lokuri

((OOC: Starting from Cyr's responses to Nel's. ))

Niola nodded, knowing that the academy somehow had the meaning of a sanctuary at this point. After all, it still contained many dorms that were remotely safe, as well as a decent quantity of food somewhere in the kitchen region of the building. They never explored it fully, because enemies constantly came at them from all angles. However, if the group could somehow unite again and take refuge for awhile, they could plot out their next battle. Besides, Cyr could not hold up much longer, and he had earned the right of leader. What would they do if their leader could not think and act properly? A war existed all around them, and they needed someone strong-willed and powerful to get them through it.

"R-right," Niola agreed, her voice a tad rough. Her mind kept thinking about earlier, and how many other times she had thought about stuff while Cyr was around. It kind of left her a bit uneasy.

******Quick Flick xD******

"Right, right. And yes, I can read your mind, Niola."

"Wh-why didn't you say so before?" Niola inquired in her head before realizing that she did. "C-crap! I have to watch what I say -- think -- even now! Ah, he's hearing all of this, too!"

Niola's face grew even more stiff and shocked after Cyr exhaled, as though it was a sign that he heard what she just thought. Trying to block off her thoughts, Niola felt it was nearly impossible after what he said next.

"And I don't judge you for having those thoughts. I don't even know myself anymore..."

Immediately, guilt surfaced from inside Niola, and her mind started rambling about the results of opening her mouth and how she upset him. With each comment, the feeling of being stabbed slowly by some invisible object grew worse and worse.

"Ahhh, I didn't mean to upset you. Jeez..."
******End******

Niola felt a warm grip on both of her shoulders and focused her eyes. Cyr had stumbled and lost his balance, resulting in his attempts to stand straight. She had been zoning out for a bit, so it startled her to see his face so close to hers. A stroke of light cherry brushed across her cheeks and nose, like someone had practiced a horizontal chopping technique on her face with their hand. Heat seemed to radiate from her body, making Cyr's touch almost feel cold.

"I-it's...okay," Niola replied, still stunned. Blinking a few times, Niola realized how dumb she sounded and tried to sound more optimistic and wiser. "I'm sure everyone will regroup soon. Besides, we all went our separate ways, regardless of the situation. When you are a part of a group, the leader is not the only one to blame. Just like when a thief steals an object from a store or other, anyone who assisted in the crime is also blamed. So, you don't need to apologize."

Once Cyr started crying, though, Niola lost the ability to speak. The words seemed to float out of her head and away from her lips, making Niola speechless. Instead, she simply gathered Cyr in a warm embrace, letting him release his tears upon her shoulder. Feeling embarrassed at the fact that she could not offer any words of comfort, Niola simply gazed up at the sky until a voice called out to them. As Nel approached, Cyr started to back off and had just stated that they should leave. By the time she arrived, panting, Cyr merely held on to Niola, so as not to fall.

"I am glad you found us," Niola said while chuckling lightly. "Um, I don't mean to be hasty, but could you heal Cyr's wounds with the best of your ability? I'm sorry I sound a bit rude, but he isn't doing well. In fact, that is why he was leaning on me."

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