boxofkururu | its its own thing now

its its own thing now

[ A final circle of the electrically-charged, barely standing Vault. It was almost a nightly deed for Haurchefant, to see if the Primal would leave as the sun set. After all, it was not often that they... he... left during the night. Travel was harsher, with the light of the single moon barely breaking though the clouds of Aether brought on by the sorrow and rage of the being within.

It was his duty to stop this. Though his body had been cursed to that of a unicorn (with large wings coated in feathers, and a dragon-esque head - well, he liked to think he were a Unicorn) at times - well, it was more reason. A life after death was what he had wished for, and if he could save but one from being tempered, it would be... okay. Roaming and then turning back to a man whenever he desired - if the old government of Ishgard were still standing, he would have been seen as a heretic and shot down by now.

Satisfied that his job were done for the night - at least, for checking this building - Haurchefant continued to soar gently above the broken air. The gates which could have been used to leave to the greater Eorzea were still sealed by adventurers - who could repeal, but not kill. Much of Eorzea had turned their back on him, if he were honest. But they had let Eorzea down. His gaze turned to the airship docks, where small devices still remained. In case people came who needed to soar to the Sea of Clouds, and safety, and he was busy holding back the beast.

His idle thoughts were interupted, however, when he saw something. It didn't seem to be one of the tempered Heavens' Ward, nor a dragon child who'd not grown their wings quite yet... had somebody fallen from the land above? Without looking to see who it is, he darted - wings stretched out, long lizard-esque tail flat out. ]

Ser!

[ Haurchefant roared out, hoping to either catch him on his back... or in his mouth. He were only the size of an alicorn, after all. ]

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[It was someone who was falling from the sky but how it happened would be the stuff spoken only in myths and silly fairy tales. But despite the man falling to his supposed doom, he made no sounds that made him believe he was in danger.

Or perhaps it was due to him being out cold from the fall and the possible injuries he had received prior. It was a surprise that the blue and metal stayed clean but there were dark splotches on the tunic under the clasps that held his armor as well as a nasty gash bleeding from his forehead. So when the dragon man called out, the man did not stir...and he looked familiar.

And even as the man landed on the dragon's back, he still did not stir. Now that he was closer, he strangely looked like the Lord Commander of the Temple Knights...]

[ At first, Haurchefant had only a glimpse of the man he caught - and noticed the blood before his face. He would not have time to soar back to their camp before this man bled out - even if he were to rush. It may be dangerous - if he is seen near, it may provoke an attack. But Haurchefant can take it.

--

Within minutes, he had rested this man in one of the abandoned watch houses of Falcons' Nest-- could it be who he seemed to be? Could he have just fallen... no. Aymeric had been taken and changed. He probably still roamed near where the other Eye lay, hidden beyond this battlefield. Called to by an arcane will. (He kept losing those he cared for. It hurt. It hurt so much, more then any spear of Lightning.) Anyway, he had rested him and removed his shirt - changing his body back to a more Elezen-esque shape. Well, the upper parts, at least. He still had his horse-like legs, and his tail balancing him. In his hands, from a small bag he kept with him, he'd drawn out specially made potion. It would stop the bleeding and assist him waking.

Oh, how Haurchefant helped it would help. Seeing another living down here would make his day. Another Elezen, draped in Ishgardian garb. A Lord Commander... even if it was just a doppelganger, it would be so wonderful. Opening the potion onto the wound - the head one first - he began to rub it in... using his weight and letting out soft groans. It didn't take too long, honestly, to use up one bottle. Having to tend to yourself makes you quite quick. ]

Halone, guide my will... please, allow me to aid this man.

[ A prayer would help, as he worked though another bottle of potion. ]

[He could hear the prayers being spoken by a familiar voice, stirring him closer to consciousness. He remembered being in the heat of battle, someone attacking in Foundation and using innocent people as cannon fodder to try and take Aymeric down yet again.

He hated that it was becoming common.

He did end up saving the children caught in the crossfire but he himself found himself hit with a surprise attack. The blows were too much and he ended up falling over the boundary wall and down into the foggy pit that surrounded the city. Or so he thought.

There came a slight groan but gods did he feel pain all over his body. The potions unknown to him made him open up those sapphire eyes, staring at the ceiling of the watch house as well as a figure still blurry to him.]

I...am I in her halls?

[It came out as a croak and hoarse but it was at least something.]

[ By the Fury, he was awake. He was speaking, if only a few words. Letting himself relax the smallest bit, Haurchefant let out a laugh. ]

If these were her halls, then I'd think it would not be this cold.

[ Starting with a joke to mask his own fear, his own hope - oh, how he hoped. His hands gripping the bottle of potion he had finished, he gave a small sigh. Honestly, he did not know how this man came - his memories of what may happen had ended when his life did. But he just hoped it was fine. Placing the bottle down, he sat there, ready to apply another bottle if he were needed to. ]

Does it still ache, dear friend?

[His vision began to clear as he took notice of who owned the voice. If he was dead, it would've been much easier to accept the idea that a friend of his was standing close by and playing the role of a healer and not...dead. Aymeric's eyes widened and on instinct, bolted straight into a sitting position.]

Haurche-nngh!

[Yeah, not the best thing to do because he still was in pain and just doubled over, almost face planting right on his legs.]

[ Without delay, Haurchefant... well, he moved quickly to make Aymeric sit up - forcing his body against the wall gently, so that he wouldn't try and move more. Hopefully. And then he goes quiet, starting to apply another potion.

After he begins rubbing gently, however - his hands firm but soft, he begins to talk again. ]

...Yes, it's me, Haurchefant. I found you falling - why, pray tell, were you so high in the sky?

[ He wonders, quite honestly, if this is his. If he managed to get his mind back. Oh, how he wishes. These injuries are quite healable, though - he's quite glad of that. ]

From...the sky?

[That...isn't what he remembers. He remembers falling downward not up and by the looks of this place, it's no cave or even underground. When the potion hits, Aymeric hisses slightly but it's a sure sign that it's working.]

But I fell down...defending someone and I found myself knocked over the walls and downwards...

[ ...Oh.

Haurchefant pauses, before his expression darkened. ]

Tell me, did you see a man with white-ish hair beforehand? And a black cloak--? You may have been pulled though worlds...

[ His first thought is that Miscarlet did this, as part of his hopeless war against the Glitch. Gotta blame the Ascian. This man may be... from another world. At least they're not at the manor, there's a lot more to explain there. He won't need to talk of doubles, or of demons in the skin of a gentle adventurer. Quietly, though, his expression turns to a slight smile (even if his dear friend wasn't safe, this was another, it hurt, but this was truly another copy, another chance) - before looking back to the door. ]

Or-- [ He was defending somebody? How good - though Haurchefant wonders why these sort of injuries were gotten - what changed after his death? ] ah. I'm sure they're fine, dearest Aymeric. And you will be, as well. The attacks shan't begin before the sun rises again - enough time to get you to safety.

[ ...haurche that doesn't calm. anybody. at all. ~~i mean if they try and get to Safety i'll probably throw a monster at them I MEAN--~~ ]

[Now that he thinks about it...what did his attacker look like again? Strange that he can remember the children and innocents but not the one who raised a weapon to them or him.]

Nay, their appearance escapes me. I cannot recall their face nor what they used to attack me.

[Just that it hurt like hell. But strange enough, the mention of another world didn't surprise him. He just takes a deep breath.]

I knew other worlds existed; the Warriors of Light each being from different realms and timelines. It shouldn't surprise me that our own has them as well.

[ So he knows of other worlds - ah, ones with Warriors of Light? That would be splendid, instead of what he gets. ]

I fear this is not my world, either. I was taken after... well, what happened to me. His death. [ Letting out a small laugh, Haurchefant shook his head a little. ] The man I speak of - he goes by many names, but he... well, him and another brought me to... another Eorzea. Not this one either - no, this one belongs to... another version of dearest Emmanellain.

[ He's going to keep talking, as he tends to Aymeric. Gotta get out some bandages - at least for now. ]

It's not the kindest of worlds, but I remain here until I can find a way out. And help those who've lost themselves to our very own Primal! To think, a being with that much power has taken residence inside the Holy See itself! Hah...

[ A pause. ]

Though, it does not matter what you saw. You may have been brought here by fate, like my dear sister was to I. Perhaps you have come to aid me!

[ He lets out a laugh. He's used to fighting alone - and so is casual about joking about it, as he tightened the bandages. He's rather good at it! ]

[That simply depends; the Warriors he knows include a dragoon who thought it wise to try and maim him for following a rogue's advice (and quite frankly the worst he could do), a black mage who liked to shock things a little too much, a miqo'te woman who should never be a white mage due to preferring to hit things with her staff than heal, and a dark knight who sometimes channels her 'inner Dante' to keep herself sane...whoever they were this Dante.

And now to hear that a primal has taken over Ishgard, even Haurchefant wasn't from this realm and has a sister. Strange that Aymeric thought of something Yua Narukami would say but only because the others were too polite. Actually two and neither should be said in front of Haurchefant.]

Aid you? If that is so then-nngh!

[Dammit, what exactly did he do to make it hurt so much? Not the dragon who should be a zombie but his own injuries. Why did they hurt much worse than when he was stabbed?]

[ Well, he's stuck with self-inserts, primals walking in Hyur skin, and doubles who, he calls family.

Another panicked huff - Haurchefant then feels a pain. Damn. His worries - well, if it hadn't been seen before, his dragon-alicorn-esque form returned. It was slightly tiring keeping up the Elezen form. Giving a shake of his now-lizard/unicorn head, he picked up the last of his potions from his bag - pouring it out and starting to...
...Lick it in. Don't worry, he's done this before. :B ]

Do not worry. You'll be fine - unless you got struck with a poison, or the blood of a Dragon, or-- well, there could be quite a few pains. Please, relax - these are brewed by a White Mage!

[ He hopes there is nothing like that, though. ]

[The transformation surprised him but what shocked him most of all was the fact that the potion was being licked on him.]

Ah!

[He's grateful that Haurchefant isn't liking his stomach, Aymeric doesn't want to explain that it's one of his sensitive areas. And he certainly doesn't want to think about his wounds being poisoned with either element. Soon he's starting to relax under the dragon's touch.]

[ The noises, however, made Haurchefant... smile a little. As he closed his eyes, he could almost forget he weren't back home, back before.

As he's finished with the wounds, however, he does give a small blep of the tummy. Mostly as a playful way. ]

...Alas, if you're more injured - I have learned a little conjury of my own?

[Oh he had to do that. Thankfully it only results in a small chuckle. Look, this isn't the time to explain about it.]

Nay, there's no need. You've done so much for me already. But I must ask: if we are not in Ishgard then where...?

Ah... we are simply in the Coerthas Western Highlands. It was as far as my wings could take us, I'm afraid. The camp used to be named Falcon's Nest, I believe? Before it was abandoned for a second time.
Usually, it's outside where the Heavens' Ward roam...

[ And he hopes it's still that way. Even one of them would be too much, after his day of battling. (Honestly, he was looking forward to using those potions himself.)

His expression has turned serious, though. ]

They...still live?

[This version must've not had someone strong enough to face them...then again, Aymeric doesn't want to find out what kind of dragon the Lord Commander of the Heavens' Ward is. Or be target practice.]

What happened to Ishgard and the people? How did a primal even get in and have you gotten any rest? You do not look well.

I suppose you could blame my family for all of this. I don't have all the details - dear Emm kept trying to run when I asked - but it seems that after my... incident, something in my father changed.

[ A sigh, as he focuses again... and turns back to Elezen, sitting down by the bed, and shaking his head. He's rarely gotten to talk about this. And he wants to show his face as he does. ]

And Edmont... he made a deal with a different cloaked one - an Ascian, I believe they were called. And he was gifted by... becoming Ixion, and taking control - slaughtering that who gave him power. Tempering the Heavens' Ward, and killing Thordan. Alas, that was not the end.

He keeps patroling, to take down those who do not believe in the Truth of the War. Before he could slaughter all, many were taken to the Sea of Clouds - far above where he can reach. Lady Lucia was one who was rescued, do not worry for her.

...I rest at night. My days are filled with trying to stop Ixion from leaving. If he were to leave though the Gates, then... [ he lets out a sigh, and... well, that's a tear. Even a knight can cry when exhausted - especially one as emotional as Haurchefant. ] And that's not when I'm forced to save those whom he leaves near-dead. My blood can turn a man to dragon - saving them, but at quite a cost. At least Nidhogg won't come and strike...

At least.

[ Because in this world, the eyes were never re-united. Ixion holds one, embedded in his armour. Haurchefant looks so... pathetic, close to just collapsing into tears. But, instead, he gives a smile. ]

But once we've gotten you to safety, you won't share the fate of the you of this world - one whom I had to change to survive.

[He can't say that he knows how the knight feels. His family has been through so much and in all honesty, Aymeric can't help but feel responsible for all of it. If only he had decided to wait, to think first...then maybe none of this wouldn't have happened. Hearing everything that has happened such as Ixion's rise, The Heaven's Ward being his servants, this world's version of himself...and how Haurchefant fights him alone. He has no right to complain or even consider the thought.]

But...I cannot just go and let you take everything on your own.

[His tone is quiet and at the moment, he's a bit afraid to look at him. After what happened, he's not even sure if he's worthy. Guilt that carried with him since the Vault and the constant questioning himself...Aymeric didn't want anyone else to share that burden because it was his fault to begin with. No one except him deserves it.]

This all started with me...because I was a fool to try and talk sense to someone who knew the truth but decided to not do a damn thing about it. And you and almost everyone I know has paid a steep price for it. 'Tis still a surprise that you would care for me considering...

["I was the one who let you die." is what he wants to say but he can't bring it out. He's terrified because as much as he wants to help, he's not sure if he can if his arrival meant being busted up and according to Yua, being the pizza guy that comes in and everything is on fire.]

[ Gently, he placed a hand to one of Aymerics' wound - the one of the body. If it were looked at, it would be clear that even as Elezen, he had pale white claws. Letting his smile lapse for a moment, he finally whispered - his voice as calm as he could get it. ]

I should not have died.

[ It's the first time in a long time he's admitted he's died once. He hates it. He removed his hand, and started to remove his armour - letting it fall to the ground, until he could show his scar. From where the spear struck him, a lightning scar spread out, passing though light fur-like scales which'd grown slightly around it. But why was he showing it? ]

I... do not know if we came from the same world, originally, dearest Aymeric. I was thrust away from mine when I was... awoken once more. But of course I would care for you - you are strong and just. We did not know if he were aware - it would have been foolish to not go to one we trusted. The past, however, is in the past. If we did not make mistakes, we would not be Spoken.

[ He tries to keep moving forward. Forgive what has gone wrong, and simply make a better future. It keeps him from breaking down and crying even more then he already has. Haurchefant returned to smiling, before stretching a little - returning his hand to the injury. ]

And nonsense. I've been fighting alone for months... there's no way to truly end a Primal, from what I've heard.

[ In other words - he will fight to his death again. No more will suffer this. And none will die because of him. His words seem insincere, almost, however - because he longs for an ally. Somebody who may just travel with him and perhaps somebody who can calm a broken father. Or, at least, can allow people who know the truth to not be tempered. ]

[His breath hitches when Haurchefant touches him but he doesn't feel pain. It's quick as the hand goes away and the knight strip himself of his armor and shows the scar Zephyrin gave him. And that's why he tries to move on for Ishgard and its people: remember the past of course but also make sure it does not occur again in their future.

...wait, did he always call him dearest? Why is he even thinking that? He didn't even know he went a little red at the mention. Probably just a normal matter for him.]

Mayhap not but it shouldn't be a task for you alone. We'll find a way, Warrior of Light or none.

[ Honestly, when Haurchefant were nervous, he tends to call people lovely and dearest. That, and he grew closer to the Aymeric of this world... ]

It's my father. Well, not mine - another of him.

[ Perhaps in his tired haze, however, his hands danced the slightest bit more. From the injury up to his long neck - before placing his hand to Aymerics' chin, gently. ]

But... it would be nice to have another with me, at least until we can return you to your land.

[ And then Haurchefant yawned a little. Even though all of this... he's been awake from dawn, after all. ]

...For now, however - we should have some rest. Perhaps you will be able to think clearer of this after a nights' rest. [ Or should he say... a knights rest? ] Settle. I can secure this building - it's where I normally sleep.

[ And it's not like they'd be ambushed, right? ]

Edited (html why) 2016-05-26 17:08 (UTC)

[Don't jinx it!]

Aye, it is good not to be alone...

[Now that he mentions it...Aymeric's eye lids were feeling a little heavier. He's about to protest but he knows the knight is right: they both need to rest.]

Just don't push yourself for my sake.

And the same to you.

[ He says, as he moves to seal the door off for the night... and sit by it, pulling a nearby blanket over himself. After all, this was where he always slept - the bed was not where he could hear sounds of monsters easier.

--

However, the morning seemed to come far too quickly for Haurchefant. The light of dawn was bright, as always - and his dream faded. Were seeing somebody he could have saved a dream? It couldn't be true. Why? Because all his happiness were fleeting. He should move towards trying to simply eliminate one of the Ward - or try and negotiate again with the Beast Tribes (who had turned against them due to Ascian influence and fears) - or--

His thoughts ended with seeing his Lord Commander still there. He really was here. Perhaps he should go and start cooking some meat, then? His shifting body, however, let in more light. Odd. The door was clearly fixed yesterday... and he could not smell any intruders.

Eventually, after getting his armour back on, he moved towards his Lord Commander, placing a hand to him. ]

Ser. It's morning. Did you rest?

[It had to have been some kind of dream. While his sleep was uneventful nor did he wake up during the night, Aymeric was thinking that he would be in his chair from the paperwork on his desk. Or Yua hovering over him poking his cheek or maybe Yukiko was-]

Mmm?

[He awoke, seeing Haurchefant as he was before and verifying that he was in fact not in Ishgard anymore.]

Haurchefant...

[It was real, he was real as his gloved hand reached over to touch the one on his shoulder.]

I...I fell asleep right after you did. It felt like nary a bell ago...what about you? How are you feeling?

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