thehometree | (no subject)

| characters | Fuu and anyone who wants to fight a viper.

| date/time | Thursday morning

| location | Outside

| rating | PG? There's gonna be violence.

| summary | Fuu discovers the viper.

Fuu inspected the new stream. She had already dropped a fragment of leaf in it, watching as it was borne into the mist, and was currently pondering if the same would happen to a person who tried floating in it. It would be a risky experiment--they'd need some kind of raft, and to be a strong swimmer since the tree hadn't been equipped with safety gear like lifevests. (Unless they found that on the next level. Which reminded her, they really needed to sort out that riddle.)

She heard the slithering behind her just in time. Instinct took control and she drew her sword even as she shouted in alarm at the sight of the huge black snake. The massive blade struck its snout and it drew back from its strike with a hiss. Were those fangs?! Fuu hurriedly shoved the gem on its ribbon down her shirt and sprang into the air once her wings appeared. Fenris probably had a point about not overusing their magic equipment, but better that than trying to outrun it or fight it off on her own.

She didn't slow down until she was sure she was too high to reach. The snake flicked its tongue and turned away, but it didn't go back out through the mist. Letting her sword disappear into her glove jewel, Fuu pulled out her amber slice to warn the others of today's danger.

[amber]

[Fuu is looking quite harried and flustered. The background is moving as though she's flying, because that's what she's doing.

In spite of that, she puts on a big smile.]

Good morning, everyone! I hate to give alarming news, but there's a very large snake visiting us today. It might be poisonous. I think I saw fangs when it tried to eat me... oh, but I'm all right. I was able to give it quite a cut on its nose--hold on.

[The amber flips around to show the snake on the ground.]

I think we should really do something about this before one of us becomes Mr. Snake's breakfast.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[His gaze hardens, as this is definitely not something he can support.]

You do realize that this is completely different from taking down a squirrel, right? It's far more risky; I can't just so easily let you put yourself in a position where you could easily be killed.

And I'm responsible for Zero!

[ She stands up straighter. ]

If you think I'm supposed to just sit aside and watch you go off and do something risky all by yourself, you're crazy. I'm going too.

[Though not visible, his free hand balls into a fist. Eyes closing for a moment, his jaw tightens. A rare display, perhaps, that he's none too happy about this.

Even more, as he absolutely cannot tell her that she is not his keeper. Maybe once before, but things did change.]

The last thing I'm doing is going into this alone, Yuuki. You already know, more than anyone else here, that I'm capable. [that he's powerful.] I'm supporting as backup, not on the front-lines.

What is it that you plan to do, really? You think Artemis will inflict any damage? You should support the fighters as being one to help out anyone who is injured.

I-

[ This time, it's her own fingers that curl into fists at her side. Frustration is evident in the way she all but shakes, teeth clenched as her bangs fall forward to shield her eyes. Her voice is clear with emotion. ]

You always agree that we're allies and a team... but then never trust me to hold up my side of things.

[ Fine, then. It's not the first time he and another have called her skill set all but useless. ]

Do whatever you think is best, Zero.

And I'm telling you that just because you won't be physically fighting, that you can't do anything at all. I'm not saying you should sit tight in the house, or farther up the tree, until it's over. What I mean is that you can take part in other ways.

[Sometimes, support comes from two different angles.

He lets out a silent breath. Even the thought of it. . .]

I don't know what I'd do with myself if something were to happen.

[ Right. Because she really knows proper medical procedures. It's not like offering her blood is going to do a whole lot of good to anyone except maybe him. ]

Now take that thought, and apply it to yourself by putting yourself in my shoes.

[He closes his eyes for a moment again. Once more, there's the constant need for him to be so cautious and considerate of what he says aloud.

What he wants to say was how even he will sometimes be the one who doesn't go on missions, or patrol. That sometimes all he gets to do is hours of paperwork.

However, right now, either way he replies will continue to earn him her frustration. Yuuki is stubborn to the end. Although, so is he.]

. . .Fine.

[The reply solid. He looks at her again. There's only one compromise.]

So long as you always stay within my sight at all times. And if it gets too dangerous, I'll take both of us back inside.

You don't need to worry about me so much, Zero.

[ But she was relieved that he had finally relented. There was no way she had planned to watch while he potentially put his life in danger. They were a team. Whether he liked it or not. ]

I'll be fine, okay? Trust me.

I do trust you. [At least that could be said.]

You forget too, though. If I don't need to worry about you so much, then you don't need to worry so much about me. [. . .] Which you know, really, will take us nowhere.

The difference is that now we're working together. [ Before had been the most undesirable thing she could think of ]

I'll do my part. If it's a snake, everyone will need as much help as possible.

[He just lets out a sigh. Not necessarily upset, but it's still frustrating.]

You'll need to be on your toes the whole time, and ready to act, or draw back, at any second. And that's also the same for everyone.

[At the least, he knows she's improved when it comes to flying.]

You already know I'm agile. That'll be a piece of cake.

[ A confident smile. ]

It'll be okay.

We don't know that for sure, but. Yeah.

Have faith.

[He goes quiet a bit. Is it dangerous to say? Or maybe a touch hypocritical.]

. . . In the end, I really am glad Yuuki is here, with me. Even though neither of us should have been dragged into this place to begin with.

There's nothing wrong with that.

[ She feels the same way. ]

I'm the same... I wouldn't want to be here alone, or for Zero to be here alone, either.

[A faint smile, though it may speak volumes. If not a little sad.]

Then were in agreement.

Then let's go help, all right?

Right.