017 μ ACCIDENTAL VIDEO→INTENTIONAL VOICE

[unsureazure]

[The Dreamberry turns on at a rather awkward angle to show the surface of a dilapidated brick wall against the backdrop of the gray war-torn sky, with rubble everywhere. Somewhere a short distance away, sounds of gunshots, clangs of metal, blasts, and other sorts of sounds made from fights. After a few seconds of that dreary scenery, a splash of blue is added as Noel comes into view, having just been launched into that wall by an off-screen assailant. She yelps out in pain as her back impacts heavily against the hard surface, and sinks onto the ground beneath her.

She really shouldn't have let her guard down when she thought it was safe enough to make a call... That ended up with one of those Nightmare Soldiers managing to ambush her. Mowing down groups with her proficiency in gunkata was one thing, but one on one was a whole other story when she's taken by surprise. To make matters worse, Bolverk's potency in sensing danger had significantly weakened in the Dreamscape, so she had to rely more on her senses... Something she's not used to and rather scared of doing.

But, she can't give up just yet. She had people she needed to find... people she needed to protect. She can't allowed to be defeated here. Noel quickly springs up to her feet, and rushes off-screen again. After more sounds of an intense struggle ensue for several more minutes, both Noel and her opponent come to view as she kicks the Nightmare Soldier in the jaw, then strikes him on the head with the barrel of her right gun, knocking him to the ground. Seeing that the Nightmare Soldier is still moving, she fires a single blast at him, rendering him unconscious.]

... I'm sure you'll be able to move after a few days. But I must warn you, don't get in my way again.

[With that, Noel drags herself over to retrieve her Dreamberry, clutching at the left side of her waist with a wince. Even though she had won over that fight, it's obvious it had given her some pretty bad injuries. There were plenty of noticeable cuts and bruises on her, the most serious one probably being obvious. On top of that, all this fighting during her search was wearing her out. She sighs heavily as her hand covers the camera, and the feed abruptly shuts off.]



[VOICE; FILTERED TO HOUSEMATES ON SIDE A]

[It's several minutes after that accidental video when Noel places this call. Her condition hasn't improved at all, and her persistence to keep searching without rest despite that just made her grow more weary. Of course, she didn't want anyone to worry, so she keeps the call audio-only:]

I'm sorry this is so late, but... Please. Tell me where you are right now and if you're all right. I'm... still trying to find you all...

Comments

[snapekillsedgar.livejournal.com]

WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?!

[If Elliot had noticed the video before, he would have called her before she even got the chance to contact them, even if he was still fighting. She got separated from him and Leo when the attack started. Elliot wanted to insist on finding her, but it was hard enough staying alive while trying to watch Leo's back at the same time. He hardly understood how they'd managed to survive as long as they already had.

There was no time to get distracted, but... His mind kept going back to Noel. It had nearly gotten him killed once or twice. It was stupid, he knew. The girl could easily take care of herself, probably far better then he could, but he still wanted to know she was safe.]

[disruptstatice]

[Well, Leo had been keeping an eye out for her even if Elliot didn't insist. He's a little worried, honestly, even if Noel is most definitely stronger than them, so when Noel's voice comes out of their Dreamberries...

That is definitely a relief.

He steps aside a little from behind Elliot's back and stumbles a little as he leans over to peer at Elliot's dreamberry. Ah, just voice...]

Are you okay, Noel?

[unsureazure.livejournal.com]

[Noel let out a startled whimper when she hears that all too familiar yelling through her Dreamberry. Well, that's one way of telling if he's okay. Hearing Leo's voice was relieving too. She really had been worried about them... She needs to find them fast, no matter how many fjghts she got herself into.

She'll just... dodge the question about if she's all right or not.]

Elliot? Leo? Oh, thank goodness you're okay... I'm so sorry, I made it my duty to protect you two, but I ended up getting lost... I haven't gotten a chance to contact you until now because I was caught up in so many fights---Ah...

[These injuries were more painful than she'd like them to be. She knows that the healing ability from the dream energy Vanessa created worked slowly, but she couldn't afford to stop and rest here.]

A-Anyway, enough about me! Where are you guys? Do you think it's safe enough to stay put so we can meet you?

[snapekillsedgar.livejournal.com]

You should be protecting yourself, you idiot! You---!

[... He caught that. How could this moron think that neither of them would understand what she was saying just because she wanted to change the subject?! This was exactly why he wanted to keep an eye on her! That stupid suicidal girl was going to get herself killed if she kept worrying about them! Why didn't she just fight to survive for herself?!

Whatever her reasons, she was obviously exhausted. She didn't need to worry about running around trying to find them on top of that.]

You stay put. We'll find you.

[disruptstatice]

[The avoidance of the question doesn't go unnoticed, but Leo doesn't push. If it's dangerous, they'll see when they get there. If not... well, then there's no need to worry, is there?

He thinks Noel can at least be trusted to say something if it really matters, hopes so at least. It's probably more efficient to leave it and just go look for her rather than try to coax an answer out of her.]

We'll hurry.

[unsureazure.livejournal.com]

But---!

[Noel really wants to protest and search for them instead. After all, the whole situation is dangerous and unpredictable. She's supposed to be the one protecting them, not the other way around! She's a soldier, for one thing, and also an engineered weapon. She's practically created to fight, so it would be better for her to find them. Why don't they get that?!]

[snapekillsedgar.livejournal.com]

Don't argue. Just tell us where you are!

[They don't get it because it's stupid for her to have to sacrifice herself like that. She needed protecting just like the rest of them all did.]

[disruptstatice]

It saves us all trouble if you just listen to him, Noel.

[If there is one thing Elliot normally wins at, it's things like this.]

[unsureazure.livejournal.com]

[SIGH. It looks like Noel can't out-stubborn Elliot this time...]

... Going by how the layout is the same as the city, I'm in the lobby of what should be the apartment building I used to live at, before I moved in with you guys.

[snapekillsedgar.livejournal.com]

[And they're off. The second he heard that, Elliot motioned for Leo to follow and started walking, with only half an idea where the apartment was. At least he knew the district.]

Find a safe place to wait. If one of the soldiers shows up, run.

[disruptstatice]

[And follow he does, like always, quietly this time as he keeps an eye backwards. If only his hair could stay further back than swiping it behind his ears does, but... he's managed so far.]

[unsureazure.livejournal.com]

Y-Yes...

[And so, she begrudgingly takes a seat on the ground and waits, hoping that they're able to find her. Noel's still wondering if it really was a good idea to trust them with this...]

[snapekillsedgar.livejournal.com]

[Unfortunately... Elliot didn't know where he was going as well as he thought. He knew the right district at least. The second he realized he didn't know, he first thought that he should try to figure it out on his own, but they had no time for that now.]

You said you were in your apartment building, right? What street's it on?

[disruptstatice]

[He would have imagined Elliot to know where Noel used to live, because he doesn't. But apparently, neither does Elliot.

Though, Elliot gets points for actually asking. Leo can't help but smile a little knowingly, but he refrains from teasing even if there is something on his tongue.]

[unsureazure.livejournal.com]

[Oh... right. She should have realized that. For the entire year they've known each other, Noel had been the one who made visits to the mansion, and not vice versa. There really was no reason to, after all.]

Enveria... It's a short walking distance from the hospital.

[snapekillsedgar.livejournal.com]

[After years of patrol, he knew exactly where she was talking about. Elliot broke into a run to get there, even if he didn't want to attract any of the nightmare soldiers. Getting to Noel came first. It was only a few minutes before they managed to burst into the lobby of the apartment building.]

[disruptstatice]

[It's a good thing Leo is so used to keeping up with Elliot by now. He tends to hurry a lot, really, so when he starts running Leo is right on his heels, once again brushing hair out of his eyes.]

1/2

[unsureazure.livejournal.com]

[Despite knowing that they were on their way, Noel didn't let her guard down. As soon as she heard people burst in through the doors, she quickly dropped her Dreamberry and turned to aim her guns at the source of the sound---]

2/2

[unsureazure.livejournal.com]

Ah...

[It... really was them. A sense of relief crashes down Noel, and her weapons vanish. Ignoring the pain from her injuries, she promptly pushes herself off the ground and staggers towards them.

... She'll be reaching out and pulling both of them into a tight, one-sided group hug.]

1/2

[snapekillsedgar.livejournal.com]

[One of Elliot's hands shot to the hilt of his sword, half drawing it and instinctively moving closer to Leo when he realized that guns were being aimed at them.]

2/2

[snapekillsedgar.livejournal.com]

[Realization washed over him as he quickly remembered what Noel's primary weapons were. His hand dropped from his weapon as he watched the girl's expression change from determination to relief. He only shared in that feeling for a second before he saw how thrashed she looked. The obviously pained stumbling only made him feel even worse. Thank goodness he told her to stay put. She wouldn't have even made it halfway to find them!

He wanted to call her an idiot again, and berate her for worrying about them when she was doing so poorly, and for even thinking for a second tat she should have come to find them when she was obviously hurt. He would have, if she hadn't just staggered straight up to them. Panicking, he thought she was about to collapse and reached out to catch her, only to get pulled into the hug, and finding himself awkwardly half-hugging her back.]

[disruptstatice]

[Leo almost raises his own gun at seeing one aimed at them, but he quickly realises it's Noel and catches himself before he does so.

The hug is... unexpected. The way she moves isn't, at all, or the way she reacts otherwise, but the hug... He understands that she's relieved and all but what even.

He far from half-hugs her back. He just tenses a little and stands absolutely still, so very awkward.]

[unsureazure.livejournal.com]

[It's because you're both her friends and she was incredibly worried, Leo. Get used to it.

... Or not, because Noel quickly remembers what happened whenever she came into physical contact with someone back in her world. Oh no, she got so caught up with her emotions that she didn't think twice about hugging them!]

I... I'm sorry!

[She quickly pulls back rather violently, as if she just embraced a heated iron or something. She ends up losing her balance, and falls backward.]

Owww...

[snapekillsedgar.livejournal.com]

[She wasn't alone for long. Elliot was already expecting her to go down, but not that she'd yank away from them like that. The instant she started going down, he lunged forward to catch her... And missed. He still ended up kneeling right next to her though, reaching to pull her to sit upright.]

You MORON! Why didn't you call us sooner if you were hurt?! Have you been like this the whole time?!

[disruptstatice]

...

[Well. That works too.

Leo stays on his feet, keeping an eye on the surroundings. He'll just leave that to Elliot.]

[unsureazure.livejournal.com]

[Noel's expression briefly flashed to one of distressed, and nearly yelled at Elliot to not touch her, but... Nothing happened when he helped her up? Did this place block her abilities of an Observer? She was visibly confused, not matter how much she tried to hide it.]

S-Stop calling me that! Anyway, that's not it... I tried calling you guys much earlier, but then I got ambushed. I'll be fine, though. Really!

[snapekillsedgar.livejournal.com]

You want me to stop? Then don't act like a moron!

[Even if he had noticed, he wouldn't have cared if she didn't want him touching her. She was hurt, and she was hiding it. In his mind, she wasn't allowed to refuse help right now. Once she was securely upright, Elliot sat back, looking over Noel and really taking in how run down she looked. It was obvious. She was exhausted, and injured... But she was alive.

... If he had any less restraint, he would have hugged her again in relief, and the mere fact that he even considered doing that came as a complete shock.]

How bad is it?

[disruptstatice]

That's what all the idiots say.

[Yep, looking at you, Elliot. Not that Elliot has ever gotten any really dangerous wounds (aside from that... one... thing that started everything--) he would still always say that he was fine even when obviously in pain and everything. They're an idiot's words, yep.]

[unsureazure.livejournal.com]

[Et tu, Leo? Geez, she's totally fine! Sure, she's in lots of pain, extremely tired, probably won't do very if she kept running around and getting into fights, but... she's fine! Protip: No she isn't.

Well, it looks like she won't be able to win this one either.]

I-I'm sorry... but really, I've had worse than this.

[You don't want to know.]

[snapekillsedgar.livejournal.com]

Show us.

[If she was hiding it, then it was probably bad. And no, she still wasn't allowed to refuse.]

[disruptstatice]

[Those are the words of an idiot too... But he doesn't say it this time, just smiles knowingly instead.

Yep, these two fit each other.]

[unsureazure.livejournal.com]

...

Eh?

[That confused squeak is all he's getting from her. No way, man. Her nerves causes the hand covering the gash on her left side to press harder, and she winces. Even then... no way, man.]

[snapekillsedgar.livejournal.com]

I said show us.

[He sees that hand. Firmly, he's reaching to pull it away.]

[disruptstatice]

We should check how bad it is, Noel.

[unsureazure.livejournal.com]

I-I just said that I'm fi---Ow!

[As Noel protested, Elliot is successful in pulling her hand away, and the palm side of her glove is revealed to be stained with red. Though the wound isn't too serious, it's deep enough for it to be debilitating.]

[snapekillsedgar.livejournal.com]

... Damnit.

[He lets her hand go, only to start pulling off his coat and tearing it for bandages.]

And you say you're not an idiot.

[disruptstatice]

They always do.

[He can do this all day.]

[unsureazure.livejournal.com]

[And you get the most annoyed glare that Noel could muster, Leo. As seen above. Seriously, don't help.]

Because I'm not one! Geez...

[She sighs again. Well, she does owe them an apology, at least.]

Though, I'm really sorry for causing so much trouble... It's just that when I couldn't find you guys, I panicked and... [She trails off. They know the rest of the story.] I-I mean, I was really worried, you know? Both of you are very important to me as friends, plus... I don't want anything horrible to happen to you two anymore.

[snapekillsedgar.livejournal.com]

[As she spoke, Elliot bit his lip, struggling not to interrupt her and tell her to shut up and stop worrying about it, but on the last thing that she mumbled out, he sharply ripped at the jacket, a little too vigorously, and snapped a look of frustrated fury right at her.]

What if you'd gotten yourself killed?! You think that would have been any better?! Did you even once think about what that would do to m--- us?! After we've been looking for you all this time?!

[He realized damn well what he'd nearly said a few moments before. It was selfish, but he'd been thinking about her constantly over the past few days, whether he admitted it or not. Finding her injured was bad enough. If she'd been dead... He didn't even want to consider that.]

[disruptstatice]

[And Leo is so afraid of glares. That's not near as bad as Elliot's worse ones and those don't get to him.]

It's not trouble.

[unsureazure.livejournal.com]

[Shut up she is totally menacing. Raaawwwrrrrr. Her? Getting killed? That would never happen. Did he forget what she is? This was practically just a scratch to her! At least, she'd like to think so...

Despite those facts... He had a point there. It wasn't like she could control what anyone else thought of her. To make him worry like that... Noel felt like she failed as a friend.

... And this is the part where she's about to cry. Again.]

I... I'm sorry...

[snapekillsedgar.livejournal.com]

...

[He watches her for a good moment, taking in every emotion he can see. Finally, after she apologizes, he lets out a sigh and reaches up to flick her on the forehead.]

Don't apologize. Just don't do it again, all right?

[disruptstatice]

[But no, really, can they leave soon? He gets jumpy from staying in one spot too long in this place. Of course, it's definitely important to patch Noel up a little but...

Hurry up, Elliot.]

[unsureazure.livejournal.com]

Gyah!

[Noel let our a startle whine when he flicked her forehead, and quickly lifts a hand to rub it. Now, that was something she didn't expect him to do. She frowns, her cheeks reddening a bit. Geez, don't treat her like a kid... Even if she was reacting like one.]

... O-Okay.

[However, the lighthearted feeling dissipates as a light buzzing courses through Noel's brain. Bolverk was sending warning signals to her mind again... Right, she had nearly forgot that just because they managed to regroup, they still weren't safe.]

Um, we better hurry...