[05 | Video | Canon Move]

[tranquilrhythm]

[Community, you're seeing what looks like Kanade, just collapsed onto her bed in a heap, face-down.]

Ugh, the last few days have been rough... I don't know how Hibiki does it. She's just... so full of energy. I can't keep up with her. [She props herself up on her elbows.] But I want to keep trying... Maybe I won't push myself as hard as she does, but I can't just sit around, either.

Oh, but at least I'm getting stronger in battle! I finally got my Belltier, like the one Hibiki has, so I can defend myself now... finally. It feels like it took me forever, though.

[And she unceremoniously lets her arms go slack, flopping back down.] I'm so tired, though... I was worried about Hibiki so I pushed myself, and I think this morning's starting to catch up with me...

[She lets out a low groan.] Oww...

Oh, and um... sorry about the other day. I don't know what came over me. I just felt so... useless. I'm doing better now. Thanks, everyone. [Kanade blushes a bit; she seems sincerely happy. She's hoping Hibiki doesn't ask, but... now that she's said something...]

Comments

[hunterofpeace]

Would anybody blame you for sleeping in? It's fun to do.

[wildmelody]

You shouldn't have needed to push yourself so hard but... I'm glad you did.

[tranquilrhythm]

Probably not, but... I don't really want to. There are better things I could use the time for, and I'm... not that tired.

[tranquilrhythm]

I am too. I don't know what would have happened if I didn't step in... and even then, I'm not sure what I would have done if not for the Belltier.

[She's starting to realize how reckless her actions were...]

[wildmelody]

Yeah, considering what happened, we were in a tight pinch and all. It was kind of crazy for all things to be considered.

[tranquilrhythm]

Definitely. I hope nothing like that happens again... then again, the day you don't run into problems full-tilt is the day I throw out my apron.

[wildmelody]

Yeah, yeah you have a point there. I do tend to do things at full power, don't I?

[tranquilrhythm]

Full power or nothing... but you wouldn't be you otherwise.

[A sage nod, followed by a smile.]

[hunterofpeace]

Like battle? Isn't that kind of dangerous?

[tranquilrhythm]

Not normally, no. More like doing something to work the stress off.

But if it comes down to it, yes, I will fight to keep my important people safe.

[wildmelody]

Yeah, good point and all. It's not like you don't like me when I'm not at full power.

[hunterofpeace]

Why is that always the answer?

[tranquilrhythm]

Because I almost let something important to me slip away forever, and if I can keep that from happening, I will do whatever it takes. I don't care if it's fighting someone or taking on the whole world, I am not going to lose my important people! [She pauses after she speaks, realizing she let a little more passion into her tone than she'd intended.]

Isn't there something, or someone, you'd give everything to protect?

[tranquilrhythm]

No, but it's so rare I have to look again when it happens. Just try to be reasonable?

Can you imagine if we switched? I went into everything guns blazing, and you were the voice of reason? We'd never get anything done.

[wildmelody]

Hmm, well one of these days maybe we should switch roles? I mean it would be fun.

[tranquilrhythm]

I think we should. It'd be nice to think with my heart instead of my head for a change. Having to the brains of the operation gets tiring, you know?

[She grins; obvious troll is obvious?]

[wildmelody]

Yeah I... hey! Kanade... geez... [pouring now.]

[tranquilrhythm]

Haha... sorry Hibiki, I just couldn't resist.

[wildmelody]

Geez. But yeah you have a point. I wonder what it'd be like if we swapped positions for a day or so.

[tranquilrhythm]

It'd be interesting, to be sure. We'll keep it in mind. For now I can barely move, let alone try to keep up with your ridiculous routine.

[wildmelody]

Well... are you still coming at least halfway on the jog lately?

[tranquilrhythm]

Yeah... it's rough, but I'm not going to give up. And I don't want to let you down, either... we're supposed to be a team, right?

[...nope, can't say that with a straight face; she can't suppress turning a bit red.]

[wildmelody]

Yeah, totally. You and I. We're together for this in the long haul. Right?

[hunterofpeace]

[His tone becomes more serious for a moment.] They're lucky people, then.

[Then his eyes close in a smile and his tone becomes lighter.] Me? I hate blood so I try to avoid fighting.

[tranquilrhythm]

[Kanade lets out a sigh of relief, smiling warmly.] I only hope they feel the same... and that I never need to truly protect them. ['Not like I did today, at least,' she amends.]

I can understand that, I guess. I just... I get desperate, sometimes. I hope nothing comes up for you.