There was a tender moment that sliced through the tense air between the healer and the lunar mage, as the two locked eyes following his apology and the swift dismissal it was met with. The truly magical aspect of that fleeting instant was how quickly they chose to look away... There was something there, but if the two would ever pluck up the courage to confront it remained a mystery, among other more pressing matters.
Despite the somber tone of the conversation, the Shimada cracked a smirk at being referred to as
giggles ever so seriously. '
I hope I don't have to take you up on that offer, but I definitely will if it comes down to it.' Akira muttered softly, in a frank response to Fia's bold offer to play the role of the protector once more if things got murky. She had the build for it and her magic did wonders to help move things along in that area of things... A true juggernaut if there ever was one. This was really not a good prelude to the news she was about to drop. Here Aki was, sitting and assuming they were all going to be stuck in this rut together, that they'd be able to call upon each other's aid with ease.
Following the offer Fia drew things to a proper and blunt close, much like her initial summary of the events, her synopsis of their reaction was crude but on point as well. Akira heaved another long sigh before nodding sagely at Fia's words. Gruff as they were they were a fairly accurate representation of what she felt too. As a girl who rarely felt the need to resort to words, she had a surprising bunch on them in her arsenal but did run low on the choicy swears. While Fia had stuck to the simpler variety, something told Aki she could let loose a whole sling of more colorful
She shuffled, ready to slip off the chair she was on and make her way out. She peered at the gathered Knights, surprised when she noticed the titan showing no interest in leaving just yet. Aki hadn't now that this whole ordeal was packed and tucked away... But it was time for the Barone to drop her bomb. '
What is it?' Aki prompted, genuinely surprised since it did seem like they'd covered everything. There was a sense of dread in her voice as she wondered if there was something she didn't know... The anxiety that came with the anticipation was not one that Aki handled too well. She stopped short of prodding any further, but had to bite her tongue to stop herself from urging the Barone to spill already...
Perhaps it'd have been better if she'd taken just a little longer with it. Probably should have sat on this decision itself a little bit more...
'
No... You can't be serious?!' Akira exclaimed, pinning the large woman with her gaze almost ferociously. The Titan went onto explain her reasons. This was sudden information and the fact that it took away a trusted ally from their midst, did not make it any easier to handle. Defensively, she crossed her arms over her chest as though she didn't really care for the reasons much... '
How are we supposed to find you, if we need you?' she muttered, her tone was almost slightly whiny. She looked away, and leaned back on her chair, her stature first defiant and then defeated. After a pause, she finally processed the information the woman provided, the one she had initially ignored and just filed away in her eagerness to react and dissuade.
There was guilt there that followed her explanation. and it softened Akira's stoic demeanor. '
You, you already said we could reach out to you, I'm going to hold you to that.' was the first thing the lunar mage said, she sounded almost petulant. It was truly a pity that official aid would probably not be a possibility once the woman left their ranks. There was another pause, while Akira tried to assess if she was selfless or not and came to quick conclusion of not. '
Oh pssht, I'm no selfless saint.' she retorted, dismissing Fia's praise as just ways she was employing to cushion the blow.
'
Fine.' Is all she managed, with another deep breath, she conceded. '
I can't blame you, but... but...' Akira grit her teeth, she'd never pegged herself to be the emotional sort, but on two different occasions they'd fought demons together, it was a bond she'd made without realizing it. Perhaps her lack of awareness when it came to the feelings she'd unknowingly harbored, made this worse. '
I guess, what I'm trying to say is... that you'll be missed.' she finished, rather neutrally, unable to admit herself as personally being the only one who'd miss the large boisterous woman.
'
I don't really know why I'm sticking around either, pretty sure if I told my family about this crap, they'd tell me to come back too... If I had more to protect, maybe I'd leave too...' Did she just admit she didn't value her life as much? Akira hadn't really weighed her words before uttering them and for some reason, her eyes searched for the healer again. Meanwhile, the apprentice decided it was time to take her leave. Perhaps the news didn't go over well with her either, it was for the best... The Rune Knights couldn't afford to lose more people, it was imperative that as a collective they didn't lose hope. Uncharacteristically, Aki offered the neko almost an apologetically hopeful smile.
After a moment of delay to lament on the news she'd been given, she decided to follow the neko. The girl was the freshest of the lot, in terms of experience and Aki felt a kinship simply because of the alignment of their magics. '
Er... I think I should go check on her. I'll catch you guys... later.' she muttered, her words broken, much like her thoughts. She wanted to wish the Barone good fortune, but decided to save that for the wedding... For now she could use some space to deal with her own doubts.
By the time she snuck out of the bar, the neko was already lost in the crowd. With a heavy sigh, she naturally veered away from the people, turning back to see if her trusty, yet some what disgruntled partner had found a reason to follow her out.
~Exit~