daughter of dragons

“What do I have to be embarrassed about?”

“There’s nothing wrong with knowing your self-worth.”

“I’m certain they are fabricated. And if they’re not, they’re hardly frightening to witness. Most spirits in such places are generally harmless to your person, but if you feel you require security, I can accompany you through one.”

     ✧ ❝ Security? Why would I need security?! I said I’m not scared! ❞ the smaller Manakete is quick to fire back, brows furrowing as she seems to become worked up about such a strange topic.

          The lack of knowledge is unexpected for a girl who is used to everyone knowing. Pale fingers rest against lower lip, no reason to hide the shocked curl of her mouth. ❛ Really?  ❜ Breathed in disbelief, she continues onward. ❛  That’s surprising to hear, but maybe I shouldn’t be surprised. A fox-spirit is a type of youkai. Different from humans and other normal creatures, obviously. ❜ There is more unsaid, but Susukihotaru chooses not to be the focus of the conversation, not when the other girl keeps taking her off guard with the bits of information she gives away.

         ❛ But you’ve fought in a war? ❜ A fighter out of necessity, much like the youjin herself and for circumstances dire in their own way. Sympathy bleeds from her heart and echoes itself in her eyes; though she fights as well, she could not imagine something as detrimental as war happening to her and those she cares for. ❛  I know we are strangers and maybe my words don’t mean much, but I am truly sorry that happened to you. I hope you find the peace you’re looking for. ❜  

     ✧ ❝ Fox youkai... ❞ the phrase is quietly repeated by the older teen, soon rubbing her chin in thought afterwards. Again, it’s a term she hasn;t heard before and for a few moments, Nah can’t help but wonder what exactly the differences are between her and other shape-shifting races... Of course, asides from the glaring fact that the stranger has noted she is unable to change forms herself. How curious!

     ❝ Hm? Oh! Yes, I... Had to, in a way, ❞ she doesn’t add more to it for the time being, but it’s clear from the Manakete’s tone that the reason for doing so had been of great importance. Changing the past in order to create a better future... In Nah’s mind, it’s something that had to be done; not just for her and the older children of the future, but for the world as a whole.

     ❝ That’s... Very nice of you to say. Thank you, ❞ and with a calmer tone does the girl now offer the other a genuine smile, full of warmth.

     “W-Wait, you can turn into a dragon?!”

Now she’s interested.

     ✧ ❝ Hmm? Oh, yes; of course, ❞

     “Maybe if I fire a spell at them they’ll learn to think a little      longer than a second. Or just be quiet. Whatever outcome      comes first.”

     “It’s exhausting, though! I don’t get how people can enjoy      wallowing in their own stupidity for so long.”

“ …. “

Ogata looks down to her and then back to her rifle, finger up his nose still. Then he flicks the piece of snot away, not too far from the girl’s direction. 

“ It’s not pointing at you… Even if it was, it’s not loaded. “

No comment on tissues though.

     ✧ With an exclamation of disgust, the Manakete quickly hops to the left as a booger is flicked her way. Honestly, what is this man’s problem?! It’s almost as if he’s begging for her to turn into a dragon and scare some sense into him! However the idea, while tempting, is one Nah won’t go through with... For now.

     She’s trying not to rely so much on her Manakete abilities but sometimes, it’s difficult.

     ❝ Not loaded...? ❞ ah, right; those things need... Some type of ammunition, much like canons. How odd!

i will help… daijoubu dayo

Even if it were a long shot, he’s rather relieved that she actually does remember him. Leap of faith paying off, but it’s not like he would have just avoided her altogether rather than test the waters. It’s easier to loosen up, and his smile spreads, reaching his eyes. “Of course it’s me ! Yatagarasu, ready to go !!” Maybe he’s getting a little too pumped up, but who cares. “Glad ya remember me. Would'a been embarrassing if ya hadn’t. Er—for me.”

Moving on… “But yeah, Shizume City. It’s kinda weird being here instead of there; I’m kinda hoping to run into some other people, too.” Selfish? Maybe. “Ylisse where you’re from? —I can adjust..sorta…it’ll take a bit, but if we have to be here then I wanna try some stuff.” There’s too much interesting things for him to pass up on. Who knows how long he’ll be here.

“There’s a lotta ground to cover, y'wanna come with? Catch up or somethin’? Tell me about Ylisse, all of that !”

     ✧ Quirking a brow, Nah soon chuckles lightly upon seeing the other’s enthusiasm. Admittedly, it’s... Nice; to feel as if she’s wanted and not a burden or annoyance. Though she knows it to not be true, the girl couldn’t always help but feel that way not only with the Shepherds, but with the other children from the future, as well.

     ❝ Yata but not short for ‘Yatagarasu’, ❞ she teases him lightly, recalling their first meeting of which he explained the nickname to her.

     ❝ I know how you feel... Though on the other hand, I don’t really want anyone else to be trapped within this place, you know? ❞ it’s a conflicting feeling, really... Upon hearing Yata’s suggestion, however, Nah blinks in surprise for a few moments. While she seems unsure of how to reply at first, the hybrid quickly regains her composure and nods quickly at him.

     ❝ O-Oh! Well, if you’re inviting me... Then, sure; I’m not really doing anything right now, anyway... ❞ she’s trying her best to sound casual here.

no dying allowed on MY watch

“Well then, should there be anything thy wish to know about me or mine world do not hesitate to ask. I was somewhat sheltered for most of mine existence but I am happy to answer anything I can.” Her smile returned at her encouragement.

A divine dragon… That was extremely interesting. Naga… She would remember that name.

“I must admit most of mine exposure to humanity has come from this place. Mine first home was the city of sunlight, Anor Londo and that was the home of the gods. Thou mentions a divine dragon..? I would very much like to hear more about this Naga! I know divinity and dragons, but a blend of the two…” She fell silent for a moment as she reflected on certain implications. 

“Most of the humans I met from home were lost souls I did mine best to comfort. As for why there’s less dragons… Well, there used to be many- so many they dominated the world. The lord of sunlight led a rebellion against them to free the world and bring light. Mine father assisted him against his own, as far as I know only he and Midir remained, and the last time I saw Midir he was very young.”

She… Thought she had gotten most of that right, recalling the lessons she had received ages past. “Ah, I apologise, it appeared I rambled once more.”

     ✧ While the girl offers an eager nod to the other’s words, she simply remains silent for the time being as Priscilla begins to speak once more. In a way, she can relate to that; not necessarily being ‘sheltered’ but not knowing too much of your origins due to no one else being around. It’s an incredibly lonely feeling to not only have no one in your family around, but also to know next to nothing about your heritage, as well.

     ❝ Oh, I see... That’s... Really sad, ❞ the Manakete can’t help but comment on the story, looking a little melancholy as she does so.

     ❝ And you also don’t need to apologize! I asked and I’m really interested to hear about dragons in other realms! ❞ the girl’s reassurance to the other dragonkin comes quickly, her smile sincere as she looks up at Priscilla now. It still amazes her that, despite the two of them looking so different, they’re actually quite similar in origins.