"A place to rest? Alright, I can do that." Phantom nodded. He could rest on their bed for as long as he needed. They could find somewhere else to sleep if he slept for more than a day. "Well, it was still a very kind thing to do." They smiled slightly, then quickly stopped Nova from falling to the ground. "Nova?" Phantom called his name once but guessed that he would be asleep for a while. The man was almost half a foot taller than them, but Phantom was able to get him onto their bed with minimal struggles. They tried to make him comfortable, tucking a pillow under his head before walking out of their home. The first course of action was getting something to eat, and then they would change out of their bloodied clothes, and then… probably make sure the plant room was blocked off.
(Do we want to do a small time skip?)
(Yeah, maybe to when Nova wakes up again?)
(I think that can work. Do we want them to do something so they can get to know each other more?)
(Yeah, that would probably be a good plan. Do you have any ideas?)
(Hmm. Maybe Nova wants to explore the forest? Kinda see what Phantom sees?)
(Yeah, that sounds good! Do you want to start?)
(Yeah I can start! Just give me a little bit)
(Ack! I'm so sorry!)
Nova woke up a few days later, groggy and a bit confused. His felt rejuvenated, that was for sure, but extremely sore. His body ached everywhere. He let himself gather his surroundings and let his memories come back. He had wandered into the forest, found the creature… or Phantom… woman died- he was allowed to live… Phantom started bleeding. Okay- he was safe. He knew that much. He grunts and slowly sits up, grunting and supporting his head. He needed to stop over using his magic. If he used to much who knew if he'd be able to wake up again. He didn't know what time of day it was, but he guessed late in the afternoon.
(Oh, you're good!)
Phantom had spent the last few days going around their normal routine, minus the long walks through their forest they used to take. They had trusted Nova a lot, but leaving him alone in their home was still a little too much. They'd been able to get a lot of small tasks they hadn't had the time for yet, which was really nice. Phantom walked slowly down the steps, adjusting their grip on the basket once they'd reached the bottom. It was full of apples and pretty heavy, and they were still recovering. They maneuvered around the overgrown raspberry plants– they'd have to trim those after dropping off the apples– and headed towards their home. With only a few steps until the entrance, Phantom heard something from inside. Had Nova woken up? Their magic hadn't come back yet, unfortunately, so their veil was still missing. Well, it wasn't like he hadn't already seen their face. At this point, they really couldn't hide anything from him. Phantom pushed past the curtain and stepped into their home. Nova was sitting up on the bed against the wall, holding his head.
"You're awake," They said softly, picking up an apple and holding it out to him. "Do you want one?"
Nova felt pain rush through his head, his eyes shutting for a moment as he let himself breathe. Overused his magic, passed out for what he assumed was a few days, and wakes up with a splitting headache. Sounds about right. It happened all the time. He glances up, tensing slightly at the sound of footsteps but he instantly eased with the other popped in. He smiled a little at the sight of Phantom, which wouldn't really be expected. He was smiling at the most dangerous creature in the forest. Of course, Phantom had let him live, and from what he could remember, Nova wouldn't be meeting the cold hands of Death yet. He nods slowly, his body registering how hungry he was. He took the apple gratefully, biting into the sweet and crunchy skin. it was so good. He ate quietly before asking quietly. "How long was I asleep?"
Phantom nodded and set their basket of apples on the nearby table. While Nova was eating, they slowly unload the apples onto the table so their basket would be free for other things. "A few days. Not too long." They turned towards Nova, long hair swishing down their back. Phantom had gotten used to having Nova there, but asleep, so they honestly had no idea what to do. Should they give him another apple? Kick him out of the forest? They glanced at the ground, then held up their hand to check their magic. It should be coming back now, but instead of mist curling around their fingers, there was only a slight fizz. Phantom's mouth turned down slightly, eyebrows creasing. This was concerning, but at least they still had their weapons. They unconsciously grabbed their fan and snapped it open, covering half their face with it. "Are you feeling… better?" Phantom asked, peeking over the top of their fan.
Nova inhaled shakily. A few day's huh? He didn't want to think about it. He knew that the more he overused his abilities, the longer he would sleep. And if he ever over used his magic, it would mean that he could fall into a death like sleep. It scared him. He takes a deep breath and glances over at Phantom. He ran his hand through his hair and shrugged hopelessly. "I'll be better soon enough. I shouldn't be using to much magic however." he sighed deeply and leaned back for a moment. "Thank you for letting me stay here and rest." he murmured quietly. He was surprised that he was still alive.
"Oh. That's good." Phantom nodded slowly, still covering their face with the fan. "Do you need anything else?" They felt a bit guilty, since Nova had come into this state because he had been helping them. "It's the least I can do. You helped me. I'm just repaying." Phantom took a deep breath and lowered the fan slowly, snapping it shut but keeping it in their hand. This entire encounter was reminding them of the past, the one other time when they allowed someone to walk out of the woods unharmed. How long ago that had been! They still had Weightless Ruin back then. Phantom smiled slightly at the memory. That really had been the best sword, but they didn't regret giving it away. She had needed it more than them, anyway.
He shook his head slowly, "No, no. I don't… I don't think I need anything." He paused and tried to think. But he gave an exhausted yawn. "Uh… actually. Water… water… would be good." He murmured quietly. He noticed how the other seemed to be thinking. He slowly tries to stand, leaning against the wall. He stumbled slightly and leaned against the wall heavier. He took a deep breath and settled back down onto the floor. He took a deep breath and sighed softly. "S-sorry. I tend to be useless right about now." He murmured quietly. "I uh… Sorry I took your bed…." He tried to move again. "I really… I shouldn't be bothering you." He felt guilt swallow him. He had passed out, taken Phantoms bed, and he had probably overstayed his welcome. Phantom was probably tired of him. Everyone got tired of him eventually.
"Water? I can do that." Phantom nodded, moving towards the door, turning back when they saw Nova trying to stand. "Careful." They sighed. "It's fine, Nova. You helped me. Now I'm helping you. It's only fair." They took a few steps towards the door, then turned around again. "I haven't had guests in a very long time. It's refreshing. Now stay there. I'll get you some water." Phantom gave him a soft smile and headed out of the room, going towards the well situated near the entrance to their home. As they pulled up the water, they reflected on Nova. He had looked rather guilty, though they really didn't know why. He hadn't done anything bad to them or to their forest, and fully deserved to have a nice rest.
He nods in thanks as he watched the other, his eyes shutting tightly for a moment before he nods slowly. "I promise I'm okay… Just… really weak." Magic usually took a toll on his body if he used so much of it. He nods at the others words, before hesitating. It was nice that he was allowed to stay, since he wasn't really wanted in the village. He took a deep breath and settled back into the bed, staring the the ceiling. He rubbed at his head, feeling that aching in the back of his mind. He needed to relax. Needed to rest. But wouldn't the other get tired of him? After all, he was weak and he was taking up the others home… He shut his eyes and quieted his thoughts. He just needed to clear his mind.
Phantom filled a handmade cup with water from the bucket and headed back into the room. Nova was laid out again, eyes closed. He must have fallen asleep again. Using his magic really must have drained him. They crossed over to the bed and quietly placed the cup onto the small side table next to the bed. They considered waking him up, but decided against it. He needed his sleep. Phantom turned and headed back towards the door. It was time to trim the bushes outside. They were getting quite tired of their clothes snagging on them every time they passed.
Nova twitched when the other came back into the room, but didn't really wake up from his snooze. He was indeed exhausted, however it wasn't good that he was falling asleep again. At some point, later on in the day, he forced himself to wake up. As much as it felt good to get some sleep in, too much would probably end up killing him. He needed to drink some water and get some food. He slowly sat up… well at least the headache was gone. He grunts before slowly grabbing the water beside him that Phantom had left for him. He uses a tiny bit of magic to make the water colder. Well… it was good that it didn't make him tired.
Phantom checked in on Nova every once in a while, but found him asleep every time. They did get all the bushes trimmed, though. Phantom carried the last of the stray branches up the stairs and dumped them into the pile they were making under one of the apple trees. Phantom checked their magic again, delighted to find that it was mostly all back. To check, Phantom caused thick fog to descend over the entire forest. They slipped through the fog, appearing in several of their favorite spots in the forest before finally appearing on the path leading to their home. They headed into their house to find Nova awake and sitting up.
"You're awake. Do you need anything?" They asked, waving their hand to dismiss the fog around their house.
(I'm so sorry about not being active ;-; I promise I am. However with the holidays I haven't had much free time. I'll reply once the holidays are over.)
(That's totally fine! I understand. :)
(I'm finally back!)
Nova carefully tested his magic before inhaling shakily, giving a relieved sigh when he felt the magic didn't hurt him and it didn't take any of his magic. He did his best to clean up in the house, a silent thank you to Phantom. He was so grateful that the other had let him rest, of course he didn't really understand why Phantom hadn't killed him yet. But he supposed he should be grateful. He jumped in his sitting position a little when Phantom entered, smiling in agreement. "I don't think I need anything… perhaps a bit more water… but I'm okay either way. Thank you for letting me rest. I apologize for commandeering your bed." He chuckles and slowly stands up again, stretching. He felt a little blood rush to his head and he stumbled but he easily straightened himself out.
(Ooh, yay! Welcome back!)
Phantom nodded slightly. It occurred to them at that moment that they could make another veil appear, but it was too late to do that now. Besides, Nova had already seen them, so it really didn't matter anymore. "It's alright, I don't really need it anyways." They gave him a soft smile. It really was true– Phantom technically didn't need to sleep, but there was only so much they could do in a day. It was more a way to pass time than anything. "Oh, are you okay?" Phantom took a quick step towards Nova, hands outstretched to catch him. When the man didn't fall, they quickly stopped and withdrew their hands. "Ah… If you want to leave now, I only ask that you don't tell anyone you were able to come out of here." Phantom gave him a slightly pleading look. If Nova went out there and told everyone about his adventures, then so many more people would come into their woods and they would be quite busy.
Nova glanced over himself, noting that he looked like a mess. He wasn't really bothered to see Phantom without a mask. He wasn't really concerned about appearances in the first place. He sighed deeply and nods slowly, "Still, it was rather rude of me to suddenly crash at your place and pass out for a few days." He shrugged a little. He didn't really want to upset the person that had so kindly let him stay here… as well as stay alive. He offers a hesitant smile and nods slowly. "Yes… I think I'm okay… a bit dizzy but nothing to hectic." He assures quietly. He paused when Phantom offered to let him leave. He hummed and shook his head. "You have my word, I won't say anything… But… I would like to visit every once and a while? The forest is so beautiful… and you're very kind." He smiled and relaxed once again.
"Well, it wasn't your fault. You helped me, so it was the least I could do." Phantom said, trying to reassure Nova that it was fine. "Ah, that's good." They nodded. "Sit down if you feel dizzy. It wouldn't be good if you fell over and got hurt again." Phantom gestured towards the bed, another soft smile appearing on their face. "Thank you." They nodded, letting out a small breath. That was one less thing to worry about, at least. "Visit?" Phantom paused, thinking about that idea. They wouldn't be opposed to it, not really. It was just… what if people saw him entering the forest? "Ah… alright." Phantom finally nodded. "But make sure no one sees you come in." They frowned, then held out their hand. A small pearl-like object appeared in their palm. A silver chain was attached to it, pooling around the white sphere. "And wear this." They offered the pearl to Nova. "It will let me know that you're allowed to be in here. That way you can wander around unbothered."
Nova nods slowly and smiles softly before following the instructions he was given. He settles down onto the bed, taking a breather and trying oh so desperately to clear his head. "Probably not." He laughed gently. "Falling on my face does sound rather painful." He nods slowly at the others words. "My lips are sealed. No one will know anything." He chuckles softly. He smiled, his eyes brightening when he was given permission to enter the forest. "No one will. I can easily use magic to hide myself." He shrugged a little bit before looking down at Phantom's hand. He paused before gently taking the necklace. He nods and wraps it around his neck. "I won't lose it, I promise." He chuckles before glancing at Phantom. His eyes turned kind and and smiles in content. "Thank you for letting me stay here. And thank you for everything you've done for me." He murmured quietly, a look of awe and reverence crossing over his expression.
"Good." They nodded. "You're… welcome." Phantom stared at Nova, a bit surprised. They hadn't had anyone thank them, or look at them like that for so long. It felt a bit wrong, but so nice at the same time. They'd gotten used to being feared, but the odd kind look was still appreciated. And definitely not something they got very often. "Um… tell me when you want to leave, and I'll guide out out of the forest. It can be a maze, even without my meddling." They paused, nodded, and gave him a little smile, not really sure what to do with themself now. All this thanking was making them a little flustered.
He nods and smiles at the other, "I really appreciate being able to come here." he murmured quietly. "If it's okay though… uhm… once my dizziness is over, may I explore the forest a little more?" He asks, his voice steadier now. He definitely felt better. At the smile that Phantom gave him, he smiled even more. He was so glad he had decided to come, and his word was his bond. No one would know of his little adventure. Only he would know what went down in this forest. That didn't bother him in the slightest he realized.
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