5th sin - [action]

[shiningbinds]

[Kratos is met with confusion when he awakens in the forest, clad in only the white pants and shoes given to men who arrive in Luceti.

What happened? He doesn't remember. There was the draft... both him and Yuan had fallen ill... but what after that? Nothing. Had he been killed? He's out here like this, so it was a possibility. Or was it? He has no recollection of being killed. So maybe--

--maybe he had been. As Kratos props himself up, he quickly realizes that he can't feel the ground beneath him. Shock floods him, and he shakily stands up. When he has to lean against a tree for a moment, he notices that he can't feel the bark, either.

He had been struck down. He doesn't remember it, but it had happened. And the penalty appears to be his ability to use his sense of touch.

It's disgustingly fitting, considering how many Chosen Ones he had led to become the exact same way.

The man allows himself to let the shock pass a bit before making his way back to House Eight. One may bump into him as he makes this journey, but while he'll be polite, he'll also act very rushed.]

[Yuan Only]

[After Kratos returns to House Eight and fixes himself up, he'll see if Yuan is actually home. He's probably caused the man... concern? Frustration? Who knows, with how complicated their friendship is at the moment. Either way, he should make his return known to the other man.]

Yuan?

Comments

[noexit]

Don't give me any of that "stoic man" crap, it's freezing out here! [She's tugging off her scarf and looping it around his neck for him. Deal with it, dude.]

[shiningbinds]

[Is it really that cold? It isn't as if Kratos can tell. He can't even feel the material against his neck.]

This isn't necessary. [He smiles a little. Perhaps that will reassure her.] But I thank you, Misato.

[noexit]

Isn't necessary my ass... [She takes a step back from him, done tying the scarf.]

It never gets this cold where I'm from. [Her tone and expression lose a little vibrancy.] Not anymore, at least. [And 15 years is more than long enough to grow unaccustomed to the cold.]

[shiningbinds]

[Kratos runs a finger down the scarf, unsurprised when he continues to feel absolutely nothing. As Misato says those last few words, he eyes her with surprise.]

Anymore?

[noexit]

We stopped having seasons 15 years ago. It's gets cooler during the winter, but not enough for plants to die or for snow to fall.

[shiningbinds]

...I see. [He finds that strange, but he won't press the issue further.] If you're concerned for my well being, I... suppose I can allow you to walk me back home, if you desire.

[He runs his finger back up the scarf. Still nothing.]

[noexit]

[What's with the scarf-touching? Is he nervous or something? Weird guy.]

What a bold offer. [She offers a little smirk.] As long as you don't make me too late for work, I'd love to.

[shiningbinds]

I'll try to not take up too much of your time, in that case.

[And he'll ignore the implications of her first statement. And her smirk.]

[noexit]

Don't worry about it. [A careless wave of her hand, dismissing his concern.] I can't just leave you out here to freeze! [Never mind that he's a grown-ass man, perfectly capable of finding his way home.]

[shiningbinds]

No, I suppose not. [He smiles a little again. What is it about her?] Let us be on our way, then.

[noexit]

Lead the way!

[shiningbinds]

[Kratos begins to lead the way for Misato, keeping an eye on her.]

Have things been well for you?

[noexit]

Not bad! Uneventful, but that's not bad.

[shiningbinds]

Indeed. In a way, I'm grateful to hear that nothing too eventful has happened.