X-23 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
cutting_edgex23) wrote2013-06-08 07:44 pm
cutting_edgex23) wrote2013-06-08 07:44 pm
When the stars threw down their spears
Norman agrees to take X, Elle, and Bruce up to the mountains, though he does sniff disdainfully when Thor decides to fly himself.
The trip itself is cold and breezy, because it is made in dragon claws, and they do not offer all that much protection against the elements. Still, it is not raining. That would make this even more difficult than it will be already.
Norman -- in consultation with the others -- eventually sets them down on a flattish outcropping of stones, then takes himself and Bruce to perch on a separate, nearby rock.
It gives them the best view.
X, in the meantime, gives Elle a small bottle of trigger scent, then goes to stand by Thor and wait.
She is tense as piano wire.
The scent of fear is heavy in the air.
The trip itself is cold and breezy, because it is made in dragon claws, and they do not offer all that much protection against the elements. Still, it is not raining. That would make this even more difficult than it will be already.
Norman -- in consultation with the others -- eventually sets them down on a flattish outcropping of stones, then takes himself and Bruce to perch on a separate, nearby rock.
It gives them the best view.
X, in the meantime, gives Elle a small bottle of trigger scent, then goes to stand by Thor and wait.
She is tense as piano wire.
The scent of fear is heavy in the air.
no subject
It's the only selfish motion she's allowed herself since they began.
And though she doesn't show it, not in her face or the pressure of her hands, she's starting to wish X would just let go of her.
no subject
Some things are easier that way.
Eventually, however, she lets go of one of Elle's hands. X drops her own newly-freed hand against the ground and uses it to start levering herself to her feet.
Slowly. Carefully. Attempting to take both Bruce and Elle with her, if they are willing, not least because she is slightly concerned about falling down, otherwise. Every one of her muscles aches with exhaustion, even though none of them should.
It is -- strange.
The scar on the palm of her left hand is burning.
"We can -- go? Now."
X cannot make herself say 'please'. Not this time.
no subject
God, yes.
He supports her all the way up, and tries not to dwell on how wrong it is to see her in this state.
'Can you walk?'
no subject
Her eyes stay down, though now it's because she's watching how steady the other woman's footing is on the ground.
no subject
(Not that she has ever really let it go. She can't. It is not safe.)
"I can. I -- "
She raises her head a little to look at Thor and Norman, though she makes no move to break contact with either Elle or Bruce.
Not until they are safely away. If then.
"I will be okay."
This is, in its own way, another kind of promise. But her steps remain mostly unwavering as they make their way to the dragon and Thor, and home.
"Thank you."