azume | Yes, I'll meet you coming back when the universe has expanded

Yes, I'll meet you coming back when the universe has expanded

[Mars' chains had faded away as soon as the chains on Palkia had shattered, that unnatural red glow leaving her eyes; she doesn't stumble, to her credit, and seems to be trying to resist the urge to flinch or anything, but she's...not precisely looking too hot, either. Not like she's going to faint or anything, just like she's been through A Lot.

Jupiter is staying near her for the time being; ultimately, she's the one that addresses you.]

You guys can stay here if you want. Or don't, I don't care enough to insist. But we've got food and beds that probably beat the Center's, at least.

We'll be around, either way. Since I doubt you guys are just going to leave us alone after all that. Do what you want.

[OOC: Consider this a log to cover both any afterparty whatnot you want to get up to, as well as something to carry over into Sunday! Both Jupiter and Mars will be available for NPC threads on this particular log, should they be desired.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Like Jupiter, Mars has retreated to a smaller room with a window overlooking the city. She's staring rather intently out said window, her chin propped on her hand. She's apparently had time to fix her hair and otherwise she's looking a lot calmer than she was earlier. Still wound-up, sure, but not like she's going to start shrieking again.

She'll look up when she hears you at the door.]

Oh, hi. You didn't make that for me, did you?

[She tips her head a bit to indicate the food.]

[...Okay, Camilla chuckles at that.]

What did you think I was going to do, eat this in front of you? [It's clearly joking, the tart staying steady on the plate as she keeps walking and offers it out.] This is for you, yes. I figured you might need something to eat, after all of that. If you'd like, of course.

At this point, I wouldn't be surprised.

[It's clearly joking though, and Mars will take the plate when it's offered to her. The tart is the first thing she's eating because that looks delicious.]

Thanks. I figured I'd get something when everyone was out of the kitchen. You didn't have to go to all this trouble for me.

[She looks sort of pleased though. Hey look, she actually can smile without baring her teeth!]

[Have at, girl; if there's one thing Camilla's real proud of, it's her dessert making skills. It's actually kind of nice to be doing this without worry.]

It really isn't any trouble. I'm actually quite used to doing this for the rest of the group, and for my family as well; I've always enjoyed doing it for everyone.

[Unlike with Jupiter, Camilla is...probably not going to explicitly leave until Mars asks, but she is going to look out the window a bit as well.]

...How are you holding up?

[She nods at the first part, but the second part gets her to glance out the window again while she nibbles on the tart. She'll answer eventually, it's just finding the right words to say.]

...I'm okay. Palkia's free and I haven't seen any more of those distortions, so that's good.

[...She knows that's not really what Camilla's asking about, though. It takes her a moment to try again.]

Today was... It was kind of a lot.

[That sure is one way to put it...]

[Camilla stays quiet while Mars attempts to sort out a response, her own look softening a touch and letting her take her time with it.]

...It certainly was. You'll receive little disagreement from me; in any case, I'm glad that the distortions appear to have settled down. You won't have to worry about that end of it.

[Camilla's look goes out the window too, looking down at the city. Smiling just a bit.]

...Are you worried, however? Outside of that?

Yeah.

[She returns her attention to the window as well, remaining silent for a moment before answering Camilla again.]

...I don't know. I think I will be, once I've processed everything. But right now I just feel kind of... numb, I guess.

...Take as much time as you feel you need to, in order to process everything, Mars.

[It's gentle, at the very least.]

That numbness may persist for a while, and working through it will certainly take some time. But...I think you'll be just fine too. You are incredibly strong, after all.

[She's quiet for a moment before she suddenly laughs. It doesn't last for long, and it doesn't sound amused at all. It's not angry or upset either, "exasperated" is probably the closest word to describe it.]

It took me a long time to realize that, you know. That I am strong. I used to think I wasn't, that I couldn't be.

[...]

It doesn't really matter anymore. It was just kind of bad for a little while.

[She doesn't look at Camilla at all as she says it and her expression is perhaps surprisingly blank.]

[...That laughter actually concerns Camilla for a moment, and she looks back over to Mars before turning back to the window as to not stare. That's impolite as hell, but she...]

...I can imagine that it was.

[It's definitely softly stated, and let her tell you, this city has never looked so goddamn pretty in it's life.]

I'm glad that you were able to find that strength, then. Even if it took you a longer time to find it, even if you doubted it, you found it and seized it with your own two hands.

[...]

Don't ever go losing that.

After everything I went through to get to this point? I won't. You don't ever have to worry about that.

...Good. I'm very pleased to hear it.

[Maybe in a better world, they'll actually be able to fight for real sometime. It'd be nice.]

You don't have to worry about me of all people.

[...]

But I guess it's kinda nice that you've taken the time to talk to me.

[...you're definitely her favorite out of everyone in your group, okay.]

[...Mars, honey, you have no idea, and thank the gods for that. She's just not going to say anything to that!]

Well, I'm glad to. You're a very intriguing person, and I have rather enjoyed the opportunities I've had to talk with you. Even if we don't see eye to eye...I do have a lot of respect for how you conduct yourself, and what you're willing to do for those precious to you.

[...]

All be told, if circumstances would ever allow it, I would genuinely like to battle you.

[The feeling's mutual, basically. They aren't friends or anything like that, but out of all the adversaries they've faced, you're probably her favorite too.]

[The first part's nice, and Mars is smiling a bit when she responds. It's the second part she focuses on, though.]

There's nothing stopping us from battling now, if you want to.

[...]

But considering everything today was, I wouldn't be surprised if you wanted to wait.

[......]

You can seek me out when all this is over, if you want. For a battle or just to talk or... whatever.

[The sentiment comes with an attached "if you aren't dead" on the end, but at least she doesn't say it??]

...That's a tempting prospect, you know. But...I do believe I need a little more time, to give you an interesting match. But believe me when I say I shall; I won't disappoint you.

[...]

And...I think I shall, when this is over. You can count on it.

[Thank you for not saying it, Mars, it's appreciated.]

I know you won't.

[Mars grins at that, though.]

Don't go getting any ideas, I still think we're in the right and you guys are wrong, but I do want to see what you can do in battle. I'll look forward to that.

[It's not exactly wishing you good luck, but that's probably the closest she can get.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Yes, I'll meet you coming back when the universe has expanded

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject