04--video

[shatterings]

[ The video flickers on and Naminé's looking incredibly unsettled. She's quiet for a while until she opens the door of her room. There, standing in the hallway, are two Meowstics--one female, one male--and a lone Espurr. Kind of like this, with the Espurr right in the middle. Standing. Staring.

Quietly, Naminé turns the camera toward herself. ]

When we woke up, we found them like this. I... I'm not sure why they're doing this.

... Is this normal?

Comments

[shatterings]

[ Naminé laughs, giving Cerberus a hug. ]

I think I'll need a wash before long.

[ She takes Ilya's hand. ]

[Video]

[shatterings]

Celadon City, in Kanto.

[dressofheaven]

Just be careful she doesn't shed too much on you. On your dress, that black fur would stand out a great deal.

[Ilya leads her out into the hallway where Goggle is waiting. The little cat is still staring vacantly at them, but Cerberus stays protectively in front of her Mistress and Namine as they walk by.]

Video

[garbagechild]

<sub>[He DOES notice, but... this is not the most emotionally-intuitive kid around. He can tell there's SOMETHING up, but the idea that she might be worried for him doesn't really cross his mind.]

[He tilts his head, frowning lightly.]

[Shouldn't finding out that 'ghosts' were just harmless imprints of organic bodies in decay be reassuring?? Bodily fluid stains were gross, but they couldn't hurt anybody!]</sub>

What's the matter?

... Did I say something bad?

[shatterings]

I don't think I'd mind too much.

[ Naminé keeps a hand on Cerberus's head as they walk past. ]

Video

[shatterings]

Oh, no, not at all... I'm just not really used to... hearing things like that.

[ That's partly true. Mostly, she is concerned about him, but... it would be odd to come right out and say that, wouldn't it?

Definitely. ]

[Video]

[dangerousidol]

Kanto? Oh! I can get there with the train!

[dressofheaven]

No, I suppose you wouldn't.

[Once they're past the cat it's a pretty simple matter to get to the door and outside. Ilya unclips a ball from her belt as they walk out into the grass.]

Now, don't be too alarmed. Talos is rather... boisterous.

[The ball pops open, and the towering form of a Metagross pops out, red eyes staring at the two girls. Talos raises itself up to look them over better, and a deep, booming voice echoes inside their minds.]

Mistress, you call on me... What is this? She is neither Kairi, nor Xion... Who are you that wears the face of the Mistress's friends?

[shatterings]

Boisterous... okay. I'll try.

[ When he's released, Naminé doesn't feel nearly as frightened as she would have if Ilya had released him several months ago. Still, she does feel some degree of unease; the voice in her head, for one, and the sheer size of him. ]

Um... I'm their sister. I'm Naminé.

[Video]

[shatterings]

I think you would like it here, Rise.

[Video]

[dangerousidol]

When I'm done with the commercial, I'll come visit!

[Video]

[shatterings]

Commercial?

[dressofheaven]

Hmmmm...

[Talos steps forward a bit, looming in very close. Ilya doesn't say anything, just watches as he looks Namine over.]

If you are their sister, then... Mistress, do the same rules apply?

Of course. She's my friend too, after all.

[Video]

[dangerousidol]

For my job! I work as an idol for Honeyed Soul!

[Video]

[shatterings]

I'll be sure to keep an eye out for it, then.

[shatterings]

[ Naminé looks at Ilya, puzzled. ]

... Rules?

[dressofheaven]

[Talos rises up to his full height and brings out his most intense heraldic voice for this one.]

They who are under the protection of the Mistress are guarded by us, her loyal warriors! We will shelter them from all blows, lay waste to those who would harm them, trample their enemies underfoot as we would for Her. In our company they shall know no fear, for they shall know we stand between them and any danger, yes, even Arceus itself we will defy, we who are fortunate enough to serve our Mistress, Ilyasviel von Einzbern!

In other words, they have standing orders to keep you safe and make anyone who tries to hurt you pay. Dearly.

And we are proud to see those orders carried out!

[Video]

[dangerousidol]

Let me know if you like it?

[Video]

[shatterings]

I will.

[shatterings]

Loyal warriors... [ Naminé thinks that over, and when Ilya speaks, she looks a bit stunned. ] Oh-- thank you.

[ Because honestly, it's that which makes her more surprised and caught off-guard more than Talos's tone. Having people to protect her... It's a feeling she never really thought she'd experience. But it's one she doesn't want to let slip away. ]

[Video]

[dangerousidol]

I should... probably go work on that...

[Video]

[shatterings]

I won't keep you any longer, then. Good luck, Rise--I know you'll work hard.

[dressofheaven]

[His speech finished, Talos lowers himself back down and gazes into Namine's eyes while Ilya holds in laughter.]

You are welcome.

[Video]

[dangerousidol]

Oh! I'll send you some cute pictures when I can of my Pokémon~ I'll talk to you soon!

[Video]

[shatterings]

Okay. I'll do the same, Rise. [ A smile and a wave. ] Have fun.