' tides are always shifting '

“What can I say? No one lights up a room like I do.” She laughs, adding some lightheartedness to the semi-serious topic at hand. “Must be quite the problem solver if all you needed was bits and pieces to put together an explanation. In that case, wouldn’t it be wise to get prepared? Or maybe that’s a little hard to do since we don’t exactly know what’s coming.”

“Hah, that was nothing. In fact, I’m sure anyone would come up with the same conclusion.” Especially anyone who had been here longer than he had. “Besides... in the end, it’s just a theory, really. Even if it were true... the pattern could always change. It’s all we have for now though.”

“Haven’t been here long enough to say for sure. Does it seem that way?”

“Ah... so it’s you, sunshine... I was wondering why it got brighter in here all of a sudden...”

YOUR PRIMARY LOVE LANGUAGE IS: Words of Affirmation

That was some reassurance at least. If only they could say more, Byleth thought. Byleth said earnestly: “I won’t forget about you.” Whether it was an insecurity Yuri harboured, again, Byleth wanted to try their best, even if just to reassure them in return. This talk of being forgotten was putting them on edge, but they didn’t blame Yuri for it. Seeing someone so admired back in the Abyss talk the way he did made Byleth ever the more eager to try their best with whatever they could do in a situation like this. Byleth shook their head. “There’s no need for you to apologise either. You were simply speaking your mind.” And they intruded, but it felt a little wrong not to say anything at all. If there was nothing for them to do—if they were well and truly stuck here with no way out—then what use could Byleth be? When words often failed them, it was their actions that proved their worth, but Byleth felt weak, standing here without a single thought to where they were still. They looked at Yuri earnestly nonetheless, a little worry in their expression, slight in their eyes and the downturn of the corner of their lips. “I wish I could do more,” Byleth admitted. “Say the word. What exactly are you… wanting to do?”

“As long as it means you think yourself as someone more than replaceable…” It was still bothering them. “They’re waiting for you.”

Surprise paints over his features and with his lips now parted, a soft laugh passes through moments later. It was strange, but hearing them repeat those words oddly made him feel better, if only a bit. Still, he was grateful all the same. Though they weren’t the Byleth he knew specifically, they still acted in the way in which he remembered. They couldn’t show their emotions as easily as others, but they always had other ways of showing that they cared. “... Thank you, friend. I appreciate it. ... And of course, I won’t forget about you likewise.” Despite not having his little notebook, he’s already made a mental note of all the names he’s jotted down—and as expected, Byleth would be a name he planned to commit to memory. “No, I do. I’ve upset you, right? That’s reason enough to apologize. ... In any case, I have heard that people back home don’t notice our absence. It’s as if we’ve never left.” Being who he was, he didn’t believe that line of thought entirely, but he couldn’t refute the idea of it being true either. It was worth mentioning though, if it helped make Byleth feel better—should they have had concerns of their own.

Byleth didn’t like this talk. To hear Yuri talk down on themselves, in their opinion, had Byleth feeling a little useless. Maybe it was their nature in wanting to take responsibility. They wanted to at least help, even if they were more clueless than Yuri at this moment. Byleth took their time to study him, pausing before saying: “I wouldn’t want to forget you, though.” This talk of forgetting people and leaving people behind… It left a sour taste in their mouth. 

“Even if you’re stuck here. I don’t think they’d ever forget about you.” It was important to hold onto memories, right? To remember things. Byleth had had their fair share of being left in the dark. They know they wouldn’t want to forget. Not Yuri or anyone else, whether it be in Spirale or back at the monastery. “I’m sorry. I’ll find a way back.” There was no point in talking as though this were a dead end. “You’re not replaceable… not you or the Abyss.”

Of course, there was no other Yuri out there, but even so, he knew that there were others who could easily step up as leader in his stead—he made sure of that in case something were ever to befall him. He refrains from saying as much however, since it seems he’s already said enough. “Ahaha... I’ll admit, I’d be a little hurt if you had forgotten all about me.” Upon seeing Byleth’s disquieted expression, Yuri couldn’t help but attempt to lighten the mood with a quip. Though despite its purpose, it didn’t make his words less than genuine; he truly would feel hurt if Byleth, the Ashen Wolves or his gang dismissed his existence from their memory bank. But again, that’s a thought he keeps entirely to himself. He’s much more focused on Byleth’s following words anyway. “You’re apologizing? For what? If anything, I should be the one apologizing.” It wasn’t his intention to trouble them so. Yuri’s not exactly sure which part of his speech was the catalyst to cause such a feeling, but that really didn’t matter here. Byleth likely had their own problems to deal with, so he truly didn’t wish to add his own issues on top of that. “I am sorry to have upset you. But I hope you know that my saying all this doesn’t mean that I’ve given up. Far from it in fact... I’m not the kind of person who idly sits by and waits for results... I want to make use of my time here...” 

“I’m sure things are fine, Yuri.” Aerith says, smiling as she always is. “Your friends are pretty capable people, aren’t they? Even while you’ve been gone I’m sure they’ve been taking care of what’s important. I know it’s hard but try to relax a little bit, okay?”

As he were too deep in thought, he fails to realize just how close she was to him, much to his embarrassment. But the feeling is short lived, since he’s more so glad to see her. “Eavesdropping now, are we? How very sly of you. I can’t say I dislike this side of you, though.” Having given her words thought, silence sets between them for a few seconds before he speaks up with a rather gentle use of tone. “... Thank you, Aerith.” While he had very much appreciated her input, he knew he wouldn’t be able to shake off the concern he felt. It would just have to remain a worry to live with during his time here. “Oh, actually...” Since she hadn’t known the details of his circumstance, he had no plans discussing it further with her, so a change of topic was much rather preferred now.

“Your friends would care.” Their words were absolute in their sounding. From Byleth’s point of view since their first meeting, they’d thought Yuri to be someone looked up to and cared for. Even with far few words ever exchanged on their own end, Byleth wanted to try without feeling as though they were prying, as curious as they often were. “I’m sure they are waiting for you.”

A soft smile begins crossing his lips consequent to hearing their words, though it soon vanishes thereafter. He knew of the affection Abyssians had for him, Yuri could never doubt that. However, that was part of the problem. “That’s just it though, I don’t want them to wait for me. The more I think on it, the more I prefer the thought of them forgetting my meagre existence. After all, I could be stuck here forever.”

Another familiar face finally. It seemed a little humorous, actually, that Byleth didn’t find seeing this face in such a place as odd as everything else that had occurred, simply because it seemed so similar to the Abyss. Although it was probably hard to decipher, Byleth was still curious. Relief washed over them, but also, there were apologies owed, and Byleth didn’t know how to reach that point as smoothly as others. Words in general were always a stickler, but they’d try their best. Their approach was made with solid steps, unable to do anything else other than wave.

“You’re here too,” Byleth said. Apologies could wait. it felt lacklustre not to say much more, but Byleth hoped their expression this time said enough. “….Do you… know where this is?”

@ringrelic​

Of course, he’s a bit disappointed at the thought of being spotted first, yet that feeling is quickly overshadowed by the happiness brought on upon meeting their gaze. “I am... though you don’t seem particularly surprised to see me...” They also didn’t seem exceptionally pleased to see him, or perhaps to be more exact, they appeared to be troubled by something. “Ah... you’re seeking answers, as anyone else would I’m sure. Unfortunately, the people who run this place keep any useful information under wraps.” He was hoping to change that soon by establishing a small group that gathers intel, however starting an operation like that would require much more time. That was neither here nor there though.

@ringrelic​

    ♫ “Yurikins? You’re here too?” It was a dumb name she’d come up with for Yuri, but it had stuck. She was being strangely cautious in her body language, worried he might see her as an enemy.

Lucifer had a lot to say for himself. Even if Yuri wouldn’t understand, nor the majority of Spirale, for that matter, he still chose to wear the guilt on his shoulders. The faint chuckling echoed bloodstained memories into Lucifer’s head. The only thing he could do now, of course, was make sure that he’d at least keep Yuri and other civilians out of harms way. To both the strong and the defenceless, Lucifer had provided himself as a tool to be used, perhaps to compensate for seeing the fallen angels invade once more. He still gave Yuri an apologetic look, despite their words. It’d take a great deal more to sway Lucifer out of this centuries long reverie, of course, but he was still attentive enough to follow Yuri’s plan. He’d noticed strange enemies from earlier attacking Yuri, which he assumed was their threat. 

Lucifer gave Yuri a nod before following tail, making sure to keep close behind and also keep a lookout to any other civilians who may be stuck somewhere. “Of course. As I said, use my as you wish.” Lucifer thought about Yuri’s words of favours. Granted, Lucifer thought he owed the entire city enough favours. He said: “Don’t think about favours. This is simply my duty.” Technically, no, but Lucifer was incapable of ever letting his old purpose go. This circumstance had kicked into gear his instincts, recalling to the purpose of his creation. Whilst the screams and bangs continued to sound around them, after a further moment of running after Yuri, Lucifer said: “Ah, I think it would be better and faster if you fly with me.” Perhaps an inkling was due to Lucifer having missed his wings, but the idea itself seemed like a dream when having to skirt the debris and rubble on the streets. He looked at Yuri expectantly, his eyes serious and still determined.

“I do believe we’ll be able to cover more ground this way, as well as move faster.” Not that he was doubting Yuri’s capabilities or undermining them in any way. He found Yuri to be remarkably fast and agile. He offered a smile, then. “Of course, do tell me if I am speaking out of turn. I wouldn’t mind flying to whatever destination you have in mind. And … I believe I’ll be able to fight against them better.” That, and he’d have Yuri with him if anything else was to happen. Lucifer could only imagine the amount of other enemies and threats overtaking Spirale. “Think of it as my duty with you as well, nothing more.”

Yet again, Lucifer’s ‘ever duty bound’ tendencies are made clear. Aft first, Yuri’s own reaction to his words are a simple narrowing of his eyes. He makes a far more discernible reaction upon hearing Lucifer speak about forgoing thoughts of favours. Pausing their relocation at a time like this surely wasn’t the wisest of decisions, but this was a matter he had to address. “Look... I repay my debts in full and as soon as possible. Consider it one of my many duties.” Returning favours was an action that brought him comfort, and aside from that, it was something he enjoyed doing. A thought then crosses his mind, perhaps that was a feeling he shared with Lucifer in regards to his own duty. That thought doesn’t comfort Yuri however, if anything it’s rather saddening, though he hides the emotion well. He knew nothing of the man, but Yuri knew he deserved better than being used as a tool. “One other thing... I want to set the record straight.” His voice is clear cut, unwavering in the slightest. “You’re my ally. Moreover, I like you. You’re no tool, so I don’t plan on treating you as one.” Yuri knew full well that his words were likely all for naught—that doesn’t stop him from carrying on though. His next set of words are far more lighter. “I have to pay back my debt to you, so you have to stay alive, got it?”

It wasn’t something he was expecting, and so Yuri’s eyes widen in response to Lucifer’s offer, one that was spoken quite candidly at that. “Ahaha... in retrospect, it was ridiculous of me to ask you to run when you can fly.” In any other situation, he would have declined readily, yet the thrill of being carried by someone who could fly had him hesitating. It was embarrassing thinking as much, but this was an opportunity that would likely never come up again. “Hm...” He wasn’t offended as Lucifer suggested; Yuri knew of his own strengths and weakness—what he was capable of as a whole, and accepted it. Of course, as a strategist, it’s something he refrains from letting on, especially in a place like this, where there were hundreds, may be thousands of people stronger than himself. In fact, he had already assumed that Lucifer was stronger than him. He might not have witnessed him fighting, but he could still feel power emitting from him. Which is why he’s barely surprised when Lucifer mentions that he’d be better off fighting them.

canary !

key words: friendship, happiness, light.

best matched with: fern, lavender, cerulean

Yuri does himself no favors by the tone he explains to Shinobu what should be her plan of action, in fact, it strikes something of a nerve with her. While it’s true that the fog could very well be used to her advantage, due to the unknown nature and possible foresight to realize that there are those who may be thinking the exact same thing, she’d decided to take a more direct approach. “The same could be said of others not knowing exactly what I am capable of.” It’s true for both accounts, though her ability to quickly adapt to most situations may benefit her if the time came.

“Are your looks so important to you that you’d consider yourself to be disfigured with a single scratch?” Though her words imply that she may give him a mark or two just to teach him a lesson, she lowers it after he makes his intentions clear. As long as he wasn’t going to do her any harm, she supposed it was fine to allow her sword back to her side. Her guard, however, is not let down. It’s always best to be wary around strangers, he could turn on her at any moment after all. “Is that so? Well, neither of us will be helping anyone as we are. Perhaps we’ll want to find our way out of this perpetual fog that seems to shroud this ward.”

“Or maybe you’d like to stay lost here, what you say could easily be a lie for all I know.”

The irritation on his face softens, though the tone still remains the same and gives way to his current disposition; he really did dislike the thought of dashing in without a plan. “Regardless, the wisest course of action would still be to remain hidden and attempt to assess from afar.” He could tell she was equally displeased by his explanations as it was something she clearly did not ask for, but that doesn’t stop him from continuing. “Think about it... you’re not losing anything in the process by doing so, are you?” A long sigh then follows his words, and during so, his head tilts slightly to side. “What I’m trying to say is that it doesn’t matter how strong you are, there’s always that fifty percent chance that whoever you’re attacking might be stronger, even if you are quite powerful yourself. You never know... with a place like this.” Despite the harshness in his voice, what he says roughly translates into a ‘be careful next time’. He doesn’t bother answering her other question, since it very much seems like one that didn’t require an answer. Her first impression of him already seemed set in stone, and whatever denial he offered in return probably wouldn’t change it.