The moment that they had tucked under the dripping cherry blossoms, the apparition knew that, without a doubt … they would be safe. Well … to speak the truth better … The human would be safe. A spirit like Sora didn’t have much fear when it came to the others that lingered in the curse - ridden village, for they didn’t much care for the crimson eyed monster that made home within an ancient camera. He was actually quite glad for that, as the thought of becoming quote unquote friendly with the others in the afterlife made him recoil and wish to sink back into his prison.
… The prison that had undergone some rather unfortunate deconstruction. That’s right, it made the aching that weaved from his forehead, passed his eyes and down across the scar that much more evident and bothersome. The only sense of distraction he could take from it was the smoothed textures of the petals that collected under his fingers.
Everything else had been drowned in white, with static that beamed every so often until he managed to tune it out. He’d stopped swearing and hissing awhile ago, translucent form snuggled against what could be assumed to be a lantern. The warmed glow just off to the corner, bathing in oranges and reds. He remembered when he were younger ( and real, mind you ) that he’d cross paths with these lanterns that shielded themselves under the trees, lifting a hand up to catch any hint of butterflies that passed along here.
Oh how temptation to recollect such a dangerous time caused his hands to quiver and to clench, eyebrows furrowing over even after he heard the timid voice beside him.
❝Blossoms, they’ve been an ancient protection since this whole screwed up situation happened. That’s why these are mostly on the sides and not directly in the village, well … entirely. I guess this doesn’t count. Bastards avoid them, burns them, but I think it’s also the lanterns. You’re lucky if you can find them near trees like this, so be grateful.❞
The rush of the stream only made him shudder and sink into the lantern even more. His entire being had since collapsed the moment Riku and him had been split, and he ( though he never spoke it plainly ) had been rather relieved to know that Riku was alive all this time. Since the Mistress, the way he believed he’d never have what modicum of liberty Riku’s possession over the Obscura had on him … he could’ve thrown his arms over the human at that moment.
He could now be at least a foot away from the other. It was a start.
❝To answer your other question, before you ask more stupid ones … it hurts. Bad - but not as bad as before. It’ll take some time before my vision returns, if it does. Freaking asshole.❞ He rubbed at his eyes, shaking his head before he felt the aura around him drop. Significantly.
❝I didn’t mean you, I meant Akinari. He was always just a bit of an eccentric individual when we were all alive, but I wasn’t a huge fan of him, not after what he did. I’d be scared too. I’m just … Glad you’re back, okay? It’s whatever, aaah …❞ His eyes stung, but at least he felt safer.
Harsh Riku thought to himself, but anything Sora said always came out rather BLUNTLY. At least now it somewhat felt as if the ghost was trying a bit better to communicate with him. Their dynamic was certainly much better than it had when Riku first arrived at the village. Just thinking of their first encounter had Riku absentmindedly reaching for his neck and rubbing at his throat gently, only to WINCE as he felt the very tips of his fingers ache suddenly in tenderness.
He... had tried very hard to fix the Obscura after the lens shattered, old tools only able to provide so much aid in the task when they were centuries old. Still, Riku had focused his entire self in the task, gripping the tools so TIGHTLY, they left the start of blisters on his fingers. Gently, he curled them into his palm, settling for resting them at his lap as he bowed his head low with a deep, calming breath.
His lungs quaked with the inhale, chest tightening suddenly as the next thought hit him HARDER than expected.
“I... I-I was terrified...” He spoke so quietly, shoulders shaking from the memory of the fear that coursed through him. “Being... a-alone... out there with... him... I was so scared without you...” Lashes fluttered rapidly, the silveret REFUSING to allow tears to be shed. He was an adult, damn it. He grew up seeing ghosts all of his life. His excursion through the village shouldn’t have been any different that was what he told himself to make himself feel better, at least.
Nothing could have truly prepared him for the HORRORS he had to face thus far.
“I used your heko obi again...” Speaking of the item, he fished it back out of his pocket (minding his fingers), where he had put it after reuniting with the ghost. The long, black sash spilled out from its confines, being draped across his lap with GREAT care. Glossy cherry blossom print caught the lanterns glow just right, causing the old stitch work to stand out just as bright and prettily as it would have when it was first made. Amazing how long good clothes could last when made right and preserved well. “You were right... I-it did make me feel... a little better. Safer.” Safer than he had expected to feel.
Strange enough... there was almost a sense of FAMILIARITY about it, but Riku couldn’t quite pinpoint just why that was.
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