"What the..." Trailing off, Barren blinked a few times while staring at the brunet sound asleep on the ground with a small white blanket of snow over her. She glanced around and the icy landscape, her brow furrowing before looking up at the sun. "It's after nine why aren't you awake..." She sighed, stepping over towards her. "Hey!" She snapped, softly kicking her in the side. "What are you doing!? You're going to freeze to death!"
Groaning softly, Elise shifted around ever so slightly before feeling her side being struck. Letting out a small yelp, her eyes shot wide for a second before quickly closing as she disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Reappearing in the trees, she caught her breath while resting on a branch. Shaking her head, she went to dust herself off.
Staring up at her from below, the old warrior took a deep breath while reaching up to rub her face. "This is going to go wonderfully..." She rubbed the back of her neck before letting her arm fall to her side with a sigh. "Are you done sleeping in?" She called out.
"Um," Glancing down at her, she blinked a few times before jumping down. Her feet landing with a small thud as she stood up straight. "Well normally Kagami wakes me up." She reached behind her head, pulling down her messy ponytail before glancing around to see no one else. "Where is everybody?" She asked, placing her hair tie in her mouth as she went to fix her hair. She shivered a bit. "It's also cold."
"Norm... normally Kagami wakes you up?" She stumbled on her words for a moment. Taking a deep breath, she reached up to pinch the bridge of her nose. "And yes, yes it's cold! You're in the middle of nowhere! With no source of heat! All you have is your aura!" She exhaled while closing her eyes.
"Well there was a fire." She shrugged back before putting her hair up with a satisfied exhale. "There we go." She turned around, bending over to grab her weapon only to blink as she saw Kris' weapons. "Uhhh..." She trailed off, picking them both up and eyeing them with curious eyes.
"I don't even know where to start here." The old warrior took a deep breath while rubbing her face. Her arm slowly falling back down to her side. "Okay, you know what." She waved her hand a bit. "I'm leaving. Walk that way." She pointed. "That's the direction of Mantle. Your friends are heading there. They didn't leave you, I scattered the four of you while you were sleeping." She stepped towards a tree. "I also swapped your weapons. Use them to your advantage. Don't die. I have important things to do. I'll be back when you're more... aware and awake. Don't die." She repeated, pulling herself up into the trees before disappearing in the direction of Mantle.
Standing in the snow and blinking several times, the young farm girl slowly tilted her head while she lowered her friend's weapons. "Huh?!" She softly let out with a look of confusion. She blinked more, slowly looking around as her shoulders dropped. "Huh...?" She let out in a quiet voice.
Walking through the snowy woods, Elise let out a faint sigh while watching her feet leave impressions in the snow. "I guess... I just keep walking." She mumbled to herself before sliding her hands into her pockets. Looking around at the tundra, she smiled softly. "It's been a while since you've been alone in the woods just walking. Just like back home on the farm, huh? Just... colder." She chuckled to herself, watching her breath escape her mouth. "Okay, maybe a lot colder."
Taking a deep breath, she slowly began to ease her muscles. "It's still nice though. Relaxing despite the freezing temperatures." She glanced up at the sun. Its warm rays shining down on her just barely. "Calming..." She exhaled softly with a smile. Stopping in place, she slowly closed her eyes to take a moment. Slowly, she breathed the cold and crisp air in and out. Her chest moving just faintly. The soft sound of ice humming and wind rustling echoing in the distance.
And then there was the sound of Grimm.
Her tranquil state was immediately interrupted as her shoulders squared. Reaching back to grab the dual weapons, her eyes narrowed in the direction of the grueling sound. Slowly following in its direction, she paused for a moment at the sound of a different growl then a pained howl. "Oh no..." Her eyes widened before narrowing again as she took off in a sprint.
As a pack of wolves rushed off into the distance, the larger one of the group stayed behind to hold their ground. Sliding its back right paw back in the snow, it stepped forward with its left. Flashing its teeth with a snarl, it lunged forward as its jaw opened. It was immediately struck by a claw and sent flying with a heavy whine. Sliding back into the snow, it went to stand only to fall back down with a whimper. Red staining both the snow and the white fur of the creature.
Letting out a demonic growl, an icy pack of Beowolves slowly stepped forward towards it. One of them stepped ahead, slowly opening his mouth with a snarl. As it went to chomp, its front right paw was caught by the curved edge and chain of Kris' weapon.
Giving the weapon a harsh tug, Elise let out a quick warrior cry while aiming and firing a round into its skull. The beast jerking and falling limp before the rest of its pack all looked back at her. Retracting the chain on the weapon, she snapped it back into place before twirling them both and holding them like tonfas. Narrowing her eyes at the five remaining Grimm, she slid her foot back in the snow and raised her arms.
Now growling at her, each of the Beowolves slowly stepped forward. Each of them narrowing their glowing red eyes before breaking into a full sprint. And breaking from the group and jumping forward in her direction with teeth baring.
Narrowing her eyes back at it, she eyed a tree before using the candy cane weapons to haul herself up into it. Watching the Grimm slide to a stop below her, she took aim with height advantage and fired a few rounds. Seeing the creature disappear in a cloud of black smoke, she smiled. "These things shoot fast." She eyed them, chuckling before using them to pull her off into another tree as another of the beast rammed into that one.
Skidding to a stop on a branch, she crouched a bit. Sliding one of the weapons onto her back, she took aim like she was holding her rifle. Carefully aiming, she fired two shots. Both striking the incoming Grimm in the eyes. The bullets went through their heads as they jerked backwards and fell before dissipating into blackness.
Disappearing into a smoky shadow of her own, she reappeared behind the fourth Beowolf. Extending the blades on the weapons, she brought them both down in an x slash on its back. Watching with narrowed eyes, she saw it toss its head back before stumbling ahead, turning into nothing but smoke.
Hearing heavy and rapid footsteps behind her, she turned out. With wide eyes, she braced her arms and the dual weapons in front of herself as she was tackled. Her body being thrown back as she skidded through the snow. Catching her balance, she stood up straight and narrowed her eyes at the final Grimm. Raising the weapons, she slid her foot back as it charged.
Watching it come closer, she waited patiently then blinked at the sight of the wolf lunging straight into the creature and biting down on its neck. As it cried out and disappeared into darkness, the wolf stumbled on its leg before wincing and falling down.
Blinking, Elise slid the candy cane weapons away while slowly and cautiously approaching the creature. "Hey... hey." She softly whispered, holding out a hand. As it growled at her, she paused for a moment before exhaling and stepping closer. Kneeling down in the snow, she eyed the bleeding leg. Biting her lip, she moved a little closer despite the growling. "It looks like it's been dislocated along with the scratch." She took a deep breath, swallowing before quickly reaching out and grabbing it. With a forceful movement, there was a sharp sound followed by a whimper and then snarling.
Immediately jumping back, she just barely missed the fangs of the wolf who then stood up. Freezing as it stood above her, she held out her hand. "Better?" She softly asked as the wolf slowly lowered its guard. It pointed its head down, sniffing at its leg before moving it around. She smiled, reaching out to scratch its ear a bit. "Good..." She glanced underneath it before looking the wolf back in the eyes. "Good girl." She nodded.
The alpha female closed her eyes, slowly nuzzling her head into Elise's chest. Smiling, the young farm girl reached both her hands around to pet the warm creature. "You know, fuck Chey. I don't need a wolf hood." She inhaled, rubbing at the wolf's ears. "I know I'm queen of the wolves. Or wolf kissed. Either or. Or both." She chuckled, pulling back while running her hands down her head. Her fingers running through the soft fur and down her snout.
"You should run back now and find your family." She pressed her forehead against the wolf's nose. "They'll be happy you made it back. They need a brave leader like you." Watching as the creature let out a heavy huff and pulled away, they locked eyes for a moment.
Letting out a loud howl, the wolf looked up at the sky before licking at her scratches. Hearing the howls of others, she quickly took off in a sprint. Her large paws leaving behind a trail of prints that the brunet watched until they disappeared in between the trees.
"Now how is this so difficult for you to do around others?" Baren's voice came from behind.
Jumping up, Elise turned around with wide eyes. "W-Wait how long have you been here?" She blinked several times.
Sighing, the old warrior ushered her to walk onward as she followed beside. In her hand, a box of half eaten strawberries. "Long enough to know your mind is not always in a chaotic state of disorder." She eyed her. "You have such a clear head when alone. What clouds it up when you're around others?"
"I dunno..." She trailed off, staring at her for a moment before pointing at the berries. "I was alone a lot on the farm. My best friends were animals. People... I don't know. I guess I'm just worried I'm going to say or do something stupid that makes them mad."
She shook her head, handing her the box. "You can't always be so worried. Your instincts are wonderful. You have a very good gut feeling. I'd say trust it more. Focus on one thing. And not the bad. Just focus on one positive thing."
"Yeah, but-" She was cut off, already devouring the box of strawberries gulp by gulp.
"No buts." She held up a finger and narrowed her eyes. "I just saw you completely calm in the face of danger and death to some. You need to learn to clear your mind and focus around others. You'd be way better at everything you do if you did. I'm not saying all the time since that obviously won't happen, but during one on one fights with others or when you feel overwhelmed, you need to keep a clear head. Like Kagami does."
"I guess that's why she's the leader, huh?" She chuckled after swallowing the last berry.
"You don't want to think like that." She lowered her voice a little before stretching her arm. "Yes, she is your leader, but all four of you are a team. All of you work together as one. Each of you could have a different idea, that doesn't mean one is more valuable than the other. All of you can give input and all of you can observe and spot something the other doesn't."
She blinked, letting out a small sigh before nodding slowly. "Yeah... I suppose..." Her head lowered a bit as her brow furrowed.
Eyeing her, she raised an eyebrow before shaking her head. "What's distracting you?"
"H-Huh? Nothing! Nothing." She quickly responded.
Sighing, she rested her arm over her chest. "What's clouding your mind?"
"Nothing... important." She trailed off.
"I'm going to ask once more." She exhaled through her nose. "Something is bothering you. You don't want to let it distract you from something in the moment. What is it?"
"There..." Elise glanced down at her feet in defeat. "When I returned Jade's father's cloak to her, there was a man... and he mentioned... how I really admire Kagami..." She clenched her jaw, reaching up to rub her face. "And now I can't stop thinking about it! She's my best friend! And I don't want to mention it because it's weird! But the more I think about it..."
Blinking, Baren couldn't help but snort quietly before breaking out into a small laugh.
"Hey!" She snapped. "Don't laugh at me! No, okay you know what, whatever! Pretend I didn't say anything!" She turned away.
"No, no." She waved in her direction, a grin on her face. "That's not why... okay." She rubbed her face, shaking her head before looking over. "Listen, she isn't like you or me. She's different. I've watched her grow up and over the years it became more obvious. She doesn't like guys and she doesn't like girls. Rather than waking up with someone next to her, she'd prefer waking up and making tea and breakfast for the others living in the house with her. She's just different in that way." She gave a small shrug. "Though, it might be best that you talk to her about this. Maybe it will help you clear your head. Hopefully at least."
"Right... I guess I should." She swallowed a little. "When we get to Mantle I'll find the time."
"Good." She nodded. "A small step towards improvement is still a step. One last thing though." She eyed her. "Why do you use your semblance only to move such long distances?"
"What do you mean? I've always used it like that." She glanced over.
"All you do is travel long distances. I watched you. Why not just use it to move a few steps away to dodge instead of wasting so much energy?"
She paused in the snow, blinking a few times. "I... don't know. I never thought about doing that. It'll take a while to perfect but it might work." She rubbed her chin before looking over. Blinking as she stared at no one, she quickly glanced around. "H-Huh? Wait?!" She held up the empty strawberry box. "What am I supposed to do with this?! I don't want to litter!"
In Mistral, Val was standing over a bench of plants while gently watering them. Her hair in a tightly put up in ponytail. She had on a light pink and white flannel shirt with a black apron on over it. On it, several flower patches and pins. Inhaling the sweet aroma of the flowers around her, she closed her eyes for a moment. The store was calm and quiet until the front door opened and rang the bell. "One second!" She quietly called out, setting the watering can down. Taking off her gloves, she began to make her way to the front of the store. "Is there anything special you're-" She stopped.
Glancing over towards her, Nihilus raised an eyebrow. Both his hands in his pockets as he slouched slightly. "Val?" His other eyebrow raised. "You work here?"
"Well, I uh," She reached up to rub her left arm while holding her gloves in her left hand. "I needed to make lien somehow..." She trailed off a little before narrowing her eyes. "You need to shave."
He blinked a few times, reaching up to rub the stubbles on his chin. "I was actually thinking about growing it out."
"What? No." She shook her head. "You look better with a clean shave."
He simply gave a shrug. "Mom and Thanaton are out getting clothes. Well mainly Thanaton. She just drug mom along with her." He glanced around. "I thought I'd get something nice for her."
"I'll find something." She nodded, holding her hands in front of herself. "How... are things going with your mother?" She quietly asked before looking through different types of flowers.
"It's still a little weird... Thanaton and I live much different lives than she does. She likes solitude and peace while we..." He shook his head a bit. "It's slowly working out though. I've talked to her about you too. It took a while considering she didn't even want to hear your name, but she's coming around." He reached out, gently brushing the petals of a daisy. "Maybe someday you'll be able to come visit." His chuckle was low and quiet. "I thought I was good at cooking. She's leagues above me."
"I highly doubt she'll ever let me inside her house." She exhaled heavily while gently cutting a few blue roses away and gently wrapping them up in a soft light blue fabric before tying it off with a white string. "Wouldn't blame her either..." She trailed off before walking back towards him.
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a few lien cards as they traded. "She can change given enough time. She just needs to process it all." He faintly smiled towards her with a nod before holding the flowers a little closer. "At least I know where to find you if she ever does decide to invite you for dinner."
She softly smiled back, lowered her head slightly. "I suppose I can't refuse such an offer..."
"Good." He began to step towards the door. "You take care, Val. Working here," He glanced around while slowly inhaling. "It suits you a lot better."
She eyed him, her fingers gripping her apron. "You take care too, Nihilus. And watch your sister's back. We both know how she can be."
"Always." He mumbled, the chime of the bell echoing in the shop as he opened the door. Upon stepping out and closing it, he slowly inhaled the scent from the blue roses and nodded to himself with a smile as he began to walk away in the direction of the sun.
Me: *watches the series finale of Agents of SHIELD that I've been following for seven years*
Me: *writes this scene with Nihilus and Val after writing their story for five years*
Me: *lays on my bed and debates the entire meaning of life with myself*
Me: It's fine. This is fine. someonesendhelpmysoulhurts
Also, Nemasis, I appreciate your comments every now and then. I know I'm not the most sociable fanfic writer, but I do appreciate it.