The Dragons and the Behemoth

[Kyrie Blaze]

Oddly enough...she wasn't concerned with the fact that there were people stronger than her. To her, regardless of how strong she got, that fact was inescapable. It was what she asked that had her worried. The blonde truly didn't know if she would be able to retaliate, depending on the circumstances; and not because she didn't pack a punch, but because that kind of fear...was a terrible thing to have to face.

The switch between aloof and...reassuring sent her uncertainties as to where she stood with him spiraling again, but, in a good way, unlike his orders a moment before this. Her gaze wavered and her eyes stung a moment. She did the only thing she could think of to hide the visual evidence of her tangled emotions and inability to slam the walls down around herself as she could with so many others: she clamped her fist over her heart and inclined her upper body forward in a bow.

Blinking rapidly, she half-stifled a building sniff and slowly straightened. The motion and emotion brought a faint tint of colour back to her face, but her eyes still seemed too-large for the lack of colour. She took a breath that only faintly quivered in her lungs.

"Thank you, David. I will...do as you ask."

Just a little, that door slipped open. The reassurance that he would still come with the same ferocity and protectiveness as before...helped more than it hurt. But she didn't delve deeper, not yet ready to face the - factually, nil - possibility that he could mean otherwise.

[David B.]

David gave her a small smile...then reached out and gently took her chin between his thumb and index finger, so she would look him in the eye.

"You are a Field Marshal and Interim Voice of the Storm Dragon. Show him that, despite you being a beautiful person...you also are not to be fucked with."

He would let her go and walk past her, giving her a pat on the shoulder and exiting the building to make his way back to the Storm Dragons War Room.

OOC: Davids exit

[Kyrie Blaze]

...he should have asked.

There was a decent amount of initial resistance when he took her chin, mostly out of surprise, though there was a decent amount of anxiety in her gaze. Kyrie knew David wasn't about to do anything untoward, and she had never had a doubt as to his faithfulness. But...but it was almost always better to ask than to strip her of her freedom of choice to do so. This was nowhere near to the level that had happened once before, and so her reaction was mild.

And his touch was gentle, besides, and she could have broken free by backing away or twisting her head to the side. If anything, her reaction and her inability to hide showed she still trusted him beyond him being a comrade in arms. But this was business, aside from her rather fearful and hurt reluctance to speak with him about what...about everything.

The blonde didn't speak, but did give her head a gentle nod against his fingers before they slipped away to leave her with a pat to her shoulder on his way out. Once he was gone and the door swung shut, she allowed herself a truly shaky breath and pressed her hands to her forehead.

It would be about fifteen or twenty minutes before she wound up standing at the doorframe to this stranger's room. She wasn't tall, only five feet, four inches...and rather doll-like in appearance despite being garbed as a Warrior of the Dragon Core, though she wore her Field Marshal uniform. She stood quietly, her composure back in place despite it coming undone and unravelled in front of David. And despite her internal distrust of him, her blue eyes were curious.

[Amakusa Takehiro]

- Arden watched David and the girl through the wall during their conversation, naturally curious as to the goings-on around them. He watched, while Zeke tended to their boss. He couldn't make much out, but he saw her approach, tapping Zeke on the shoulder as she approached the doorway. As she entered, she would find the two already looking her way.

- "You're here to watch us, I assume?" Only made sense. David left, spoke with this girl, and then here she was. Zeke just smiled before turning his attention back to Takehiro. "He's in no condition to cause any harm."

[Kyrie Blaze]

It was peculiar that they were already looking at the door when she arrived. Like they knew. Or, more likely, they were incredibly wary, considering the circumstances. It wasn't likely she would find out for a good, long while if she did, that her initial creeping feeling had been correct.

The blonde's mind clicked rapidly. What was her approach? To say she was quick on her feet reflected both physically and mentally, but that didn't mean she fully appreciated David's using her despite her understanding of why he asked it of her. She was, undoubtedly, the one best suited for this task.

The corner of her lip pulled back and twisted downward, like she was considering something...or maybe surprised at what she saw, or even disappointed in what they said.

"You have every right to be suspicious, as, I think you would agree, I do." Her answer was neutral, but by her words it was obvious she knew - whether by rumour or by being told by David - what had passed. Those blue eyes passed over their boss that they were obviously protective of. It seemed to her that she had more than one friend to make before she could start to befriend Amakusa unless she got him alone. And with his injuries and likely confinement to the Hospital for the next while...solitude didn't seem to likely be on the menu for the man who broke Shugo's back. Her brow drew together. "I thought he would look...different, to have done that to Shugo. Not like this, in any case. I thought he would look darker, more...inhuman. Perhaps...preconceived notions should not be so closely dwelled upon."

She did, after all, have a point. And it was likely Amakusa was staying for a good amount of time while he healed and David deliberated.

[Amakusa Takehiro]

- Arden's eyes narrowed. She made it seem like the fight with Shugo was some indiscriminate act of war, and that the big man felt no remorse for such a thing. It angered him, though he was very aware how the Dragons must feel about it. But he'd paid his dues for that battle, he'd been broken by their Elder, and yet here he was, still offering everything he could do to help. The suspicion may have been warranted on their part, but that didn't mean Arden liked any of it. "They probably shouldn't." He replied slowly, eyes never leaving her.

- "My name's Zeke Wilson," the other man stood to his feet and walked over to Kiyr, holding out a hand. "That's my buddy, Arden." It seemed Zeke had calmed down a little, and was now more intent on quelling the hostilities while he could. If they proved untrustworthy while Takehiro was hospitalized, they'd be screwed if they were in a fight, and that was a big deal. They had no idea how these people could react to any bit of rudeness, so he didn't want to display any himself. He just wanted to play it safe. "We're truly sorry about Shugo."

[Kyrie Blaze]

The blonde took in their reactions with slightly wider eyes. Arden seemed to harden. Bristle, more like, and he remained undauntedly suspicious. So he was protective over Takehiro...perhaps even to a Dragon's extent. He agreed. And yet he watched her like a cornered animal might, she noted, before Zeke's movement drew her gaze.

Zeke, who seemed thoughtful in comparison. Introduced himself; he was courteous and very clearly saw the type of situation he was in. It was one that if he stumbled too much, the force of the Dragon Core would be on him. So he remained neutral--but not quite. He wanted to smooth the waves before they became a tsunami.

The blonde measured his stride and speed as he drew nearer. Quick enough to draw attention...slow enough to appear friendly, if not relaxed.

She took a step forward to meet him and took his hand to shake it.

"My name is Kiyr Barrial. Thank you for the apology, but I think it will take more than a few words and broken back in return to make amends." Zeke would note her grip was cool, but firm. She would release his hand a moment or two after and stood straight...but not tense. She looked passed Zeke to Arden. "May I inquire as to what your last name is, Arden?"

If he gave her one - or a suitable explanation, at least - she would nod. If he deigned to not, her lips would curve downwards, subtly. But she didn't tarry with her purpose.

The purpose that she'd began to shift to what was needed given the situation--given Arden's response to her very purposeful statement after he so bluntly said she was here to watch them.

"I am glad you agreed with my statement. As to your preconceived notion of me being here to watch you, that is correct, but not in the way you inferred. After I explain, I hope you will be willing to try and set it aside, at the very least." Her head slowly tipped to the side, letting her hair dangle a little. She continued and slowly straightened, holding her hands, palm out, in a slightly sweeping gesture of both exposure in her position, for she had nothing to hide, and welcome. She took the orders David had given her and ran with them. The freedom to complete this however she desired was good; it gave her room to adapt--all from their initial responses to what she had said. "I am here to bid you welcome. The Storm Dragon charged me with ensuring your needs are met, and the comforts we have, shared with you during your stay. In short, I am essentially playing hostess for the three of you during your time with us, while the Sky Force stationed throughout this hospital keep the peace. Be forewarned: they will not be as friendly as I am. They simply have a job to do and they will help to ensure your safety and they will keep to it for their honour. Many of the Dragons, however, remain anywhere from aloof to disgruntled with your presence, on the negative side."

Kyrie let that sink in and watched them both with that curious gaze of hers. She waited to see if they would have questions. In fact...she was expecting them.

[Amakusa Takehiro]

- Arden's eyes narrowed, and he said nothing. Zeke turned back to face him, tilting his head for a second to try and urge him to talk. Still, the man would say nothing. "Don't make this any more difficult than it needs to be, you idiot." Arden's eyes flicked to Zeke's for a moment, then back to Kiyr's. A small sigh escaped his lips, when he realized that maybe Zeke was right for once.

- "Rayner."

- The two listened in silence as Kiyr spoke, showing her due respect, despite Arden's initial hostility. They seemed to take it rather well, despite this sudden turn in events. Despite her explanation, however, they were irked, internally. They'd come here to talk of an alliance, and they were now glorified hostages. However they tried to butter them up, it wouldn't work, but the two could not show that, and risk harm befalling their leader.

- "Ms. Barrial," Takehiro began, stifling a cough. He looked over to her, his gaze kind. "Might I inquire where you stand in all this? Mr. Blaze has asked you to watch over us, and for the hospitality I am most grateful. Though, do you do so begrudgingly?" It would be understandable, given she knew nothing of the man, aside from the fact that he'd broken one of her friends.

[Kyrie Blaze]

One of the questions. She was still waiting on others, but perhaps they would come after she answered this question delivered by Amakusa Takehiro himself.

"You may call me Kiyr. I assure you I will not be affronted in casual conversation if you call me by my first name." A brief smile ghosted over her lips. Just a small one, but a smile nonetheless. "I am, understandably, upset, as the Dragons are my kin. And cautious, considering one does not need a whole body to do damage. However...I am willing to, as I said, put aside my preconceptions of you to be genuinely hospitable, perhaps even see you differently. Maybe akin to how the two of your friends see you."

[Amakusa Takehiro]

- Takehiro smiled, which made Arden and Zeke loosen up a little. "Of course." He grunted, a bothersome amount of pain running through his body. It was hard to hold conversation with a broken everything. "Easy, boss," Zeke went to his side.

- "How limited is our freedom going to be while we're here, exactly?" They all figured they wouldn't be allowed to do as they pleased, but they weren't aware if they were confined to the room, or if they could wander a little. Depending on her answer, Arden was tempted to watch patrols through the walls and sneak out when there was a gap, and maybe stake the place out and gather useful info.

[Kyrie Blaze]

He hadn't been given painkillers? Or perhaps the wrong dosage. He was far taller than anyone she had seen this far, and had ample mass by the outline of the body beneath the blankets. She made a note to answer this question and then send for a doctor. It would take more than Advil for that kind of pain.

And it was another question she was expecting, which was good. There were others, still, but they were at least asking important questions which added weight to the fact they weren't stupid.

"If you wish to walk - or even run - about, you will be escorted either by myself or you will be assigned members of the Sky Force by my own self to accompany you. Unfortunately, as we do not know for whom you follow, we cannot let you have free run of the place as it would compromise the Dragons' safety. I am not sure as to what has been said to my Elder by anyone within this room, so as far as I know none of you have made any promises as to the fact you would not gather information and send it to whomever your leader is. Even with any promises, I could not let you go without an escort, as it is not only for our safety, but yours as well. I trust you will not attempt to break away from your guards for these reasons. Once you have healed enough to walk out on your own, we will escort you to the nearest gate and you will be free to leave."

That seemed long winded, even to her. But, no matter. She wanted to be as clear and detailed as possible so no wires were crossed. It would not go well if any of the three - but with more emphasis on the duo for now - were to try anything.

"Now...before I answer other questions, I would like for you to answer one of mine." Her calm tone seemed serious but was belied by another slight smile. She started by letting them all know she was watchful of Takehiro's grimaces and difficulty with the pain and used it to easily segue into her inquiry: "I will call upon someone who can ease your pain, of course, but can I retrieve anything else for you? Water and food? We have freshly preserved vegetables from only a few short months ago, as well as other food, if you are hungry. You only have but to say, now, and ask either myself or one of my Sky Force in the future and we will provide it for you."

Her eyes flickered around the room. Perhaps they could find a working refrigerator for the room. It would help.

[Amakusa Takehiro]

- Arden's eyes narrowed. He was trying to be nicer, but it was easy to be irked when "we don't know who you follow" was being tossed around, after they'd constantly referred to the giant in the bed as "boss." Still, he kept his mouth shut. Maybe it was some of David's suspicion from the conversation he and Takehiro had, and there was no getting around that right now.

- "We're not picky, anything you'd be willing to spare for outsiders, we'd be willing to accept." He looked back to Takehiro, and the man seemed to have fallen unconscious again. It was... unsettling. "Could I accompany you?" As irritated as he was at the situation, he didn't like the thought of even implying to someone "oh, fetch us these." It made him cringe.

[Kyrie Blaze]

If he were to ask...well.

The offer, actually, surprised her. Kyrie tilted her head, but decided to focus on one thing at a time.

"While you are, as you say, outsiders...you are guests, as well, and human more than that. I have not had the thought to give what we could spare." Her brow furrowed. It sounded to her, accompanied by 'outsiders' like he was implying scraps would be good enough. She had, as she said, no intentions of that. Her facial expression smoothed over once again as she continued on; no harm, no foul. "However, though I appreciate your offer, I will be sending one of my comrades, actually. If you would like to extend that offer to a future endevour, I will be happy to let you accompany me. Right now, your Takehiro's well-being is the most pressing concern."

Her eyes were kind as she spoke, that icy hue of her irises not hiding the warmth - not at all fake - from being seen.

Before any protests could be made, she flashed a mild and disarming smile, and then turned to take a step or two outside the door and turn to someone just at the edge of the door. She didn't step out of sight as there was really no need; those in the room could still see and clearly hear her.

"I would like you to do me a favour. I need you to send for Arianna. Tell her what she needs to know. Then, I would appreciate if you went to my home to retrieve some of my jars of preserved vegetables." Her voice was not unkind. It was firm and could have been taken as strict command had it not been that she was clearly requesting. "Water as well...and if you would find a small, spare refridgerator and any other furniture we can spare, if you and the other Sky Force that are not on duty with me right now can bring them here, I would appreciate it--even if the furniture comes from my own home."

The snort and low words - inaudible but the tone, clearly, disgruntled and even heated - displeased her. The blonde's spine stiffened and she spoke briskly, the air of command being pulled forward to the fore.

"Do not make me elevate that to an order. While you are at it, take some time to cool off before you come back and get your head on straight. Unless you want to bring dishonour to myself and the Storm Dragon, Mark..?"

It was pointed enough that behind the wall, the Sky Force member snapped a bow and straightened. He blinked, once; one eye instead of two, causing the blonde to incline her head. As he left, she exhaled slowly and turned back to the trio.

"I sent for my sister to come do what she can for Takehiro. She is one of the best we have, here. He will be in good hands; she worked on Shugo and was even one of the first to arrive once he had managed to drag himself back to the borders even despite his injuries."