Opening his eyes in amazement and releasing his held breath as, quite suddenly, he was released from that tomb of blood, he blinked in surprise, for a moment stunned. It was...gone? Everything was gone...not a trace of blood remaining. And, oddly, he felt renewedâ€"if slightly chilled from when that heated liquid had so suddenly turned coldâ€"andâ€"
Sakkata!
He sat up abruptly, turning suddenly to look at the form that was laying beside him, and relief washed over him. She was better. Seeing her as she was now was almost unreal, renewed as she was. After all...the last time he'd seen her, she'd been...well...but now...it was a relief. Now, she was....
She wasn't breathing.
"Sakkata!"
Fear instantly replaced relief. She was renewed, but she wasn't breathing. Dammit! What was going on!? Wasn't the spell supposed to correct everything!? Moving quickly, he placed his hands on her shoulders and shook her, a quick but careful motion. "Sakkata!?" What if they'd done something wrong...what if something went wrong...or... "Sakkata! Wake up! The spell's over, you're okay now! Come on, Sakkata, don't quit now!"
--
Sakkata's limp form was chilled from death, though she flopped limply as he shook her. Any one coming upon this scene might turn right around and leave, seeing as how Hatame was currently thrashing about a naked female corpse.
Just a tad weird...
"Stop..shaking..me..." The command was weak, but noticable. Eyes clenched against the shaking, Sakkata groaned lightly and rigidly shifted. A violent bought of coughs rattled her for a moment as her lungs regained function, and then she was still again.
"Ugh..."
Cracking one eye open against the failing daylight, Sakkata waited for her blurred vision to focus in on Hatame's face.
A very weak grin appeared.
"Hey."
--
Weird didn't even begin to cover it.
But for all Hatame noticed, she might as well have been fully clothed. All that mattered now was that she live...
Had the circumstances been different, though, had they not just been to hell and back, had Sakkata not been dead...yeah...he would have noticed, to say the very least. But, for once, he currently had other things on his mind.
When, after what seemed like forever, Sakkata finally, but weakly, spoke, Hatame could have wilted right then and there with relief, and the tension that had taken him noticeably receded, even when violent coughs ripped through her. They sounded bad, but they didn't worry him; coughing meant she was drawing in air, that her lungs were working properly. She was alive...something he had never believed possible. Hell, he had half-doubted it even during the ritual! But, here she was...and it was more than he could have asked for.
Shifting slightly so he was sitting back on his heels as opposed to leaning over her, he watched over her as she recovered, until finally her coughs ebbed and she cracked open one eye. Meeting her gaze, he grinned back at her, tiredly but genuinely. "Hey, sleepy-head...welcome back. Heh...think you've given me enough white hairs, yet?" he asked her, lightly teasing.
--
None of her major muscles were working just yet, so she had little choice but to lay limp where she was, practically in Hatame's lap. Interesting place to be, considering how their relationship usually was.
Man...she felt horrible...
And she had a right to be. Images of what degrading and down-right horrid things that had happened to her at Torr's hand flashed into her rattled mind. Shutting her eyes tight, she tried to push the much too recent memories away. She had been violated in more ways than she thought possible...
Damn Torr's deathless soul to Hell.
Hatame's tired voice brought her back, and this time both eyes managed to crack open and slowly focus on him. She snickered weakly, trying to smirk. "You...had plenty to begin with...what's...a few more, eh?" She commented, glancing at his white bangs.
A breeze brushed across the stained earth, making the serene trees sway. Sakkata shivered then, her lack of clothing and warmth evident.
"Uugh..." Man she felt horrid...and cold...and degraded...and...and...grateful...
"Thanks Hatame. Really."
--
Hatame tried to keep on his usual optimistic air, for Sakkata's sake, but it was tough, and he smiled only half-heartedly at her own attempted smirk. He was happy...happy beyond words and belief that she was alive, but...but there was so much more to this whole ordeal. They'd succeeded, all of them...but now Terri was dead...and...and though Sakkata's body was healed, it was hard for him to forget the state that she had been found in. And if he couldn't push that image from his mind, he could only imagine what it must be like on Sakkata's end.
Her body was healed, but...emotional wounds cut deeper and left scars that could stand out vividly long after the physical ones faded.
And that was obvious on Sakkata. She looked miserable, something he had never seen from her before. And she had every right to be. Sakkata, who was always so strong...it was scary, really. Never had he expected to see her in this kind of condition...damn...
And what was worse...once again, there was nothing he could do to make it better.
Torr got off way too easy. He didn't deserve to die so painlessly.
He felt the shiver run through her as a breeze washed over the area, and instinctively he put his arms around her gingerly and rubbed her shoulders, as though to help warm her. "You don't have to thank me, Sakki..." he told her seriously. "I'd do it again. Now...you're freezin'. Just sit tight a sec, alright?"
Rising to his feet, he made his way across the area, then stooped and picked something up. Making his way back, he settled back down next to her and draped his overcoat around her shoulders. It was pretty beat up, with dirt and blood, both Sakkata's and his, soiling it, and it was torn in the back where her claws had once dug into him, but it was fairly long...and it was something.
--
Sakkata was thankful for the feeble attempt to warm her, though she noticed how ginger he was being with her. It could be due to a few different factors; one being the fact she had just been dead, two that she seemed to be in pain, or three because...well....he didn't want to get beat?
She wished none of them were true. She could use a bit of comforting right now...
Laying limp on the earth as Hatame left to get something, Sakkata stared up at the sky. No...she did have to thank him. Again and again and again. He had risked so much to save her, and nearly killed himself. And Terri...she had given the ultimate sacrifice...
One she never thought, nor wanted, anyone to give for her.
But unlike her own death, Terri's was perminant. There was no anchor for her soul, and so it was free to travel to wherever it was bastard souls like a Drygan's go.
Suddenly covered, Sakkata glanced at the over coat a moment before grinning. Her eyes were a bit more open now, and it seemed she was regaining some use in her neglected muscles.
"Thanks again Hatame." She said softly, before murmuring in the tongue of dragons.
Slowly then, her arm shifted along the dusty earth and slender fingers grabbed hold of the cloth of his pants. She would have liked to hold onto something a bit more substantial, but with her eyes closed out of sheer exhaustion, it was the best she could do.
Despite the jacket, Sakkata was shivering consistantly now. Whether it was from the cold, or pure emotion however, was unclear. What was clear was that she was clutching his pant leg rather tightly, almost as if she was holding it for comfort.
--
It was none of those reasons, really. In all actuality, he was simply afraid, but not for himself. Torr had...well, it was damn obvious what Torr had done to her. The bastard had violated her in every damn way possible, and though Hatame wanted to comfort her, more than anything...he also didn't want to scare her. After what had happened...he wouldn't blame her if she recoiled from a man's touch, no matter how well meaning and innocent, and he just didn't want her to fear or distrust him.
She was un such an uncharacteristically sensitive, fragile, state...he just didn't want to hurt her.
And yet...
She was shivering so badly now, and the manner in which she suddenly gripped the fabric of his pants, so tightly, as though she needed something to hold onto...it pained him. If Gryphons were intuned to anything, it was body language, social as his kind were. He didn't think it was just the cold that was causing her tremors.
He couldn't stand it anymore. She was cold. She was scared. She was vulnerable. If she recoiled, he could always stop...but he just couldn't sit by and do nothing, or at least not try. This was the best he knew. "Sakkata..." Sliding closer to her, he put his arms around her and drew her, carefully, up off the ground and close to his body. "It's okay..." He was gentle in his touch as he just held her, one hand stroking her hair and back slowly, soothingly. And yet, he was also firm. He wanted her to feel safe...or, at least, as safe as he could make her feel under the circumstances. He'd protect her as well as he could.
"It's okay...you don't have to be strong all the time..."
--
One could not blame Sakkata for the sudden onslaught of emotion. She had never had to face anything like it before, and for once, was at a complete loss of what to do. She didn't know how to defend herself from an attack that coiled around her very heart and soul. Emotions ran strong in Drygans, but they were usually of anger or hatred. Such trembling feelings of violation and fear were something she could not have prepared herself for.
And she didn't know how to make it all go away.
But she didn't have to know, because Hatame did. She glanced briefly at him as she heard her name, but was then being lifted off the hard ground and pulled close to him. He was warm, and comforting, and she could find no reason not to accept it.
Everything about him right then was soothing and safe, and exactly what she needed. For once, she did not retort against his closeness, nor did she mind the stroking of long hair and chilled back.
"It's okay...you don't have to be strong all the time..."
The soft, kind words met her sensitive ears, and were so true they struck a chord in her. Eyes shut, heavy tears began to fall down her cheeks, the cleansing of the soul.
Forcing neglected muscles to work, Sakkata wrapped her arms around Hatame's midsection and huddled close, crying silently as she needed to.
And Hatame had just forged a bond with the most loyal creature, that would never be broken as long as Sakkata held breath in her. She would never forget it.
Never.
--
Hatame held her close as she cried silently, silent himself save for an occasional soft, reassuring murmur, his hand still gently stroking her hair and back, even as her own arms went around his middle to draw him closer rather than push him away...which oddly did not surprise him, even considering how their relationship generally was. Not once did he try and encourage her to stay her tears; he would hold her for as long as she needed, and even longer. This was good for her...he understood and knew that. What she had gone through, what she'd experienced...it just wasn't something you kept bottled up inside, otherwise it would tear you apart from within, where you were most vulnerable and weak.
That she was able to open up like this to him, that she was able to trust him like this, so fully...he was glad, in a bittersweet sense. That was the best he was able to describe it. It must be so hard for her...he only wished he could do more for her.
He only wished she never had to go through that torment to begin with.
"Take as long as you need..." he told her quietly, and without even really realizing it, brushed a soft kiss lightly over each closed eye, brushing away the flowing tears. They were chaste kisses, innocent, but nonetheless genuine in their meaning. He cared about her, as if that wasn't already obvious...and he hated to see her hurt...especially since he'd never seen her hurt, before. He'd do anything to ease that pain, even if it would make only the slightest difference.
"I'm here..."
--
Sakkata did not question Hatame's change from perverted, annoying, masochistic freak to this oddly kind and caring individual. It was a welcome change, and a much needed one.
So she held close to him, glad for the comforting embrace, even if it was coming from Hatame. As a matter of fact, it was all the more comforting because it was Hatame. The first person she had really bonded with in a long time.
She was most surprised by the strange, soft kisses on her eyelids. Both light amber eyes opened as soon as his lips had been removed, and she watched him for a moment. That had been the most unexpected thing he had ever done around her. Or to her for that matter.
As if by instinct, her tail had wrapped around the first available appendege of Hatame's, which happened to be his leg. A small grin finally formed, and she chuckled softly.
"Yeah, I know. Thank you Hatame. Honestly."
--
A slow smile formed on his lips as he watched her, and as he felt her tail curl about his leg, even though his eyes still expressed sincere concern for her...and heavy exhaustion, both physical and emotional. But the latter wasn't important, and he didn't mind it, really. Not now, at least. Holding Sakkata like this had been meant solely to comfort her, to support her, but, oddly enough, it was having a similar effect on him.
She was, without a doubt, the first person he had truly bonded with since being exiled to this world. And the first person in his life he would ever willingly die for, if it ever came to that...as it almost had. Such dedication was a rarity among his kindâ€"even among loversâ€"a race born into a world where, in many cases, merely surviving meant everything. Loyalty and sacrifice had long since lost its value there...
Among most, that is.
Resting his head lightly against hers, he absently pulled at the overcoat covering her, one-handedly arranging it so it covered her a little better. The sky was growing darker around them as the sunlight ebbed, and with the absense of light, the air was starting to grow even cooler, so even he could feel it's chill; he didn't want her to get cold. "You're welcome. You don't have to thank me, though..." he repeated quietly. It was enough that she was here, now.
For a few moments, he was quiet, green eyes closed. And then he spoke up again. "I should probably be thanking you..."
But he didn't expand upon the statement. Instead, he raised his head and looked at her again, head tilted slightly. "How you feeling?"
--
Sakkata could read the fatigue in his eyes, and frowned softly. He really had sacrificed alot to save her...he had nearly died for her. And for some reason, the thought of anyone doing that for her surprised the Drygan. Especially Hatame...hell, she beat the crap out of him multiple times a day.
Well...then again...if she died, he wouldn't exactly have anyone to pester, would he?
She grinned softly at the thought.
He again surprised her by resting his forehead against hers, and a few rapid blinks accompanied the action. But it quickly fell into place as just feeling...right for the moment.
She hugged him a bit closer as he spoke, shaking her head weakly.
"No Hatame, I do need to thank you. You have no idea how much I need to thank you." She sighed softly at the end, shutting her eyes for a tired moment.
His next soft statement caught her attention, and she looked up at him as he pulled his head back.
"What do you mean by that? Thank me for what?" She would answer his question later. At the moment, she could think of nothing really that Hatame should be thanking him for...
She had nearly killed him! Although, there was a trick to that...she had purposefully cast the temporary spell, and no joke, hidden the special hairs within their own deliberately.
Interesting, no?
--
He smiled softly and shook his head at her words, but didn't say anything. No...he hadn't done any of that for thanks, nor with the slightest thought of gaining anything in return. He'd done it for her, plain and simple. That she was alive now, and that he was alive to see that, was reward enough. Hell...he still couldn't figure out how he had survived, exactly, either, but...he was too tired, and had too many other things on his mind, to give it much thought. Besides, much of the stuff that had happened prior to the blood ritual was a blur...not that he really wanted to remember all of it.
But he really did appreciate her words... "You're here...that's enough," he murmured sleepily after a moment, and he could see the tiredness she, too, was feeling. And rightly so...
And then, it was his turn to blink in surprise at her question. Well...he had been pretty vague...
It didn't take much thought at all before he answered. "For...well, for trusting me, for one..." he began slowly, and grinned awkwardly. He wasn't very good at explaining this sort of thing. "Heh...I know I never really gave you much reason to do so, and...well, it means a lot. Really. And for...being you. And being the first person to give a damn...y'know?" He gave a quiet laugh, but again made no effort to explain further. He didn't really know how to, honestly.
Shifting slightly, he brushed some hair back from her face and looked at her again. The sky was swiftly blackening, cloudless and clear...it was going to be a cold night, it seemed. "Now...how you feeling? You look exhausted...you can sleep if you like...just close your eyes. I'll be here..." he told her gently.
Glancing around the area briefly as a breeze chilled him, it also occured to him that they should probably move elsewhere. Not only were they out in the open, exposed to the elements, but, well...the area itself was rather...haunting, considering what had happened...
He didn't think either factor would be good for Sakkata's spirit, which needed so much healing. Nor for his own.
--
Sakkata felt the first twinge of annoyance as Hatame again refused her thanks. Yep, she'd felt that emotion plenty of times around Hatame. And so, instead of actually bothering her, it only brought a smile to her face.
Still her good ol' Hatame...if just a bit more tired and sentimental.
She could deal with that.
His answer did not surprise her, strangely. It just seemed...natural to say. Or maybe it was because she felt the same way...
"I guess a 'ditto' is in order." She grinned softly. "Never thought anyone would care enough to actually give their life for me, or come close to doing so. And I'm also grateful you were trusting enough to go through that weird ass ritual for me." The grin was a momentary weak smirk, before falling back to her tired smile.
"And for being you." However much of a jackass he sometimes was...
Without really thinking about it, Sakkata curled closer to Hatame's comfort and warmth as the night came to a chill. She was already drifting off as he assured her she could sleep safely. As if she had any doubts.
Sleep pulling her away from the waking world, Sakkata had just enough coherency to respond.
"Yes, I know..."
Within moments she was in the near-dead slumber of one completely exhausted, both mind, body, and soul.
--
Hatame smiled appreciatively at her words, and they didn't surprise him, either. Then again, after being around her, after what had happened since he reunited with her...well, honestly, he didn't think anything could surprise him anymore. But, then...maybe that was just because her response felt so natural. Just like everything else did, at the moment. Really odd, indeed...but he wasn't about to question it. "Thanks, Sakki," he told her quietly, sleepily, but honestly.
As Sakkata cuddled closer and, soon after, fell asleep, Hatame felt sleep tug heavily at his own eyelids, and it was very tempting to give in, to fall asleep right then and there. He really didn't want to move, even as it grew cooler. And he didn't want to sleep, either, though he was exhausted; he wanted to stay awake, just in case Sakkata needed something, because likely he'd sleep deep tonight. But he knew he should...
Trying his best not to jostle Sakkata, he lifted her carefully as he rose slowly to his feet. Aside from sheer exhaustion, he was vaguely surprised to find he otherwise, physically, felt fineâ€"even if one leg felt half asleep from staying in that position for so long. Hrm. That meant something, but his mind wasn't about to register it at this moment.
He made his way to an only a few yards, a place he had sighted when he first suggested Sakkata rest. It wasn't anything special, really; it just had a bit more foliage, trees, and rocks than where they had been, offering a bit more cover, and at least a buffer against the chill breezes. It'd do for the night...
Settling down on the grass with his back against a tree, Hatame cuddled Sakkata close to him...
And, despite himself, it wasn't long after that he had drifted off into the deep of sleep.
--
As the morning broke over the horizon, Sakkata woke. She was stiff, but alive.
Alive.
All thanks to Hatame and Terri...
Both pale amber eyes opened, and of course the first thing she saw was a sleeping Hatame. She grinned faintly, and realized she was still all cuddled and twisted around him in a most uncharacteristic fashion.
Yeeeah...better get out of this particular position before he could wake up and crack some crude comment about it...
With surprising felxibility and grace, Sakkata somehow managed to slide out of Hatame's grasp without jarring him or loosing the all-too-important jacket. She did NOT want to be walking around stark naked. Especially not around Hatame.
Shuffling across the battle-scarred earth, Sakkata soon came upon Terri's cold corpse. Making sure the jacket was securely draped about her shoulders, Sakkata knelt and placed both hands over Terri's form.
"Thank you my sister. May the Gods of both man and dragon be merciful upon your bastard soul."
She took a deep breath.
"Go in peace Terri. I'm going to miss you..."
With that, she drew both brows together and brought forth her power over flire, making sure it was hot enough to do the job.
Then, in one burst of blue-white flame, Terri's body was incinerated.
Sakkata continued to kneel there, staring at the ashes blankly. Why...why did Terri give her life like that? It seemed...so...unfair...
The Chosen was surprised when a few heavy tears landed on her limp hands, having dropped from her own eyes.
Crying...great, now she was crying...
"DAMN IT!!"
--
Hatame slept soundly for a little bit even after Sakkata got up, only shifting slightly as he felt the sudden absence of her warmth and weight. But, that was it. He had been exhausted, and this was his first true restâ€"well, stress-free restâ€"in the last few days.
It was the sunlight that finally woke him as it began beating down through the trees and glaring on his face, and his eyes clenched shut as he tried to avoid it for as long as possible. But, that soon became an impossiblility, and he was finally forced to admit defeat. Slowly opening his eyes, he blinked groggily as his eyes adjusted to the light, and stretched stiff limbs. Ugh. Human bodies were way too soft, not at all meant for sleeping on the ground, it seemed...wait...
It suddenly dawned on his half-awake mind that Sakkata was missing, and he wasn't quite sure whether he should be amused or concerned by that fact. They had both drifted off together in each other's arms, hadn't they? Heh, yeah, they'd both been pretty messed up. So either Sakkata had gotten up before him so as not to awaken like thatâ€"a typical Sakkata thing; she was so easily embarrassedâ€"or...something else...the latter option being the one which he was concerned about...which he knew they'd both have to deal with...
His question was answered soon enough.
"DAMN IT!!"
Rising to his feet, he made his way across the area, soon coming to the place where Sakkata now knelt. The area where Terri's body had once been. Moving slower now, uncertainly, he walked closer, and as he did, he thought he saw...something charred. Ash.
He winced slightly, remembering that bit from the day before about Drygans and cremation. Not that the act itself bothered him, but...well, the fact Terri was dead, obviously, did. He hadn't really known her. Only for those few days had he. But, still...
She'd shown so much dedication, and done so much, for Sakkata and him. And she'd cared deeply for Sakkata...in that, they'd been connected in a way.
And somehow, he still couldn't help but feel that, if he'd only known how to heal, things might have been a little different. But...Black Gryphons couldn't heal. They just weren't meant to...
He paused a little ways behind Sakkata, and didn't come any closer. Last night, Sakkata's grief had been different than it was now; she'd needed to be held. But now...he just wasn't too sure of what to do. She might need her space...
--
Sakkata's sensitive hearing easily picked up on Hatame's approach, though she was in no condition to confront him at the moment. The heavy crying continued, though it was surprisingly silent. Her shoulders shook with it, but the outpouring was needed.
The clensing was needed.
Finally, Sakkata stood and held the jacket tighter about her form. The sharp winds that buffeted the place quickly dried the tear trails on her cheeks, and after a few empty moments she turned and shuffled back towards Hatame.
She stared blankly at him for a moment, a haunted look in her eyes. Finally the void began to fill back in, her regular personality returning.
"Good morning? You look stiff."
--
Hatame waited patiently as she cried, keeping his distance, allowing her to have her space and take her time. For a few moments, he watched on sadly, but then he finally averted his eyes and took to studying the surrounding area with a bit more interest than he actually felt, purposely avoiding the area where Torr's body now lay. No, it wasn't fair, by any stretch of the word, that so much hurt should come from this...and even though Hatame had learned early on that such was life, it didn't mean he had to like it. Nor accept it so easily.
He was stubborn like that.
Hearing Sakkata's shuffling approach, he turned back to face her, concern blossoming as he looked at her, maybe even a little fear. That was one expression he'd never thought she'd wear; it was oddly eerie coming from her...
He couldn't help but feel relief as that haunted, empty look finally began to fill, and when she spoke, he was equally relieved to recognize that usual Sakkata spark; another step toward healing. Good.
Torr had taken too much from Sakkata as it was. There was no way he was gonna take her spirit, too.
"Mornin' to you, too. And yeah...I am," he told her, stretching his arms over his head. "Can't say I minded the sleeping arrangements, though. Erm...anyway..." He coughed slightly. Yep, seemed his own typical nature was returning, as well, even if it was a toned down version. "How you doing?"
--
As if his being stiff wasn't obvious from just looking at him. He didn't look refreshed at all, to say the least. She felt surprisingly good, considering...
Well, she didn't want to think about it. She felt alive, and that was all that mattered right now. The rest she would have to deal with some other time.
Oh for the love of...that was Hatame all right! At first her usual disgruntled look came to her face, and it seemed as though she were gearing up to punch him dead in the face for that one. She couldn't help being naked! That jerk...!
Out of the blue, Sakkata suddenly started laughing. It was a surprisingly rich and cheerful sound, and it was no short lived episode. Tears actually gathered at the edges of her eyes, and, still giggling softly, she dashed them away.
"Hee...hehehe...it's good to hear your much-too-suggestive comments Hatame. I remember thinking how much I would miss those when I died...you sick bastard."
And, without missing a beat, Sakkata shoved her arms through the sleeves of the jacket and gave Hatame a warm hug. It was so out of characteristic for her, that even Sakkata was a bit surprised at her actions. Man, what had brought that on?
And why hadn't she let go yet???
