In Desperate Need of a Friend (Xeryth)

[Phae]

Phae walked swordless and dejected down the dormitory hallways. She looked like hell warmed over and she didn't care less jeans, tshirt, and her hair hanging around her shoulder was limp and had lost all luster. She was thinner black circles around her eyes tear stains on her cheek her right hand twisting her engagement ring..if it was still that around the left hands finger. She walked through the dorm in need of a friend in need of someone she could talk to who would understand who would listen.

After everything had happened she had lost everyone except one person. One person, did he consider her a friend would he hold her and tell her it was alright that Jun would come back to her. That he would still love her? She considered Xeryth a friend and he was the last one she had here. With a tear falling down her already stained face she raised her hand to knock on his door.

Two knocks and she stopped waiting hoping to any God that would listen that the young psychic would be home and willing to help her out.

[Xeryth Varson]

The door swung open seemingly of it's own power to reveal a mostly dark room. The overhead lights were not on, and the only source of illumination came from a slightly dim lamp on the desk of the young psychic, who was huddled over a book, reading intently. As it were, it was almost a natural reaction to open the door as it was knocked on, Xeryth didn't even stop and think to ask who it was or anything, he just answered it.

Finally turning his head to peer through the suddenly illuminated rectangle of his doorframe, Xeryth's eyes went wide, and a little smile came across his face. It was Phaedra, the girl he had met once in Junpei's dormitory, and once at the grocery store, but still knew little about. Junpei had promised to talk to him, presumably about her, but that talk never came, and Xeryth was as in the dark to her position here as he was physically in his room at the moment.

That didn't matter, however. The only thing that did was the fact that Phae looked to be in some serious sort of trouble.

"Ph...Phaedra," Xeryth said, his smile at seeing her instantly twisting into a worried frown. He stood up and went over to her timidly, reaching a shaking hand out to touch her arm. He did not know what to do, however, this just felt like the right action. "What's wrong? Please... please come inside... would you like the light on?"

As Phae would walk in, Xeryth would shut the door under his own physical power and turn to face her, eyes full of worry at her predicament.

[Phae]

The door swung open and there sat her one and only friend. Xeryth who she still knew so little about and yearned to know more about the sweet quiet boy. She let him pull her into the room she was still in somewhat of a daze.

"No, I'm okay with the lights off like this." she said not wanting to intrude on his day in anyway.

She moved to sit on the side of the bed her feet on the floor as she put her head in her hands as new tears began to leak from her already red and sore eyes. She began to cry and cry hard something she had been doing a lot lately. Something she couldn't seem to stop doing. The darkness was good for her he wouldn't see what she had done to herself otherwise. See the neglect the malnutrition. See the sleepless nights and the overworking. The way she was wasting away the way her hair held no luster and her eyes were lost in nothing but pain.

[Xeryth Varson]

Whatever had happened, Phae was deeply lost in sorrow over it. Her answer came out softly and quietly, and it wasn't long at all before she had found her way to the bed, and began to sob uncontrollably without so much as another word escaping her lips. This was so unlike the Phae that Xeryth knew. She was always so happy and full of life, it had been intimidating for poor Xeryth to see someone energetic and out-going opposite his own timidness and introversion. It had been hard enough to find himself accustomed to that side of Phae, and now this sudden switch was almost too much to take.

Xeryth was silent as Phae continued to cry, for he had no idea what to do, what to say, or if he could even help at all. But, finally, he stirred himself to action. Though only recently made, Phae was a friend, closer already to him than many, many others at the Arcane Academy, despite their relative mystery to each other. Closing his eyes, Xeryth spoke to her in the most effective way he knew how: Straight to her mind.

"Phae," his voice would speak softly into her mind, "What is wrong? It is obvious that something very grave has come up, but my knowledge into your life beyond our chance meetings is rather lacking. Can I help you with anything, Phaedra? Do not hesitate to ask."

[Phae]

She cried and she was just grateful that Xeryth had taken her in and had been so kind as to just sit beside her when she knew this had to throw him off. She heard his voice in her head and she smiled a little thankful for his gift.

Phae couldn't speak so she would tell him in his mind. If this worked he would know and she wouldn't have to say it outloud.


Xeryth, there is so much that has happened. So much wrong with my life. It has spiraled out of my control.

It started the other day. Onira, I met him for the first time in the courtyard and we got to know one another. I considered him my friend. He was living in a dark and cold world and that night I helped him find warmth and light and bring him to a world were he could live happily. But something went wrong that night..

Oh Xeryth, somehow that night he decided to move past friendship. The next day I was reading in our room, the one I share with Jun and he came over and of course I let him in he was upset by something and so I sat him down so he would talk to me. He tried to leave when he couldn't say what it was but I wouldn't let him. I was concerned.

But then everything, oh god Xeryth everything went out of control. Onira....he kissed me. And then as if nothing worse could happen Jun shows up and sees him kiss me. He was livid of course and I moved out of the way asking Onira why he kissed me and how he could do such a thing when he knew we were engaged. Then he said some truly hurtful things. Like telling Jun that when I was done playing with him I would look him up.

But I hadn't gotten my answer as to why he kissed me. So I used my astral to stop him and before he left he told me...he told me he loved me....

And then... oh if you only knew. Jun and I are so close promising never to leave one another. Promising to stand by each other no matter what and... he left me Xeryth. He kissed my forehead and ran down the hall so I couldn't catch him. He left me Xeryth after promising he wouldn't saying he would return when ready.

When will he come back? WILL he come back? Will he still love me? Does he know I didn't ask for anything? Why did he leave me at the single moment I needed him most? What am I going to do, I'm so lost...so very lost.

Phae had not let off crying as she spoke the short version of the story. It was so hard for her to do this. But she needed someone and she had come to Xeryth.

[Xeryth Varson]

Xeryth's eyes went wide for a moment as Phae related the events, then immediately narrowed back into their concerned look. As he sat next to her, watching her cry, his hand slowly reached out for her leg, giving it a gentle, friendly pat.

"Phaedra, the situation, thankfully, does not seem to be as bad as it could be. Regardless, being who I am, and with my background, I've little to no experience in this subject in general. If I may assess this further, at your own admission, however..."

Xeryth paused, thinking a bit on what he wanted to know specifically before he decided to say anything for certain.

"When Onira kissed you... it was him kissing you, and just that once? You weren't trying to return said kiss? If not, then what Junpei walked in was merely a freak accident due to a general misunderstanding... and I can't imagine he wouldn't listen to reason after a while..."

Xeryth left the thought hang in the air. This was definitely not his area of expertise, not even close. However, Phae needed him tonight, and Xeryth would do everything he could to help.

[Phae]

She felt the gentle pat on her leg and was already being comforted by the touch he offered her. She listened to his words in her mind and she wiped her eyes as she looked over at him her whole face was a bit red and puffy.

Xeryth, I appreciate you being here for me. You are right. It was only one kiss and I think he knows that I didn't ask for it. I wouldn't dream or even think being unfaithful. I love Jun with everything I have. I feel lost without him.

She took her hand and held Xeryth's hand gently needing some human touch. Some real human touch a friends touch. Someone to let her know it would be allright.

Thank you so much Xeryth I just need someone to listen. Someone that understands. Thank you for being here today.

[Xeryth Varson]

For once, Xeryth, usually a complete spaz and seemingly allergic to human connection, did nothing out of the ordinary as Phae took hold of his hand. He merely smiled at her words, nodding in understanding. Giving her hand a little squeeze, he spoke again telepathically.

"You're quite welcome, Phae. I only wish I could be of more help than just an ear. Or, in this case, mind? I'm not sure how the analogy fits this time around, hehe..." Xeryth's little mental chuckle reverberated in her mind for a moment while he paused before speaking again, once more in serious tones.

"Regardless, I feel Junpei will come back to you eventually. If you did not yet know this about him, he can be rather stubborn at times. For instance, the boy had just recently met me, and one weekend he suddenly took me and drug me off to Germany with him, and would not take 'no' for an answer! He probably just needs time to let off some steam. Maybe a little space to evaluate things. The only advice I can give, and I would take this advice with a grain of salt, knowing it came from a recluse of 14 years of age, is to let Junpei have his time to himself, but make sure it's blatantly aware to him that you are still going to be there, that you will always be there for him whenever he decides to come back to you. This would hopefully make him realize what he's doing is madness and come back to you, at least to talk to you about what happened. Then, you can explain your side and hopefully clear up the misunderstanding."

Xeryth smiled weakly, he wasn't sure about his advice, and his usual lack of self-confidence was starting to show through again, despite the situation calling for anything but.

"I just hope and wish for the best for you, Phae, and for Junpei as well. And with patience and perseverence... I think that can be actualized."

[Phae]

Phae listened carefully very carefully as Xeryth spoke to her. She looked in his eyes even though he spoke to her in her mind she liked that and it was easier for her to talk that way right now.

"Thank you Xeryth." she told him using her real voice though it was soft. But it was true that she was going to get better. Xeryth was helping more than he knew.

She knew it might be the wrong move but she moved over and gave him a gentle slow hug before pulling back.

"You have helped me a great deal Xeryth. I think I am still afraid of what will happen when he returns but you are right before he left he said he would return and I just hope its soon." she gave him a weak smile. "Can I hang out here for a few more minutes? I don't want to intrude I just... I just hate being alone."

[Xeryth Varson]

"Y-you're welcome, Phae..." Xeryth spoke himself in his own voice, no longer feeling a distinct need to speak telepathically. When she leaned in to hug him, amazingly enough, Xeryth's arms, though hesitant, rose up around her as well, returning the hug, if not a big feebly.

When the embrace broke, Xeryth looked just a little bit nervous, but it was more obvious that he was trying not to show it. He smiled his usual little meek smile over at her, glad she was starting to feel at least a little bit better. Hopefully she was getting started on the road to recovery.

Upon asking if she could stay, Xeryth nodded, his head shaking up and down a few times in agreement. "Yes... feel free to stay as long as you like. Can I... get you anything while you're here? A...anything at all...." Xeryth explained as he stood up, moving to stand directly in front of Phae, ready to tend to any request she might have of him.

[Phae]

Phae almost relaxed fully when Xeryth said she could stay as long as she wanted. He was sweet and he was so innocent she always thought of him as a younger brother and he was proving more so with every action. She had hugged him and though weak he had hugged her back and in the back of her mind she was very happy he had. She had the distinct urge to rub the top of his head as she had seen older brothers do to younger ones but she refrained knowing he would probably take it badly.

She lay down on the bed her feet still on the floor as she had her shoes on and didn't want to get his bed dirty. She also didn't want to over stay her welcome on her quiet friend. She just wanted company craved the companionship of a friend. She needed that contact. Even if Xeryth was quiet he knew that she fully accepted his mind speech and that it would be easy for her to reply that way. She closed her eyes and relaxed just wanting to be here for a few minutes.

Of course now with a friend in the room and with his new words working their way logically through her mind she fell asleep for the first time in days. She fell into a deep restful sleep her breathing regulated and her features soft.

Thirty minutes later she woke with a start something in her own mind startling her. She sat up quickly with a gasp.

"Oh no!" she exclaimed. "I fell asleep oh no, I'm so sorry. I...I will leave." she said and stood but wobbled her legs unable to stand. "Okay I'll stay a minute more."

She wobbled her way to the wall and moved down it letting the wall support her weight.

"I'm sorry Xeryth. Thank you so much for the talk...I don't want to stay longer than necessary." she said appologectically.

[Xeryth Varson]

When Phaedra layed back and eventually drifted off to sleep, Xeryth could only smile, halfway worried, yet halfway amused at how the girl had seemed to just run completely out of energy. Apparently, only so many tears can be shed at one time, but, Xeryth noted duly, a mischievous grin on his face, it seemed that the upper limit was still a rather large amount. He shook his head, trying not to laugh at his little mental jokes. The girl had been through a lot, obviously, and a little rest would do wonders for her. Quietly lifting himself from his bed, Xeryth went back to his book, losing himself in it, but not entirely, occasionally checking back on the sleeping figure behind him, ensuring she was doing alright.

Half an hour later, Phae awoke suddenly, apologizing profusely for 'over-staying her welcome'. Xeryth, smiling as she strugged to stand, merely shook his head at her, shaking off her worries as he turned in his chair to face her.

"No, no, Phaedra, believe me, you're more than... fine," Xeryth worked out the last word, unsure at first which one to use there. "Stay... stay as long as you like, hey? I... I don't mind... I promise..."

[Phae]

Phae stopped at the sound of Xeryth's words truth was she didn't want to leave she couldn't sleep without some presence in the room and it didn't help that she was worried about so many things and all her questions had no answers.

She leaned against the wall for a moment and nodded moving back to the bed. She didn't lay down this time. She wouldn't sleep here she wouldn't do that to Xeryth he was a good friend and she wouldn't become a burden.

She pushed herself up so that she leaned against the head board of the bed against the wall and she pulled her knees up to her chest her head laying down on her knees her blue and red eyes open and just staring out. The thirty minutes had probably not even dented the amount she was going to need when Junpei...if..no WHEN Jun came back and she finally fainted from exhaustion and lack of food.

"Thank you Xeryth. Thank you for so much..for being my friend..for staying my friend. For letting me be here..for.. for everything." she whispered and began to gently rock herself back and forth on the bed.

[Xeryth Varson]

Xeryth nodded happily when Phae agreed not to leave so quickly. He did enjoy the company, that much was true, but moreover, he was still worried about her wandering the halls in her condition. The girl had been through hell and was waiting on her turn to go right back through it again out the front door, and, until she did, Xeryth wanted to help out as much as he could.

She thanked the boy, and began to rock on the bed. Answering meekly, Xeryth replied. "Y-you're welcome, Phae... it was the least I could do... Please, however, make yourself comfortable. Stretch yourself out some... relax... it's the best I can offer. Perhaps you're hungry? Maybe you want something to drink? If... if I don't have it, I can find it at the cafeteria, I'm certain... just tell me if you need anything... anything at all, okay?"

Xeryth smiled his little smile and turned back to his book, reading, but ready to spring into action at a moments notice, should Phaedra desire anything.

[Phae]

When was the last time she had eaten? she asked herself. She thought really hard about it and she thought..day before yesterday ... broth..yes that was it. She never was hungry but she was trying to stay alive. She had lost passion for everything except her sword. And even that all she did was throw herself into an intense training regiment until she couldn't hold her sword up anymore. Which was coming quicker and quicker every day with the lack of food to replace the energy.

Should she eat something? Maybe..but was she hungry. Well no no she wasn't she never was anymore which was why she had lost so much weight that her clothing had become loose. She did however take him up on one offer.

She stretched back out on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. She knew if she closed her eyes she would fall asleep again but she wasn't sure she wanted to do that. She didn't want to be a burden to Xeryth he was so sweet and actually cared she didn't want to over stip her bounds.

"Hey Xeryth?" she asked craving conversation of any sort that wasn't about herself and her issues. "How do you like it here? At the acadmey I mean."