☼ 004 [video]

[got_it_memorized]

[See Axel. See Axel looking puzzled. See Axel looking puzzled with a very small cat sitting neatly on his shoulder, mesmerized by this strange device in Axel's hands.]

So this happened. [He shrugs the shoulder that is not a cat perch.] I was near the ruins and... Well, she followed me home, you might say. As in she staged a hostile takeover of my hoodie pocket.

[He looks a little uncomfortable. Watch out, Axel, your squishy side might be showing.]

I think she's still too small to take care of herself, you know? So... [Fidget fidget. The little cat blinks at the screen, then turns to look at Axel and impulsively bonks her head against his jaw. Great. Cat, you're not helping that squishy side showing thing at all.] I've never had a cat before.

[Translation: HALP?]

Comments

[theboywhodied]

It might make the exiles even more cross with us, but I can't argue that it's not easier.

[got_it_memorized]

Pfft, if the Natives are angry about a previously stray cat continuing to do her business outside despite having a home now, they've got more issues than I thought.

[theboywhodied]

That's a good point.

But I don't dare show my face anymore, regardless---some seem to be angry that we even exist.

[got_it_memorized]

I say that's their own problem; we're not going anywhere, much as some of us might like to, and they need to learn how to deal with it. We didn't ask to be brought here.

You shouldn't let 'em push you around. Push back, you know?

[theboywhodied]

Believe me, I can do that. But I've spent years among people in high-tension situations and that's hardly ended well. It just leads to more injuries and unpleasant trips to the hospital.

[got_it_memorized]

A fair point. I've spent my share of time among folks who scorned me for what I am, you could say, so I get that. I guess I just think there's a line between sticking up for yourself and hospitalization.

[theboywhodied]

And I'm about to walk the line.

But as long as you can keep those you care about safe, it's worth it.

[got_it_memorized]

[Ah, the magic words.] Heh, that's something I can always agree with.

I like you, kid, what's your name?

[theboywhodied]

Cedric. And what's yours? Or are you just going to call yourself the proud parent of Dusk?

...I've had some strange roommates.

[got_it_memorized]

[A laugh.]

The name's Axel; got it memorized? Proud parent or otherwise, that's certainly not the only thing I wanna be remembered for.

Nice to meet you, Cedric. I live with a couple'a weirdos too, but I've gotten a bit attached to them.

[theboywhodied]

I think that's a tough name to forget.

And...yeah, I miss mine. Hopefully yours stay safe.

[got_it_memorized]

I'll definitely be doing my best.

[He hesitates, then supposes Riku's taught him at least one thing: good people are worth lending a hand. This Cedric guy seems like good people. Maybe it's time to follow an example. (Certainly he'll never let Riku take any credit, though.)]

Tell you what... if you find yourself runnin' into any trouble walking that line, you gimme a holler. I'll see what I can do.

[theboywhodied]

I'll do the same for you.

[He's smiling, no hesitation in his voice at all]

I have a few tricks up my sleeve. They're dangerous to use, especially in this environment, but I can stop most emergencies.

[got_it_memorized]

Always good to have a few tricks up your sleeves. Here's hoping we don't wind up needing to use the nastier ones anytime soon.