insurmountable | how could i ever forget // outside the morning was cool and wet

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how could i ever forget // outside the morning was cool and wet

[It's not often Ajax finds himself getting his head slammed down onto the hood of a car, least of all a cop car. Usually it's him doing the slamming.

But today the young man finds himself denting the hood, the sound of metal caving in under his head ringing in his ears. Not exactly the ideal situation he was hoping for, but he figured sooner or later he'd have a run in with the cops due to the sensitive nature of his profession, but that doesn't mean he has to like how inconsiderate they are with him as they cuff him and throw him in the back of the paddy wagon. Not that he was considerate to them when he was discovered, as evidenced by the blood all over his clothing and knuckles from the fight he'd gotten into with them. How he managed to avoid getting shot is beyond him- plenty of shots were fired, but that hadn't stopped him from knocking a few of them out.

It's just too bad he'd been instructed that he couldn't kill anyone, or else he'd of gotten out of there without being caught.

The lights of the police station are bright, almost too bright from the contrast of how dark it was outside. Ajax squints as he's dragged inside, held tightly by two cops who hurry him through the station, but not fast enough that he doesn't catch a glimpse of the secretary behind the desk as they come in. Pretty, blonde, looking like she'd rather be anywhere else. Gorgeous eyes, ones that catch his attention almost immediately as he's being shoved towards the back, shining with a radiance that captures him instantly. His eyes lock with hers, feeling something silent yet powerful surge through him from this tiny, insignificant interaction. He doesn't even have a moment to think further on it, before he's so rudely interrupted.

Get moving.

The curt voice of the bigger cop on his right cuts through the moment, anger welling up in Ajax's chest and something dark stirs in his core. If he wasn't cuffed and being restrained, he'd turn that guy's face into a new work of art, something so abstract some insane art collector would gladly pay millions for it.

No sooner had Ajax been ushered in, he disappears from sight as he's taken back into an interrogation room, the mysterious blonde no longer in his sights, now getting shoved into a corner of a room.]

What's with this? Don't you even have the courtesy of giving me a chair to sit in, at least?

[From outside of the room, muffled noises of a scuffle as the cops lay into Ajax can be heard, the loudest of which is a thud of a body slamming into a wall, accompanied by a groan from the ginger kid. Though little do any of them know, their real problems haven't arrived just yet, waking from their slumber right outside of the city...]

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[ As the smell of the salmon fills the air of her kitchen, Yoimiya attentively listens to him, flipping the fish over when its the perfect shade of golden crisp she likes. It's about time they had this discussion but with their pounding heads, preparing for breakfast, and that distraction in the shower, she wasn't sure how to breech the topic. She's thankful Ajax stepped up and said something first, it was hard to find the words, she's always been careful and never had a pregnancy scare like this.

But the part that baffles her the most is her mindset while they were having sex. She had been deadset on being the mother of his children. ]

Don't worry, you don't have anything to apologize for. It takes two to tango, I didn't think to tell you I wasn't on birth control at the time. So, that makes me just as irresponsible.

[ While the other side of the salmon cooks, she grabs a ladle and pours two bowls of miso soup for both of them. ]

You didn't scare me. I... had a great time. If I didn't, I would have said something. So, I'm sorry as well. I don't know what came over me either but I'm usually more responsible about sex that that.

[Ajax is thankful for her understanding, even if he feels more at fault here than her. With luck, they can put this episode behind them and be more careful in the future, especially now with his suspicion that they're being heavily influenced by some sort of magic here. He only wishes he knew why it functioned the way it did, maybe that would give them a better grip on themselves...]

There's no need to apologize, you hardly did anything wrong. What is frightening to me is that we both fell under the same spell...and no doubt it's because of our special marks.

[He begins to prepare a pot for the brine, waiting patiently for Yoimiya to be done with the stovetop so he can use it once she's done. He's got a feeling they're going to need a lot more pickled cucumbers for the future after what they went through. Hopefully stress doesn't turn them into a couple of alcoholics.]

Even now, there's a compulsion I feel to take you to bed for the express purpose of impregnating you...even going so far as to overwriting my logic whenever I try to question that motive in the moment. It makes me wonder if my feelings really are my own...is it making me feel attracted to you because of its strange power, or are my emotions genuine...?

[It really bothers him, and its visible on his face. Yoimiya's a great gal, he's sure he can objectively say that much, but he barely knows her. Just practically met her by unfortunate circumstances. Love at first sight is a thing and all, but what if that attraction wasn't real? What if it was all just a machination of their brands? And why in the world would it make him get baby fever?]

I just don't know...

[ Finally, the salmon cooking in the bright sizzling pan reaches the crisp she's been looking for. Now that the main course is finished, she moves to the side to plate them, giving Ajax the room to work his magic on the cucumbers. She looks over, impressed with his handiwork, he's got some expert knife-handling skills. Those thin cucumber slices are cut with such delicate accuracy that her mind wonders if he's more intimate with a blade than just simple cooking. Maybe he's had to bust out those skills for his job...

And this is the guy she can't stop thinking about, the man she hopes will impregnate her one day. She's not even sure if she should be this close to a man who kidnaps people for a living. But either way, Ajax is right, this whole situation is terrifying. The idea that they aren't in control of their own feelings is disturbing and now, she can't help but wonder... are they being drawn to each other because of genuine attraction? Or is their budding relationship being forced upon them by some unseen force? The expression on his face says it all, he's clearly bothered and she understands the sentiment. If this attraction wasn't genuine, then this is going to hurt both of them in the long run. ]

I wish I could give you a solid answer.

[ The rice cooker opens with a pop, she fills up two bowls full of white, fluffy rice, bringing them to the table along with the plates of salmon on a tray. While he's working on the cucumbers, she returns to grab the bowls of miso soup, carrying it as she attempts to gather her thoughts together. ]

It's scary, almost as if we're being violated with feelings that might not be genuine. I too, can't stop thinking about going back to bed so we can continue trying to make a baby together. I like children and all but we only just met. And even though I'm not ready to have a family, my heart keeps telling me otherwise.

[ Although she's still unsure about his job, Ajax has somewhat proven himself in the short time they've known each other. But even so, she doesn't want to have kids with anyone right now, it's too soon. They barely know each other and yet, she wishes to start a family with him. None of this sits well with her. ]

I don't know what to do either. I'm scared of losing control if things keep progressing like this.

[He listens to her as he sets the brine on the stovetop to bring it to a boil, looking around now for some air tight jars to shove all the ingredients into to set in the fridge. Ajax's mouth turns down, not liking to hear that Yoimiya really is suffering from the same malady as him. He knew she was, but he's not sure if he had some kind of hope that she wasn't somehow being controlled as well. On one hand, he can feel his heart elate at the knowledge that she wants to start a family with him, but he knows that's not really his own feelings on the matter. It's the small goldfish tail on his chest that's making him think these things, and that's disturbing all on its own. Fighting those thoughts would prove difficult, he's sure- it took complete advantage of him last night when he was too drunk to make smart decisions.

He'd even consciously lured her into the bathroom with him today to have sex, because he "wanted" to fuck her again.]

Perhaps for now, we just need to stay vigilant about being intimate with each other. If we're still able to recognize that something isn't right with ourselves right now, then there might be a chance we can at least keep ourselves from having unprotected sex as the very least. Our little escapade in the shower just now nonwithstanding, of course.

[He laughs a little nervously, but she'd just taken a contraceptive so he didn't really worry about it. It's a start, he guesses, but it's all they have. He's not sure what to do either, but he doesn't want to vocalize that- it's important to him that some kind of foundation, a rock of sorts, is there for the both of them to use so they can get through this.]

We can't exactly separate ourselves for the moment. The minute we do, those monsters will come and pick us off separately. So we'll just have to try to keep ourselves in check while we're around each other. I don't know if they're after me or the both of us...best not to find out the hard way.

[ Staying vigilant with each other sounds like the right call, Yoimiya nods in agreement. It's hard to wrap her mind around everything that's going on, the power of their marks is so surreal, that she feels like they are in some fantasy novel. How did she go from having such a normal, mundane life to one fraught with danger and voices telling her to start a family with this man? She sighs to herself, still fighting the urge to take him to the bedroom to engage in more sex. At some point, they're bound to lose control of their emotions and give into temptation but at least if they stay cautious about intimacy, then they still have a fighting chance. ]

To be on the safe side, I'll make sure to take birth control before our meet-ups. Since well... you never know what's going to happen. This mark has already proven itself to be unpredictable.

[ Despite all these uncertain "feelings", Yoimiya can't deny that she genuinely still wants to have sex with him. Ajax is attractive and it's not a stretch to say he is legitimately one of the hottest men she's ever had the pleasure of encountering. His dick was on a whole new level of incredible and she'd be dumb to pass it up. It's not much but taking contraceptives beforehand is a start to fighting back. ]

Yeah, you're right. We can't afford to separate, not when we're being hunted down by monsters. If we want to survive, we need to keep working together and try to hone our powers. I still haven't been able to summon that bow like I did that fateful evening but maybe if we train together, we'll have control over our powers.

[ What a mess this is. Not only do they have to worry about monsters, there's now the threat of getting pregnant if they aren't careful. She inwardly sighs while grabbing a small bowl of pickled daikon from the fridge. Just when she thought this whole situation couldn't get any worse, it does. ]

Say, Ajax. Yesterday was such a blur so I can't recall everything I said but do you remember when I noticed something different about our marks? I'm pretty sure there's a star in the center of our tails that was not there yesterday morning.

[He hears what she's saying, but he also wonders how long it'll be before this power gets into their heads so much that she doesn't take birth control on purpose, and if he does something to sabotage a condom or something. That's a pretty awful thing to do, and he'd never do that on his own- he's not that kind of guy- but he worries that this influence may become so powerful that he or Yoimiya may fall to it.

But at least they're on the same page now. Ajax nods in agreement to her when she mentions training together...they have to get a grip on their powers, just to survive. If it's going to influence them to make a baby, at the very least they need to survive in order to do so. His hand comes up to touch his chest, looking down at it and seeing the star. He barely remembers her mentioning it, because he was way too focused on her rather than worrying about the mark...but there it is.]

Yeah...I see it clearly now. I don't remember it being there either. I can't think of what could of possibly caused it. You noticed while we were having sex on the couch, right?

[That is when it happened, didn't it? He's struggling to remember, but he was so drunk and horny he barely cared.]

[ Honestly, it's a miracle she was able to remember what was said during their drunk escapade. She was and still is too enamored with Ajax and the pleasure that still courses in her body. Now that she is in... a semi sound state of mind, Yoimiya watches his hand move to his chest imprinted with that new, mysterious star.

Now that she's done setting the table for their breakfast, Yoimiya follows suit, loosening her robe for him at her own star that has taken shape on the whale's tail. ]

That's right. It definitely wasn't there before we went to the police station. I only remember because I was so focused on finding the right clothes to cover the mark.

[ If the new star didn't take shape yesterday and she only noticed it after they had sex on the couch... then there is only conclusion to make of this. The notion itself is so ridiculous to even say out loud but it's the only answer that makes some sort of sense. ]

Do you think it appeared because we had sex?

[Having found some jars, he begins to package the cucumbers up with the brine and a number of other ingredients that he's pulling out of her food storage to add to it to make nice, Instagram-worthy looking jars. These'll come in hand to drink when they're feeling sick the next day after a night of drinking. Sealing them shut and throwing them in the fridge, Ajax can now concentrate on the discussion at hand. His eyes fall down to Yoimiya's chest as she slides her robe open just so so he can see the mark- a star lies there, just as it does on his.]

I don't know...that seems like the most logical conclusion. After all, the power these marks have over us want us to be intimate with each other every second we can. Even now, I can feel the pull on my mind to disrobe you right now and have sex right over your dinner table...

[Ajax involuntarily licks his lips before he shakes his head, trying to clear his mind of those thoughts before he goes down that road any farther. This is what he's talking about, this influence they have feels even more strong than it did at the waterfront the day before. Maybe the strength of their libidos was tied to the star markings on their chest. What happens when there's more of them???]

...Sorry. I didn't mean to let it get a hold of me so well just now.

[ Is there anything Ajax can't do? He has to be an all-rounder with how skilled he is. Those jars are impressive, worthy of trending on Instagram and becoming a part of someone's aesthetic page. She's half tempted to take a picture to show off but that would lead to questions from her friends back home, which would also lead to her revealing Ajax and ultimately, people questioning their relationship. She doesn't wish to put him on the spot like that, especially since he's not her boyfriend.

Sheesh, what kind of mess have they gotten into? This mark is making the whole situation more complicated than it needs to be.

It also doesn't help that she can feel Ajax's eyes staring down at her, eying her up as if she's the perfect meal for this ravenous fox. There's no denying she enjoys the attention, watching the way he licks his lips stokes the never-ending flames of desires burning in the pit of her stomach. The whims of the mark cause her to subconsciously loosen the robe, giving him ample view of her bare cleavage. But before she gets too carried away, he's quick to come to his senses and in turn, snaps her out of her reverie. She's able to stop short of presenting him with a full display of her bouncy breasts and perky pink nipples. ]

It's okay. I was thinking the same. I'd also really like it if you bent me over the table and had your way with me again.

[ Shaking her head of these thoughts, Yoimiya quickly adjusts her robe, doing everything in her power to push her desires out by focusing on the preparations for their green tea. ]

... We should probably eat before either one of us gets carried away.

Edited (Added more bc I was bored ) 2024-07-02 14:48 (UTC)

[Her own words doesn't help his mental state, he'd have to be blind as a bat not to notice how she'd just loosened her robe and outright admitted to how much she wants him to fuck her silly again. Desires for Yoimiya float freely in Ajax's mind, beckoning him to give into his wants and needs, insisting how easy it would be to let his urges get the better of him. How simple it would be to make love to her. To plant their undeniable, inescapable future within her.

If not for her words and his own, trying to shake themselves out of it, he might of given in. Ajax sighs, doing his best to dismiss those thoughts and sit down at the table to let Yoimiya finish up their breakfast so he can focus on more pressing matters than his own dick.

Their safety, for starters.]

Yeah. There's something else we need to talk about, anyway. We were going to yesterday, but we got a little caught up in each other before we got there. That being, our strange new powers.

[He can still see the armor encasing his arm from the memory of crushing that monster's own arm with it.]

You said you could control it only a little, right? Think you could show me again? Maybe things have changed a little since a star has lit up on our chests.

[ A sigh of relief floats from her cherry red lips, amazed at her own tenacity that she was able to resist the urge to engage in more sex. The power the mark has over them is terrifying, it would have been so easy to give into her needs and disrobe herself for him but by some miracle, she was able to stave off that questionable desire to bind herself to him for all of eternity. It's times like this when Yoimiya is grateful for her firey willpower, giving her a little bit of hope that they still have a fighting chance against whatever has taken hold of them.

But deep down, Yoimiya knows it's only a matter of time before the two of them give in once again. So for now, they need to have this conversation done and out of the way before their libido gets the better of them.

With a nod of her head, she presents him with the palm of her hand, channeling all of her energy into summoning the little fireball she showed him back on the lakefront. Unlike last time, the bright ball of fire manifests in her hand in a flash, momentarily causing the blonde's eyes to grow wide with shock. This is a record speed for her. Up till now, she's never been able to conjure up that flame this fast. ]

Well, that was the easiest I've been able to summon it. But I don't see any changes— Oh!

[ She stops mid-sentence upon seeing specks of bright, twinkling stars crack and pop around the flame. It's pretty, reminding her of sparklers she loves playing with. ]

[Since she'd already demonstrated before, he feels like he's ready for this demonstration, too. So Ajax sits back in his chair, sipping on the tea Yoimiya's made for the two of them, letting the hot liquid soothe his throat. He watches on as Yoimiya holds her hand out, taking another sip of tea when-

The fire flashes out much quicker than it had at the lakefront, glowing with stars adorning the power floating in her hand. It looks a bit more brilliant than before, doesn't it? He stares at it with his jaw slightly agape, noticing the little difference now.]

Goodness! Perhaps you got stronger after all!

[That's great news, if that's the case- they'll need all the firepower they can get.]

You don't think that having sex with each other so much increased our power...?

[ It's still just a little flame but the speed she summoned it is already a huge improvement over her previous attempts, there's less concentration involved and more confidence in her abilities... even if it's practically a tiny will o wisp in the palm of her hands. She smiles to herself, her chest floods with a sense of warmth at Ajax's words of praise. ]

Kind of strange to think about, isn't it? Sex used as a method to heighten our powers is a little funny.

[ And just like how quickly she brought it to life, Yoimiya is able to put it down with a snap of her fingers. ]

What about you? Have you noticed any improvements in your abilities?

[She practically takes the words right out of his mouth. Maybe aside from the compelling pull he feels to make love to her that isn't his own feelings, the good thing about it is that at least it might(?) enhance their abilities to fight back. Guess there's nothing left to do but test it out.]

I haven't tried since a few weeks ago while I was recovering. I suppose it's as the old Fontaine saying goes, there's no time like the present.

[Ajax quiets himself, closing his eyes and concentrating on that power he'd felt before. Something dark, heavy, and hungry seems to well inside of him, and the aura around his body begins to faintly glow with a shade of the night sky that's reminiscent of the marks left across the police station and his apartment that had been ripped to pieces by another monster of the Abyss. It's not strong, but he can feel the gaping maws of something evil inside of him, ready to come to the surface, only waiting for the right moment to strike.

It scares him down to his very core, feeling the presence of something ancient and otherworldly inhabiting him. A vision of a solitary orb fills his mind, and Ajax's breath stops in terror as he holds his own breath while he stares into that lifeless, cold eye.

His eyes snap open in a flash, the aura fading as he finds himself gasping for breath, hunched over with a hand on his chest.

What was that?]

[ Anticipation builds up in the pit of her stomach as she watches Ajax concentrate with all his might. Her bright golden irises are completely glued to him, thoroughly studying every last crevice of his body for any changes. And sure enough, he shows signs of emitting powers... in the most unexpected way possible. That same horrific night sky color they have the misfortune of being familiar with radiates off his body, the person in front of her is still Ajax but the unsettling glow almost gives him a striking appearance similar to that of the terrible entity they encountered.

She's immediately filled with concern, her worries increasing tenfold as he doesn't move a muscle, not even a trace of his chest heaving up and down from breathing. ]

Ajax?!

[ But before she can jump in, his ocean blue eyes snap open, and thankfully, he regains his breathing. What just happened? Yoimiya has so many questions but first things first, his condition is far more important to her. Without regard for her own safety, she immediately rushes to his side and tenderly places a hand on his back to steady his breathing. ]

How are you feeling...?

I...

[Ajax's eyes search the floor, staring downward as he catches his breath. Flashes of that image plague his mind, and that creeping evil no longer hovering around the edges of his soul, yet he feels as if he can still feel the ghost of its presence there. He barely notices Yoimiya's hand on his back, scrambling to make sense of what's just happened to him.

Or maybe...what's already been there that might of been unlocked.]

...I don't know. When I tried to use that power again, something inside of me seemed wake up...

[It's the best way he can describe it for the moment, terror reflecting in his eyes as he looks over to her.]

I could see some kind of...monster staring back at me, and I felt like some dark abyss was trying to devour my soul. Is that really the power I used before...?

[ One look into his eyes tells her everything she needs to know, he saw something beyond terrifying. The fear reflected in those blue orbs is infectious causing her chest to tighten in tandem with a cold pit dropping like a rock in her stomach. And if his facial expression wasn't telling, the revelation of what he saw twists that cold pit into a boulder that feels like her innards are being dunked into the coldest river Snezhnaya has to offer.

A monster... Ajax saw a monster staring back at him. As if that knowledge wasn't already terrifying, the poor guy felt like something evil was trying to get a hold of his soul. It's no wonder why he's been scared breathless, just hearing about his experience shakes Yoimiya to her core.

It breaks her heart to see Ajax shaken up. She wishes to give him an answer to soothe his worries but for now, all she can offer is a gentle rub to his back. ]

We're in a tough situation. I wish we knew what was going on to have some much-needed answers... [ But there's use lamenting about the 'ifs'. They need to do what they can to solve this mystery. ] Correct me if I'm wrong but you conjured up a dark armor back at the police station, right?

[ It was a little difficult to see since the monster hand its tendrils wrapped around her neck but she's fairly certain she recalls something taking shape on his arm. ]

[Though there isn't much anyone can do, the back rubs are appreciated, and feeling the warmth of her hand on his skin is better than the cold emptiness of whatever it was that he'd just encountered within himself. Ajax shudders involuntarily as he reflects back on what just happened, sighing heavily as he tries to compose himself in the light of his new reality. The question helps to bring him out of reliving the sensation of something skittering and crawling through his veins, focusing back on that moment when he'd summoned that dark power.]

...Yeah. I remember I saw it grab you, and I knew I needed to do something. It was like this unbridled rage I felt inside of me when it hurt you, and my arm just transformed without me even thinking about it to save you.

[He lets out a disappointed sigh- he doesn't want to have to put Yoimiya in a situation like that again just to access that power. And, he's not sure if he wants to use it...not if it gives that thing inside him a foothold.]

I didn't feel that presence inside of me then, but maybe it was because the act of using the power brought it to the surface? Maybe it was already in control of me when it happened...

[But if that was the case, why would it try to save Yoimiya? The feeling he got from it was cold and dark, yet his emotions went haywire with rage to keep her from getting hurt. Confusion lines his expression, clearly conflicted about what to do and how to deal with this new presence inside of his body.]

[ It's incredibly messed up to be flattered in a situation like this but hearing the raw anger he felt on that fateful night is touching. Although... it does leave more questions than answers; was his unbridled rage a result of his own feelings or the mark? Of course, there's no way Ajax would have left her for dead, he could have easily ditched her to save his own skin if he seriously wanted to. But at the end of the day, he truly was bound and determined to rescue her at all costs and if it weren't for his actions, she wouldn't be alive to have this discussion for him. She truly owes him her life.

But... he might have done it at the cost of waking up a monster that lurks inside his soul. Or maybe Ajax is right, maybe something has always had control over him. Just thinking about it sends a chill down her spine and if she's feeling scared, she can't imagine the turmoil poor Ajax must be going through. ]

I guess no matter how you slice it, the encounter with that monster caused not just our marks to appear but also awakened a power inside of us. Likewise, I haven't been able to summon that bow since that night...

[ And there's no way Yoimiya would dare to put Ajax in a horrific situation with a monster, his life is not worth conjuring up some silly bow and arrow. She brings the cup of green tea to her lips, gently blowing on it before drinking the homebrew tea. It's nothing like what her mother makes but it still has that delightful taste of Inazuma she misses. ]

I wish I could give you a more conclusive answer. But if you want my gut feeling on the situation, I don't believe the powers you obtained are from the monster you saw. Because after all, you came to my rescue and saved my life like... [ She trails off as a small smile tugs at the corners of her pink lips. ] my dark knight in shining armor?

[ And if what Ajax said is true, then she has doubts that a creature who wishes to devour his soul would go out of the way to save some random girl. ]

[That last comment brings a smile to his lips, letting out a quiet chuckle before he turns to his own tea to take another sip. Maybe she's right, maybe it was something else that's crept up inside of him, that his powers and the monster he saw aren't the same. But he can't help but shake the feeling that they are connected, given when he tried to access his power, he was able to but only at the cost of that thing inside of him making its presence known. He can feel its sinister intentions, but what kind of evil is it? Maybe it didn't have a hold of him in the police station, but it's definitely there now. A new fear grows inside of him, thinking that it might only be a matter of time until he finds out what exactly it is that's rooted itself within him.]

I guess that does sort of make me your dark knight in shining armor, huh?

[Ajax exclaims that with a hint of cockiness, putting forth that confident front to hide the anxiety inside of him.]

Not exactly the way I ever imagined myself to be, but, I'll take it. Even if that power is linked to the presence inside of me, I'll figure out a way to master it. I promise.

[It's not just a promise to her, but a promise to himself. If they were going to make it through this alive, they'd both have to hone their powers...meaning that he'll have to face that presence inside of him again. But he won't let her get hurt, not if he has anything to say about it.]

[ She can tell he's just acting arrogant in an attempt to mask his fears. This guy has been through a living nightmare but he is still doing his best to put on a brave face, his little quip is charming and even in the face of all this uncertainty, she feels a small semblance of peace. He is owed more than her life but her sanity as well, there is no way Yoimiya would have been able to make it out on her own.

His promise fills her heart with relief, stoking the flames of her determination to become stronger. She can't rely on Ajax all thr time, the two of them need to work together if they want to get through this. ]

I believe in you, I know you will become a strong knight who will rise up and slay anything that stands in the way. I promise to get stronger as well, I'll do whatever it takes to master my abilities.

[ It's the least she can do for both of their sakes. If these marks are the key to their survival then Yoimiya is prepared to use them to their advantage. ]

I'm still a little wary of your job but... I think I can trust you to have my back. I can tell you aren't about to put me I danger. And as it stands, there's no denying we need each other in order to survive.

[ A big turnaround from her firey demeanor at the hospital. His job will always be in the back of her mind but with everything they have been through, Ajax has already proven himself to be her companion in arms. ]

To be honest, even I'm a little wary of my job.

[There's that little tidbit too, isn't there. He'd put his occupation on the back burner for the moment, as the last day had been pretty eventful, for lack of a better term. He felt better knowing that Yoimiya would stand besides him in all of this, and he feels confident that the two of them will eventually be able to strengthen their powers. But his job was looking for people exactly like them- so it's imperative they don't find out.]

That's why we'll have to find somewhere pretty secluded in order to train. I can help you out with getting physically stronger...but for our powers, that's going to be uncharted territory, as you already know.

[He taps his chin once, thinking for a moment. He does have to deal with his job, so he'll just be up front with Yoimiya on this one.]

It'll only be a matter of time before they discover that my apartment was broken into by a monster, so in order to avoid suspicion, I think I'm going to report it to them. It'll look more suspicious if I hide it. With luck, I should be able to make it look like the monsters are seeking revenge on me for what happened in the police station...instead of what I'm afraid it really could be.

[ Hearing that bit of information does make Yoimiya feel better about Ajax going forward, it's a relief to know he's at least aware of his job's awful practices. But even so, she can't help but question why he's still there and how dare he kidnap innocent people on their behalf. The most rational explanation would be he probably can't just up and quit without dire consequences. He did say he has family back in Snezhnaya... maybe he's doing this for them?

For the time being, she figures it's best not to think about it too hard, she doesn't wish to probe him while they still have so much on their plate to deal with. For better or worse, they're in this together and she has faith that answers will come in due time. ]

I'd appreciate that a lot, I don't have much experience in hand-to-hand combat, so I could really use some tips on getting stronger. Next time, I'd like to be able to actually take out a monster with a metal folding chair, haha.

[ Such an ambitious goal! This one is clearly shooting for the moon. But on a more serious note, Yoimiya ponders his next plan, agreeing with a simple nod of her head. From the little bit she knows about his job, not reporting the incident will only cause Ajax more problems... and that's the last thing he needs with every crazy thing that's happening in their lives. ]

You're right, it's better to come clean. It ain't going to look good if they find out about your apartment without you telling them. So, if there's anything I can help throw some suspicion off of you, please let me know. It's only right that I lend a hand since you not only saved my life but also went along with the lie I told my job.

Edited 2024-07-13 21:40 (UTC)

[Then to him, the matter is settled. They'd find a place to train, work on their powers, and he in turn will have to confront that monster inside of him. They may never be able to have a normal life, but he'd rather stay alive and live it than throw in the towel and let those creatures tear them into shreds. He nods in appreciation to Yoimiya's offer, now finally taking a bite of the breakfast she's made. His stomach feels like it should be knots, but he feels a sense of security while he's with her...which he won't take for granted.]

Thanks. I should be able to handle it, but if worse comes to worst, I'll let you know so you can back me up.

[He's now thinking of where they could go, how they could train in secret somewhere in Fontaine. It would have to be somewhere really remote, but that would be hard given that most of the plateau was covered in either residential areas or farms...maybe finding a way into the national forest would be their only course of action. Even if they could find a cave to cover them from low flying aircraft overheard that might see some kind disturbance...that would be ideal.]

Yoimiya, let's go to Fontaine National Park tomorrow. I'd like to scout the area out so we can find somewhere to go to use our powers without being discovered. If we manage to find something there, we can start training ASAP.

[ Although she still can't help but worry about him, if Ajax says he can handle it then she believes him. If anyone knows the best way to handle his job, it's him. Now that she feels a little better about the whole situation going forward, she's a bit more at ease and able to take a sip of her soup without keeling over from all the stress. She brings the spoon to her lips, thoughtfully munching on a clam as Ajax brings forth his idea.

Fontaine National Park sounds like a great place to train. There are really not many places they can go to but surely there's some remote area in the forest that can keep them well hidden from prying eyes. After all, Fontaine is the city of technology with residential areas spanning for miles. Unless they somehow take their chances with the ocean, the forest is the next best place. After chewing on the clam, she takes her chopsticks to grab a pickled daikon, popping one into her mouth to enjoy it's sweet, tangy flavor. ]

That sounds like a great plan to me. I actually haven't had the time to visit Fontaine's National Park so this will be a first for me.

[ This is a serious matter but as a girl who is still new to Fontaine, Yoimiya can't deny she's excited to see the famous park with her own two eyes. But putting that to the side, the real test will be to see if they can control their powers but with any hope, they'll make some progress that will give them a fighting chance against any monsters. ]

Then, we can leave first thing in the morning if you'd like? The more time we spend working on our powers the better and it's as they say, the early bird gets the worm. So with any luck, that will give us time to scour the area for the perfect spot to train.

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