[ the chaos is unfolding in every direction - skyward; among those guarding the ceremony; among the torch bearer himself. Abel can barely keep track of the ever-evolving commotion and his sense of time is skewed with the majority of his attention focused solely on the way the flames have begun to lick over Himeka's skin. the panic is just as hot as the fire, the heat enough to blister and burn - and then...
and then, all at once -- there is a blessedly cool splash of water to douse the flames, the rise of smoke that follows briefly obscuring Abel's vision and sending his eyes stinging and watering. but he knows-- he knows their allies have managed to pierce the heart of Achamoth at long last, that they've been saved.
they're here. they're here, and the next ragged exhale Abel heaves is one of sincere and unbridled relief, the surge of gratitude and warmth enough to momentarily dissolve the pain and weariness and maddening worry. they're here, and Himeka...
...Himeka will surely be alright. everyone can finally return home together with one another at their backs. everything is... surely... going to be okay, right?
he doesn't have much in the way of eloquent greeting to offer as he lays eyes on Ryunosuke, and then Thoma off to his side - Abel isn't sure which of them is guarding their bodies from the heat and agonizing flames with the shimmering haze of bubbles and shields, but he's grateful. he's sincerely glad for all of it, and a tired but decidedly thankful smile tugs at his lips. ]
Oh... h-haha, well-- aren't you a sight for sore eyes?
[ his voice is hoarse and weary, and he and Himeka both must look an utter mess - but not a single soul can refute how much this means to them in this moment. ]
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and then, all at once -- there is a blessedly cool splash of water to
douse the flames, the rise of smoke that follows briefly obscuring Abel's vision and sending his eyes stinging and watering. but he knows-- he knows their allies have managed to pierce the heart of Achamoth at long last, that they've been saved.
they're here. they're here, and the next ragged exhale Abel heaves is one of sincere and unbridled relief, the surge of gratitude and warmth enough to momentarily dissolve the pain and weariness and maddening worry. they're here, and Himeka...
...Himeka will surely be alright. everyone can finally return home together with one another at their backs. everything is... surely... going to be okay, right?
he doesn't have much in the way of eloquent greeting to offer as he lays eyes on Ryunosuke, and then Thoma off to his side - Abel isn't sure which of them is guarding their bodies from the heat and agonizing flames with the shimmering haze of bubbles and shields, but he's grateful. he's sincerely glad for all of it, and a tired but decidedly thankful smile tugs at his lips. ]
Oh... h-haha, well-- aren't you a sight for sore eyes?
[ his voice is hoarse and weary, and he and Himeka both must look an utter mess - but not a single soul can refute how much this means to them in this moment. ]