winds_voice | 16 - [Accidental Video/Action]

[Eley wasn't happy.

Not only had he been subjected to an experiment that had forced him to relive an experience he was trying to forget, the recent post from the Malnosso had riled him up even more. So they did it then... they used that weapon. And all he did was sit back and let them.

The Spirit was finding that he was being pushed more and more to his limits lately. That yes, perhaps he was becoming more emotionally invested in things than he should. The truth was, he was sick of being trapped in this bubble with no way out and of being stuck in a world he barely understood. He couldn't go after them... he couldn't do anything. Even if he did somehow break free, he had no idea what he would do or what it would accomplish.

Eley was angry and frustrated and seemed to be losing grip on his emotions again even after returning to his otherwise normal state here. Of course, throwing his journal in his frustration had only caused a feed to record without his knowledge as it smacked against a rock. There isn't much to see, just a lot of dusty rocks at a slanted angle and a blue patch of sky. You can probably tell it's in the mountains at least.

...but it's what can be heard that's likely more worrying. There's a large crashing sound followed by the incessant tumbling of several small fragments of rock clattering to the ground. The image of the feed becomes obscured by dust, and then everything falls silent.]

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[What they talked about... Eley has to take a moment to remember exactly what was said. There was no doubt in his mind that he trusted Tsuzuki even after recent events. His loyalty to his friends hadn't changed. He was willing to protect him if needed.

The Spirit gives a nod.]

I do not regret anything I said back then. Is there... something I can do for you?

No, I'm fine. But...

Maybe we should practice the summoning part. I have never summoned a spirit from another world before.

Ah, of course. [Although Eley might appear a little nervous himself now. Not that he didn't want to do this, especially if it may be a faster way to go to his aid but...]

I have never been summoned before either. People usually come to me. They will call for me, yes, but I have never been physically summoned to their side before. It is my choice whether or not I appear.

[Now he has to be brave though and test this out with Tsuzuki. At least it was something else to occupy his mind.]

Do you have any ideas?

It doesn't hurt.

[It's the first thing he thinks of to reassure him. His own shikigami had never said it did, in any case.]

And I promise, I will never summon you unless I really need you. I know you prefer to have a choice.

[Eley knows that Tsuzuki would never make a promise with him if he didn't intend to keep it. He honestly hoped it wouldn't hurt either... with his body in a different state here, anything could happen.

And so the Spirit pushes himself to his feet, trying to dust himself off as best as he can, his wings flicking away the grime as well. He really had made a mess here.]

Very well. Then tell me what I must do.

I don't know exactly.

[He may even sound a bit guilty when he admits that. As he cleared his throat, he turned fully to the spirit. This was something he took pride in, which showed easily in his eyes.]

I think the trick is to simply let yourself be pulled towards me. The spell I use should make it easier for you.

[All right... let himself be pulled. It sounded simple enough to just... allow something to happen and not to resist it, but really Eley knew this was a matter of trust. He had to know that no harm would come to him if Tsuzuki summoned him and that it was all right to give in. If he had any doubts then he was sure things wouldn't go quite according to plan.

It... might take a little getting used to. But the Spirit was willing to try nonetheless.]

Well... this is why we practice yes? Do your best and I will do my best to follow you.

Alright, just a second.

[Tsuzuki got up from his seat, intent on getting some distance between them. He didn't go further than five meters, but it was still enough. He looked back to ELeytheria, his facial features suddenly much more serious.]

It might help if you close your eyes. Just the first time.

[Eley waits as Tsuzuki makes some distance between them. At first he's a little alarmed about closing his eyes as well... doing so would make him very vulnerable. This really was an exercise in trust.

But... after a moment of steeling himself for what was to come, Eley closes his eyes and gives a nod.]

I am ready when you are.

Good.

[When Tsuzuki suggested that he keep his eyes closed, it wasn't to inspire fear. It was because he thought that Eley would be able to hear his call more easily if he did.]

[Clasping his hands together in front of him, trapping a fuda between them, he quietly chanted the familiar prayer to call for gods. It's a command and a plea at once, reaching out to touch hearts. The core of the prayer was not to take strength from Eleytheria's spiritual power, but to let Eley take strength in Tsuzuki's belief in him. That was their link.]

[Opening his purple eyes, Tsuzuki suddenly called out.]

Come, Eleytheria!

[Eley listened to the prayer, to his words, trying to concentrate on what he was hearing in the hope it might generate a more successful summoning in the end.

And he was sure it would work, really he was... at least until his thoughts started wandering, questioning things he knew he shouldn't be...

...and then he heard Tsuzuki call his name and waited for that pulling sensation he was expecting.

Nothing happened.

Eley opened his eyes, feeling a little embarrassed.]

I am sorry... perhaps I did something wrong.

I's okay. Maybe we just need to practice a bit more.

Want to have your eyes open this time?

[Being able to focus on Tsuzuki might help to curb those invasive thoughts, Eley hopes. At least for the first time. Obviously if they were going to make use of this, Eley wouldn't be able to see his friends before it happens.

He gives a nod.]

Let us attempt it this way. I will try to be more open to it now that I know what to expect.

16 - [Accidental Video/Action]

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