WAR ♞ MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU

[boardmaster]

MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU
20 AUGUST (GLADIA) 2016

The quiet, seemingly unremarkable town of Friedgood doesn't seem like a prime target for a Noir attack. Ask any outsider what a Friedgood local's favorite activity might be, and they’ll likely respond "I don't know, digging?" They're not wrong: Friedgood's primary industry comes from the excavation of precious stones and minerals in the nearby mountain ranges and volcanoes. Those who don't make their living from mining most likely still enjoy digging, as the town is a hot destination for archeologists from the school of Pigeonsblood looking to uncover the ancient secrets of Gammon.

More important than shiny rocks, however, is Friedgood's strategic location within the country, specifically the checkpoint known as Platform 42 and 5/8ths. It forms a stark contrast to the sleepy town it resides in. This bustling travel hub is known as the "Gateway to Gammon", and boasts fast transport to almost anywhere in the kingdom. Security is tight here, with grim-faced Gammon soldiers working around the clock to ensure that criminal activity doesn't stand a chance. Keep your contraband at home — an infraction will cost you heavy jail time. Friedgood is also the only town with a road providing access to Grantebrycge, Gammon's illustrious University town.

By conquering Friedgood, Noir hopes for universal access to all of Gammon.

On the 20th of Gladia, amidst strong winds and persistent thunderstorms, Heroes will arrive to the Central West Plateau. Even surrounded by tall mountain ranges and ominous volcanoes, its ancient wall is truly a daunting sight. A marvel even by modern construction standards, it was built over 300 years ago to defend against hostile nomadic tribes, and remains as strong and sturdy as the day it was built. It also provides an important environmental buffer to the people of Friedgood — the wall is resistant to lava.

Basic info on the war can be found here. All OOC questions about the event may be directed to the thread below.

ONE ♙ The War of Three Armies
It’s time to head to the battle, Hero. You may be walking, riding a mount - your own, or a borrowed spider or boar - or hitching a ride from someone else. It’s a miserable trek to the plateau, but at least you’re not alone. Once you arrive, Verdoni is there to greet you, accompanied by another Gammonian, the commander of this battle.

Pinta [ so god damned salty about not being a naval tactician and assigned to ships ] Ah, yes, the vaunted Heroes I’ve heard so much about. The name is Pinta, ah... naval tactician to Gammon’s armed forces. Ask why and I’ll show you a bloody hell. Anyway, welcome to the Central West Plateau! During ancient times, the volcanoes were said to be a wall of flame that protected Gammon. But if that stopped the Othellians, I suppose I wouldn’t be here, ahaha! Now, with them dormant, we must instead rely upon our steel and our wall. It’s strong enough to protect Gammon even if every volcano in the area were to erupt all at once! At least that’s what the locals say. They didn’t sound too dodgy, but... moving on! If you have any questions, our men will be glad to explain; show you how the cannons work, where the traps are and whatnot. Again, this really isn’t my expertise—oh! Our wizards have been creative as of late. We’ve these wind platforms that will fling those Noirs up, up, up! Into the air! Try not to get caught in them, yeah? Our navy will take care of our seas. They’re an outstanding lot, they are. All we need to do is focus! Gammon shall not sink here!

You’ll then be handed a magical bracelet. The miners use it protect them from toxic air, so this is a precaution; should you need it, it should last for the duration of the battle. Now all you have to do is wait and prepare for the battle. Acquaint yourself with the battleground: explore the Defense Wall and see what traps there are. It may give you some ideas of your own. There are also war cannons aligned on the top wall and within its interior. Otherwise, check your supplies or rest and collect yourself for what will come. Your mount may also want attention.


TWO ♙ Fellowship of the Bling
Initially cloaked by thick fumes of sulfur, ozone and the dreary overcast of the storm, the Noir battalion finally arrives. Their general, Spicy Spice, steps, nay, struts forward.

	Why is it that every time I come around, that Cochrane Bridge wants to go down? [ ADJUSTS HER WORLD CUP BRA ] They can’t keep that wall up forever.
Let’s make this a quick one, so we can get out of this smelly rain! [ gets ready to fire her gun in the air when she remembers something ] And don’t forget, target their puny pathetic healers, first. [ raises gun high above her head, signaling for the attack with a BANG! ]

On her cue, the Noir Vanguard rushes forward with a fearsome war cry, followed soon after by the Rearguard.

ENEMY ♟ Mounted Noir Soldier
Weak against None	Strong against Fire	Immune to None
These soldiers gallop onto the battlefield with their imposing GOLDHORN GOAT mounts. These are bigger and stronger than the average goat, and their golden horns tend to ABSORB SPELLS directed at their riders. Some spells in a soldier’s arsenal: GRISTRELKI sets fire to the rain — literally. It converts the rain in the sky into a barrage of fireballs. Pray your umbrella’s fireproof! With the PLAMEVODA spell, they can turn hot water (i.e. those from geysers) into bubbling hot lava. When combined with a strong cooling spell, the spell can trap you in rock… That is, if the lava doesn’t kill you first! DVIZHE SMERTI is a dangerous spell that paralyzes its target, rendering them unable to even speak or blink. This can be cured with mana exchange. Hurry before Noir strikes with a rain of fire!Of course, the soldiers are capable of HEALING SPELLS to assist their injured allies and mounts. The VANGUARD is lead by an impressive wall of massive shield units, armed with various melee weapons: swords, maces, and daunting battle axes. Herd them into the traps around the battlefield to render them immobile! The REARGUARD, armed with bows and arrows, will try to overwhelm the HEROIC VANGUARD. HEROIC DEFENSE back them up with long-ranged attacks and the cannons! If they get close enough to the wall, the Rearguard will relentlessly attack the Defense! Both units are under strict orders to prioritize an attack on the HEROIC SUPPORT. If they see any Hero or Gammonian soldiers helping each other or performing rescues on the battlefield, they will give chase IMMEDIATELY. DROPS: Shield with Noir Emblem, Flame Staff, Assorted Non-Magical Weapons, Golden Goat Horns, Lava Lamp

In the heat of battle, you will feel the ground beneath you shake and tremble. In a turn of events neither side could have predicted, a dormant volcano in the distance erupts, raining down fire and scorched earth on the area. More alarming, however, is how the resulting earthquake sets off powerful, white-hot geysers on the battlefield. Stay alert! To make matters worse, the approaching lava makes Noir’s fire spells even more deadly, and Noir shows no signs of letting up on their assault.

Spicy Spice You think a little bad weather is going to stop us? Don't make me laugh. [ laughs anyway, then falls into a coughing fit ] Urghh, damn these fumes — Oh whatever, Send in the riders!

THREE ♙ The Desolation of Noir
Undeterred by the eruptions, the geysers, or the bad weather, they’ve called in their aerial units, fierce griffon riders who’re trying to fly over the wall and into Friedgood. Don’t let them pass! Make use of your resources and shoot them down: Heroes with long ranged weapons or magic will find their skills useful here. Learned how to fire a cannon? Now’s your chance! If not, protect your allies, Hero and Gammonian, as they line up their shots.

ENEMY ♟ Noir Griffon Rider
Weak against None	Strong against Fire, Lightning	Immune to Wind
For the first time, Heroes will witness firsthand how Noir’s legendary griffon riders—often called masters of the skies—live up to their name. A griffon’s powerful wings not only lets them soar at great heights; they can whip up terrifying BEAMS OF LIGHTNING. Griffon riders are armed with JAVELINS which they can also throw and cast the same spells as their counterparts on land. However, they share a closer bond with their griffon mounts. Upon losing their master, the griffons will go BERSERK and proceed to kill everything in sight. If a Hero gets caught in a griffon’s talons, the creature will drop them into their boiling demise at either a GEYSER or VOLCANO. DROPS: Mount Treats, Riding Gloves, Noir Lance, Harness, Griffon Feathers, Griffon Talon

The lava is fast approaching and Noir can no longer take the heat. The griffon riders are maintaining their assault, but the rest of their army is falling back to escape. Time for you to retreat too before Gammonian soldiers seal the wall and you’re trapped on the plateau side. Fried Heroes ain’t Fried Good.

• Defense, continue shooting at any enemy target in range! Be attentive and aid your allies as they retreat back to the wall. Do not fear, you have the advantage.
• Vanguard, fall back! Watch the skies for any griffon riders on the way to the wall. Once you arrive, take down enemies who try to breach. Letting even one enemy pass could spell disaster.
• Support, grab the wounded and check the wall’s condition! Any damages should be repaired immediately to prevent the lava from entering Friedgood.

FOUR ♙ There and Back Again
The wall closes, sealing the lava and ending the battle. Hopefully no one got left behind.

Spicy Spice Now I'm wishing that I didn't wear these shoes (I hate heels). Better get up out my face! [ trips on her way out ] Oh shit!

Catch your breath, Hero. You won. First, check up on everyone and heal your wounds. If you borrowed a mount you might want to take the time to say farewell, since the trip back to Friedgood means you’ll be parting soon.

The people of Friedgood are grateful. They know what would have happened if you lost. There’s no time for fancy parties. They’re pulling out whatever they can find for a makeshift street party right then and there.

You can find bowls of Splotched Richard - a dessert pudding - and Bangers and Mash. If you’re in the mood for something strong you can get pints of Guileless or Pale Noir, maybe a Lasker Train Bomb if you can find someone who’s willing to mix it. Or perhaps you fancy a CreamAle, the favored drink of Grantebrycge.

You’re welcome to stay out and party as long as you like - the party is for you, after all! In fact, the people will respect you more if you get drunk and pass out on the side of the street. But for Heroes who’re tired from the war, you’re always welcome to stagger into the Bollox Inn for a room, free of charge.

Comments

sasuke | vanguard (king) | ota

[penitents]

TWO - A

[ It had been an argument to be placed where he wanted to be. As a king, he was told, he should be relegated to Support. Sasuke understands the logic of it— as a healer, he should be available to take care of the injured. But war is never so simple, and if Sakura had been pushed to the back in every fight they'd ever been in, Sasuke doubts he or Naruto ever would have made it as far as they did.

Masked, Sasuke steers his boar with his knees and one hand. Noir charges them relentlessly, but having picked out the traps beforehand, part of it is a matter of herding they and their gold-horned mounts into those areas.

Wheeling his mount, he turns it squealing away as the ground starts to give way, dumping Noir and their goats into a hidden pit. Sasuke drops the reigns and leans sideways off his mount, reaching down to grab the nearest Hero— either by an extended hand, or by the back of their coat— to hoist them up and out of harm's way as he goes. ]

TWO - B

[ The mask keeps the rain from his eyes, and it lets him turn his gaze upward when he sees the fire approaching. Like the storm, the spell Noir's mages casts brings fire sweeping toward them as hunks of falling fire. Sasuke vaults from the back of his boar and it tosses it's mighty head so that Sasuke narrowly avoids being gored as he lands.

Most of the fighters aren't looking up, focused instead on the onslaught from the ground. It leaves Sasuke wide open, the only body in the fighting that stops moving entirely to raise his palm to the sky. Fingers spread, he digs deep into his magic and he shouts the spell: ] Susano'o no tate!

[ Above the Heroes surrounding him, a massive violet shield puts itself between the rain of fire and the soldiers on the ground. ]

TWO - C

[ The erupting volcano puts them on a timer. Sasuke has stopped running, but instead of retreating with some of the injured taken away by Support he stands not far behind some of the battling Heroes. He isn't shouting, but the intense look on his face as he weaves his magic, words muttered under his breath, is still enough to draw attention.

The ground under the feet of the Heroes lights up a faint purple as he uses the mud as a catalyst for his spell, pushing the fatigue out of their muscles. It draws the attention of one of Noir's lancers, who pulls back and launches the weapon.

Around Sasuke's neck, his amulet glows. The lance misses him by a hair's breath, standing upright in the mud behind him, but his healing spell falters as a result of the doubled mana drain. ] Shit—

WILDCARD
[ Griffons, great balls of fire, street party, mana exchange... etc etc]

Two-A

[drawmecute]

*How a member of the Support Team got this far anyway? Well, okay, okay, it was mostly Lola just trying not to get killed as she jumped and crashed through things, leading some of Noir on a merry chase that got her here. And nearly into a pit. Because Lola didn't scout out where the traps were. Of course she was unceremoniously grabbed by her shirt like an unruly kitten would be grabbed by the scruff.*

Thanks! Can I stick around with you until I catch my breath? Those guys really want people like me dead this time.

*She says that she needs her breath, but she's casually making little pink barriers, not tall enough for the Gold Goats to hit horns first, but enough to trip them up and let them crash head first into the dirt. And while it's clear she's scared, it doesn't seem to dampen her concentration on her weapon. Even while being held by her shirt.*

[penitents]

[ Since she wasn't really paying attention when he grabbed her, Sasuke doesn't put her on the back of the boar like he would have someone else. Instead, when he swings her up, he parks her in front of him between the reigns and himself. The boar doesn't slow down as they go, and Sasuke reaches around her to grab the reigns again. ]

You're a healer.

[ He assumes. He'd seen her running with a group on her tail. ]

[drawmecute]

I'm on the support team. I've been transporting supplies, messages, and helping to move the wounded out of the battle.

*Lola's using her barriers to keep some of the projectiles off of them. She's noticeably not trying to stop any of the fireballs. But any arrows, javelins, or other rearguard projectile is being caught on pink energy in the air and harmlessly bouncing off.*

I was giving a guy a potion, to see if he could move on his own after that and suddenly these guys were on me. I lead them off but... here I am.

*She was clearly pushing herself, putting up more barriers without asking for mana, but she was still sorta getting her bearings after all that running away.*

[penitents]

[ Close enough. It was the team he was meant to be on, and Sasuke knows the minute he's forced off his mount he'll be in the same boat as her. It doesn't matter that he isn't on the Support team, his job is technically still the same— he just refused to stay in the rear guard because of it. ]

Hold on to me. [ It's an order more than anything else. Sasuke doesn't have two arms to both steer and keep her grounded. He yanks on the reigns and his boar squeals as it turns again. It tosses it's head, pawing the ground and prancing as Sasuke's eyes sweep the area— looking for the next bunch of Noir soldiers. ]

If you need mana, take it.

[drawmecute]

*Lola took orders well, clinging to the guy to keep from being thrown off. Using the contact to purify and replenish her mana for when she leaves him. Lola took a few moments to close her eyes. He was old, but he did pull her out of danger and she needed the extra few moments to calm her mind (and collect the mana she needs).*

Thank you.

If you can get me closer to the back lines, I should be able to jump back to, um, safety.

*She could try from here, but she'd have to move past a lot of riders, and there was a lot more room for it to go wrong. She was a little flighty, but she didn't want to just wander through a warzone.*

[penitents]

[ She seems small in a way Naruto and Sakura are not, like a civilian who is fresh to the reality of war. She grips him the same way, and though Sasuke doesn't look at her, he gets the impression she's taking solace in at the brief respite against his chest. He can't keep her there, but she does a good job of it herself, so he doesn't spare it too much thought and digs his heels into his boar to send it screaming into a patch of soldiers.

They scatter like mice before him, spells broken off. One of the archers turns their bow on him and Sasuke plucks a kunai from his belt to deflect the arrow, then flings the blade with lethal precision into the soldier's throat.

Before they have time to regroup, his mount is charging again. One of the mages gets caught under it's hooves. He's making a retreat, like she suggests— he can't keep her safe like this forever. ]

I'll get you there.

[drawmecute]

*Lola's not thrilled with the ride, there was a reason she didn't have a mount. As much as she loved ponies she was not skilled at riding. So she had to put a lot of her energy into keeping herself in place. She didn't like being a burden, not when the guy in question was kinda unnerving and old.*

Sorry I'm pulling you from what you were doing.

*She was also not quite thrilled with how... messy, this was. There was a lot more blood with how Sasuke went about ending people. Lola's own method was never one to confirm kills, anyone she killed she didn't know. And there wasn't so much... blood. She was doing her best to keep her eyes away from Sasuke's attacks. She was using her barriers, keeping some of the projectiles out of their hair.*

[penitents]

[ It isn't that he forgets the rest of these Heroes don't come from the same walk of life he does. This girl, quivering against his chest, was probably a civilian. She's squeamish and hesitant, things he can glean in the way she keeps her face turned, her eyes away from the field.

He doesn't forget, but what he knows couldn't be more different. Sasuke had been trained to kill a man at least five years younger than this young woman. He had fought for his life and tried to kill his best friend.

Steering his boar around with his knees, he puts an arm around Lola to keep her seated as his mount tosses it's head and barrels toward the back lines. ]

Why are you out so far?

Two-B

[showsnopiety]

[The mask is good for rain, blood, and all sorts of things. But Caren has to raise her eyebrows at the sight of it. The shield though had her moving closer to him, a stream of cloth spread between her fingers.

She's grateful for not having her hair set on fire but...]

Good work. I think you've excited every Noir solider who can see the color purple.

[Just letting him now that they're going to have a great time now. BTW. Because there is never enough snark in this battle.]

[penitents]

[ Sasuke is unable to move from his spot as he's holding the shield. Like an extension of himself, like his Susano'o from home, he can feel the impact of the fireballs hitting his mana barrier. A muscle in his jaw flexes. ]

You're welcome to find another shield.

[ He shoots back, his voice without venom but lethal in it's delivery nevertheless. Had Sasuke the choice he wouldn't be doing this at all, he would be digging his blade into each soldier he could get close to, setting them on fire with Amaterasu and raking a deadly current through all of them.

As it stands, his new skills are best suited for this. Abstractly, he can appreciate the irony, given how much effort he'd put in his past toward destruction instead of saving lives. ]

[showsnopiety]

I could, but wouldn't that make you feel inadequate?

[She asks almost idly. Can't stop the sass, even if they're on the battlefield. She could bring out the wires, but it'd use up too much mana, she things.

She takes in a breath, and her arm draws back, and snaps forward, cloth aimed at the mage in question and their face. And steel heavy cloth hits them in the face, before they topple.]

And I'd hate to make you inadequate.

[penitents]

[ The idea is so preposterous that Sasuke isn't sure whether to laugh or check if there is some grain of seriousness in the comment. I'd hate to make you inadequate. There were only two people who had ever truly made him feel that way: one of them was dead, and the other was here, likely fighting along his wife in another part of the field. ]

If I didn't have to look after all of you I could do more fighting. [ He drawls back, voice dripping with sarcasm. His shield holds firm as she takes out the mage, and Sasuke pauses a moment before lowering his arm. The shield remains fixed as fire continues to fall impotently toward them. It will stay until he moves from the spot he stands or he collapses it.

Sasuke pulls a knife from his belt and launches it with killing accuracy over the shoulder of another Hero in front of him, burying it into the throat of a blade-wielding Noir soldier the Hero had been fighting. ]

[showsnopiety]

[Who knows? Someone might burst that little bubble of his. But then again...this is also a snark off in the middle of a battle field.]

I know, I'm in your way. Awful, isn't it.

[She says it as if nothing delights her more. (And it may be true). But she stays under the shield, moving to snap cloth against another soilders face, weighed cloth making their head jerk backwards. They really should get moving once the fire rain stops, she thinks, but then...she may be acting over cautious.

Though she raises her eyebrows at the Noir with the blade in his throat.]

Throwing knives? That's unusual.

[For a king that is. She's starting to wonder who this guy is-other then a master snarker.]

[penitents]

I'm was a ninja before I was ever a King.

[ He was raised a shinobi, his rank here doesn't erase his training and his instincts. He wouldn't just stand here and watch his allies fall, impotent with nothing but shields and healing spells. Attacking would draw the eye of some of the soldiers if they didn't work as a seamless team— but with the girl next to him, most of their attention slides away to her, if not to the Heroes in front of them.

Above them, he can feel the impacts of the fire slowing changing. It'll be time to move in a minute. ]

[showsnopiety]

A ninja? That might explain the brooding expression.

[Because ninjas are serious and there's only one batman. Also she's being awful, please feel to punch her Sasuke. But really, she doesn't think anything is wrong with his retaliation-it keeps him away from close contact, which is a problem with Kings.

Which is why her rank exists, she thinks. She has no knives, but she dips, and flings a hand out. Wires burst out, and soldiers are thrown off balance. Her eyes flick up to the shield. A little longer, and they can move.]

[penitents]

Hn.

[ His smirks without looking at her. In the grand scheme of things, Sasuke has known far more unusual and outspoken ninja than others like himself. He thinks, she wouldn't say that if she knew Naruto, and the fire falling from above fizzles out. Sasuke grabs down his shield quickly to minimize more loss of mana and redirects it into speed. ]

Hayaku! Go!

[ The burst of magic he puts into the girl and the allies around him is like a gust of wind. ]

2c

[acknowledges]

[The volcano can be felt everywhere. It's a tremor that shakes every body on the field and draws attention to the peaks around them, an attempt to find the source. Someone on his left shouts about an eruption, someone behind him starts calling to their comrades about a volcano. Naruto might be slow on the uptake, but there's only one way to interpret that.

His face is streaked with dirt, where sweat has matted his hair and left trails through the dust that's flying.

The pale purple draws his gaze because it's Sasuke's color- like Susano'o, like the Rinnegan, and sure enough he finds his friend's back. The man has to stop to cast whatever it is he's doing. When Naruto sees the lance go flying he reacts on impulse. True to form, no matter how much he's practiced gravity magic before now, there's nothing like pure desperation to get him focused. Naruto imagines yanking the man backwards with both hands, he remembers the way it felt to get caught in Pein's almighty pull- and then it happens. Sasuke is jerked off his feet and into Naruto's grasp, feet anchored against the force of the catch.]

Gotcha!

[penitents]

[ He wouldn't have been able to dodge the second one.

Sasuke feels the pull somewhere between his naval and his spine and it forces a soft hurk— out of him when his feet leave the ground. He's felt this before, the upending of gravity, but it still makes his stomach bottom out when it happens. His back collides with someone else, but before Sasuke can question who it is, Naruto's voice is in his ear.

The flood of mana from the other nin, warm like the sun, rushes through him, purifying what he'd spent on healing, and on his secondary weapon. His breath leaves him in a rush at the unexpected relief. ]

Yeah.

[ Thanks. Far ahead of them, he can see the deadly red glow of the erupting volcano. ]

[acknowledges]

That's what you get for showin' off'attebayo.

[It won't be the first time he's acted as a physical shield between an ally and enemy. Naruto's planted feet and dug in heels mean they don't skid far- he keeps his arms up on either side of Sasuke's body- which might actually look a little comical considering the difference in their heights, but he's never been the kind of guy to see something so petty as a setback in a fight.

Despite the perpetually dire circumstances: the number of enemies, the erupting volcano, the lava, the smoke- Naruto isn't above needling him.]

Lemme know when you're full.

[penitents]

What took you so long?

[ Sasuke quips, without even a heartbeat between Naruto's words and his own. Naruto's arms are a band around his middle, and pressed against his back Sasuke can feel the warmth of his mana filtering through his own like sunlight through summer rain. He wraps his fingers around one of Naruto's wrists, to expedite the process.

In front of him, where his spell was incomplete and then interrupted by his movement, he watches one of their allies falter. Their opponent takes the opening for what it is and disarms them with a skillful twist. Sasuke feels a muscle in his jaw clench as he watches the Hero attempt to regain the ground they're losing.

There's no time for this.

Sasuke pulls Naruto's arm, twisting around to face him and yank him close in the same abrupt movement. He doesn't give Naruto the opportunity to react or protest, leaning down to erase the space between them. He knows already this is the most efficient form of exchanging mana on the field, because he's done it twice already since his arrival. Against his own, Naruto's mouth is chapped and dry. His lips are parted, just slightly, either in surprise or from the sudden clip of whatever he was going to say. Sasuke can taste blood and sweat and isn't sure if it's his own, or Naruto's. His grip stays on Naruto's upper arm, preventing him from pulling away for a handful of seconds.

The flood of heat that rushes all the way to his feet invigorates him. When he pulls back, he meets the blue of Naruto's eyes for a fraction of a moment before his attention is back on the fight.

Sasuke throws up a small purple shield between the Noir soldier and the Hero now on the ground and pushes with it to clear a small space. ]

[acknowledges]

[There are a lot of things he's expecting for the history between them. He expects the tease, he expects Sasuke to make some comment being a smart-ass even though he's the one that needed to get rescued. He doesn't expect the kiss.

Angled the way they are his gaze follows the line of Sasuke's own- aware of the fight around them at all times, aware of which enemies move where and of who is too close and of who might advance, who might fall back. One of their allies isn't quite buckling, but it's clear he's in trouble. They're the ones nearest, it's up to them to help and this intent is telegraphed by the sudden tightening of the muscles of his stomach and the curl of his fingers. He doesn't want to just leave Sasuke after only backing him up just a second ago- but Sasuke isn't the one in danger right now.

Then they're kissing.

Sasuke's hand clamps down on his arm, trapping him in place in the moment that he seals their mouths together and Naruto's eyes blow wide. It was one thing for this to happen when they were kids, it'd been an accident, they didn't talk about it or anything. This was- this was-]

Why-? [It's soft and small, like a breath. Like a gasp.
Sasuke and Sakura might be grown up and married now, but Naruto has only had one kiss before now and]

WHY IS IT ALWAYS WITH YOU?!

[penitents]

Usuratonkachi—

[ His tone says pay attention, you idiot, as he hears Naruto shout at his turned back. Sasuke broadens his shield and uses it to shove the Noir soldiers away from the small force of Heroes in front of them. The one who had gone down is struggling, and he watches the one next to them bend to pick them up with Sasuke's shield keeping them safe. There's no easy way to give them a safe path back. They have to make one.

Sasuke turns his face to look at Naruto. His mouth still tingles, and something in his stomach squeezes when he looks at his young friend. ]

What are you waiting for? Hayaku. [ He splits his fresh mana between the shield and Naruto. He's been practicing, since his choppy attempts at spells in the carnival. This time, when he pushes that magic to flush Naruto with speed, it wraps his arms and legs like a gust of wind. ]

[acknowledges]

[It's a challenge if he'd ever heard one. Naruto is acutely aware of the way his mouth feels, of how hot his face has become and the fights still raging around them. His jaw clenches not because he's debating whether or not to go, but because he knows he's lost this round.

He can't describe the way it feels when someone uses their magic on him. It's happened only a few times but even then, each one has been different. This one feels almost like a gust of cool air. He thinks immediately of the Rasengan and takes off at a sprint. Sasuke only just had his mana replenished, and he's used a lot of it in these few spells alone. It's up to Naruto to do the rest as quickly as possible.

Instead of waiting until he's able to close the distance, he reaches out for one of the Noir soldiers closing in on their allies and Naruto reaches again for that pull. The guy is hauled off his feet with a yelp, his spell interrupted, and his two comrades look up in Naruto's direction- attention officially caught.]

Hey hey! Over here you bastards!

[The soldier he's brought over is nearly in reach, and then just as abruptly- he goes soaring in the opposite direction- a human projectile flung into his friends and bowling all three to the ground.]

[penitents]

[ As Naruto takes point, the attention of the soldiers wheels away from Sasuke's curse as a king (all eyes on me) and focus instead on Naruto. What he uses is like a jutsu from the Rinnegan, that push and pull, the molding of gravity. There is a brief tussle of confusion as some of the solders break away from this fight, the others preoccupied with Naruto.

Sasuke brings his arm back in, exhales slow and even. The burst of clean mana he'd received from Naruto's mouth had given him a spike of usable magic, but he still had to ration it appropriately to get out of this. Support, he reminds himself, like remembering the bullet points of a lesson. He lifts his hand, palm up, and focuses on Naruto's spine as he launches into the fight. He mutters the spell under his breath, familiar vowels and syllables. He thinks of the way the Hyuuga close pathways of chakra and reverses it.

It won't create a bleed of mana in Naruto, but it will boost him, for at least a minute or so— to hit stronger, to put more weight into his magic. ]