[Voice/Action]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[There's a soft, frustrated sigh as the sky phone begins recording, as well as the sound of bare feet pacing along a hard floor. Rydia's voice is heard a moment later, worriedly muttering to herself.]

--nothing wrong with my soul. Just because I--[paces out of range for a moment]--doesn't mean...anything. I'm fine.

[A soft huff, then the footsteps grow distant. Rydia pauses by her door, then opens it. The hour is fairly late, but she's unable to rest, remembering a certain meeting all too well. Instead of another fruitless attempt, the green-haired summoner paces down the castle hallways. Might as well give into the urge for some aimless wandering and perhaps see if there are any other insomniacs to encounter.]

Comments

[Action]

[arrogant-flirt.livejournal.com]

[Stifling a yawn as he adds smile.]

A little.

It's quieter when everyone's asleep.

[Action]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[She steps into the doorway, not wanting to wake anyone with their voices.]

That's true.

I almost wish it was noisier right now....

[Her voice is quiet, tense. She didn't have time to put up a more confident front.]

[Action]

[arrogant-flirt.livejournal.com]

[He stands up for her, suppressing his arrogance for the moment and showing concern.]

Why? What's wrong with quiet?

[Action]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[There's silence for a moment as she weighs how much to tell him.]

It means I don't have a distraction from my thoughts. And I don't like where they're headed right now.

[Action]

[arrogant-flirt.livejournal.com]

[Without even thinking, he blurts out the first thing that comes to his mind.]

I can always distract you.

[Action]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[She raises an eyebrow at that. If this is leading into another pick-up line....]

How?

[Action]

[arrogant-flirt.livejournal.com]

[She knows him too well]

If you'd rather talk instead.

[Action]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[She sighs and her shoulders sag as she crosses her arms.]

I don't, but...I probably should.

...I didn't tell you about the epitaph invasion, did I?

[Action]

[arrogant-flirt.livejournal.com]

[Crossing the room to usher her in and close the door, for HER privacy.

I think that was before I arrived.

[Action]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[She lets him; this isn't something she wants overheard.]

A couple of months ago, there was a global epitaph attack. They're weird beings that spit out copies of you or a companion. Most of us Sky People had never seen one before, and were easily thrown off-guard when they attack. Kain's double found me and...I didn't survive.

[Action]

[arrogant-flirt.livejournal.com]

[He knew he couldn't be trusted.]

Kain killed you? No wonder you can't sleep.

[Action]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[She shook her head.]

It wasn't him, it was a double. All of the doubles were trying to kill people, no matter who they were. I should have been more relentless, but at first I thought he was being controlled again.

...but there's more to the story.

[Action]

[arrogant-flirt.livejournal.com]

Rydia...

You tried to be relentless against Kain? I'm surprised you were able to lift your whip against him.

[He wonders what more there could be.]

[Action]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[She raises an eyebrow, bristling at that.]

You don't think I could have flattened him, with the power I hold? Don't forget, Lord Bahamut gave me his favor.

[Not bragging, just being blunt. She pushes back her annoyance to press on.]

...I just didn't think I'd need to use it. Anyway...a week later, I woke up at the Iifa Tree. Years ago, it filtered the souls of the dead and spat them back out in the form of Mist, or something like that. Only, it's not doing that anymore. I woke up alive and uninjured.

Everything should be fine...but Anima's fayth told me that a part of my soul is still in the Mist.

[Action]

[arrogant-flirt.livejournal.com]

[Raising his hand in defense.]

Of course you're strong enough.

[But I don't think you'd raise a hand to him.]

Enough about Kain. I'm concerned about you, your soul.

[Action]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[That earns him a grateful look.]

I wish I could say that it won't make a difference, but...I don't know. Not for certain, anyway.

[Action]

[arrogant-flirt.livejournal.com]

With me here, you'll never have reason to worry again.

[Action]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Ever the braggart.

[But that soft tone and small smile say that she doesn't seem to mind, this time.]

[Action]

[arrogant-flirt.livejournal.com]

Who me?

[The quip was practically instinctual, before he caught himself from going too far.]

[Covering her hand with his.]

I'm just glad you're safe.

[Action]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Rydia glances down to that hand and that smile lasts a little longer.]

Thanks, Edge. Maybe I should just be grateful for that instead of flailing about what could be wrong.

[That look in her eyes says that she won't be able to let it go that easily, though. She automatically moves a little closer, stifling a yawn.]

[Action]

[arrogant-flirt.livejournal.com]

[Easier said than done. He notices that look and hurts for her. Unfortunately there's not much he can do, so he simply cradles his arm around her in comfort.]

[Action]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[It's the thought that counts, and Rydia does appreciate the effort. She leans into that arm with a soft sigh, some of the tension draining away from her, but that just leaves her feeling...drained.]

...should try to sleep....

[But she doesn't move. Give her a minute....]

[Action]

[arrogant-flirt.livejournal.com]

[He's beginning to notice a trend as he tenderly rubs her arm.]

I'm not going anywhere.