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Who: Rydia and Kain
What: Checking on the broody Dragoon
When: Afternoonish
Where: Somewhere in the mountains
Rating: TBA (though likely not very high)

Aside from that snake incident, Rydia hadn't heard much from Kain and since putting her plans into motion for acquiring a house, had seen him even less. This didn't sit well with her, at all. Since she had told him to expect her if they hadn't seen each other face-to-face in too long, the young woman felt thoroughly justified in searching for him again.

Of course, there was really only one place where he could reliably be. That room in community housing wasn't it; Rydia doubted he spent any time there other than to crash, and probably not even that at times. The mountains, on the other hand, had given her the best luck in the past, so she headed for them, after packing enough for a picnic. She might as well share the town's bounty, since who knows what passed as edible in the mountains.

It didn't take her too long to reach her goal, and she wandered along the winding path, keeping an eye out for that distinctive armor.

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The dragoon was indeed spending his time alone in the mountains again. Ever since waking up with a bed full of snakes, he'd determined that he needed to spend even less time in the building.

He was in between training sessions and not doing much at current, just staring off into the distance in thought. He still had much to overcome. The Malnosso's experiments had made things worse as far as he was concerned. Each one seemed to be even more horrible than the last. Along with that, he wasn't exactly doing well with his so-called penance... He'd antagonized Seifer and Rubicante, and naturally Valvalis... then there was that conflict with Cecil. Regardless of his mental state at the time, he still held himself accountable for his actions.

Glancing at his journal with a frown, he wondered if perhaps he'd be better off ridding himself of it. The less communication he had, the better.

Continuing up the slope, Rydia shaded her eyes from the sun and peered around. It wasn't until a few moments later that she caught sight of a familiar figure ahead. Of course, his spot was at an elevation higher than that which she had reached already. Dragoons.

Pacing herself, Rydia nonetheless managed to ascend without much difficulty. She headed over, then set down the basket as she sat down beside him unceremoniously. "That journal won't work for you if you just stare at it, you know. You actually have to say or write something." Her lips quirked a little, but there was a seriousness in her gaze that belied her playful tone. He wasn't allowed to be incommunicado forever.

Kain glanced at her, sighing when he realized why she was likely there. She had warned him a while back, after all. He wouldn't be able to avoid her for too long. He glanced back at the journal.

"I was contemplating throwing it into the lake. Although perhaps there's a more satisfying means of destroying it..."

Rydia eyed the journal, though shook her head at Kain's idea. "You might find one, but it would still be impractical. Even if you don't want to use it to communicate often, it's still better to be aware of what's going on. People who don't pay attention often end up having it the worst around here and at this point, you don't need more on your shoulders."

Kain wasn't particularly convinced, although he didn't argue the matter further. There was practicality, but then there was the fact that it had caused more harm than good in his opinion. Without it, he may have avoided Cecil and not caused that fight...

But he'd put off tossing out the journal for the time being. Setting it aside for the moment, he glanced toward Rydia. "What brings you out here?"

The Summoner knew better than to assume that silence meant agreement, but she hoped that Kain was at least considering what she said. Sometimes, it was hard to tell if that was the case. At least he hadn't thrown it down the side of the mountain and that was something.

Rydia raised an eyebrow at his question. "You, of course. I told you I'd keep visiting if you didn't move in with us, or were silent for too long. Besides, I was planning to have lunch with a view and some company, so why not combine those ideas?"

So it was as he'd figured. He still wasn't entirely sure how he felt about that. She shouldn't feel obligated on his behalf, nor was he the first choice anyone should come to for company. Her brief mention of them moving in together did catch his interest.

"...so... You've all finished moving in? Is that working out well for everyone?"

Kain had sudden thoughts of a certain happily wedded couple and felt a wave of unwanted jealousy. Surely they were getting on perfectly, enjoying one another's company... Bleh. He'd best not pursue these thoughts too far. Of course he wanted the best for them, they were his friends but...

Sigh.

Pfft, Kain was no obligation. Rydia didn't go out of her way to deal with people she didn't like, not in this manner. Perhaps Kain would understand that one day, but it wasn't required, nor was she expecting that to happen.

She nodded at his question, getting up to spread out the blanket -because it was nicer than sitting on the ground. "It's not as though we've accumulated that many possessions of our own here, so moving was easy. So far, it's working out fine. Aside from the usual suspects, there's Ashe and Vivi. Ashe wanted housemates that were actually around, and Vivi...well, he's a child that arrived not too long ago. I didn't think he should be all alone."

That sigh didn't escape her attention. Guessing the reason for it wasn't difficult, and though she had some sympathy for him, that wasn't excuse enough in her mind for Kain to neglect people. "I'm sure they would like to see you, Kain. Living with them every day, I can understand, but...at least think about visiting for a little while, here and there?"

Half listening to talk of the new people, Kain realized how out of touch with everyone he was becoming. Not that it should, or would normally bother him... except that he was supposed to be far removed from all of them. Out of sight did wonders for out of mind. Not that he could or would ever forget them. But he could distance himself from the guilt that arose every time he spoke to them. Guilt and ...feelings which should not exist.

He didn't know how much Rydia actually had believed of him backtracking about his love confession, but wasn't going to bring that part up. There was a lot more to it, anyway. Especially now.

"It seems you're all content with the arrangements, anyway. Good for you." He shrugged. "I know they're happy together. I won't ruin it by stirring up unwanted feelings. After the last experiment... it's better this way."

Rydia didn't believe Kain at all when it came to renouncing that confession, but aside from one comment, she hadn't specifically mentioned it. Nor had she referred to the experiment which had taken away Kain's ability to keep his thoughts to himself, thus prompting that confession in the first place. There was little point in doing so when it was likely to cause more harm than good.

She shook her head, doubtful. "Easier, not better. But don't worry, I didn't come here to hammer that into your head repeatedly. I just wanted to see how you were doing since then...snakes aside."

That was a relief. Kain didn't want a lecture or any talk on how he "should" do things, or anything of that nature. They'd talked enough all those months ago to fill a whole year. Maybe even more than that. He groaned and then frowned at the comment about the snakes.

"I've been fine. Really. ...Snakes aside. It was pathetic of him, but I probably should have expected it." Kain's opinion of Seifer just kept getting worse as time went on and the other did things like that to bother him.

While Kain spoke, Rydia opened the basket and began to withdraw items. Sandwiches, fruit, tea, some other things she remembered Kain preferring...or at least not detesting, which as far as his enthusiasm seemed to go, sometimes. Trekking from the town to the middle of nowhere in the mountains had earned her an appetite.

"Do I even want to know how that--oh. His poisoning escapade earlier. If he does that again, he deserves to be taunted." She shook her head, giving people some benefit of the doubt but not possessing infinite patience. Repeatedly going against common sense was a good way to get on her bad side, no that Seifer was there yet.

"He deserves even worse." Kain couldn't tolerate Seifer's behavior, and was far beyond the point where he could even try. He frowned deeply on thinking of him. Kain would stay away from him, but that didn't mean he wouldn't call him on his stupidity when he felt it necessary. Besides, now that Seifer had done this to him with the snakes, he needed to get him back. It was an unending cycle of revenge.

Kain watched as Rydia started taking things out. He had to admit, it all looked more appealing than hunting and foraging. While he'd brought food out here himself initially, his supply had dwindled over time. He supposed he couldn't be annoyed with Rydia for invading his solitude... not that it was quite an invasion with her. "...Thank you, for bringing this."

"Just don't let it spread beyond you two." As long as the cycle of hatred was confined to the guilty parties, Rydia could turn a deaf ear while rolling her eyes at their stubbornness. But no one else should be harmed by their mischief, and if that happened both would be confronted with a very angry summoner.

Rydia smiled at the thanks, emptying the basket. There was plenty, more than either of them needed, but that wasn't a miscalculation on her part. "You're welcome, Kain. I remember well that hunting and foraging does get old, after a while. A little break never hurt."

"It's between us, there's no reason to involve others." Kain preferred to keep any of his conflicts that way. If they were personal, it was he himself who would handle them. Besides, in some respect he also welcomed the challenge that Seifer provided, a new opponent to conquer. He could fight him without the guilt that came about from fighting Cecil.

He nodded at the rest of what she said and begin to reach for one of the sandwiches. "I guess I've been out here somewhat longer than I'd anticipated."

Reaching over, Rydia snagged the tea and poured some for both of them. "I guess it's easy to lose track of time when out training alone. How long were you planning? If you were waiting for the next experiment-storm to die down...it's actually been pretty quiet lately." She kept her tone even and conversational, not at all trying to pressure him into returning.

Taking a cup after she'd filled it, Kain looked skeptical. "It never stays quiet for long. I don't believe it." Then he was quiet a moment, as he ate and drank some. He didn't get any feeling that she was here to drag him back. At least, he certainly hoped not. "I... actually... that's a good question. I'm not sure how long I want to stay out here this time. I think it may end up being somewhat longer than usual..."

"I'll still enjoy it while it lasts." Rydia fell silent for a moment, sampling some of the food she'd brought with her. She was content to be the one to listen, even though Kain's answer wasn't exactly what she had hoped. At that, she raised an eyebrow. "I suppose it makes sense to take advantage of the weather while it's like this...."

Yes, she did sound rather resigned to the fact that they might be here long enough to see winter again. Not that it prevented her from trying to find a way out, but the Malnosso seemed to have a keen interest in them and their friends. It wasn't likely they were going to be released anytime soon.

"...you might be right, anyway. New people keep coming; either the cycle's changed, or it's broken. That can't mean anything good for us."

It probably wouldn't last long. It never did. Kain was unsurprised by the implication that they might be here for a while yet to come. Perhaps months or years... He didn't like to think of it for his friends' sake, and hoped that the Malnosso could spare them eventually. They deserved better. It didn't matter if he was left here by himself repenting...

He continued to eat, thinking over the strangeness with the cycle. "They rarely make mistakes. There must be a reason for it. We may be in for wore than before... if that's possible."

Rydia sighed, setting down her tea and nibbling on an apple. "...I hate to say it, but I'm suspecting that too. To deviate from their schedule and start kidnapping full-time...they've either lost all restraint or must be anticipating the start of something new and awful."

She frowned, uncertain what could be worse than what's happened to them already. Emotional and physical manipulation, denial of free will, turning them into that which they hate most...all were repulsive enough. Perhaps if they were to kidnap people constantly, the experiments might become constant, as well? She shuddered. "If that is possible, you might see me in the mountains soon enough again. I want to do all I can to help those in town, but there come times when remaining causes more harm than good."

They were unnerving thoughts, but realistic given their situation. Kain sighed. They were doomed to face whatever affected them next. He didn't know how it could get any worse... but was convinced that their captors would find a way.

"At least you agree with my tactic of keeping distance." Though he'd certainly help if something needed to be fought... he couldn't do anything against manipulation like they'd dealt with. He still regretted the things he'd said under those influences. "The less harm that happens, the better. Especially after the last experiment... I know it's far better to stay away."

Rydia shrugged; toning down her stance on Kain's habits didn't mean she was going to endorse them wholeheartedly. "I agree with it sometimes. I'm still trying my best to forget certain things, too, and hoping others have. During the nastier experiments, especially those that mess with our minds...maintaining a low profile is sometimes the only thing you can do. But when it's not about that, we might need your help. I still trust you more than I do the vast majority these people."

Kain shrugged, picking at his food a little. "I hope for your sake that your trust isn't misplaced." He knew it was futile to argue that issue too much, but he wasn't changing his mind any more than she would. "Should my spear be needed, I won't hesitate to help. It's the only assistance I can provide."

Shifting her weight a little so she sits cross-legged, Rydia settles her plate on her lap and munches on a sandwich while listening. She clears her throat and manages a half-smile at that. "It'd be almost refreshing if we had such obstacles that could be easily defeated by spells or weapons, wouldn't it? Better than attempting to fight something as intangible as persistent music or whatnot."

Nodding, Kain considered that for a moment. "It would be. At least ...most... of the obstacles we faced at home could be conquered in a real battle." Aside from a certain enemy who could invade the mind...and probably his very own darkness. Everything else was a straightforward monster or enemy who he could stab and be rid of. "What I wouldn't give for a chance to face the Malnosso in open combat..."

Wistfully, Rydia nodded. She would much prefer a direct battle to this prisoner nonsense. "Edge still thinks we can lure them out. I'm all for trying, but I don't think it will be easy. If they could be so easily lured, I'm sure it would have happened by now. But there could still be a way to do it, maybe."

"It's better than awaiting the inevitable. Otherwise, the cycle of torture will just keep repeating itself... or if it does end on their terms, it won't end well for us." Looking on the dark side of things was something he could always be counted on to do readily enough. But it was the reality of the situation. Kain finished off the last of his tea, setting the cup down. "I'm not sure how we might lure them, but if an idea ever arises..."

"...then we should take it." Rydia finished and nodded, in complete agreement. Neither of them were comfortable with passivity and the summoner was certain there were at least a few others who felt the same way. She picked up her apple again. "Well, at least we know the barrier isn't impenetrable. It caused so much trouble not too long ago, and they definitely didn't plan for that. If we only knew how that happened...."

"If we knew how it happened, we could turn it to our advantage. We could set up an attack and finally make them face us in a real battle." Kain thought back to that occurrence. He longed to again feel that power over the wind. Disturbingly enough, he considered the entire situation the only good thing he'd experienced here. It may have been hard on others, but aside from the strength of the wind, he'd finally felt he had a purpose, a goal to set his mind to in helping their defense. Maybe this place wouldn't be so torturous if the enemy could be fought face to face...

Rydia nodded. She settled back after draining her tea and stared at the sky, wistfully. "The power of the local spirits would be turned against them, which would be a very good start. I wonder if our command of the elements would have been greater, if there had been more damage." That thought was intriguing but Rydia couldn't help but be more interested in the idea of flying again. It wasn't an easy adjustment, being denied that.

Kain followed her gaze. At least the sky wasn't entirely taken away from him. As long as he had his jump ability, he held some connection... but he'd certainly like to regain that bond with the wind. "It's too bad the spirits themselves aren't more inclined to fight them. We could already be out of this mess if so." Although it wasn't so bad here sometimes, when he was in the mountains on his own. Too bad that peace was often broken by paranoia over what their captors might be up to.

Rydia shrugged. She had pondered that idea before, but somehow, she doubted it was a simple matter of refusal. "Maybe they can't. Their abilities could be curtailed, same as ours. As far as we know, they can't leave the barrier, so their fate is the same as ours. Teaching us what they know might be the best they can do. Have you spoken with any others, besides Kipinn?"

That would probably explain it, which made the situation all the more frustrating. They'd have a difficult task ahead in that case. It seemed like they didn't have much other choice but attempt. Kain shook his head in answer to her question. "I haven't. Though, I'm not as attuned to the other elements as you are."

Rydia finished her sandwich and poured more tea, then settled back. "Some of them won't speak to you unless you are, anyway. They're picky like that. I tried to get them to tell me more about this place and the people holding us here, but they only want to talk about their element. That's could be a spell, too...or just the way they are. I'm not sure." She shrugged. "...you're going to train more after this, right? Mind if I watch? I don't feel like heading back into town right away."

Kain had pretty much finished all he was going to eat. He sighed, thoughtful. "I wouldn't mind meeting the water spirit one day. There's a certain fiend who could do with a drenching." They had fought once, but who knew what further problems he'd have with Rubicante? It might be best to prepare someday... if he could. Unfortunately, Kain never had been adept at magic. He'd only picked up the wind one so fast due to his affinity. Though, maybe...

"If you'd like to stay while I train, I won't stop you." He hadn't expected her to want to remain for that, but it didn't bother him.

Rydia smiled at that, and the image Kain presented her with. "I think there's a chance Sona would teach you. Your temperament isn't all that different from hers, in some ways. It's worth exploring, some time." Since Kain seemed finished and she had eaten all she could, the summoner began to pack what was left over. The dragoon would have plenty of snack food for a while.

"I'll look into it, then, perhaps spend some time in the water." Even if it might take him a while to gain contact, Kain had plenty of time alone out here to attempt. Not that he intended to recklessly challenge Rubicante the very moment he learned, but he'd certainly not mind if a opportunity arose eventually...

As Rydia packed things up, Kain got up and stretched.

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