ic contact;

[psycholawgy]

You've reached Athena Cykes. I'm currently unavailable, but leave a message and I'll get back to you pronto. Danke! (voice/call → text → video → action)

Comments

[psycholawgy]

R- Right!

[ she moves to the side so rei won't get caught in the crossfire, and she shoots, taking a few steps back afterwards, thanks recoil! ]

Take that!

[faithfulflame]

[The tribal warrior recoild, falling back onto his ass with a shriek.

A shriek taken up by another coming up behind him, rushing the girls.]

God in Heaven, another?

[psycholawgy]

[ well, athena isn't going to stop, then! ]

Take this! Cykes' fists of justice!

[faithfulflame]

[More fire, and the warrior charging drops with a yowl, but keeps coming, crawling forward with a knife in her teeth. GRRRR]

...Are these...zombies?

[Apparently yes! Because another appears, this one with a rotted face.]

Should I cheat, or do you want to handle these, Ms. Fists of Justice?

[psycholawgy]

[ athena continues firing, but-- ]

Some help would be nice!

[faithfulflame]

Very well.

[There's a flash, and a stream of blue-white fire joins the shotgun, cutting zombies up. It's over in a moment between the gunfire and the fire. Someone's studies have come along well...]

Shall we move on?

[psycholawgy]

[ she stops for a few seconds to just take it all in, but she's quick to start walking again. ]

You really are something, Rei.

[faithfulflame]

[Onward ho. Though she is gracious enough to bow her head in gratitude for the compliment. Unlike Minako, she isn't going to preen.]

I've had excellent instructors, and I've taken every opportunity to learn. And I have to keep learning so I can protect everyone.

[She takes Athena's hand in hers while they walk.]

You included. [a beat.]

You're something of an inspiration, you know.

[psycholawgy]

[ o-oh /// ]

A- Am I?

[ SHE'S NERVOUS NOW. ]

[faithfulflame]

Certainly.

[Rei squeezes that hand, smiles gently, and nods.]

You are the only person who talked to me about my future, not as a planetary guardian, but as a person. I haven't forgotten about the night we met, and the talk about university. That meant something to me, and I never quite got the chance to say it. You didn't know me, but you tried to help me with a hard choice.

[And pause.]

Plus, most people wouldn't try and stay close to me, after learning about me. They usually run, or think privately that I'm something from their nightmares. Magic can't be real, and all that. You...didn't do that though. You're either incredibly adaptable and brave, or incredibly stupid.

That you try and do what you do, when you're put into a place where your world is completely upended? That's inspiring. Cerealia is more like my home than yours, and I can't even imagine what it's like for you...so, really? You're something else. Not me. I'm just a soldier, and seeing people like you and Edgeworth-san doing what you do is inspiring.

[psycholawgy]

[ it's a good thing they aren't being attacked right now because athena starts crying just from this mellow conversation and she pulls rei into a hug instead. she even rubs the other girl's back, as if she's the one who needs consoling right now. ]

That's so sweet of you to say, but you're the amazing one here, okay?

[faithfulflame]

[The tears are actually kind of expected at this point. Athena cries at the drop of a hat, pretty much all the time. It's kind of fun finding new ways to make her bawl. The hug, however, is not expected and Rei finds herself squished against her friend Probably getting a faceful of boob letting out a little squeak of surprise. Her arms instinctively return the hug, and she rubs back. Because Athena, you're the one crying. =|]

Athena. I'm just...this isn't new to me. And it is for you and I can't help but admire your perseverance because hell...nearly normal person in my world is scared of me and you just shot a zombie without blinking, and that's way scarier than I am.

[psycholawgy]

[ yeah enjoy her boobs rei. ]

Nobody should be scared of you, okay? Don't ever think that what you have will strike fear on people. They're the ones in the wrong if they can't appreciate your talents. [ she hugs rei tighter by this point. ] They're the ones in the wrong if they can't appreciate you.

And I'll do whatever it takes to protect and save my friends, you know? You're one of my best friends here in Cerealia--in all the galaxies! I'll take on more than just zombies for you!

[faithfulflame]

[Actually? She kind of is. It's not like she has a choice with you squeezing her there. And she tries to keep her eyes up top, it's a valiant effort but somewhat doomed. Just a little so she'll just roll with it.

But she's totally missing the point.]

Athena...you're proving my point. You're pretty extraordinary, saying things like this. I know you mean it, but...[A smile. And because she has to do something to get her friend to focus and stop trying to be inspirational, Rei pushes up and kisses her friend gently on the cheek. She does this to Usagi and Athena all the time, nbd.]

I should be the one protecting you. Like last time. You keep getting into trouble...

[psycholawgy]

[ she lets go of rei and puffs her cheeks indignantly. ]

H- Hey! I don't always get into trouble!

[ yes you do athena shut up. ]

[faithfulflame]

[Good. Good. Now there's less boob shoved in her face. Rei puts on an amused smile and giggles behind her hand.]

You do. It's sweet though, and you're never boring because of it. Just another point in your favor.

[psycholawgy]

[ her cheeks do not flush pink at this point. I REPEAT. THEY DO NOT. ]

A point?! [ look what you've done. ] Score!

[faithfulflame]

[Except they obviously do, and Rei can't help but soften her smile a little.]

Yes. A point. Because you're...one of the best friends I have in any universe too. [Of course, she really only had 10 before coming here.] The best outside my own, undoubtedly.

[psycholawgy]

[ athena's smile softens, and while she's stopped crying, it's like the waterworks are going to come back. ]

It's so good to hear those words, Rei. I really mean it.

[faithfulflame]

[Rei reaches into her pocket and pulls out a handkerchief. Thanks for providing, game. And here, she'll dab at your eyes.]

I know you do. I'm glad you feel the way you do about me. It helps, knowing I have more friends than just my companions. More...than you know.

[psycholawgy]

[ athena will let rei do her thing, then. ]

We'll always be here for you, Rei.

[faithfulflame]

[Good, you need the help bb]

I'm beginning to understand that. It's...strange, having normal friends.

[psycholawgy]

No way, we're not normal. We're extraordinary!

Come on, let's get out of here.

[ she starts waking now, holding rei's hand. ]

[faithfulflame]

[She'd meant something else...but...ah, okay, holding hands is fine.]

We're almost done, I think. The temple isn't that big.

[Since they've been talking...those drums have vanished, but there's definitely sounds coming from further in. Shuffling sounds.]

You ready?

[psycholawgy]

Yeah, let's do this!

[ TAKING ON THE BOSS, FRIENDSHIP STYLEZ!!! ]