failnought | 001. video

[ When the video flickers on, there's a Piplup face taking up the whole screen. And there's a voice not too far away--the Piplup jumps when it becomes louder. ]

You've got a lot of explaining to do, young man! [ The Piplup moves away from the camera. Standing not too far off is a young woman with pink hair. ] Stealing someone's bag? You should be ashamed of yourself! Now, return it to me and apologize. [ Cue the culprit--a young boy--sheepishly handing over the bag. There's a quiet apology, barely audible. Serah softens, though, just a tiny bit. She slings the bag over her shoulder and sets her hands on her hips. ] I thought your mother would teach you better than that. [ Her voice is still stern, but at least she's not yelling. ] Now, why don't you tell me why you felt the need to steal?

[ And the kid launches into an explanation. Serah kneels down during the whole thing, nodding every so often--she's dealt with naughty children, she's got enough experience with them to know what to do. When he's finished, Serah straightens up. ]

Alright, why don't you run off? I'll be telling your mother about this, okay?

[ The kid runs off. Serah makes a note to visit the kid's mom when she has a chance--while she'd lectured the kid, she should tell his mother. Maybe he'll have learned his lesson then.

It's at that moment that she notices her gear is on, and her eyes widen in surprise. She looks at the Piplup, which... suddenly looks very scared. Instead, she looks downright impressed. ]

Well, look at you! Aren't you a smart boy? I can't believe you figured out how to turn that on! [ Serah sits down, cross-legged, and pulls the Piplup close. At least the penguin doesn't look completely terrified. ] Looks like you've got a lot more tricks than I thought, Snow. [ And because the camera's on, she can't help it. She waves, and it's with a smile that she starts talking. ]

Hi. I was wondering--might anyone have any information about this place? I didn't really get a whole lot of information from "Mom." If anyone can help me, that'd be great. Thanks in advance!

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[ It's the voice that gets her to whip her head back to the screen. That voice... Serah brings a hand to her mouth, her eyes wide and--no, those are not tears. ]

... Lightning?

[ Her voice trembles, and she wants to reach out to her, but this is just a video. Serah lets out a sound halfway between a sob and a laugh. ]

It's really you, isn't it? I knew you were alive!

[This can't be real. It can't. No. Serah died. She saw it and couldn't do anything to stop it. Serah. Just. How?]

Yeah... You're here... You're really here...

[She's trying not cry. Not here. Not unless she can hold her if Serah was here. Really here.]

Where are you at? Can I come see you? I mean, I'm in New Bark Town, but wherever you are, I'll come find you.

[ It feels like Serah's heart might beat out of her chest. In her arms, the little Piplup lets out a squeak. ]

[Yes. That needs to happen.]

There's a boat at the dock. If you get on it, it'll take you to where I am. I'm in Pallet Town. Let me know if you need it.

[Lightning's voice is a bit higher than usual. She was trying not to panic.]

Okay. I'll be there as soon as I can. I promise, Lightning.

[ Her hands shake as she gets up and grabs her things. Lightning's here. It seems almost too good to be true. ]