human
Aiko
Long, flowing blonde locks fell against a lone figure's back. She was running .. and with damn good reasons. Nothing but light pants and her heart race were immediately heard from herself. All the same, she could hear a few screams and shouts -- all closer than she would have begun to like hearing. An annoyed scoff passed her lips as her head shook in annoyance."Goddamnit, Aiko. Look what you've gotten yourself into now, hm?"She teased softly. Even with the dire situation, she was trying to keep her spirits up somewhat.
But the second all hope and her will to continue running dwindled, shewouldbe captured and executed in public. There was little to no question on the matter and few alternatives that she could think of happening to her. None, though, were at all merciful and made shivers trail down her spine.
The beorc rogue had the fortune - misfortune it almost seemed like - of overhearing quite the conspiracy. She'd been heading into the castle to report back, having recently returned from a mission she'd been sent to finish up. Recon, they'd said. But now that she began to think back on it, there had been much more to that assignment. In fact, it was meant to aid out with what she'd discovered; a hunt. But what had seemed the most childish was the reason for this having been initiated. Enough radicals were infuriated the goddess had been put back to sleep, thus ending all the violence and wars that had been occurring prior to this.
But not just any 'hunt'. No no. It was one for Branded mainly, though Laguz weren't safe either. And while she didn't know either personally, there was something very amiss and wrong about being associated with such an act. And so .. she turned on her heels and had been running off and away.
How long she'd been sprinting by now .. was beyond her. It felt like days but that definitely wasn't the case. It hadn't even been a full one yet. But her legs ached as if that were true. Still, she pushed herself, forced her body to keep moving. Aside from willpower, the desire to not only live but a very cruel and real reminder of what could andwouldhappen fueled her body on.
'Mercy' wasn't a word that existed much, if at all, in Begnion's dictionary. They'd shownthattime and time again. Now that she had officially become a traitor against them, it was all the more worse for her. Any chance of that was gone the second she turned and ran.
Aiko had no regrets of her actions; just that it'd come down to this. To have had to chosen between her hometown or the safety of others ... who'd have thought such a day would come? Certainly not herself. But now, that didn't matter. The hunt was on and despite her not being a Laguz or Branded, she was still going to be sought out and used as an example all the same.
gpt
Sabin
Sabin's ear twitched under the headband he wore too protect his identity. His tail was hidden as well under his long jacket he was partly admiring the city, even if it was a human city. He was approaching the edge of Sienne Stopping he let a slow yawn out of his mouth showing his more sharpened cat like fangs before quickly closing them and making sure he wasn't seen by anyone. It wasn't that the Laguz felt threatened being in a human city, it was that he simply didn't want the trouble. Ever since the last two wars had turned the land upside he had to recognize that his race wasn't exactly safe outside of the lands of galia. That said there were supplies that one could only get in human lands, and that was what the laguz was after. Even if he did have to risk exposure to the lesser race. Even as he walked around the outskirts of the town he didn't really feel safe, and when he heard the commotion he was almost sure he didn't feel safe anymore.
It started with just a small propaganda poster, at first he thought that it had been a relic from the last war, some people collected that type of thing, but it looked too fresh, the ink on it was certainly to new. It was a wanted poster, but instead of having a single name it just said branded or laguz reward for capture. His eye twitched as he passed it. That kind of sign was just the first bad omen he had seen in this town. The second was when the guards were rallying, and he saw for the first time a young woman, human apparently as she ran as hard as she could from the city guards. it honestly didn't take him much to figure out why she was being chased, with some of the guards practically screaming to get the half breed it didn't take a massive leap in logic to figure it out. The city guards were trying to purge the area... of him... great.
Sabin watched with an intense glow in his eyes, as she ran the streets were crowded but she stuck out like a sore thumb, if he was fast enough. He moved to a smaller ally way, keeping ahead of her and the crowed. and when she was just about to pass him, he jumped grabbing her arm twisting it and pulling her into his grip. Placing a hand over her mouth as he hid turned his back to the entrance way. The long cape he wore hid his back and for all anyone knew they could have just been some young couple making out in a back alleyway where no one could see them. Of course he didn't expect the gaurds to be fooled by this, but he did expect most of them to pass her by. they had been far enough away that they had been starting to lose sight of her so who knew.
His strength was enough to hold her, he was a cat after all, a laguz built with strength, and speed in mind."Be quiet if you want to live."He said lightly still holding her against her will, but removing the hand from her mouth, she didn't smell like a branded and he couldn't see a noticable mark on her, but then again he had never met a half breed before."What's your name half breed."
human
Aiko
Aiko's heart damn well nearly stopped as she felt herself grasped and guided back into an alleyway. But then the thought of Begnion hiring other rogues sounded ... wrong, amiss. They preferred the more direct routes so .. who the hell was this? Sure enough, the voice was far too young to match a Begnion soldier. An inward sigh echoed in her mind. From that, at least, she was safe. But ... who was she with now? Her eyes blinked and it took quite a bit of her willpower to keep from snickering aloud."Me? Half-breed? I'm not a Branded. I'm just a Beorc; a rebellious one, perhaps, but still one all the same."
Her eyes glanced out past the alley and into the streets. Thus far, it appeared they were safe and kept hidden away. But how long would that remain? Not as much as she'd prefer, Aiko doubted. At least this ... person was taking the 'walk and talk at the same time' approach, it'd make things go a bit smoother. But his thoughts matched her own; even in the crowd, she would stand out. After all, shewasthe one the guards were seeking out. They'd have to be blind to miss seeing her. During this 'walk and talk' session, Aiko tried to quickly contemplate. True, it wasn't exactly her whom would and could call the shots right now, not with her good arm especially in a hammerlock. But the real question repeated in her mind; was this someone she wanted to begin to reveal her information to or not? Even a simple mistake like that could very well cost her in the long run.
"Before I give my name, however, I want to at least know one thing. Whose side are you on; the hunters or the hunted? Because if it's any consolation, I'm actually trying to assist the latter. And if you're not on that side, no sense in replying to that. Until then .... I'm but a rebel and now traitor to Begnion. Not much more nor less. Finally, where in the hell do you intend to escort me? Got a plan for that or are you just ... guiding me around?"She wasn't trying to question her new captor's intelligence .. but she really did have to wonder where this would all end up going and resulting in.
The worst possible case would be if hedidn'thave a plan. Not only wouldshebe caught .. but if he was on the wrong side for Begnion so would he. And when she was trying to help warn them, probably rescue in the future, that would wound her pride. Far more than any of the soldiers could begin to do to her.
gpt
Sabin
Sabin blinked he had just saved a human? Really the one girl that was being chased for this purge that he had managed to save and it was just a human? He sighed placing a hand over his for head leaning on one arm his ear wanted tow twitch in annoyance, but he restrained himself he would deal with the fact that she was a human after they got out of here. He sighed a half breed he might have been open to helping a little more, a sub human even more, but instead he managed to land himself in a position where he had to work with a human. His obvious racisim and annoyance aside she asked if he had a plan, and who's side he was on. He certainly had no intention of giving her any real information right now so he decided to lie not like her nose would be able to tell the difference.
"I am a sympathizer, like you. All you really need to know is that if you can get me out of the city, I can get you into Galia."It was the only place he could think of in which he could promise the woman amnesty, also with Begnion suddenly turning up the heat on Laguz victimization they had to be warned. getting to the leaders of the Laguz was difficult, and would be even harder with a human who wasn't familiar with or able to survive in the forests, of his home country. But she looked like she was light on her feet and could get them out of here, and that was enough for him. At least that was enough for him at the moment.
"I don't intend to escort you anywhere. you are gonna show me the way out of town, from there we can talk about the larger picture and getting you to Galia."She couldn't' be all bad if she was trying to help Laguz, but this was a human city, and he wasn't exactly the most trusting of humans. he had been tricked before, and honestly at this point he was a little confused as to why a human woman like this one was having her little rebelion getting kicked out of your home was not a pleasant experience. He knew that all to well."Does that sound like a plan to you?"
Looking out he was starting to hear the voices of guards again. The plan was a shitty one, but it was the best one he had.
human
Aiko
While her nose couldn't detect the lie, Aiko's instincts were another story. After all, she'd had to lie to save her skin multiple times before. And the choice of words she heard made her think. She had no reassurance, no proof ofanythingthat this man was saying. And only when he could prove he wasn't bullshitting her would she believe him completely. Her teeth found her lower lip as she continued allowing herself to be guided. An internal scoff echoed in her mind.Ugh, of all the times I can't reach my damn blade. Crap .... She was ambidextrous, yes. But reaching over to her right side with her left hand .. he'd notice faster than she could grasp the hilt.
And then it'd only get even more worse from then on, not better. So, despite Aiko not enjoying the idea, she'd have to play along.
"... Clearly you got yourself in here somehow. Can you not just backtrack in order to get out? There aren't as many guards as normal, given most have already left to seek either me out or their targets; the Laguz and Branded. The hardest part, really, will be ensuring we stay out of sight and mind of them as the saying goes. So no, no plan. I'm not showing you. If you really don't know or remember ... I suggest you start trying to think on it. But damnit, I'm not just going to allow some random stranger to use me as some odd hostage or bargaining chip. If you really want to try to kill me for this reply, do it. But they'll be like sharks attracted to blood and find you sooner than you can run from them."
The words weren't threats, just facts. Harsh ones ... but then again, the truth was never kind or generous. Worse than that, both knew time was limited. Unfortunately for Sabin, her words had been as genuine as the evidence she was giving him. To say she was infuriated at this point was quite the understatement. And the concept of being used had been something she'd endured for far too long. She'd left Begnion with intention of giving up on allowing that to occur to her ever again. It would take Death or some form of a miracle to make her begin to go back on her word.
gpt
Sabin
As the woman made her speech Sabin wise ass that he was simply stepped aside offering her the way he had pulled her back out. It had also been the way he had got in, and frankly he didn't want to use it. It was being infested with guards like the area had some kind of plague about it. Guards that were looking for her, not him, as far as they knew he was just some oddly dressed human."If you insist please do go on without me, I will enjoy watching as the guards who have blockaded the city gates by now rape, torture and kill you for what ever crime a rebel human commits."
He waved at her almost in a good by fashion. The gaurds weren't looking for him, and he was sure that there had to be another way out of the city. He had walked in through the main gates however and those were more then likely shut by now. In the end he had no idea where he was, a guide would have been helpful but if she was content to not be 'used' by anyone even if it was the man who had just helped him that was her owndumbfault. Sabin turned back once he had walked several feet away from her.
"Now I am new in town, so I don't know any routes except the main gate that I walked in through, so back tracking isn't much of what I can do. Your choices like it or not is you can assist me and I will get you to a place where you would not be harmed in return for that assistance, or you can die here and now by them. Really these choices seem silly to me, but then I am just some random stranger who tried to help you."
The one thing Sabin wasn't doing was covering up his racism's he had reffered to her now as both a half breed, and a human, which to most people would have set off red flags. However to Sabin who's prejudices were practically ingrained into him, it seemed only natural to at the way he did.
human
Aiko
It was rare but possible to make Aiko's patience actually dwindle. And right now, this person was doing just that. A quick peek via peripheral vision showed feline ears.A Laguz? Bold one, isn't he?She would have given him benefit of the doubt and assumed he didn't know what was going on. But between the guards who had already left to seek his kind and Branded out and her own subtle hints, that was gone. He surely knew enough to understand that the last place he should remain was here, yes? It wasn't generally in her nature to speak as coldly as she was ready to .. but he was also testing her generosity.
"Well aren't you the cold-hearted prick? Not giving a damn on what happens to anyone except yourself, hm? Look, I already told you the easiest way. There are no other alternatives, no underground or concealed passages. So unless you wanna try to climb over the walls ... there's little to no choice left. And while they're not seeking you out yet, I can - and will if needed - change that. Now .... you going to listen and heed me? It's hard to believe you're deaf with those ears .... "
Her ankles tensed, slightly but enough to help her dart into a run. She had a mental to-do list going through in her head. And while it hadn't been perfect, shehadbeen doing well enough before he appeared and grasped her away. The gates, at least for the moment, were still open and able to be slipped through. It was mainly to keep from constantly needing to re-open and lock them. So many guards had been coming in or going out so they'd remained able to be entered or exited. And with or without this Laguz's help, she was ready to at least inform others of his kind. But hell if he was going to fuck this up for her.
And if she needed to rat him out before leaving, so be it. It'd be a low blow, yeah. But he'd started this wreck to begin with. As far as she was concerned, this would be a very harsh karma. More than that, she didn't overly appreciate the threats on what would likely happen to her ... and the fact he just wouldn't care. Even most beorcs weren'tthatmean to others, to wish such ill will upon others.
gpt
Sabin
Sabin's ears practically burned at her comment about him being a Laguz. He turned biting his lip wanting to say something really offensive to her. He pointed a finger at her trying to rein in his temper, and finally succeeding. Sabin put his hand down in time to not hiss at this random woman who was putting up so much more of a fight then she needed to. Simply because at this rate he would need her. Looking back at the gates if they made a run for it they wouldn't really make it. They had to escape from the city, and for some reason she was resistant of working together.
"Fine you know what I am, but your still a human, and considering this town neither of us have much reason to trust anyone else. So are you gonna share your plans to get through the gaurds? or are you just making a blind charge at the people with bows, swords, axes. Cause I really don't think suicide is your best way out of this situation."He said with a roll of his eyes. He didn't like anyone figguring out that he was a laguz inside a human city, and though he was still abrasive towards her, he did seem to lighten up looking out at the gaurd posts, even if the gate was open, it didn't seem likely that either one of them would make it out of here on their own.
"And for the record, you never actually thanked me for helping save your life."He said indignantly still wanting to get at least some kind of one up over her. He growled slightly, he had just had to have walked into town on the very same day that this city went completely nuts. It felt wrong that after all the work that had gone into forging an alliance with all of these humans, they had thrown it all to the wind so casually. There was more at play here then he could see, but right now this girl, and that gate were his best ways of figuring it all out, and he was still her best shot at getting to Galia as well. After all Humans would get lost in the vast jungles of his native country, not to mention the difficult mountain paths if they were going by land. Some one alien to the lands of Galia would find themselves walking into a maze, and hopefully she knew that.
human
Aiko
Unfortunately for Sabin, he'd grabbed one of the most stubborn beorcs. More than that, he also found one who refused to take crap from anyone, regardless of race, gender, anything of the like. So the reason for fighting was she wasn't at all liking his mindset, attitude, the way he'd found her and tried to take her as a hostage. None of this situation was appealing at all to her and the fact each passing second meant fewer opportunities to escape would remain were doing anythingbutcalming the rogue overly down. She exhaled deeply, trying her damnedest to keep herself at least mentally stable enough. Her back quickly turned as her eyes rolled, a low scoff leaving her lips.
"Don't be fucking stupid. I don't intend to get myself killed anyways. I have things to aside from arguing with you. Tell you the hell what though. I'll try to seek out an alternative route. But I really meant it - unfortunately for you - when I said I'm pretty damned sure that the gates are our best bet. Now come on! If you even want that chance to remain, we need to make haste."Though she did hear the retort on her failing to thank him, there was little time to reply to those words. More than that, she was about to make the situation between them even enough; she was about to save them - come Hell or high water if not both - and thus he would need to soon enough himself.
The gates were indeed still open and Aiko easily figured another idea out. Gesturing with her right middle and index finger for him to follow, they soon arrived at a set of stables. As she'd said, few guards were even still in the city so obtaining a horse was easy enough."If you wanna use your own, fine. But either way, get on one. If you don't know how to ride them, then grab on and hold on ... but watch your hands."By the time she'd finished speaking, Aiko was already upon a dark brown stallion .. and ready to gently kick it's sides and get it to go into a gallop.
Yes, the guards would likely notice .. but react? Not as quickly as they'd like to andthatwould be what would save the both of them. Or so Aiko hoped. She held the reins, ready to ride off once Sabin was done mounting either his own horse or the one she was on.
gpt
Sabin
Sabin followed Aiko watching as she took a horse, his eye twitched slightly looking over the animal and feeling a slight amount of pitty for the thing. Humans really did have an odd sense of humor, and pride to them taking in creatures like these as servants. Horses weren't exactly native to the land of Galia, they had problems moving through thick brushes, and jungles. What's more was what self respecting Laguz would actually use a horse to ride on? Most of them were faster in their own way or another. Still Sabin knew that if he did just go all out, and assume his other form he wouldn't really have the creatures stamina. Oh he would be fast, probably as fast if not faster than the horse, but long distances were not a Laguz's friend.
Biting his lip he scowled and got onto her horse, it was odd really he had never intended to take this woman hostage, far from it he had tried to protect her from the guards that were chasing her. She however took it as a slight, and he realized more and more he had made a mistake with saving this human's life. His arms lightly grabbed her around her stumach his claws lightly singing into her shirt as he felt the creature break into a gallop.
The sensation of riding another four legged creature, was almost sickening, it's strides seemed painful, and since they hadn't taken a saddle all he could feel were his privates being mashed against his lower tail bone, not to mention his actual tail which was still hidden along his spine, with every bump in the dirt road he felt a surge of pain and nausia. Still the creatures speed and stamina would carry them farther then he could run in either of his forms, and he ducked down pressing his face against Aiko's back. Muttering loud curses in his own language which if she actually knew how to speak to the people of Galia would have translated out to,"Dumb human bitch, I don't want to die, I really don't want to die."
The guards certainly couldn't react in time and as they charged the gate the archers turned, and did the only thing they could, firing at both them and the horse, one of them getting a rather lucky shot, Sabin let out a painful yowl as he felt a human arrow shoot into his left shoulder, had he not been riding on her horse the arrow probably would have hit Aiko in the spine. The thicker muscles and more durable body of the Laguz helped with such an injury, but it still hurt, and caused his claws to sink past Aiko's clothing and rake her stomach slightly.
human
Aiko
Even without being able to translate the curses, Aiko could at least deduce the words had been anything but kind to her. That, in itself, was enough of a hint - assumption technically but still - to make her roll her eyes.Oh, grow the fuck up ... Not that the words would dare pass her lips, of course. No, they remained strictly in the back of her mind, her focus solely on the path ahead of them. Riding bareback hadn't been an issue for herself. Then again, she was a rogue, a person meant to adapt toanysituation at any moment's notice. Sabin .. she doubted. And given his reactions to her and the plans thus far, it only made her feel more sure of the guess.
Her mouth had opened to ask what direction to head to Gallia. It was one of the few places she hadn't been to thus far. The first thing, though, to leave her lips was a wince of pain."Goddamnit, I said watch it! Do you want me to have this horse toss you off? Because goddesses help me out, I will! You're really testing my patience, boy, and not at all in the best of ways! Now .. Gallia. What direction do I make our guide head towards?"
A low sigh passed her lips as she tried to remind herself how this happened again.That's right, because I'm not one of the selfish beorcs in existence. Goddamnit ... It was the only real saving grace that she could see at this point and a good contributing reason why she was even putting up with Sabin. He was a perfect example of the types of people she had intended to warn about the hunt, even at the cost of her own life. But she truly was astounded to have noted his attitude thus far. Beorcscouldhave a mindset like his if not worse .. but even then, you had to find the most damn corrupt people within this world - and worst possible luck - to run into them. Thus far, Aiko had thankfully been able to avoid such individuals.
Directly, anyways. Perhaps the closest was seeing public executions in the town square and the individuals who'd specifically asked for each and every person to have their life taken. Most were for foolish reasons but, admittedly, there were a few who seemed more as if they did deserve such a fate. Then again, it wasn't her place to judge either.
Her head shook lightly as she ignored the thoughts, a new and more vital one coming to her mind."Actually .. if you know of a healer we can head towards, that will be our first stop then Gallia. Regardless, that will need to be taken care of."
gpt
Sabin
Sabin let out a low growl as he felt an arrow stuck into his back what ever scratches he had put on Aiko's body he honestly didn't care about the fact was he had still taken an arrow to the back from her plan. Still it was better him then the horse."Just find a place we can hide outside of the city."The truth was from this point on the trip would be dangerous. Getting to Galia would take them a long time even if they went for the most direct route, and he wasn't even really sure that a human would be welcomed inside those boarders.
For now he could go without seeing a healer, he had a vulnery on him, and his skin was much harder then a humans. He had taken damage from the arrow yes, but certainly nothing lethal or worth going out of his way for, the moment they stopped running he could break out the arrow and heal the wound. Till then and to Aiko's comment he let out a simple low growl. It wasn't that Sabin was afraid, it was that he wasn't used to riding a horse, nor was he used to dealing with Humans. Honestly he was out of his element here, and he was feeling uncomfortable because of that. With Sienna behind them however his ears were starting to perk up slightly.
Sabin had his reasons for being abrasive, and while he had to admit that the two of them hadn't met under the best circumstances this woman was fast thinking. It was a trait that was useful to have around, and one he kind of liked. As they road out he pointed to a small tree line, the grove of forests would make a fast hiding place once they ditched the horse."In their, we will be harder to track.... and also we can't take the horse with us."He said lightly not sure if his human ally would agree with him or not. The horse would be to heavy and it's tracks to easy to follow. Part of him thought of maybe taking it for food, but it was clearly a military horse, too much muscle not enough meat, and the meat it would have would be far too lean. Not to mention a fire would be easily spotted, they would need to make a cold camp.
Sabin's shoulders slumped slightly which caused his back to straiten in a pained reflex. The arrow was still very much inside his body and he had for a second forgotten that fact.
"God damn."He let out a low curse as he almost fell over for a second. His hands still holding onto Aiko tightly."I am sorry, I wasn't trying to kidnap you earlier... You were running away from the gaurds, I grabbed you to pull you out of the line of fire. at the time I thought you were a... Branded."Sabin said lightly avoiding the term Half breed for once.
human
Aiko
An eyebrow raised as an inward groan echoed in her head.Just .. head somewhere? So does he not know? Or is there another reason he's refusing to guide me to Gallia?It made her suspicions arise even more than when he'd grabbed her back in Sienna. It didn't overly help with the fact she hardly knew anything of him or his true motives. She had no reassurance he was working with someone else who would want her dead and he certainly hadn't attempted to display hemayagree with all she was doing. After all, he'd given no damns on the mere possibility of her being raped or killed by the guards; why should he seem to care for his own race? Well .. he'd have to direly start proving himself, wouldn't he?
Keeping a hand over his, she helped dismount with them both leaving the horse at basically the same time, seconds apart at most. Her feet trembled slightly from the harsh landing, but it wasn't as rough or high up as it could have been she knew. Besides, she'd been in much worse pain before, physical especially. The sore sensations would go away in time. Her right hand raised up, landing upon the horse's side as she sent it galloping away without them now. Her left remained upon Sabin's and without a word, she unsheathed her dagger, turned on her heels, and moved the blade beside the Laguz's neck.
"Now then ... you wanna apologize? And have me begin to believe it? Start talking. Name, alliance ... I want that much at least. Because, unfortunately for you, I stand firmly by what I said earlier. I'm trying to help all the Laguz and Branded. I sure as hell didn't have to. But I want to. Why? Because it seems fucking stupid that your kind and hybrids are getting hunted all because of the childish desire for war having been forced to cease with the goddesses being put to sleep. I had everything up until a few moments ago; a home, family, place to stay. And yet, I'm willing to give it all up. The very damn least I can get from you is honesty and cooperation so ... who are you and should I even state exactly how I intend to help your kind out or not?"
Never once did the blade move closer but definitely not away from the target, Sabin's neck. She wouldn't risk anymore fast moves being pulled against her. That hadn't exactly helped her mood out either, the sabotage-like move of nearly attempting to kidnap her. It'd been a rather low blow .. and even with good intentions, it still irritated her. Honor among thieves .. it wasn't a common practice but it was one that she herself actually followed rather strictly.
gpt
Sabin
Sabin was releaved to feel ground under his feet, but that relief turned lightly to shock as he saw the cold steel pulled out and drawn near to his neck. Sabin blinked finding it rather amusing for a second. Snickering as he was still in pain, he looked at the woman who was holding him at knife point, and smiled. Oh this was rich certainly it hadn't been what he had expected to hear today, but he let out a purr of amusement. If nothing else this human was making him laugh slightly which caused slight pains from the arrow still stuck in his back shoulder.
With a knife to his throat he almost didn't really know what to say. Sure it wasn't the first time he had looked down a human with a blade before, and it would not be his last, but the surprising speed in which she did it, and then the turn around of her story amused him."Kill me and you would be doing a poor job at protecting the Sub-Humans around you."He said lightly though with a slight smile.
Moving his free hand slowly he dropped the hood he had been wearing showing his cat like ears, and short almost white hair. They twitched lightly as he listened to not just their conversation but also the world around them proving his authenticity."My Name is Sabin, of the beast tribe, My allegiances are to three people, me, myself, and I thank you very much. What did you really think I would walk around a human city and give out information like that before hand. Walking into a Human town without hiding an identity like mine is like painting an archery range on my back... Oh wait I still have an arrow in my back because of you."Sabin's voice was a little loud, lashing somewhere between annoyance and anger.
"Now that all said and done, if you really want to get to Galia and warn the other tribes you need a guide who actually knows that country. I will admit I am not psyched to have to deal with a human girl wanting to go talk to the other sub humans, but do you see another beast tribe around?"Sabins eyes craned widely from side to side, his ears twitching to the sound of the grotto around them."Cause if and when you do please feel free to go with them. As for your life family and everything else... welcome to the world of being a vagabond... it doesn't suck nearly as much as the arrow still in my shoulder. So what am I gonna call you, because while human girl, does have a nice ring to it I am pretty sure only one of us will eventually get annoyed with it."
It wasn't that Sabin wasn't taking her threat rather seriously. It was just that Sabin didn't have anything to lose, and he would rather spit in the face of a would be captor than go off and quietly answer questions. This was as close to co operation as Aiko was gonna get, at least until he got the arrow out of his shoulder.
human
Aiko
Her eyes rolled again."Tch, if I wanted you dead, you would be. No mistakes on that one."She murmured, going silent to hear the rest of the words out. For now, she could ignore and discard the insult on the arrow. They weren't fromherpeople, per se. Same nation and hometown, yes. But they certainly hadn't been underherdirect control. It was clear this Sabin had much to learn of Beorcs, whether he wanted to admit it or not. Granted, she understood this worked the other way around with both Laguz and Branded. She'd heard many-a-time that most feline species were prideful and arrogant ... and was seeing more and more that 'rumor' was more accurate than she would have liked to have learned about.
Her dagger slowly lowered but remained firmly in her hand as he finished talking."... If you care for no one save yourself, then don't bother trying to be my guide. No sense in dragging yourself along when you don't give a damn of anyone else. Gods knows I'm one of the last ones, especially when you'd actually wish for rape or death - maybe both should an individual with a deviant enough mindset - come to me."It was clear she wouldnotlet that memory go so easily nor was as content on the situation as he was. In fact, she was probably a bit moreso. She'd had a goal, an agenda and now .. it may have all gone to waste. It was at least at a high risk, being around someone like Sabin.
Especially if his selfish mindset remained ... there'd be no way in hell she could begin to do anything for the other Laguz and Branded.
Her head shook no as she murmured."Don't bother then. You've only clarified you don't want this. I'm not going to force you to join me. Honestly, I had no intentions on dragging anyone into this, knowing in the very long run it'd ruin them along the way regardless of anything of one's past. But if you're going to keep that attitude and mindset - me, myself, and I crap - then all more the reason not to bother. And I don't want your damn pity. Ever heard of informing? That's all I'm doing. If I wanted to go on and on, I could have. But I'm not gonna."
While it was true she hadn't been to all the other nations, she was a survivalist. And while her escape hadn't quite been perfect, she hadn't been doing so horrid before being found by Sabin either. Not to the point she would have died without him .... at least she was pretty damn sure of that."Aiko, thanks. And sorry on the arrow. But I'm more likely to make the injury worse than better if I try to yank it out. It was a good reason I recommended trying to find a healer for that; someone who won't make a royal fuck-up with assisting you out."
It may have only been in the shoulder, but with enough wrong twists, turns, and jerks .. it could very well hit a major artery, pressure point, joint, muscle or anything else and the situation for Sabin would have gotten worse by atleastfive-fold if not ten. Being a rogue had many perks aside from being able to steal others blindly; knowledge of the body was a damn good one. Quick but deadly strikes .. it was what Aiko generally did while on the battlefield. And more often than not, no opponent she went against had a chance to see - or feel - what had hit them.
gpt
Sabin
Sabin listened to Aiko only partially once she moved the knife away his hand slowly approached the arrow. Oh he was going to go with this human, that was for sure, but he didn't want to tell her everything. He didn't feel he had to tell her anything. Instead he gripped the arrow, tenderly at first poking it to see how deep the arrow head was imbedded into his body. The thicker muscles of the laguz once again seemed to pay off as the arrow head had only slightly broken the bone. He waited until she had said all she had needed to. He snickered slightly, and then braced himself.
Biting down on his lip for a moment his arm tensed as he gripped the arrow at the stem, close to the head, and ripped it out of his body. Letting out a very loud, almost feral yowl of pain as he dropped the arrow onto the ground, it had come out in one long piece, the head was a small blunt peice instead of sharp. Sabin held his shoulder for a moment as his vision faded and twisted for a moment. His balance was kept mostly by his tail which had at some point slipped out of hiding the long bushy tail was more wide and bushy then normal."Fuuck me."He said inbetween taking short breaths of air.
Sabin waited for a moment as the world stopped spinning before picking out a small flask with an oiled down substance, he dashed some on his back and felt the wound disinfect as well as the bleeding stop. Sighing he tossed the rest to Aiko."If we are going then we need to hurry about it, find a camp at least, and if your insisting on going alone at least take the Vulnerary. It's the only one I have, and it's good for two more uses."He said lightly His shoulder would heal eventually he was sturdy enough to stand on his own.
"And will you stop trying to send me away? Listen up and listen closely. I don't much care for humans when a city of them is trying to hunt me down, but we are talking about my brothers and sisters. We are talking about a very large scale problem, which is bigger then both of our ego's now I am offering you my help Aiko, and trust me when I say you will need it. If you a lone human tried to walk into Galia, even through Crimea, how do you think the boarder gaurd would react. Let me tell you, I used to be a part of Galia's defenses, one of two things will happen to you if you go at this alone. The first? you get lost in the forest and doom yourself to a slow painful death, the second, a pack of laguz come across you and you get a much faster death. Ever since the last war the sub humans haven't exactly been the friendliest of races. Pheonicis closed it's boarders, Goldoa is well Goldoa, you can't trust Kilvas as far as you can throw them, and Galia is... Politically apprehensive."Sabin took a long breath still not feeling all that great from the arrow, and the small amount of pain he was in though the oils helped numb and heal the pain.
"Add to that Begnion's sudden treachery and how do you suppose one person is gonna stop the fall out that could come from this? I get you don't like me, but we are talking about a storm that could turn into a third war, and no one needs that. Not even me, like it or not."He walked past Aiko lightly patting her on the shoulder."You are stuck with me Aiko, so best get used to it."
human
Aiko
As Sabin grasped the arrow, Aiko inwardly cringed. It'd hurt like a bitch - probably worse - she could only begin to imagine. It'd been a while but Aiko had been wounded before. By an arrow? Thankfully not yet. But blades still hurt all the same and in some aspects were worse. They tended to make a more vital mark quicker than an arrow could ever begin to do. One had to have the worst luck to run into any of the best archers and be shot down in one hit. It was definitely possible though, she'd seen that also with her own eyes in the past.
Her eyes remained on the formerly wounded area, amazed and impressed to see it heal so fast. Well, that was one issue handled at least. Then, Sabin went on to speak and explain a bit more. It wasn't everything by any means .. but compared to what she had been hinted about earlier, it was improvement. Well, progress was progress all the same. And indeed as the advice on listening - and closely - caught her ears, Aiko went to do just that.
Personally, getting lost in a forest was the least of her concerns. Her secondary profession after a rogue and assassin was a survivalist. Even if she did get lost, she could find supplies to keep herself alive. However, the border guards and possibility of running into more hostile Laguz was something that would likely do her in. Multiple enemies she could handle but only to some extents. If it ever got too high past four ... it went from bad to worse more often than not for Aiko. The defeated sigh which passed her lips hinted that even if she didn't like any of the words leaving his lips, she knew and understood that Sabin was indeed right about everything he was pointing out thus far.
"Fine fine ... point made. But I do have some rules to ask about following.... "Her body tensed and eyes narrowed as his hand slid over her shoulder."That would be one ... don't touch me like that. If you can't tell yet, I'm not exactly fond of it. Two, give me respect and I'll return that favor. Honor among thieves .. I do follow that, actually. Three ... "She glanced up, knowing quite a few were missing but unable to immediately think of anymore."... I'll add those when I recall more. This next bit is more advice that I shouldn't even need to relay .. but don't be overly careless. If we're gonna be side by side, then we'll both need to live through any and everything."
It hadn't been as bad as it could have been, but grabbing her back in Begnion could have gone horribly even for Sabin. Surely he knew that .. and thus she wouldn't force him to think upon that. The memory alone would haunt him in his own time, she didn't need to add salt into the wound.
A weary sigh passed her lips as she looked around them both before back down to Sabin's eyes."Now ... do we continue heading towards Gallia? Or stay here for a bit longer? As long as I reach my goal eventually, I'm not too picky on order otherwise."
gpt
Sabin
Sabin's ear twitched as Aiko brought up the rules waving them off, she didn't like to be touched? Well it was rather interesting to him, and part of him wondered exactly why that was he wouldn't exactly pressure the information out of her. He didn't exactly need to as such things tended to get out on their own. He walked deeper into the grotto finding a small area they could set up a cold camp, and started to strip off his shirt, and the long cloak he had been wearing holding obviously little qualms about stripping around another human being, He checked more over his shoulder while at the same time hanging out the clothing, his shirt and some of his pants were covered in his blood, meaning he was leaving a strong scent trail with it around.
"In my culture we tend to let thieves bleed out on the road. You should try calling yourself a scout instead, has more of a military ring to it. As for touching you."He paused looking over Aiko a small amused smile taking place over his face as he really looked her over for the first time since they had a moment. She was more attractive than he had originally thought well for a human."My tent is always open for a fine set of legs, but I will keep my paws to myself."He snickered at the use of his own corny line. Clearly not taking her comfort too seriously as it was.
"We will have to leave this area, but the question is more to the point where. If we follow the shore line we run close to Kilvas, Crimea, and Galia. Two out of three are good, and we could make our way up to a city or something. If we go the other way up land we have to deal with the desert lands Grann, without proper supplies that would be a death sentance. If we travel the other way, theres a small town not far from here, but it's closer to the dean boarder then i would like and it's in the wrong direction."He said laying out their options. His bare chest was exposed towards Aiko his upper body muscular, and vulnerable to her knife.
"So that's the story as we have it. Three directions, and none of them good. We don't have much time either I would say. It won't be long till those hill sides are swarming with guards or they track down the blood trail from the arrow, and the horse. Not as stealthy as I personally would have liked, but if we managed to hold our own till night we could slip away in the cover of darkness."Night time would buy them a little while, but even so it wouldn't be safe for them to stay here for very long.
human
Aiko
As Sabin began to strip, Aiko instantly averted her eyes. Even if it was just to get the bloody clothes off, she still believed in privacy. Then again, it likely could be connected to the fact she was also strict as hell. She wasn't a virgin though the thief considered herself one. Her purity had alreadybeenstolen from her, ironically enough. Her teeth gripped her lower lip as the flashback briefly raced through her mind but she managed to shove it away soon enough. The culprit had actually been her good-for-nothing father who loved to drink and do not much else for far too long. It'd been one reason she had been a survivalist. With the freedom from him, she had to quickly learn how to survive ... lest she die at an early age.
All the same, it hadn't been a lie. Shehadabandoned family ... just not in the typical way.
The suggestion of using the term 'scout' rather than 'thief' made Aiko snap away from her thoughts. A low scoff soon passed her lips at the lewd suggestion."Tch, please. I'm not a loose woman like that ... "She murmured, clearly irked at the innuendo. Thankfully, though, he resumed talking of more vital things to point out to her. And it made Aiko glance upward in thought as she began to seriously contemplate on their possible routes.
"Hm ... maybe sticking to the shoreline would be best. I doubt Begnion soldiers would look there right away. It should give us time and distance ... two advantages we can easily use against them. The more of each we have versus them, the better."
gpt
Sabin
Sabin noticed the darker looks on Aiko's face wondering for a moment what the story behind them was. For a moment she had seemed completely repulsed which was odd because he was one of the most reprehencable beings he knew, and he hadn't even gotten that kind of reaction from her. Checking through his bags he sighed not having any new sets of clothing, he was more then fine with being nude, most Laguz were bare in one way or another, but he could tell that it was causing her some discomfort.
Nodding Sabin finally just dropped to all fours, an elegant yellow light surrounding his body as he transformed into the shape of a cat. His body was that of a blond panther, sleek and elegant. The tips of his ears were black, and his eyes were a delightful green, his muscles were covered by fur, and Sabin took a moment too stretch after taking his new form."There can't imagine you feeling awkward about looking at me now."His voice having oddly not changed at all as he circled around Aiko lightly his speed seemingly having increased his feet not leaving any kind of mark on the ground or sound. His hind legs, and for paws seemed to be covered in battle scars. Times long gone from when he fought along side his Galian brother's at arms. Breathing his powerful muscles flexed and rippled under the fur. If it weren't for his voice he could easily have been mistaken for a lean killing machine.
His tail brushed lightly against Aiko's ass for a second as he walked along side her. He knew he wasn't allowed to touch her, but at the same time there was a slight amount of amusement to his tone as he purred. He couldn't even believe he was doing this, but he bent down lower feeling the grass tickle the furr along his stumach stretching his back completely."I can carry you faster then you can walk, it's our best bet if you want to get away under the cover of light, just... don't touch the shoulder."He said lightly it still burned even now, but the potion had done it's work and healed the actual damage, what remained was artificial, painful but artificial.
human
Aiko
As the light hit Aiko's eyes, she shielded them instinctively to avoid being blinded. When it faded, she saw a .. cat? She'd heard all Laguz shifted into the respective form of the clan they came from but she'd never actually seen it happen before. Then again, this was likely where the saying there was always a first time for everything came into play could apply. Her eyes glanced down as they took the time to study him. Maybe it was because some Beorcs had domesticated cats as pets ... but it felt more calming to see him like this. It was an intriguing reaction, that much was for sure.
"I .. just believe in privacy, nothing more nor less."She finally managed to reply, a bit astounded on the seemingly abrupt idea to head out now as opposed to later. She almost wanted to ask if he was certain; not in doubt of his abilities or speed but to avoid being put through too much fatigue. If he wound up getting too tired, though, she would only hope and assume he'd mention it to her. They'd get nowhere in any good form or fashion by forcing their way towards Gallia. For now, though, Aiko would trust his judgment. Just as easily as she could have killed him while he was wounded, something told her the same applied vice versa. He had his own chances but had held back; though motives were likely different.
"Very well then. Just .. stop if you want to for any reason."After a bit of hesitation, she carefully got on. Aiko wasn't heavy though it still felt ... a tad odd. She'd never seen nor thought of riding a Laguz. Another first for her. Her eyes glanced up and down once again before stopping against his sides, gently yet firmly holding on to keep from falling off. Her head gave a light bow."... Alright. Ready when you are, I suppose."
gpt
Sabin
Sabin let out a small grunt as he felt Aiko mount him, not in a way he would have liked but rather as an animal. It was honestly kind of disturbing having a human on his back, he could smell her strong scent, and though he knew that this was a special occassion he still wasn't very comfortable with it. He could take her as far as they needed to get, certainly he could get them farther away then the humans would be able to track, then by night fall they would have a proper camp and he would be able to rest a little easier."Do me a favor and don't get used to this."His tone was half way between concern and disgust.
Sabin took a deep breath His muscles tensing under him as he felt her get a firm grip on his shoulders. Smiling he took off, his feet hardly even seemed to touch the ground at his full pace. He was a cat, built for speed and power, charging even with another person on top of him his body still felt natural. His shoulder burned slightly as he put pressure on his front left paw, he wasn't holding anything back right now. But his feet hardly seemed to even leave an impression on the ground. They blitzed past trees as Sabin charged through the woods. He smirked as he took light breaths, wanting to show off a little of his Laguz supremacy."You may want to hold on a little tighter."He said with a small joking laugh.
As he landed off one of his charges his muscles tensed for an extra second before he jumped landing along one of the three's he used his speed and momentum to charge and jump from tree to tree, literally running along the walls of the forest."Impressed yet?"He almost roared with laughter as he charged along, landing back on the earth and soil and changed direction heading out of the grotto, and into a field on the other side, as he bolted for the next tree line. Moving quickly he didn't want to stay in the open for long, he could already feel the motions warring on his breath, and honestly the last thing he ever wanted was to be shot again.
human
Aiko
Aiko's head quickly shook no with no hesitation as he suggested not to get used to the idea of riding upon him so much."Honestly ... I'm astounded you allowed this. But no .. I wasn't intending to do that anyways."Her eyes stayed firmly ahead of the two as she began to scout ahead for them. It was much more out of habit and in case Sabin's focus was on the route more than any individuals they may or may not come across. When she needed to be, Aiko was damn cautious. Though not quite paranoid; still, it was for all of the correct reasons. Or at least she wanted to believe that much.
Her own smirk slowly danced over her lips upon catching the next idea of holding on tighter."I'm trying to be careful. You are still doing all of this with a no doubt sore joint. I may have come off as a bitch, but I'm definitely not as heartless as I've been sounding."If Sabin attempted to detect any form of deceit, he wouldn't hear any in her words. They were all rather genuine thus far, a rare trait coming from a Beorc of all people. But then again, the rogue had always been blunt and to the point, no matter how harsh the honest to gods truth was. It might be more painful to hear .. but it was always better in her mindset.
After a bit more silent contemplation, she finally heeded the suggestion and tightened her grip slightly. Still, Aiko ensured to avoid putting too much pressure on Sabin's body but yet enough that she wouldn't fall off and be left behind. Her own small chuckle left. Was hetryingto impress her just because? Or was there another reason? She wouldn't push for that much though she did mentally note the possibilities. The reply ... may not have been what he would expect so she tried to prepare for the reaction he was more likely - in her head - to give.
"Actually, yes. You're the first Laguz I've actually met -- in or out of combat at that matter. The closest was another Branded. But that was ... years ago. This ... is very different and interesting, to say the least."
gpt
Sabin
Sabin charged ahead further and further, checking behind him only on occasions when he thought he could spare a glance. This form of travel was the fastest, by far. But it was also getting harder and harder to sustain for him. His legs pounded and his body was starting to ache. The more he moved the more he was starting too feel the ware on his body. Still Syenne was fadding from view faster and faster till finally they rounded a hill and the massive towers were no longer in view of them. Sabin seemed to physically drop for a moment feeling his body need to take in air, his shoulder becoming stiff from how fast he had been running.
His legs collapsed though he was amused with Aiko's answers. He knew that the longer she stayed with him the longer she would learn things that would make her question him. But as he breathed and tried his best to relax he closed his eyes for a moment. His body tensing as it released it's cat like form, and reverted back to the regular non combative form of the Laguz beast tribe. blond fur replaced by smooth skin, his body laying flat to the ground."Damn, I thought I could make it a little further."
They had put enough distance that the gaurds would likely be unable to follow them, and they weren't that far from tree cover, encase the city decided that the two of them were important enough to send the royal Pegasus guards after them. The odds of that were unlikely however, mobilizing such flying units for a thief and a sub human seemed somewhat beneath their usual higher calling. Sabin breathed heavily his lungs burning for a moment as he laid down sprawled out in inadvertently underneath Aiko's body."You, are only the second human I have ever met, and the first that used the term Laguz.... from what I always heard growing up, I thought you would be far more racist."He said lightly waiting for his strength to return. Had it not been for the sore arm he was almost certain he would have been able to go further then they had.
human
Aiko
Though Aiko did notice the glances, her focus was much more upon the road ahead of them. She didn't expect an ambush .. but the possibility was still very real. And at least one of them would need to be somewhat prepared if that should happen. At this angle, the rogue would still be able to grab her dagger fast enough. Also, if Sabin needed to change or do his own forms of getting ready, he would be allowed that. It made her wonder ... did he fight in his form? She'd heard few rumors on Laguz, one of which being that they could mainly - nearly only - fight in their animal form. But that seemed complicated and annoying to her. Why not in their beorc-looking form? Wasn't that what weapons were for?
Maybe it's not their forte?It was one of the few things Aiko could begin to think of.
Finally, the running turned into a light jog and ceased fully. A small smile crossed her lips as she slipped off, her head shaking no from side to side."Given your wounded state, you did well. And not all beorc are as racist as you think. In fact, there are quite a few who are accepting like me. In the end, it isn't race that makes me determine if I dislike a person or not. It's whether they try to attack me or not -- and refuse to change their stance on it. Keep trying to take my life and I'll gladly return the favor. It's not my preference - fighting - but I'll do it when push comes to a shove."
gpt
Sabin
Sabin almost rolled his eyes as Aiko talked about her own views. He had to admit there was something about that level of honesty she had that was apreciated, but damn it would she ever stop talking like he had attacked her? He got too his feet, glad to still have his pants, and shoes. He undid a small items pack he had around his belt, and pulled out a small compact T shirt, it didn't hide his laguz features like the hood he had earlier, but the small white cotton was certainly warmer then the night air that was all around him. Sabin stretched slightly now dressed as he started to walk, his shoulder was stiff but he would manage.
"You wouldn't happen to have a map would you?"His voice was low as he asked Aiko, he knew where he was directionally in comparason to Syenne which was behind him, and he knew the land mass well enough to know which way the ocean was, but plotting a corse after they got to something like the shore would be easier if they had a map.
Begnion would be hunting for them, a fact which his escapades had bought them time to ward off, but he still would have felt better if they could get to a tree line before night fall. Checking the clouds he saw a few puffy white ones, nothing that would suggest bad weather for the night ahead, it was both a good and a bad thing. A storm really would have helped their escape, as it was they were completely visible from the sky."I have had enough fighting in my life honestly. I won't back down from a challenge, but I am not exactly young by Laguz standards. I've lived to see two wars, and serve in one. I would rather avoid a third if we can. if that means working with a human for once, honestly though you seem rather skilled... for a beorc."
human
Aiko
Unfortunately for Sabin, Aiko was still a woman when all is said and done. This meant shedidfollow at least one specific stereotype. She would talk ... alotin order to ensure her point got across damn well. The wording was attempted to be done in a careful way but she otherwise had no qualms on speaking her mind clearly. Though just as Sabin had his silent, mental thoughts on the rogue it worked vice versa also. And given her first impression of the Laguz, he was becoming a lot more tolerable -- less cocky and racist, the two things that had gotten to her the most. It made her inwardly smile as the irony of being able to tame a beast of sorts raced through her head.
"Actually, yes. I always have at least one for when they sent me out for missions."And no sooner than the words left her lips did Aiko produce a map from one of her pockets, handing it carefully over to Sabin. When the hint regarding his age came up, it made her genuinely wonder. HowdidLaguz age exactly? They never seemed old --- it'd been another rumor that she'd heard of them. And if she was going to use Sabin as an example, it seemed rather true enough. He looked younger, maybe around her age. But definitely not older.
While Sabin studied the map, Aiko began to do so with herself.Hm, probably should invest in a cloak ... She mused silently to herself, noting that with next to nothing on, she really did stand out. And now that she was a traitor to Begnion ergo on the run ... it would definitely help out. She'd need to be a lot more careful and discreet than usual. Nodding to herself, a hand covered her mouth as a light yawn left. She'd be glad to find somewhere to rest up for the night at. They'd been doing a lot of walking and running and now the toll was taking effect on her body.
gpt
Sabin
Sabin studied the map taking his time to check the few land marks he had on it. Sure enough if they continued on the path they already were on it would take them through the valley, up towards Tanas. That would be their first real chance to have a break, not to mention it ran along the ocean, and the river that split the two sides of Begnion. It would be problematic considering the way they looked but they honestly didn't have much better. They were both tired and worn from all the conflicts that it had taken them to get this far.
He yawned as he figgured out the course back to his country. if going by land the mountains would stop them, they would need to reach Tanas and work on aquiring a boat otherwise they would need to pass into the country of Crimea, neither was a great option but they were the only two he had at the moment."Boats tend to get picked apart by crows, but the boarder guard will be on full alert if we try and make our way to Crimea on foot."
Sabin got to his feet as he stretched out. Either way daylight was fading fast and they weren't exactly safe in the open as they were. It would be a long night that was for sure."I have no idea how we should handle sleeping. It will be cold tonight but were to close to the enemy to make a fire. I would say we should sleep in shifts, but I don't know if I trust you guarding my body."Sabin handed her back the map. It wasn't that he was skeptical of her rather he didn't trust her not to leave him alone in the middle of the night. Their goal was still the same yes, but he didn't think she would trust him with her unconscious and vulnerable body, so why would he return the favor?
human
Aiko
Aiko inwardly cringed on the thought of crows being an issue should they wind up taking boats. But he was likely to be as correct regarding border patrol. So .. she'd risk it."Something's better than nothing. Besides, if I have to resort to violence, I have something to allow myself to remain in one piece, as it were. As you do for yourself. That being said, we can't really be too picky ... with anything."It seemed to especially apply when he brought up the ideas regarding watching for the night. While he'd been right with his mental guess, it was only to a certain degree. Did she fully trust him? Fuck no. But at least enough to agree with the idea of taking 2-4 hour shifts to ensure neither of them got ambushed.
"... Like I said, if I wanted you dead, that would have been arranged earlier. Furthermore, I just said not long ago we can't be too selective. Watch shifts would apply to this. And personally, I think you should sleep first. Your body needs to be more - if not fully - healed up by the time we head out. The easiest way to do that is by getting rest. If something goes amiss during the watch .. you'll definitely be sure to know."All the same, she'd only awake him if it was absolutely needed. A few bandits .. she could deal with on her own. But if it was worse, she'd likely have to shake him or do something to make him conscious.
Her head and back rested against a nearby tree whilst Aiko waited to hear if he agreed or not. Regardless, somethingwouldbe done with the concept of sleep. Even if not immediately, hewouldget it. She'd make sure of that. All the same, she wouldn't let him know that until push came to shove, as it had before.
gpt
Sabin
Then again it seemed Sabin could always be wrong. He walked with Aiko to the tree line finding a place on the ground that was kind of soft. He couldn't help but think that he wanted some kind of tent or bedding. The fact that She kept insisting that she could have killed him by now, even if it was to reassure him, was not helping him. Still he was tired he was wounded he did want to sleep. He felt a chill as he laid back, and decided that tonight he would do his best to sleep in a form that would provide at least a little more warmth then the one he was in now."If you insist then. Take the first watch, but remember to wake me when you need sleep."
Staying in one's animal form was easy if the user didn't exaust himself by running with a wounded leg, and as he relaxed against the cold grass he once again took a form of a cat the soft glow engulfing his body and leaving the thin body of a muscular killing machine. lowering his head he curled panning out the grass. If it wasn't for his size he could have been mistaken for an actual feline. As it was though his body resembled more of a blond panther. Turning towards Aiko his brown eyes reflected the last of the fadding daylight."I have fur to warm me. You don't... come over here, the least you can do is use some of it to stay warm."
This wasn't an offer the Laguz would extend twice, rather he didn't want to have to carry around a sick human. She was a wanted criminal but even she could blend in easier with the crowd then he could. As long as they were inside Begnion he needed her at full strength, and couldn't afford her falling ill. If that meant she had to use his body heat and fur to stay warm on the nights when they couldn't use a camp fire so be it. He let his eyes rest slowly, not caring for her to give her answer yet. Instead he left the option open as he closed his eyes his tail swaying lightly as he tried his best to allow his mind to drift to sleep.
human
Aiko
In between blinks, Aiko didn't note until they shot open that her eyes had - at some point in time - closed. And remained that way for quite a while. She inwardly cursed, realizing she was more exhausted than she would want to admit.Ugh, damnit Aiko. You just finished reassuring him you could handle first watch. Don't look like a fucking hypocrite.But it was so very tempting to just let her eyes stay closed ... and the offer to have a definite form of warmth only made it all the more better. Nights were more often than not colder than warmer. Even during the months that were supposed to be deemed in the 'summer' timeline could feel as if they were more similar to 'winter'. That was rare but certainly not impossible.
"Thank you ... "She murmured softly, letting her head gently rest upon Sabin's chest. She allowed one eye to remain open long enough to locate his head as a hand reached up. Any concerns it would have been a violent gesture would be shoved away .. as he abruptly felt the slow but still gentle touch of her fingers lightly scratching in between his ears. Cats and dogs were the same inthataspect at least; they both liked that spot being caressed. Or so she'd assumed and thought.
Aiko, herself, had never had a domesticated pet. But she had known some friends who did. Some had cats, others dogs and from all the time she'd been here, this had been something they'd all liked. Her pace was slow to avoid going too roughly upon the fur but still enough it could all definitely be felt. All the same, he'd also note her pace slowing even more, her heart going to a more calm pace. All she was doing plus snuggling up like this was even further pushing for her to just pass out here and at that exact moment despite the promise she'd made.
Truth be told, she was ready to suggest they both just take a hell of a risk ... and both sleep at the same time, forgoing watches. The more her weary mind thought on it, the better it sounded. But the words failed to leave her lips, fatigue overtaking her faster than the mental thoughts and desires could attempt to. Within minutes, she was asleep with her head still upon Sabin's chest.
gpt
Sabin
Sabin was too tired to protest at the moment his ears were scratched. He was already more then half asleep at the moment and feeling the gentle touch, was only half as demeaning as he thought something like that would have been. He wasn't a pet, and his mouth opened to remind her of that fact. Instead the only thing that escaped his mouth was a yawn his tongue curling as his eyes closed. A low sigh turned into a deep rumbling purr.
God this is demeaning.He thought lightly as he curled up deeper against her body his fur kept him warm but she was warm as well. Small compared to his beast like form, his paws curled up against almost like he was embracing her. A few thoughts ran through his head as he drifted off to sleep. His sleep caused his chest to gently rise and fall against her soft skin. His fur was fine to the touch. Every now and then his legs would twitch, a heavy paw would extend their claws kneading at the ground, but he never really moved. He seemed almost gentle when he was like this.
Morning came with the faintest light and brought with it a new warmth. Sabin's ear twitched, and a decisively human hand wrapped around Aiko's body pulling her closer against him. Sabin took a moment too take in her full scent before his eyes twitched adjusted to the new light and waking up slowly. He had reverted back to being human at some point in the day. His hands and legs were wrapped tightly around Aiko. His hands actually groping her breasts, Yawning he didn't really realize that she had never woken him up, rather he just kind of leaned in against her body gaining more warmth and using her like a blanket of sorts. His hands inadvertently exploring her flesh as he pulled her closer.
Closing his eyes again he drifted back to sleep giving another soft purr, one hand around her breasts, and the other using the gap between her legs for warmth. Inadvertently spooning, and grinding against her unconscious body. His grip was tight enough in sleep that he wouldn't let her go with out some struggle, but it was obvious that he was doing it for her body heat, His chest rising and falling giving way to light snoring sounds as his tail and ears twitched.
human
Aiko
Aiko supposed if nothing else, she could wake up at a moment's notice if she felt as if an ambush were about to happen, hear foreign voices, something of the like. With the last thoughts beginning to reassure her, she felt the slumber being one of the more peaceful types, something she hadn't had in far too long. It was a damn nice change of pace that she wouldn't complain about. True, the circumstances were slightly ... odd. But Sabin had been right in the end. Warmth was warmth.
It hadn't even been until she felt her body ... groped? She slowly opened an eye, hoping like hell to be proven wrong. But alas, she hadn't been mistaken. Her eyes narrowed as she instantly tensed up and snuck a quick gaze upward. At least morning had arrived and they'd both gotten a full night's rest. But did thisreallyhave to be happening? The orbs glanced down firmly upon Sabin's figure, as if trying to determine if the sleeping was real or an act. If it was at least genuine, she'dtryto give him benefit of the doubt. But if this had been done due to selfish desires and not wanting to heed her words ... she was about to give him a cruel reminder of one of her most vital 'rules'.
"Ahem ... do you mind?"She inquired, giving the Laguz a test of sorts. If he replied and appeared to show that he was able to function well enough, she'd assume this had indeed been done on purpose. Only when such bits of proof were given would she go on the more offensive side. Until then, she'd wait for that hint and cue.
gpt
Sabin
Sabin's ear twitched hearing a voice but not being able to detect the urgency of it, his hands seemed to curl tighter some how pulling Aiko more and more towards him. His nose now touching the back of her neck and breathing steady breaths of hot air against her skin as his hand which was currently just outside her pants twitched a shiver trailing up his shoulder and down his spine as his tail seemed to slap lazily against the ground.
His eyes still remained shut it would become more evident that he was most certainly asleep using her body where it just happened to be the warmest, that being her chest where he could easily press his hand against soft warm flesh. And between her legs, where his hands could be safly nuzzled between her softer flesh, and feel the warmth of it all. His voice replied but it was a mostly asleep mumble of words.
"five morres ticks. Kara."As he spoke his hands seemed to tense partly trapped in some other memory with another woman far away from what was actually happening. He let out a soft purr, his breath practically rolling along her skin. As he licked his lips slightly his tongue ran lightly against the back of her neck. It didn't seem to matter who the woman he was thinking of was, because Sabin's body was treating Aiko far more familiarly then he had any right to do so. Practically teasing her now with the threat of rubbing against her even harder.
human
Aiko
For a while, he didn't seem to verbally answer, only continue to grope and touch her. Finally though, an odd name caught her ears, causing an eyebrow to raise slightly. ... Kara? So he's ... dreaming?If that was really the case, she supposed she could tolerate it all for a bit more. It at least proved this wasn't at all intentional which was .. better than if it had been. Her own eyes closed as a soft sigh passed her lips. If he'd gone back to sleep, should she follow suit? Her head shook no from side to side gently. They did need to get up .. eventually. And likely sooner than later if possible. She'd wake him up but not before allowing him some more time to rest up.
If nothing else, maybe he'd astound himself upon waking up and seeing what he'd done, even if only in his sleep. Her eyes finally did shut again after a bit, though she kept herself conscious, merely letting them rest up. Her legs, however, did close as much as they could to keep him from feeling too much heat that was no doubt coming from her slit. And given the lack of clothes she had on or how much of her skin they all covered, it was probably a very easy to pick up sensation.
When Aiko's eyes finally did open, her hands moved at the same time. Landing upon Sabin's shoulders - though being careful of them at the same time - she began to shake him."Hey ... wake up. We need to head out now. Come on, you told me to so ... let's go. It's morning."Even after she finished talking, Aiko continued to shake him, keeping a gentle but firm enough grip upon the shoulders all the while. She'd stop, yes, but only when he actually woke up. As in opened his own eyes and got up to his feet and off of her body .. those types of actions.
gpt
Sabin
As Sabin was shaken his eyes seemed to crack open lightly at first, for a moment all he could see was elegant long blond hair, two slightly perky ears, but as the blur and dream faded from his eyes he was faced with a much darker reality, one that he was currently groping very hard against. The long elegant blond hair remained in his vision for a moment his body relaxed more. He smiled and let out a soft purr even as he was being shaken more and more awake, but when his vision cleared Kara's ears were missing, and the girl he thought he had been hugging wasn't who he thought he was. Through his groggy state of mind everything returned to him and he remembered.
Sabin jumped back from the woman realizing his mistake. His purr's becoming a low growl as he suddenly felt as though Aiko had tricked him. He felt fooled, and slightly depressed by the realization that who he was holding onto was not the person he had wanted to hold onto. His brown eyes glared slightly at Aiko, and he let out a low his as he turned away from her, and stretched out his body slowly waking up, and shaking the sleep from his bones."Do you mind?"Sabin's voice was almost disappointed as he looked away from Aiko his back turned to her as he tried his best to hide the equal parts embarrassement and sadness which had crept across his face.
Getting slowly to his feet his tail seemed to twitch in annoyance his ears were slightly drooped as well. It didn't take much of a degree in reading someones emotions to tell that he was disappointed, maybe even depressed over something."If we start now we should be able to reach the ocean by noon. We might even be able to find some food along the way."His voice was low and his hair hung over his face, he didn't even want to look at Aiko for a moment. He offered no clear apology to Aiko even though in all reality he had pretty much molested her.
human
Aiko
Aiko's eyes merely narrowed even more, her arms going over her breasts as he finally woke up and let go."Don't bitch at me! I'm just waking us up because I was an idiot and fell asleep with you. So we'll be lucky we haven't lost any time .. or at least not too much."She paused for a few moments though still got up to her feet. The next thing she was about to do may seem like quite the low blow .. but she hadn't forced him to speak in his sleep. More than that, Aiko still hardly knew much on Sabin. He didn't know much more on herself, but still more than she had on him. And that was enough to want to have her make it more ... even.
Remembering the direction to head to via the map, Aiko began to take confident steps, simultaneously giving herself ample distance. Only when she had enough did she even allow herself to speak up."... This Kara. Who .... is she? Sibling? Friend? You mentioned her in your sleep ..."She had contemplated on adding it had been one of the reasons she hadn't just outright slapped him - or worse - but held her tongue. No need to add salt to the wound -- speaking of, hopefully his shoulder had healed up enough overnight. He'd need a bit more strength if not to be at full.
gpt
Sabin
Sabin stopped cold for a moment hearing the name. All the other attitude was understandable, but the name had a special sting to it. He honestly had never expected someone past Galia to ever use that name. He took a long deep breath. Trying to take a moment to calm himself, and steel his mind so that he could actually retort, but what he got was a low growl. The hair's along the back of his neck rising as he felt angry, his ears pinning back. It was clear that he didn't want to talk about it.
Still his body relaxed slowly. It had been many years, and he let out a low sigh."She's a sub-human bitch."His voice was more then cold to the subject. Walking past Aiko and giving her a light shoulder bump as he walked past her. It was really the least she deserved for bringing up the name. He knew this would cause a mystery or some kind of gap between them, but that was actually okay by him right now. Sabin didn't want to deal with the subject.
Still his mind went over it, and he raised a hand to wipe the silent tears he had managed to let go. He stopped lightly finally he turned back to Aiko."I told you I was in the Galian guard. Kara was my commander. She's the reason I am here now."It had been years since he had been kicked out of Galia, and forced from the boarders of his home. He knew that this journey would have kicked up names and memories of the past but he had never expected Kara's name to be one that had come back to haunt him. Still for all the confusion he felt he knew that something more pressing would take over, and he was more then happy to let it drop with a single sentence.
"Were loosing daylight so it's not important."
human
Aiko
Even with the reply Aiko had been given, she could hear that there was definitely more to her being 'just a sub-human bitch', to quote Sabin. But he was right all the same, now wasn't the time to bring the past up. She mentally noted the shoulder rub and heard a sigh echo in her head, refusing to let it become real. Yes, she probably did indeed deserve something for clearly bringing up a painful memory. But damnit all, did it always have to be in a physical form? For a bit, she stopped, as if she'd actuallyfeltharsh leather land upon her skin, back especially. Her body shuddered slightly and before she could stop them, Aiko felt herself engulfed in flashbacks.
And none were even close to merciful. They altered quickly, from the specific day her father had taken her innocence to the daily abuse.Goddamnit, move! You probably look so stupid in front of him!But she could all but hear his own voice practically whisper into her ear."Don't you dare or it'll get worse ... "Only after a few more 'lashes' and her own silent tears fell did Aiko manage to snap herself out of it all, panting and shuddering as a hand quickly reached behind her back.
No actual marks were there, of course. There were though still an array of scars, proof the memories had been true. Her head bowed as she swallowed and nodded, quickly wiping her own tears away. Her mouth had almost opened to retort about knowing they'd been losing time. Ithadbeen partly why she woke him up anyway. But the will to speak or do much more save walking had practically faded away from her. Even the suggestion and hints to watch out for the Crow Laguz were almost completely wiped away.
This was no doubt one of the worst mindsets to be traveling with. But Aiko couldn't help it by now. She sent a silent prayer up - hopefully to the correct goddess - that things wouldn't go as badly as they very well could.
gpt
Sabin & ???
Sabin was ready to just continue on walking away from her. He knew he wanted to just walk away without saying another word to her, let the entire day pass without saying anything to her almost as a punishment, but as she froze he turned back. He hadn't hit her hard, not really just a shoulder bump, but she was trembling. He saw her tears and he turned back. He walked up to her as she was zoned out. He reached out to try and touch her, but stopped short as she seemed to pull herself together.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that."Part of Sabin thought that it was his fault she had paused. Which it was but he had no idea that there was something much darker lurking inside Aiko's past. He tried to put on a stronger face for Aiko. What ever issues he had with her didn't nearly deserve the reaction he had given her. She had asked a question and that wasn't anything truly evil or illegal just a question. As Sabin made his appology his ears twitched lightly, and his eyes seemed to widen for a moment.
Sabin's eyes became locked as his physical body froze over for a moment hearing the dull thudding from miles away. He could hear and smell the approaching before he actually saw it, but he didn't need to see it to know what that thundering was. Horses, and a lot of them were moving towards them. He had thought that with all the distance that they had put between them, and the capital of Begnion that it would have taken a while before he had heard the calvery but a city had something that they did not Horses.
When they came into view from the tree line Sabin almost growled. It looked like the calvery had arrived with at least a dozen, maybe two dozen men. The one in the lead was an older looking and very imposing paladin. As they entered the area they spread out. quickly and furiously cornering the area they were in. Sabin's hand grabbed Aiko's wrist almost on instinct pulling her deepr into the foliage where it was harder terrain."Shit, shit, shit. I thought it would be at least a few more hours before we had to deal with something like this, and why so many."
human
Aiko
Only when a tear fell from her face and landed in between her breasts did she even realize Aiko was crying, making her scoff at herself and quickly wipe the tears away."No ... it's fine, really. Damn flashbacks haunt me a lot, even without verbal --- "But as she noted his ears twitch, Aiko went silent. The main time that happened with cats and dogs was when they picked up on noises and sure enough, the reaction which soon followed proved he likely had. Her mouth had opened to ask what it was but the view of calvary behind Sabin answered the question as did the man who appeared to be like a paladin.
Her own wrist wrapped around Sabin's as her speed seemed to pick up by at least ten fold, clearly having a new incentive to run faster."Don't fucking look back, just keep going!"Her teeth found her lower lip and a bit of blood finally was drawn. Her hand was trembling much more by now, her heart and mind frantically racing.
No fucking way! I thought he retired, stopped his military duties! Why the hell is he here?!Her head bowed as she let - forced - herself to recall the face. That set of eyes and hair ... there was no mistaking it. That was definitely him. She swallowed before glancing back to Sabin, her voice lowering.
"I'm not gonna give an entire background ... but just trust me when I say the matter has officially become more personal. The one with red hair ... is my father. And I get the feeling he heard the news regarding what I've done. That plus our personal history ... spells nothing but trouble for us. Well, me more. I can probably talk him out of leaving you the hell alone and, if anything, you get out and pick up where I left off."
gpt
Sabin & ???
Her father? Sabin's eyes seemed to narrow the only family resembalince he saw was the fact that both of them were humans, but then again that was probably his own inherent racism. He admitted it was a problem he needed to work on, but it was more then bad. They didn't have many choices at hand, as Sabin crept back he wanted to run, but on their horses they would have been able to follow him. Eventually the Laguz would have ran out of steam, or the horses would have caught up, he doubted that running was really an option. Which left two more options.
Route the enemy, kill them all that answer seemed unlikely considering they were outnumbered, or run for the ocean, loose them along the coast. Or hope that they could find some kind of reinforcements. Shaking his head he looked at Aiko. He didn't want to take that out, leaving her behind would be terrible, but she was right he had a better chance to get away. Biting his lip he almost wanted to hiss at her telling her no."You do know they will hurt you right. I don't like this plan, you may be able to change his mind, but you won't be able to talk down the people he's riding with."He didn't even want to mention the fact that Galia might not believe a word he said to them. The best chance they had to deliver a message was together, but they would only survive this encounter if they parted ways.
As he spoke the horses and their riders seemed to get ready to enter the forest. Her father raised his hand for a moment. the men stopping at his command"Aiko, we know you are in there. Your pet was lousy and didn't cover his foot steps. He thought he was light on his feet, but what he failed to realize is that we have many ways of tracking our thieves. Surrender now, and you will be prosecuted under Begnion laws. Don't surrender and we burn this grotto to the ground and bring you back mostly dead, but still partly alive."
Sabin winced hearing the tone of the commands, and not liking any of what he was hearing now."Some father..."
human
Aiko
A small smirk crossed her lips as Aiko managed a nod. Her voice remained soft as she began speaking, hinting that her mind had been going through it's fast thinking process yet again."That's an understatement but not the point either. I can handle that. But I'm not going to accept failing."Pulling the map out, she laid it in his hands."I've been through much worse than him ... really."Depending on the view one looked at, it was true and not. It wouldn't at all mean she would enjoy anything while away from Sabin; but she wouldn't be too amazed either. Simultaneously, it wasn't anything she wanted him to realize just yet. He was already trying to keep from leaving her side; if she revealed her fate, sheknewhe'd end up dead.
"Just trust me and go, please. Begnion and a good number of their people have rather sadistic tendencies. What used to be death will likely be altered ... "Her head glanced over as he spoke up and she couldn't help but let her smirk widen, even if it was incredibly out of place. Well, if she'd had any doubts or thought she'd seen the wrong man, there was no mistaking it now. That wasdefinitelyhim. Her head turned back to Sabin as she got what could very well be one last glance."I'm sorry you got dragged into this ... really I am. Now hurry, especially while the other cavalry have ceased. Use the map ... use any and all advantages, including the fact it's me he wants more than you."
And with that, Aiko gave Sabin a push and head start at the same time. She'd oblige ... somewhat. Unsheathing her dagger, she revealed herself with her blade held firmly and at the ready. Her own eyes glanced up to the crimson ones and narrowed slightly."Tell you what ... let's make this interesting, shall we? It'll give your comrades and men a good show if nothing else. Let me see if I can finish what I probably should have years ago, hm? Just us ... no other intervention. What say you?"
Even if he refused, his and the mens' focus wouldn't be on Sabin. That plus the shove and map would all give him enough of a head start. Her eyes never fully left her father's, only glancing over to check up on the men beside and behind him.
gpt
Sabin & Kenichi
Sabin couldn't stand to watch this, as she revealed herself. He understood that time was precious, that he needed to get back to Galia, or Crimea. His muscles tensed this was stupid, letting her face this alone was arrogant. Looking back there had to have been another answer to this problem, but there wasn't. His one option remained he had to run. Swallowing hard he bit his lip. Fine he would run this time, taking the map, he sighed. Turning tail wasn't his thing, but out numbered and out gunned he would be hard pressed to actually win this fight.
Turning he ran for the ocean, putting himself deeper into the wild he took his beast form and hit the ground charging. He had enough time, with the men distracted by Aiko he could get away with ease. All the time it turned his stomach upside down. Leaving her to die, or worse in a place like Sierrenne. Sabin was faced with a dark choice. If he really wanted to warn Galia he didn't have a choice but to charge away from Aiko, but he would be back. He had already vowed to make sure that the two of them stayed alive. That meant making sure that she got out of this situation.
~~~
Kenichi's red eyes locked onto Aiko's he snickered slightly seeing the dagger. She really had tought herself to be a thief. It had been years since he had last seen his daughter, and oddly he didn't feel like rejoicing right now. His child was a petulant one, and her challenge was rather juvenile. Unhooking the spear from his back he stamped it into the ground before swinging it with a graceful ease. Somethings are never forgotten."And what exactly do you even think you could accomplish with that tooth pick of yours? Ever the child I suppose."
The man dismounted his horse bracing his spear heavily. The former general seemed primed and ready in new armor, his red hair seemed to flow in the wind. He seemed to have aged a bit. Age however had not taken away the mans strength or height and he towered over Aiko even without the use of his horse, standing in it at 6'5" The man was broad and freakishly giant. Stepping forward he accepted Aiko's challenge. The look in his eyes seemed thirsty to draw blood from her."You heard her men, leave the brat to me, go find her sub human pet."
human
Aiko
Her head quickly shook no upon hearing the last sentence."He assumes too fast. That wasn't a pet, just a mere hostage I used. He's of no importance ... let him run."Even if only for a bit, she hoped they'd contemplate ... maybe only some would heed her words and not her father's and chase after Sabin. It'd be enough all the same. Her eyes watched the spear land, still remaining on her father. The massive height difference would definitely make this indeed difficult .. but not quite yet impossible. Her preference would have no doubt been to wound his shoulder, his dominant one preferably. But that was out of the question. She'd never be able to reach without jumping .. and he would be able to put together an idea on her aim faster than she could execute the plan.
There were other places, though ... and the more she contemplated them, the better it would be. She doubted he'd expect other places. Her heart raced and ankles tensed as he approached and prepared. Aiko had few if any doubts that he would have declined the challenge; the issue was just going about this. But now that she had a more solid idea and back-up plan going through her head, this wouldn't be the worst. Not to say it'd be easy; but it wouldn't be nearly as impossible as one would first begin to assume.
"You'd actually be quite surprised on how much damage they can do, especially in skilled hands. Don't think you know me as well as you'd love to, especially with all the years I've been away from you. Simultaneously, I won't do the same with you."That wouldn't mean, though, she'd use what shedidknow against him. He was like her in one aspect -- both relied much more on upper body to execute the most devastating wounds.
The main difference, though, was she did use her lower body -- a lot more than he likely did. And hopefully that would be one good advantage for Aiko to use against him, speed. Sometimes even it could defeat power.Make them small, make them count .. It'd been some of the best advice she'd heard from another rogue she used to speak with. The saying referred to the wounds and slashes, of course. Even if they appeared simple, they could wind up actually being very complicated and complex.
Nodding to herself, Aiko allowed her ankles to finally un-tense as she darted forward, staying quiet now. At first it'd look as if she were running by to slash across his chest then past. But like any good thief, she waited ... and when she got close to his leg, her hand lowered. It now aimed to slash the back of his left kneecap. The quickest step to winning this would be making him incapacitated. Even with how much of a bastard he'd been to her over the years, she didn't know if actually taking his life would even be in her. It'd be something he deserved, yes. But he still raised her ... and that was something he didn'thaveto choose to do. For that much alone, she almost felt like she owed him at least the ability to live.
But that didn't mean she was just going to stand still and allow herself to be dragged into Begnion's prisons either ... or wherever she may end up at. No, shewouldfight back, no matter the results or costs.
gpt
Kenichi
The solders didn't even seem to care about Aiko's words rather they took the orders of the general seriously spanning out their progress was slowed by the horses, and the rough terrain. While it wouldn't have been possible for them both to slip away, their was little to no chance of any of the solders actually finding the Laguz warrior on his own, in such a thick wooded over place.
"Doesn't matter even if he was your prisoner, the orders stand to find and kill all sub-human scum in Begnion's boarders."He said with a slight delight watching his men, before his eyes returned to his daughter before she made her move. Waiting for the right chance to move as he watched her quick elegant strikes.
As for Kenichi he seemed to scoff at his daughters attempts to wound him. as her blade moved lower, he raised his knee the result was that her blade hit the side of his thick armor, sparks went flying as metal scraped metal but neither the armor or her blade gave off."Unlikely to do much damage like that, Begnion recalled me into service, new equipment thicker armor. So now."
The man's arms moved quickly swinging around the spear to strike at Aiko's ribs, he swung the pole arm wide hoping to catch her side and smack the wind out of her. His smile was the same sadistic one he had carried in her memories for so many years, enjoying the moments he spent tormenting his little daughter. As he turned the pole arm back swinging down a second time to bring the long metal staff across Aiko's face.
"Stay down, or I will make it so much worse for you."His voice was ever commanding his crimson eyes glaring down at Aiko's He Smiled delighted in his own sadistic heaven right now, he finally had his little daughter back, and now he could teach her all about what would happen to runaways. She had taught herself well that was for sure, but a lance always beat a sword.
human
Aiko
Tch. Well .. he should still have a start all the same.The fact they'd noted Sabin was a Laguz so quickly though definitely made her uneasy. But between his natural speed and the map she gave him, Aiko had to put her faith into him. Even with how much of a prick he'd come off as at first, he was still very competent all the same. He'd kept his identity concealed from the rest of Begnion on their first day. This was now the .. second? Yeah, basically and only now did they realize whom she'd run off with. Considering Begnion's troops were usually much more prepared, that was quite the feat.
She was quickly given something else to glance at though, her left arm quickly going up to shield her eyes and face as the sparks tried to fly.Tch, fuck. They really did seem to spoil him with this newer and thicker armor. Son of a -- Her eyes widened as a harsh blow landed and hit it's mark, making Aiko cough as she rolled a few times before finally stopping. Her left hand went from in front of her face to around her midsection, trying to keep it protected from any further assaults. By the time her eyes finished blinking and adjusting, she felt and saw the damn lance so close to her.
Aiko would have more than eagerly used her blade to knock or keep it away .. but if his armor had made sparks fly, she dreaded how sturdy this damn thing was. Her grip on her dagger tightened but she made no move to try to slash at her father. Her head merely turned as she took deep breaths quickly through her nose. This hadn't gone at all like how the thief had planned. To say she was infuriated by now was a huge understatement. She waspissed. True, Aiko hadn't thought to win this. But she definitely hadn't intended to losethisfast either. She'd been aiming to try to wound him - and a bit of his pride - to keep him occupied for a few hours if not days.
Oh the irony .. if anything, that had all just been applied to her. Then again, she did get a few traits from her father. One was being a horrible loser. Well .. like father, like daughter in this case she supposed. Even without an official verbal reply back, it was clear from the lack of attempts that she was heeding the advice. Simultaneously, however, the stubborn refusal to let go of her weapon also suggested she wasn't going to let her guardfullydown either. Not as easily as obeying the command to remain down.
gpt
Kenichi
Bringing the tip of the spear around to Aiko's throat he smiled lightly. He had dreamed of the day he would get to recapture his arrogant little daughter. Now it was his turn to bring his foot down. and he did so right on on Aiko's sword arm, the heavy metal of his boot landing with crushing force as he stepped carelessly on her wrist, rubbing it into the ground with his heal. He chuckled slightly at the look of defiance in her eyes as she gazed up at him. That was more the way he remembered her. Still as young and naive as that first day.
His body leaned over Aiko's he was would enjoy breaking that spirit of hers again now that he knew where she was gonna be."That's right listen to daddy and drop your little tooth pic."As he leaned down over his hand brushed against her long blond hair before pulling it to pick her up off her feet, His crimson eyes seemed almost blood thirsty. As he looked at his daughter his pride was more then intact in fact it seemed to be more arrogant than ever. He wasn't just a sore looser he had always been a spoiled winner as well. He knew his daughter well enough to know that she wouldn't be broken so easily, but he had plans that would eventually do that for him.
One of the riders returned just then causing Kenichi to drop Aiko but his foot remained sternly on the girls wrist threatening to break it if she said anything or tried to hold onto her weapon."Sir we haven't found any signs of the Sub Human. we found a few of his prints but as far as we can tell he stopped using the ground at some point. For all we know the beast could be at the shore by now."
Kenichi sighed looking down at his daughter it was still early morning but it would be a days ride back the capital."Find me some rope then. We have what the capital wanted, we will bring the traitor back in ropes dragged behind a horse, a rather amusing display that I am sure the men of the capital will appreciate."As he spoke his weight on her wrist increased wanting to hear her cry out on pain as it was.
human
Aiko
That goddamn smirk .. it'd been one of the many things Aiko hadnotmissed throughout the years. It only made her eyes narrow more, though the foot finding her arm made her wince. Just from the metal and pressure, she could literally feel her body fighting and inwardly pleading to not have some bones crush then and there. Struggled breaths mingled in with her winces as her right arm convulsed, trying to keep itself in one piece through nothing more than willpower. When the order echoed in her ears, she deftly thought on it. And the sound of the rider approaching would be her new cue.
Waiting for her father's attention to be more away from her, he'd hear a lightclink-- which would sound as if she did indeed comply and toss the dagger away. In actuality, though, she merely slipped it into a pocket. She wasn't about to easily toss her only means of defense away, no damned way. All the same, she wouldn't risk her best arm being out of use. So she'd play along, make him think she'd been good while keeping her body intact. Aiko was ambidextrous ... but it was much easier to use her right arm than her left. It had always reacted and swung faster.
Her heart raced faster and winces became more audible as he applied more pressure. Her body shook and a from a mix of fear and anger, tears of said emotions fell down her face. Aiko hated admitting it ... but it wouldn't take much more to break her wrist. Be that as it was, though, she wouldn't easily give the screams he was clearly begging for. Her eyes closed tightly as her head shook no, trying to plead with her body to hold on and not yet give in.
gpt
Kenichi
A small sigh escaped Kenichi's lips as he was handed a set of rope, still standing on his daughters wrist he was making sure to use just the right amount of pressure so as to make the girl cry, but not snap her wrist. It wasn't that he minded if he broke her physically it was that causing her pain in this way was more enjoyable then actually breaking her. Taking her to that threshold where she could break but not putting her over it. The threat was enough too keep her in line though seeing her silent tears and how she shivered with pain, it was all rather amusing to him. He was annoyed that the Sub Human had gotten away but he had more then a fitting revenge for that.
"Right then the troops will be falling back shortly if they can't find any trace of your sub human friend then they will be rather disapointed."Placing the rope on his horse he pointed to the rider who had already gotten back, and then down to his daughter still under his heal."Strip her."
The boy gave a salute as Kenhichi walked off of Aiko's wrist, the boy grabbing at her hair, pulling her up to her knees, before they went down to her top. Honestly she hadn't been wearing much to begin with, and for a strong soldier it didn't take much to rip what little of a top she had from her body. The black cloth shredding under his hands. The boy's armor wasn't as thick as her fathers had been, in fact it was mostly leathers the boy still being a squire didn't seem to have the same kind of talent for pain, as Kenichi did. His hand didn't have a firm grasp on her hair, and even as he pulled the top from her body he did so with a glance that was almost along the lines of excitement. His mind so clearly focused on Aiko's body that he wasn't paying attention to where her freed hands were.
human
Aiko
By the time Kenichi had removed his foot from her wrist, Aiko was panting and lightly trembling. That'd been far too close for any sort of comfort and while she was damned relieved, she knew he hadn't stopped because of something like mercy. Hell, the word didn't exist in his dictionary. No no, he was waiting ... which was ironic. She was too .. just for something else. For a few moments though, she wasn't sure even what that was. But once he gave the orders to strip, the ideas came to Aiko. As much as she would have loved to give her wrist a massage to relieve some of the aching, it'd waste precious seconds that she barely had left.
If Kenichi or the soldier were expecting her to try any stunts, they wouldn't quite see that. It actually looked like she'd had sense metaphorically slapped into her and put her wrists behind her back in surrender. This was partly true .. but it wasn't by any meansallshe was doing. While both had their focus in front of her and not behind her body, she removed the dagger from the same pocket she'd hid it in. Aiko would have highly preferred to have been able to sheathe it ... but that luxury hadn't been given. So this would be risky, though much more so if sheweren'ta rogue.
Slipping the small blade between her hands to hide it, she kept them pressed firmly enough together to keep it hidden away. There was no question that within time, she'd see her father nude, whether fully or half. And even if only the latter, it'd be enough. She had plans on the chance chains were used instead of ropes; the blade could be used for a slightly awkward but makeshift lockpick. It was doable though not nearly as accurate or quick as the real thing .. but not at all impossible.
Regardless, she wouldn't be fully off guard as much as her father had been thinking she was. If anything, she intended to use his arrogance against him .... and even if it cost her, obtain the injury she'd had stolen from her when their fight had begun. It'd wind up giving her anywhere from hours to days depending on what she could strike. But still, it'd be more than ample ... for herself and perhaps a bit more importantly, Sabin.
Her throat finally cleared to the squire, reminding him she was still very much in front of him."Well? What are you looking for? You see nothing but flesh so .... get on with it. None of us can remain here all day."She swallowed softly, trying to avoid moving her hands too much. The most dangerous thing on her concealed stunt, really, was how close and easily the bladecouldtechnically slit the major vein within either of her wrists. But she didn't intend to let it cut there. Still, it didn't get rid of the possibility of that being able to happen either.
gpt
Kenichi & Tomoko
Kenichi gave an arrogant snort as he heard his daughter being even more rebellious. He would have to enjoy this now, because soon she would be out of his hands and into the courts hands. As she was tried and held for treason the likely answer would be to execute her, which was a shame in reality he would have liked to see the daughter that ran out on him, and left him alone for so long broken. Her spirit deserved to be smashed for how rebellious she had been in her life, and how much she was unworthy of her traits. He still didn't know if she got them from him or her mother, but both ways disgusted him.
Turning he tossed the rope to the squire giving the order to tie it around Her so that she could walk behind the horses. He gave out a rather harsh whistle a sign to tell his men to fall back, if they haven't found the sub human pet by now it's speed and stealth would make it far to difficult to track on it's own. They had only been able to follow it's tracks because it had been carrying extra weight the first time. Had it not had to carry Jun's weight for one reason or another, they wouldn't have been found.
The squire smiled lightly as he secured a noose around Aiko's neck, she was bare and ripe before him, and he couldn't resist a small lick. As he leaned in to secure the robe his tongue dragged lightly across her cheek. "If your lucky and you walk quickly you have a shot of making it back to the city before night time. But just imagine what's gonna happen if your too slow. A good amount of the men here haven't seen a woman like you in months." He snickered slightly at the thought of the train the men would want to run on her. She was a traitor after all who really cared what she looked like when she was finally dragged into town.
~~~
High above the world the sky was a limitless resource. While other inferior races were restricted to the ground, the members of Kelvas, and pheonocius had the pride and honor of the sky. letting out a light laugh as he flew along side his sister. The boarder between Begnion, and Kelvas was often a point of dispute. Some say it was in the waters, but the members of Kelvas had always considered the oceans encircle the island to be theirs as well. Any place that could touch the sky would be theirs really.
As Tomoko flew through the sky he held the appearance of a giant bird. Dark wings helped him glide through the air high above the shore line of Bengion. High enough that not even their best archers would have really been able to spot him. However with the eyes of a crow, he was able to easily see the ground, even the capital was visible from his vantage point. "Everything seems pretty normal from up here. Why is it we always get picked for this boarder anyway? We've been in Kelvas' service for eons, and I've never even seen Goldoa, or Pheonicois.. though kind of glad about the latter, those hawk eyed bastards tend to get aggressive from what I hear."
human
Aiko & Chidori
An inward sigh of relief echoed in Aiko's head. The lack of moves suggested neither had noticed her hiding the dagger between her palms. Many cons, unfortunately, came with this trick -- and one was included as the bastardly squire managed to lick at her skin. Even just trying to jerk away from him may cause her skin to move the wrong ways and wound up getting cut. Ifthathappened, she very well could die. Instead, her head merely turned, an annoyed scoff leaving her lips."Yeah, yeah, whatever. Let's just go."Thankfully, it'd likely be a relatively fast walk. After all, it'd only been one wrist which had nearly been broken. The rest of her body, though, was fine. Well, sore gut but knowing much worse could have been given to her, she didn't begin to complain.
Her teeth found her lower lip. After a bit more hesitation, Aiko's feet finally moved -- likely towards her death. It was a bit of a depressing thought. Then again, though, she hadn't completely failed. After all, Sabin had been able to slip away undetected. He'd likely be able to finish what she started. Still, it was saddening all the same that she hadn't gotten further ahead in this than she'd wanted. There were few other possibilities which would happen to her and none were much better than Death.
Beside Tomoko was a similar figure albeit with very obvious differences in appearance. Gender was one, as were eyes. In fact, the latter often gave her a huge advantage in battle. They'd been naturally white, giving off the impression she was blind. But if anything, the other Laguz was far from it. And only when she was able to prove it by landing off a fierce finishing move did everyone realize the truth. By then, though, it never mattered.Poor, ignorant beorcs.Then again, the words were slightly hypocritical, given her discovery about herself a few years back. An odd marking and therealreason her eyes were the way they were.
But she'd been too ashamed and embarrassed to confess this to anyone, even Tomoko. It was incredibly selfish, she knew, to not just outright tell him she was a Branded. But Laguz almost never were, it was usually the Beorcs who got these. And because of that, she was genuinely worried about word getting out. If the wrong people heard, they'd likely want to find her and experiment on her ... something that she wasnotfond of. Or perhaps even worse, the clan would exile her out of fear of bringing in said renegades.
A soft sigh passed her lips, a smile following soon as her brother went on to speak."You missed a spot then, my dear brother."She replied, finding herself glancing down at what appeared to be a very exhausted beorc. But her own eyes could see those feline ears even from the high heights."Hm ... I think our day just got rather interesting. Let's speak to this one. Few know of this location and even less approach around here with an actual reason. I doubt - hope - this one isn't so stupid to try to approach for the hell of it. But ... I doubt it. Not with the tell-tale signs he's been clearly running. Now the questions are; darting from what and how to proceed with him?"
gpt
Sabin & Kenichi & Tomoko
Sabin had at some point reverted to his human-ish form, letting out a heavy cough of exhaustion. He felt his body finally give out as he waked towards the ocean, dropping onto the smooth rolling plains too exhausted to actually be of any use at that point. He hadn't eaten, or had anything to drink in a long time, and as he laid flat on his back his tail curling lightly as he looked up to the sky, he breathed seeing the ravens flying through the sky.
At first glance they looked to be the average carrion feeding birds, only much larger. It actually took him a long moment to realize what he was looking at was a kelvias patrol. His ears twitching for a moment. Even if they were an immediate threat to him it wasn't possible for him to move, to any kind of safety or to really fight where he was. He only had to wonder if they were some of bengions feral's from the first and second war, or if they were actual members of Kelvias.
~~~
Kenichi smiled looking back to his daughter's nude form as he gave the marching order. He purposly took the lead of his division of Calvary. More then that he didn't choose to make a direct route for the capital. Wanting to enjoy the walk he had with his daughter, he plotted a round about course, taking the long route, which involved difficult terrain for the horses. Of course this was something he kept to himself, and it wasn't revealed until they hit a thin, but deep river.
The horses wouldn't have much of a problem to cross it, but for the woman being dragged by the horses, the freezing water would easily come up to her breasts. Turning to her Kenichi gave the order to march, as the horses began moving through the water Kenichi kept his from panicking while at the same time watching Aiko's movements."Enjoying the swim?"His voice had a heavy level of teasing to it.
~~~
"Oh that is interesting."Tomoko said with a rather dark laugh, turning his wings he started a slow descent. Landing on the ground there was a soft glow as he returned to his other body. his black wings on a proud display, as he walked forward. The boy was a laguz, there was no mistaking it. He blinked lightly he was a long way from Galia, that was for sure.
"Chidori It's a beast tribe. Doesn't look like it's alive though."As if to prove the unobservant laguz wrong Sabin let out a low pained groan. Blinking Tomoko poked the laguz warrior curiously. It was odd to see a beast tribe outside of galia from what he understood they had become less trusting since an incident along their boarders.
Tomoko blinked looking at his sister he wasn't entirely sure how to proceed, they were on another nations land, and they were faced with a half dead member of the beast tribe. Carrying him back to kelvias would be impossible, if they left him the creature looked like he would probably die. Taking out a canteen of water he passed it to his sister. He wasn't going to risk getting close to a beast tribe brute, he knew their strength and didn't want to risk getting close to one."You spotted it so you get to feed it, and no we are not keeping it, remember the last pet you tried to drag home?"
human
Aiko & Chidori
Aiko's eyes narrowed. Just the direction and having clearly gone the wrong way already spelled out her father's plan before the river got to. Her head quickly went up as she gazed towards the sky to avoid swallowing too much water or drowning. Her feet moved slowly, cautiously. If he didn't like it ... well ... too bad. That was something he should have thought of before making her walk, now wasn't it? A smirk managed to cross her face as a nod managed to leave."Yeah, actually. Mind if we remain a bit longer?"When the movement of the horses only continued rather than halted, that was enough of her answer."Fine, fine ... "She teased, continuing her careful pace, not wanting to step on anything that could wound her vulnerable skin such as stray glass or any other forms of hazard.
It was incredibly annoying to have to keep up the pace she was forced to use. But the blade hidden between her hands and arms was an easy enough reminder as to why. She had contemplated a few times whether to try to cut the ropes a bit now .. but decided against it.Wait for Begnion .... and to be alone. Now that he's back in the military, he can't be around all the time.At least that was what Aikowantedto reassure herself of. But honestly, she had no damn clue if that was correct or not. Her head shook no slowly.
Don't be stupid, he can't be. He has to sleep ... do things like that. So of course he won't always be around you. Same applies to the guards.It made her smile widen ever so slightly. Not all hope, it seemed, was gone.
A teasing smirk crossed Chidori's face. Still, she gave a nod of understanding."Tch, you're becoming less and less fun you know?"She teased, taking the canteen. But if worst came to worst, she knew her brother would atleasthave her back should the cat decide to be bold, stupid, or both and try pulling a fast stunt against her. So she wasn't quite as worried as she probably should be, despite having to deal with a foreign Laguz. Kneeling beside Sabin, she helped him roll onto his back, tilt his head back and pinch his nose.
"Sorry about this ... "She murmured, using her dominant hand to begin pouring the liquid slowly down his throat. After a twenty second count in her head, she ceased, waiting to see the reactions from Sabin. If he could move and take the canteen, she'd let him. If he was even weaker than she figured, she'd have to keep 'feeding him', as Tomoko had worded it. It wouldn't be the worst thing she'd done but certainly one of the more stranger ones.
gpt
Sabin & Kenichi & Tomoko
Sabin coughed as the water touched his lips, and he drank thirstily. He was exhausted worn out perhaps past the physical breaking point for most people. However his body was more durable then that of a birds or a regular humans. As such the water did it's job in reviving the partly dead cat clan laguz. He blinked feeling some life return to him, but what he saw didn't really fill him with confidence. The vultures that were going to pick his bones apart weren't actually vultures but rather two of the crow clan of laguz. His eye twitched, what did the carrion feeders want with him? He wasn't near their soil.
The events of what were happening passed over Sabin's mind, and suddenly he had one thought that jolted his body, Life returned in a large burst as he sat up and coughed, feeling pain creek across his back and front his chest expanding as he took in air."Bengion's gone mad."His voice was panic'd as his ears twitched, could he afford to entrust such a message to two crows? um probably not, but at the same time there were people out there that needed his help. Aiko being the one foremost in his mind. grabbing the girl by her clothing he pulled her closer, his claws Tearing part of the white fabric."They are trying to purge all Laguz in their boarders. City gaurds took my friend hostage, they are taking her back to the capital."
Sabin didn't know if they would react. Sabin needed help, their wings made them valuable, they could deliver the message to the other nations faster then he could, which would allow him time to think of a way to get into the human prison, and save Aiko. He knew that intersecting the group would be impossible, their horses could keep a more steady pace then he could. As far as he knew he could have been out for hours, but he would do what he could to save Aiko one way or the other.
~~~
Kenichi let out a stern laugh as he watched his daughter have to walk through the freezing water, her body was elegant and young, just the way he remembered her. He envied that youth, hated her for it on some levels. Soon he would be alone with her again just like they used to be, and he would be able to force her to learn her lesion about talking back to her father, or what she would earn for having displeased him in the first place.
The ride towards the city gates was calm, and as they entered the city they were greeted quickly by the gaurds, of the town, and then started the shorter ride back to the castle gates. As they walked there were clear stares at Aiko's nude body. People noticed, and none were exactly kind in their treatment of her, some choosing to vocally call her names like traitor, whore and other such things, a child took a overly ripe fruit and threw it as hard as he could at Aiko's head adding to the humiliation and indignities that she would have to suffer as they arrived back in town.
~~~
Tomoko seemed skeptical, of the cat, part of him doubted the creature was alive, wondering if it was a feral. those fears were however brought up when he awoke suddenly and spoke. When the cat grabbed his sisters clothing he kicked Sabin in chest forcing him off of Chidori which tore the fabric of her clothes off as he fell back. Tomoko didn't really seem to care about the fabric, rather his conserns were locked on his sister's body."See what happens when you just have to stop and talk to every crazy pet you find."He said with a roll of his eyes, he didn't take Sabin's warnings all that seriously rather he just helped up his sister.
"You revived the ground vermin, now what are you gonna do with it?"Tomoko really didn't want to have to take care of the laguz. it would just end up slowing him down, but there was something about this cat... He was panic'd scared, and did he say that bengion was performing a purge? It was enough for him to want to head back to Kellos. This wasn't their problem to report.