[Video]

[bound_skyward]

[Kain is still a little pale and sick-looking, but... he's alive.]

I've returned from true death twice now. I wonder whether this makes my luck better than average... or far worse.

[Worse for the dying in the first place, but better because... well, twice now he's faced what he thought was an eternal end for him, and come back both times. Kain pauses for a moment, gathering his thoughts. Going through death again reminds him though, of an important thing about what he saw.]

That dragon in the dream... I've encountered it before. All of Cosmos' warriors would have at the end of every cycle, whether they recall it or not. Its significance cannot be underestimated.

Comments

[bound_skyward]

Nor I. For someone like me... that was the worst possible death.

[Sure, he sort of went down fighting, but even that was a useless, futile struggle and not the great battle a true warrior should go out in. Kain shudders a little and holds her.]

...and I'm... deeply sorry that you had to face him.

[He's fought so hard to contain his darkness, and having it attack his friends was the last thing he wanted. And since Dark Kain IS technically part of him, he recalls all that happened in that battle, from his perspective.]

[proofofthebond]

[Terra shudders, not having enjoyed that encounter at all. Still, her voice is even as she meets his gaze.]

That's what it took to free you, so I don't regret it. I would do it again, if need be. You didn't really think I would just leave you there, did you?

[bound_skyward]

I knew you wouldn't. I wasn't fully in my right mind at first, but... deep inside I knew. That was why I... was trying to communicate to you, when I was stuck in there. You must have heard me somehow?

[proofofthebond]

[She nods, reaching up to smooth his hair back.]

I did, in a dream. I wasn't the only one, though. That's why the Warrior of Light and Porom were with me.

[bound_skyward]

It came to you as a dream...? Well... I'm glad. I'm glad you had them there to help you, as well.

[He knows Terra is strong, but taking on his Dark Self alone wouldn't be advisable.]

[proofofthebond]

Me, too. I owe them a lot, even if they don't think so.

[She sighs contentedly, truly relaxed for the first time in a while.]

...but I'll figure out a way to make it up to them, later. Right now, I just want you.

[bound_skyward]

I owe them even more.

[Kain hugs her more and leans over to kiss her.]

I'm here. I won't leave you. I promise. I love you, Terra...

[proofofthebond]

[That's all she needs to hear. Terra smiles, kissing back.]

I love you, too.

Rest, alright? I'm not going anywhere and we won't be bothered.

[bound_skyward]

Right... as long as you're here, I should be able to rest easy...

[He does still feel pretty worn down, but at least he's in better shape than he once was.]

[proofofthebond]

[Terra squeezes him -very gently- then settles in with a soft sigh.]

No more dreams...just sleep.

[bound_skyward]

[Kain cuddles her close. He's reluctant to sleep, mostly because he's trying to readjust to aliveness again, but he realizes he'd better not push it this time. He needs to recover. So Kain closes his eyes and starts drifting.]