[ Hunter doesn't want to BE hurt. He doesn't want to risk Belos getting into his system again.
But ... this seems important enough to risk. He takes in a deep breath, summoning all of his trust - every bit of the ninpo he thinks he can access, including that layer of blue protection - and leans in to wrap his arms around the old turtle. ]
That hug is warm, enough to almost make him cry. He can't really hug back with the frozen arm and he's hesitant with the goop arm. But he'll bury his face against Hunter's shoulder while it's there.]
[ Yeahhh Hunter is kind of seeing that. He hesitates a moment, then reaches into his pocket. ]
Here. Keep this. Maybe it will help.
[ It's a lil turtle carved crudely from palistrom wood with a lil bandana cut in around the eyes. Not good enough to be a palisman, but ... With a faint hum of magic, regardless. ]
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Re: 2nd - BATTLE NEXUS NYC
Tries to flare up his own but it's quiet, subdued. Flickering more than anything.]
Yeah. Trust.
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... Can I hug you without getting infected?
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I mean, I'd love to say yeah, but - that guy and you... I-i dunno.
[He's incapable of trusting his own judgement here. He doesn't want Hunter hurt.]
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But ... this seems important enough to risk. He takes in a deep breath, summoning all of his trust - every bit of the ninpo he thinks he can access, including that layer of blue protection - and leans in to wrap his arms around the old turtle. ]
Re: 2nd - BATTLE NEXUS NYC
That hug is warm, enough to almost make him cry. He can't really hug back with the frozen arm and he's hesitant with the goop arm. But he'll bury his face against Hunter's shoulder while it's there.]
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We're coming to rescue you, Leo. Hang in there just a little longer.
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[Whatever energy he had is just draining out of him quickly.]
He's kept him closed off. Leo doesn't know you're coming.
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He must think we've completely abandoned him. It's been too long.
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I don't know how it's going I just... Know when the ninpo cut off, he gave up.
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Re: 2nd - BATTLE NEXUS NYC
[It feels like so much longer, like a month and a half has passed. But Leonardo just watches Hunter before gently pointing at the layer of blue.]
He's still trying to help you though.
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Yeah. He - he is, isn't he? I hope that's a good sign.
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[ He swipes at his face. ]
Will you be okay once we leave?
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[It's hard for a manifestation of self-doubt to have a lot of faith in himself.]
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Here. Keep this. Maybe it will help.
[ It's a lil turtle carved crudely from palistrom wood with a lil bandana cut in around the eyes. Not good enough to be a palisman, but ... With a faint hum of magic, regardless. ]
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... Are you sure? You ma de this...
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[ He manages a faint smile, looking at the bird atop his own staff. ]
I'll carve another one for Leo in reality. Once we rescue him.
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....A smile suits you better, I think. He'll like that.
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Good. Um. Then - I'll do that.
[ He slowly withdraws from old man Leo. ]
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Thank you, Hunter.
1/2
Hunter leans in for one more hug. ]
I should get going. Donnie's probably --
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[Sighs, smile gone. But he's clutching on to that little carving as tight as he can, not wanting to let it go.]
Good luck.
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[ He has no idea where Donnie went, so he's going to head to the leftmost exit. ]
Re: 2nd - BATTLE NEXUS NYC
Re: 2nd - BATTLE NEXUS NYC