After some minutes had passed
The gentle murmur of the stream filled the clearing, its surface glinting like a mirror under the morning sun. Light filtered through the canopy above, casting soft shadows over the grass. The air was cool and still, disturbed only by the occasional rustle of leaves.
Syl sat close to Kibo on the grassy bank, her knees tucked beneath her. She had just dressed, and her damp hair clung to her shoulders in loose waves. Her arms were crossed tightly, her face puffed in a pout that could melt stone. A frown pulled at her lips, exaggerated just enough to look theatrical.
Kibo sat cross-legged beside her, leaning back on his hands. His katana lay within reach, glinting faintly in the sun. He glanced sideways at Syl, then stared at the stream.
What's wrong with her now? She's acting like I stole her last sweet, he sighed inwardly.
Out loud, he said casually, "Hey, Syl, come on—are you still angry about that little thing?"
Her head snapped toward him, Ember eyes flashing sharply, but she whipped it back just as fast, nose turned up like royalty.
"Hmp!"
The sound was sharp and pointed—overflowing with over-the-top indignation.
Kibo let out a longer sigh this time and ran a hand through his hair. "Okay, fine—it's my fault. I shouldn't have looked at you… barely."
Even though I was caught totally unaware—how was I supposed to know she'd pop out like that? he grumbled mentally.
He turned his head slightly, stealing a glance. Syl didn't move.
He waited.
Then, slowly, she turned to face him. Her lips were still pursed, her gaze narrowed.
"Is that all you've got to say, Kibo?"
Her voice was sharp, teasing. There was a spark in her tone—something sly and playful, like she was baiting him on purpose.
Kibo blinked. "Uh… is there something else I should be saying? I'm not exactly a poet here."
Her eyes twinkled with mischief, though she kept the pout stubbornly in place.
Of course there is, you oblivious hunk—say something dirty, sweep me off my feet!
She gave a dramatic sigh and flipped her damp hair behind her shoulder. "Nothing. There's nothing you can't say, I suppose. You're hopeless."
Kibo frowned slightly, confused by the sudden whiplash in tone. "Okay, if that's how you feel… give me your hands."
Syl froze.
She blinked once. Then twice. Her entire body went rigid as if he'd just said something incredibly scandalous. Her cheeks flushed a little as she clutched her arms tighter around herself.
"I—I—w-what for?" she stammered.
Kibo let out an awkward laugh. "Whoa, slow down—it's not what you're thinking."
Her blush deepened, but she leaned closer, eyes glinting. "Then what is it? Tell me quick, 'cause I don't mind if it's you—go ahead, take what you want, kibo."
Her tone changed, taking on a mock-seductive tone, as she batted her lashes.
Kibo shook his head, laughing. "Haha, no—it's your body, Syl."
Syl gasped as if he'd slapped her, her body jerking back with exaggerated offense.
Her hands shot to her chest, fingers splayed dramatically.
"M-My body?!"
She stared at him, scandalized.
"What's wrong with it?!" she cried out, her voice rising an octave. "Are you saying I'm not big enough up here—" she motioned frantically at her chest, then her hips "—or what?! Just say it already, Kibo! What's your dirty little critique?!"
Kibo blinked, completely thrown. Then he groaned, dragging a hand down his face with a long, exasperated sigh.
"I haven't even finished healing you yet," he muttered, his tone flat. "That's literally all I meant."
Syl froze mid-rant.
Her arms dropped a few inches, and her indignant pose faltered like a wind-up toy losing power.
"…Oh." She blinked again, slower this time.
A second passed. Then another. She laughed awkwardly, reaching up to scratch her cheek with a sheepish grin.
"Right. That's what you meant. My bad—heh… guess my mind's still stuck in the gutter."
Kibo stared at her, not sure if she was genuinely embarrassed or just pretending to be.
Syl let out a breath, composing herself. Then she extended her arms toward him, palms up, wiggling her fingers slightly.
"Alright, fine. Go ahead, doc. Heal me before I die of shame."
Kibo took her hands gently. His fingers were warm against her cool skin. A soft glow pulsed from his palms, seeping into her bruises and cuts. It was a slow, deliberate healing—like a tide washing over her wounds. The light crawled up her arms, tingling softly as it stitched the scratches and faded the bruises.
Syl watched him quietly, her eyes tracing his sharp features. The crease in his brow, the line of his jaw… her earlier pout slowly melted into a secret smile.
After a minute, Kibo glanced up. "What's wrong? Does it hurt?"
She jolted, caught staring. "N-No, it doesn't hurt. Feels… nice, actually."
Her voice had lost its usual bravado, softening into something shy.
Kibo smiled. "Okay, good. Now for your face."
He reached out, fingers hovering near her cheek.
Syl flinched back, her cheeks flushing. "W-Why do you have to touch my face? Can't you just—y'know—heal me without getting all handsy? This is too close, Kibo!"
Kibo raised an eyebrow. "Syl, the energy flows better through contact—it's like channeling a river. I need to touch your face to direct it properly, or it'll scatter and take twice as long. You want me to fix that bruise or not?"
She crossed her arms again, her pout flaring back. "Well, that's not right! And no, I won't let you touch me—not when we're alone like this! It's too… too intimate, you big oaf!"
Kibo leaned in, his voice lowering into a smooth murmur.
"Okay, okay, Syl—but it's important. I need to make sure you're whole. Besides, don't you trust me to handle you right? I'd never ruin a face as pretty as yours—wouldn't dream of it."
Her breath hitched. "W-Where—where did that come from?!"
Her hands flew up, half-covering her flushed face.
Kibo rubbed the back of his neck. "I… don't even know myself. Slipped out, I guess. But since that's how I feel—"
"F-Fine, you smooth-talking jerk!" she cut in, still blushing. "You can do it—just… don't make it weird!"
She tilted her face toward him with closed eyes, lips twitching into a tiny smile.
Kibo's fingers brushed her cheek gently. The healing glow returned, warm and tender.
Oh, for the love of—brat, why flirt when you two need to be strategizing?!
You're wasting time on this sappy nonsense when your lover's still out there and your sadistic aunt's probably laughing her ass off! Get your head out of your pants, you lovesick fool!
Kibo froze, his hand still mid-air. Oh, now you talk? What happened to you, Ignis? Where'd you disappear to?
What do you mean, brat?
Don't give me that. You clammed up after I tried talking to you before—left me hanging like I'm some nobody. What's your deal?
And why would I waste breath on an insignificant speck like you?
You're a blip in my eyes, you whining little gnat—barely worth the air I'd use to curse you out! You think you're worth my time when you're floundering around like this?!
Kibo smirked inwardly. Not this time. Your words can't get to me. Why? Because I've got better things to focus on.
"Kibo?" Syl's voice broke through. "Aren't you going to heal me yet?"
Kibo blinked. "Sorry," he murmured, brushing her cheek. "My mind was filled with… somethings."
Syl tilted her head, teasing. "Your mind really must be occupied with a lot of things—dirty things, I bet."
Why wouldn't it be, when he doesn't listen and asks questions with no damn answers?
You're a walking mess of pointless thoughts, brat—chasing skirts instead of sense! Pathetic!
Kibo ignored him, his smile twitching. "It's not that it's filled with a lot of things… it's more like… it's you, mostly."
Syl's eyes widened, then she smirked. "Oh, no, no—you don't need to explain anything to me. Keep your naughty little secrets—I get it, you don't wanna spill that yet."
Why, this disgusting flirt I see—such a waste of time!
You're drowning in this mushy crap when you should be planning your next move!
We'll still have to talk about why you went quiet, Kibo shot back mentally. You don't get to dodge that.
Not something I'd love to waste my breath on, you insignificant twit!
You think I owe you answers? You're lucky I even bother rattling around in your empty head!
Kibo let the glow fade, finishing the healing. He dropped his hands into his lap, exhaling.
"I really appreciate your understanding, Syl."
Syl grinned warmly. "Of course you do—I'm a delight, aren't I? You'd be lost without me."
She winked.
Kibo chuckled, then looked out toward the stream.
"So… what do we do now?" Syl asked, more serious now.
Kibo shrugged. "For now, I don't know."
Syl frowned. "What about Lily? We need to find her—she's still out there."
"I know," Kibo said quietly. "I didn't find her when I was looking for you and…" He trailed off.
Syl leaned in. "And what?"
"I don't know. Maybe she's with Aunt Sora. Either way, we can't start moving yet. I'm tired—mentally."
Syl bit her lip, thinking. "Okay… I don't agree with you, but fine. Considering Lily's strong—and, well, maybe stronger than me—"
Kibo blinked. "Stronger than you?"
She blushed. "S-Stronger than me in willpower, you perv! Don't get any wild ideas about my body again!"
Kibo grinned. "Okay, I understand—that's really her thing."
Syl stood up, brushing off her tunic. "Not my fault if you don't get it—your dirty mind's the problem."
She turned to the stream. "Well, I'll go get us something to eat."
Kibo smirked. "Okay, but I don't think that'll work out too well—not with those shaky legs."
Syl spun, hands on hips. "Not listening to you, Kibo! I'll catch us a feast—watch me!"
She stomped toward the water, her determined grin replacing the pout.
Kibo chuckled softly behind her.