Concerning Heroes (Jason, Rook* Complete)

[Era]

She knew fully well that this tender embrace couldn't last forever, but she had still wished it could have. Rook had no idea just how long she'd dealt with the pinned up feelings of hope beyond hope that she would find him in once piece again. Or perhaps he /did/ have a clue - perhaps he'd been seeking her out just as vigorously.

"Off and on," A slight giggle played through her small body after that statement. Just what was that supposed to mean? Maybe she'd inquire after some of the emotion saturating this room had mellowed out.

Regardless, they were together now, and what mattered at the present was making sure that the future didn't resemble a hiccup of the past. By all means, she would never let anything happen to Rook; not after the blind battle between logic and emotion that had tested her so gruesomely since they were ripped away from each other at the Castle.

Her lungs filled to the brim with a deep inhale. Now, this very moment, was a breath of fresh air, both physically and mentally. The wait was over, and this brief moment in their bittersweet reunion had brought several layers of relief, true joy and peace back to her. And this particular place - around his torso - in close proximity to him, was so very calming; exactly the way she'd remembered it. She could stay here for--

"Seems this search of ours was quicker . . .
Darn it! Deep down, she winced. Those spoken words were her wake-up call, which meant it was time to move forward. She couldn't bask in the moment forever, could she?

Reluctantly, she forced her arms to let go of Rook, putting a little distance between them again. She would make a mental note to ask him about his fashion sense later. For the present, the silver-haired friend that Rook had come in with was seeking her attention.

'. . .then initially thought. Your name is Era, correct? My name is Jason Arilani, and I am a friend of Rook's. If the two of you would like to talk in private, let me know, and I'll leave the two of you alone."

She would've replied, but Rook seemed to have gotten to it much faster."Era... this is Jason. . . He's the reason I made it this far to see you."

Jason. She would remember that name. So it was Jason who had helped bring them together again? This man had to be an Angel if she'd ever seen one in person. Hands clasped together, she very politely bowed before him. "It's a pleasure to meet you," she took the liberty of drying her cheeks, then offered Jason her clean hand. "I can't articulate the depth of my gratitude," another tear escaped. She was quick to swipe it away.

Her eyes spoke in depths she was unable to otherwise make known. Not only did they speak of the light inside her Heart, but also of the thanks that no words could ever express. "Thank you."

[Rook]

((Alright, since Jason left, came back and left again, I'm just gonna form up a post tonight and skip him. I don't know what's up with him IRL or how often/when he'll be posting again.))

[Jason Arilani]

(WRONG SIR! IT IS I WHO SHALL BE POSTING!!!! I actually planned on posting yesterday but Proboards was all messed up and not loading for me. And then I had to work last night and this morning. I'm sorry I keep holding us up. Just keep poking me on Facebook or something! Or send me PMs. I'll get to it quicker xD)

A soft nod was made toward Rook as he told Jason to stay with his look. It didn't take long for him to turn back toward Era as she spoke. She seemed reluctant to have to speak about anything else, and perhaps it was just that it was lost to the Nobody. Either way, he knew that they would have to continue. The more they stayed here, the longer it would take to get to other things. And besides, Jason immediately felt strange upon the completion of her words. He wasn't sure how to describe it, but he knew that it was a different kind of feeling than what he would normally feel. Perhaps he would figure it out later.

Reaching into his pocket, Jason pulled out the Crystal ball and held it out toward Era. "I am glad I could have helped you out. I do have one simple request. It is this Crystal Ball that has led Rook and myself throughout our various quests, and even allowed us to find our where you happened to lie. It registers people I have met and their signatures. My request is for you to take the Crystal Ball. Clear your mind and concentrate on nothing. Then gaze into the swirling mists. Upon doing so, I ask that you tell me what you see. It may not make much sense right now, but upon telling me its contents, I might be able to help you understand it."[/color]

With that said, Jason would allow her to take the ball. If she decided not to, then he wouldn't further push the issue. It was all her choice, and that was why he had requested it. But if she said no, then there would be nothing he could do. He would then take the ball back and pocket it, saying nothing further and look toward Rook to see if he had something to say regarding it. Things were going to get interesting now, and considering Rook and Era knew each other while Jason did not know her... He couldn't help but wonder just how interesting things would get as time went on.

[Era]

A mixture of intrigue and curiosity lit Era's frost blue eyes with a new fire and she listened to Jason explain the powers contained with the clear-ish white orb that aided their journey. And a wave of gratefulness had swept into her heart upon learning that this crystal ball had been responsible for her reunion with Rook. And she wasn't sure if the feeling was geared toward the Orb, or the ones that had sought her out. More than likely it was the latter.

And then, he offered her the Crystal Ball. And with all the playful interest of an innocent youngster, she took the heavy object in hand, its smooth surface warm to the touch - a result of the heat it had been leeching from Jason's body.

She was content at first, unsure of what to expect, and completely enjoying the thrill of its mystery. Her posture straightened as Jason asked her to clear her mind. And, she took in a breath, eyelids shutting with contentment. Her right eye opened a few times, focussing on Rook before closing again. It was as though she were afraid that if she closed her eyes for very long at all, he might disappear again.

But, with the reassurance of his presence when her eye popped open not once, but twice, her lungs took in a little more air. And, black drifted over her sight again. She let out a heavy exhale and tried to clear her mind, this time for real.

There was a sense of peace. A calm, inky black nothingness for a time. And then, swirling clouds. Large, winged Heartless she hadn't recognized were positioned to attack in the midst of the fog.

Her brows furrowed with worry, the only outward sign that something was happening somewhere between time, space, her mind and this magical tool she clenched close to her stomach.

. . . A tropical island. Fire. Hairi. . . And bitter, ugly Darkness.

Swirling shadows.

Then, a colossal rift of black split beneath her feet. One foot was on each side of the widening expanse. Her heart raced with the fear of being engulfed in the hopeless sea of shadow. The blades in her hands, albeit that she was poised to fight, felt totally useless against this impenetrable enemy.

The girl peeped with surprise, awakening from her vision like a bad dream. The vivid images faded slowly, revealing a sudden flash of brilliant light. The Shadows screeched and hissed as they were torn asunder.

The Crystal Ball had been tossed upward a few inches in her fright, but she had instantaneously come to, and her hands quickly regained control of the precious item.

She blinked a few times, one hand departing from its clutch on the orb to and scratching at the side of her head with sheepish unease. That little episode probably made her look foolish. Her gaze touched on the floor before she remembered that Jason requested a recital of her vision. Maybe he could interpret it like people interpret dreams?

Era commenced. "There was a calm. Then, swirling black clouds, and large winged Heartless, like nothing I've ever seen. They were poised to attack. . . An island burned with fire. Someone I knew was there. And then, more darkness," her fingers traced along the smooth surface of the Crystal Ball as she finished her fragmented foresight. "And then, a colossal rift split at my feet. It was going to swallow me up. I thought I was a goner... but a burst of light saved me... just in time."

Her eyes focussed on the orb, curious about what had just happened, and she returned the orb to its rightful owner, gaze on Jason. She was curious to know what his take on all of this would be.

[Rook]

((Skipping turn again. Not much for Rook to do except watch and be a cowering mess at the moment. If Jason doesn't post in a week, I'll throw one up anyway.))

[Era]

((This thread deserves a bump. It is too full of goodness to die.))

[Jason Arilani]

[Apologizing isn't even worth it. I've taken forever to respond, and I know it. But I should be returning for good now!]

Jason watched as Era took the Crystal ball in her hands, watching how she was reacting. When the vision was complete, the crystal ball left her hand and Jason almost reached out to catch it, but she did instead. She held onto it while explaining what she had seen before handing it back to him. The silver dressed nobody thought for a moment as he held his Crystal Ball, feeling the warmth that came from her body on it. He held it as he thought, trying to piece it together as best as possible.

"A calm... most likely a sense of peace before a horrid tragedy, which is what comes from the swirling clouds of darkness. Heartless that you had never seen are very likely, as new forms tend to appear. But the fact that you have not seen them could be showing an enemy you have not yet faced, nor know is truly your enemy. The island burning with someone that you knew being on it could be either your friend as the source of the problem, or as one who is caught up in it and is in danger. The darkness could mean that the tragedy had struck, something unexpected. The rift splitting could show you in a time of great hardship, where you are torn between decisions before the bright light, someone who comes to take it all away."[/color] He said as he finally pocketed the Crystal ball.

"Only time will tell what will come from such a fate. I can merely offer my insight from having used the Crystal Ball, but take my words carefully. Only you can determine what happens with your future, and not knowing what happened in your past makes my insight all that much harder to follow. Heed the words, but follow your own path."[/color] Jason said as he looked out the window. "Dark times are certainly ahead. We must all be ready to face it when it comes."[/color] He added before looking to Rook. He wondered what his friend had thought of this, and hoped that answers would come as time went on.

[Era]

Brushing a lock of her forward-swept orange hair from her gentle blue eyes, Era absorbed everything Jason was telling her: the calm she knew would come to an end, and soon. In addition, she could be gripped with a cataclysmic decision in the future. He informed her that chaos was over the horizon once again. But in the end, the Light would win. At least there was that bit of comfort to soothe her curious thoughts.

In the back of her mind, the bright girl couldn't help but wonder how much of the impending, engulfing Darkness would stem from Ansem. It was a concept she tucked somewhere in the back of her head, her attention turning back to the Nobody. She watched as Jason tucked the Crystal Ball out of sight, her ears taking in the last of his words. She would store these things in an important place in her memories - somewhere that she could reflect on Jason's wisdom, if somewhere down the line she should ever need it.

"Your insight is very helpful." Era gave a small bow toward the silver-clad Nobody, it was a small, but courteous respect. "Thank you," her mind reflected a few seconds longer on the things that had just been laid out. Then, she spoke, the light of her heart escaping through her words. "I'm not afraid of the Darkness."

She cast her gaze toward her long-lost friend. Her smile was small, but full of life. "With Rook on my side, we can face anything." It was about this time she noticed that she had been slacking in her duties. Her realization exited her mouth with the same contentment that set deep in her core. There was some sort of unshakeable peace, but also a chipper hint in it: "Oh my! I didn't even get your water yet!" She turned toward the back room where she'd first come out of, down the hall and around the corner. Somewhere along the line, she'd peek over her shoulder to toss out a quick "be right back". Then, for a brief moment, disappear.

Her return didn't take but two minutes. And the tray she'd returned with had on it two glasses of water. No, Jason hadn't asked for one, but she planned to give it to him anyway. If he'd take it was another subject entirely, but at least the kind gesture would be made.

[Rook]

Rook looked up after her, his silent vigil from the side of the table almost breaking as she stood to retrieve his drink and he almost spoke up to stop her. But she was already gone, and he knew full well he couldn't stop her. His eyes looked to Jason briefly, before they sharply looked away as he noticed the soft burning of his cheeks. He spent the rest of her absence silent again, staring at the floor from under his drab cloth cloak.

Her return marked the end of his self-imposed and awkward silence. This place still felt uneasy to him. So long in the Darkness, barely clinging on, the sheer brightness of this world alone made him grateful he hadn't yet come full out of his new-found fabric shell.

"Thank you," he replied softly, taking it in a hand that slowly reached forth from underneath his cape. He didn't drink it yet, but he held it chest high as though he was about to. His eyes still kept away from Era, noting the spots on the floor, cracks in the hardwood, scuffs on the polish and other such.

Through a mustered and forced breath, he looked up just enough for the bottom half of his face to be evident from the overlooming shadow, "I... missed you, Era."

[Jason Arilani]

Jason gave a soft nod to the girl as she thanked him for his insight. Crossing his arms in front of him, his mind went elsewhere. He barely even noticed the flushed cheeks of Rook's as he looked toward him. Era returned and he subconsciously took the glass before setting it on the table. Finally he sat up and pulled his Crystal ball from his pocket once more. His eyes stared deep into the orb, his mind lost from the world around them as he started to peer into it's smoke. He had his own plans to work out, and needed to know where to go next. But there were other people he also wanted to check up on.

[Forgive me for the short post. Not really sure what to do at this point ]

[Rook]

((Jason, good lord! Just when I think you're MIA again..!))

[Jason Arilani]

(Nah. I've just been busy with finding a new house and getting enrolled in school. Posting is gonna be sporadic once I start school, but now that I found a new place to live and got enrolled in school , I should be able to post relatively quickly. Now to make those modifications to Maleficent like I planned on)

[Era]

Both hands equipped with a glass of cool water, Era held the one in her left hand out for Rook. There was a slight brush of their fingers as the drink changed hands, a cold shock jolting up Era's left hand and toward her Heart. The feeling was followed by a soft, warm pulse, which soon faded to cold again. The peculiar sensation froze her for a split second before she withdrew her hand, quickly giving the other glass to Jason. And for a brief moment, her brow furrowed as her mind interpreted the meaning of her quick touch with Rook: His Heart carried the cold taint of Darkness.

As much as she wanted to deny it, she knew it would only be proper to give that splinter the acknowledgement it deserved. Whatever had happened to him between the time Era had seen him in the Castle and today, it had been rough. It had, at the very least, given him a beating. . . And to think of all she'd been through in her journey to find him alive. Who was to say what he'd been through to find her, too?

And then, Rook spoke.

"I. . . missed you, Era."

Another splinter struck her core.

Subconsciously, the girl stroked her left hand, which still felt cool after glimpsing the condition of Rook's Heart. Whether he meant to or not, he was tugging at her insides, pulling at her Heart.

From her standing position, her left hand reached out to touch Rook's cheek --that spot where, with her palm on his cheek, the tips of her fingers could gingerly touch his jaw.

He was alive. The object of her affection; he was the grand prize at the end of her search. As her gaze drifted over him, analyzing his cloak, his chin, the strands of bright red hair peeking out from his hood, she couldn't hide the admiration giving light to her frost blue eyes. There was an unconditional acceptance there; one which silently mirrored a mother's who wanted nothing more than to look after her adrift son.

And ever-so-gently, she tried to tug his cheek so that their gazes could intercept. Era wanted so badly to get into the window of his soul; and perhaps there was pain and anguish there, but that didn't matter. When he'd look at her. . . If he'd look at her, she would echo:

"I missed you too."

[Rook]

((I am bludgeoning my muse into productivity. Postasaurus Rook RAWR.))

For the briefest of moments Rook allowed her to direct his gaze, though as soon as his and hers met, he gasped slightly, as if taken aback by some unseen horror. He recoiled just a bit and turned his head away, though still not far enough to pull her hand from his cheek.

His eyes were uncoordinated. Childlike perhaps. There was so much going on behind them, but he seemed as if he couldn't process it. And at the same time, all the same weakness as a beaten puppy. He had in the months of his absence all the scars of years of being hunted alive. There was suspicion of every shadow and every movement. A mild paranoia that gripped him.

And now, being in a world of Light, he was both put at ease by the lack of a darkened scent, but every bit uncomfortable as someone being blindfolded and used to the dark, being unveiled in a brilliantly lit room he had never seen before.

But he was not able to talk about it. Not yet. So many fresh scars and memories. So much uncertainty still about this realm he was now living in again.

"...I'm sorry. I shouldn't have left you."

His hood hung low again, and he was quiet.

[Jason Arilani]

Jason remained silent as he crossed his arms, placing one hand into the sleeve of the opposite arm. He leaned back a little into the chair and watched the exchange between the two. There wasn't much he could say at this point as he watched them. He knew that the two needed some time to be with each other and especially knew that Rook needed some help. He had been in the world of Darkness and he could tell that it was different for him. If anyone would be able to help him out, though, it would be Era. She, along with Jason, seemed to be closest to him. Eventually he would return to normal. But for now, it would simply take a small bit of time.

[Sorry its not too long. I really don't have much to post at this point

EDIT: HOLY SHIT! This thread has been up for a year and a half? With the bulk of the RPing starting a year ago? I think we need to get through this thread already xD]