[Closed]

[a_royal_flush]

Characters: Shibuya Yuuri + Teresa
Location: Finland
Rating: G
Time: Feb 7th
Description: Teresa and Yuuri head back out to Finland in an attempt to take out the Kishin Egg they'd been forced to retreat from weeks before.

They had been lucky this time, and not as rash as they'd been their previous visit to the area. Instead of taking on their target head-on, the pair had been far more cautious. It had taken them a little time to discover one of the Kishin Eggs that had chased them the last time, and despite Yuuri's attempt to head in there and stop the threat, they'd sat back an observed as Teresa had suggested.

The patience had paid off, and soon enough the paid had gone in to take the Kishin Egg out once they'd determined that there were no others around in hiding. It hadn't been too difficult for them, thankfully, and Teresa narrowly dodged a number of serious attacks before eventually defeating the Kishin Egg. Glad that there was nothing else in the area that could hurt either of them (especially threaten Teresa), Yuuri transformed himself out of his Weapon form before stretching up above his head to pop his back.

"Aaa that's much better," he contently muttered before swinging his arms around to loosen the muscles. Reaching out to take the soul, he glanced back around to peer up at Teresa with a smile. "It was much easier this time without all the other ones around."

Comments

[a_royal_flush]

Yuuri had the graces of looking sheepish at Teresa's reply. He knew that he was brash even at the best of times, and he couldn't help but rush into many situations especially if someone's life was put at risk. It was just a natural reaction for him, but it was also something that he'd been trying to get better at over time.

"Aaaa you're right about that," he muttered while rubbing at the back of his head sheepishly. Nodding his head at her question, he peered up at her with a large smile. "I'm fine! You didn't get hurt anywhere, did you?"

[of_the_faint_smile]

She couldn't help but admire his tenacity, even if she would wish he could use his head a little more. Still, nothing held him back from rescuing someone, a fact that wasn't lost on her. She could learn plenty from him after coldly turning her back on the humans for years and years. Heck, she turned her back on other warriors of the Organization just as much.

"No, it seems impossible in a fight like that to sustain an injury, but thank you for inquiring," she replied, nodding her head. She looked off through the trees, aware that he was to gain the biggest reward in the form of that soul. She was always curious about him having to consume it though.

[a_royal_flush]

There was definitely a sense of relief felt within that she hadn't been hurt. He didn't remember a moment where she had been, but the young Maou always liked to make sure. While he was getting over all of his earlier problems, they still lingered there, especially after the heat of the moment when he'd stopped and had time to think.

"You're welcome, Teresa," he said with a fond smile before he found her attention elsewhere. Without it on her, he shifted awkwardly for a moment before half-turning the other way so then he could eat the soul. It tasted like nothing, as it always did, but he could feel the instant reaction it had with his body as there was a subtle power shift. Once that had settled down, he blinked once before grinning and brushing his hands. "Right! Should we start heading back?"

[of_the_faint_smile]

While her attention appeared to be elsewhere, she watched him turn away silently. He consumed the odd little soul, and she observed without curiosity on what it tasted like or what it did for him. She knew it made him powerful, but she always stood ready to act if any manner of odd transformation began as a result. She couldn't trust eating something of the monsters that they killed, but aside from awkward, he appeared fine with it.

"We can if you wish," she murmured softly. Her eyes shifted towards the forest, aware that there were more out there that they could destroy, but she knew better now. Her limits were a little more recognizable to her. "Perhaps I shall accompany you to the clinic today. You have been busy there since the attacks."

[a_royal_flush]

He didn't want to start heading back if she wasn't ready for it, and was more than happy to do whatever she wanted to do. Yet when she gave her soft consent, he nodded with a large smile on his face - the young Maou obviously happy with her decision. "Sure!" Yuuri said in response before he turned to begin walking off.

Yuuri paused mid-step, however, when she spoke about accompanying him to the clinic. Blinking in surprise, her glanced around to peer back up with her as he asked, "You want to come to the clinic with me?"

[of_the_faint_smile]

She had no need to remain in a forest where there wasn't an opportunity to destroy the enemy. This wasn't one of those towns or places where Yuuri could babble to her about all the items and destinations she knew nothing about. She had spent her life in solitude in forests, so this had already lost its appeal, especially with the continued danger to the area.

Watching Yuuri, it was easy to tell what his reaction was. He was much too animated and entertaining that way. She hadn't yet decided to see if she could make him cry, since she enjoyed his awkwardness more. "You have been spending considerable time there. I won't get in the way, and I can assist if you so need?"

[a_royal_flush]

He had never thought that she'd be interested in that sort of thing, and the thought that she wanted to spend more time with him brought the brightest smile to his face. There was no doubt to anyone that he was happy about this prospect, and as she asked him that question, the young Maou's enthusiasm showed clearly through as he took a step in towards her and peered up with happily shining eyes.

"I would like that a lot!" Yuuri said with a grin that was hard to wipe off of his face. He couldn't help but feel genuinely happy that she wanted to spend such quality time with him. It was a feeling that he hadn't felt since Conrad, and while he hadn't fully placed that thought yet, the entire concept still warmed his heart.

"Also, I'm sorry that I've been spending so much time there," he murmured as his expression softened. Had he been neglecting Teresa?

[of_the_faint_smile]

His smile was entirely contagious given that she spent a considerable amount of her time with a small smile on her lips, but the expression on her face softened some because of his honesty. It was strange that she felt so content when she made him happy. She had only receive such a feeling when she was with Clare, and she was satisfied to have it again here.

"Very well," she murmured in reply. She had been to the strange clinic place before, though it apparently was a little more full since she had been there. War made victims. "You've no need to apologize. You are required for your duty and that's important."

Besides, she was capable of entertaining herself in his absence, which usually meant sitting in the forested area. The park was the closest thing to a residence she had, though Yuuri's apartment was a close second.

[a_royal_flush]

He always did like to see her smile, especially when Teresa's face softened in the way that it did around him. In some ways, it made him feel a little selfish since he felt that she was giving him so much, but he wondered if he was doing the same to Teresa in return. Yuuri definitely hoped that he was, and vowed that either way he would do whatever he could to make her as happy as he was.

"Have you done much bandaging and stuff in your world?" Yuuri found himself asking as he began to head out of the area so they could begin their return to the mirror. Nodding his head at her words, the smile never once left his face. "You're always so understanding. Thank you, Teresa."

[of_the_faint_smile]

She had noticed that he seemed a little more chipper since she had dumped him off the side of his apartment. Perhaps he had required a good jarring to get him back on track, or perhaps he just needed something stable to motivate him do missions and save people. She suspected that their new arrangement made him happy.

"No, I had no need for such things. I rarely was injured and those I received were superficial and healed rapidly," she murmured simply. She followed along back the way that they had come, aware she would be of little help for what he did. "I understand the need to fulfill one's duties. You must do what you've taken on."

[a_royal_flush]

"Did you have healing magic in your world as well?" Yuuri couldn't help but ask as they began their trek back to the mirror. It would take them a short while to get back, and he would protect her the entire way, but he also didn't mind either since they got to spend more time together.

He nodded his head again with an agreement sound when she understood his position. "Mmm yeah, that's right." From what he remembered of her world, she had been in a similar situation when it came to her duties. "I can take whatever time off as well if you ever just want to hang out as well. You're just as important to me."

[of_the_faint_smile]

"No, we have no such thing as 'magic'," she replied simply, not entirely familiar with the word itself before coming here. Even now, she had trouble grasping the concept, but she accepted that people experienced it. "Healing comes from within for warriors like myself. We concentrate on regenerating and use the energy called youki to knit up wounds. Some of us are too skilled to be injured unless we feel it is worth our while."

Teresa was not interested in taking him away from the duties that he had taken up, since she knew they were important to him. He always seemed much happier after a day helping people, so she would never interfere with that. "No, your position in that healing house is more important. I will come and keep out of the way while you work and aid you as needed."

[a_royal_flush]

Now that she mentioned it, he remembered that she had one said that when they'd first met and begun talking to each other. That reminder made him feel a little sheepish, but when she began speaking of their youki energy, and how some of them were too skilled to be injured, Yuuri was once again left hanging on her every word. "Ooowaaah, and were you one of those?" He could totally believe that she was after everything he'd seen!

His expression softened when she'd mentioned that, and he turned his attention away happily. Yuuri was more than happy to spend as much time with Teresa as possible, and felt far more comforted than even he would have thought at the concept of them being close.

[of_the_faint_smile]

Teresa chuckled softly under her breath at his enthusiasm as they walked through the forest back towards the mirror. He always seemed so eager to hear about how good she was in combat, especially compared to others. "I suppose I was. There were a few others, but they weren't as good as I was."

She followed a step behind him, listening for sounds that they may encounter more Kishin eggs in the area. Aside from them, the forest appeared peaceful. "Are you doing alright now that your friend has been returned home again?"

[a_royal_flush]

He always wished that he was good at sword fighting, but Yuuri knew that would never happen. The young Maou had been getting better at it though, but there was no way that he could ever be as good as Conrad or the others. That was okay by him though, so long as he still got to be around those he cared about so that he could protect them.

"I can't even begin to imagine how good you were back home," he said with all honesty. Yuuri was sure that no matter how much he tried, that he'd never give her true abilities any justice, but he didn't mind too much about that. Instead he grinned back up at her curiously. "How many are there?"

Yuuri was as carefree as ever as they continued their trek back. Unlike Teresa, he didn't even think to pay any real attention to their surroundings as he happily chatted away. "Huh? You mean Wolfram?" He asked before smiling sheepishly to cover up part of the sadness he felt. "Aaa it always takes a little while to adjust, but I'm happy to know that he's home safely again."

[of_the_faint_smile]

Teresa had always been good at combat when she had been sold to the Organization. She had been taught well enough, though she disliked the situation, but it was that or die. She hadn't had anything to live for, but there had been no benefit in dying either, so she had climbed up the ranks and mastered herself and those around her without fail.

"I was the best," she said simply, not about to butter it up. "No one could best me until that little girl came around, but I could have killed her but chose not to." It was her mistake, but her time as Rank 1 was over no matter what she had decided. "Depends. Our ranks are fourty-six warriors, but mortality rates are high so they are constantly being replaced."

She followed him without caring that his own attentions were elsewhere. She was good enough to protect them both, and that was just fine by her. "It must be difficult that he is gone now. Your apartment was for you and him, correct?"

[a_royal_flush]

He couldn't help but hang off of every word she spoke as they continued to head back. Yuuri always found other worlds so fascinating, and it was something he was intrigued about more when it came to those closest to him here. He knew that she was speaking of Clare, since they had spoken about her a few times in the past. Yet when she mentioned the high mortality rate, he felt his heart clench at the thought as he glanced down.

"It must be hard," Yuuri softly murmured in return. If he could, he would have gone to her world in order to prevent any further bloodshed, but realistically the young Maou knew that it would never happen.

"Well I picked it out for myself, and he kind of just moved in with me," he said even if he had known, half-wanted, that Wolfram would have gone with him. Yuuri wouldn't deny that things have been a lot quieter without the blonde Mazoku around, but he was just happy that Wolfram was back in Shin Makoku looking after their daughter. "Wolfram isn't the first one from my world to disappear."

Yuuri hoped that he would be the last thought. While he tried to put on a brave face, it always hurt him whenever they disappeared.

[of_the_faint_smile]

She had never found the loss of other warriors particularly difficult to deal with, since she had never been close to any of them. In fact, it had been her sword that had struck blows on those who had gone out of control, even removing the former number 1, Rosemary after awakening. She had never felt bad or wrong either.

"No, when a warrior attained a high enough rank, they became feared and formed few bonds with others. I never found it hard to do my duty even as it isolated me," she murmured softly, even though she knew that Yuuri would be able to hear. "I was the strongest in many generations, and my fall was no due to a lack of skill on my part but the thawing of my heart."

She knew that he took the loss of his friends very hard, but he seemed to have coped with Wolfram well enough. She thought that he might be lonely in such a large place for himself, but she had no say in where he chose to live. "He wanted to protect you, it seems. Is there anyone else from your world left?"

[a_royal_flush]

He wondered if it was similar to the way that Conrad was feared... or how he was because of his title back in Shin Makoku, but it was because of that fear that Yuuri tried to do everything he could to show that he was nothing to be feared. Yet when she said that she'd been defeated in such a way.

His reaction was instant, and the young Maou stopped walking as he turned to face Teresa. Reaching out to take her hands in his, he peered up at her with an expression mixed with determination and honesty as he said, "Don't ever think that you're weak because of such a thing."

With his hands still holding hers, he sighed softly as she spoke. Shaking his head lightly, he peered back up as he forced down the feelings he had for Wolfram's departure. "There's still Sara, but everyone else has gone back home."

[of_the_faint_smile]

Teresa came to a stop when Yuuri did, looking to him for indication that there was something wrong with the current situation. She stilled when he took her hand, and his expression along with his words caused her expression to soften again.

"I was weak," she replied softly. "However, I was happy, and that counts for far more than the rank and fear I had attained." She knew there was only one who might have picked up on it, but no doubt even Irene was dead. Nothing could have stopped that monster after it had awakened.

She shifted her footing at his words, nodding her head. "I will remain as close as you need during such a troubling time of adjustment."

[a_royal_flush]

"No, I don't think that you were weak at all. You stood up for what you honestly believed in no matter the outcome, and it takes a strong person to do that," Yuuri honestly said. It was something he believed in with his entire heart, and that much showed in the tone and expression he wore. The fact that Teresa was happy was more important to Yuuri than anything else as well. His smile brightened at her words about happiness, and he in turn was overjoyed by the fact that she thought of it in such a way.

Offering a fond squeeze to her hands at her words, Yuuri couldn't help but find himself saying, "Thank you, but I'd hope that you'd want to remain close regardless of how I'm feeling right now."

[of_the_faint_smile]

She had found a reason to keep on living, which had been an extreme change from her previous arrangements with the Organization. It had also been the first time that she had ever lost control of herself, an experience she had found very interesting and daunting. "All I wanted was to protect Clare and give her a chance to live."

Tilting her head to the side, she gave his hand a gentle squeeze in return to offer what she could in support. "I have no reason to leave you behind no matter how you are feeling."

[a_royal_flush]

His gaze remained fixated on her, and there was no doubt within his mind to just how important Clare was to her. Some part of him wished that he could meet her, because if Teresa cared about her this much, then she had to be an amazing person. That was what he believed, and he was torn with the thought of wanting to meet her, and not wanting her to be trapped here like the rest of them were as well.

"And you gave her that chance. Not many people are able to do that for the people they care about," Yuuri softly murmured with a smile.

The returned squeeze was entirely unexpected, but it warmed him with the knowledge that she would be there for him as much as he wanted to be there for her. All of the guilt and sadness he'd developed over Yuna's silence seemed to fade at her words, and for once, Yuuri couldn't think of anything to say.

Stupid eyes, he thought when they began to blur his vision as moisture tried to gather within them. Looking away, he moved to release her hands so then he could wipe at his eyes with his sleeve. "We should head back," Yuuri muttered a moment later.

[of_the_faint_smile]

She didn't have it within her to confess that Clare was dead, not again. She had avoided thinking about it because it made her heart hurt, which had never happened before. She had always known that a monster like her was a poor substitute for human companionship, but Clare had insisted and then gotten herself into trouble in that village.

"I had nothing else to live for," she replied simply, shaking her head a little.

Tilting her head to the side at the watery look to his eyes, she wondered if she had upset him. She wasn't all that good at being supportive, and she knew she was even worse at being a team player. Irene had once tried, but she was too independent. She wanted to be alone because being close to anyone was only looking for more pain.

She let him go, remaining silent even as her eyes drifted to make certain that their position was still safe. "Yes, that seems reasonable. We have what we came for after all."

[a_royal_flush]

Yuuri paused when she admitted that to him, and he felt his heart clench at the thought. He hoped that didn't mean that something had happened to Clare, and just that maybe she felt that way because she was here while everyone else she knew was back in her own world.

"Teresa..." he trailed off in the next moment as he glanced at her with both sympathy and concern. "Maybe you'll find something to live for here?" Yuuri didn't want her to think that there could never be anything special in her life again, and he wondered if maybe all she needed was for someone to show her?

Making his way through the forest, he partially glanced back to regard Teresa when he'd regained control over his emotions. "Mmm that's right. We can head back and grab something to eat."

[of_the_faint_smile]

Teresa hadn't thought much about finding a reason to live here. She didn't really understand this world to begin with, but she had been drawn here as a request for help. While she still didn't like humans all that much, she had skills which were of no use to anyone if she didn't use them. Her inability to just walk away limited what she could do, and the battles that she fought were interesting enough.

"Perhaps in time, but until then, I use what skills I have," she remarked with a small shrug of her shoulders. If BREW could bring her here, who was to say it wouldn't drag other warriors?

Nodding her head, she didn't mind going back and watching him eat. She wasn't certain if it was worth eating given how little it was indicated "And then you will head to the clinic after that?"

[a_royal_flush]

He nodded his head at that. Yuuri would be fully supportive of Teresa's decisions, and would remain by her side no matter what she did... well... unless that was hurting the innocent, but he knew that she'd never do that without reason.

"We'll see what time we get back. I might just go to bed if it's too late," Yuuri said as he continued walking. He was starting to get a little tired, and he didn't want to risk making any type of mistake at the clinic.

[of_the_faint_smile]

She glanced up at the sky from between the branches of the trees. It didn't seem so late here, but they were apparently in a different aspect of the world entirely. It was probably close to night given how long they had spent out here.

No matter his decision, she would make the appropriate arrangements for her time. "Do as you please," she murmured as she continued to follow him.

[a_royal_flush]

Yuuri didn't say anything further, but simply continued to walk through the forest while humming happily to himself. There was still quite a distance for them to travel until they got to the mirror, but he was more than happy to spend this time with her. After all, he had to think up of other ways to try and show her that she can find new things that were worth living for here.

It was with that in mind that the young Maou continued on.