genessia | [Action Prompts]

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[The bakery is missing one of its bakers. Whether Shinjiro and Arelen continue to work there or leave it closed, Orihime doesn't really notice. In her mind, she never worked there, and she barely knows it exists save that she passed it on the streets a few times. All she knows is that she needs to keep her head down, and not draw attention to herself.]

[As such, she's difficult to spot in the week to come. Most of her time she stays in the cheapest hotel room she can find, whether that's at the Amagi Inn or some run down place in Attleton. She's trying to make her money last as long as possible, and that means making her budget as elastic as possible. Cheap microwave meals, day-old bread, discounted food ready to expire, whatever saves her the most! She knows she'll have to get a job soon, but that's the tricky part. So far, the only employment she can think of that would ensure she doesn't encounter many people is a janitor. It looks like work she could do well, at least, and it doesn't pay too poorly.]

[For the most part, she's okay with avoiding connections with people beyond very light and unavoidable small talk. But if Aizen were to come to this world, or one of those loyal to him, then the last thing she would want is for it to be discovered that she has friends that can be threatened, hurt, or even killed to ensure she retains her obedience. And if she heals without permission? The lingering traces of her reiatsu would surely be a death sentence for anyone she pitied enough to erase their wounds. The only time she'd ever risk the use of her powers without Aizen's direct orders would be if the person was going to die anyway.]

[So far, no one appears to have been lethally wounded. She can get by. She just has to keep out of sight and out of mind.]

[Head down, don't draw attention.]

[And whatever she does, don't let herself be attacked, or she really will have to use her powers to kill.]

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[it hadn't even been a day since Cloud was back on the streets, trying to stubbornly hunt down the blonde huntress he'd made allies with. he walked tall, but despite the brave front, his body was still in fairly rough shape. he had to be careful when flinching, not wanting to open up any of those injuries of his. his head was pounding from the blows he'd received, his shoulder still sore from being dislocated and him having to pop it back in himself.

and yet he steeled himself all the same, not faltering for a moment on his feet. he had to find her and find out what happened to her. he had to get his swords back; if she still even had them. why did he feel so weak without them? maybe his emotions were just all over the place right now, torn between people helping him and making life harder for him...]

...??

[Cloud's thoughts must have weighed him down more than he would have cared to admit as he accidentally bumped into a young girl having crossed his path. enough so that he felt himself spin around from the impact. geez, just what was getting into him?]

Ah- [his arm reeled back slightly, causing it to flare up as he flinched with a wink of an eye, composing himself once more afterwards.] Sorry. I didn't see you there.

[Orihime's hands fly up defensively as she takes two quick steps back, her heart in her throat.]

Oh, that's probably a good thing...!

[Not being seen is a good thing? But now that he's looking at her, she can see the pain that's clearly etched on his face, and the familiar urge to do something about it springs right up despite all of her harsh lessons.]

...Are you going to the hospital? You don't look so good.

[he pauses at that, quirking his brow at her. that...wasn't exactly a normal way to respond to someone. he'd be okay with her being mad at him or giving him attitude for not watching where he was going. but...it was almost like she didn't want to be seen. like if she got caught, she'd be in serious trouble.

the blond can't help but watch her curiously.]

What...?

[that's when she asked him about his condition. ah, it was that noticeable, was it? he rubs the back of his head as he forcefully straightens up, fixing his posture. admittedly he wasn't the biggest fans of hospitals. any kind of medical/scientific facility, really. and considering what was happening to everyone around here? Cloud wasn't sure if he could trust one right now. and yet...]

I just... [quick. think of something. think of something. don't say you got mugged. think of a badass reason you got hurt!] ...fell down some stairs.

[...nice.]

[Those stairs must have grown a lot of punching arms on the way down. The mottled splotches on his skin mean there's probably a lot of internal bleeding, which is almost worse than if someone had gone after him with a sword fight.]

[She hates this. She could fix him so easily, it would only take a few minutes. But her reiatsu could linger with him for days afterward, and Aizen is strong enough to detect it. To use her power without his permission means Cloud would surely die. Granted, Aizen isn't here now, but this world can change that at any moment.]

...You're sure? I could at least make sure you get home safely.

[Cloud and sword fights went hand in hand. ... injuries from swords? he'd rather avoid that for a long time if he could help it. or forever. much as he liked to think the fighting was over, here he was forcing himself to look as strong as he could. his will drove him to do incredible things. and he'd get an answer out of Yang yet...]

Home? [his body was screaming at him to do just that. but if a random stranger was seeing right through him? he must have looked rough. he had nowhere to legitimately stay right now, no money to his name either. all he had was to lick his wounds at the temporary lodgings in Genessia City. he came here with a purpose though. he couldn't leave until he found her and...]

Ngh..

[he hesitates, feeling himself shrink despite the fact he was taller. should he really be out here? ...then again, should this girl be out here all by herself? if someone was going to come after him, what was stopping them from coming after her? great- now he was being paranoid. that was the first alarm in his head that told him that maybe he should listen.]

... ... you really don't mind?

[There's a quiet little smile at his response. Even if she can't heal him, she can shield him without consequences. That much, at least, won't linger on his person in any discernible way.]

Not one bit. I just wish I knew more about first aid.

[Maybe she'll go to the library tomorrow and see if there are any books on what to do for heavy bruising.]

At the very least I can make sure you get a decent night's rest. Where are you staying?

[hopefully it didn't have to come to that. he refused to be powerless in helping others anymore. which, the more he thought about it, meant he really did need to take the time to treat himself. if he had Materia, that is.]

I'll be alright. [a beat] I've been through worse.

Mm. I just got here a few days ago, so I'm back in Genessia City. ["Oh, that's probably a good thing...!"] ... thanks.

Edited 2017-12-07 17:19 (UTC)

I'll get you there. The free housing building, ne?

[She studies his arms for a moment. One definitely looks worse off than the other, so she ducks beneath his good arm to sling it around her shoulders and coax him to rest some of his weight on her, while her other arm circles his back protectively.]

I just wish I could do more than make sure you have a place to lie down. You're sure that's not too far for you to walk?

[his back straightens slightly as he has to resist stepping away. but just doing that made him nearly lose his footing as Orihime was quick to sling his good arm around her shoulders. he hesitated at first, staying on his own two feet and the weight of his own body, not wanting to burden her any more. it was both embarrassing and frustrating for him. he was all about getting help, but...

he'd make things right. and soon. he eventually relaxes against her, half supporting himself against her as the two began to walk. a sigh of defeat slips past the blond's lips but he can't deny that this piece of minor relief was good. it'd give him some time to regroup and collect his thoughts in case something happened to the two of them.]

Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference.

[even if she couldn't do more for him, everything had its significance in the world. from a smile to a helping hand... it all counted in the end. making sure not to drag her down in the slightest, his mind was a jumble of confusion. first this place kidnapped him, then he was told it wasn't so bad and proven that. then everyone's minds getting altered made him question it all... and now he was back here again, with a girl he didn't even know who was giving up her spare time ~~and safety~~ to tend to him.]

I appreciate it.

Don't worry about it. The people in this city...they're really nice. Just about any of them would do the same if they'd found you instead of me.

[IF SHE ONLY KNEW. Regardless, she steps forward, adjusting her pace to his so she doesn't push him too hard. She keeps a good hold on his wrist, and despite her slight build, she seems able to handle the weight of him without much trouble.]

[She moves him through the gateway and into Genessia City, casting her gaze left and right just to make sure there aren't any cars moving through the streets before they move on.]

What's your name?

........ .............. ........ yeah?

[he'll just leave at that. she was helping him, and he didn't want to be the one to correct her. that would also mean that he revealed he was a liar. but...she must have had some feeling there was more to his story than he let on. he'd have to really play up the part about the stairs whenever they reached any. Cloud's surprised by her steady stature, which almost bolsters his resolve to try and stand more upright. any attempt he made to try and stand up on his own, her hand upon his wrist kept him anchored there. silently complaining even now...

it was almost ridiculous, a little huff escaping him.]

I'm Cloud. What about you?

Ori--

[She stops herself, later than she would have liked. Honestly she should have considered a false name by now for occasions like this one. Making friends is dangerous...more for them than for her, but she knows how horribly it can hurt to lose them.]

It's...not that important.

[She smiles sheepishly up at him, apologetic, and then keeps her eyes on the sidewalk ahead.]

I don't want to be mean about it. But if my master shows up, I don't want him to question my loyalty if he thinks I value someone else more than him. So let's keep this a secret, okay? He's not here now, so it's fine. I'd definitely feel it if he did show up.

[he waits, ever so patiently when she nearly lets her name slip. Cloud might have been a more reserved individual than most, but if the time came to help someone...it'd be easier if he knew their name. not that it mattered, he'd still protect and fight for them anyways. but her lack of an answer raises his suspicions. as they walk, Orihime guiding them down the sidewalk, he alternates between watching the sidewalk with her and bringing his mako blue gaze down to the woman by his side.]

Ori....?

[it wasn't important. but just when Cloud was going to ask her why she was being so secretive, she went ahead and came out with it. this talk about a master and where her loyalties lied... whereas she was smiling up at him before, the blond she was supporting held a frown to his lips. he couldn't say that he approved, but before he could think to speak...what did he know? one instance, he thought he'd known who Yang was, only for someone who looked exactly like her to turn around the next time and brutalize him. he'd been told that his friends were here once before, warned not to try anything drastic least he incur the wrath of the authorities.]

Sounds like bad news.

[it was starting to feel like he was a prisoner in paradise. whoever this guy was that supposedly 'owned' her immediately rubbed him the wrong way. if she really didn't want to risk being caught/was loyal to this person, he would have been out limping through the streets of Fayren looking for trouble still.]

Then..if this is a secret... I'll keep your name one too. [despite his state, there was confidence in his eyes.]

Unless you're alright with me calling you... Ori?

[you wouldn't have been able to tell by his tone of voice, but it was meant more jokingly.]

[She smiles somewhat wryly up at him, then turns her head forward again.]

Orihime.

But I don't want him to know I made friends here. If you wouldn't mind, just don't call me anything. It's safer for you, ne?

[They only just met and she considers him a friend. Maybe she's just lonely. Or maybe it's just that easy for her to like someone enough that she'd call him a friend after a few minutes of conversation and hauling him to his home.]

All he'd have to do is look over the communicators to find out who I've talked to, or even who my neighbors are. So it's just...better, I guess, if he doesn't have anything like that. Just in case.

[Orihime... she'd literally just met him and she was already calling him a friend. despite her smile, there was something...sad in those eyes of hers. something that said to him that she'd already admitted some kind of defeat. and it all stemmed from this man she seemed to be so afraid of. if he found out, she kept saying... despite his injuries, something inside of him hurt for completely different reasons.]

Safer for me... Alright. [despite this, Cloud nods as they make their way down the street. they've got a little more time before they reach the common living space. but if she needed a break from carrying him, the blond didn't mind. until then? they'd keep going.]

This guy's a real piece of work.

[clear as day? Cloud didn't like him and he didn't even have a name.]

You're better off without people like that in your life.

[He's agreeing without arguments or questions, which Orihime appreciates if the brief little smile is any indication. If she's tired, she doesn't show it. The only time she stops is if Cloud seems like he needs a breather. She's a sturdy one, despite appearances.]

[Her smile fades at his first comment. Her gaze drops at his second. He's not outright asking her about the situation, but it seems pretty clear that he's probing for more information.]

...

[She's quiet for several minutes. It seems like she just won't speak about it at all. But, after they make it a few more blocks, she does speak.]

He's a god now. That's just the way it is.

[Even her powers can't undo what he's done.]

[he realizes that he's said something that's out of his element of knowing. whoever this guy was, seemed to be terrible for the world in more ways than one. and yet here she was, risking herself. if it weren't for the fact that he wanted to help her despite his condition, Cloud would have left her be so as to not risk her getting in further danger. but that also begged the question...

who was more at risk? the slave? or the people that she couldn't heal? he doesn't prod her on, the silence filling the chilled air as he can see his breath.

"He's a god now."]

...?

[that sounded like someone else he knew. someone who at least tried to become one... bad things kept happening to good people- yet he'd still keep fighting anyways. he's silent at that, merely sighing... in a way, it made him think. people that were brought here against their will... when that one girl who played video games told him that some people couldn't go back, was this why? was it because of people like Orihime who may have actually been safer here than back home?

if Cloud made a vow to help everyone find a way back home and escape from this place...

what was he sentencing some of them to?]

Well he's not here now. Until then, try not to live your life here being afraid. [he says as he neglects thinking about what if he wasn't alive back home]

The world could use more people like you.

I don't know about that, ha ha...! But thank you anyway.

[She's not a good person. If she were, she would have defied Aizen and taken her own life, or rebelled in some way that he couldn't discover, or taken the risk and just healed Cloud herself instead of letting him suffer like this.]

[But the consequences of those choices are so grave, she just can't make herself go through with it. At least if she obeys, she can still revive the loved ones of those who are loyal, and she has to keep that fact firmly in mind.]

Do you want me to get you something to eat from the store? I mean, I'll need to go get some bandages and stuff anyway, so if there's something you think you can keep down without getting nauseous, I wouldn't mind getting it for you.

[hearing her say that, despite thanking him... Cloud was out of his league. was this what happened in other worlds? just how serious were the threats out there? would he even be able to make a difference? ...the only way to find out was to try. but he hoped that this guy never showed up. for Orihime's sake and those she cared about.]

Thanks, but I'm alright. [it hadn't gone bad yet, but he really should have thrown out what was left of the bits and pieces of chinese food leftovers... at least Cloud went out and bought some soups. those were easy to make. he hadn't taken the time to get bandages though.] I've got a little bit left, but...

[a beat.] How much are things like bandages and stuff here?

[Cloud. let her do this, dang it.]

Oh, erm...I don't really know.

[She ducks her head a little guiltily.]

I've never really had to buy them for myself before.

[She just hopes he doesn't realize it's because she can heal herself, and thinks instead that she's just very careful or lucky to have never been hurt. The thought of having to explain why she can't just heal him is too awkward and uncomfortable. He might try to reassure her that it's all right and she should do it anyway, and she really couldn't make herself say no if he did. It's hard enough fighting the urge as it is!]

A-anyway, I make a pretty decent living for myself, so I don't mind buying it.

[Lies, but she wants to help somehow.]

Lucky you. [but,] You should always have some at home. Even scrapped knees a little something. [his inner 'look after the kids' talking right there.]

...alright. I'll make sure to pay you back.

Would you mind playing it forward instead?

[She smiles up at him sheepishly. In a sense, it would be helping her out a lot more. Besides, she'll be really hard to find once she leaves him, he's not supposed to contact her over the communicators or hang around her long enough that her reiatsu would imprint on his.]

I'll be careful. Don't worry. I'm actually really happy here, I'm just trying to play it safe.

[if she was happy to be here, she wouldn't have to live in fear of what could come. what was the old saying though? live in the moment? maybe people here dealt with that kind of life lesson differently. Cloud sure as heck wasn't doing any of that. he'd be a hypocrite if he told her to do the same.]

I get you. [he nods.] I'll pay it forward.

[even if paying it forward meant eventually helping her out in the future. if he saw her again after she left.]

Thanks. I mean it, thank you very much.

[It means someone else is keeping an eye on people, even when she can't. Especially when she can't.]

[Eventually they reach the Commons where Orihime helps him hobble inside. Thank goodness for elevators, she would have felt really bad taking him up the stairs.]

What's your room number?

Room number? Uhm, it's...

[it takes him a moment to remember (was he really that out of it? the closer Cloud came to his room, the more tired he suddenly felt.) what was happening to him...? the blond tries his best not to show it, but after sharing the number of the room ~~that the mun fails to remember because it's temporary~~, he opens the door for it. being a common guest room, it's rather empty. there was no possessions, the only signs of anything of his own being the leftover chinese food in the fridge if they ever opened it.

it was...kind of depressing in a way. how empty it felt. when Cloud figured out what he was going to do about his lack of weapons, he'd need to get out of here and move elsewhere.]

Thanks, Or...ah... Thank you.

[She keeps a firm grip on his good arm as she carefully eases his back down onto his bed. She blinks at him in puzzlement as he corrects his 'thank you.' For a second, it sounds as if he's making an alternative suggestion with the 'or'. Then she realizes he's refraining from using her name, and she smiles.]

You don't have to thank me.

[And he really shouldn't, because she should be doing more. She just can't justify the consequences being worth the risk.]

Get some sleep. I'll be right back with some painkillers and bandages, okay?

[he complies, albeit reluctantly as Orihime gently guides him back down onto his bed. the moment that his head hit his pillow, his bright mako-infused gaze looking up at her, the exhaustion finally settled in.

was this where he was in a world without Materia? in the back of his mind, he was already making a note for himself. once he re-armed himself, he'd just get up and try again. even if it felt like this world was making that harder and harder to do by the day sometimes. Cloud couldn't give up. even if it tired him out like he was here and now. he fights to keep his eyes open, if only long enough to know that this girl would be alright.

her situation still made his heart feel empty. so this was what Weiss was talking about... the power to change things here... at least by sheer force, was out of his reach. all he can do now is live in the moment that life gave to him. and trust in Orihime.]

S-Sure.

[though he lays there, he fights the urge to close his eyes, half-lidded and heavy until she got back.]

[Honestly, and she feels guilty for even thinking it, she kind of hopes that he'll be passed out by the time she returns. She can bandage his wounds, coax some pills down his throat, and be out the door before he wakes up again. It's just easier that way. Safer for him. Less heartbreaking for her.]

[When she returns, she's got the medical supplies she promised, along with a plastic tub of organic chicken soup (it was the only kind that didn't come in a can or otherwise require something she couldn't microwave), a carton of juice, and a box of saltine crackers.]

[Carefully she leans over his bedside to see if he's awake...]

[unfortunately (fortunately for her?) Cloud had overestimated himself and the damage he took. in time he'd heal up if his own body's enhancements had anything to say about it. but for now, he hadn't rested since that night in the alleyway. it happened a minute before Orihime even returned to him.

but his eyes were closed now, his head rolled to the side as he was practically dead weight now until he woke up.

this girl... the guy who kept her imprisoned and kept her fearing for the safety of those around her...

he wasn't sure if he'd sleep well, but his body needed this.]

[She listens to his breathing, and even opens her spiritual senses to make sure he isn't too close to the verge of death. He's hurt, but not in danger of dying as far as she can tell.]

[Using the light of the street lamps filtering through the window, Orihime uncaps the ointment for bruises and very carefully, very gently, rubs it over the darker patches of his skin. He hasn't started to purple yet, but he will eventually. She applies band-aids to his smaller cuts, but doesn't see any really deep gashes that require bandages.]

[So most of the damage is internal. If she just used a little of her power to set his bones at least...]

[Her hand rises. Falls. It's just too dangerous. As long as he isn't dying, she shouldn't risk it. How many times does she have to keep reminding herself? She really is useless.]

[When there's nothing more she can do, she stands to her feet and sighs.]

Sleep well. I hope you feel better when you wake up.

[It had been a while since he'd bumped into that girl, but it was hard to miss just how changed she was--and not quite in the sideways manner of most people who seemed different. She seemed oppressed, almost, or at least dreadfully out of sorts. The Doctor had brightened at first, since she'd been so pleasant to chat with, before, and although concerned, he kept that to himself, maintaining just a chummy, slightly playful smile as he strolled up alongside as she was eyeing some discount-bin bread.]

Hello, sorry, I know it's been a while, had a lot to worry about with my friends. ...not sure I've exactly got less, now, but never mind that, how've you been, that is, if you remember, sorry, it has been some time, just, well, I've been told I make an impression.

[Her reaction is fairly similar to their first meeting. All she seems able to do is stare like a deer caught in the headlights, hand halfway toward a loaf of wheat bread that's ready to expire soon. All thoughts of making it last longer by freezing some and refrigerating the rest vanish as this man appears and starts rambling so rapidly at her with scarcely a pause.]

[She isn't sure what to make of it.]

[And she doesn't remember running into him before, either.]

Er...

[She looks at the bread, then at the Doctor, uncertain.]

I hope your friends give you less to worry about?

Sorry?

[He's honestly already sort of forgotten he'd even brought that up.]

...oh, yes, quite right, a kind thought's always appreciated, it's fine, though, actually, I was wondering how things are with you, if y'don't mind my asking.

[He doesn't make any direct comment, but he does glance at that bread she's paused halfway reaching toward.]

Making croutons?

Ha ha! It's not that old.

[She'd be more worried about the bread going moldy than stale, and if she stuffs it in the mini-fridge, she won't have to worry about either option. Besides, it's not like loaves of bread last that long around her, she's made meals of them many times before.]

[And now she has her bread, and a tin of sweet bean paste she probably shouldn't be splurging on, but she's nostalgic for it anyway.]

I'm okay. How are you?

[Did they meet before? Is her memory really that bad? No no, she's sure she would have remembered. Maybe he's just the sort of person who randomly fusses at complete strangers who like buying discounted groceries.]

Oh, well, you know. Friends near at hand, and a mystery or two, can't be all bad. Ooh, what's this, though?

[He goes to check out the sweet bean paste, though, inspecting it.]

Sweet bean paste, ha, beans that're sweet.

[He glances up, flashing a grin, then back to the can.]

Ohh, girl after my own hearts, this something you have a lot, then? I'd have thought you'd go for the fresher bread, although, not my place to criticize anyone's tastes, of course, I mean, someone invented cheese, after all.

But this one is a lot cheaper! So it's a good deal. Besides, most bread isn't sold the same day it's made, so really it's not that bad.

[She offers up one of the tins of sweet bean paste since he seems to like them so much. The only way he'll get to try one is to buy a can for himself, after all.]

...Your hearts?

[Orihime hadn't misheard, had she? It sounded as if he had definitely said 'hearts' as in 'more than one heart.']

...can't say I've seen anyone get that excited about not-all-that-that-fresh-but-still-a-bit-so bread, but as y'like, I suppose.

[The Doctor rolls his eyes a little. He doesn't get it, but there's a lot about people he doesn't always get. He's busily inspecting the tin curiously when she asks that question, and he glances up, looking somewhere between puzzled and amused by it.]

Whot? Yeah, you know... like "cross my hearts and hope to die."

[He raises his hands to gesture an X across both sides of his chest simultaneously.]

Or I Left My Hearts in San Francisco.

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