06. video

[shatterings]

[ The stream opens up with Naminé holding a Ducklett and a Torchic in her lap. It takes her a while to speak, and when she does, it's slow, pained. ]

When people leave... do a lot of them leave at the same time?

Comments

[video]

[paladinlost]

[Cecil nods.]

Not just at any time, but after any period of time, too. I've seen people disappear within a month, and others after years. You eat lunch with them one day, and the next...

[He doubts he needs to finish that sentence.]

[video]

[shatterings]

I... it's unavoidable, I know, but... it's sad. [ She hesitates, the Torchic cooing sadly and nuzzling her hand. ] But... if we keep them in our hearts and thoughts... I think it'll make things a little better.

[video]

[paladinlost]

...It does, even when they are gone for years or return with no memories of the time we spent together. The smiles we shared, the times we fought side by side... they help us keep going, when it still seems impossible.

[video]

[shatterings]

[ It does bother her that he may return and not remember, but... she'll keep that marble, the one he left her, close. ]

I think he'd appreciate that... even if he never knows I'm keeping him in my thoughts.

[video]

[paladinlost]

With any luck, you'll have the chance to tell him when he returns. And even if not... Surely some of your thoughts will reach him, even worlds apart, even if he doesn't quite realize what they are.

[video]

[shatterings]

Mm... I hope so. And... I'll do my best to take care of the Pokémon he left me.

[video]

[paladinlost]

Surely he'd be glad to hear that. How many are there? Are they taking their trainer's disappearance well? Or at least, as well as can be expected?

[video]

[shatterings]

He left me just two... his Torchic and his Ducklett. They're... sad. They miss him a lot, but I think just being with me... it might be helping.

[video]

[paladinlost]

I've no doubt it is indeed helping. But they're not the only ones helped, are they?

[He remembers the relief of having another creature who shared his pain by his side, when he feared he'd never see his missing friends again.]

[video]

[shatterings]

Mm-mm. [ She shakes her head, and luckily, a little smile--slight, but still there--crosses her face. ] No... it's like they're a reminder of him, and how much he means to me.

[video]

[paladinlost]

Exactly. I've no doubt you received them for that reason, even if it's unlikely that he deliberately planned to leave them in your care. Pokémon do tend to stay with their old trainers' loved ones, after all.

[video]

[shatterings]

Loved ones... [ It makes her happy to hear that, even if it's not in a romantic sense. ] I'll do my very best to take care of them.

[video]

[paladinlost]

How wonderful. If he ever returns, you'll be able to show him how strong and happy his beloved companions have become. There is better welcome back gift you could offer.

[video]

[shatterings]

Do you think so?

[ She nods, smiling lightly. ]

I-I'll definitely do my best to train them well.

[video]

[paladinlost]

In that case, your friend can rest easy, wherever he is. I've not yet met a single trainer or breeder whose best was not sufficient, and I doubt you'll be the exception.

[video]

[shatterings]

[ At that, she looks surprised. ]

I... really?

[video]

[paladinlost]

Of course! You obviously care about them and your friend. Therefore, I can say with complete certainty that they'll turn out well.

[video]

[shatterings]

I do. [ A smile, even if it's pretty shy. ]

Oh, um-- I'm Naminé.

[video]

[paladinlost]

I'm Cecil. Cecil Harvey. It's a pleasure to meet you, Naminé.

[video]

[shatterings]

It's nice to meet you, too, Cecil. Thank you for speaking with me.

[video]

[paladinlost]

You're welcome. I hope your friend will return to you, someday.

[video]

[shatterings]

Mm. I hope so, too. Thank you.