IC Inbox for Empath

[innermonologues]

Messenger Bird/Voice/Image/Action

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[innermonologues]

I don't really know how much darkness I have myself... I just know I was told I wouldn't be able to help protect someone important to me... and I don't want to hear that again. If something happens to him again, I want to be the one that helps. Not pathetically sitting on the sidelines because "I don't know anything about darkness".

[ Squall's grip on Terra's sides tightens a little. Everything might be done and over with, but Squall... he still can't forgive himself for not being the one to pull Sora back.]

If... being some kind of key warrior will help so that doesn't happen again... I don't care what I have to do, how embarrassing it is, I want to do it.

[darkearth]

[Well, this is something Terra understands, and his expression softens some.] The darkness is strong if you have doubts, if your heart falters. That’s why it takes a lot of practice to become a Keyblade Master. I guess that’s why they were worried. They didn’t want to lose you maybe.

I felt the same way about Ven. But... he was stronger than I gave him credit for.

What... happened? That someone would tell you something like that?

[innermonologues]

I doubt that. [ He snorts softly. Back then Riku couldn't stand Squall. ]

Sora... I'm not sure what happened exactly, but he turned into this... creature of darkness. He was running around causing trouble. He ended up hurting me, but I didn't care about that...Anyway, Riku told me I wouldn't be any help, I didn't know anything about the darkness. So instead he saved Sora from that.

[ While he's grown a lot, and gotten past a lot of feelings, he still feels that pain of inadequacy. ]

[darkearth]

[Terra's brows furrow. Granted, he didn't know Riku especially well necessarily, but... it's odd. That doesn't sound at all like the Riku he's met, and he's not aware he's not the only one.] Riku...

Sora was... darkness? [He feels like he's missed a lot. He has no idea. He'll have to ask.] I can't say if it would have worked out if you got involved. It's okay.

If you want to see if you're heart is strong enough to wield a keyblade, we can try. Next time, you'll be able to help Riku. And Sora.

[innermonologues]

[ To be fair, when Riku said that it was when he was going through a rough time. ]

I want to see... if it's strong enough. If my heart can wield a keyblade.

[darkearth]

[At this, Terra manages a weak smile back at Squall, and then he nods.]

Let's test your heart then. It'll take a while--to be able to summon one. Are you up for it? It's a special honor to be able to wield a keyblade and protect the hearts and light of other worlds.

[innermonologues]

I've trained twelve years to become a member of SeeD, a little longer isn't going to make me want to quit.

[darkearth]

[Again, Terra nods in acceptance of the firm answer.]

Good. [Terra isn't the type to want to give up either. Even if he can be momentarily discouraged.] I know you can do it. If you don't get it on the first few tries, that's okay.

When did you want to begin?

[innermonologues]

I don't... want to take up a lot of your time.

[ Squall finds himself feeling a little embarrassed now. He cleared his throat, glancing off to the side. He's not exactly sure how busy Terra usually was, but he knew he'd probably want to stick by his friends, and not to mention he's pretty sure Riku's seemed brighter ever since Terra came here. ]

[darkearth]

[For a moment or two, Terra is quiet, and then he reaches back with an elbow to lightly jab Squall in the chest. His smile is subdued, but reassuring.]

I learned that... a dream is enough to light any kind of darkness. If you have the dream to try to wield a keyblade, I don't mind helping. My... former master helped me. Aqua and I helped each other.

[innermonologues]

[ Squall lets out a soft sound to the light jab and lets out a huff. ]

Are you sure... it wouldn't be a bother?

[darkearth]

[By now, Terra has steered them halfway back to Squall's place. The movement is still slow and easy, giving them less wind to talk over and more view to take in.]

Somehow, I can feel in my heart it's the right thing to do. Maybe the light lead me here for a reason. To... have more chances. And if helping you is one, I'll take it.

[When they arrive back where they started, Terra lowers the glider straight down until it's hovering a few inches off the ground like it had been when he showed up initially. He looks back over his shoulder, though, at Squall.]

Whenever you're ready to try.

[innermonologues]

Fine... but don't be too disappointed if I'm not good enough.

[ Among being a realist, Squall's way of thinking was usually more pessimistic when it came to himself. Still, Terra was willing to try, even if he didn't know what might come of Squall training with him.]

[darkearth]

Come on, Squall. I thought you were stronger than that.

[Someone showed him a good attitude back at the carnival games, and not with only one of them either. So Squall gets A Look as he's twisted a bit back.]

If you want a heart that can wield a keyblade, you can't think that way. You have to believe you'll be able to do anything. You have to feel it. You said you have a Gunblade, right? And training for SeeD.

If you can accomplish those... no dream is out of your reach.

[innermonologues]

Yeah but those things aren't really magical heart accomplishments. I listened during class. I studied. I fought and claimed Ifrit and passed the final mission to become a SeeD. I trained everyday with my Gunblade to be good enough.

[ He says these things as if they're just natural easy things to do.... Squall plz. ]

But listening to my heart, it's never been easy for me... It wasn't until I met Sora here that I even let people back into my heart in the first place.

[darkearth]

[Squall pls.]

No matter what you do, if it's something important, you put your heart into it. Even Sora would have told you something like that, I'm sure. Doing all of those things took a strong heart. You're halfway there.

[Reaching back and around, he thumps Squall gently in the chest with a few knuckles.]

Listening to your heart is hard sometimes. I get it. I had a hard time listening to my heart, too.

[innermonologues]

[ Squall makes soft grunting sound to the thump and let out a soft sigh. ]

Alright. I'll give it a try. An honest try. I might get frustrated, but don't give up on me.

[darkearth]

If I can train with Ven, you won't be a problem. There were times when he thought about giving up, too. Don't worry.

I won't let you. I know you can do it.

[He twists more around, enough to be able to scoop up one of Squall's arms and hold it at the bicep. He doesn't haul Squall up so much as hold Squall in place with surprising strength.

The glider below them busts into a swarm of faintly tickling, warm and bubbly light which rises up and disperses into him. It's practiced, him stepping into place as it vanishes, but he knows it may be a surprise to Squall.

Which is why he's keeping Squall steady with an arm.]

[innermonologues]

[ It's a good thing that Terra held onto him, because when the glider sort of disappeared from under them he felt himself almost stumble over. ]

..!

[ How did Terra do this and make it look so easy?! ]

[darkearth]

[Don't worry. Terra's got you, bro. He makes sure Squall doesn't end up face-first on the ground, steady, and only then does he let go.]

Sorry. I should have warned you first. Are you okay?

[innermonologues]

[ Squall appreciates not being left to be face first in the dirt. ]

I don't say this often, but that was honestly kind of awesome.

[darkearth]

Thanks. [Terra is at least appreciative of the praise.] Once you're able to wield a keyblade, you'll be able to practice what you can do, too.

[innermonologues]

Don't count your chickabos before they hatch, Terra.

[ Squall leans in to give him a light elbow back, just like he had done earlier. ]

[darkearth]

[Terra accepts the elbow because it really doesn't do much for him. Well, Squall has kind of a bony elbow, but it's fine.]

I just believe you'll be able to do it.

[innermonologues]

[ Sorry, Terra. We can't all be built like a tank like some people are. ]

And I believe you're heart might even be able to compete with Sora's for "bright and shiny".

[ Squall snorts softly, a soft smile forming on his face. ]