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]

[ What a predicament! Dog slobber aside, Naminé's having a ball. Cerberus even gets her ears played with. ]

I think she's doing just fine. Aren't you, Cerberus?

[dressofheaven]

[Yeeeees she loves it when her ears are played with do that more Namine.]

Well, at the very least she won't be leaving you alone anytime soon. I suppose that counts for something.

[shatterings]

I don't mind at all. She's very good company.

[ It helps that her ears are very soft. ]

[dressofheaven]

Well at least I know what to do if you ever have nightmares. I'll just send her to you to scare them away.

[Not that Ilya isn't going to come running herself if she hears Namine screaming in the night, because of course she is.]

[shatterings]

Thank you, Ilya. I'll keep that in mind.

[ Well, her nightmares aren't the screaming kind, at least. They're more the "waking up in a cold sweat" type. ]

[dressofheaven]

Oh don't mention it. She's hardly going to complain.

[Given that Cerberus has now flopped her head back into Namine's lap, this is hardly a contestable statement.]

[shatterings]

[ And Naminé settles into a steady rhythm, gentle stroking and scratching little circles behind Cerberus's ears. ]

Are your other Pokémon I haven't met this affectionate?

[dressofheaven]

Some of them. Aphrodite is probably the most cuddly of them all, except perhaps Iris. But they're all protective, and kind in their own way assuming they like you. Talos is probably the most interesting, since he's the only one of mine who can really "talk".

[shatterings]

I don't think I've met Talos... Oh! You can teach them to speak?

[dressofheaven]

No... well, you sort of can, if they really want to. One of Riku's can do that. But when I say "talk", I mean Talos is psychic. He... or it, since it doesn't really have a gender, is a Metagross, a very powerful steel and psychic type.

[shatterings]

That's incredible... they're so smart. [ Oh, so like Hope. Naminé nods. ] Mm. I remember you told me about that, when I first arrived.

[dressofheaven]

Right. Talos was the one who I was talking about, but all Psychics can do that if they want to. I'd show you him, but it's not wise to let him out indoors. He's very heavy.

[shatterings]

I'd like that... whenever we're outside next.

[dressofheaven]

Well, we could go out right now if you really wanted to. Of course, that would mean walking past Goggle out there, but I'm sure Cerberus will keep you safe.

[shatterings]

[ She gives Cerberus a gentle pat on the head. ]

That sounds nice. Would you like that, Cerberus?

[dressofheaven]

[Naturally, Cerberus's response to that is a enthusiastic lick to Namine's face. Ilya giggles.]

Looks like you have your answer. Shall we then?

[She stands, offering Namine her hand.]

[shatterings]

[ Naminé laughs, giving Cerberus a hug. ]

I think I'll need a wash before long.

[ She takes Ilya's hand. ]

[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.]

[shatterings]

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

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

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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. ]