War with D.E.S.T.I.N.Y.

[spoofer]

Characters: Ensemble cast, any/all characters of Xistentia!
Summary: D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. comes to Xistentia for the first time, bringing with it violence and havoc. Combat against enemy agents, healing, emergency sanctuary, and "Drift Compatibility" happen here. Refer to the OOC plotting post and the mod announcement!
Date(s): November 4-18
Warnings/Notes: Violence, death, psychological themes, trauma. Please warn for anything else in your subject headers!

WAR WITH DESTINY

By headsman's blade or battle-axe

Fight For Your Life

Everything is, in short, super fucked. Era Ra's warning came at the right time, forewarning of some of the weapons and fighting styles that could be expected from D.E.S.T.I.N.Y.'s agents, but still, the people of Xistentia have not faced a force like this before. The ragtag combination of fighting styles and tactics promises both versatility and confusion.

For better or worse, D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. is in similar chaos.

The first to come are ships from the Western sea, bearing a mix of warriors in and monsters. Some wield old-fashioned steel swords and others bear laser blasters, and their armor is just as varied. Some creatures appear domesticated, while others are feral and snap at their own. However, one primary feature identifies the enemy: their war color is red, which adorns flags and uniforms. Interestingly, the sea and sky of Xistentia seem to be fighting back in their own way, massive waves and a storm, even animals pestering them as they attempt to land the beach. However, it's only a matter of time before the mainstay of their forces reach land, some two hundred fighters. It's then that sentient fires start to whirl into the forests, leaping from tree to tree.

You have the home court advantage. Even the foliage itself seems to cooperate with you, aiding in efforts for stealth by keeping you downwind, twigs failing to crack when you misstep. Soon, you're joined by Xistentia's other forces-- a handful of battered ships taking air, an odd assortment of elves and talking dogs, demons and aliens from outer-space, coordinating counter-attacks.

BATTLE MODE: ATTACK

You're locked in combat with a woman who seems oddly familiar, though you don't know her face and can't think of her name. You hit her in the head, and now a narrow slice of her face shows through her red-rimmed helm. She wields a rifle tipped with a heavy blade, though it crackles with electrical energy. She is a proficient swordswoman, deftly parrying and striking against you, her face eerily expressionless. Her blade has a switch that, when activated, will send out a net that numbs your limbs and drags you to the floor. Here's hoping you won't face this demon alone.

She's not your only problem. You may have noticed, that in every epic battle with evil wizards, there's always some kind of a problematically gigantic elephant. This is one of those days. At least, there's only one, its trunk as wide as a car, its feet moving slow, so that it might crush the trees rather than trip over them.

Fight one or both, or fight the hordes of nameless minions around them. Either way: there's plenty to do. Those of you who thought things were too quiet here? You'll be busy today.

SEEK SANCTUARY

Fighting isn't for you? Well, you'll want to get out of the way, then. The "wards" protecting the city are failing, and people are heading toward The Temple where the protections remain the strongest. Here, the injured need healing in the stone beds. The civilians do their best, comforting children, cooking food, trading intelligence, repairing weapons and armor where possible. Feel free to pitch in; they need all the help they can get.

BATTLE MODE: SUPPORT (PSYLINK)

And here, you've reached the Temple, you've laid yourself down on one of the many glass-and-stone beds within the safety of its stone walls. You know what the other Xistentia residents have told you about it— this is the next phase, after the memory share had raised shields against the psychotropic rain. This is the PsyLink. Through this bond, you are said to be able to activate special defenses. No one seems to know exactly what they are, but desperate times call for desperate measures. And beyond the Temple walls, times are desperate indeed.

Each drift requires at least two people. Your daemons will find and connect you, seemingly at random— and you may find yourself with the unlikeliest of partners.

Drift Compatible

The Kissing Booth participants find it easiest. Everyone else-- it's a wild jumble, finding yourself caught up in a firehose of not only your own memories, but that of someone else. Everything they think, everything they feel, is intertwined with your mind.

You can't get caught up in it. You have to let the memories of the past, your predictions for the future, and the terror of war flow in and out of you, without neither resistance or pursuit, gently tuning them out. And in this serenity, this psychic silence, this acceptance of not only yourself but the other other, you find perfect connectivity— harmony with your PsyLink partner.

In this space, you find yourself having strange conversations. You and your partner will share ghostly images, some of which seem to be images from the past— while others seem to be present-day moments from the battle outside, fighting the enemy, as if you are somehow in two places at once. You must find traction and stay in the now and stay calm, but it's harder than you think.

The instant you latch onto that memory or emotion, it's a mistake... but you forget.

Your shadow is here. Whether out-of-context, or right here where it was meant to be, it's trying to kill you.

But you're not trapped here alone. Someone is calling your name, a familiar voice in the pandemonium. That voice comes from your drift partner. It's up to them to pull you back, remind you of who you are, and balance you. Hold on to them - they're your anchor, but you'll have to do the same for them. A successful drift means helping each other. Do it well, and you'll help to power the temple's defences. Fail, and there'll be trouble for everyone seeking sanctuary here.

Comments

Era Ra ☘ OTA

[astralera]

☘ fight for your life

Era had known something terrible was going to happen, though she hadn't known what or when, exactly. Just that it was going to be bad.

The Blessing of the Light thrums through her, granting Era the strength that comes from pushing past her limits in battle. She hits harder and brushes off attacks that might otherwise have made her stagger despite her heavy armour. She has people to protect and she won't let them down. Flash. Rage of Halone. Total Eclipse. Ultimatum. Despite her small stature she is skilled at making opponents pay attention to her and only her. A Paladin is meant to be a living shield; a protector of those unable to defend themselves. And Era does just that, felling swordsmen and gunmen alike without pause.

Her movements seem effortless and unbearably quick - like she knows what her opponent is going to do a few moments before they do it. Sometimes the Echo fails her however, for not everything can be dodged even with her speed, and not everything can be blocked, even with her treasured shield. Occasionally she's forced to throw herself in the path of a blade or bullet or bite to prevent another comrade from falling, yet still she doesn't stop.

Perhaps you're one of the ones Era leaps in front of to protect from a particularly nasty attack. Sword planted in the ground behind her heel and shield held in front, aetherial blue wings spread out behind her like a warm embrace, protecting anyone in their range from taking the full brunt of any attack. Passage of Arms is a flashy ability, but it's powerful.

☘ battle mode: attack

There was only so long Era could say on the defense - eventually she needed to flee the battle in order to change her method of attack to something with more... fire power. As a Red Mage she sacrifices her immense defensive abilities for more mobility and overall power. She shoots alternating jets of violet lightning, green wind, and explosions of white-to-black. Leaps into close range with a Corps-a-Corps to attack with her rapier before backflipping away to a safe casting range.

She's more vulnerable as a spell caster and needs to rely on Aymeric and her companions far more to keep her safe as she tries to literally blast her way through the enemies.

There is no confusion as to why someone such as Aymeric would treat her with the highest regard as a warrior after seeing her fight - there is no mortal being on Hydaelyn currently stronger than her, and it definitely shows. She exists as a living weapon, and she's good at her job.

Her skill is even more apparent after the fight has gone on long enough for her to draw upon the energy built up by her party members, casting the immensely powerful and blinding Vermillion Scourge. The downside to channeling such a massive amount of aether is that she's left open to attack while casting, and stunned for a precious few seconds after the light from her spell has died down.

☘ wild card

{ Era Ra#4916 / froakie for plotting shenanigans. or feel free to just throw a starter at me and I'll roll with it! }

psylink, lmk if it doesn't work (and you can totes ffw to the actual drift if you like!)

[remarkablymodest]

It was nothing short of incredible to fight by Era's side again. They flowed like a steady river together, moving through enemies in a surreal sort of harmony. Between the both of them as tanks, no one within close proximity so much as suffers a scratch.

The battle isn't waning by any means but their forces are and he makes the call to Era to fall back to instead focus their efforts on protecting the temple. Most people seem to have gathered there and it'd be better to stay centralized. He wants to ensure that as many citizens of Xistentia stay safe and he can't think of anyone better a protector than the Warrior of Light.

Once they've situated themselves there, he's informed of a way that people can help. How they can help even further than they already have.

"Era," he starts, approaching her when she has a moment to catch her breath, "I think it would benefit everyone if we were to try this and aid how we can. We can only active certain defenses through this Psylink, which requires two people to work, and I can't think of anyone I trust more than you to join me in this."

i hope this is ok too then !!!!

[astralera]

Era appreciates Aymeric's call more than she can say, for it's hard for her to focus on the big picture, tactically, when she is in the middle of combat. While she yearns to stay on the front lines in the midst of a heated battle she knows that what he says holds true - their energy would be better spent elsewhere at this point.

Emmy had given her a cursory explanation of the Psylink; explained the concept and the dangers. Suggested she pair up with someone she trusted, as though it was being subtle.

Era can't imagine doing this with anyone but Aymeric though, if she's honest with herself. While he hasn't experienced much of what she has he at least was there for a large portion of the Dragonsong War... Which could mean they are both too invested to be able to safely guide one another through the process.

She doesn't let her doubts cow her for very long. A nod of agreement is given to Aymeric and she is quick to take his hand, leading him to a quiet corner (if they can't watch each other's backs this is the next best thing, she thinks) where she pulls a length of soft cotton cloth from her inventory to blanket the floor, then directs her friend to sit down. Once Aymeric complies (long limbs somehow managing to be graceful despite how otherwise awkward the positioning is, which Era thinks is a little unfair of him) she settles down as well - on the floor between his legs, where she can press her back against his abdomen.

It's. Well. Very forward of her. But Era can't think of a better way to do this - to keep each other grounded - if they're sitting a respectful distance apart.

Emmy and Haurchefantd link them together shortly thereafter, and Era knows immediately that Aymeric will feel five predominant things from her: firstly, her resentment for being appreciated so little by Eorzea at large despite all she does for them; second, her self-loathing for feeling such resentment; third, her overwhelming desire to protect - to make sure she doesn't lose anyone else; fourth, how much she cares for him (and how much it frightens her); and lastly, (perhaps most importantly) hope. That things will improve if she works hard enough. That one day she won't be needed anymore. That no one else will die.

She does her best to let the jumble of emotions and memories rush past her like a river, not letting herself latch on to any one thing in particular despite how some memories claw at her. The intensive meditation she has done over the course of her lifetime is a boon that makes it the slightest bit easier. It is by no means an easy task, and Era hopes that because she has so few memories of her own to share that it might make things easier on Aymeric.

[remarkablymodest]

It is indeed rather forward of her; he doesn't comment on it though. Aside from a light pink dusting his cheeks, nothing is said about the position they've taken. His own propriety aside, Aymeric understands that this is a good tactic to keep them close and grounded should any complications occur. Not that he actually thinks any should arise, it doesn't hurt to be cautious.

When the connection clicks, it's a surreal jumble of thoughts, emotions, and memories. He has far more known life than Era does, that's for certain, but it's nothing remarkable. Growing up within Ishgard's guarded walls, be taken care of by Lady de Borel, befriending both Estinien and Haurchefant both during his younger years, and subsequently rising through the ranks of Ishgardian society. Lucia is there, too, someone whom had never left him wanting for a better second-in-command. All of that conjures feelings of security, safety. Comfort.

Which is promptly shattered by revelations brought by unraveling the truth of their history with the Dravanians and Thordan's insistence that was how it was, how it had always been, and would continue to be despite how wrong Aymeric perceived it to be. Everything he'd ever known and believed in was uprooted in such a short span of time, but then-

But then there's Era in all her radiance. The Warrior of Light was an apt title for a woman so bright, so beautiful, so magnificent in no shortage of ways. How deeply Aymeric cares for her - not just as a friend or comrade in arms, but as a person - will be felt in abundance. It tinges practically every memory he has with her; the good, the bad, the heartbreaking. They've shared so much together and it's not a stretch to say that he loves her, in nearly every way that one can love someone.

Unfortunately, there's still a hint of shame underlying it all. Guilt of his own at his foolish mistake of asking her to cast Nidhogg's eyes into the abyss instead of destroying them outright. How much trouble they'd still caused after the fact, practically leading to another Calamity... It was a lot for someone to shoulder. But Era and the things he feels for her helps, a little, in easing that burden. In knowing that he's not alone in the weight he carries. Nor is she, as long as he has any say.

[astralera]

It's both strange and enlightening to see some of Aymeric's memories of life before she entered it. Era has witnessed the memories of others before due to the Echo, but this is much different than that - she can feel the emotions that go with each memory rather than just watching it as one might watch a film. The concept of a mother has always been unfathomable to her but now, seeing brief flashes of Lady de Borel caring for her child and Aymeric's feelings in return, Era can understand it a little better. It's similar to the way the Mothercrystal has always guided her in her times of need, yet not quite the same.

Estinien and Haurchefant and Aymeric taking on the ranks of Ishgard together makes her heart practically burst with fondness. Era can only wish she could have experienced it all for herself alongside them, and it makes her all the more grateful for what time she did have with her Elezen companions. Lucia, too, is an ally she is glad to have met and one that she finds herself surprised to miss of her own accord rather than from any of Aymeric's influence.

Aymeric's feelings for her, however, surprises her even more. Though it's a pleasant sort of a surprise; one that warms her chest and puts a smile on her face. Saying she can't understand why he feels such things for her would be untrue - the link between them gives her some inkling as to his reasons. Still, it's hard to wrap her mind around such a wonderful person caring about her as more than a friend or comrade and so she focuses instead on the shame and guilt she detects.

It had been a sensible idea. At the time none of them could have known something would manage to whisk the eyes away from such a hostile and inhospitable environment. Era recalls thinking it was the best course of action; agreeing to it, when she could easily have forced them to come up with a different idea. She pushes her own perspective and feelings of that moment at her friend's shame, supportive and stern.

Coming back into her own self devoid of her link to Aymeric's mind, Era finds herself far more disoriented than when they had first been connected. Once moment she was thoroughly encompassed by the warmth of what he felt for her, and the next it has faded to nothing but the warmth of his body against her back.

"...Aymeric?"

[remarkablymodest]

"Era," he answers, before he's truly lucid. It does take a moment of readjustment.

In a blink, they're back to the present. He's back to the moment where Era is sitting with her back against him, her closeness keeping warm in more than just the physical. There's the muffled sounds of combat outside the temple walls. He knows this is hardly the time, honestly, for this sort of revelation. They have much more pressing matters to concern themselves with. Yet, neither of them could have known that in trying to aid in the fight against D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. that such a thing would come to light.

"I had no idea," he starts, arms moving to encircle around Era, "that you felt the same way." He should have, he thinks. In hindsight, it seems so obvious.

[astralera]

Era is unspeakably relieved that Aymeric doesn't move to separate them just yet; that his arms come to wrap around her instead of extricate her. Not that she believes he would wish to - not after what she learned of how he felt - but because it feels too good to be true. Things usually seem to go wrong for her just when they've started to look up.

"It was a recent revelation," she answers quietly, allowing her full weight to lean into her friend's arms. "Though I did not believe you would ever..."

That he would ever care for her the same way. Regardless of how clear his feelings for her have always been.

Era exhales deeply, trying to refocus her thoughts to the situation at hand. This is an inopportune moment to deal with their mutual feelings for each other. There is a war to be fought and won. Her tail twitches the slightest bit in agitation. "I need to return to the front lines soon," she says, doing her best to keep the reluctance out of her tone. "Would you care to join me for a quick meal?"

[remarkablymodest]

That's a sentiment that he certainly shares. In a way, he is almost afraid that this is something too beautiful to truly be reality. Part of him wonders if they aren't still in the drift, but no- He can hear clearly the sounds of battle, of mayhem and chaos. Much as he wants to indulge in this and discuss further, it is a rather inopportune time.

Time is a luxury though in Xistentia. He has no doubt that they'll come by more of it and better suited to their needs before long. For now, however, he gives a slight nod at her words. "Aye," he answers. "No doubt they'll be needing your expertise before long." He does actually believe that they're at a great disadvantage without the Warrior of Light by their side, even if he'll also be the first to try and get her to rest.

"I'd be happy to accompany you, too," he continues, pulling his arms back and allowing her to make the move to stand first, following suit.

[astralera]

"Then let us find a table," she smiles, withholding a sigh as Aymeric moves his arms. Responsibility comes first, always. Even when she would rather stay curled up in her friend's arms.

Era rises to her feet after a moment's pause, though before Aymeric can stand and while they're still close to eye level she gives him a kiss on his cheek. It's a quick, chaste thing, but a kiss all the same; slightly chapped lips to warm skin.

Immediately afterward she continues on as though she hadn't just done such a thing, yet her cheeks are the slightest bit flushed and the very tip of her tail curls up and down repeatedly. Era doesn't mind making small gestures of affection like that, but would rather not have any attention brought to it.

[remarkablymodest]

That is a sentiment he agrees with wholly. Even if he would much rather throw responsibility to the wind in the moment (and might have, were he a younger man), he understands now more than ever the importance of fulfilling one's promises. They agreed to help F.A.T.E.S. fight off D.E.S.T.I.N.Y. and so they shall. Protecting this world was their priority, especially as it meant that the rest of theirs would also still be secured.

He isn't expecting the kiss so that's likely the reason it makes his heart jump. Ironic that he just felt like a man and a kiss from a beautiful woman whom he admires reverts him back to a teenage boy in what feels like a blink. He's too stunned at first to properly comment on it but the swiftness that she moves on keeps him from doing so even after he's recovered.

"Let's," he agrees, standing up and following suit. "Hopefully we will be able to find something suitable and get you back to the frontlines soon."

fight for your life

[monologue]

[ there was a very, very, very small chance of the gun jamming, at least in terms of how it was explained to juno, which is why he's swearing up a storm, ducked down behind shallow cover to try and fix it. the chambers are hot, however, and the gun is strange in his hands, not quite something he's used to tampering with. all the same he tries, even amidst the open fire, trying to avoid what he can of the onslaught to get himself back in the game faster.

he doesn't realize it until there's a shadow over him, and then a burst of light so bright he has to cover his eyes as he whips around slightly--

well shit.

there's something about a silhouette like that, bright and shining with a sword triumphantly rooted in the ground that has juno's chest tightening slightly, thinking back to an old story he once really liked as a kid--good old andromeda with her mighty sword and shield, ever roaming, searching for home. juno stares a half second longer, indulging himself in the moment of respite.

and then he snaps out of it as he realizes she's taking a good deal of fire meant for him. juno scrambles. ]

Hey--

[ breathless, he goes back to trying to unjam the gun, burning his fingers a little, but managing to free up the chamber of whatever metallic residue is there building up from the heat of the plasma. what's a little third degree burn when you get some great firepower in exchange? juno loads it up again and resumes his position with rifle ready to go.

there's a deadly aim that comes with him as he leans out of the breadth of her magic's reach, the air humming with heat as he fires off a series of rounds that land their marks in rapidfire succession. ]

Bastards-- [ he lowers his rifle ] Hey, are you okay? Back there you... [ he... doesn't really know what she did okay? ]

junooooo

[astralera]

[ Having worked alongside machinists before, Era isn't phased in the least by gunfire from behind her. As soon as the enemies are downed she retrieves her sword from where she pierced the ground, giving it a very cursory glance to assure the blade is still in fine condition (it is).

She blinks at Juno's question - her armour is dusty and splattered with blood (from her enemies), and one of the scales on her cheeks is chipped, with coagulating blood smeared on it from a small cut just above. Other than that she appears fine, and she holds up her shield in answer, as though to say 'why wouldn't I be okay?'.

Her concern is more on Juno's hands. Era may not have any of her full strength healing abilities at the moment, but Clemency is a powerful healing spell in its own right. She lifts her sword and shield in front of her, taking a second to cast the spell on her companion. Once complete, a ray of light shines down on each of them - Juno's healing a majority of the burn damage, and Era's sealing any shallow cuts and easing the pain of deep bruising. ]

Are you well?

errraaaa

[monologue]

[ the shield is a good enough answer, one that juno acknowledges with a slightly uncertain nod because he's got a hell of a lot of questions he needs the answer to and--

well. you know. he'll ask for them once he's actually through being surrounded by this weird ray of light that makes him nearly jump straight out of his boots. he doesn't anticipate it, jerking a little, but feeling a wash of something good against his skin--his hands, his fingertips where he'd pulled out the troublesome jam in the gun. ]

I'm...

[ a beat as he stares at her. ]

Uh.

[ another beat as he lets out a slow breath in the silence of the moment. seems like there's at least a little bit of time now. ]

I'm okay just... what the hell was all of that? That was crazy!? Cool crazy, but still.

[astralera]

[ While Era knows that most of her skills are unique to her world, it's still a bit... strange. Because it all seems very straightforward to her.

She doesn't quite know how to explain all of it in any detail beyond a simple: ] Abilities unique to Paladins.

[monologue]

So like a knight or something?

[ it's all he really has to equate it to really, even though it's still a little baffling. things are explained with science where juno is from. magic? curses? total bullshit in his mind. for now, he'll try to take it for whatever that means because even if there's a lull in the fight, it's still a fight. he looks down at one hand a moment, the other tight around the rifle before lifting it up into a position he can use if something suddenly tries to come at them. ]

Got all kinds here don't they.

[astralera]

Very similar. Aymeric is a knight proper, sworn to the Holy See of Ishgard. I am a free agent, holding no oath to any one person or place.

[ She fights for all, with no particular affiliation. Era often switches between the three Grand Companies of Eorzea. One month she may be of the Immortal Flames, and another of the Twin Adders. The only one she hasn't had an opportunity to join has been the Temple Knights of Ishgard, though she would find it strange to be a subordinate in rank to Aymeric after all this time...

Her daemon, Emeraldd, comes up alongside her. It is a blue beacon of sparkling light amidst a battlefield, yet Era does not mind in the slightest. Emmy is a fierce summon in its own right, able to easily take down foes that may prove troublesome to less seasoned combatants.

It's still strange to be wielding a sword and shield with a Carbuncle at her side, however. ]

I will likely switch to a more offense-based job should the enemies' numbers not dwindle. Once I do, Aymeric will provide cover for you in my stead should you find need of it.

[monologue]

Hey, whatever's gonna work for the both of you, I'll take it.

[ juno's met aymeric just briefly a few times, but in all honesty, he seems like a guy who can be trusted. hell, he's even got the bearing of one of those real old fashioned knights, so he'll absolutely believe era when she assures him that aymeric will be lending them cover where they need it. ]

I'll cover you both, it's the only hat I've really got, but it works.

[astralera]

We are both quite adaptable.

[ Aymeric and Era had fought alongside each other only once prior, despite being close companions throughout the entirety of her involvement in the Dragonsong War. Even without much experience as a team on battlefields they work phenomenally well together, actions flowing seamlessly; synchronized well enough that one would never guess this was a relatively new combat partnership.

So they are, indeed, quite adaptable - at least when it comes to each other. ]

You are a good shot. I haven't worked alongside a Machinist in some time.

[ And given that the flood of enemies still doesn't seem to be dying down as much as Era would have thought by this point, she hesitates for only a moment before pulling out her rapier. It would be only a matter of time before she needed to engage in combat again, and it's best to take advantage of the lull to change gears.

In the blink of an eye she's no longer in a haubergeon and heavy armour, but leather boots and caster robes of eye-catching crimson. Sword and shield replaced by rapier and enchanted pommel.

Emeraldd flicks its tails at her, apparently disapproving (it would much rather her equip her Soul of the Summoner, but it's biased). Era ignores her daemon, leaving it to bounce over to her Chocobo in her distant line of sight. ]

[monologue]

[ the notion is reassuring. juno's not... nervous. well, no. maybe he's a little nervous. war doesn't fit juno well, but he makes it work for the greater good, because there are people counting on them here, people who can't fight, and his nerves and his body trying to tell him how vile the smell of blood and hot plasma in the air is needs to come in last place in comparison to everything else here. ]

Glad I can be useful, I -

[ his voice cuts off as he watches the transformation happen. it's quick, but juno doesn't miss a beat, watching the flow of color come forth from her and stepping back just a few paces to give... whatever the hell she's doing some breathing room.

she's gotta stop shocking him like this all in one go. ]

- You really gotta give a lady some warning before you do the whole... whatever it is you do!

[astralera]

[ Well - that gives her two things to apologize for. She offers a bow (and the blatant display trust, keeping her back exposed and having the faith Juno will cover her); quick, formal, and sincere. ]

My apologies for startling you, and for having the assumption you were not a lady.

[monologue]

[ he's a little taken aback by the gesture because really, who does that these days. his eyes trail up towards the area behind her before gesturing quickly. ]

Not important, trust me. I get it a lot here. It's not like home.

[ and it's an honest confession. he looks more amused than anything when era pulls up from her bow. ]

[astralera]

[ if you haven't noticed, she and aymeric are both p old school old fashioned! even if her fashion game is always on point. ]

I don't see how one's identity isn't important, but perhaps you could enlighten me when circumstances are not so dire?

[monologue]

[ LOOK HE'S NOT USED TO IT!!!! but he is in total awe of it even if he doesn't look it. juno's a skeptic at times but... this place really does things to said skepticism. seeing era's kind of like seeing something he used to love come to life. ]

Not where I'm from, but yeah. Details later.

[ he drops down alongside the cover he's made for himself before, still fairly intact, rifle settling in nicely. ]

Go out there and do what you do best, and don't worry about me.

~*~ timeskip ~**~*~

[astralera]

It has been some time since Era encountered Juno last, though in the time since they last spoke his bullets had provided ample opportunities for her to use her magic to its fullest. Now though, with the adrenaline of battle worn off and the euphoric warmth from her Psylink with Aymeric naught but a lingering memory, Era feels only a jittery sort of uncertainty she isn't accustomed to. She should get back to the forefront of the fighting soon - she hates to think so highly of herself, but she is certainly one of Xistentia's more accomplished living weapons.

It's incredibly tempting to just equip her sword and shield and walk out into the middle of the violence to fight nonstop until the war has been won. Era needs less rest than most of the people she's met. Two days, four days, six days - as long as she had food and potions she could just keep going and going and going, thinking of nothing but the current moment.

But Anima is currently resting inside of her weapons, making her hesitate. Era doesn't need him with her to augment her strength (she's outgrown the boon her beloved companion can grant her) but she does not want him to awaken all alone. It's enough to keep her within the temple walls, not quite pacing but something close; burning off a nervous energy that rings in her head whenever her thoughts stray back to Aymeric and how everything is going to change when the fighting stops.

rolls in ridiculously late lmk if this needs anything

[miss_brilliant]

Amanda doesn't know what she's doing here. She really, really doesn't. She's not a fighter. Even in the prison world, the person she was didn't fight. She couldn't even throw a punch when she was being chased.

But her friends are out here defending the city, and she can't sit back and just hide, as much as an old reflex she tries to ignore tells her that doing things she doesn't have to is immature.

So, she's here with Era. Well, more accurately, behind Era. The panic leaves surprisingly quickly, replaced with the kind of numb detachment she sometimes felt while working at SGC; she couldn't think about the fact there were lives on the line, she just had to solve the problem.

It's with that in mind that she watches Era fight, and curls her fingers tight around the watch she'd only been viewing as curiosity until now. She doesn't want to do this if she doesn't have to, because she's not sure it will work, but if one of those sparking blades gets too close to Era--

She'll need a few seconds to get closer herself.