[It's still the early lights of dawn when Yuri gets a message in his journal. The "ink" fades onto the page, written as if it was with someone's finger, and messy blotches of liquid spilling elsewhere on the page.]
[Yuri and Flynn have never been the type of best friends to be overprotective or attached at the hip, so when Flynn leaves that morning, Yuri goes about his business as usual. He just waits, keeps his journal open in case anything happens, but he isn't particularly worried. For all that they butt heads, Yuri has an unshakeable faith in Flynn, and so he has no doubt in his mind that Jinx will be no issue.
It's pure luck that he glances over just as the letters start to appear on the page, and his heart sinks. It doesn't take a genius to figure out exactly what that is, what it could mean, and before Yuri can fully process what he's doing, he's grabbed Dein Nomos and is rushing off in the direction Flynn left with no plan.
He doesn't need much of one. Before long, he smells smoke, and Jinx's little calling cards pinpoint the rest way. Cresting the next hill reveals the whole chaotic scene, and Flynn's armor catches the light, drawing Yuri's gaze inexorably. For a horrible, rending moment, Yuri doesn't see him move.]
[He isn't moving. Cheek pressed against the dirt ground, he was focusing on staying conscious more than trying to get to his feet. It's only when he hears Yuri's voice that he'll make his attempt, shaky arms moving to try and push himself up onto his knees, but of course, the bullets pierced into both shoulders make this incredibly painful. He shouts, a pathetic sort of sound he's not used to hearing from himself, and collapses back to the ground. So he'll just have to crawl, hands and feet clawing at the earth to push himself toward the voice.]
I'm here.
[It's probably barely audible above the roar of the fire and the distance he's at.]
[It's the worst thing Yuri has ever seen. He's never put Flynn on the same pedestal others have. Part of spending your whole life with someone is seeing them scared and hurt and sick and weak, but this—
Yuri half sprints, half slides down the hill, heedless of the smoke and the fire. All that matters right now is Flynn, and he's clumsier than he usually is when he drops to his knees beside him.]
What the hell are you doing? Stop—
[Stop moving, is what he means to say, but it dies on his lips when he's close enough to really see Flynn. There's so much blood, too much to tell where it's coming from, not when Flynn is still in all that armor, and right now, he's too heavy to carry. Yuri rests his hand on Flynn's shoulder, tries to ease him back as he ignores the sick pit in his stomach and the dizzying pace of his heartbeat.]
[Well bingo, Yuri, you found where one of the bullets is. The moment Yuri touches his shoulder, he grits his teeth and hisses in pain, inhaling sharp as he tries to jerk away instinctively.]
Not there-
[He opens his eyes again, looking up to Yuri, grimacing but trying to smile.]
Glad you found me. We don't... don't have a lot of time. I won't be conscious soon.
[It's already difficult to keep his eyes focused.]
Get me to my feet and hold my left arm over your shoulders.
[He knows that's going to put strain on his other shoulder wound, but that's his offhand, at least. He'll just have to ignore it.]
[Trying to put on a brave face as always. Yuri sets his jaw, hand slipping down to Flynn's upper arm instead. He's already losing consciousness, and with his shoulder screwed up—both shoulders? Yeah, right.]
That's a terrible idea. I'm going to have to carry you.
[Get the armor off first, probably. Find a healer. Find Shionne. It's easier to ignore the panic when he focuses on concrete steps.]
[Maybe if the mood was lighter, he'd point out how if Yuri kept up with his training, he'd be able to carry him. But it seems like Yuri's going to be stubborn on this, because of course he is. He can shed some of this weight at least, his hand raising to the buckle that holds some of his armor onto his arms. He can't manage the maneuverability needed to actually undo it, but he's trying.]
The gauntlets. And greaves.
[He'll have to come back for them later. If there is a later.]
[It's a tone that brooks no argument, because what other choice do they have? He makes quick work of the buckles, at least. The gauntlets and greaves come off easily, but the rest is tricky. It's harder to be fast and gentle, but Yuri does his best, easing the pauldrons off of Flynn's shoulders and trying not to jostle his wounds.]
[He holds still as he can at first, but once Yuri gets to the pauldron's, he's wincing, jaw tight. The bullet pierced through the armor, and the split metal dug into his skin around the bullet hole. It's obvious both bullets still remain in him there.]
Both thighs. One in each.
[Ensuring he wouldn't be able to walk away from this easily, he's sure.]
[There's anger building in him, slowly but surely. Jinx didn't do this to disable him and escape, he's sure. Flynn isn't some monster who would hurt her without a reason. She could have gotten away from him without violence easily. She did this to make sure he died slowly.
Yuri dips his head as he works, lets his hair fall forward so that Flynn won't be able to read his expression. Whatever emotions he's struggling with don't matter right now, and he needs to shut them away, but he knows Flynn can read him like a book.
Deal with it later, he tells himself. The cuisses take more focus. It's more difficult to get them off without shifting Flynn's legs, and Yuri tenses in sympathy with each movement.]
[It helps that Flynn's a little too distracted in the moment to notice the obvious hiding from Yuri. He'd call it out immediately, if he could focus on anything other ache, adrenaline, and exhaustion all at once.
Flynn's hands ball into fists instinctively, but there's no force to his grip, tingling nothingness there is all he feels right now. He clenches his jaw again instead, exhaling through grit teeth as those last pieces finally come off. It rarely feels freeing when he takes off his armor. It's even less so right now, to be in such pain and even more vulnerable without the plating.
The excess weight shed, now all they need to do is get out.]
Yuri.
[Come on. Look at him. He's trying to smile again, and everything.]
Let's go.
[Underneath Flynn's blond bangs, now plastered to his forehead somewhat from the sweat, is the imprint of lipstick- a kiss-shaped mark.]
[When Flynn says his name, he hesitates for just an instant, then forces himself to look up. The smile almost makes it worse, because he knows exactly why Flynn is doing it. He doesn't want Yuri to worry, wants to make it seem like this is fine, just another misadventure to get through.
He spots the lipstick and his nose wrinkles. He has the absurd urge to rub it away, but his hands are covered in blood, and what does it matter at this point? It's just wasting time while Flynn is bleeding out. But what does matter is this—taking a second to lock eyes, lean closer, to say in a low, steady voice,]
You're going to be okay, Flynn.
[There's no way he can haul Flynn over his shoulders, not with those injuries, so he does something he knows Flynn will hate: Slips an arm under his knees and another around his shoulders and lifts him that way. It's more difficult, but if he can just get him clear of the fire and then find Shionne...]
[Flynn's smile isn't forced for just a moment, a genuine glimpse of warmth from him as he keeps eye contact with Yuri, the image of him a little more blurry now.
I believe in you. I trust you.]
I know.
[If he hates the position he winds up in, he says nothing of it (for now), just trying to make himself less of a burden to carry as Yuri lifts him off the ground.]
[Even after everything, Flynn still trusts him that deeply. It's a strange sort of relief.
The problem is, armor or no armor, they're the same size, and Yuri isn't sure he'll be able to haul Flynn all the way back to the hot springs in time. He can get him away from the fire and smoke, at least, and adrenaline will just have to do the rest. There's no other option.]
[So much for another relaxing day at the hot springs. Around the time Shionne heard the gunshots and explosions from artes being released, she...
...Well, first she debated ignoring it. But after a few moments she ended up sighing, put on traveling clothes, and finally followed the sounds of destruction.
Which is why she's here now, standing near the trees and pulling the bit of blue cloth away from her face. And looking both annoyed and concerned all at the same time.]
"I don't think you'll get him very far like that."
[Even as she speaks, there's a glimmer of bright blue in her eyes, as she looks over the injured Flynn.]
[He hears a voice, not Yuri's, and not completely unfamiliar. He's heard it before at least, but the answer to who it belongs to is distant in his mind. The exhaustion is getting the best of him, so he keeps his eyes closed.]
[She's all business right now; not here to comment on the tone or the words. She moves briskly over to where Flynn lays on the ground, looking over him-
...Those aren't the usual wounds she sees from zeuguls, or even the wildlife of this world. In fact, they look eerily similar to the sort of hurts Shionne herself can inflict.]
"What-?"
[She starts to ask, before almost losing her grip on the arte. She can save the questions for later.]
"...Can you secure him? Keep him from moving around while I work?"
[Yuri kneels down on Flynn's other side, setting a hand on his arm, more to comfort than anything else. Maybe Flynn can keep still, but it doesn't bode well that Shionne asked the question at all. Estelle has never needed anyone restrained while casting.]
"Just... Keep him where he is. I don't want any sudden contact between us."
[Or any contact at all, if she's being honest. She hates seeing her work undone by an accidental brush against her. The thought makes her frown deepen, as she focuses on the arte.
Maybe that time at the hot springs has done her a little bit of good; the arte flows much more easily, and this time she isn't left feeling drained. It should be enough to stabilize him, Shionne hopes.]
"...Did that do it? How's his bleeding? Or his pain levels?"
[The familiar feeling of healing artes kicks in, bringing feeling back into his fingers and warmth back into him. He's notably less pale, and he opens his eyes a little to see who's healing him, vision still a little foggy. Someone with... pink hair. Brightly colored eyes.]
...Lady Estellise?
[He blinks again, eyes focusing better.]
Oh- m-my apologies. I feel better.
[Not fully better, but not on death's door anymore.]
[No touching, huh? That's a strange rule for a healer to have. Yuri notes it, but then Flynn mentions Estelle, and his grip on Flynn's arm tightens reflexively. His eyes flick up to Shionne's, hoping she doesn't ask.]
[There's some clear confusion on her face, over that name. And that title; she doesn't get the royal lady treatment, unless she either insists on it or people are being sarcastic.]
"You're... Welcome." [She settles on that instead, even if it sounds stilted.] "Though if you're not in anymore danger of bleeding out..."
[She takes a few more steps back to be on the safe side.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
text
action actually!!!
It's pure luck that he glances over just as the letters start to appear on the page, and his heart sinks. It doesn't take a genius to figure out exactly what that is, what it could mean, and before Yuri can fully process what he's doing, he's grabbed Dein Nomos and is rushing off in the direction Flynn left with no plan.
He doesn't need much of one. Before long, he smells smoke, and Jinx's little calling cards pinpoint the rest way. Cresting the next hill reveals the whole chaotic scene, and Flynn's armor catches the light, drawing Yuri's gaze inexorably. For a horrible, rending moment, Yuri doesn't see him move.]
Flynn!
no subject
I'm here.
[It's probably barely audible above the roar of the fire and the distance he's at.]
no subject
Yuri half sprints, half slides down the hill, heedless of the smoke and the fire. All that matters right now is Flynn, and he's clumsier than he usually is when he drops to his knees beside him.]
What the hell are you doing? Stop—
[Stop moving, is what he means to say, but it dies on his lips when he's close enough to really see Flynn. There's so much blood, too much to tell where it's coming from, not when Flynn is still in all that armor, and right now, he's too heavy to carry. Yuri rests his hand on Flynn's shoulder, tries to ease him back as he ignores the sick pit in his stomach and the dizzying pace of his heartbeat.]
Take it easy. I'm getting you out of here.
no subject
Not there-
[He opens his eyes again, looking up to Yuri, grimacing but trying to smile.]
Glad you found me. We don't... don't have a lot of time. I won't be conscious soon.
[It's already difficult to keep his eyes focused.]
Get me to my feet and hold my left arm over your shoulders.
[He knows that's going to put strain on his other shoulder wound, but that's his offhand, at least. He'll just have to ignore it.]
no subject
That's a terrible idea. I'm going to have to carry you.
[Get the armor off first, probably. Find a healer. Find Shionne. It's easier to ignore the panic when he focuses on concrete steps.]
no subject
[Maybe if the mood was lighter, he'd point out how if Yuri kept up with his training, he'd be able to carry him. But it seems like Yuri's going to be stubborn on this, because of course he is. He can shed some of this weight at least, his hand raising to the buckle that holds some of his armor onto his arms. He can't manage the maneuverability needed to actually undo it, but he's trying.]
The gauntlets. And greaves.
[He'll have to come back for them later. If there is a later.]
no subject
[It's a tone that brooks no argument, because what other choice do they have? He makes quick work of the buckles, at least. The gauntlets and greaves come off easily, but the rest is tricky. It's harder to be fast and gentle, but Yuri does his best, easing the pauldrons off of Flynn's shoulders and trying not to jostle his wounds.]
Where else are you hurt?
no subject
Both thighs. One in each.
[Ensuring he wouldn't be able to walk away from this easily, he's sure.]
The cuisses.
no subject
Yuri dips his head as he works, lets his hair fall forward so that Flynn won't be able to read his expression. Whatever emotions he's struggling with don't matter right now, and he needs to shut them away, but he knows Flynn can read him like a book.
Deal with it later, he tells himself. The cuisses take more focus. It's more difficult to get them off without shifting Flynn's legs, and Yuri tenses in sympathy with each movement.]
no subject
Flynn's hands ball into fists instinctively, but there's no force to his grip, tingling nothingness there is all he feels right now. He clenches his jaw again instead, exhaling through grit teeth as those last pieces finally come off. It rarely feels freeing when he takes off his armor. It's even less so right now, to be in such pain and even more vulnerable without the plating.
The excess weight shed, now all they need to do is get out.]
Yuri.
[Come on. Look at him. He's trying to smile again, and everything.]
Let's go.
[Underneath Flynn's blond bangs, now plastered to his forehead somewhat from the sweat, is the imprint of lipstick- a kiss-shaped mark.]
no subject
He spots the lipstick and his nose wrinkles. He has the absurd urge to rub it away, but his hands are covered in blood, and what does it matter at this point? It's just wasting time while Flynn is bleeding out. But what does matter is this—taking a second to lock eyes, lean closer, to say in a low, steady voice,]
You're going to be okay, Flynn.
[There's no way he can haul Flynn over his shoulders, not with those injuries, so he does something he knows Flynn will hate: Slips an arm under his knees and another around his shoulders and lifts him that way. It's more difficult, but if he can just get him clear of the fire and then find Shionne...]
no subject
I believe in you. I trust you.]
I know.
[If he hates the position he winds up in, he says nothing of it (for now), just trying to make himself less of a burden to carry as Yuri lifts him off the ground.]
no subject
The problem is, armor or no armor, they're the same size, and Yuri isn't sure he'll be able to haul Flynn all the way back to the hot springs in time. He can get him away from the fire and smoke, at least, and adrenaline will just have to do the rest. There's no other option.]
no subject
...Well, first she debated ignoring it. But after a few moments she ended up sighing, put on traveling clothes, and finally followed the sounds of destruction.
Which is why she's here now, standing near the trees and pulling the bit of blue cloth away from her face. And looking both annoyed and concerned all at the same time.]
"I don't think you'll get him very far like that."
[Even as she speaks, there's a glimmer of bright blue in her eyes, as she looks over the injured Flynn.]
no subject
Huh...?
no subject
Good thing you're here to help, then.
[It's his usual laid back response, but there's an edge in his voice that betrays him.]
no subject
...Those aren't the usual wounds she sees from zeuguls, or even the wildlife of this world. In fact, they look eerily similar to the sort of hurts Shionne herself can inflict.]
"What-?"
[She starts to ask, before almost losing her grip on the arte. She can save the questions for later.]
"...Can you secure him? Keep him from moving around while I work?"
no subject
... I can keep still.
[It's getting easier to keep still. The pain lessening. That's probably a bad thing, actually.]
no subject
...Just tell me what you need me to do.
no subject
[Or any contact at all, if she's being honest. She hates seeing her work undone by an accidental brush against her. The thought makes her frown deepen, as she focuses on the arte.
Maybe that time at the hot springs has done her a little bit of good; the arte flows much more easily, and this time she isn't left feeling drained. It should be enough to stabilize him, Shionne hopes.]
"...Did that do it? How's his bleeding? Or his pain levels?"
no subject
...Lady Estellise?
[He blinks again, eyes focusing better.]
Oh- m-my apologies. I feel better.
[Not fully better, but not on death's door anymore.]
no subject
Thanks.
no subject
[There's some clear confusion on her face, over that name. And that title; she doesn't get the royal lady treatment, unless she either insists on it or people are being sarcastic.]
"You're... Welcome." [She settles on that instead, even if it sounds stilted.] "Though if you're not in anymore danger of bleeding out..."
[She takes a few more steps back to be on the safe side.]