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[Not so sneaky, sis! Because Aang is just a few feet away looking over various red and blue fabrics, coincidentally because of his last conversation with Katie. He manages to spot her out of the corner of his eye, then faces her with his brightest smile and waves.]

[Oh well, Aang we'll make an exception for. Katie takes a moment to place him properly-- she's having a few memory issues. But once she does, she'll smile back just as brightly.]

Hello.

[He blinks at her pause, but he quickly resumes his cheery demeanor.]

Hello! How are you?

Splendidly. [She tilts her head as she glances at the fabrics.]

Are you making yourself a superhero costume?

Something like that! It's actually for Appa. I think I'm gonna do your idea of making him a Superman costume for that Halloween thing I've heard about! I managed to find a picture in the library.

Oh, did you? [She brightens.] Does the library have comics, then? I should go see.

Well it was in a history book. I think it said something about comics. But if comics are books, they gotta be somewhere in the library, right?

Comics are my favourite kind of stories. I borrowed a whole stack of comics from a dragon once. It was very nice of him.

You've never seen a comic before?

No, I haven't. Dragons have comics?

All the red ones. They especially like X-Men.

Oh really? I never would have guessed that. I never heard of X-Men either.

They're uncanny superheroes. Very popular ones that are loved by everyone, even if they're different. [She didn't actually have time to read more than one or two, but it looked like fun.] I think dragons just want to be loved too.

They sound really neat. And it's always good to like things that are different. I think I agree about dragons, too. I know the ones back home had a tough time.

You had dragons? Proper ones?

Yeah, there were lots of dragons in the past, but there's only two left in my time. But what do you mean by proper?

As in proper live real ones that everyone can see.

Oh, I get it. Well yes, everyone could see them! Everyone who knew they were around, that is. They were hidden from the rest of the world because they were the last two dragons left.

What happened to the others?

Well... they were extincted. It's a sad story, but... the Firebenders in my world were supposed to learn from the dragons. But when the Fire Nation fell out of balance, they started hunting dragons instead to gain power, so then the last two got hidden so everyone will think there are no dragons left.

...oh.

[It seems a fairly common story. It seems every creature that departs from the mundane hides from humanity in the end to survive.]

That's a shame. But you know about them...?

I didn't just know about them. I met them, by accident. And with my friend, we danced for them.

Dancing for a dragon... [She appreciates that thought.] They must have liked it, if they didn't eat you.

You're right, they didn't! Neither of us were gobbled up at all. Instead, they showed us the secrets of firebending. [He drops to a dramatic whisper.] It was in their breath.

Edited 2012-11-02 09:14 (UTC)

Dragon's breath... firebending is like waterbending, isn't it?

Yeah! It's like waterbending, but with fire! My friend had been trying to teach me firebending, but he wasn't that good at it anymore. So we both had to learn the secrets from the dragons to firebend good. [He tries to go into his storybook voice, which has been practiced on a daily basis for Ikki's bedtime stories.] And when they breathed, it made fire all around us in a circle! It wasn't just red, either, it was all of the colors. The fire was changing around us, and it showed us the truth without hurting us.

[...oh. Katie's face takes on a look of almost reverence. Not many people can see all the different colours in fire.]

I wish I could have been there.

[He gives Katie a warm smile.]

I wish you coulda been there, too. It was like a once in a lifetime experience. I wonder if it could be remade in the Battle Dome. But it still might not be the same.

You know how to use the battledome? [She brightens even more.] I keep trying to show people how to use it, but they always get the buttons mixed up. Do you think you could show me your dragons?

I'm not a professional. A lot of the time I get other people to help me. But I promise I'll learn to do it better, or I'll find the best Battle Dome button presser in Luceti, so I can gladly show you my dragons.

It's a promise, then. I'll come see your dragons when you've learned to do it just right. Not too hot or too cold.

[And he laughs, holding out his hand for a handshake. This kind of promise just seemed so simple next to the one he was forced into back home. He'd get this done.]

Yep! I'll make sure the dragons are just the right temperature.

[She holds out her hand solemnly, shakiing his hand. Deal.]

Good luck with your costume.

[Good, good.]

Thanks! Are you gonna dress up, too?

Hmm. I thought I might go as a superhero.

[If she goes, it'll be as Darth Vader.]

Hey, that'd be cool! I already told you Appa's costume, but I'm gonna try to be Robin! We can all be superheroes together!

Oh, perhaps I should try for Batman instead, then. We can be partners in crime. Well... partners in heroing.

Wow! I'm sure you'd make a great Batman. And I'd do my best as your sidekick!

[I AM THE NIGHT.]

My parents are still alive, though.

I'm glad. Parents are great things to have. [But he frowns.] Did... Are Batman's parents okay?

I wouldn't want to spoil the comic for you. [Even though she... just... did...]

That's... that's very thoughtful of you.

I'm a very thoughtful girl. [She's trying not to laugh. >_> Sorry, Aang.] You should ask if anyone has Batman comics anyway. I'm sure they'd be willing to let you see.

Maybe I will! I definitely gotta try to find some of those comics and see what they're like!

Tell me what you think.

[She gathers the last of the string up, shoving it into her bag.] I have to go now, though. I have homework to do.

Oh, for Professor Sage? Good luck! I'll see you around.

[The mention of Raine makes her frown a little, but then she nods.] I'm running a little late with it. But I'll be done by tonight!

I'll talk to you soon, Aang.

[There's a man out looking for little girls in the woods the past few days. A rather, angry and worried, gunman in fact. He's had very little else to do in Luceti once he was sure Wolfwood was going to be alright and he's worried about Katie.

He's moving quietly through the trees. Wanting to try to spot Katie before she spots him. Straining his eyes to see as far as he possibly can looking for the child.]

[This far south, Katie thinks she's alone. And while she isn't deliberately drawing attention to herself, there's the soft humming, barely heard on the breeze, barely carrying-- but maybe enough for a perceptive gunman.

She's humming an Enya song, mind. Boadicea, to be precise.]

[Vash picks up on the soft humming. He moves towards the sound, not knowing the song. After some time he finally finds Katie, he doesn't like how thin she's looking, but he's just glad to finally have found her.

He moves forward as he speaks her name quietly. Not wanting to startle her too much.] Hello, Katie.

[Katie doesn't so much as look up. The song that precedes him everywhere gave him away some time ago.]

Hello, Vash.

[Her words are soft. She knows Vash will know she attacked Wolfwood.]

[He moves closer to her. Looking to sit next to her.] How long have you been out here? You've lost weight. [Blunt seems the better way to start for now.]

I'm on a diet. [Still not looking up. He might want to hesitate before sitting-- Katie is surrounded by string and wool, laid out in colourful strands all around her. He'd end up sitting on it.]

[He changes his mind about sitting when he gets a good look at just how much string Katie has around her. Huh, strange, but he thinks better then stepping on any of it. So instead he'll move in front of her, crouching low to be at her eye level.]

Well, I think you've lost more weight than you needed to. [He frowns, looking Katie over carefully.] Have you been living out here?

For all you know, Vash the Stampede, I could be training to be a tightrope walker. It's very rude to comment on a girl's weight, you know.

[She finally glances up to him-- and her eyes lose focus, shifting past him to the treeline.]

You haven't changed at all, I see.

I know it's rude, but I worry, it's not healthy to lose too much weight too fast you know. And, did you want me to change?

As long as you never stop singing.

I'm fine.

But I'm not- [Vash shakes his head. Katie still manages to confuse him, but he's not going to let that stop him from talking about what he's been looking for her for.]

Katie, why did you attack Wolfwood?

Who says I attacked Wolfwood?

Well, for one... Wolfwood does.

And of course, you believe him. Why wouldn't you?

[Another thread slides through her fingers, resting across her knees.]

Are you here to punish me, then?

No, I'm not here to punish you. We're worried about you Katie, that's why I'm here. Wolfwood too. We just want to know what's wrong, why did you attack him?

Why didn't you?

Because he is my best friend and I trust him with my life.

Are you stupid?

No, it's true, Luceti changed Wolfwood that one time, but I would never hold that against him.

Do you think I'm stupid, Katie?

Is that "no" an answer to my question or just a denial of the obvious?

It's a no to your question. I do not think I'm stupid. [And he notices you didn't answer his.]

Luceti made me think I had to kill him once and he's never tried to make me feel bad for it or held it against me. What kind of friend would I be if I did the same?

If you don't think you're stupid, why are you talking with the little girl that sent your big, bad assassin friend running on his heels?

Wolfwood is not an assassin. [Not anymore.] And I like him better if he had run instead of attacking someone he thought was in trouble and taking it out in the wrong way.

[Hmph. Honestly, she's disappointed.] Do I look like I'm in trouble to you?

You're attacking my friend who didn't want to fight or hurt you. It sounds to me like you're in trouble.

[The look he gets is somewhere between disbelieving and amusing. Are you serious?]

Are you sure you don't think you're stupid? Is that how you and Wolfwood became friends? He tried to kill you so you decided he was in trouble?

[Vash can't help but laugh a little at that and run his hand through his hair.] Ah, yeah. Pretty much. I knew he was a good man and wouldn't be attacking me unless something was very, very wrong and he thought he had no other choice.

Only, there always is another choice. Besides, the Malnosso seem to like trying to turn friends against each other. Can't let them think they're doing a good job!

[Yup. Still has no clue you're not talking about the time you saved him from Wolfwood.]

Edited 2012-11-10 13:51 (UTC)

The world is full of choices. That doesn't mean yours is the right one. [Her attention goes back to the string.] What do you know of me, Vash?

I know very little about you if I'm being honest, but you never seemed the type to me that wanted someone prying into your life. I figured I'd be allowed to know you as much as you wanted me to know.

It's going to be rather difficult to find out why I attacked Wolfwood then, isn't it?

Perhaps, but that doesn't mean I won't give up. I never give up on the people I care about. [Or, well, anyone for that matter.] More so when it's two people I care a lot about.

Edited 2012-11-21 02:43 (UTC)

As you like. If I tell you I won't attack him again, will you leave me in peace?

[She starts gathering up her string, winding it round and round her fingers.]

While I'd really like that, I'm afraid it's a little harder than that to get rid of me.

I'm still very worried about you. You're not acting like the Katie I've gotten to know.

Do you know what they say about grown men who won't stay away from children they haven't fathered?

Is it... that they're very good and nice with kids?

[Vash pls.]

Yes. That's it exactly.

Well, that's a good thing! HAHAHAHHAHAHA! [Yes, he knows Katie is lying about agreeing with him. No, he doesn't care. He's just trying to get Katie to smile.]

[Good luck with that, Vash. You're not precisely dealing with Katie. Her reaction to the laugh is to sigh.]

Go home, Vash.

I can't. Not until I'm sure you're okay. Please, Katie, you can talk to me. I won't judge you and I won't tell anyone.

If I say I'm all right, you won't believe me. And if I say I'm not, I'd be lying. Your words are just pretty excuses to stay out here and pester me. [Her string is a wrapped, messy ball by now, fingers caught in it.] Go home.

You're not acting like you're alright. So I can't go home. I'll just sit at home and worry about you.

I don't understand, Katie. Is someone hurting you? Is that why you can't talk to me? If someone is trying to force you to do something Katie, you can tell me. I may not always act like it, but I'd make sure they wouldn't hurt you anymore.

You're such a nice man, Vash. Not arrogant at all. What makes you think that I'm not acting like I'm all right? If it makes you feel better I'll tell you that I'm terrible and about to die any minute.

[She's starting to lose patience.]

Not one word of that made me really feel any better. Good to know you're not dying though.

[Yes, he knows every bit of that is a lie.]

Yes, I've already done enough of dying for one year.

[Cold. And she tugs at her fingers for a moment, before looking at him.] Would you mind leaving? I'm too shy to perform in public.

[Vash is quiet for a moment. His mind a whirl. Could that be it? Could it be that this was all because of her death? Is this part of a death penalty or just the fear of someone being so cruel that they had hurt her so badly.]

Yes, you have, and I'm sorry Katie. [Part of him wants to respect her wish. To give her the space she wants, but he can't bring himself to do it. What if she comes across someone else like Wolfwood? Someone who may not hold back.]

What are you going to do, Katie? Why do you want me to leave you so badly?

[Because this sort of ritual magic becomes so much easier when there isn't a human and the weight of his disbelief to drag her down. But the idea of trying to explain that to Vash-- indeed, why should she, even if she could?-- is enough that Katie just shakes her head.]

Because you need a bath.

[And then Vash will find himself en route to the lake. Bon voyage. 8|]

Eh!? But I took a show-WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

[And Vash goes off towards the lake. Man, he was really hoping the trips like this would have stopped after Yuber had left. Oh well, at least his swimming lessons aren't going to waste!]

[Good riddance. Katie decides she shall accept no other interruptions unless they come with torches and pitchforks in the old-fashioned way.

It's only when she bends her eyes back to her task that she realises all trace of Vash is not completely gone, and she glances up to meet the sad expression of Rem, standing by the flowers.

Ah. She knew there was something different.]

Has he forgotten you? [It's a soft inquiry, and Katie pats the rock she's sitting on as she stands.] You can take my place if you'd like. I won't listen at all.

[The heavy dragging shuffle of something else approaching makes her smile, and she glances down at the ball of string in her hands. So much glamour knotted within.

Time to do something useful with it.]

[Spock is in the item shop as well... looking through a few electrical pieces, determining their salvage use for his lab....

He notices the girl walk by with a copious amount of string and other string-like material... curious.]

Greetings...I am Spock. Are you in need of assistance?

[Hopefully Spock's not easy to offend, because Katie's reaction is to press herself against the shelving away from him as if he just threatened her, so violently that a few items topple from the top shelf. She looks ill.]

N-none at all. Thank you for your consideration.

((ooc: I tried to ping you on Plurk, but this might give you context. |D I am so sorry, haha))

[Spock is startled at the girl's rather violent reaction... he actually looks behind him to make sure there was something else that she saw...

no...

It appears it is him then. Perhaps she is just very shy?]

My apologies, I did not mean to frighten you. Are you well? [Because Spock was kind of hoping there was a medical reason for the reaction she had....]

[Katie moves away from the shelf now, and looks less frightened, but that doesn't stop her from taking a few steps away from him.]

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude. I'm allergic to pointy ears.

[Spock raises an eyebrow and almost huffs a laugh at that...almost.]

Indeed. I have never heard of that before. [Spock is definitely amused... for a Vulcan.]

You were not rude little one. [Spock gives her a small bow before moving to pick up the objects that fell to the ground when she bumped into the shelving.]

May I ask for your name?

You may. [... suppose she should actually answer that, huh. After a moment of silence (and another step back), she adds cautiously:] It's Adwen.

[Spock nods as he places the objects on the shelf and faces her once more...he can tell she does not want to stay...]

It is good to make your acquaintance Adwen. I will not keep you, perhaps we will meet again someday.

[Spock looks down and notices Adwen had dropped some string... he picks it up and holds it out to her...]

I believe you dropped this...

Perhaps we will.

[She shrinks back from his extended arm before she can help herself, and on another day maybe Katie would try to explain why. But right now, all she wants is distance.]

You may keep that part. Call it my gift.

[Spock sighs lightly before dropping his hand in resignation. It is obvious that the girl wants nothing more than to be far away from him...

Very well.]

My thanks Miss Adwen.

[Spock lifts his hand in a Ta'al and actually looks to be keeping the string...]

Peace and long life to you.

[After a brief pause, she mimics his Ta'al, solemn. Despite how hard it is to be near him, he's behaving with more courtesy than many others she knows. And it's worth her respect.] And to you, also.

[Hesitating.] And I'm sorry. Allergies can't be helped.

[Spock nods... impressed that the girl is able to imitate the Ta'al...

and walks away.]

[Katie breathes easier once he's gone. Sorry man, you sort of carry a cloud of poison around with you, as far as Katie's concerned.

But he left her alone. That's good.]

[Luke has pretty much been trying to find Katie ever since his own encounter, and talking to Wolfwood. Its occupied a lot of his time, so its sort of ironic that he actually does see her when he's decided to take a break and go look for beakers in the item shop for a project. Out of the corner of his eye, the Jedi spots a familiar little girl...]

Katie?! Is that you? Are you alright?

[Katie glances up to see him and smiles, though there's an edge of caution to it.] Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?

[Luke walks over and smiles.]

Because...the last time I saw you you ran away, and you looked pretty beat up.

Oh. Well, that was just a really bad day. [She waves a handful of string at him. It is, after all, Luke's words that gave her an idea.] Things are much better now. Sorry if I worried you.

Oh? So the thing that was chasing you is gone?

[Does he feel...anything amiss?]

I met your friend Brook recently too. The skeleton.

It depends on what 'thing' you're talking about. A lot of people like chasing little girls, it seems. [On Brook's name, her face falls flat.] Did you? How was he?

[If he can feel the nervosa, it's far distant at this point, quite close to the northern mountain range. Katie's been leading it a merry chase today for the sole purpose of buying herself space.

As for Katie herself, well. She's a little dark.]

The shadow.

[Luke notes her change in expression and raises an eyebrow]

Brook seemed in high spirits, if...a little skeletal. Though he tells me that's normal for him.

[He can't feel the Nervosa, but that's what he'd consider the shadow. It's far to distant to pick up on]

Which shadow? [Katie's eyes deliberately sweep the ground, taking in every natural shadow the shop's aisles cast in the light that filters in from outside.] I'm constantly chased by shadows. One in particular. It's nailed to my foot, like all good shadows are.

The one that you'd managed to hide from last time I saw you.

[He gives her an amused look at the joke though]

You're a funny kid, you know that?

I'm very good at hiding from things. And I do try my best to be funny. [She continues putting string in her bag, eyeing him out of the corner of her eye.]

What's the string for?

[Luke starts gathering the things he was looking for. Something about Katie's behavior feels off, but she hasn't done anything too weird yet, like turning into a cat...]

Edited 2012-10-27 16:59 (UTC)

I have an art project. I'm hoping it will cheer me up a little.

Oh yea? What're you going to make?

[Luke picks up a few bottles sticks them in his pouch. He's acting uninterested, but he's paying attention.]

A dreamcatcher. Do you know what they are?

I've got an idea, but maybe you can tell me more?

Have you ever played Cat's Cradle?

I'm afraid not. Care to teach me?

It's a finger game. [She demonstrates with string, winding it around fingers and holding them apart.] Except instead of cats, you catch dreams.

Ahh.

[Luke watches, interested]

And you hope to trap your bad dreams with it?

No. I don't have dreams that bad. This is for a friend. You hang it over their bed at night, and bad dreams will get all tangled up. They're like cats, you see. [She waves the string.] They love chasing after wriggly things.

Really now? I know some people who could use something like that.

[Luke smiles]

D'you think you could help me make some of those sometime, Katie?

Some time.

Do you have bad dreams?

Everyone does. Even Jedi.

How do Jedi deal with their bad dreams?

Meditation, Katie. And focusing on the good thoughts.

[He stoops to eye level with her]

If you want, I can show you how. You don't need to be a Jedi to do it.

I know.

[She finishes gathering up all her string and offers him a curtsey.] Perhaps another time.

Not so fast kiddo.

[Luke pulls out a small silver object and hands it over to Katie.]

Take that with you, alright? It's a panic button. If you feel scared, or something bothers you again press it and Artoo will pick it up and we'll come running. Promise.

[She's about to protest, because she expects him to stop her from leaving. But...

...oh. Really? She eyes it. Well, then.]

...remember. You promised. [But there's a ghost of humour to her smile as she pockets it.] I've always wanted to see a droid run. I shall bear your words in mind, young Jedi.

I did promise.

[Luke holds up a pinkie]

But you have to promise me that you'll ring the buzzer, young Padawan.

[...tricksy. >:| The smile falls. Such a vague promise being asked in return. But she puts her pinkie out.]

If I have need of assistance, I'll swear to call you to my aid.

[She wonders if Jedi would feel the authority of that oath, enforced by the wyrd.]

[Luke wraps pinkies with Katie and shakes twice]

Good.

[He might feel something strange, but he's not going to say anything]

Be safe, Katie. May the Force be with you.

Likewise.

[Then she picks up her bag and skips out the door.]

[ ...buffy catches sight of the girl as she's heading out of town. the slayer pauses on the path -- surprised. ]

Katie?

[ after all, it's been a while. and the things that jack's said... ]

[Katie glances up, her hands threaded through the large bag she's carrying with her, though it's obviously not very heavy. She blinks at Buffy for a moment, and then has the grace to look a little guilty.]

Hello.

Hi. I -- hi.

[ a soft stammer; an embarrassed, self-deprecating smile. whatever buffy might suspect or assume or even have heard rumoured from others in her life, she still seems happy to see the girl. ] Long time no see. You're looking...

[ smaller. buffy clears her throat. ] It's nice to see you.

[Katie opens and closes her mouth, because nice to see you too won't work and she doesn't much feel like telling Buffy to get lost. Despite things, she misses both her and Jack.

She looks away.] I'm looking...like what?

...Looking like you're seriously in need of a cheeseburger. Extra pickles.

[ her concern is likely evident, but she wraps it up in humour. ]

[Katie smiles a little at that.] Do you think the scientists would bring us a MacDonald's if we asked them nicely?

...Maybe we can talk them into a single Happy Meal delivery. At least that'll come with a toy.

Maybe I'll ask them nicely the next time I see them.

[She shuffles, biting her lip briefly.] Is Jack okay?

[ is jack okay? buffy makes the iffy mistake of taking the time to actually worry over her answer. there were the ever-developing problems around joyce. the tension with spike. the lingering malaise of their last fight.

but... ]

I'm looking after him. I know he'd like to see you. You manage to trip his worry-wires. That's quite impressive, given what kinda man he is.

As long as worrying is all he's doing. [She doesn't. Doesn't. Want them involved. There's enough of Katie's love there for that.] Would you tell him I'm doing fine? I'm just having an adventure.

[ buffy opts not to be stern. her smile might not be happy but it has a sardonic warmth all the same.

so, gently: ] Do you think he'll believe me? I'm not the world's greatest liar. Or even the world's most mediocre one.

[ because even she can sense that nothing it perfectly fine. perhaps she doesn't realize the depth of the problem, but she knows something's off. ]

He'll believe you more than me. I have a terrible reputation for being a liar, and you'd be telling him the truth. It is an adventure.

[Just not a very safe one.]

I hear adventures are better when ventured with friends. Still...

[ lying to jack is difficult -- and not only because she doesn't like doing it. he's also the one who'd tried to teach her how to lie to people she cares about. all her tricks are his. ]

I'll do my best. On account of you being so important to him. So important to-- [ ...oh. hell. why not? ] So important to both of us.

[ something twists in her heart. she can't identify what. ]

[Katie stares down at her feet for a moment at that part, and then back to Buffy, less sure of herself.]

...Buffy?

I'll be okay.

[ gently -- hesitantly -- she reaches to touch a finger under katie's chin. ]

You'd better be.

[Katie tilts her head and smiles at that.]

...tell him I'll try to come home for dinner sometime never. Definitely later than soon.

Oh. Will you not be cooking?

I'll do all the cooking, but I only know how to do porridge. You might prefer something less tasty.

I see how it isn't. I'm certainly uninvited too, huh? [ buffy likes this version of lying. ] Maybe I could not stop by before dinner and provide no guidance and no help.

I'm a great cook. [ HAH. ]

Edited 2012-10-28 13:00 (UTC)

[Katie bursts into giggles.] I'm sure without your guidance and help we can be great cooks together.

And absolutely no one will get food poisoning.

We'd better not invite a doctor along, then. He'd be rather disappointed he didn't get to do anything.

...Doctor McCoy is back. He's an option.

[...oho.]

Doctor McCoy?

No relation, I'm presuming. Bones, though.

His name is Bones? [Though this does sound familiar. Katie only remembers Spock and Kirk from Star Trek. (On account of being seven when her mother watched it. Spock had cool ears.)]

I wish my name was Bones.

Oh, I don't know about that. I think he kinda hates being called it. He's grumpy like that.

He can have my name, then.

That's...very generous of you.

Tell him it's short for "Bob". That might make him feel better.

[ a soft laugh. ]

You can tell him yourself, if you like. If you wanna invite him. Or maybe...

There's a holiday, coming up.

Which one? [She can think of several. Or rather, several different variants.]

Thanksgiving. Turkey-day, if you like.

[Ah. That equates to harvest celebrations at home. Or did, years ago.

...she wonders if it would be all right.]

I should find some things to give thanks about. I'm sure it won't be hard.

...Even if it's just the turkey. Or, y'know, the yams.

What is a yam? I've always been curious.

It's like a potato. Only...orangier.

Oh, a sweet potato? [She likes those.] Then maybe I'll come and try one.

Exactly. Baked into a casserole. Dee-lish. I promise. I know Jack'll be glad to see you at the table.

[...too soon. Maybe.]

I'll see what I can do.

Then I'll let you get back to your...

Walking?

Walking. [She nods.] I might do some fishing after. It's a lovely day.

...goodbye, Buffy.

[Raine had been close to the edge of the village, using the afternoon to harvest some late wild-growing herbs in a basket, when she notices from not too far away, Katie's progression toward the forest.

... had it only been a few days since she had appeared on her roof? Raine still had the bell, though it remained sitting on her desk.

Promises are sacred to my kind. Stay away. Would you prefer it if I came undone?

Those words were not forgotten. Even so, she can't bring herself to ignore Katie's presence, and it would only take a few steps to alert Katie to hers, she was certain. She waits, however, until the girl is completely alone and has started on the move again before making herself known.]

... Hello, Katie.

[Katie's footsteps slow, then stop completely, fingers curling on the bag she has with her.]

Do you ever find it particularly muddy when you walk about in the forest?

Only after heavy storms. [She knows full well what Katie means to refer to, but for some reason, she finds herself speaking of this instead.] ... When I was younger, I always thought the rain was particularly heavy whenever we had to travel somewhere.

Maybe it was saying goodbye. [She considers.] Or hello. One of the two.

Perhaps so. It happened often enough that I used to only associate it with bad situations, until I realized that it wasn't fair to do so. It was only the weather, and had nothing to do with me personally.

I like the rain. It has puddles you can jump in, and it hides all sorts of things.

Hides things?

Tigers, if it rains hard enough.

I suppose I don't often see tigers in the rain. So perhaps it does work.

[Goodness, what a topic to leap to. And only from the idea of muddy footprints. It's more surprising that ancient relics don't spring up wherever she goes.] It's good to see you, you know.

Is it? [She tilts her head.] Did you tell Vash I was in trouble?

Hm? [She's surprised at the sudden question, but shakes her head at that.] I hadn't spoken to Vash about you at all.

Do you think it's impossible for a small child to be evil? [Not entirely serious with that one. Her smile quirks up a little.]

I've learned from experience that in some circumstances, nothing is quite fully impossible. Just very unlikely. In any case, I haven't met any that would qualify for that label. It's rather subjective, don't you think?

You use far too many long words. I'm only nine years old, you know.

That's only true for one of you, isn't it?

If that's the case, I'm only half understanding you.

I'll try harder not to use as many large words around you.

That would be nice.

Did you want something else?

How have you been...? I don't get a chance to ask that often.

Absolutely terrible. I never get any sleep and I think the world is out to get me.

You seem a little tidier than when I last saw you.

Someone took offence to a muddy cat.

The cat didn't seem too happy to be muddy, either.

Cats don't like dirt very much. I'm sure the cat is much happier now.

It seems like it would take a lot more than that to make this particular cat happy again.

Do you think so? Cats are rather simple creatures. Scratch them behind the ears and they forget you shut them outside and forgot to feed them.

This cat is no ordinary cat.

All cats are ordinary cats.

To be fair, my cat experience is fairly limited.

It's usually better that way. You can continue thinking of cats as cute and adorable.

I prefer to think of them as unique as any other species. Having one of my own to raise here has been a bit of a learning experience.

Mm.

Have you ever met my cat?

No, I don't believe so.

Her name's Katie. I call her Licorice for short.

[...] I suppose she wouldn't like you much.

[This is one of those times when Raine isn't certain if Katie is referring to an actual cat or her other form. The lies had been sounding too close to truths, and the truths too close to lies.] It would be nice to meet her sometime. And when things are no longer ... difficult ... for you, perhaps you could spend some time with Lia.

[Chances are good she already has. Katie's on a first name basis with most cats in Luceti. >_>]

When things are no longer difficult, certainly.

{Serene agreement.]

[Recall them meeting on at least one occasion, Lia's a rare indoor cat in Luceti. Or so much as Raine thinks, anyway.]

And do we have any ideas for when that will be? It's getting colder at night.

There are a lot of empty rooms in Luceti.

That's not an answer.

Isn't it? It didn't sound much like a question.

I meant as far as finding a resolution for this difficulty. Are you going to spend the rest of your time here running?

[Oh, for--

Katie finally turns fully to face Raine.] Would you prefer it that I didn't? What makes you think I actually need any kind of help or shelter? I'm just a child, Mistress Sage. I don't know how to look after myself at all. Can I make it any more clear for you or shall I pretend to be helpless just a little more?

I know you aren't just a child, even if that's a part of who you are. I've found in my experience that even stubborn people who are older than children can find themselves in need of support sometime, even if they're convinced that they don't need it; if they're convinced that just because it never presented itself before, it's not truly genuine.

If you're convinced that I'm convinced I don't need it, why on earth do you expect me to suddenly be convinced by your convincing me that I do?

[Hee.]

Who said anything about suddenly convincing anyone? I was only making a point.

And I was making mine.

[She starts to leave.]

If you need anything, you know how to find me.

Always.

[And she vanishes into the trees.]

[Action]

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Feel free to say he doesn't find her/flick him away if you want!

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