in a different place

Despite what she thought, Aki was not really one to be coerced into doing anything - though some gently prodding usually was all it took, if he was feeling the least bit doubtful about something. He chuckled, between labored breaths, as he heard her scrambling somewhere beside him as they began to race.

He moved more slowly, but his legs carried him a longer distance with each step. He was used to traversing dangerous terrain like this. His heart pounded out a strong steady beat in his chest, heaving as he panted as they continued on. Won't I sleep well tonight, he thought to himself with a snort. Aki wasn't getting any younger - journeys like this, while not impossible, were quite draining. Surely he'd be paying for it tomorrow.

The sound of stone tumbling nearby caught his attention. From the corner of his eye, as he halted rather abruptly, he caught sight of Faite stumbling. His breath hitched in his throat - such a mistake could be deadly. Luckily she recovered more quickly than he could react, which he was thankful for. The last thing he wanted to see was his new friend's body toppling down the mountainside. "Oy!" he called out, brow furrowed as he examined her from a distance to ensure she was alright. "Thought I lost you there for a moment. You alright?" Panting loudly, he moved to close the distance between them, not at all upset to take a break.