savetheearth

Entry tags:

text;

[Sometime late after school, Lily is at the library. She's moderately less worried now, without even really thinking about it, about the level of danger out there, making her avoid day to day things she normally would. Almost kind of living shut in, at times. There is a certain confidence knowing how to disarm and flip grown men twice your size all of a sudden grants you.

She's had time to mull over things for a few days, now. In fact, that's sort of why she's there. Somewhere quiet, away from everyone. Just someplace she can think. Pulling out her phone, she types in a few numbers and]

For anyone who was wondering, Jasmine is fine now. Much better, in fact. Things were just a shock, and it sort of took its toll. It did for both of us, to some extent.

However, seeing all of this - seeing what the Precure can do, seeing just how dangerous the Blood Keys are - I know I've been resting on my laurels for too long. Expecting something to come along. I have things to protect, from my family to the friends I've made among you all.

The ability to protect those things is just out of my reach, but it's there. I'm not going to sit around anymore, lamenting my inability to do this. I can't afford that.

If there's ever anything I can do, I will do it. It might not mean a lot now coming from some teenager, but... I'm not satisfied just sitting here twiddling my thumbs anymore. I refuse to stay like that.

[She pauses for a moment, then types in something else, creating a message Private to Winter.]

Winter. I didn't bring this up the other day, because I hadn't spoken with Jasmine yet. But...

You remember, don't you? What I told you about her only remembering the Desert Apostles, our enemies.

I remembered more. This past self of hers, she was apart of them. Realizing this hurt her pretty badly, and while she's better now, she's probably going to have a hard time ahead of her. I'll do whatever I can, and I trust that you won't hold that against her, but... I'd already told you half of this, I figured you deserved the rest.

With that in mind, it's important I speak with you about something. I need to know more about all of this. About the Precure. This past life. Her relationship to this "Dark Precure" that Jasmine is reliving the memories of. I don't care how painful it is. I have to know in order to protect my sister.

When she mentioned that name, and described what she saw, I saw something. From this other girl's perspective, I saw Cerise and another girl defeated at the hands of this woman who looked like my sister. This "Dark Precure." But also I saw... two creatures with those girls.

...I never told you in detail what my first echo was, did I?

It was one of those creatures.

I saw him die.

You mentioned your "plushie" before. I didn't bring this up because I was afraid. I'm still afraid, but that doesn't matter anymore.

Winter.

I need to see him.

[She draws in a breath, closing her eyes. Why does she feel on the verge of tears typing that? As if she didn't already know. It was something she was avoiding for a long time, then.

Finally, she releases it and opens her eyes back. One more thing.

She types in another number, sending one more private message to Cherry.]

Hi, Cerise. It's Lily.

Sorry if this seems sudden, or a weird question, but... Jasmine and I both had things appear to us when we went to the Dead District. They're things we're both trying to work through, and...

I know the memories you've been getting come from the same place as us. I'm more certain of that than ever. Especially given what my sister remembered. And what that caused me to remember.

Because I had a memory where I saw the both of you.

I... guess you could say I'm concerned. I just want to make sure everything is okay with you, and if you saw anything you need to talk about.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Lily blinks a few times in surprise as Winter's other hand. But that's only momentary. She does gaze at the other young woman for a good few more seconds, but then gratefully takes the other hand and squeezes it.]

...it has been, yes. But... it's necessary... And even if we only have known each other for a couple months, I do feel like I can trust you, Winter...

[She smiles a bit, though its still tinged with some sadness.]

You're a good person. I'm glad you're willing to put up with me, honestly. [Her eyes shift away just a bit, but her expression holds.] ...it was... my mother, also. We lost her when I was eight. But she had been sick for a long time, while this... Knowing what took Cologne will be important to understanding this, if it makes me feel like this.

[She gives a sigh.] I'm sorry, I might be a little more trouble for you in the future, in that case.

[My, those are exactly the words she likes to hear. Her existence is validated...! Oh, wait, she said something else...]

I don't mind. I live... for other people. It would be r-remiss of me to do anything else. And I'm sorry to hear about your mother, but... you and Jasmine seem well-adjusted, despite that. Not that it h-hasn't been a while... You're right that we need to understand what happened to Cologne first, though. He was... important, to Cure Moonlight. To past-you.

[She smiles across again.] Please... be free to cause as much trouble as you need. I said I'd be here for you, Lily. I w-want to keep that promise.

It's really scary, honestly. To try and think about wanting to discover those things... I just- I feel like it's necessary. Not just for my sister, but... I think if I'm to inherit the same things Cure Moonlight did, I have a bit of responsibility to know where it comes from.

[She averts her eyes a bit, her cheeks coloring slightly.] But I appreciate that. That there's anyone even willing to say that means a lot.

[Possibly a lot more than Lily's letting on - she doesn't ask people for help. Not normally. Having to do so to save Jasmine showed how truly desperate and, really, kind of helpless she was in that situation. Winter's "living for other people" comment rings very true in her head, as it was all she ever did herself.

For Lily, though, this had long since meant sitting on her own problems and trying to logic them out on her own. Not exactly the healthiest mindset maybe, but it was how she had gotten used to things being.

But she feels now as if she can trust Winter there. That... is a very different sort of feeling for her, and one she's not sure how to fully process in that moment.

Instinct to avert her own momentary embarrassment then kicking in, she gives a small laugh.]

Just don't be afraid to kick me if I am too much trouble. [Her eyes turn back to meet the other girl's.] But... if you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask, too. I owe you a lot already at this point.

It's a heavy burden. We... our past selves all gained this p-power one way or another. But we are not them. We are ourselves... but the power is still ours. Maybe we're not ready. Maybe there's something we're missing. Maybe there was s-something special about them, that we don't have. But there's nothing else we can do about it. So... we need to know what they did. What they've been through. Because it c-could mean the difference between winning and losing. Between life and death. I take this seriously, because Rikka took this seriously. Because it is my responsibility to put everything I have into this, so I can live with no regrets.

That is w-why I'm happy to do the things I do. Even if I'm not on the student council anymore... I still have that drive, and it's important to me that I keep going until the day I'm not needed anymore. I do this so other people d-don't have to. So everyone... can live in peace.

[Sheesh, she's letting her mouth run a lot tonight... well, nothing for that. Winter sighs as Lily looks to her, and she smiles a little.]

If I need something, you'll be the f-first to know. But I don't think you'll be as much trouble as you think. I've got a lot of faith in you, Lily. You've had a hard set of things to deal with, but you've done pretty well in keeping your head. I've been very impressed, really.

We are ourselves... [She repeats it, tossing the phrase around in her head. It's very familiar, given her talks with Jasmine of late at that point.] Yes, you're right about that. It just feels like I have to keep reminding myself of that, finding ways to remind myself of that. I don't think I really understood that when you were talking about that story you remembered. Even looking back to such a little while ago, it feels like I was sort of naive...

But, no regrets would be nice. I think... if I even tried to back out now, I would do nothing but regret it. I guess you could say we're all too far into this now to do anything else. And... always having focused so much of taking care of the family around me, I guess... This really works on a bigger scale, doesn't it?

[She gives a comfortable sort of laugh, at this point not even really noticing she hadn't even removed her hands from Winter's at that point.] But it's good to know there are people who'll watch out for me at the same time. I may not be used to that, but... I suppose I could get there.

[She blinks at thinking on the last thing Winter said, however, and gazes just slightly elsewhere again.] I wouldn't say there's... really a whole lot about what I've done that's impressive. It's just... well, I'm the big sister, right? It's my responsibility. [The color creeps back into her cheeks.] B- but, I... I appreciate the faith.

[Her vision doesn't drift for long this time, and she snaps back to Winter, though her evident embarrassment remains.] With everything I've seen at this point, I have the same in you. [Blink. Wait. What was that, Lily?] Ah, all of you, of course. [Whew.]

I've been there, too. It's hard not to, with... everything that's happened. But, whether you l-like it or not... you're going to grow up a little bit, with everything that happens to us. It takes a strong person to deal with everything that comes our way. I admit... I didn't have the strength for it, before. But everyone... everyone helped me see. From the big things, t-to the little ones. I need to tell Jasmine, too - in a very real way, she saved me, two weeks ago. She won't believe me, but... it's still true.

So I put everything I have into what I can do, because that's how I pay back the people that have h-helped me for everything they've given me. I think you'll be the same way. We can't stop now. Not without feeling like we've let everyone down.

And I will protect everyone I can reach, that doesn't turn me away. That is nothing less than my duty. [She smiles at Lily, and it's warmer than she's managed in the last few minutes. Winter, stop, you're overdoing the cute here.] But... there are s-some people that I will make a special effort for. So I hope you get used to it soon, because it's too late to shoo me away.

[She giggles faintly.] Don't say that, Lily. You... you've done better than any of us could have hoped for. You've managed to keep Jasmine in one piece while you had to w-worry about yourself, and you're doing well at taking all this in stride. It was all I could do to keep putting one foot in front of the other, for a while. You're plenty impressive. And I appreciate your trust. [She notices her face burning a little, but... that's what happens when you get a little bit too far into friendship speeches. That's definitely what it was. Probably.]

[Jasmine saved her? It quickly clicks to mind she's talking about the birthday party, and given everything that had happened before then... That made some sense, but she hadn't realized even then it had been quite on that level. Her expression softens considerably more at that realization.] I was very proud of Jasmine then... I still am. It was the first time I'd seen her really reach out to help someone like that, to try and be friends. You have quite the effect on people, Winter. I know reaching out to her has meant a lot to her, and... Even with everything that's happened here, it's such a relief to know it's not just other people I can rely on, but other people she can reach towards.

I really do want to pay that back, as well... I want to live up to that same example you've been setting. Because-- [She stops abruptly, the comment about people Winter would make special effort for sinking in. Her eyelashes flutter rapidly, and the faint blush from before burns up to a point where its noticeable. She finally becomes acutely aware of the fact she is still holding onto Winter's hands, and... well, let's just say she has a moment, and her brain grinds to a screeching halt. The thought she had been processing before is lost in the sudden trainwreck that is her mind, and she just starts talking to try and not look completely stupid.] N- no, of course not, I'd nev- I wouldn't shoo you away. You're my friend, right? I may not be used to it, ah, now, but... I think I can get there...

[The last series of compliments doesn't help the sudden rush of things in her head, and probably not the look on her face. When it comes right down to it, there are some things Lily Tsukuyomi is very bad at concealing once they hit her.] Th- thank you. Again. I've probably been saying that a lot, but... you deserve it... Like I said, I was just doing what I thought I needed to... If you really had that much trouble before, then... I think where you are now is much more impressive.

[For someone so smart, she sure does feel like she's babbling like an idiot all of a sudden. Her eyes seek out Raquel then, as if searching for a second opinion on whether or not she looks as dumb as she feels.]

[Winter really does like praise... She grins easily.] I'm... coming to realize that. And it's making me so, so happy. I... can finally make a difference. That's what I've waited for, for s-so long... I'll be happy to be there for her, as I am for you.

I'm proud to know I'm a g-good example, too. I- [And then she notices Lily come to a screeching halt and start doing some very strange things. And then she notices where her hands are, and how close she is, and that she's been using some very strong words with a good chance of interesting interpretations. And she wonders where her head is, and what she's feeling - this is... not unlike the other day, at the hospital. But that was with Banagher, someone that was a lot closer to her... but that moved a lot more slowly. She could feel herself getting caught up in the moment, and she knew she had to take a step back before she kept going and did something she couldn't take back later. Not that she could bring herself to move her hands, or back off any. Whoops. What did she feel about Lily, though? That was... something to consider. Something to consider very, very seriously, because things were going to be interesting if they weren't careful. That still didn't stop her heart from starting to pound, and her face running hot.]

I'm.. glad to hear it. I'll be counting on you, Lily, in a lot of ways. And I... I don't know that I'm t-that impressive. But I'll work hard... to become someone that you can respect.

[Raquel, for his part, notices both of them suddenly acting significantly weirder. He looks from Winter, to Lily, back to Winter, and then to Lily as she looks over to him.

The look on his face is plain, though: "what are you two doing?" But he remains silent, letting the girls work things out. It's not his job to pass judgment or get in the way. And he knows that.]

[Thank you, Raquel. That look alone was enough to verify in Lily's head that she looked exactly as she thought she did. Which really meant-

Oh. No, Lily. She recognizes all the telltale signs of where her mind is headed, then- except it's not really her mind, is it? It's certainly not a matter of logic or thought she's actively feeling swell up in her. It's a raw and sudden emotion, and while she recognizes very much what it is, there was also something very different about it than anytime she had felt like this before. Winter was a very different sort of person than anyone she'd had an inkling of that feeling towards in the past, wasn't she?

Still, a bit of logic remains in her mind. The part that tells Lily she was already emotionally vulnerable after everything with Jasmine, and then Cologne tonight. That her heart is running way too fast - both physically at that point, and emotionally - and far too suddenly. That perhaps there's a part of her just latching onto this moment because Winter was so understanding, and kind, and sweet- oh God, sorry Lily. Your logic just checked out. Good luck on your own.]

You don't- ah, really even have to. [Gulp.] W- Winter, you're already someone I very much resp--

[There is a sudden buzzing from her phone, sitting on the table between them along with her books. It's just on vibrate, but the iPhone rattles against the wooden table noticeably enough. She nearly jumps out of her skin, as if someone had come up behind her and yelled "Boo!"

She finds herself back in reality for a moment, and while her face is still burning, she finally releases Winter's hands and picks it up to find Jasmine's name and picture flashing across the screen.

She'd sort of lost track of time, actually. Just how long had she been sitting there? Her eyes shift, and she reaches up to brush her hair... forward, rather than a usual nervous habit of brushing it back, as if now trying to hide her face a bit now that her senses were slowly returning.]

Jasmine. [Sigh. Of relief for the interruption, or disappointment for it? She's ... not really certain.] Give me just a, um. Moment.

[She slides a finger on the phone to answer it, and brings it up to her ear.] Sis? I- it's Lily. [Oh good, keep stammering now.] Everything okay?

THE SINK IS BROKEN AND DAD IS TRYING TO FIX IT HELP ME

[sound of water gushing]

[Mercifully, this managed to drain the color out of her face.]

Then turn the water off to the hou--! [Just. Stop Lily. You know better than to try and tell her that. Argh.] I- I'll be there as soon as I can. Just... uh, do what you can!

[Swipe of the screen, shutting it off, and blank stare. Blank, blaaaaaaaaaank stare. Where was she?

She looked back to Winter.

Oh.

That was right.]

S- sorry! I need to go before my Dad and Jasmine destroy the kitchen!

[Lily scrambles, gathering up her books and things, but looks at her, forcing a smile as she does so. Even then, for a moment, she finds herself lost in her previous thoughts looking at her... but. Well.

Saved by the bell, she supposed. For then. She... probably needed to do a lot of thinking, now. For someone who did almost nothing but think, that was saying a lot.]

...thank you, Winter. Yet again. For tonight, and really just... [She sighs as she drops her books into a bag, and slings it over her shoulder.] I'm really glad to have a friend like you.

Edited 2014-02-12 06:40 (UTC)

[Lily had captured Winter's attention just as completely as the reverse, and it startled her badly when the phone on the table between them started to buzz; as Lily pulls back and answers her phone, Winter tries to get her pulse back under control, but also takes a valuable moment to think. What had... just happened? It felt like she'd been sucked into a little world with just the two of them... and now that she was aware of herself again, she had to admit that it had actually felt pretty good. She could work with this. And there were a lot fewer insecurities to work through here than the last time she'd felt anything like this...

And then Lily tells Jasmine she'll be there soon, and Winter registers the fact that Lily is leaving. The slightly awkward excuse for an exit is totally valid, and she nods, though she catches Lily's gaze sticking to her for a moment, and internally she knows she needs to come to a decision. Sooner rather than later, ideally, because she didn't want to do something she was going to regret.]

Do what needs to be done, Lily. And I'm glad to help. Tonight, or anytime you w-want. [She opens her mouth to keep talking, but censors herself; Lily has something she needs to do right now, and making her head spin accidentally is not the way to make that happen. She settles for something a little more neutral instead as she picks up Raquel.] Godspeed and good luck. It sounds like... you might need it.

I... appreciate it. [She avoids any direct looks for a few moments as she finishes gathering her things. She would need some time to calm her head after all that, and well... Falling all over Winter while trying to talk to her wouldn't get her anywhere. No, she needed a day. Or three. Or... She just needed to think.

Or perhaps she didn't. She seemed to get herself in trouble in that area when she thought too much, and--

Oh right the house was about to be flooded.] Really, Winter. I appreciate that more than you might realize. For everything here.

[She sighs and slings the bag over her shoulder, craning her head to one side as she finally manages to look at her. Her cheeks are still a bit flushed, but she smiles genuinely.] I will need the luck, though. You've never seen my Dad try to fix the plumbing.

[She takes another breath, and a step, and:] I'll ... see you at school?

["Oh God that was so lame," is her first thought, and she wastes little then in leaving, a nervous wave being her last signal towards Winter before she's out of sight.

The night air's pretty cool, but somehow she finds her head burning so much she scarcely notices before she heads home.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

text;

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

1/2

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject