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!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Hmm...]

Well... I saw a large goldfish evolve into a giant sea serpent. That was rather odd.

That does sound odd. They can change that drastically?

That's the most drastic I've seen. Most of the time they just get a bit bigger, and grow some more feathers or fur or fins. They also change colors too, but... from what I've heard, that one's a sort of special case.

That's good to know. Well, I won't be surprised if Snow does get bigger. He's so tiny!

In my experience, more often than not, the little ones DO get much bigger. Who knows, he might be even taller than you by the time he's done growing up!

If he gets as tall as his namesake, I'd be really surprised.

[ Not going to mention the fact that it's, uh, not too difficult to be taller than she is. ]

I see. [Elsa's smile softens a bit.] This person must be very important to you, if you decided to name your starter after them.

[She only named one of her own after a real person, and that person is her mother. She knows how special that sort of thing is.]

He is. My fiancé, Snow.

[ Her own smile falters a little bit; the last time she'd seen Snow, he'd... disappeared, right before her eyes. It passes after a moment, and that smile's back, though it's a little more subdued than before. ]

I think he'd be embarrassed if he knew, though.... naming a cute little penguin after him. He'd want something that can punch stuff.

Or maybe he'd be happy that the person he loved cares enough to think about him, even in a place like this.

[ She lets out a laugh and nods. ]

Yeah, I think he'd be embarrassed only if Lightning teased him about it.

[... Aaaand at that note, any hint of a smile completely disappears from Elsa's face.]

... Lightning?

[Ohhh no please let this be a different Lightning....]

[ Uh oh. That's... definitely not a good sign. ]

Lightning Farron. Pink hair, blue eyes. She's been here for two and a half months, she said.

[ Something happened. Between this conversation and the one she's having with Lightning... ]

Y-Yes. I... I know her.

[Oh god ohhh god this isn't good. This is not good at all.]

... I'm guessing something bad happened between you two.

[ Her voice is gentle--Serah knows pain fairly intimately. ]

You don't have to tell me, if it's too hard. I'm planning on asking her about it when I see her. But whatever happened between you two? I hope it doesn't mean we can't be friends.

[Elsa still looks incredibly tense, but... Serah's words do help her calm just a bit.]

Of... of course not. I don't know if you still wish to be friends, after asking her about it. But if you truly want to...

[ She's glad, at least, for that little bit of calming. She watches Elsa carefully. ]

I'm pretty stubborn when it comes to my friends. And I enjoy talking to you so far. You've been really helpful, too. So... thank you for that.

I'm Serah, by the way.

[Elsa can't help but let out a shaky laugh at that.]

Gee, you sound like my own little sister when you say that...

[Yeah, she can definitely see Anna getting along with her...]

I'm Elsa.

I guess it's a required trait for little sisters.

[ She lets out a laugh of her own, glad she's at least gotten a laugh from Elsa. ]

It's nice to meet you, Elsa.

It seems so, yes. Everyone thinks that big sisters are the incredibly stubborn ones who are always looking out for everyone, but in truth... that's the little sisters' job, I think

[And it's just one of the many reasons why she loves Anna so much.]

[ That... definitely sounds about right. Serah lets out a little laugh. ]

Who else will our big sisters give into? If it weren't for us, you guys would never budge on some things.

[ Like, uh. Marriage. ]

[That manages to get a small laugh out of Elsa, and she shakes her head.]

Sometimes I think that you're the ones that should be the big sisters, not us. What with how you keep us in check.

[LOOK SHE HAD A VERY GOOD REASON FOR NOT APPROVING OF THAT MARRIAGE]

But then it'd be the other way around, wouldn't it?

[ BOY SERAH SURE WOULD AGREE IF SHE KNEW. ]

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