has found him at last. He leans his forehead forward, trying to reciprocate even as he is trapped in the embrace, in the stream of sobs. Roland would sob too, would cry if he told them that they're all in grave danger.
That Roland might have led the ones he cares for into the worst of the storm. A fool till the end. The president of nothing. ]
I'm so glad you're okay - ![ Roland chokes out, barely coming through when the emotion is stuck at the back of his throat. Tries to hug him back, but eventually settles to hiding his face against whatever crook he can find of Inigo's proximity. His breathing becomes more erratic. The shadow in his head grows braver.
Inigo will disappear too. The train has tied him in. Inigo will disappear and it's because of you. Another son, are you happy now? Another one gone.
He feels his teeth and jaw clench, grow tense. ] It's not safe, there are world miners. Did you find them? Did they hurt you? Did -
[ - Kaiba's message come thru? But those are not what he says as he looks up to see the second, Tidus panting out of breath from the chase. The gold and the see-through, Halo's body blinking out of existence. Just like. Just like.
He is properly out of it, now, the tremble in his eyes almost uncharacteristic. All of them will disappear. And you led them to the ministry. You. ]
[ Roland's voice grows small. ] Tidus...I...
[ I've done it. I've doomed you all. ]
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Still, as they come close and Inigo flings himself ahead, Tidus does come to a stop. Giving them space, thinking, not sure if Roland looked well, did he-? But he'll find out soon enough. All he wants to hear is Roland speak, have all the confirmation on this world that he's okay.
He's not sure he gets it. ]
Hey- [ He staggers forward, taking the few handful of steps so he can collapse more comfortably onto his knees. Fists on his knees, head bowed but picked back up again as- ] We're fine! We didn't see nothing. What about you? Roland - You hurt?
[ One thing at a time. He'll even hold back on his feigned complaints. Well, he needs to catch his breath first anyway. ]
tag order chaos because it makes sense, excuse me here one second--
What have I done...?
[ Avoid the ministry. They don't like what they can't understand.
I don't know what happens now... And she's gone, just like that, no do-overs, no second chances, gone, disappeared, flecks of gold in the air, voidcraft floating about in debris, no chances to be saved.
He's not the same man that left for camp this morning, and all Inigo and Tidus have for it is the choked sound that Roland tries to hide. The grip of not wanting to let them go. The fear rolling off of him. The guilt. The guilt.
The blood in his shoulder seeps down still. He doesn't care as the wound opens by the centimeter with the angle he forces himself to embrace them at the same time. He is asking for forgiveness. Please, let it not be too late. ]
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It's only after he's been jostled around until the man is holding them both, only when Roland speaks up again, that Inigo realises something feels off.
Off enough for him to try and stop his tears - which isn't really working while he's still so overwhelmed, so he instead reaches up with one hand, trying to wipe them away enough so he can actually see Roland. ]
What.. What do you mean? [ His own voice is so tight from tears, only getting tighter from worry. ] What happened?
[ What in Naga's name did he and Tidus miss? ]
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Roland...?
[ He can't help his own questioning fear, confusion. But as he doesn't move out of that hold, Tidus realises he feels something wet against his cheek. Reminded of a colour of red he thought he saw before the pull, he peels himself away, no matter the man's grip. Asking, trying to get through to him as he does- ] Roland, what happened? No one followed us, we ain't seen nobody. We heard-- are you bleeding?
[ The realisation kicks in, as he turns his eyes from Roland, to a growing stain nearly ignored. Tidus touches his cheek, dragging it down as the colour smears his fingers, his skin.
How much blood--? ]
--You're fine. [ He says it on automatic, hands coming out, and his mind is slow with the exhaustion and jumble of emotions swirling around his head, but the soft white glow comes. Hands resting on his shoulder gently, but bringing the magic as close as it can without a firmer grip.
Tidus looks to Inigo, a frown, waiting for any kind of sense to show itself. ]
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[ As fast as he comes to embrace them both in his arms, the sight of this familiar glow radiate off of Tidus is enough to unsettle him to the point of wrenching his hand away from his shoulder before the magic can do a thing. Pushing them both away with a shove, giving them distance, lending them the space needed to see Roland's eyes wide in fear that's never been there ever before. Not on this train. Not with them, who he tries to hide from, the worst parts of him undeserving of their shared light. Roland doesn't look like the same man they met with in earlier days, and it's more than just how disheveled he has become, more scrapes and bruises and blood staining his forearm.
It's the little things, more than anything.
It's Roland's heaving breaths, the darting of his eyes like he can't meet either men, not Inigo's soft concern nor Tidus's assertive one. The slight tremble by the top of his lip, or how he is trying to open his mouth to say something but at the last minute decides, he can't. ]
Please, don't - don't heal me. Not with that, not -
[ He hears himself scramble for the words though his head is not helping in the slightest to be coherent. He hates this. The sensations are too overwhelming. Roland coughs, tight in the throat as three potions drank in succession begin to brew wrongly in the pit of his stomach. But he'd rather take more of that than see this magic, Tidus's magic, in front of Inigo too who would one day, without his watch, without this damn train!
His arm, injured as it is, shakes as a palm reaches out to lean against the tree. His other hand covers his mouth. Roland stares at the emptied bottles discarded by the roots. Litter. Proof. ]
...Give me a second. J-Just let me - [ He coughs again, though his shoulders are quick to rise and fall with the timing of breath catching up and slowing down all at once. Push it back, he says. Push it all the way back. ]
Give me another potion, if you have one. Or an elixir. A salve. Anything. I-I can't remember what I put in my Arms Band right now. I'm sorry, just anything but - [ He shakes his head. Denying it. Refuses it. He won't see it. He won't.
Roland grows silent in waiting. ]
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At least Inigo knows it's not just him not getting what's going on here - that look he shares with Tidus is all he has to know as to the fact that they're both in the dark here. It's obvious that something happened to Roland, something that must have had to do with what Kaiba said across the SCAs, but even that is still much too vague to explain something of this magnitude.
Roland pushing them away. Giving them that look, even more terrified than when he was looking at the sky after they arrived here, more terrified than when he talked about his world, about Will.
The relief from a few moments ago is gone, turned into nothing but the remainders of tears in the corners of Inigo's eyes, no longer falling. They found Roland alive rather than dead, sure, but-- they didn't find the usual Roland. ]
.. Roland, it's.. Whatever happened, it's over now. [ Whatever happened indeed. What could possibly make Roland so afraid of Tidus healing him? It doesn't make sense. None of this does.
Inigo is inclined to reach out, but feels a bit more hesitant after he just pushed them away a moment ago. Does he just need some space? Turning his head, Inigo shares an uncertain look with Tidus. What do they do? At least they can give him a potion from Tidus's Arms Band, but..
A potion won't solve this. This whole thing. Roland's current state. ]
We're here to help, so.. so please tell us what's wrong. We can't help you with what's wrong unless we know.
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Did someone do something to him? Use a spell on him, make him vulnerable to magic? It's all Tidus can think, grab to make any sense from this reaction. He doesn't want to panic, but it's as if a vice is gripping on him inside, threatening to tighten.
What happened? What's made Roland like this--? ]
It's just magic. My magic. [ As if that might make a difference, delivered on a voice feigning reassurance. But he'd glanced down with Roland's own look at the discarded bottles, and was more potion what Roland needed? An elixir? But he frowns, goes on to insist, ] I can close up the wound. It'll only take a sec. I'll make it quick! I promise!
[ Would it mean anything? If he assured him that he'd be fine, that it'll be okay. But everything about Roland now, so erratic, so unhinged -- Tidus calls up a small container in his left hand, the golden puff of magic disappearing around it.
One of the soreaway salves, brought on a moment of thought. But he keeps a hold of it, not offering. Not even sure if that's what he should be calling up and not something else. ]
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- He shakes his head. His memory is growing muddled. These are not his words, these are not his fears. Except that they are, and the air is too thick for him to take calming breaths despite the attempts for distance. Aware of the two pairs of eyes staring at him for sense, but all he wants to do his hide, run, climb the highest mountain to take a breath. The empty hand, stained with grime and dirt, the one Halo held as she disappeared...he loathes how heavy it feels. He loathes every decision he's ever taken, risk and reward thrown out the window even as he preaches it to Tidus every now and again. Contact the ministry? What a joke.
What has he done? To them? To the people he now holds too dear to shy away from? ]
No. We'll bandage it, or nothing. I'll walk it off till camp.
[ Though Roland won't meet Tidus's gaze then, the second offer to heal him with his magic is denied, this time with more force. There is no other answer acceptable to him at the moment. None at all. He can't do it. He can't see that light come out of him, not when Inigo is watching and Roland can imagine everyone he's ever met on this train suffering the same fate, all because the train is destroyed out of being an anomaly the ministry could not understand, the train being chasing like a wild dog - ]
...We can't stand around and chat any longer. I assume Kaiba was able to escape and spread the news on the SCA line? [ He finds some semblance of calm, some steadying force coming from the pit of his stomach, unnatural as it is. It's what's needed. Necessary. They have no time. He has no time to wallow. He has to keep moving. For them. ] Is that how you two knew when to call? Did...Did you meet a world miner?
[ First thing's first. He's worried but if they're here unscathed, then that must mean they just ran here, right? They didn't fight. They're not hurt. It's going to be okay.
They're going to disappear.]no subject
And maybe Roland is right. No, he's probably right, considering standing around here talking is just about the worst possible thing to do when there's danger lurking around, when there are people seemingly out to hurt anyone who gets in their way.
But still-- ]
You can't do this.
[ There's obvious desperation in Inigo's voice that he doesn't bother to hide. ]
You can't just-- just pretend nothing is wrong when a moment ago you were looking terrified! [ Maybe it's hypocritical for Inigo of all people to say that, but he's been trying. It may not always succeed, but he's been trying to share more and more of his actual worries with Tidus and Roland lately, so maybe that's why it extra hurts to get shut right out when he's more worried about Roland than he's ever been.
Inigo glances over at Tidus, the desperation now visible in his face as well, hoping the other will agree with him - or at least understand. They can't just let Roland do this, right? Pretend everything is right when it obviously isn't? They both know the guy - he'd carry it with him to his grave, constantly worrying about it, even if he wouldn't mention it out loud.
His gaze turns back to Roland. Still not stepping closer to keep giving him space in case he needs it, but not shutting up just yet. ]
You can't just shut down Tidus's offer to help without any explanation! How would you feel if we were the ones doing that to you, huh?! If you found either of us by ourselves like that, you'd want to know what was up too! [ Maybe he's getting a little too worked up, but he can't help it. Inigo has been so incredibly worried about the other for the past hour or so, and now it's all just spilling over, the tears he was barely trying to contain and stop a moment ago now starting to flow again. ]
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