[Thread; Closed]

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Characters: Kain and Rydia
Progress: Ongoing
Summary: Kain is taking out his angst on the local monsters, Rydia is on her way to visit the city.
Location: Somewhere outside of Alexandria
Date: May, 1803... I assume before Rydia meeting with Golbez
Warnings: IDK. Kain, maybe? XD

Golbez's arrival was more than enough motivation for Kain to move on from this city. He'd remained there a while for its resemblance to his home kingdom, but now it was becoming less appealing. Besides, he'd meant what he'd said before about needing to try out his newly acquired spear on fiercer enemies. He'd gotten too used to the monsters here. Time to find new challenges to test himself against.

But before he fully left the area, more training. It was an especially intense session he was putting himself through. But for as much as he was pushing himself, it was doubtful he would wear down soon. At the moment, he was fighting his way through a group of local monsters. Kain leapt high above them and brought Gungnir down to tear through them.

Every strike he made was fiercer than it needed to be. As if by cutting down physical enemies, he could also cut away the past. Wishful thinking. Golbez was a reminder of what he'd done, of being controlled, of the level he'd sunk to... a reminder of how foolishly he'd let himself be ruled by darkness.

Comments

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Rydia watched Kain several paces behind, having caught up to him a few moments previous. She had been about to jump in and join the battle, but paused, noticing Kain in action. That he was far more forceful than he needed to be didn't escape her. If she had wondered whether or not he had noticed the appearance of Golbez on the network, such doubts were laid to rest now.

She might have continued to keep herself removed from the battle, but one of the monsters, a bandersnatch, noticed the summoner and made her a target instead. It was charging at a pace too swift for her summoning, but Rydia uncoiled her whip. As soon as it was in range, she lashed out.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain kept up the assault on the creatures he was facing, not even aware at first of Rydia's presence. After a bandersnatch he was stabbing fell before him, he kept stabbing it, repeatedly, until it was a barely recognizable lump of flesh and blood.

As he did that, a lizard man made a stab at him, the hit stinging but not doing much to slow his near-berserked state. Kain turned, catching a flash of green off to the side when he did. It registered in some saner part of his mind that it was Rydia... but for now his main focus was the attack. He jabbed at the offending lizard, ripping it brutally to shreds. None of this was truly satisfying the feelings clawing at his brain... but it gave him something to focus on. It kept him going at a time when he was very apt to shut down.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

As the whip struck the creature, it froze in place. Rydia then turned her attention to Kain, just in time to see his brutality against the beast. So focused on that was he, that Rydia wasn't sure he say anything else around him, not even the remaining bandersnatch approaching him from the side.

"Kain!" Rydia lashed out with her whip once again, though the paralyzing effect her weapon sometimes had didn't take hold in time. Turning to her, the creature retaliated with a Thundara. The pain and shock ran all through her and she cried out, nearly dropping to her knees.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Stab. Stab. -stabstabstabstab- As wrapped up in the fight as he was, Kain would have remained oblivious to the incoming threat, except Rydia shouting finally did catch his attention. The warning tone in her voice made him instinctively look. ...but he was too late to stop that Thundara. "Rydia!"

That snapped him at least slightly back to reality. Enough to have more awareness of the world around him beyond thrusting his spear into anything that crossed him. He charged for the badersnatch still going after Rydia, leaping high into the air and landing to stab at it.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

As Kain leaped, Rydia staggered back, still feeling the effects of that spell. Nonetheless, she had no choice but to react and swiftly when it approached her again. Again her whip struck, failing to paralyze it, but inflicting a long and angry wound. It snarled, and Rydia cracked her whip once more as it leaped.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain stabbed Gungnir downward, slicing through the creature and impaling it. Unfortunately, this agitated it further, and it unleashed another blast of Thundara. Groaning and cursing under his breath, Kain came close to losing momentum for the first time in his battling frenzy. From the way he felt- not to mention the scattered remains of various monsters in the area- he realized he must have been at this for a while...

But he wasn't stopping yet. It wasn't like there was much choice; there were still a couple more bandersnatches remaining. With his mind cleared more, he recalled the reason for all of this in the first place. He'd brought it on himself by stirring so many of them up, having run across a whole den of bandersnatches, who'd in turn stirred up a few other local creatures. He'd wanted a much more challenging session than usual. Obviously.

...But now it was different, with Rydia involved. Kain pulled at his spear to dislodge it, further damaging the monster as he yanked it out.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

A final lash of the whip and that particular bandersnatch sagged to the ground, unmoving. Rydia glanced to the one she had whipped earlier to make sure it was still paralyzed, then focused on the one nearest them. As much fun as Kain seemed to be having, Rydia wasn't in the mood to get Thundara'd again, if she could help it. Taking advantage of having the dragoon close by, she lowered her whip and concentrated. A moment later, the sylphs appeared, draining the creature of its energy even as they moved to restore some to Kain and Rydia.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

That was helpful. Kain felt more of his strength returning... which he'd need now that he wasn't in a blind fury. It took the edge off his weariness and reinvigorated him. Maybe he wouldn't have called this "fun", but he definitely was enjoying the thrill of so much challenge.

He Jumped again, to take another enemy by surprise. But as he landed one of the remaining bandersnatches became slightly more bold. It launched itself at him, leaping and clawing at his arm, nearly dragging his spear out of hand entirely. He brought the weapon into a shaky counter-strike, at the moment just managing to hold it off.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

The thrill of the challenge was a bit infectious and it was what prevented Rydia from summoning more powerful allies, just yet. Leviathan could probably wipe the remaining ones out with no issue, but Kain seemed to need this outlet. Of course, there was a difference between letting him have it and letting it overwhelm him.

Upon seeing the bandersnatche's aggression against Kain, Rydia sent the sylphs after him again for the same purpose as before. That move more or less recovered her completely from that earlier Thundara, though how the paralyzed bandersnatch began to move. It took notice of Rydia immediately and, doubtlessly unhappy with what she had done to it, charged.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Indeed, Rydia would be right about Kain's need to take his frustration out. Not that it would entirely resolve the matter, but perhaps it could get rid of much of that anger. He winced and struggled to keep back his opponent... and then his motions became much less pained once Rydia cast her magic.

A couple of the remaining bandersnatches ran off, and Kain would have been tempted to chase were he alone. But there was still the one he was dealing with, and the one going after Rydia as well. He blocked an incoming attack and struck it in return. That didn't slow it any, though... clearly the strongest were the ones who'd remained.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

As Kain blocked it, Rydia was given time to concentrate. She didn't summon the sylphs again; helpful though they were, it was time to go fully on the offensive. She focused on the one trying to get around Kain to reach her and directed a Firaga its way. The creature howled in pain and Rydia winced as the sound made her ears ache, but she knew better than to let down her guard. It swayed, staggered and fell.

Immediately, Rydia turned to the remaining bandersnatch. She readied her whip, but before she could strike, another Thundara was sent their way.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Arrrgh, not again. Kain doubled over and grunted as the spell hit, his resistance worn down considerably by this point. He could guess Rydia had fared just about as well... It was definitely time to end this. After all, he hadn't intended to have Rydia show up and get involved in a fight she may not have been expecting. But it couldn't have been helped.

Recovering enough to move, Kain thrust toward the bandersnatch with a slightly off-balance but effective enough counterattack. As he ran the creature through, it toppled over, twitching a few times afterward, before it went still.

Kain glanced around after that, cautious should there be signs of further attack.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Immediately after, Rydia glanced around with the same thought in mind. Much as her body ached from that last attack, it would be sloppy to let down her guard immediately afterward. When no other beasts stepped forward, her shoulders slumped a little in relief and she reached into her travel bag to withdrawal potions for them.

"That was...intense. Here. And don't tell me you don't need it." She handed one over, downing her own.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

"I... All right. Thanks." Kain muttered as he took the potion she'd offered. He certainly was feeling the weariness and aftereffects of that battle. He looked just as worn as he felt, too, and was well covered in blood - mostly from the monsters.

Drinking down the potion, he eyed the area some more, then turned back to Rydia. "I had almost forgotten you were on your way here. I probably should have waited..."

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Rydia shrugged, raking a hand through her hair with her free hand, then recoiling her whip. "It's all right. I got a workout from it, didn't I?" Not that she really needed one, but fighting alongside Kain again had brought some nostaglia forth.

"Besides, you seemed to need it." She raised an eyebrow at that, and it was a good guess that she had seen more of the fight than Kain realized.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

It really had seemed a lot like the old days again... but that was a time and a place that Kain believed would never return. He nodded distractedly, glad it hadn't inconvenienced her in any way. She likely didn't come here seeking a fight, after all.

But the expression she gave him next was a bit bothersome, and he naturally just avoided the real matter at hand entirely. "I did need it, to keep my skills intact and to test my new weapon. It won't do me any good to become too idle..."

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Rydia knew a dodge-the-issue moment when she saw one, having borne witness to that all too many times with Edge. She didn't press the matter, though, at least for the moment. Her attention shifted to his new weapon, looking it over with interest.

"Gungir, is it? It seems to suit you well enough, from what I saw. That was gil well-spent."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain was quite skilled at dodging issues, or so he believed, and he felt relieved that she didn't push it. He would have continued denying it anyway. These were his problems alone to face.

Tthe old pride was evident in him as she mentioned the new weapon he'd acquired. Some things would never change... When it came to battle-related matters, he was at his most confident. Kain held Gungnir forth that she might better see it. Although very bloodied from the fight, it nonetheless was an impressively made spear.

"I have to agree. I was surprised to find something of such use and value there... it's a finely crafted weapon."

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Rydia nodded as she noted the craftsmanship. "I saw that auction, but you beat me to bidding on it. It's just as well, I was nowhere nearby to pick it up, until recently." Given that she doesn't use a spear, it's an easy guess as to who the recipient would have been.

"I'd say you've earned a break, after that last bit. Care to join me? I was headed to town."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

"You don't owe me any gifts..." Kain appreciated the thought, in his own way, but still, he didn't think he'd done anything to deserve that. Nor were there any holidays or similar excuses upcoming.

Kain took a minute to consider the offer. He had thought about just taking off for his next destination immediately after... but a slight detour back to the town couldn't hurt. He did want to be in top shape when he actually started off. "All right. I'll go along with that idea, at least for a little while."

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Rydia shrugged at his comment about gifts, looking unfazed. Someday, she would drill it into the dragoon's head that a gift could just be a gift and he didn't have to do anything special to earn it. However, she made her point for now. Perhaps later, it would be readdressed, where she to find anything in the auction worth snagging, before he got to it.

His agreement brought forth a smile. "Good. It's been a while since I've seen you, anyway. You'll have to tell me about what I've missed here--aside from a certain ninja's tantrum." Who knew if Kain had even seen Edge, but Rydia decided to be proactive and ward off hearing about that pettiness. Deciding that she was more or less recovered from that battle, the summoner turned to head in the direction of town.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

That day would be a very long way off, although she definitely could be stubborn. Perhaps even worse than him, since her brand of stubborn was louder and more insistent. He was also content to let the subject of gifts and deserving them rest for now. Much like the topic of Golbez, which she fortunately had stayed clear of.

"Aside from the auction, I went on a hunt along with one of Alexandria's knights. Some time before that I explored Mysidia..." Kain continued along with her in the direction of town. "I've avoided Edge, for all of our sakes." Kain didn't trust himself enough not to snap if Edge pushed him too far. Which seemed to be what Edge wanted.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

"I don't blame you." Edge had finally apologized to her, but Rydia doubted he and Kain would tolerate each other's presence longer than it took to defeat an external threat. It was probably just as well; she wasn't interested in playing peacemaker to the stubborn pair.

"It sounds like you've been keeping busy, though." She tilted her head, regarding him curiously. "The town is still empty? I heard the moogles say as much, though it's weird to think about. Mysidia without its Elder or the Water Crystal just isn't Mysidia...."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Avoiding Edge seemed the best way to handle that situation for now. There was no better way to prevent a physical confrontation. If need arose that they should all join forces... then he'd have to go back to tolerating his presence, somehow. It was either that or they'd take it out on each other in a physical conflict, which could have disastrous consequences.

"It's unusual to see it so devoid of life... I wonder what really became of them... and why the town was brought here empty." It was just as unexplainable as anything else about the situation.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Rydia frowned in thought. "...and why the town was brought forth, but not the Crystal. I'm glad it's with them and not us--at least I hope it's safe from this world. Still, it's as off as us being brought here in the first place."

She glanced sidelong to him. "It must mean something, as much as our sudden arrival does. I just wish I knew what. This world isn't revealing its secrets as quickly as I hoped it might. Still...the Outer Continent did prove interesting."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

It was all much too strange, Kain had to agree. He'd had similar thoughts about it upon the initial arrival and exploration with Mjrn. "Yes... The Crystal is better off at home. There's no longer the threat of them being used harmfully there. But for those of us here, we still don't know what we're up against. We have no explanation for our appearance here, or anything else..."

Kain was convinced that whatever had brought them here had done so for a sinister reason. Yet no direct threat had emerged. That was much more bothersome than having a known enemy to loathe and destroy.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

In that, Rydia would have readily agreed had he voiced such a thought. She, too, disliked the lack of direct threat, of the fact that they were brought here without any apparent reason. What was the point? Yet, the natives were no closer to any answers than they were.

"There must be something we haven't thought of, yet. Maybe the answers aren't even on the Mist Continent, though the Outer Continent didn't seem to yield that much, either. More locations drawn from other worlds, though they at least had their people brought with them. I wonder why them, and not Mysidia. Or if there is even a reason at all."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

"I wonder." Kain couldn't see any reason behind it, either. Just because there was no immediate threat didn't mean he wouldn't be wary of one, though. It would do no good to become too comfortable and be taken by surprise.

But when and if they could find those answers, Kain would be ready to return home and resume his penance on Mount Ordeals. It didn't seem right to him to have such an extended break from that. "...Perhaps we'll have to explore further areas of the world to find those answers."

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

"And it's something to do. I don't know about you, but I can't really get into the idea of settling anywhere here. It's not that I dislike Gaia, but...it's not home." Rydia shrugged, at that. Had Madain Sari been more than a ruin, perhaps she would have at least thought to settle there. But it wasn't and while Alexandria was pleasant enough, she wasn't interested in forming any special ties to it.

"Well, that was one odd thing; the mist that covers this continent covers the other as well, but it's less than it is here. I saw also a very large tree from which mist was coming forth. I'm not sure what if any connection the mist might have to all this...but it might be worth another visit."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain nodded, agreeing with that sentiment. He was much too connected to Baron to give it up entirely. Even with his self-imposed exile, he still had full intentions of returning there. Someday.

His expression grew thoughtful. The mist seemed a mystery in itself... "Perhaps it holds some connection. There's nothing else here that's as promising... " But the question remained, how?

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

"Not yet, anyway. The local gossip has it that the mist only returned recently, started at or close to the time that Sky People arrived. I don't know if that means it caused this or is a byproduct or what, but it seems too coincidental to be ignored." Rydia frowned in thought, barely noticing the city enlarging on the horizon as they approached. "Part of the reason I came back was to see what other links there might be on this continent and why it's so much thicker here."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

"There must be good reason." Kain thought about that a little, but it was still just as much a mystery to him. He glanced at the city ahead and wondered whether or not Golbez was in the vicinity. Even if he was, he could surely still be avoided... "If a reason for the mist can be found, perhaps it will also provide us with a means to return home... eventually. But I doubt it will prove so simple."

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

At that, the summoner nodded with a wry smile. "When is it ever simple? If it was, we wouldn't have been here this long. But, we'll manage. I know we will."

She fell silent, then gave in to testing the waters with her next comment. "I'm going to see our homeworld newcomer soon."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

They had no choice but to manage. As much as Kain would have it otherwise, and be back home in solitary training...

He slowed pace, nearly stopping altogether when Rydia brought up the subject he'd been avoiding. A startled expression passed across his face, before returning to his usual deliberate calm. "...Oh." He seemed not to want to say anything else, lapsing into silence a moment. "Alone?" ...No, what was he thinking? Golbez wasn't the dominating, evil figure he'd been controlled by. Not anymore. Even so... it gave him a hint of unease to think of Rydia seeking him out on her own.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Rydia nodded, raising an eyebrow. "Well, I didn't think I'd get anyone to go with me. Cecil's probably brooding in Treno with Rosa and the twins are skittish." And Edge...was Edge, who was actually pretty indifferent to Golbez's arrival. "Don't tell me you're interested in volunteering?"

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

She was right, of course, that it seemed unlikely she'd convince the others to come. Well... someone probably had to explain things to the... new arrival. But still. Kain wouldn't mind ignoring his presence all together.

"...I'll pass on that opportunity." He frowned deeply. "If you encounter any trouble..."

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

"If you'll be nearby, I'm sure you'll find out." Rydia shook her head, doubting that she would have any trouble from Golbez, but on the off-chance that she was wrong, Cecil's brother was highly skilled in black magic. Likely, any hostilities would devastate the surrounding area.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

"Right, well... be cautious. People don't always arrive from the same points in time. What if he's from a time... earlier... than expected?" But it was a very unlikely possibility. Kain knew he would have found out right away if Golbez was from some time when possessed. No doubt he would have called out to him and commanded him to his side were that the case. "...Your judgment is sound, though. I'll trust it."

Would he ever trust Golbez? He wasn't sure. He'd certainly take Cecil and everyone else's opinions into consideration, but it would be hard to move past a lot of things. All of this was just making him frustrated again, and another several rounds of monster slaying might be in order.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Kain had a legitimate point and Rydia looked thoughtful. "He could be...but would Zemus be powerful enough to maintain that kind of control from another world? Golbez certainly didn't talk the same way he did while Zemus had a hold over him. Besides...either way, we'd need to know. And thank you."

She smiled, pleased that Kain trusted her judgment enough. He of all people should know that she didn't trust blindly, and she didn't know. If Golbez didn't behave as she thought he should, she would leave--and warn everyone. Her gut instinct told her that wouldn't be the case, though.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain nodded, still less than in a good mood, but not about to get into the details with Rydia. The last he wanted was to change her mind on his behalf. She didn't hold the same grudges against Golbez that he did, after all... and rightly so. He'd never controlled her...

"Better you find out, in that case." He hesitated, adding, "...Regardless of what happens... I don't believe I'll want to willingly meet with him anytime soon. If ever."

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Rydia nodded. "I don't expect you to...and if I'm right about him, he wouldn't either. Gaia should be big enough for the both of you, especially if there's no dire external threat at work." If there was...well, the summoner thought they'd just have to deal, somehow. Teamwork was more important than issues, at least if they wanted to stay alive.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

It should be, she was right about that much. Kain would just have to continue to remain well away from wherever Golbez was. It shouldn't be too hard. He didn't even want to consider ever needing to work closely together with him. "Fine, then... Good luck with that."