I told you so (Bailey)

[Blake Oleander]

His injuries from the battle had healed and Blake found himself back in one of his old haunting grounds, moving through the motions with Jake's blade.  Working to become comfortable with his fallen brethren's blade.  It was a different style than the one he was used to.  He could use it, but its weight hadn't become second nature to him yet.

Choosing Virgil! 

[Bailey Oleander]

It surprised Bailey when Blake wasn't with his people as expected. She knew his regeneration would make his wounds less severe than others, but it wasn't just concern that lead her to seek her partner out. She'd had her first taste of battle, actual battle against people rather than qi beasts or training assignments. People dying in front of her rather than simply carrying the knowledge with her. He had grown up with that kind of life; she had no idea how he did it. Not to mention all that had happened afterward.

It was slow going for her to find him. Having slipped out of the infirmary when Arianna and the others were tending those with more severe wounds, the newly crowned killer queen went in search of the benevolent god, limping severely with both legs not having time to properly heal. She found him in the training field, practicing with the sword she'd seen him holding in the infirmary. His grip on it was different, the motions not as smooth as the first time. It seemed odd to her as she leaned against a tree, closing her eyes for a moment before turning her attention back to him.

As with the first time they had met, she didn't disturb his training. It gave her a chance to catch her breath, but also to think. A double-edged sword.

[Blake Oleander]

He saw her before she'd even gotten close. Virgil was good for that, he was watchful. Saw things most people missed. He didn't know where he had come from, any of them. But their company was useful, and their insight so far was true. He accepted it for the mystery that it was for now. He was in no rush to discover all of the mysteries of the world, honestly more had been dumped on him than he was comfortable with. He was a soldier at heart, but now he was forced to be more. Not a general, but a King. Of sorts.

He couldn't see how he'd possibly be a good one. But he knew that he had to try, that his people had chosen him, and that his fate was to serve his people however they saw fit. That was one thing that didn't change.

Eventually, he'd finish his practice and sheathe the blade, giving a silent prayer to Jake as he turned to face Bailey.

"I should drag you back to the infirmary." He'd comment bluntly, her condition was shit.

[Bailey Oleander]

"Probably," she agreed weakly. Jackal was already fussing over her as it was, the small being like a doctor who was ready to make his opinion more than clear. Her focus remained on Blake for now, hoever, rather than the stabbing and burning pain in her legs from damaged nerves and muscle tissue. Standing wasn't going to be an option for much longer as it was.

"That's not your usual sword," she observed. She figured it was probably tied to his being Elder, a sign of his position.

[Blake Oleander]

"No. It's owner died protecting me and the others."

He'd state matter of factly as he moved over to Bailey, bending down to take her arm over his shoulder and force her up. He'd fight her if she made him. But he knew she wasn't like him, and all she'd do is fuck her legs for life going out like this.

[Bailey Oleander]

"I see," she said softly. It made her think of the battle, of holding the gold visor as a memento to pass on to Krane's family. Him keeping her alive and trusting her with it before Blake threw him headlong into the enemy ranks to take out a Commander. Her grip tightened on Blake's shirt as he helped her upright, sucking in a hiss as the pain shot through her legs as though it was literal fire.

"Don't," she managed through gritted teeth before forcing herself to take a deep breath. "Please. Not yet. I can't stand being stuck in those same four walls again." He could leave her here, haul her like a sack of potatoes, leave her on a bench in the courtyard, whatever. But she had to get out of there, at least for a little bit.

[Blake Oleander]

"Scenic route."

He'd indeed opt for the sack of potato style, slinging her over his shoulder, but he'd take her deeper into the training ground. For now.

[Bailey Oleander]

She'd let out a soft sigh as he took her deeper in, both at his answer and noticing they were headed away from Cabal.

She'd wait to see if he'd put her down anytime soon before continuing her thoughts. This was just awkward.

[Blake Oleander]

He would not.

[Bailey Oleander]

Awkward it was then!

"How do you do it?"

[Blake Oleander]

"Hmmm?"

She would need to be more specific.

[Bailey Oleander]

"Accept the loss?" She paused for a moment, then elaborated.

"I know I can't bring back the dead." Okay, well technically she could now, but that wasn't the point. "But the sacrifice." Another moment of silence as she closed her eyes.

"Krane asked me to give his headpiece to his father. Before he was thrown." He had known the outcome before he'd done it.

[Blake Oleander]

He'd not speak for a minute and a half as he thought about what she was asking, trying to think of his own reply.

"Understand that they made their choice for a reason. Respect the choice, and look to the future. We carry everyone who has touched our hearts forever. We honor them by carrying them and by bringing them with us to the future."

Not dwelling on the past.

[Bailey Oleander]

It was Bailey's turn to fall silent, thinking of how she could do that, moving forward.

"I'm not sure what that future is," she admitted, biting her lower lip. "You told me to go home. Part of me thinks I should have." She shook her head.

"They gave me a reward and honors for killing people. Helping to kill them, anyway." She gave a small laugh of disbelief and closed her eyes again as Blake kept walking.

[Blake Oleander]

"Hmm."

He imagined she was not happy about that. But then again, maybe she was. The Bailey he'd been assigned would not have helped him to kill people, let alone that many.