whatwas | [Video]

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[The feed begins early in the morning, just before dawn. It's impossible to say who's recording, because all it captures is the sunrise. And it's beautiful; the colors are vivid, the day is cold and it makes everything that much sharper.

The sun climbs over the horizon at last and there's a flurry of dust across the screen. The PCD turns off when the feed times out.]

[OFFLINE: a note to Raven]

Hey, Spatzi.

I need to speak to the Higher Ups. Hold it together while I'm gone, ja?

[It's not signed because, well, she'll know who it was from.

There's also a note to Alphonse, saying simply, 'Sorry. Watch after Negi'. The few herbs Johannes left that Horst recognizes are mixed into sachets for Killua, Kotarou, and Negi. It encourages dreamless sleep.

If your name is Tyki, you get a key to Horst's bar and a note: 'Help yourself.']

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[Raven's kneeling on her bedroom floor, head bowed, palms pressed against the ground in front of her. When she hears her door open, she slightly raises her head. Her cheeks are wet with tears.]

Hinata, I...

[She is about to say she's sorry about the fuss she's just made. Except that it sounds silly. And anyway Hinata is already kneeling next to her and pulling her into a tight hug. Raven freezes at that gesture because she's not used to this, especially not from Hinata who always acts a bit shy even around her. And also because the only other person who's ever hugged that fiercely in this place is...]

...Horst.

[Her head falls on Hinata's shoulder as she starts crying again.]

[Hinata doesn't tell her it's going to be alright, or to stop crying. She just holds on, softly caressing Raven's hair.

She won't let go if you don't, Raven.]

[But Raven can't do either of these things. Stop crying or let go of Hinata. Because Horst's gone. And the bond that was between them tells her that as accurately as if she'd been next to him when the sunlight touched him. And she feels empty, alone. And it hurts... It hurts so much.]

We could have found another way... [She sobs.] Such little faith... Why did I ever bother... [And her voice breaks again, whimpering.] Dummkopf...

Y-You can tell him when he's back.

[Rubbing your back now, and looking around the room to see if the kitten is somewhere.]

[Shadow is not far. Just a feet away from both girls, his little head tilted to the side, staring intently at Raven. He looks clearly puzzled and sad to see her like that. But he doesn't know what to do and he doesn't so much as mewl.]

No... No no no...

[It's not clear whether Raven is answering Hinata's question or not.]

[Hinata holds out a hand to Shadow, trying to beckon it closer. Purring kittens make everything better, she's almost sure of that.

She's still holding onto Raven with her other hand and rubbing the girl's back.]

[Shadow seems to hesitate for a moment but he wants to come closer. Raven seems to have calmed down a bit too. He takes a few steps until his nose is brushing against the tip of Hinata's fingers and gives the ninja girl a questioning look. Then he moves to nuzzle Raven's leg, purring softly.

This has Raven raise her head slightly to look down at the kitten. She offers him a weak smile and a caress as she hastily wipes her tears away. Her gaze turns to Hinata.]

What if... the price is too high? Higher than what he's hoping for?

W-We'll deal with it. When we know.

[Raven just nods, a bitter smile curling her lips.] He didn't leave us any other choice, now did he?

Hinata... [She takes the other girl's hand in hers and squeezes it gently.] Thank you. I think I needed that.

[Hinata smiles shyly.]

A-Anytime, Raven-san.

[Raven just gives her a teeny smile before getting up.] I need to look after Alice now. She's my sister. I can't leave her alone.

I'll let you know if I decide to stay with her for a while. But I'll be back.

[Horst would be proud. She's holding it together after all...]

O-Okay. I'll be there.

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[Offline] Okay, where did the notifs for that one go ?

[Offline] I think there's a monster that feeds off notifs lurking around... O.o

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[Offline] Sorry Vil... Almost done spamming your mailbox. Really.

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