Counting On You [David]

[Kyrie Blaze]

. o O ( Awesome. Finally found pictures for these two nuts. Also. Can't. Stop. Listening. Title totally taken from it. )

The rapid, muffled staccato of feet slowed and grew silent as they slowed. Kyrie glanced back to her two companions in patrol: Dillon and Chase. She pulled the water bottle she carried and took a slow sip. Their routine was set so that neither of the two men needed to be gestured to, any more. They took small amounts of their own water for themselves, knowing they'd be on their way soon. The breaks were mostly for them, but at the same time, were for her as well. She could outlast them, but water was still needed.

They still, however, walked. The blonde never had allowed them to stop their forward movement--aside from the occasional pause, when they first started working together, when things were still rocky. When, even after going to Delilah and getting that support, there was still the occasional intrusive recall. Most times she could deal, as she was often working on her Groves, but there were certain points that it was definitely harder to hide. Patrol was one of them.

Things were largely better, now, and the only major thing that still plagued her...were nightmares, here and there.

Recapping the bottle as she swirled the not-even-half-a-mouthful of water before swallowing it. The small amount of water wouldn't throw her off and would keep her hydrated. The same with her two scouts. Dillon had learned the first time to pace himself, and Chase had learned from his example. She slipped the bottle back into her belt and began to jog, gaze scanning the area as it always had.

She waited until she could hear Chase and Dillon pick their stride up and then moved out in her light, rolling gate. Their legs were longer and they kept up, but she always seemed to cover ground effortlessly. The benefits of years of parkour smoothing out her movements so she could eke every last ounce of propulsion and momentum without it putting a strain on her body.

They forged forward on their patrol.

Kyrie's brow furrowed slightly. They were too audible. Which meant... "You both are heel striking once again. Unless you prefer to injure yourselves short and long term and to hinder our chances in this war, correct it and be mindful until you run this way on instinct."

The sound on both sides and slightly behind her lessened abruptly, even before she finished speaking. She hadn't come out to proclaim her position. Not yet. She at least had one Elder to speak to of it. And for now, she remained as she always had been to her team and to the Core. But soon...it would change.

[David B.]

His feet touched down lightly, behind all members of her squad. The only one who might notice him was Kiyr, though his voice was for the others more than for her. He cleared his throat.

"Awareness means more than your surroundings. Be aware of the sky. Of the ground. Of the walls. Of anything and everything. Because a Qi user can use whatever angle his ability fits."

Though his words instructed them not to just scan the ground, they seemed unsurprised when he first spoke, turning and drawing their blades in cool efficiency. They were trained, he knew, but he still wanted to make sure they were all taking things from every angle. He would gesture lightly to Kiyr.

"Might I have a moment with Ms.Barrial, fellas?"

OOC: Assumed control of them for a minute- if thats not fly with you and you'd prefer control, let me know so I can edit ^_^

[Kyrie Blaze]

The blonde's eyes had tracked upwards even before she caught the shift in light. In some ways she was not nearly so paranoid as she had been - stability did wondrous things - she retained her survival skills. One of which was scanning both ground, places, and above. She carried on until David touched down behind them, watching Dillon and Chase react. She was calm, but held her own weapon - Hulda - at the ready.

...and vanished to invisibility. Even her shadow was gone.

She held still. Very. Very. Still.

She had chosen Dillon and Chase for their similarities and differences, both to each other and to herself. Not even facing a Titan like David would they back down from despite the painfully obvious fact David could squash them without even moving. The rest of the Core had that as well, but Kyrie had helped the two to hone that and their composure further.

Chase was the first to slowly start to put his weapon away with a slow nod and fairly easy-going "Sure, Elder." cautious but taking his Elder's words. Dillon was slower. More calculated with his judgement. By rumours they both knew the goings-on of the how's and why's surrounding recent events, and both seemed to have a protective streak to them. Something Kiyr needed to provide a balanced unity in her small group's dynamic. Neither were of the Sky Force, she had made certain to leave them untied to her, though the blonde still interacted with them frequently. Both, unless he surprised them, would offer a bow due his rank before turning, Dillon arching a questioning brow with Chase displaying his normal ease--

--and both froze.

The two men knew Kiyr was silent. And stalked the shadows. But this? She had made it a point thus far she always stood with them.

Always.

Where was she?

The blonde exhaled and her lips quirked the tiniest amount. The movement was more than enough to break the invisibility, but she began to speak as the illusion shattered around her. As she sheathed the sword.

"Go on. You know the route."

And they knew she would catch up with them. They offered her their own bows and left, though Chase cast a glance back, the corner of his mouth twitching before they were off, both conscious of their movements this time. Both scanning as they should have been.

The blonde kept her eyes on David after the duo passed her. Once they were far enough away, she spoke up, eyes soft. She relaxed on her feet, not moving forward just yet.

"How are you, David..?"

Her eyes could pick up much, but the question was driven by concern. He said he would see her in a few days and here he was.

[David B.]

Theme

Davids eyes never Left Kiyr, even after she turned invisible.

See, as long as she was on this plane, her body took up air, and he could see her outline perfectly. As she transitioned, and told the others to leave, he nodded.

"I'm fine. And you?"

He stuffed his left hand in his pocket, bringing his right up behind his head and scratching there a moment. It had only been a few days since they had last spoke, and two since he reclaimed his title. He knew she knew- word traveled fast with something like this. Still, David wore a white Tshirt, with blue jeans. Nothing official. He would take a deep breath.

"I have some...important things to say. And before I do I wondered if there is anything you wanted to talk to me about. Because when I'm done saying what I need to...I'll be going."

[Kyrie Blaze]

Though soft, the blonde's blue gaze was undeniably appraising. Not doubtful, just searching. She loved him; of that there was no doubt. Had she not, he was still one of her three most trusted. One of the three people that were closest to her. He was a friend. He was family. And knowing he was back, that the weight of the world in responsibility sat on his shoulders again when he didn't want it and didn't want to be there...and that it was her doing regardless of the intent...

Her heart ached.

"I am okay, overall. Busy, as always."

She took a step forward, head tilted, her thoughts flitting through, there and gone again. One about where Dillon and Chase would be, now. How quickly she would need to move to catch up. David looked good in his jeans and t-shirt. Perhaps they could walk later. They whisked away, replaced by others. She paused as he began to speak, once again, blinking.

His words caused her eyes to widen, her heart to seemingly stop beating before skipping a beat. Her mouth went dry and she swear that even as her throat closed up, her heart sank. He was leaving after whatever he had to say.

And whatever it was, he was leaving because it wasn't good. And Kyrie assumed the worst. She didn't step back, instead looking at him for a few long moments. Her hands slid in front of herself, lacing together to keep herself from visibly fidgeting. Eventually, she found her voice, eyes lowering.

"...I do, actually..."

She gave a nod and lifted her eyes, her voice gaining in clarity, slowly but surely. She would need to ask, need to trust that whatever it was he had to say, he could still be willing to do what she needed. What she would ask.

"...as you know, as I am Mathew's apprentice already, my intention is to take both a Name - even knowing the truth behind them - and to claim Eldership. Recent events have...driven my timeline up. The Name would be mine alone, but the problem with gaining Elder status resides - not within the majority of the Core, as I have no doubt I could convince them - with those like Kazuya and Olesya, from what we saw of Leon's antics in bestowing his name upon Lucien. I know that physically, I am far outclassed, still, in comparison to the current Elders. Even if it did work out, I would still have to convince you and Leon I am right to bear that rank along with everyone else. Mathew...." Her brows furrowed. She knew Mathew had strewn breadcrumbs down on the path and pushed her along and down it. She just didn't know to what end. "Encouraged me without actually giving his complete approval to do so. 'Try if you think you can take it'."

She shook her head and continued.

"It is time to continue to...force growth on me. What I ask of you is not necessarily approval to attempt claiming Eldership, but...would you train me? And train with me?"

She still hadn't forgotten that dream. He'd been happy; on his own and pushing his body on a daily basis. He needed something like that, again, even if she couldn't keep up to him.

Yet.

[David B.]

David frowned at her.

"You want my help...to train you for Eldership you plan to take on Mathews word? Kiyr...you don't get to just claim that title. It's not like being named. Either mathews trying to pull your strings and make you dance, or he doesn't know what being an Elder means. He didn't make this gang, Kiyr. I did. He came out in the open and I asked him to join, as a part of the core. He said he'd join but that he wanted to be an Elder. We both know he's strong, and has a reputation, so I agreed to use his skills. He can't just tell you to claim it, and then you can. Just like I can't train you and have you into the role."

He turned toward the direction of Mathews house.

"And to be honest, it's upsetting he told you that in the first place. He seems to think our role as Elder is based solely on the strength to take the title and to hold it, like our names. I assure you...that is not the case. And I'll be having a talk with him soon enough about it."

He turned back toward Kiyr.

"If you want help getting your name, I can help there. But Kiyr...you don't know what your asking when you suggest becoming an Elder."

[Kyrie Blaze]

She waited until he was done.

"Not train to be an Elder. Just...to better my mind and body so that I can go through the process of obtaining it--that is what I am asking. So I can, one day." She was quiet, but her gaze remained calm and serious. "In your eyes, and in mine, part of being an Elder means you have no freedom. That is the weight of responsibility. It is not simply leading. It is being in charge of everything, not just aspects, and everyone. It means dealing with loss, with knowingly sending your men and women, friends, families, all with those of their own, to die. And we have at least four hundred warriors, all with friends or family, all under our care. Safety, patrols, food, training, manning stations, meetings, and likely more than I could name to you right now. With the way things are, right now, I could see it also meaning my hopes and dreams are sacrificed to the greater good, for those that need others to step up."

She stared at him, unblinking. That last bit, giving up her own hopes and dreams. It wasn't to say her hope was fading, even with his words that he had things to say.

But she hoped he caught on nevertheless.

As Mathew's apprentice, it wasn't just a Name she had been working towards, all along. She hadn't lied, either, when she told David she wasn't ready. But the point of it was that she wouldn't be alone with the others, as it was too large of a job for any one person to handle on their own.

"Regardless of what happens, there, I will be taking on more duties on top of what I have, already. I have my team with the Groves, harvesting will be done within the next week. It is just a matter of telling them how to do mulch with the plants to keep nutrients in the loam...and my time with them is lessened."

[David B.]

David chewed his lip.

He wanted to argue the points with her, but in reality, he didn't think her becoming an Elder was that bad of an idea. Olesya was strong, and a good leader, but she didn't possess the mental fortitude required to do the job long term. She had failed Davids test in that capacity. Though he had left, and never planned on leaving, he had made her the interim-Elder with the idea that someday the others may vote her in. She had told almost everyone she couldn't handle it. She claimed it was because she was alone- but David had been leading this army, this civilization since the beginning, alone. How could she expect to truly be a leader until she could do it alone?

Kiyr, on the other hand, had that mental strength. Not even thinking in line with his feelings for her...she would be a brilliant leader and strategist.

"Look...the most I can tell you to do is not mention this to the others, and work your ass off. Prove leadership, grow strong...and win battles. Lead men. Once you have those victories under your belt...you can approach one of us and request that you be made an Elder. It's not like a name, where you have to fight to claim it. You just ask, and if we think you are ready and have proven you are capable...we'll vote on it. My suggestion is to get your name first, and build a legend around it. From there, your appeal becomes greater to us, and to the people."

He would take a deep breath...pointedly avoiding the topic of his having to run everything, and her wanting to help him to be free. There was nothing to say on it...she was right. He wanted to be free, and being and Elder was a prison. Even when he tried to escape it...he wasn't allowed. So he would suffer through until he could take on less.

"Now...as to the name. I'd love to train you to take it. Doing that...is the greatest self achievement. At least, it was for me. Lets hope you still want to do it after I've said what I need to say."

[Kyrie Blaze]

"Own it. Be it, even and especially without the rank. Just as you three - all in your own ways - do."

It didn't matter who came first, in that much. David would always be an Elder. Just as Mathew and Leon would. In that it was exceedingly similar to obtaining a name. And David hadn't stopped--not even when he left.

His words caused her stomach to give an uneasy twist and her heart rate to pick up in anxiety. She hadn't forgotten he needed to say something. And though the part of her that was afraid didn't want to hear it...Kyrie gathered herself and stepped forward, until she was two or so feet away. She needed to hear it. A painful truth over a beautiful lie. That was always what she would take. The edges of her lips pulled back as though she would worry her bottom lip.

The blonde sighed, her gaze turned up towards his. Those blue eyes were soft, worried, anxious, hopeful. Filled with emotion. She wasn't hiding. Maybe she couldn't. She dreaded what he had to say--dreaded what she thought it would be. But if nothing else, she was brave.

Kyrie faced it, faced him, attempting to brace herself.

And then leaped from the edge into the unknown.

"...tell me, please, David..?"

She asked for truth and honesty even though she had no doubts he would give it. Her hands closed for a moment, somewhat clammy. Her pulse thrummed. But Kyrie didn't look away.

[David B.]

He smiled, and nodded.

Exactly.

When she told him to tell her, his smile faltered and he looked past her and down the street.

"I've returned as an Elder. As a friend. I spoke with Les...and need to tell you the same thing I told her. That we...are done. Right now, there is simply to much for me, for you and for her to do. I want you to put aside or...if you prefer, rid yourself of your feelings for me. I can't...be what either of you needs. I want to stay your friends, to be there for you....but that's all I can be as a person. Maybe...I mean if things ever...right now its just not...possible."

He would finally turn his eyes back to hers.

"I'm sorry."

[Kyrie Blaze]

As a friend.

Thud.

Spoke with Les.

Thu--stutter.

She held her ground though her heart felt like it would either stop or burst in her chest. She just..breathed and listened. Though it was painful - as it was, essentially, rejection still - it also...didn't hurt nearly as much as what she thought he would say. As he concluded but before he apologized, she understood why.

Kyrie hadn't looked away, so when he drew his eyes back to hers, she was right there.

Waiting.

Always waiting. Steadfast and without complaint.

She took a somewhat shaky breath. Despite the fact that her eyes flickered with all the emotions that were filling her heart, it also showed she was trying to process the things he said.

"This will not change my feelings for you, David, and my hope is not dieing. Even if I could choose to 'rid' myself of how I feel for you, it would not happen--because I do not want to change or let go of them. I respect your decision. But I am here for you, as a friend...with hope and love, even if it does not work. I do...however, need...time to make sure I do not cross any boundaries--and to make sense of my emotions. At least...figure it out in my head, to make sure I can be the friend you need me to be. Because..."

She paused, swallowing despite her dry throat and somewhat husky voice.

"Because I will not abandon you. Circumstances being as they are...do not change that. I am grateful, completely grateful, that you are in my life. I will not lie that...it still pains me, but I would rather remain a good, close friend you need...than for you to tell me you did not want me in your life. I just...." She shook her head at herself, paused, and continued. "I do not quite understand. Will you please tell me why..?"

She remained where she was, chin tipped up so she could meet his gaze, though her brows drew together a little. Confusion and pain...but still, she strove to understand. Part of learning to adjust...to not reach out to touch, hold, or take further actions, was that she needed to know his reasoning.

[David B.]

David took a small step back.

"Because you and I and Les....have all been distracted by one another. Not focusing on the work. Not to mention...I worry that I may be the issue. That I'm the one keeping this going because I can't make up my mind. I want to let life take it's course and clear my head. I want to focus on my Elder tasks and, with time perhaps, come to see one of you in the end. Until then...you just...fog things up. Spin me around until I can't see straight and I...need time. Not the kind of the time where I let you both stay wondering. The kind of time where I don't have to focus on it."

He would lift off the ground and start to float away.

"I should go. Don't let your men get too far ahead."

[Kyrie Blaze]

The petite blonde watched and listened. His words hurt and helped all at once. She fogged things up? As flattering as it was it also felt like a jab. Never mind that love in general fogged things up--with or without this snarled triangle they were in. She closed her eyes and sighed out her breath.

She nodded her understanding as she opened her eyes, watching as he began to float off. She didn't ask anything - not in question or in request - but kept her gaze on him.

"Of course..." She wouldn't be able to do anything for herself until the evening. For now, she had to push it out of her mind as much as possible, because she had to be aware. She had duties to see to, after all, and life wouldn't wait. But... "I will see you in a few days, I believe. For training."

But Kyrie needed the time in between now and then, as she had said. With those parting words and a smile that quickly ghosted across her lips, the petite blonde pivoted and pushed out into an easy run, though her gaze remained troubled as she scanned, her mind tumbling over the words. She needed to catch up to Chase and Dillon.