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1ST PRAYER - [TEXT/ACTION FOR NEW BARK TOWN]
[[The last thing he remembered was the pain.
For Kariya Matou, pain had become a constant presence in his life. Oh, it ebbed and waned, but it was always there to some magnitude. This pain, however, was different. It was searing and burning, whilst the ache he was used to was piercing and sharp. Words stumbled over his lips, barely comprehensible, his hands tightening into fists. Words, no...names, names of people he loathed; they were the only sounds he could hear. The pain was practically a physical presence, raking its claws across his skin, and with a strained shout he sat upright, almost ripping the blankets from their-
...blankets....?
He was in a bed. In a bedroom he didn't recognize. And the pain was gone.
Gone? It couldn't be possible. This had to be some sort of dream. Was he a victim of some sort of bizarre Noble Phantasm? Blinking softly, Kariya ran his hand along the sheets, embracing the softness of the material...how long had it been since he'd slept in an actual bed? Irregardless, he had to get up, he had to go-
...which had been about the point where he'd collapsed again.
The first night was the worst. The burning returned full force, but this time it was mixed with the piercing, and in the grips of a vicious fever he could remember glimpses of a woman's worried face as she placed cooling cloths on his forehead, and a creature...something, crawling across his skin and rubbing against his clothes, before darkness reigned once more.
It happened three times. When the sun had set on the third day, Kariya opened his eyes once more. Once again, the pain was gone, but this time...something else was missing.
The worms were not moving.
Oh, they were there - something deep within himself told him that they were there still, but he could not feel them. It was as if they were frozen in time. And while the feeling of their stillness was practically orgasmic, it brought a deep fear. Without the worms, he didn't stand a chance in the war. How was he to control Berserker? How could he fight?
Who would save Sakura now? After he made that promise to Aoi...she was depending on him to free her and her beloved daughters from this madness!! Praying for him, a false disciple! Had he not suffered enough regret in his life?
Unable to see a solution, Kariya wept.
Over the next few days, the woman from his visions would come in and speak with him. She was warm and considerate...motherly. As messed up as Kariya was, something in him appreciated it. She reminded him of Aoi. Her presence was calming.
It was during those days that he came to terms with the creature that had remained constantly by his side throughout his ordeal (the woman called it a violent fever; she had been so worried!); a familiar named Wurmple. Wurmple was an odd creature. She was so devoted to him, bringing him berries from the kitchen, nuzzling into him when sleep refused to come, just...keeping him company. It was strange behaviour, but nonetheless appreciated. Kariya, his spirit overcome by bitterness and hatred, could only offer her silent nods and the occasional awkward pat.
As he recovered his strength, the woman (who, despite her insistence, he refused to call 'Mum') told him a tale of a world called Johto. She told him of Pokemon, of battling, how he was to survive now that he was here. It was all very confusing. Nevertheless, he politely listened to all she had to say, whilst trying to figure out how to best return to Fuyuki City. 'Mum' had never heard of it, which worried him.
When the time came to leave, he wasn't sure how to thank her. He could now stand upright on both legs, and feeling had returned to his left arm. He still felt weak, but compared to what he had been only a week ago...it was like being reborn with the strength of Hercules. But she refused to accept any thanks other than a promise to go out into the world and achieve his dreams.
That had actually earned her a rather bright smile. For Kariya had one dream, and one dream only. But to achieve it, he had to return to Fuyuki.
So, accompanied by Wurmple (who was apparently his 'starter Pokemon'? Either way, her company was appreciated), Kariya had found himself at the gates of New Bark Town, looking west.]]
Would anyone be able to tell me the quickest route to Fuyuki City?
[[Sending the text seemed like the best course of action; the care of 'Mum' had done nothing to alleviate his facial injuries, and as such Kariya wasn't feeling up to posting a video to the Johto network. Waiting for a reply to the text, after all, allowed him to reflect on what had happened before he'd arrived in Johto.
A flash of fire. His bugs descending to the earth in piles of ash.
The face of the man he had sworn to end.
Gritting his teeth, Kariya looked down at the Command Seal still emblazoned bright across his hand. Regardless of how he had found himself in Johto, he would find his way back.
He had one dream. And that dream would come true.]]
For Kariya Matou, pain had become a constant presence in his life. Oh, it ebbed and waned, but it was always there to some magnitude. This pain, however, was different. It was searing and burning, whilst the ache he was used to was piercing and sharp. Words stumbled over his lips, barely comprehensible, his hands tightening into fists. Words, no...names, names of people he loathed; they were the only sounds he could hear. The pain was practically a physical presence, raking its claws across his skin, and with a strained shout he sat upright, almost ripping the blankets from their-
...blankets....?
He was in a bed. In a bedroom he didn't recognize. And the pain was gone.
Gone? It couldn't be possible. This had to be some sort of dream. Was he a victim of some sort of bizarre Noble Phantasm? Blinking softly, Kariya ran his hand along the sheets, embracing the softness of the material...how long had it been since he'd slept in an actual bed? Irregardless, he had to get up, he had to go-
...which had been about the point where he'd collapsed again.
The first night was the worst. The burning returned full force, but this time it was mixed with the piercing, and in the grips of a vicious fever he could remember glimpses of a woman's worried face as she placed cooling cloths on his forehead, and a creature...something, crawling across his skin and rubbing against his clothes, before darkness reigned once more.
It happened three times. When the sun had set on the third day, Kariya opened his eyes once more. Once again, the pain was gone, but this time...something else was missing.
The worms were not moving.
Oh, they were there - something deep within himself told him that they were there still, but he could not feel them. It was as if they were frozen in time. And while the feeling of their stillness was practically orgasmic, it brought a deep fear. Without the worms, he didn't stand a chance in the war. How was he to control Berserker? How could he fight?
Who would save Sakura now? After he made that promise to Aoi...she was depending on him to free her and her beloved daughters from this madness!! Praying for him, a false disciple! Had he not suffered enough regret in his life?
Unable to see a solution, Kariya wept.
Over the next few days, the woman from his visions would come in and speak with him. She was warm and considerate...motherly. As messed up as Kariya was, something in him appreciated it. She reminded him of Aoi. Her presence was calming.
It was during those days that he came to terms with the creature that had remained constantly by his side throughout his ordeal (the woman called it a violent fever; she had been so worried!); a familiar named Wurmple. Wurmple was an odd creature. She was so devoted to him, bringing him berries from the kitchen, nuzzling into him when sleep refused to come, just...keeping him company. It was strange behaviour, but nonetheless appreciated. Kariya, his spirit overcome by bitterness and hatred, could only offer her silent nods and the occasional awkward pat.
As he recovered his strength, the woman (who, despite her insistence, he refused to call 'Mum') told him a tale of a world called Johto. She told him of Pokemon, of battling, how he was to survive now that he was here. It was all very confusing. Nevertheless, he politely listened to all she had to say, whilst trying to figure out how to best return to Fuyuki City. 'Mum' had never heard of it, which worried him.
When the time came to leave, he wasn't sure how to thank her. He could now stand upright on both legs, and feeling had returned to his left arm. He still felt weak, but compared to what he had been only a week ago...it was like being reborn with the strength of Hercules. But she refused to accept any thanks other than a promise to go out into the world and achieve his dreams.
That had actually earned her a rather bright smile. For Kariya had one dream, and one dream only. But to achieve it, he had to return to Fuyuki.
So, accompanied by Wurmple (who was apparently his 'starter Pokemon'? Either way, her company was appreciated), Kariya had found himself at the gates of New Bark Town, looking west.]]
Would anyone be able to tell me the quickest route to Fuyuki City?
[[Sending the text seemed like the best course of action; the care of 'Mum' had done nothing to alleviate his facial injuries, and as such Kariya wasn't feeling up to posting a video to the Johto network. Waiting for a reply to the text, after all, allowed him to reflect on what had happened before he'd arrived in Johto.
A flash of fire. His bugs descending to the earth in piles of ash.
The face of the man he had sworn to end.
Gritting his teeth, Kariya looked down at the Command Seal still emblazoned bright across his hand. Regardless of how he had found himself in Johto, he would find his way back.
He had one dream. And that dream would come true.]]
[text]
[text]
There has to be a way! There's someone I need to see!
[[He manages to catch himself before he writes 'save'.]]
[text]
I think time works differently here. Someone I know says they've been here for a year and a half or so, but... back home, it's like they were never gone.
So whoever you're looking for, I'm sure they won't be waiting very long.
[OH, IF SHE ONLY KNEW...]
[text]
Thank you. That makes me feel a lot better.
[[Kariya now realises that he needs to make smalltalk with this person. A casual, friendly converstion...it's been a while.]]
You mentioned that you are also from Fuyuki?
[text]
Yes, I am! It's a nice place, isn't it?
[text]
[[....said charms being the people he loves; other than that he could take it or leave it.]]
I've just got some business there at the moment, which is why I was concerned. But if time stops, then I think everything will be fine.
[text]
[text]
[[...he's not going to go talking about the War to just anyone, after all. He knows that much.]]
Why don't you tell me a bit about yourself?
[text]
Oh, there's really not much to know... [Well. A lot had happened to her over the years, but a complete stranger (or so she thinks) doesn't need to know that.] I'm just a normal high school student, that's all!
I'm Sakura, by the way. Sakura Matou.
[text] 1/2
He's read the sentence five times. It hasn't changed. A sixth time also doesn't bring a change. Nor does a seventh.
"I'm Sakura, by the way. Sakura Matou."
Still nothing after an eighth. A ninth...nothing. When he's read it ten times, Kariya drops the gear, managing to catch it at the last second before it hits the ground, his hands shaking.
It's not possible. It can't be possible. This is a trick, isn't it....?
There's only one way to be sure, but he almost can't bring himself to press 'VIDEO'. What if it's all a lie?
More importantly, what if it's not?
Trembling, he gently presses the button.]]
[text] 2/2
The second is her smile. That innocent, perfect smile...
Kariya drops to his knees, huddling over the gear, almost unable to speak. It's not possible...it's not....]]
Sa...Sakura.....
[[He can't let her see him cry, but he can't hold back the tears. She's so beautiful, so perfect, and he gently reaches out to run his finger along the video screen. He wants to live in this moment forever.
His precious, precious Sakura.]]
[video]
But Sakura is one of the few people who could easily see past that, to how he looked before, and remember him as the man he was: the kind, loving man who always liked playing with her and Rin. The man who told her he would save her, take her away from the horrors that had been inflicted on her at such a young age...
He was a man she cared about a great deal, so to see him here, alive, was almost too much for her.]
... Un... cle...?
[video]
Oh, my precious Sakura....
[[How cruel this world is, showing her so close and yet so far! Who knows where she is? All he has is an image!
....it's both enough and desperately not enough.]]
Is it really you?
[video]
Y-Yes, it's me... [God, anything she wanted to say has gone completely out the window. With her father it was strangely easier to converse, since they had skirted uncomfortably around the issue. But she can't do it. Not with this.] Where... where are you right now, uncle? New Bark Town?
[video]
[[Oh no, he's made her cry....! Why is he such an idiot?]]
Sakura, you don't have to cry...it's okay....
[[...ignore the fact that he is made of tears at the moment, won't you
and let him just
touch that screen again, this is torture]]
I just....I can't believe it's you....you're so beautiful....
[video]
[The memories of that time in her life were always hazy, mostly taken over by the echos of pain as the worms began invading her body. But she could remember the waiting. She could remember their confrontation before the War had begun, where there was that one tiny spark of hope that maybe, somehow, he would win and the hurting would stop. But that spark was snuffed out not long after...]
Can you... can you stay there? I can meet you there. If you want.
Re: [video]
I want nothing more in this world...!!
Sakura, I'll wait as long as it takes! Don't rush, you don't....don't bother yourself with me....
[video]
But I want to see you... and it shouldn't take too long. Half a day, probably. [She feels a little bad, because she hasn't even asked Shirou yet, but she's sure he wouldn't say no.]
[video]
I'd wait a whole month if I needed to! I'm just....Sakura....seeing you all grown up, I....
[[.....let him trail off a bit, there
you understand]]
I won't ever stop fighting for you.
[video]
Everything will turn out okay, uncle. [Again, she smiles. It's a tad bittersweet, because she knows he won't be there with her, but... maybe it'll put him at ease a bit. Soothe him.] I'm happy now. Happier than I've been in a long time.
[Not here specifically, thanks to the Second Magic at work, but it still counts.]
[video]
A-And that smile, you're killing him here...]]
Yes. Everything will turn out perfect.
...I'll be waiting here for you, Sakura.