[Rider had hoped, even as she struggled, even though her mind and body screamed, even as her manifestation grew twisted- that she could help her Master somehow. But as well as that... yes, she selfishly wanted him by her side. Perhaps to stop her if she lost control, perhaps to help stop her from falling over the edge, or perhaps simply to be a comfort in these painful moments.
But she'd heard it, too. Those shouts when she lashed out needlessly. She couldn't rest, she couldn't stop, such things were no longer possible for her.
And now, through their bond and in his voice- Rider could sense that fear, and her closed eyes stung beneath their seal. Despite the pain of corruption flowing through her, Rider immediately gripped hold of his hand, seeking out the contact between them- right now, she needed that.]
Master-... Master, behind you!
[The faint scent of gunpowder barely gave her time to yell, before they were both sent flying by the blast- and although she managed a landing on her hands and feet, her Master had landed roughly. His defences were down.
And there were more criminals approaching.
Whether they had more explosives or not, she couldn't tell just yet. Rider moved quickly between Hijikata and their enemies, bearing her claws and giving them a visceral hiss.
Adding some tldr for you
But she'd heard it, too. Those shouts when she lashed out needlessly. She couldn't rest, she couldn't stop, such things were no longer possible for her.
And now, through their bond and in his voice- Rider could sense that fear, and her closed eyes stung beneath their seal. Despite the pain of corruption flowing through her, Rider immediately gripped hold of his hand, seeking out the contact between them- right now, she needed that.]
Master-... Master, behind you!
[The faint scent of gunpowder barely gave her time to yell, before they were both sent flying by the blast- and although she managed a landing on her hands and feet, her Master had landed roughly. His defences were down.
And there were more criminals approaching.
Whether they had more explosives or not, she couldn't tell just yet. Rider moved quickly between Hijikata and their enemies, bearing her claws and giving them a visceral hiss.
A flinch. Another ripple across her back.]