flickerflash | [Voice/Action]

[Vash had been wandering the forest looking to see if he could find any new budding flowers.

Finding a little girl about his own "age" was not what he was expecting. His first reaction is to duck behind a tree. After a couple seconds he pokes his head back out.] Ah, hello.

[Headtilt. Weird kid. Why is your hair so long?]

Hello. Are you lost?

[Vash moves himself a little further out from behind the tree.] No, I'm looking for flowers. Are you lost?

Well, you found them. [And instead of answering that, she just smiles at him.] How do I get back to town from here?

[i.e. Yes.]

Yeah, I guess I did! I found them AND you!

The town is this way. I can show you the way back if you want.

Oh, good. [Relieved.] If you wouldn't mind. What's your name?

My name's Vash! What's yours?

Katie. [She blinks at him a bit because the name rings a bell, but the face doesn't. Oh, well. Vash is such a weird girl's name, too.]

It's nice to meet you Katie! Come on! Follow me! We better get back soon before you get too cold!

Okay. [She'll step forward to follow, but looks down at her feet.] Have you seen a pair of shoes anywhere? I seem to have lost them.

No, I haven't. Do you want to see if you can fit into mine for a little bit? My feet are pretty warm right now. I'll be okay without them for awhile.

Oh no, it's all right. I don't mind bare feet. I just didn't want to leave them behind.

Oh, do you want to look for them first? Did you have shoes when you came out here?

I don't know. [She frowns. She doesn't remember that part.]

[Vash had assumed she knew where she was when she had asked about the town, but now he's not so sure.]

What's the last thing you remember? Don't you know you're in Luceti?

I know Luceti. [I'm just not remembering very well.] There's a restaurant in town. I was there.

Okay! Did you go home for a little while then? When I went home for a little while I came back without shoes too.

Did I? [She frowns. Maybe that's why her memory is so weird.] I don't remember, but maybe. I think that happened before.

Okay, so you don't have to feel bad about losing your shoes. [Vash takes a quick look around anyway.] I don't see any at least.

All right, then. Maybe they got left at home.

...I can always come and look later. [She nods.]

Then let's head to town before you get much colder, okay?

Okay.

[She follows you. ~~Like a creeper~~]

Your hair's very pretty.

[Vash can't help but to blush slightly.] You really think so? Rem also said she liked it, but no one else has.

Well, it is. I wish my hair grew long and straight like yours.

If you don't cut it, it might grow long like this! I don't know much about curly hair. No one on the ship has any, but I think your hair is very pretty too.

Thank you! I get it from my dad. The boys must really like your hair, though.

[|D Hey guess what, Vash.]

Hm, I don't know. The guys on the ship don't seem to like it that much. Steve actually picks on me.

[Nope, Vash doesn't get it.]

Well, Steve's an idiot, then.

No, he's actually pretty smart. He's not bad, all the time. He can be funny now and then.

Really? Do you like him?

I... I don't know. I mean, I know he's important to the crew and he can sometimes be nice...

...but sometimes he can be really scary.

Scary how?

...sometimes he can get kinda... mean.

Mean how?

Um... [Vash lowers his head, his stride shortening slightly as he lets his feet drag and kicks at the ground. He hasn't really told anyone but Knives before about Steve's actions.] I dunno... he just hates me I guess.

[Katie sniffs.] Well, hate him back, then.

But he's not bad! He's just scared! [He's quick to come back and defend Steve. He's part of the crew and an important member! He can't be all bad!]

That's no excuse to be a bully!

I dunno. He's not all bad. [Yet this time his defense of Steve is a little more forced. As he thinks over what she says. He really doesn't like it when Steve hits him.]

Neither is any bully I know.

[Vash is quiet for a moment. Thinking it all over.] But, if I show him he doesn't need to be scared of me. Then I think he'd stop being mean.

Why would he be scared of you?

I guess because I'm different and not human. I just wish I knew how to tell him I'm not scary.

What do you mean, you're not human?

I'm a Plant.

[Blink blink. She frowns.] No, you're not. You're a girl.

What!? I'm not a girl! I'm a boy!

[...really?] But your hair is long.

Why can't boys have long hair?

Because it's girly. Unless you're in a band.

[/80s child]

No it's not! Rem doesn't think so!

It is! I thought you were a girl! That makes it girly!

Does not!

Does too.

Does not! [And being the more mature one, Vash is going to go ahead and stick out his tongue to prove his point even more.]

[OH YEAH WELL SHE'LL DO THE SAME, GAWD. But seriously.] Don't you get picked on at school?

No, I don't really go to school. I just started here and on the ship it's just me and Knives. Rem teaches us stuff, but it's not really a school.

Wait, you live on a ship? And you know someone called Knives? [Instant cool points!]

Edited 2012-04-13 01:37 (UTC)

Yeah, he's my brother.

[Huh. Long haired boy whose brother is called Knives. And his name is Vash. And they live on a ship.

8|a]

Are your parents rockstars?

No. I don't really have parents. I was born from one of the Plants on the ship.

[Blink. Blink.]

A plant.

Yeah, but not like a tree or flower. It's a little more complicated than that.

Now I know you're having me on. People can't be born from plants.

They didn't think it was possible either, but Rem says the crew found me and Knives inside one of the Plant's protective glass. We couldn't have come from anything else.

Plants where I'm from are organic life forms created by humans, but they're not able to live without a life support system. Somehow Knives and I are.

....

....you're weird.

[Next you'll be telling her faeries exist, gawd.]

But, not scary weird... right?

[Please, Vash. She gives him a lofty look.] If I thought you were scary, I'd be running away by now.

That's good! I'm glad you're not scared, because I'm not scary at all! Honest!

Of course you're not. You're too girly.

[See, now she's just teasing.]

Just 'cause I have long hair doesn't make me girly! [Although the sad faces does.]

Well, maybe it's different where you're from. [There, she's easing off the teasing.] If you went to my school with hair like that, someone would try to beat you up.

[And after a pause, she adds:] I'd stop them, though.

They'd really beat me up for looking a certain way? But why?

[It's her second part that makes him extra excited.] But I'm glad you'd help me! Does that mean we're friends?

Because boys aren't meant to look like girls. [Welcome to the 80s. ~~And the 90s. And the-- know what, let's stop here.~~]

We can be friends, if you like. [So magnanimous.] But I'd just stop them because it's the right thing to do.

I'd like to be friends with someone as nice as you are!

All right. [Just like that, yep.]

Have you ever been to school?

Not really. Rem teaches Knives and me stuff, but ti's not like it's a real school.

How come he's called Knives?

Because that's his name.

But why? Does he have a lot of knives?

No, it's just... it's just his name!

Who named him that?

I dunno, one of the crew I guess. I never asked.

It's kind of a scary name. It makes him sound like a gangster.

What's a gangster?

[GAWD, Vash. So sheltered.]

It's a bad guy!

Well, Knives isn't a bad guy! He's just.. uh - strong!

Then maybe he can be a hero instead. Or a circus performer. Juggling!

I think he'd make a great hero!

He'd fight the bad guys with knives, and they would be really pretty. Silver or something. And he'd have a big long coat!

Hm, but he won't need to do that! We're going to live on a peaceful planet!

What, no monsters or anything?

Nope! Rem and the crew are going to find the perfect world for people to live on!

Oh, good luck. If you find it, will you let me know. It'd be interesting to visit.

Do you think I could invite people from Luceti to visit my world!? I'd love to do that!

Sure. Nothing stops you from inviting people. [It's whether they can accept or not that's the problem.]

Okay! Then I want you to come see our new home when we find it! Or even the ship too! I want all my friends here to meet Rem and Knives!

All right, then. It's a date.

Okay! I know you'll just love Rem and Knives! They really are like super heroes!

I look forward to it, then.

[Oh look. It's a Katie. Clearly everything is right with the world and nothing hurts]

Yo, Katie-chan~!

...Yo. [A very uncertain yo, because who the heck are you. 8| No seriously, give her a moment. She's trying to place him.]

Can you tell me where I am?

[This question is totally legit and expected, right.]

[... Whelp. There goes his theory about the world being awesome atm. Sanji stares uncertainly at the journal. Shit, was she kidnapped and he didn't realize?]

This is Luceti. [More hesitantly said now. He turns his full attention to her] Do you remember anything?

Oh. Luceti... [Blink. Sort of. It's hazy. It's not... well, it's definitely not Bath. 8|a But at least it gives her a frame of reference. Luceti has forests, that's right. Easy done.

...maybe she was horribly drugged, because it's really hard to remember this stuff. She squints at the journal.] Um. Sort of.

I remember your eyebrow.

[Totally can't forget that. |D]

[... ;A;

Katie - 1
Sanji - 0]

Aa-- that can't be all, right? [Good as it is to hear her memories aren't completely wiped - seriously, Malnosso, you guys are asses - Sanji tries digging a little further]

Can you remember anything else about me? [Like his name? ;;

... Also there's something very odd about this conversation, but he can't put his finger on it yet]

Huu....hmmm. [Herein lies some more impressive squinting. Cigarette, check. She does know you. It's just hard to place.

Oh wait. Food. This man has a kitchen window. *_*]

Fish!

...I mean Sanji!

[He nearly chokes on his relief. Is dinner all he's good for now? B|

Oh well. She got it right.]

So she does remember me~!!

[Dinner and piggyback rides, man.]

Uh huh. I come over all the time! Your food is very delicious. [So she knows a few people and is a lot more comfortable with this lost-in-the-woods thing. Nobody seems mad. 8|a]

That's right, you do!

Now, where are you? Is someone coming to get you yet? [He's still not convinced she doesn't need help... and that nagging sensation has yet to dissipate.]

Mr Sparrow said he'd come out to get me, and I think the other lady did too. [Familiar lady that she hasn't quite placed yet.] So I should be okay. Thank you, though.

[How's that nagging sensation going? |D]

[Considering how bizarrely straightforward this conversation has been so far...

He double-checks, partly out of habit when verifying anything Katie says, but also because that's... probably the truth. And it is. And Sanji stares at the Sparrow conversation with a hint of uncertainty before he turns back to the girl.

Shit, he wishes Brook were here, so he could double-check that he's not going crazy.]

... Katie-chan, are you feeling alright? [The irony doesn't escape him that the correct answer would be "I'm feeling like death warmed over" with a chirp and a smile]

[...this is a common question. She's beginning to wonder if she's forgotten something very important.]

Yes...? I'm okay. Just not...where I'm meant to be.

Did something happen?

[Seeing as he doesn't want to alarm her...]

No, no! Everything's fine. [Ahaha... ha. Clearing his throat now] Though, once you get settled again, I could drop by with some food?

Food! [The best way to her heart, Sanji. And the most distracting. Her eyes light up.] Yes please! Could it be fish? [8D? 8D??]

I'll make Katie-chan any type of fish that she wants~! [Ah, good to know some things never change. That's reassuring]

I would love some. [Beaming. Oh, but...] The beach is a long way away, though. Won't it get cold?

Trust me, that won't be a problem! I've got a few tricks to keep your food nice and warm~! [They include "running fast" and "setting things on fire."]

Then I'll let you know when I'm home! I don't know how long it will be. [A pause, then she hurriedly adds:] But I'll still be hungry!

[Sanji can appreciate a kid who thinks with her stomach.]

Then I guess I better get started on that meal, neh?

Okay!

[And she will call him back in ... probably an hour or so.]

I'm home. Do you know where I live?

... I don't think I do, actually. [Whoa. How long has he known her for? The idea that he has no earthly clue strikes him as shameful - but then again, it is Katie. He always respected her freedom.]

There's a house on the beach! It's a little way down from the fort. Um. It's the only house there, so you can't miss it.

Aah, that house. [His tone implies he's seen it before] I can be there in a few minutes.

[By this time Katie's been through the teleporter for the first time in history. 8|a So she's assuming he'll use that.]

Okay! I'll see you soon.

[Excellent. Then Sanji will skip his merry way over to this beach house, a covered plate in hand. He decides in the interest of saving energy to use the teleporter, and Katie will soon hear a knock on the door if she's inside]

[She shall throw open the door just as he does so. Hope she doesn't knock him over. 8|]

Hello!

[Fish? :D?]

[No worries. B| You just almost lobbed off his arm with a door, but he dodged!]

Hello there~! I've got a special delivery for one Katie-chan~! [He found a recipe for Japanese grilled fish and sorta ran with it. There's also some skewered fried potatoes on the side.]

[jksdfasdf that smells mouth-wateringly delicious, and Katie will just peer under that covering to inhale all that wonderful aroma.] And it's still hot. That's amazing!

[She'll just try and tug that plate away from you now. |D]

Careful! Don't wanna burn yourself. [he lets her have it a second after the warning, though.

... You are gonna at least take it to a table, right? B|]

[Yes, yes. She'll latch onto your wrist and tug you through the front door on a path to the kitchen table. |D] Did you make some for yourself, too?

... Iiiieee might've forgotten that step. [Whoops]

But it's no trouble, Katie-chan. I'm not that hungry.

Okay! [Half a second of etiquette and concern! Immediately turned over by hunger and FISH. She'll just find some cutlery (if Sanji didn't already bring some with him) and dig in.

...at least it's more dainty eating than usual. >> She even makes sure she swallows before she asks a question, like a well brought up child.] Did you use the teleporter to get here?

Yeah, it seemed simpler than Sky Walk.

[Blink. That sounded like a carnival ride. 8|a]

What's a Sky Walk?

[/nom nom nom. Sanji, this fish is delicious. *_*]

["What's a Sky Walk?", she asks. 8)]

How about I show you after you finish eating?

Okay!

[WELL THEN. Her well brought up manners kind of devolve into a shovelling technique that is...probably still more polite than Brook, really. But still. Devouring fish at a rate of knots. B| Please stand by.]

[... How about Sanji get you some water, kiddo? Just in case]

[I-it's okay, she's an old hand at wolving down food? 8D? Especially fish. But she'll happily take that water anyway.]

Thank you very much.

No problem~!

And I take it the fish meets your approval?

Mmmhm! Very much! [Just polishing it off now.] I wish you worked in the restaurants at home. I'd come visit every day.

I guess this just means that Katie-chan will have to visit Seventh Heaven a lot while she's here~!!

I already do. You have the best strawberry icecream.

[And she's finished. 8|a This is a hopeful look. You mentioned Sky Walks.]

Is strawberry your favorite flavor?

[He sees that hopeful look and stands up, nodding toward the front door. Sky Walks are best explained outside... where there is sky.]

The best. [She lays her cutlery neatly on the plate, before standing and tucking her chair in.] Though I like chocolate, too! But strawberry's pink.

Yeah, pink's a much better color than that shitty brown. [He tucks in his chair too before leading them outside.

And once they're out, he bends down, hunched over his knees] Alright, Katie-chan. I'm gonna need you to climb on my back and hold on tight.

Edited 2012-04-22 07:03 (UTC)

[Oh...okay. Well, beyond her general mystification, Katie will never turn down a piggyback. Her small hands latch onto his shoulders a second later.] Where are we going?

[He scoops her up so she's settled on his forearms, offering only one word and a nod at the sky:] Up!

[Just in case her grip is too lax, their lift-off is as gentle as he can make it, and soon he has both of them hopping along their merry way, higher and higher into the air]

[Her grip isn't so much lax as it is suddenly a deathgrip, and Katie squeaks and hides her face, before risking a peek down. ...

jksasfa you're actually flying--] How are you doing that?

[BEST VIEW. OH GOD DON'T LET ME GO D8 /cling]

[And suddenly CHOKING hack cough when Katie's grip finds its way around his neck. But he's laughing all the same, unconcerned by her initial fear]

It's Sky Walk! I'm kicking my feet off the air. [One Piece logic; just roll with it, sweetie, if you can. Sanji adjusts the course, leveling out the angle of his jumps so they're jumping linearly along the beach's coast.]

Don't worry, we won't fall~!

[Don't worry, makes perfect sense to a child! She's still holding on a mite tightly though >> But she's relaxing more and gawking down at the waves far below them.] That's so cool! How high can you go?

Depends on Katie-chan~! Would you like to see the clouds up close?

Yes. [Fuck yes. This faint tug on his shoulder is almost like a giddy up. Really.] Can we touch them from here?

[A responsible adult would remember that changing altitude so suddenly might be an unwise idea, but whatever, we don't need that silly logic >_>]

Absolutely! [Sanji angles them both for a higher trajectory, and away they go. At the speed he's going, it doesn't take long before they touch upon the lowest hanging clouds.

Though that said, they are at an atrocious height now. Sanji hopes it doesn't end up scaring the girl on his back.]

[Nnnope. Doesn't scare her at all. She has a faint half-memory of being up here before, actually, which makes her frown because she's pretty sure she's never done this.

That doesn't stop her from reaching out to try and touch the clouds, even if she is sort of blinking a little dizzily. Kinda got here in a hurry 8|a]

D'you think you could get right out of Luceti this way?

... Never thought about it.

But I doubt it, unfortunately. I'm not the only guy here who can fly. [He glances down below them, at the large expanse of blue that is glittering faintly in the distance.]

People can fly here? [Hgddgdghk is there something in the air in Luceti or something.] I wish I could.

Katie?! [That is all she gets for the moment as Jack lets out a very lengthy sigh of relief. She's back.]

Yes! [Jumping a little. Whoever you are, that sounds distinctly like she might be in trouble.] I'm all right! I swear, I don't know why I'm out here. It's probably very complicated!

[Oh, Jack recognizes that tone. It's one he often used with his Grandmama as a child, even though it never got him out of a single dangerous beating. He tries to sound less potentially accusatory.]

Katie -- 'salright, lassie, I were just worried about you. It's me, Jack. Were you kidnapped, darling?

[Jack. That's a familiar name. It settles her by degrees. She lives in his attic.

...just why she lives there, she's not quite sure, but that part will probably come back to her. One bit at a time. Kidnapping? She chews on her bottom lip.]

I suppose so...? I'm sort of in the middle of nowhere, and I'm not sure why.

Are you injured? Hurt? Is this nowhere near anything?

No! No, I'm okay. Um. I have no shoes. [If that counts for anything.] And it's forest. So I'm outside the village...somewhere.

Stay put! I'm coming!

[That's what magic compasses are for, right? And now that she's inside the barrier, it's not spinning madly.

Not TOO long from now the pirate will come trudging along through the spring woods, casting left and right in search of her.] Katie! Katie?

[It's okay, Katie will be a sensible little girl and stay right where she is. Besides, these flowers are pretty.

When she hears Jack coming, she goes to meet him, appearing from behind a tree with a faintly hopeful look. New feather dress and no shoes, but not a mark on her, except for the old scar on her wrist.]

Here I am.

Bugger, child! [Jack goes striding toward her.] New Feather clothing?!

[So often, New Feather clothing was reserved for those who'd died and come back. The hairs at the base of his neck begin to stand up.]

New what? [She blinks.]

[He kneels to get a better look at her face when he finally reaches her side.] Feather. New Feather. Darling? What's the last thing you remember?

[At very close proximity, her eyes might seem a little duller in colour than usual. Katie furrows her brow in confusion, because...well, about that.]

I think I was... having icecream. [Unsure, and a little nervous, but largely because Jack's concern is making her wonder if something happened she should really know about.] At a restaurant. I think? I sort of remember that part. I wasn't doing anything special.

[He searches her face.] Ice cream. Was the restaurant Seventh Heaven? Did the metal men take you? Or...

[or was this death?]

I think so...? [She's a little fuzzy on the name.] I don't remember any metal men. [She bites her lip. She's fairly confident she left the restaurant, too, but she can't remember anything solid after that.] I don't know what happened.

You want to come home, then? I'll feed you cheese and crackers?

Oh! Cheese. [And crackers. And her stomach gives a small growl, so she gives a relieved smile.] Yes, please.

Come on then. Erm.........you want to bring us, or shall we walk? [He means the flick.]

Bring us...? I don't know the way back.

[Odd thing for him to say.]

[Odd thing for her to say...]

Right. Come on, then. With me. Take you home.

Okay! Oh, but I should let the Professor know you're here, first.

[So she will do that, and then happily follow him.]

Professor? What professor? [But he has already started the walk back, glancing over his shoulder and beckoning for her to hurry it up. Concerned. Worried.]

[She scurries after him then, fumbling to open her journal.] Professor... the teacher. Miss-- Miss Raine. She was worried.

Mistress Raine? [He stops.] Go on, then -- let her know you're safe. With myself.

All right.

[And Katie will do just that.]

She wants to come and check on me in a bit.

She knows she's welcome any time at ours.

Okay. [Looking hopeful.] Is it okay if Sanji brings fish?

[Everyone in this village wants to fatten her up.]

Erm...aye! If that's what you fancy, lass!

[Sorry, Jack. |D]

I always fancy fish. But I think I fancy going home more. [If you don't mind, she's just going to latch a couple of fingers on your sleeve.]

[Latch away; Jack makes a good crutch. He pats her hand as they continue.] Don't we all, in the end?

Know what might be fun in your attic? A bunk bed. One what looks like a ship.

[Unbeknownst to him, Jack fancied such a bed for Joyce when she briefly showed up in Luceti.]

[Attention: caught. She skips ahead a step to peer up into his face.] A ship bunk bed? That would be awfully fun!

[She looks hopeful. You're not just saying that, are you?]

Mmmhmmm. Fun! And suitable for a pirate house. [There is a great deal of approval for this idea in Jack's tone of voice. Yes. This must happen.]

[Oh heck yeah. Bounce!] Can I help make it?

Aye! Why not? 'Course you can! I'll teach you how to wield a hammer!

All right, then! [Though wait--] I won't need to swear a lot, will I?

Erm -- not unless you strike your thumb repeatedly, I expect.

Good. My dad can be heard all over the neighbourhood when he works on things. He's a very angry builder.

Oh? Is he a strapping great fellow who abuses himself with hammers?

[Giggling.] I don't think he means to. And sometimes it's because he's working on the car and the car won't do what he wants it to. He's normally a mechanic.

A mechanic. That's...highly useful. What, like ship's carpenter? Could use one of them around here.

I don't think he's worked on ships before. [Though she's quick to add:] But I bet he could learn really fast.

Right! I'm recruiting him before the bloody Britannia can get hold of him, then! Should he ever arrive!

[Katie's quiet at that for a long moment, though largely because she is imagining getting to work and sail with her father on Jack's ship and feeling both whimsical and homesick.]

...I hope he does come.

...Me too, love. For your sake. Aye.

[The girl had been suspiciously missing for the past while that Raine had been back to her normal self. So noticing that she seems to have made an entry, she'll listen to the others until Katie seems to have a free moment.]

Hello Katie. You had me worried.

Hello, Miss-- [Something. Miss something. She knows she knows Raine and her memory's all spotty, and teacher is what comes to mind, followed by be respectful and how much school did I miss? and But she doesn't teach at Bath. But Katie has remembered enough about Luceti by now to be a little less confused on that issue. A little.]

Miss-- Miss. Hello, ma'am...?

[Hm... confusion. That's not a good sign. And worse yet, it's hard to tell whether or not to employ certain conversation tactics.]

It's Raine -- I'm your teacher.

Raine. [That's not very polite, is it? You shouldn't call your teacher by her first name. Yet she obviously...did... Katie frowns.] Is it all right to call you Raine?

It is. Although, most students tend to call me Professor while in class. Is that more familiar to you?

Oh! It's ... sort of. [Because she's done the same. She likes the sound of 'Professor', anyway.] It makes you sound very wise.

Then I suppose I can only hope that I live up to the title. Now, more importantly... are you on your way to meet anyone yet?

I'm not, but someone's coming out to get me. Hopefully he won't be very long.

I understand. Is it Jack? Please let me know when he gets there.

I will. Should I just call you back?

That sounds fair. Unless there's anything else I can do for you?

No, that's okay. Thank you. Hopefully it won't be too long.

All right. I'll be keeping an ear out for you, then -- if it gets too long, I may have to find you myself.

All right.

[And she will call Raine back in just over half an hour.]

Are you there, Professor? He's here.

Yes, I'm here.

... Good. Are you heading to the beach house?

Uh huh. I'm going to have cheese and crackers, and Sanji is bringing me fish.

[Everyone in this village tries to stuff her silly. She won't complain.]

Sounds like they want to make sure you eat well. How are you... physically? I can drop by and take a look.

I feel all right. And I'm not hurt at all. [Though she sounds a little doubtful.]

... well, I'd feel better if I checked, anyway. Maybe once you've gotten settled.

That should be okay. [A shifty look.] Did I miss homework?

Some, but we'll worry about that once you're ready to come back to class.

Okay. [Now she's contemplating being "sick" for a day or two just because. School is school, after all.] Then I'll see you when you come out.

Yes, I will see you then. Please take care.

[The face that appears isn't one she knows, nor is the voice immediately recognizable, but the note of hesitation in it is enough to catch Vivi's attention.]

Hello. Do you need some help?

Probably. I'm not quite sure how to--

[...*_*]

Your hair is blue.

[The sudden change in topic unbalances her for a moment, and then Vivi gives a light laugh, nodding.] Yes. Is that unusual where you come from?

That's right! Usually it's only little old ladies who make their hair blue so they can hide all the grey. [Isn't that flattering. 8|] But it looks so pretty on you!

Thank you! And you have such lovely curls, yourself.

My name is Vivi.

I get them from my dad. He has the curliest hair you ever saw. It's nice to meet you, Vivi! My name's Katie.

[Sob, the amount of times she's giving out her name here.]

It's good to meet you too, Katie-chan!

[Hmm...]

Is your father here as well?

...no. [She deflates a little.] But it's okay. I'm staying with someone.

[Whoops. It's good she has someone she's staying with, but Vivi hadn't meant to upset her about her father.]

Have you been here long?

[It's a short-lived upset, at least. Katie just doesn't think about it too much.]

I think so. [Things are pretty vague on that count, actually. She frowns.] At least, I remember a lot of stuff after home. I think.

[Vivi nods.] But it's fuzzy? [It sounds much like her experience after being kidnapped the first time, minus the added effect of being reduced to three inches tall.] It should come back to you.

[And back to her first question, since it seemed like Katie was about to say something earlier before getting a little sidetracked.] Is there anything I can do to help in the meantime?

That's good to know. [Katie will take that assurance at face value, and she smiles.] Um, you're helping now.

[Company is good.]

[Vivi nods, thinking she understands.] Is someone coming to meet you? I don't mind keeping you company in the meantime.

[Light conversation is a go.]

Yes! Mr Sparrow's coming out to get me. And the Professor said she'll come by and check on me, and Sanji's bringing me fish.

...Jack Sparrow? [Perhaps she's mistaken about who Katie means, but it does take her somewhat by surprise. She quickly moves on, though, smiling wider.]

You know Sanji-san, too? He's my crewmate. [She laughs lightly.] You must really like fish, Katie-chan. [Not that unusual in itself, but she'd have expected a girl Katie's age to request something sweeter from the cook.]

Oh! You are? [His crewmate, that is; though she doesn't remember Vivi, and that's a little disconcerting because she's pretty sure she'd remember that blue hair.] I do. It's my favourite food! I especially like cod fillet.

Mhmm. Well... [She begins to amend that, not wanting to give Katie the wrong idea.] I'm not really a pirate, myself. Maybe more an honorary one.

[...something about Katie's proclamation stirs a faint feeling of deja vu in Vivi, but she doesn't think much of it, let alone make a connection between the girl and the kitten she'd met a while ago with an eerily similar voice.]

Have you tried Sanji-san's spicy seafood pasta? It's one of my favorites.

...I probably have. [She's a bit fuzzy on those details, actually. But she equates Sanji with fish, and if that's something he cooks a lot, then...] I bet it's delicious.

It is! You'll have to try it again when you have the chance.

How can you be an honorary pirate, though? Is it like you're afraid of the water or something, so you can't sail with them?

[Vivi laughs, shaking her head.] No; I swim pretty well. I sailed with them for a while, but in the end, I chose to stay behind when they left my country. Even so, we're still nakama.

Nakama...?

Crewmates, comrades. Important friends.

Oh! Well, that's good, then. I've never heard that word before. [Though...has she? It sounds familiar-ish...]

No? [Not wholly surprising, though. A lot of people in Luceti seemed unfamiliar with the word, if not the concept.]

At any rate, it's nice to be with most of them again, even if it has to be here. [Luceti and all its trials are a price she's willing to pay to steal more precious time with her nakama.]

Well, at least you get to see them again. Here's not so bad, is it?

[Vivi gives a soft smile.] That's right. And...no, I suppose most of the time it's not so bad.

[Let us not speak about the time when it is.]

[After a few days of enforced bed rest Ayumu is feeling better than she had been, but she's bored. Incredibly bored. Bored enough... to actually respond.]

Hello!

Hello! [Oh wait, she said that already.] Um, can you tell me where I am?

Oh, well... I'm afraid I can't tell you exactly where you are, but you're in Luceti.

Did you just arrive?

Um...no. At least, I don't think so... [She trails off.] I mean, I remember being here before. But I don't remember being out here.

"Out here" where? What does it look like around you?

Lots of trees! And some flowers, which are really pretty. Not really anything helpful, though.

[Though after a pause, she does add:] I do hear the river. I think. I'm heading that way.

Oh dear, did they leave you in the forest? Good thing you're by the river, then, if you follow that it should take you right to the village.

I do hope you have somewhere to go once you're here?

Oh, all right, then! I'll do that. [She takes a few more steps, thinking about that second part, before she adds hesitantly:] I think so. I have -- I'm staying with someone at the beach. I think.

Are there... houses, at the beach? I hadn't thought so.

I think there's just one. Maybe it's like a holiday house. Oh, and there's a fort, too!

Is there really? Perhaps I should go see this some time, then. I haven't left the village very much since I arrived.

Really? Why not? There's lots of pretty things to see.

Oh, well... I suppose I just never had a reason? And I have things I need to attend to at home, as wel.

Like what?

[Shameless curiosity.]

For example, hmm. Well, if I didn't cook dinner the others would have to make their own food, and that just never turns out well.

That makes sense. Does that mean your family is here?

Ah— no, not my family. But people that I knew before, at home.

Oh. Well, it's nice to have friends from home.

I'm Katie.

Yes, it truly is. It's nice not to feel alone.

I'm Ayumu. Pleased to meet you.

Ayumu's a pretty name. Where's it from?

Is it?

I'm from Japan. Kyoto, to be more precise.

Really? [She leans forward to peer into the journal window.] Is Japan really full of monsters?

...monsters?

Oh, well... I've certainly never met any.

Oh. Godzilla's just a movie, then? [So disappointed. And...asking the wrong person, really. |D]

I'm afraid I don't know what a movie is, either, but I haven't heard of a Godzilla before.

It's a giant dragon lizard thing! And it likes to stomp on Tokyo. [Blinks.] You've never seen a movie?

No, I haven't. Though perhaps the Japan you're from isn't quite the same as mine?

Oh, I'm not from Japan. I just... [Wait.] Do you think there's more than one Japan?

Well, there are people here from places that have the same name and sound the same in many ways, but they aren't completely alike. I suppose it's possible that there are different versions of Japan in other worlds, if... other worlds are possible to begin with.

[She does sound a little uncertain about the whole concept, though.]

[Well, that sounds kind of confusing.]

Have you ever met anyone that came from Bath?

Bath? No, I haven't. Where is that?

It's a bit west of London!

[This is clearly helpful.]

I've never met anyone who came from London, either. There aren't a lot of foreigners where I'm from.

That's okay. I haven't met anyone from Japan, either. Until now!

...do you have ninjas?

Oh, well... yes, but they wouldn't admit it openly.

Really? Are they good guys or bad guys? Do they have clans? Or evil empires?

It would depend on your point of view, I suppose.

But... "evil empires"? What do you mean?

Like the Foot Clan! They're a bunch of ninjas that are run by someone who's going to take over the world.

[1980s cartoons have a lot to answer for.]

Oh... my. Well, I don't know of anything quite like that. The entire world would be quite a bit to rule over, wouldn't it?

I think he was going to do it with lots of robots.

What are those? Some kind of weapon?

Uh huh. They're big and made of metal, and he has whole armies of robots. They kind of explode when you stab them, though.

...oh my.

Well, if there are any ninja clans with exploding metal monsters that are planning to take over the entire world, I've never encountered any.

Well, that's probably good, then. [Though she looks a little disappointed. Well, it sounded interesting!] You'd never get anything done if there were robots everywhere.

I would imagine. Especially if they were exploding— who would have to clean up after all that?

Oh, you're right! That would make things very messy. Though if they accidentally blew the school up as well, that's not so bad.

Do you not like going to school?

I'm a little girl. I don't think we're meant to.

Oh, I see.

Well, I can't imagine that blowing up the school would make things much better. They'd likely just find somewhere else to hold classes.

Oh...true.

[She deflates for a second-- and then brightens.] Oh, but having school somewhere else might be fun. Maybe they'd have classes outside.

But then wouldn't you get as tired of having classes outside as you do inside?

I don't think I'd ever get tired of being outside. There's always something to see! And sometimes they'd have to stop classes because of rain.

I suppose you have a point. Maybe if you asked they'd hold classes outdoors? I wouldn't suggest trying to do anything to the school building to force the issue, though.

O-oh, I wouldn't! [She shakes her head wildly in protest.] I like the Professor too much. But that's a good idea. I bet she wouldn't mind holding a class outside every now and then.

And sometimes there are things you can learn outside that can't be taught in a classroom.

That's right. Like cloud shapes!

[An excellent subject for school.]

That's quite true. And do they teach you about plants at the school? I'm afraid my education was never quite so formal, so I've no idea what your curriculum would be.

I don't remember. [She ponders this.] But I think that would be interesting. There's lots of fun plants in the world. Have you ever heard of venus fly traps?

No, I don't believe I have. What are they?

They've got these flowers kind of like mouths with little teeth along them, and they're full of stuff flies like to eat! And when a fly comes down to investigate, it gets stuck in there and the mouth snaps shut. [She demonstrates with her fingers and thumb like a puppet.] Om nom nom.

...you aren't just teasing me, are you?

[That does sound quite interesting, but at the same time— odd.]

No! [But she gives a wide smile, proud that she surprised someone with creepy plant knowledge.] We learned about it in school! Though it doesn't really grow where I live, but I'd like to go see some some day. I bet they grow really big.

That sounds like a very peculiar sort of plant. Where do they grow?

They're--

[...oh. She's not very sure, actually. She was too busy being fascinated by the idea of carnivorous plants. Hmm.]

--um. Anywhere it's not cold enough to snow in winter. They don't like the cold. [She remembers that part, anyway.]

Oh, well. Perhaps that's why I've never seen one, then.

Would you like to? I bet I could find a picture of one. ...or I could draw one!

I'd like to see that. It just doesn't seem like the kind of plant that could possibly exist.

I want to see one. I bet they're all in the jungle or something. They have piranhas there too, yuo know. [She is drawing a quick sketch of a venus fly trap into her journal. Which would be decent artwork, if she weren't overexaggerating the mouth part and giving it teeth. >.>]

[That really is most peculiar-looking, and it doesn't do much to reassure Ayumu that the girl isn't making it up. Still, she has no reason not to play along, even if it isn't real.]

A pira— what?

You don't know about piranhas? [OH MAN LET HER TELL YOU THEY'RE AWESOME Katie is such a well-balanced child. >>] They're fish! And they live in the Amazon, and they can strip a cow with their teeth in seven seconds!

[Memorised fact. Also, they keep turning up in Tarzan.]

[First plants that eat bugs, now fish that eat cows. This is... peculiar.]

Why would the cow be in the... the "Amazon"? Is that a sea?

No no, it's a river! In South America. I think.... [Could be South Africa. It's south something!] It's meant to be the mightiest river in the world! And I think they tested it by giving them a cow to eat.

[...]

I think the cow was dead first.

...how very... interesting.

I'm afraid I'd never left Japan until I came here, so I never encountered any of these odd creatures.

You should one day. I'm going to see the world when I grow up. Um, after I become a policeman anyway. What kind of animals do you have in Japan? Something has to be odd.

Oh, well— I can't think of anything like that. No plants that eat things or cow-eating fish, or even fish-eating cows.

Oh.

You must be very bored.

Not really, no.

And I'm likely safer while walking around the countryside and wading across rivers, as well.

Oh. Well, that makes sense. I didn't think about that.

I think I'm pretty safe at home, too. I've never seen any animals that attack people, anyway.

I would say that that isn't a bad thing, myself.

[ katie. buffy recognizes the voice even from that -- and the girl has been on her mind ever since jack confided in her, five days ago, that the girl hadn't been around. and with an unknown vampire on the prowl, they had all been on edge... ]

You have no idea how happy I am to hear those two syllables. Hi.

Hi! [...this woman is also familiar. She squints.] Um. Sorry if I worried you.

...I'm just glad your back, Katie. Kidnapped, I'm guessing?

[ hoping. ]

That's what Jack asked, too. But there's nobody else here. Unless someone kidnapped me and then got eaten by wild bears or something.

[...actually, that's not a comforting thought. She peers around shiftily for clues.]

Kidnapped by the Malnosso, Katie. They tend to leave you alone. Was it your first time?

[...and here stretches a long silence because that didn't make sense to her at all. That sounds Italian. She thinks.]

N...y..es? Are they mafia people?

You know, it's possible...

Then maybe. I don't know why I'm out here. Oh, but I'm okay. I just have no shoes.

...and might be lost.

[ the slayer's voice softens.

perhaps she hasn't spoken to katie as often as jack has. perhaps she doesn't share that history. but the girl is important to him and she can't quite shake that association. it creates a swell of affection in her tone and a desire to help.

not that buffy summers ever needed much encouragement to want to help anyone. ]

Tell me what the place looks like. Your...surroundings. I'll try and find you? And then we can have a very you-and-me-traditional food fest before I swing you by Cullen House.

Okay! [The mention of food makes her stomach growl, and Katie just glances around trying to find anything that stands out. Her frown is a little sulky. There's a distinct lack of signs saying This Way To The Village.]

There's a lot of flowers here. And trees. Um. That's not very helpful... should I look for something? What if I start walking? I might run into something that can help.

That could help. That could definitely help. Can you hear any running water?

[Oh, that's right. There are rivers here. She lowers the journal for a moment, listening.]

...I think so. [She can definitely hear something in the distance. Katie starts heading in that direction.] And the rivers go into down, don't they? [She thinks that's right.]

Mmhm. Hopefully? You're not too far off.

Then I'll try following one and see where that gets...

[Though at this point, there's a pause.]

...Jack says he's coming out here.

...Oh.

[ her resolve falters. she doesn't want to step on those toes. ] Then maybe I should, y'know, back off.

...you could keep me company until he gets here. [Hopeful.]

...I'd like that, Katie.

[Her smile turns relieved.] That's good. Uh. I mean, I might get very bored out here by myself. [As opposed to, say, a reluctance to be left on her own right now.]

...You're in alright shape, right?

Uh huh. [She peers down at herself.]

Everything seems to be o...

kay...

[Frown. She doesn't remember that scar.]

[ something does seem a little off with the girl's indomitable spirit... ]

H-hey. Do you, uhm, wanna hear a story? Maybe?

[ oh dear lord does she have any appropriate stories? ]

[Katie takes a moment to answer, still staring at her wrist, before glancing back at the book, brow furrowed. Then she blinks.] Sure. What kind of story?

...Got any requests?

Do you know any adventure stories? Ones with good guys and bad guys?

I could tell you about the, uhm, Gentlemen. They roll into a town and steal everyone's voice -- so no one can scream.

[ this is a terrible story to tell a child. ]

[I think the word you're looking for there is awesome.]

Really...?

Do they not like loud noise, or were they going to kill everyone?

...Carve out everyone's hearts, actually. O-or, just seven of everyone's hearts.

[...o-okay, not so awesome. Eep.]

Why just seven?

It's one of those...numbers, y'know. That crop up a lot in the eerie and unnatural. Like three.

And thirteen! [She nods sagely.] So what happened?

Well -- one day? Everyone in Sunnydale woke up with a severe case of...having no voice.

I hope nobody had a play on that day.

Or a class presentation. Like I did.

[Blink. Wait--]

You were there? [She's torn between horror and sheer skepticism. Maybe Buffy's having her on.]

...Who do you think had to stop them, huh?

[...wow.]

So how did you stop them?

First, we had to figure out what was happening. Like I said -- heart-stealers. They managed to get six. And we were really wondering what the heck we were gonna do...I mean, how to scream a baddie to death when you can't talk? How do you even find them?

The floated, Katie. Their feet off the ground. Silent. Yeuugh. Gross. And they only came out at night.

[ ...someone stop her dear lord. ]

[NEVER. This is horrifying and Katie thinks it's fantastic. Or at least she will until she tries to sleep later on.] Couldn't you just chop their heads off? How come you had to scream at them?

Actually? Screaming made their heads explode so it's sorta, like, same-diff, y'know?

So how did you get your voice back?

I wasn't alone, for one. And the Gentlemen kept all our voices in a little wooden box. I knew it when I saw it because I'd already seen it in...[ oh, she's a young girl. what would it harm her to share this one fact with her? ] A dream. Slayers can do that sometimes, you see.

So it was just a case of smashing open the box and letting our voices go.

It sounds just like a fairy tale. [Well, a really scary one.] So you screamed and all their heads exploded?

Yep. And that was the end of them -- they couldn't go and torment any other towns.

That's good! That's really, really good!

...they wouldn't ever come here, would they?

I believe the odds of them and all their henchmen showing up at once are pretty slim, yeah.

And even if they did, you know how to beat them anyway.

[But you know, just in case. She might sleep with a nightlight tonight.]

That's right. They wouldn't stand a chance.

You must be pretty strong. Do you meet many monsters?

All kinds. More so back at home, really. The Slayer has more than just vampires to deal with.

Do you have to deal with them all by yourself?

[ there are a lot of very complicated answers to that question.

she chooses the one that is least pathetic and possibly more cool: ] The Slayer, as a rule, fights alone.

But I kinda like to break rules. The rules that should be broken, at least.

[Nodding.] It's a silly rule anyway. If you fight all by yourself, who would help if you got hurt?

Slayers are supposed to be very very good at not getting hurt.

Well, accidents happen. And what if you needed someone to... um. Send a message, or-- or if you really got hungry while running around Slaying, you could get them to bring you some food. And friends make things easier, anyway.

...Then yeah, it's a good thing I've got the Scoobies. Other Slayers weren't so lucky.

The Scoobies?

It's, uh, what we call our little cabal. I guess. Like the Scooby Gang?

Really? I do that in school all the time! Which one are you?

[...it's a little different, Katie.]

...Anyone but Daphne.

[ :| ]

But you'd make a really good Daphne. You're pretty.

[:D?]

That's sweet, honey. Did Jack teach you that line?

But you are! You've got the hair and the-- oh, I suppose you sort of beat monsters up instead of needing rescue from them. But you're definitely not a Velma, and you can't be anyone else.

Sometimes? I feel like Scooby himself.

[She giggles.] Maybe if Scooby was a lot braver.

Pfft. It's all about the shared love of sandwiches.

That makes sense. I would think that--

[Oh hey, there are loud rustings and footsteps incoming, and Buffy can probably hear Jack call out from her end.]

Oh. He's here.

Good. You're in very good hands, then.

You just get in touch if you wanna make good on that snack date. Or maybe another story.

I will! [All the snacks and all the stories.] Will you be coming around later?

Coming around there is a thing I tend to do. But this time? It'll be to visit you. Tough luck for Sparrow.

[The widest of smiles.] Okay! I'll see you later, then.

[And now she shall go and trail Jack home like a lost puppy.]

[ and later that day, buffy is climbing the stairs up to the little attic room -- knocking friendly-like on the wall before she steps inside. ]

[Katie is running her fingers over some of the chalk drawings on her wall with a look that's not quite disturbed, but... more uneasily curious than anything else. But at least now she has changed out of the horrid white dress and back into her more comfortable clothing.

She glances up when Buffy steps into the attic and smiles.]

Hello again. You came earlier than I expected.

[She's more than okay with this.]

I wanted to get the visit in before I left for patrol. It's a whole pre-sunset thing.

[ she smiles back and tosses a snickers bar in the girl's direction. she'd left another downstairs for her pirate. ] How are you feeling?

So you go out every ni-- [Her curiosity is sidelined by the snickers bar, and Katie catches it with an appreciative and greedy look.] Thank you!

Um. I'm fine. I feel fine.

[But her eyes shift to the walls again.]

Every night -- [ she finishes the sentence for her. ] There's a vamp on the loose. When you went missing, we thought...well -- no matter. I'll keep an eye on the sitch.

[Katie's hands go up to her neck as if feeling for fang marks, in childish paranoia. But she frowns.] Don't vampires suck blood? And they kill you, or they make you another vampire, or something?

[ she taps her own neck. fang-marks on display. ]

Both. Either or.

[Eep. She takes a step back in sudden shock, but it's rather clear Buffy isn't a vampire.]

What happened?

I think I've shared one terrible story too many already, today. Just know that there's a serious baddie out there and you should be careful. Or at least travel with a wooden stake.

[ she doesn't mean that last bit seriously. just...a joke. don't go out alone with just a stake please katie. ]

[NO PROMISES.]

...they don't make you lose memories, do they?

...Not by biting you, no.

Oh. [She looks relieved.] Then it probably wasn't a vampire, then.

Wait. You mean it wasn't a kidnapping?

I don't know. [She looks uneasy, for once.] I can't remember.

Well...[ buffy steps closer, leaning her shoulder against a skylight casing on the sloped attic roof. ] We don't need to talk about it, then. No worries.

Does that often happen here? [She sits on the edge of the bed, looking thoughtful.] Nobody is surprised when I say I can't remember. They just say it'll come back.

...During my very first kidnapping, they took a lot of memories from me. It happens.

Did you get them all back?

Eventually. Good thing, too. They were important to me.

But you seem to be remembering quite a few things. Like living here, for one.

[She nods vigorously. Never mind the fact it took speaking to Jack to remind her. Oh, but that makes sense.] I bet I'll remember everything if I just get told about it.

W-well...

[ she sits next to katie. ] Is there anything you wanna know? Wanna ask about?

[...

...she points at the murals on the walls.]

Did I draw those?

I think so, yeah. At least...they were never here before you moved in.

Mmm. [Her nose wrinkles as she stares around the room. Some people she recognises, and others... and monsters and weird floating things, too. It's not ringing any bells.]

Maybe I had some very strange dreams.

I have some pretty strange dreams sometimes, too. They're not always not-real, though.

[ buffy reaches out and touches a line of chalk. ] Are any of them familiar?

Um...people are. [She points at Jack and Sanji and Raine.] And some of it makes sense. [Because Jack is surrounded by ocean-y and pirate-y things, so she imagines she might have drawn that.] I don't know about the rest.

[ and with a tender touch, she sets a fingertip next to jack's figure. ] Maybe it'll come in fits and starts. You don't have to rush it, Katie. [ her voice hitches. ] You've got all the time in the world, okay?

[It worries her, distantly. But she's familiar with the house and the people in it, and so Katie thinks she'll just let it go. The adults can sort it out. In the meantime, having amnesia is awfully exotic.]

Okay. I suppose it shall be fun learning it all over again.

Probably. At least, it'll break up some of the monotony?

Maybe. I could use it as a reason not to go to school. [She looks hopeful.] I'm clearly very ill if I can't remember things.

[ she smiles -- turning away from the chalked pirate. ]

I dunno, kiddo. School might actually help with the remembering.

I suppose so. [Such great reluctance. ...really, she doesn't mind so much.] Besides, the Professor already knows I'm back.

I-if you wanted to take a few days off?

[ buffy tilts her head. smiles. ] I'd cover for you. Terrible post-kidnapping flu! That's what I'd say.

[ but she was wondering, now, if it was even a kidnapping. ]

[Katie is a little girl never inclined to pass up an excuse to stay home a little.]

I've heard post-kidnapping flus can be very bad for you.

Victims are often in the direst need of chicken noodle soup -- the kind where the noodles are shaped like stars.

Stars? Really? That would be very pretty noodle soup.

...That's what helps with the getting-better. Do you want some? Ten bucks says Jack has a can of the stuff stored somewhere downstairs.

[ after all, the pirate knows how much the slayer likes it when she's not feeling well. ]

Yes please! Do you think Jack would like some too?

...I could make mud soup and Jack would want some, Katie.

[She giggles.] You should try that someday.

Maybe on the next April Fool's Day.

Next April Fool's Day. [Agreeing solemnly.] You could add chili.

Chili, huh? Where does that notion come from?

He likes chili. [This face says she has no idea why he'd like something so horrid and it'd go well with dirt, really.]

Right. The...spices. Of course he'd like it. It's almost like taco soup.

You've been quiet lately. Everything alright over there?

Everything's ... fine. [Said in that sort of doubtful way that implies about a half dozen buts. Headtilt.] I'm just lost.

[That's more buts than a public restroom, Katie. Sokka switches into concerned mode.]

Again?

It's not like I get lost all the time! I don't remember coming out here, anyway.

Is this one of those times where you are lost or you're just saying you're lost? [Because Katie is hard.]

I'm lost -- just saying-- [Eh? Confused, man. Katie blinks at him and wonders whether she should be offended by that. Just because she's a kid, man, geez.] No, I really am lost! I don't have any reason to lie, you know!

[>_>]

... so what you're saying is, you're perfectly fine. [Welp. That's a relief.]

What? When did I say that? [Dude, what are you on.]

[Katie, you are so precious sometimes.]

It's okay, Katie! I get what you mean. [Wink.]

You do?

[What's with the winking. YOU ARE SO WEIRD. Maybe this is some kind of joke she's missing.]

Of course I do. By now, I think it's pretty obvious that I would.

Oh. Okay...

[That trailed off 'okay' that says she knows she's missed something here now. But she's missing memories and she can't even remember your name. :|]

Well, as long as you get it. [So doubtful.]

Just glad to hear you're alright. Don't get into too much trouble.

[Somewhere, there are crickets chirping.]

I'll do my best not to.

Katie?

[Also familiar. Why is she having so much difficulty with people today?]

Yes?

[...

The opposite way is sometimes the easiest way with this one.]

Do you know exactly where you are?

No. There aren't any signs or anything. Just lots of trees.

[...that sounded disturbingly sensible and truthful.]

Do you want me to come find you?

No, it's okay. Mr Sparrow's coming out. [She calls him Jack, but it's polite to address an adult properly to others.] And I think another woman is, too. So I'm okay. And it's really pretty out here - I can wait.

...you don't sound like yourself. Are you sure you're okay?

[People keep asking her that. She's not really sure how to answer, because she doesn't know.]

...I think so.

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