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

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

There should still be an exit. [But in the dream, is there? And where?]

Can you sense that sort of thing as well, or only other minds?

[helpmeguideit]

I'm a telepath. Minds only.

and he is so free to actually find it, too XD serve her right.

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

It's a pity. [But a useful ability nonetheless. Just not relevant at the moment.]

Then if you're so sure of finding a way out anyway, maybe you should lead? [A smirk.]

;D

[helpmeguideit]

Alright, I'll take the lead.

[ He moves off in a similar direction, but veers off to the left. ]

not -my- fault sometimes people need help ;)

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

[The words had been spoken in slight irritation; but she follows him without complaint. The same confines seem to be at play, but once they approach the closest point to the entrance, it may occur to him that it also serves as the exit.]

[helpmeguideit]

[ Charles points and looks without a word. He starts to walk towards the entrance. ]

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

[She can tell herself he doesn't know the forest - but perhaps that exactly what she needs: someone from outside, who can pull her out, who has a clearer view and perspective without being caught up in being inside.

So she follows him. For the time being.]

That space there. Do you see it? [The air seems to shimmer, barely noticeable; a portal.]

[helpmeguideit]

[ Charles stares at it for a few moments and nods. ]

I do, let's go.

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

[She takes a breath - something she finds it so easy to forget to do in the forest - and heads to the portal. She steps through it without fear; she knows where it should lead.

And indeed, she comes out in what could be a university building.]

[helpmeguideit]

Interesting.

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

However, I look a little out of place here, like this.

[She smiles slyly and, with the full expectation of enjoying his reaction, she releases her transformation in a dark blue aura, and Ami stands in Mercury's place.]

I want to fit in well, after all!

[helpmeguideit]

What is the fun of fitting in?

[ His tone is honest and sincere. He always tended to enjoy standing out in a crowd. ]

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

[A careless shrug.] For the time being, it's easier. I don't feel like a fight with someone chasing me while I have a guest!

[Truth? Who knows.]

[helpmeguideit]

A fight? In the middle of a dream?

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

[He'll understand the first time he wakes up dead: The pain is the same. She knows it, all the more acutely each time. To die is not new to her, whether in waking or dreaming.]

Don't you understand yet? People use traps for their prey. You've become the 'prey' by helping me. I'd move quicker, if you want to avoid that.

[helpmeguideit]

I'm not going to get into a fight with your subconscious, Ami.

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

Then let's go. [She moves quickly, faster than a normal human could hope to do while seeming so casual; but it's possible to keep up with rapid footsteps or a light jog.]

[helpmeguideit]

[ Charles keeps his pace steady but face to keep up with her the best that he possibly can. ]

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

[She doesn't let up until they're away from the building, across the campus, and out on a main road. The sound of traffic is remarkably loud here on the busy Juuban streets; the noise of the buses overpowers the other vehicles.]

I congratulate you!

[helpmeguideit]

What for? [ Gives her a curious look. ]

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

Making it through that forest isn't as easy as you think. You didn't do so bad, to get to the end.

You should wake up now.

[helpmeguideit]

Dreams never seem to last long.

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

[She answers with a question.]

Have you ever been trapped in one?

[It seems to be a theme in this mind: the forest trap, trapped in dreams.]

[helpmeguideit]

No.

[waterfell.livejournal.com]

There are people who can do that. I wonder if your powers would be a defense against them.