And Someday, We'll Shine... [Action - Goldenrod Base]

[rosehecate]

[Anthy couldn't recall when she'd fallen asleep. She couldn't recall if she'd even gone into a building to sleep in the first place - all she remembered was the winding road, the warmth of Chuchu on her shoulder, and the strength her newfound freedom had given her. And yet, here she was, in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar expectations. The letter she'd found had borne no rose crest, it was true, but she had still crumpled the paper with incredible prejudice.

Somehow, someway, she'd been captured, inducted into some scheme and given orders. Again. The thought makes her mouth hot and bitter, and the absence of Chuchu makes it all the worse. The creatures in the balls she'd found, a fluffy little fox and a monkey so much like her little companion, eased the shock somewhat - it was always easier to be around animals - but they also made her more confused. Why take Chuchu and give her two different friends? Why take her away from her journey at all? Who was in charge here, who decided this? She needed to find out immediately.

(It's not Akio, she has to tell herself, if it was then he would have been there in the room, too, ready to pounce. Ready to start the duels anew. No, above all, she would never give in to that.)

And so, this is how anyone in the Rocket Headquarters today will stumble across Anthy - clad in a rather pink outfit, purple hair loose and free, an Aipom seated comfortably on her shoulder and a Vulpix at her heels. She walks with purpose, even though it's clear that everything around her is unfamiliar, given how she'll stop to stare at signs or through cracks in doorways. If she sees you, she'll approach, and ask in a soft, even voice,]

Excuse me? Would you happen to know who is in charge here? I would like to speak to them, please.

[She adds a smile at the end, and if you're perceptive enough, you might notice the hollowness of the expression, the coldness in her eyes. She's holding everything in, saving it for the big boss. Oh yes, she is broiling mad.]

Comments

[keep_surviving]

Well, at least you're honest.

[Diana's watching the creatures around Anthy wearily as they walk down the halls, she's still not sure about this whole pet thing. What really has her interest though, is Anthy herself, so she's not bothering to hide the looks she keeps casting the girls way before finally asking a question.]

How old are you?

[rosehecate]

[She smiles at that, the expression a touch genuine. It actually does feel nice to be honest after so long. She doesn't mind the looks, and at the question, just smiles more.]

I'm not sure you'll believe me, but I've lost track.

[Just where she's lost track, though, she'll keep to herself.]

[keep_surviving]

Fair enough. [Keeping track of days became really difficult after awhile in the FAYZ, plus Diana knew a few of the younger kids who couldn't remember their birthdays which made knowing their age pretty difficult.

Plus, the last adult she'd seen was Alex, if you counted him, which Diana didn't. So Anthy was still a nice novelty.]

And you're okay with these things hanging around you?

[rosehecate]

[Anthy only blinks when Diana accepts that as an answer, not betraying the slight surprise that springs up in her chest that someone heard that and didn't press her to be specific. Quietly, she reaches up so the Aipom now so comfortable on her shoulder can hold her hand.]

Yes, I am. I've never seen animals like these before, but they're very nice so far, and I've always considered animals my friends.

[keep_surviving]

And you're not worried it might try and tear out your throat any minute?

[rosehecate]

Oh no, not at all! [She beams. In her experience, it's people who are more likely to do that sort of thing.] Besides, it doesn't look like this one has the teeth or claws to do something like that.

[As if confirming her words, the Aipom smiles. Yep, those are not really sharp or flesh-rendering kinds of teeth.]

[keep_surviving]

[Diana still doesn't seem to trust the cheerful thing and gives it a look.] That's great for you but mine certainly seemed to have teeth.

[rosehecate]

Oh? Would you mind showing us?

[Us as in her and her little team, of course.]

[keep_surviving]

[She shrugs and starts digging in her pockets.]

If you want, I guess.

[She hands the sphere to Anthy and upon its activation a black lizard appears. It takes a moment to get a bearing on its surroundings then starts lashing its tail when it spots Diana. Making an odd chirping noise and stepping closer to her.

Diana folds her arms over her torso protectively.]

[rosehecate]

Ooh! [Anthy brightens. What a strange and delightful little creature!] I think it just wants to get to know you. If it's naughty, you can always put it back in its funny ball, right?

[keep_surviving]

Yeh, but it might've already given me rabies by that point.

[She side eyes the creature as it blinks up at her.]

[rosehecate]

I don't think we'd be given animals that could make us sick right as we come here. Whatever we're here for, getting hurt is probably something the people in charge don't want happening to us.

[At least, not right away.]