Quiet Recoveries

[iracorn]

Who: Ira and you
Which: Log; Open
Where: The Wild Harvest and around town
What: After getting roughed up by some Xehanorts, Ira finally feels well enough to venture out
Warnings: discussions of the past month involving violence



[A - Food for Thought]

[The Wild Harvest looks about what Ira is feeling right now.

Shaken, but ultimately holding together and on the road to recovery. Though it doesn't stop Ira from feeling sore and still a little worse for the wear. It might be a little hard to spot him though, as he isn't wearing his usual mask or robes. All of it still feels like too much weight on his bruised body.

But he's rested, and there are pancakes. Though he's a little reluctant to start. Maybe the bunnies are just too cute?]

[B - By the Beach]

[It's quiet.

But a welcome sort of quiet after what has proved to be a far busier month than Ira ever expected. It's the quiet that comes after conflict, but a well-fought fight. A quiet that Ira hasn't really known ever. And so he's savouring it. Sore, bruised, but ultimately victorious.

He still has a lot to think about, and larger questions to tackle. But for now, it's enough.

He lets himself stand in the surf, letting it hit just below his knees. It's a bit of an odd place to think, but it is one regardless.]

Comments

A

[lightresearch]

[ Ienzo had been trying to track down the others after everything that happened - but even he needed to eat. It's coincidence that he ended up walking into the same establishment as Ira was eating (or perhaps not eating his adorable bunnies). ]

[ He blinked, and then walked over. The researcher was smiling, but it's a worried little smile. ]

Hello there.

[iracorn]

[Ira hasn't exactly been hiding but he has been quiet and keeping out of the way. It's hard to carry on a conversation when his body feels like one big bruise. But now he's starting to make more of an effort. Even if it means appearing in public sans full regalia.

He looks up when he sees Ienzo.]

Ienzo, hello. How are you doing?

[lightresearch]

I'm doing all right.

[ He's physically fine, but even Ienzo was aware he's lying to Ira. Still, he smiled, and changed the subject away from himself. ]

How are you doing, Ira? Based on what I could monitor ... you were facing quite a few nightmares, weren't you? Are you all right?

[iracorn]

[They're probably all lying to some extent, which is why Ira doesn't push the issue. He smiles, if a bit ruefully.]

Better than I was, since I managed to get out of bed.

Each day sees some improvement.

[There's still a few bruises though.]

Thankfully I wasn't facing them alone.

[lightresearch]

[ Another stab of guilt. If Ienzo had been able to do more ... ]

[ But he forced a small smile for Ira. ]

I'm glad. Some people did seem to be alone out there - others had help. Next time, I should have a better method of coordinating things.

[ Surely Ienzo could at least do that much. He felt useless. But Ienzo was quick to offer; ]

I'm not truly a medical doctor, but I've learned a lot through other work. If you'd like me to take a look at anything that's bothering you ...

[iracorn]

Do not blame yourself, Ienzo. Things became chaotic very quickly.

[And perhaps there is a part of Ira that should have been better about asking for help.]

Though, having some sort of system in place should an event like this happen again might not be a bad thing.

And I appreciate the offer, but I should be fine now. Just some bruises that are still healing.

[Please don't worry about him. Curaga is fine.]

[lightresearch]

[ Ienzo gave him a small smile, but - yes, he would keep blaming himself. Aloud, though; ] I know. Things became out of hand for everyone.

[ With Ira giving him a problem to focus on instead, though? Ienzo was happy to latch onto it. ]

I'd like some sort of centralized alert system, ideally. One where someone doesn't need to write up an entire page on their journal - they can simply indicate they're in need of help, and the system will note their location with their alert automatically.

[iracorn]

Indeed. The Story-Eater was more formidable than I could have expected. Especially with what it brought forward.

[He has so many words for Luxu about Xehanort now.]

That would be a useful system though. I certainly didn't have time to write anything during the conflict.

[lightresearch]

Yes. [ And that's enough to be said about that. Ienzo would have enough nightmares about Xehanort already without physical ones coming to attack them. ]

[ Ienzo nodded, glad that Ira could see the use. ]

Who does? If they're under attack, if they find themselves suddenly surrounded by nightmares or some other threat - wouldn't it be easier if they could quickly press something to get help?

I'm not certain how exactly we'll be able to implement such a system ...

[iracorn]

That is the question, isn't it. Perhaps there could be something with the dreamotion we could use.

We're all somewhat connected to it and can all use it. So perhaps there's a way to send a signal through.

Or alert it somehow.

[lightresearch]

Or empower an object with it? It doesn't need to be a complicated mechanism.

[ Ienzo tapped his chin thoughtfully. ]

There are crystals everywhere. If they simply ... turned a color if someone was in danger, flashed as they became close to that person ... [ He frowned. ] ... I'd still prefer if it could give us a pinpoint location of the person in distress, but something is better than nothing.

[iracorn]

That could very well be a possibility.

I mean, it would just be a matter of experimenting. I'm sure we could work something out.

[He looks thoughtful for a moment.]

A project like this isn't going to be an instant thing. It's one that's going to take constant improvement, so remember to take things step by step.

[lightresearch]

Of course. Trial and revision are two of the cornerstones of scientific implementation - I might need to ask others if there has been any previous work done on a manner of alert system, just in case there is previous research for us to draw from …

[ Ienzo paused, and then blinked - looked at Ira, head tilted a little. ] Would you be willing to assist with this? I shouldn’t assume - I also know you have your own research and projects here which take up your time.

By the Beach

[beshackled]

[The events of the past month have been tiring, and as much as Erichthonios would care to rest, the spot he had taken to had become rather unfortunately splashed with the mysterious substance teeming with malevolent intent that people were starting to whisper about.

For lack of other spaces coming to mind, Erichthonios traverses to one place that reminds him a just a little of the city he knew from childhood -- to the beach, and its salt-kissed air.

Naturally, such a great distance, he traverses by way of darkness, emerging from a whirl of shadow as he steps onto the sand.

With eyes closed, he takes a deep breath, not yet noticing the other on the shore.]

[iracorn]

[Being alone on the beach, Ira hadn't really expected anyone to join him. But the sense of Darkness causes him to look up, a little in alarm.

Seeing Erichthonios there brings some relief, and also some questions. But the other did help him during their conflict so he'll set those aside for now. He turns to face him.]

Hello! I didn't expect to see anyone else here.

[beshackled]

[The sound of a familiar voice reaching his ears, Erichthonios opens his eyes, confusion writ over his features.]

...Ira?

[Likewise, Erichthonios did not expect to see anyone else there.]

Apologies. I did not realize I would be intruding.

[iracorn]

[He isn't wearing his mask, so he's not surprised that he's not recognized.]

It's fine. It's not like I was doing anything important.

Just, enjoying the day.

[beshackled]

'Tis not a bad idea, especially during these times...

[Although the Story Eater, whatever the creature was, had been bested... things were not entirely right, either. It was best to take the respite while they could. People were only possessed of so much energy.]

Was your mask harmed in the battle?

[His people wear masks, and even when not wearing them on their faces, they still carry them around wheresoever the go while dressed. His own remains resting against his chest, much as when they first met.]

[iracorn]

Indeed. There is a lot to recover, and that would include ourselves.

[He smiles, a little tired.]

Not really, thankfully. A few cracks, but nothing that can't be fixed. However, I ran into a powerful foe and, well, the usual ensemble has felt a bit heavy lately.

[beshackled]

[A powerful foe...? Could he have encountered one of the Story Eater's more formidable creations?]

Have you sought a healer for your injuries?

[iracorn]

It was nothing a curaga and some bed rest couldn't handle. I've been feeling better though.

[He probably should have.]

[beshackled]

I see...

[He... seems in decent condition, at least. And he clearly isn't pushing himself. After a moment of consideration, Erichthonios decides to let him do as he wishes regarding his health.]

This foe... you bested them, I trust?

[iracorn]

I did. I had some help, thankfully. But it was not an easy fight.

[Fighting two Xehanorts at the same time kind of sucks.]

[beshackled]

All the better that you managed to subdue them.

[If they gave a user so proficient in magicks a rough time of it, the more inexperienced among those here would have undoubtedly faced a harrowing challenge indeed.]

Did you... manage to locate your friend?

[He recalls the name Ira had spoken to him, though he did not run into any young ones by the name of Sora. With so many ill-begotten creations running loose that day, he imagines they were occupied by one or more of them, if not the ones he had personally encountered.]

[iracorn]

Unfortunately, not over the course of the battle. Though, I did hear from him eventually, so it sounds like he was alright.

[He did get a little distracted.]

What about you?