In the woods with no one around...

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

[The forest is dense enough to inhibit light, leaving a dappled pattern of shadow on the ground as the thin sun filters through the leaves. There are no obvious landmarks, but Mercury walks purposefully, as if she knows the way.

For all her bravado, the distant sound of a waterfall grows no closer; and when she comes to a small pile of rocks, she stops short.

She was here just a moment ago.

Cautiously now, Mercury keeps a wary eye on her surroundings and stays alert to every noise and rustle. To be sure of herself, she slips off one glove and lays it beside the rocks.

Straightening, the senshi moves forward again. But although she seems to make progress, ultimately she finds herself back at the pile yet again - and the glove remains exactly where she left it. She is lost.

Or trapped.]

Comments

[helpmeguideit]

I feel safe here. I'm not being foolish, but there is no danger here right now. Just me and you.

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

Realize your situation. We have no exit for the time being.

[He may think of that as simply as puzzle to be solved; she sees it as that and more: as a danger.]

[helpmeguideit]

[ And he does, he's comfortable in the mind. More-so than anywhere else. ]

For the time being.

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

[Despite her complaints, despite herself, his comfortableness is reassuring.]

Then let's solve the puzzle first.

[Finally, she prepares herself to be ready to act instead of giving up, giving up being unthinkable to her anywhere but this place.]

[helpmeguideit]

[ Nods. ] Let's solve it.

[ He stays nearby, but his eyes are darting around and taking in the environment. He's staying mentally in tune. ]

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

[She pauses. She should use the advantages given to her, as always.]

Can you tell if there's someone nearby?

[She says 'someone', leaving Charles to figure out for himself that if they're being pursued, the minds behind their pursuers won't be human.]

[helpmeguideit]

[ He lets a finger rest on his forehead briefly as he moves around. He shakes his head. ]

I think you're stuck with just me.

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

Good. [Whether she's simply answering it practically, preferring not to be pursued by enemies, or whether she's grateful for company, is left unspecified.]

Then the exit should be near the entrance point. However, where was that? [As the dream mutes time, it's hard to recall just when she found herself here.]

[helpmeguideit]

You can't really tell in a dream.

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

It still exists. And I won't sit here to wait to be attacked. [Anymore. She's going to find the strength to walk out of here if she has to.]

[helpmeguideit]

Not what I'm suggesting, Ami.

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

[Everything about him invites her to smile; as tired as she is, as serious as she knows their situation to be.

She doesn't quite smile, but she seems to relax a little.]

We'll leave before that. Hurry up, or I'll consider leaving you behind.

[helpmeguideit]

[ Keeps up with her easily. ]

You wouldn't.

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

[You're not supposed to know that, not supposed to realize that, Charles.]

Says who?

[helpmeguideit]

I just don't think you would.

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

If you want it to be true, keep up for yourself.

[helpmeguideit]

I have legs and can move quickly with them. I can keep up without a problem.

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

[She actually grins at that, quick and sly.]

Then let's go!

[She's off at a startlingly quick pace, heading through the trees as though she knows she way. Of course, she does: The waterfall should be this direction.]

[helpmeguideit]

[ He keeps up, speed-walking and if need be - jogging to stay near Ami. He follows her, staying close so that he doesn't get lost or left behind. ]

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

[She's quick; but not so much that she can't be paced, right now. She thinks to ask it as they go:]

Can you fight?

[helpmeguideit]

...Can I? Yes. I can.

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

Good. Because, you may have to here. [But not humans; she doubts they'll meet another human at all. This forest, however, is often home to youma, monsters.]

[helpmeguideit]

...Oh, well, then. [ He could at least make himself disappear, if needed. ]

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

Don't worry. Anything here is weak next to me. [Boasting. She does a lot of it now that she's getting her balance back.]

[helpmeguideit]

I'm not worried, I can disappear.