ordalias | [Video | Action for Celadon City]

[ The feed opens up with some very excited chirping that can only come from a Togekiss. The feed shifts and bobbles, but finally settles on one Xion lying in bed, who looks to be finally stirring awake. The more Xion moves, the more chatter from Bell emerges and finally, with a faint smile appearing on her lips for only a moment, her eyes open groggily. Due to Bell's cries, her eyes immediately move to her and the Gear, blinking blearily for a moment. ]

It's... what time is it...? [ She moves to slowly sit up with a groan - wow, her body feels so sluggish - before reaching for the Gear. A few button mashing here and there, and... ]

Ah! It's late! And the date...! [ In her surprise, Xion is trying to scramble out of bed, but due to the fact that she just woke up, she only succeeds in flailing and falling off her bed with a thud. The Gear clatters to the floor, yet amongst Bell's worried chirps, there's a faint sound of laughter coming from Xion. ]

I slept for that long... But... [ Bell flies over the Gear, most likely to Xion. ] It's okay, Bell. I'm okay. I was... home. I need to talk to a few people, and--

[ And then her stomach rumbles. Very loudly at that. There's a long pause, and another soft laugh follows. ]

... but I think I can do that after I eat.

[ There's the sound of Xion shuffling to her feet, the Gear is picked up and closed. ]

[ Action ]

[ And true to Xion's words, Xion could be found in the Breeding Center's kitchen several minutes later cooking some very tasty pancakes. Surprised? Well, it's not like she did talk about her other hobbies, anyway... ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'm not sure you want to know. [sigh. then:] Fang's gone, Xion. She disappeared while you were asleep.

She--

[ Very. Long. Pause here.

She really doesn't know what to say, and her chest just tightens up at the news. She'd want to check the Gear herself, but there's no way Lightning would lie to her about something like this. Fang is her friend, too.

...

Wow. She's had some people disappear in the past, but, damn... ]

... I'm so sorry, Lightning.

[There's the rustle of hair against cloth as she shakes her head despite Xion being unable to see it. She's heard too many people say that. Way too many.]

Don't be. It's not the first time she's done this. Her or Serah. [sigh.] I've gotten used to it.

That doesn't mean it doesn't hurt any less.

[ Is her quick reply. She can tell it still affects you deeply, Lightning. ]

Maybe. But I don't have the time to sit around and feel sorry for myself because they're gone. I don't have the time to feel hurt when I know they might come back again.

[Too much to do to let her emotions out. Besides, isn't she supposed to the be the strong one? The always-holding-it-together face of the Corps? Crying isn't something she does, even if she's deeply affected by this.]

And who says you don't have the time now, Lightning?

[ Yeah, Minnie was right that Ven's stubbornness was rubbing off on her. But also the things she saw from her sleep... Well, maybe she got a stronger handle on things. ]

You're allowed to grieve. We're your friends. We're here for you.

I do. [a pause. That...okay how does she put this?] I know you're here for me. I know that you'll help if I need it, but there's still things that only I can do. Things that I can't put off. I can grieve when they're done.

[though can doesn't mean will. whoops?]

... When will you be done, Lightning?

[ Yeah, she's gotten more perceptive indeed! ]

[another pause, this one longer than before. That perceptiveness was certainly unexpected!] ...I don't have a date for it. I'll be done when I'm done and no sooner.

[ Wow, you're actually getting a disappointed sigh from her, Lightning. But! ]

If you say so, Lightning. We'll work harder to help that along.

[Well, ow. That made her heart ache, Xion; normally it's only Serah who sighs at her like that!]

Just stay out of trouble. That already makes things easier on me.

[ Yeah, well! You're being too stubborn now, Lightning. ~~Now you know how she feels.~~ ]

Alright, I will. [ And is that actual conviction in her voice when she says that? ] I'll do things the smart way.

[Pfft. You haven't seen her be "too" stubborn. Wait until someone tries to take her out again to get that. In the meantime, have a slightly surprised sound come from her end of the feed before:]

I'll hold you to that.

[Pardon her, Xion; she's too surprised to say much else. You? Do things the smart way and stay out of the really bad trouble? Well now! That'll be a pleasant surprise.]

[ And Xion just laughs softly in response. ]

I'll do my best. Take care, Lightning. It's good to hear from you again.

[ Have Faith! ]

[Video | Action for Celadon City]

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