dramadramaduck | [video]

[The video clicks on to show a dark, rocky, slightly damp chamber. Who knows what's recording, but it has to be something similar to what posted everyone's dreams to the community a while back.

Because this isn't reality.

The video is fuzzy and flickers into static occasionally, but everything is visible… if you squint.

After a moment of absolutely nothing, Kaito suddenly scrambles into view, backpedaling frantically the entire way. He's watching something off screen, an old, dusty yet still functional camera held up almost to eye level.

After a moment, something white and blurry and transparent time dives at him from above, and he ducks to avoid it, lifting his hands to cover his head. The white thing disappears from view, and Kaito’s quick to climb back up to his feet, camera at the ready. But he lowers his weapon almost as soon as he raises it, and glances fervently around, almost like he lost his target.

And while he's searching, a tattooed ghost appears in the feed behind him, clear and crisp and menacing despite the poor video. Kaito doesn't seem to notice as she approaches him, her pale arm extending slowly to touch his shoulder.

The video flickers once again just as Kaito whips around, and the feed ends with static]

((For anyone who wants a video reference of what this fight is like, there you go! Also, all replies will be forward dated to tomorrow though the post itself is dated today))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Of course. I'm looking forward to it, actually.

Well, I did, at first. But when we visited Hakuba in the hospital... I came to realize that you're a very strong-willed individual. Carrying the burden of that curse, and dealing with your friend's injury... most people would have cracked under all that pressure.

Heh. I'm not most people.

I realize that, now. It's not always easy to see a person's inner strength. And while I'm usually good at reading people, I'll admit that I've been wrong on occasion.

In any case, I'm glad that ordeal is finally over. I trust you've made a full recovery?

I feel better than I have in weeks.

Wonderful! Now, if only Hakuba could recover that quickly...

You should take the opportunity to go visit him.

He's still in the hospital?

I believe so. I saw him yesterday, and even with Akako-san's magic, he looked pretty bad. But I'm sure he'll recover soon.

Keh. Slowpoke.

Well, the more people visit him, the faster he'll recover. Would you like to accompany me the next time I see him?

What's in it for me?

What do you mean? Don't you want Hakuba to get well so that you can properly tease him? You can't very well make fun of an invalid, can you? Where's the fun in that?

You drive a hard bargain.

Of course I do! I'm beginning to understand how you think.

Sounds like I'll have to start changing up my act!

Aw, but I think I was just starting to like this new side of you!

While I was working on Hakuba's gift, I decided to make a little something for you, too. I'll give it to you at the party.

Eh? You didn't have to get me anything.

I didn't get you anything. I made something for you. And I think you earned it, after everything you went through. Consider it a "medal of honor," if you will.

... I'm getting a medal for this?

Well, it's not an official military-issue medal, of course...

It's a Red Badge of Courage. For unfailing bravery in the face of overwhelming odds. I made it from some brass fittings I had lying around and some red sea glass I found at the beach. I thought it would be appropriate.

... like from the book?

...

Thanks Naoto-san.

Well, yes. Though, in the book, a "red badge of courage" is a metaphor for a wound received in battle. I took some liberties with the meaning there...

You're welcome. And whatever happened to calling me "Naoto"? We're on a first name basis now, aren't we?

Heh. I read the book. I think I'd prefer the badge you made rather than the kind the book refers to.

... ha, I almost forgot. I think I was half asleep when we had that conversation.

I think I'd prefer that, too. I don't want to see another friend of mine end up in the hospital.

You did end up falling asleep, actually. Aoko-san and Ai-kun came by, and we kept each other company while you slept. Despite the circumstances, I feel like I've grown much closer to everyone.

Yeah yeah, it's the touch times that bring us all together, right?

I suppose so... Aoko-san and Ai-kun were both very brave.

I hope you and Hakuba aren't going to make this a habit. There are far more efficient means of getting someone's attention. Ways that are less painful and life-threatening.

(no subject)

pandorabox - 2009-09-16 17:05 (UTC) - Expand

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