-28- [bitty video]

[firebornfidelis]

Again?

[Huge brown eyes fill the screen. The little girl is examining the Forge much too closely, although she does know this time that the video is on. It's rather dark around her, but the Forge casts enough light to show some clothing hanging behind her and Hayate sitting beside her. She seems to have taken the dog and hidden herself away in the

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[Video]

[demon_andbutler]

[He is so interested in this child that looks SO VERY FAMILIAR he doesn't quite realise he's set his own Forge to video as well. So have a butler very close to the screen, staring at you intently.]

Miss Hawkeye, is that you?

[Video]

[firebornfidelis]

[Eeek! Why is somebody staring at her?]

Um. Yes? I'm Riza Hawkeye. In case there's another Miss Hawkeye...

[Video]

[demon_andbutler]

[Oh, whoops. He realises his mistake and pulls back from the camera a bit, but there's no use in shutting off the feature now.]

No, there's only one that I am aware of. Riza Hawkeye it is.

[His voice is kind enough, if somewhat puzzled. He studies her again.]

I would guess that you do not remember me. How do you know this city's name?

[Video]

[firebornfidelis]

[She frowns.]

I'm sorry. I don't. Um. What's your name?

Oh. I was here before. A year ago, when I was ten.

[Video]

[demon_andbutler]

Please, call me Sebastian.

[...Interesting.]

It must be frightening to be separated from your family. Do you remember how long you were here that last time?

[Video]

[firebornfidelis]

Um. O-okay, Mister Sebastian.

There's really only Father and me. I'm a little worried what will happen to him if I'm not there, but Dawn says he'll just be asleep. I hope she's right. Father never gets enough sleep, so maybe he can catch up a little while I'm gone.

[She wrings her little hands together worriedly. She looks a bit unsure, like she wishes she were doing something, a look which may be somewhat familiar to Sebastian from her older self.]

It was just a few days last time. Kind of like a little trip.

[Video]

[demon_andbutler]

[Such a meek little thing. It’s almost difficult to see the strong, guarded woman that sprung from this child. Although the physical resemblance says otherwise.]

You should listen to Miss Dawn. She’s usually right about this sort of thing.

[Although he has no idea if she’s right in this case, but hey, it will probably keep from upsetting her.]

I’m sure you’ll be back home again in no time. But you should have some fun while you are there, yes? It wouldn’t be much of an adventure if you didn’t.

[Video]

[firebornfidelis]

You think so? Okay. Then at least I don't have to worry about him not eating...

[And then she looks a little... bewildered. Overwhelmed. Maybe a little frightened. She frowns.]

Adventure? I never really had an adventure before. Unless last time counts?

[Video]

[demon_andbutler]

Even so, I'm sure your father can look after himself, yes? [Unless he can't. Intriguing.] But this way he won't worry about you, as he certainly would otherwise.

[...Good grief, what a meek child. But Sebastian just continues to smile.]

Adventures, by definition, ought to be fun. So I hear.

[Video]

[firebornfidelis]

He could, but he never remembers. He's always in his study and he works so hard he forgets everything else.

[His daughter included, most of the time.]

Adventures like in books? Those always seem to go wrong somehow...

[But she bucks herself up a bit. She has a mission, so she's got to toughen up!]

But I can't have fun 'til I go find Spencer. I have to look out for him because he was never here before.

[Video]

[demon_andbutler]

Ah, I see. [See, he's already learning so much about her!] Well, I'm sure his work must be very important, then.

Perhaps. But the fearless protagonist usually rises to the occasion, doesn't she?

[Because you, bitty!Riza, totally seem like a fearless protagonist.]

That is very noble of you. Will both of you have a place to stay when you find him?

[Video]

[firebornfidelis]

It is. It's very important. He's an alchemist and he's making up a new kind of alchemy.

[And straight-faced as anything:]

Yeah. Except in the tragedies where everyone dies.

Um... I was thinking we'd go to the place where all the kids went last time. They had food and beds and everything. And it was safe. I have to look out for him.

[Like a big sister!]

[Video]

[demon_andbutler]

[Oh really? Now THAT'S quite a revelation.] No wonder. You must be very proud of him.

[Although he does wonder if "alchemy" is the same in his world and hers. Because he distinctly remembers it causing a rather negative stir in his world a few centuries ago.]

...Ah. [He chuckles. Oh, bitty!Riza, you totally tapped right into his sense of humour.] Well, that is true, but we're not in a tragedy, I don't think. There are plenty of kind adults here who will make sure of that.

An excellent idea. But if you need help, please don't hesitate to contact me.

[Video]

[firebornfidelis]

[Well, that's kind of a complicated question, isn't it? She loves her father, respects him, even fears him. But she'd never thought of it in terms of pride. When she finally does answer, she sounds more thoughtful than certain.]

Of course I am. He's my father. And he's the smartest person I ever met. Even smarter than my teacher at school.

[And somehow thinking of this whole thing in terms of books makes it that much easier to comprehend for her. And kind of funnier, too.]

It would be pretty bad if we were in a tragedy. Kids are always the first ones to die and they never get good death scenes, either.

[Blink blink.]

Okay. Um, I mean thank you very much, Mister Sebastian.

[Video]

[demon_andbutler]

[He'll let the conversation dwindle for now, although he intends to keep an eye on her. Although the bit about the death scenes is very funny, especially considering he knows a child who got a rather dramatic one.]

You're very welcome, Miss Hawkeye. Farewell.

[He'll wait until she's ended her feed to end his as well.]

[Video]

[firebornfidelis]

Oh, okay. Bye, Mister Sebastian.

[She waves and ends the feed.]