[Scene] Magical Hooky, Valant and Trucy
Valant: ((Sappiest thing I have written ever.))
Trucy: ((and then Zio's heart grew 3 sizes!))
Valant: ((To the grand total of -40))
Trucy: *Trucy sits at her desk in seventh period, her chin resting in her hand as she dully listens the teacher droning on about math or something. By now she's given up trying to pay attention, because science is next and she's conserving her energy: she'll have to start focused if she's going to have any hope of keeping up. But her heart just isn't into it, and it's a losing battle.*
Valant: *Valant walks into the school's office and gets the attention of a secretary there, as if he didn't grab enough attention with his magician clothes. He writes down Trucy's name (though he scratched out "Gramarye" and wrote "Wright" after the woman said there was no one of that name at the school) along with the time, his name and wrote "Family emergency" for the reason he is pulling Trucy out of class.*
Trucy: *Trucy was just short of dozing off when the classroom phone rang. After speaking on it for a short moment, the teacher called Trucy's name, instructing her to take her things and head to the office. Grateful for any excuse to be out of the room, Trucy quickly gathered up her things and scampered down the hall.*
Valant: *Valant is waiting in the hall, twirling his cane when Trucy comes running down the hallway.* Ah Miss Trucy! How happy am I to see you again!
Trucy: *Trucy lights up, and races forward.* Uncle Valant! *When she's close enough she all but launches herself at him, wrapping her arms around his waist.*
Valant: *Valant gets the wind taken out of him when Trucy collides into him, but returns the hug from Trucy* So how are you? I trust that I haven't torn you from something truely terrific.
Trucy: No! Just science. *Trucy makes a face as she lets go of him.* Are you here to pick me up? Can we go right now? Can we get pie?
Valant: Surely, we can leave this school! Though..pie, I am puzzled if we can purchase such a thing..
Trucy: *Trucy shrugs.* Ice cream's fine, too. *She fixes her backpback on her shoulders and then takes Valant's hand, tugging him toward the door.* Let's go! Before they try to make me do more math!
Valant: *Valant smiles and follows Trucy out of the door* Of course, magnificent magicians like us do not need such things as math!
Trucy: *Trucy glances up him.* You don't like math either, Uncle Valant? It's not just me?
Valant: No, it's never just you! I never saw a need for math, science, history and whatever else they teach here.
Trucy: *Trucy taps her chin.* So did you not go to school? Do I not have to go to school?
Valant: *Valant thinks for a second* Well, you'd have to ask Lord Wright about that, but I stopped my schooling during high school.
Trucy: *Trucy sighs.* Daddy won't let me quit. He says school is important. I guess...
Valant: Unfortunately, I am unable to do anything about that with Lord Wright. But thankfully, I release you from that prison from time to time. Just don't tell your father about this. It will be like a magician's secret.
Trucy: *Trucy giggles* Okay. It's our secret. *She swings his hand happily as they walk.* Are you coming to my house? Do you want to see Twitch? She's gotten so big!
Valant: Truely, I'd love to, but tragically I think that Lord Wright would not approve of my actions today...
Trucy: *Trucy frowns, considering.* I guess I shouldn't go home until it's time for school to be out... Okay! *She tugs Valant's hand.* We'll just have to have fun until then! Can we go to the park?
Valant: *Valant laughs* Of course we can. I'll even buy some delightful desserts for you!
Trucy: Yay! Like shaved ice? Or cotton candy? Or just candy? *Trucy skips a few feet ahead of him then turns to walk backward.* All three?
Valant: *Valant grimaces for a second, as he only has enough for ONE of those things for the two of them, after getting Trucy's gift and taking off of work to deliver said gift* Maybe just one of those!
Trucy: Well okayyyyyy. Just one. *Trucy grins as if she didn't expect to get all three in the first place.* Let's get cotton candy, then. The pink kind. The blue kind is okay, too.
Valant: Very well, Miss Trucy! A perfect purchase of pink cotton candy, it is!
Trucy: *Trucy giggles and hops back to his side, taking his hand again.* Thanks Uncle Valant! I'm so glad you came today. I like seeing you. You should come visit more.
Valant: *Valant laughs and twirls his cane* I like seeing you as well and I shall start seeing you as much as I can inbetween my shows.
Trucy: You really will? *Trucy peers up at him, paying close attention to his face.* You're not going anywhere, right Uncle Valant? If you did...Twitch would be sad.
Valant: *Valant frowns a bit* Miss Trucy, why would I go anywhere? While the mystic call of magic would take me on tour, but I'll always be here if you need me.
Trucy: *Trucy continues to watch him for a moment to make sure he's telling the truth, and then nods.* Okay. I'm not going to go anywhere, either. I like it here.
Valant: *Valant smiles* Good, we are both not leaving our lovely homes.
Trucy: That's right! Everyone is staying right where they are. It's better that way. *Trucy nods with determination, but then she's smiling again.* I'm going to ride my bike to school next time, so you can see it then! It's really cool--Mr. Edgeyworth even got me streamers!
Valant: I'll be sure to spot it when we do this again. By the by, how do you like my gift?
Trucy: The...oh! *Trucy ducks her head between her shoulders sheepishly* I um...I haven't figured it out yet. But I'm practicing...!
Valant: The Aztec Tomb is a bit difficult at first, but as long as you are practicing, you will practically perfect in no time! Keep at it, Miss Trucy!
Trucy: I will! I am! *Trucy dances on the balls of her feet for a moment.* But I've never tried to disappear myself. I'm a lot bigger than Twitch...
Valant: *Valant laughs again* Oh Miss Trucy, you don't make yourself disappear. You make someone else disappear! Maybe invite one of your classmates.
Trucy: Oh! *Trucy looks interested, then worried, then thoughtful* Maybe I can ask Pearl... I bet she'd like to disappear. And then come back, of course.
Valant: Of course. You shouldn't make your friends disappear and not bring them back. As interesting of an idea that is...*Valant says that with a side thought that he wished a certain reporter would disappear for good*
Trucy: *Trucy looks up at him again, her voice dropping slightly.* You mean like Mommy disappeared?
Valant: *Valant frowns, regretting what he said to the girl* Miss Trucy, your mother...loves you very much. And I'm sure she'll show up one day. Every disappearing act traditionally has the reappearance at the end. You just need to be pleasantly patient until the time is right.
Trucy: *Trucy is quiet for a moment, still holding onto his hand as she turns her gaze ahead. At last she nods.* I know. But it's okay--maybe I'll just find a new Mommy.
Valant: *Valant has no idea what to say about that and it shows on his face* Just...like you found Lord Wright as your new daddy?
Trucy: Yup! Daddy's gonna marry Iris, and then she can be my mommy. *Trucy starts to brighten up once more.* Do you know Iris? She's really nice, and really pretty!
Valant: I've never had the possible pleasure of meeting this "Iris". *Valant starts to show a smile again* Maybe one day, though.
Trucy: I hope so! I think you'll like her. *Trucy sees the park up ahead, and lets go of Valant's hand so she can race towards it.* Last one there buys the candy!
Valant: Hey, that's cheating, Miss Trucy! *Valant runs after her, enjoying the little race though he makes sure to let Trucy win because as poor as he is, he's sure that Trucy has less than him.*
Trucy: *Trucy "wins" and celebrates by doing a summersault.* I win! You were really close though, Uncle Valant. *She giggles as she skips ahead to look for a vendor*
Valant: *Valant buys two batches of pink cotton candy one for himself and one for Trucy, which has now emptied the contents of his yellow wallet* Good show, Miss Trucy. You are as good as a runner as you are a magician!
Trucy: Really? Am I? I'm not as fast as Pearl yet. *Trucy shoves a fistful of cotton candy into her mouth and tries to speak around it while it melts.* Shefs weally fash
Valant: *Valant takes a bite of his cotton candy and swallows before talking* Is she? Do you two often have chases in the classroom?
Trucy: *Trucy shakes her head* Pearl is Daddy's friend. She lives in the mountains. But sometimes she runs all the way here! She's crazy! But in a good way.
Valant: She does? *Valant laughs, knowing that she must have taken a train or something* You have a special friend, Miss Trucy!
Trucy: Yup! She's my only friend close to my age. *Trucy frowns after admitting that, and tries to cover.* I mean, I have Woxxer, too. He's my friend. But he's a... an "older man."
Valant: Well, in life, it is the quality of your friends, not the quantity. Don't quill, quiver or quake about it.
Trucy: *Trucy beams up at him.* You're right, Uncle Valant! And Pearl and Woxxor are great friends! I don't need my classmates. *She shoves another ball of cotton candy into her mouth.*
Valant: *Valant smiles and takes another bite of his cotton candy* That's the spirit, Miss Trucy!
Trucy: Do you have many friends, Uncle Valant?
Valant: Well, I have my beautiful bunnies and my delightful doves, and you. That's all the fantastic friends I need.
Trucy: *Trucy grins again, and bumps into him affectionately* You're my friend, too, Uncle Valant.
Trucy: *Trucy licks her fingers* And we'll always be friends, right? Always?
Valant: Absolutely always
Trucy: Good! Forever always. *Trucy finishes her cotton candy and hops back to Valant's side, taking his hand.* Can we go look for fish in the river?
Valant: *Valant looks at his watch to see if he has some time left* Sure, we can visit some of our fishy friends!
Trucy: *Trucy giggles, and lets go of him again so she can skip off in the direction of the river.* Too bad fish don't make good assistants!
Valant: A pity, but their flapping would make them fly all over the stage the second they slip out of your hand.
Trucy: Yeah, and they look funny. *Trucy makes a fishy face with her lips as she continues on, coming to the ropes surrounding the river. She climbs over it without hesitating.*
Valant: *Valant is shocked by Trucy climbing over the ropes* Miss Trucy, what are you doing?
Trucy: I have to get closer to see! *She squats down at the river's edge, peering intently into the water.* Ooh! I see a minnow!
Valant: *Valant starts to get nervous* Miss Trucy, please posistion yourself by my presence before you fall in!
Trucy: *Trucy rolls her eyes.* I'm not going to fall. *She waves him closer* Come see! There's a yellow fish, too!
Valant: *Valant reaches over the ropes to try to pick up Trucy* Be that as it may, I'd feel fantastically relieved if you are right here.
Trucy: *Trucy squirms to try and escape him, in the process losing her backpack.* But I can't see from there! *She gets away from him, and in her eagerness to prove her point hops right down to the river's edge, her toes hanging over.*
Valant: *Valant sets the backpack aside and tries to grab Trucy again* Not being able to see is better than taking an avoidable plunge into that pond, now come here!
Trucy: I'm not gonna fall-- *Trucy turns to make a face at him, but by then she's so close to the edge that it throws off her footing. She gives a little squeak of surprise as her foot misses the edge: she lands on her butt, and then tumbles--predictably--into the water*
Valant: *Valant's jaw DROPS as Trucy falls into the water* Oh lost life! Lord Wright is going to murder me and not in a magical manner! *Valant climbs over the ropes to fish Trucy out*
Trucy: *The current isn't that strong, and Trucy is able to hold onto the edge until Valant pulls her out. She's of course soaked, and she stares back at Valant with a look of shock* I fell in!
Valant: *Valant is now going out of his mind* Yes, you very much did! But now your clothes are soaked to the skin! Oh, Lord Wright is going to find out about all of this!
Trucy: *Once Trucy is on her feet she gives herself a shake, like a dog, but that doesn't help any.* I'm soaked! *She laughs delightedly, oblivious to Valant's worry.* Thanks for saving my backpack Uncle Valant!
Valant: Miss Trucy, this is a serious situation that we are stuck in. *Valant kneels down and puts his hands on Trucy's shoulders* What do you think your father will act when he sees you like this?
Trucy: Umm.... *Trucy taps her chin, giving it serious thought.* He'll ask what happened... But this is supposed to be our secret...
Valant: Exactly! We need to think of an escape plan for this predicament!
Trucy: Hmmmmm.... *Trucy considers some more.* I'll tell him...it rained! No...he'd know. *More thinking* Oh! How about...a puddle?
Valant: *Valant looks puzzled* A puddle?
Trucy: *Trucy clasps her hands behind her back.* I fell in a puddle! That's how I got all wet. It's almost the same thing.
Valant: *Valant thinks for a moment and figures that it's the only way that works* All right, Miss Trucy. You plunged into a puddle. That's what Lord Wright will hear.
Trucy: *Trucy winks* Our secret. *She gets her backpack but holds it at her side instead of puts it on, so that it won't get wet.* Maybe if I run all the way home the wind will dry me before I get there!
Valant: *Valant smiles, hoping that will work so Wright doesn't kill him.* Hopefully, the winds will work with you on that goal, Miss Trucy.
Trucy: *Trucy grins, and crawls under the river ropes once more.* I'll take the long way just to be sure.
Valant: *Valant laughs* A terrific thought, though try to stay out of trouble on the trip home.
Trucy: I will! Oh! *Trucy stops suddenly, and digs into her backpack. She pulls out a wrapped stick of gum* Do you want this? It's lemon flavored! Since you bought me candy.
Valant: *Valant takes the stick of gum and puts it in his pocket* Why, thank you, Miss Trucy! But think nothing of the treats, it's the least I can do to make up for not being there on your birthday.
Trucy: That's okay! I had a great birthday. *Trucy hops forward and gives Valant a kiss on the cheek.* I'm gonna head home now. Thanks for picking me up Uncle Valant!
Valant: It is never a problem, Miss Trucy! Do be careful on the way home now!
Trucy: I will! Bye! *Trucy waves and jogs out of the park*
Valant: *Valant waves and then turns around and starts heading to his apartment to feed his animals.. and possibly write a will just in case Phoenix finds out about this visit.*
Trucy: *Trucy heads toward home, but on the way she takes a few extra turns, holding her arms out in hopes of drying off. But by the time she gets there she's still rather soaked. She lets herself in and tries to sneak towards her room before Phoenix can spot her, if he's home.*
Wright: *is sprawled out on the couch--again--looking pretty sleepy... not really a good thing, as he'll have to be heading to work in the next few minutes. When Trucy enters the apartment he doesn't immediately greet her, but as she's walking by he raises his head up to give her a slow smile* Hey Tru--- *there's a moment's pause as he looks her over and raises an eyebrow* ...How was your day?
Trucy: *Trucy gives a little hop and spins to face him* Daddy! Hi! *She clasps her hands behind her back.* It was good.
Wright: *gets up off the couch and walks slowly over to her, leaning down to brush some wet strands of hair off her face* ... Went swimming in your school clothes...?
Trucy: *Trucy ducks her head sheepishly and speaks quietly* I fell in a puddle... A big one!
Wright: *raises his other eyebrow as he tests the dampness of her clothes with his fingers-- if he's noticed anything funny about her story, it doesn't show up as anything but amusement and a faint hint of concern in his eyes* ...Looks like is was a really, really big puddle. There wasn't any pushing, was there?
Trucy: *Trucy answers quickly* No! It was my fault! *Trucy's shoulders inch up* I was playing around. But my backpack was safe, see? *She holds it up into his face to distract him*
Wright: I see. *but he's still looking at her instead* Well, you should get changed so you don't catch a cold, Tru. *squats down to her level* And make sure your friends grab you instead of your backpack next time-- I can cope with some lost homework, but don't want to lose you in the next giant puddle accident...!
Trucy: But it... *Trucy squirms, but she doesn't want to get Valant in trouble. At last she nods.* Okay Daddy. Can I put my pajamas on instead of more clothes?
Wright: Uh huh. *he stands up, rubbing the back of his hat* Go on-- I'll make you some soup so you can warm up.
Trucy: Okay! *Trucy gives a little hop, then hurries on to her bedroom before Phoenix can ask anything else.*
Wright: *watches her leave with a curious look on his face--but after a moment he chuckles, shakes his head, and heads off to the kitchen area to open a can of chicken noodle...*
Trucy: ((and then Zio's heart grew 3 sizes!))
Valant: ((To the grand total of -40))
Trucy: *Trucy sits at her desk in seventh period, her chin resting in her hand as she dully listens the teacher droning on about math or something. By now she's given up trying to pay attention, because science is next and she's conserving her energy: she'll have to start focused if she's going to have any hope of keeping up. But her heart just isn't into it, and it's a losing battle.*
Valant: *Valant walks into the school's office and gets the attention of a secretary there, as if he didn't grab enough attention with his magician clothes. He writes down Trucy's name (though he scratched out "Gramarye" and wrote "Wright" after the woman said there was no one of that name at the school) along with the time, his name and wrote "Family emergency" for the reason he is pulling Trucy out of class.*
Trucy: *Trucy was just short of dozing off when the classroom phone rang. After speaking on it for a short moment, the teacher called Trucy's name, instructing her to take her things and head to the office. Grateful for any excuse to be out of the room, Trucy quickly gathered up her things and scampered down the hall.*
Valant: *Valant is waiting in the hall, twirling his cane when Trucy comes running down the hallway.* Ah Miss Trucy! How happy am I to see you again!
Trucy: *Trucy lights up, and races forward.* Uncle Valant! *When she's close enough she all but launches herself at him, wrapping her arms around his waist.*
Valant: *Valant gets the wind taken out of him when Trucy collides into him, but returns the hug from Trucy* So how are you? I trust that I haven't torn you from something truely terrific.
Trucy: No! Just science. *Trucy makes a face as she lets go of him.* Are you here to pick me up? Can we go right now? Can we get pie?
Valant: Surely, we can leave this school! Though..pie, I am puzzled if we can purchase such a thing..
Trucy: *Trucy shrugs.* Ice cream's fine, too. *She fixes her backpback on her shoulders and then takes Valant's hand, tugging him toward the door.* Let's go! Before they try to make me do more math!
Valant: *Valant smiles and follows Trucy out of the door* Of course, magnificent magicians like us do not need such things as math!
Trucy: *Trucy glances up him.* You don't like math either, Uncle Valant? It's not just me?
Valant: No, it's never just you! I never saw a need for math, science, history and whatever else they teach here.
Trucy: *Trucy taps her chin.* So did you not go to school? Do I not have to go to school?
Valant: *Valant thinks for a second* Well, you'd have to ask Lord Wright about that, but I stopped my schooling during high school.
Trucy: *Trucy sighs.* Daddy won't let me quit. He says school is important. I guess...
Valant: Unfortunately, I am unable to do anything about that with Lord Wright. But thankfully, I release you from that prison from time to time. Just don't tell your father about this. It will be like a magician's secret.
Trucy: *Trucy giggles* Okay. It's our secret. *She swings his hand happily as they walk.* Are you coming to my house? Do you want to see Twitch? She's gotten so big!
Valant: Truely, I'd love to, but tragically I think that Lord Wright would not approve of my actions today...
Trucy: *Trucy frowns, considering.* I guess I shouldn't go home until it's time for school to be out... Okay! *She tugs Valant's hand.* We'll just have to have fun until then! Can we go to the park?
Valant: *Valant laughs* Of course we can. I'll even buy some delightful desserts for you!
Trucy: Yay! Like shaved ice? Or cotton candy? Or just candy? *Trucy skips a few feet ahead of him then turns to walk backward.* All three?
Valant: *Valant grimaces for a second, as he only has enough for ONE of those things for the two of them, after getting Trucy's gift and taking off of work to deliver said gift* Maybe just one of those!
Trucy: Well okayyyyyy. Just one. *Trucy grins as if she didn't expect to get all three in the first place.* Let's get cotton candy, then. The pink kind. The blue kind is okay, too.
Valant: Very well, Miss Trucy! A perfect purchase of pink cotton candy, it is!
Trucy: *Trucy giggles and hops back to his side, taking his hand again.* Thanks Uncle Valant! I'm so glad you came today. I like seeing you. You should come visit more.
Valant: *Valant laughs and twirls his cane* I like seeing you as well and I shall start seeing you as much as I can inbetween my shows.
Trucy: You really will? *Trucy peers up at him, paying close attention to his face.* You're not going anywhere, right Uncle Valant? If you did...Twitch would be sad.
Valant: *Valant frowns a bit* Miss Trucy, why would I go anywhere? While the mystic call of magic would take me on tour, but I'll always be here if you need me.
Trucy: *Trucy continues to watch him for a moment to make sure he's telling the truth, and then nods.* Okay. I'm not going to go anywhere, either. I like it here.
Valant: *Valant smiles* Good, we are both not leaving our lovely homes.
Trucy: That's right! Everyone is staying right where they are. It's better that way. *Trucy nods with determination, but then she's smiling again.* I'm going to ride my bike to school next time, so you can see it then! It's really cool--Mr. Edgeyworth even got me streamers!
Valant: I'll be sure to spot it when we do this again. By the by, how do you like my gift?
Trucy: The...oh! *Trucy ducks her head between her shoulders sheepishly* I um...I haven't figured it out yet. But I'm practicing...!
Valant: The Aztec Tomb is a bit difficult at first, but as long as you are practicing, you will practically perfect in no time! Keep at it, Miss Trucy!
Trucy: I will! I am! *Trucy dances on the balls of her feet for a moment.* But I've never tried to disappear myself. I'm a lot bigger than Twitch...
Valant: *Valant laughs again* Oh Miss Trucy, you don't make yourself disappear. You make someone else disappear! Maybe invite one of your classmates.
Trucy: Oh! *Trucy looks interested, then worried, then thoughtful* Maybe I can ask Pearl... I bet she'd like to disappear. And then come back, of course.
Valant: Of course. You shouldn't make your friends disappear and not bring them back. As interesting of an idea that is...*Valant says that with a side thought that he wished a certain reporter would disappear for good*
Trucy: *Trucy looks up at him again, her voice dropping slightly.* You mean like Mommy disappeared?
Valant: *Valant frowns, regretting what he said to the girl* Miss Trucy, your mother...loves you very much. And I'm sure she'll show up one day. Every disappearing act traditionally has the reappearance at the end. You just need to be pleasantly patient until the time is right.
Trucy: *Trucy is quiet for a moment, still holding onto his hand as she turns her gaze ahead. At last she nods.* I know. But it's okay--maybe I'll just find a new Mommy.
Valant: *Valant has no idea what to say about that and it shows on his face* Just...like you found Lord Wright as your new daddy?
Trucy: Yup! Daddy's gonna marry Iris, and then she can be my mommy. *Trucy starts to brighten up once more.* Do you know Iris? She's really nice, and really pretty!
Valant: I've never had the possible pleasure of meeting this "Iris". *Valant starts to show a smile again* Maybe one day, though.
Trucy: I hope so! I think you'll like her. *Trucy sees the park up ahead, and lets go of Valant's hand so she can race towards it.* Last one there buys the candy!
Valant: Hey, that's cheating, Miss Trucy! *Valant runs after her, enjoying the little race though he makes sure to let Trucy win because as poor as he is, he's sure that Trucy has less than him.*
Trucy: *Trucy "wins" and celebrates by doing a summersault.* I win! You were really close though, Uncle Valant. *She giggles as she skips ahead to look for a vendor*
Valant: *Valant buys two batches of pink cotton candy one for himself and one for Trucy, which has now emptied the contents of his yellow wallet* Good show, Miss Trucy. You are as good as a runner as you are a magician!
Trucy: Really? Am I? I'm not as fast as Pearl yet. *Trucy shoves a fistful of cotton candy into her mouth and tries to speak around it while it melts.* Shefs weally fash
Valant: *Valant takes a bite of his cotton candy and swallows before talking* Is she? Do you two often have chases in the classroom?
Trucy: *Trucy shakes her head* Pearl is Daddy's friend. She lives in the mountains. But sometimes she runs all the way here! She's crazy! But in a good way.
Valant: She does? *Valant laughs, knowing that she must have taken a train or something* You have a special friend, Miss Trucy!
Trucy: Yup! She's my only friend close to my age. *Trucy frowns after admitting that, and tries to cover.* I mean, I have Woxxer, too. He's my friend. But he's a... an "older man."
Valant: Well, in life, it is the quality of your friends, not the quantity. Don't quill, quiver or quake about it.
Trucy: *Trucy beams up at him.* You're right, Uncle Valant! And Pearl and Woxxor are great friends! I don't need my classmates. *She shoves another ball of cotton candy into her mouth.*
Valant: *Valant smiles and takes another bite of his cotton candy* That's the spirit, Miss Trucy!
Trucy: Do you have many friends, Uncle Valant?
Valant: Well, I have my beautiful bunnies and my delightful doves, and you. That's all the fantastic friends I need.
Trucy: *Trucy grins again, and bumps into him affectionately* You're my friend, too, Uncle Valant.
Trucy: *Trucy licks her fingers* And we'll always be friends, right? Always?
Valant: Absolutely always
Trucy: Good! Forever always. *Trucy finishes her cotton candy and hops back to Valant's side, taking his hand.* Can we go look for fish in the river?
Valant: *Valant looks at his watch to see if he has some time left* Sure, we can visit some of our fishy friends!
Trucy: *Trucy giggles, and lets go of him again so she can skip off in the direction of the river.* Too bad fish don't make good assistants!
Valant: A pity, but their flapping would make them fly all over the stage the second they slip out of your hand.
Trucy: Yeah, and they look funny. *Trucy makes a fishy face with her lips as she continues on, coming to the ropes surrounding the river. She climbs over it without hesitating.*
Valant: *Valant is shocked by Trucy climbing over the ropes* Miss Trucy, what are you doing?
Trucy: I have to get closer to see! *She squats down at the river's edge, peering intently into the water.* Ooh! I see a minnow!
Valant: *Valant starts to get nervous* Miss Trucy, please posistion yourself by my presence before you fall in!
Trucy: *Trucy rolls her eyes.* I'm not going to fall. *She waves him closer* Come see! There's a yellow fish, too!
Valant: *Valant reaches over the ropes to try to pick up Trucy* Be that as it may, I'd feel fantastically relieved if you are right here.
Trucy: *Trucy squirms to try and escape him, in the process losing her backpack.* But I can't see from there! *She gets away from him, and in her eagerness to prove her point hops right down to the river's edge, her toes hanging over.*
Valant: *Valant sets the backpack aside and tries to grab Trucy again* Not being able to see is better than taking an avoidable plunge into that pond, now come here!
Trucy: I'm not gonna fall-- *Trucy turns to make a face at him, but by then she's so close to the edge that it throws off her footing. She gives a little squeak of surprise as her foot misses the edge: she lands on her butt, and then tumbles--predictably--into the water*
Valant: *Valant's jaw DROPS as Trucy falls into the water* Oh lost life! Lord Wright is going to murder me and not in a magical manner! *Valant climbs over the ropes to fish Trucy out*
Trucy: *The current isn't that strong, and Trucy is able to hold onto the edge until Valant pulls her out. She's of course soaked, and she stares back at Valant with a look of shock* I fell in!
Valant: *Valant is now going out of his mind* Yes, you very much did! But now your clothes are soaked to the skin! Oh, Lord Wright is going to find out about all of this!
Trucy: *Once Trucy is on her feet she gives herself a shake, like a dog, but that doesn't help any.* I'm soaked! *She laughs delightedly, oblivious to Valant's worry.* Thanks for saving my backpack Uncle Valant!
Valant: Miss Trucy, this is a serious situation that we are stuck in. *Valant kneels down and puts his hands on Trucy's shoulders* What do you think your father will act when he sees you like this?
Trucy: Umm.... *Trucy taps her chin, giving it serious thought.* He'll ask what happened... But this is supposed to be our secret...
Valant: Exactly! We need to think of an escape plan for this predicament!
Trucy: Hmmmmm.... *Trucy considers some more.* I'll tell him...it rained! No...he'd know. *More thinking* Oh! How about...a puddle?
Valant: *Valant looks puzzled* A puddle?
Trucy: *Trucy clasps her hands behind her back.* I fell in a puddle! That's how I got all wet. It's almost the same thing.
Valant: *Valant thinks for a moment and figures that it's the only way that works* All right, Miss Trucy. You plunged into a puddle. That's what Lord Wright will hear.
Trucy: *Trucy winks* Our secret. *She gets her backpack but holds it at her side instead of puts it on, so that it won't get wet.* Maybe if I run all the way home the wind will dry me before I get there!
Valant: *Valant smiles, hoping that will work so Wright doesn't kill him.* Hopefully, the winds will work with you on that goal, Miss Trucy.
Trucy: *Trucy grins, and crawls under the river ropes once more.* I'll take the long way just to be sure.
Valant: *Valant laughs* A terrific thought, though try to stay out of trouble on the trip home.
Trucy: I will! Oh! *Trucy stops suddenly, and digs into her backpack. She pulls out a wrapped stick of gum* Do you want this? It's lemon flavored! Since you bought me candy.
Valant: *Valant takes the stick of gum and puts it in his pocket* Why, thank you, Miss Trucy! But think nothing of the treats, it's the least I can do to make up for not being there on your birthday.
Trucy: That's okay! I had a great birthday. *Trucy hops forward and gives Valant a kiss on the cheek.* I'm gonna head home now. Thanks for picking me up Uncle Valant!
Valant: It is never a problem, Miss Trucy! Do be careful on the way home now!
Trucy: I will! Bye! *Trucy waves and jogs out of the park*
Valant: *Valant waves and then turns around and starts heading to his apartment to feed his animals.. and possibly write a will just in case Phoenix finds out about this visit.*
Trucy: *Trucy heads toward home, but on the way she takes a few extra turns, holding her arms out in hopes of drying off. But by the time she gets there she's still rather soaked. She lets herself in and tries to sneak towards her room before Phoenix can spot her, if he's home.*
Wright: *is sprawled out on the couch--again--looking pretty sleepy... not really a good thing, as he'll have to be heading to work in the next few minutes. When Trucy enters the apartment he doesn't immediately greet her, but as she's walking by he raises his head up to give her a slow smile* Hey Tru--- *there's a moment's pause as he looks her over and raises an eyebrow* ...How was your day?
Trucy: *Trucy gives a little hop and spins to face him* Daddy! Hi! *She clasps her hands behind her back.* It was good.
Wright: *gets up off the couch and walks slowly over to her, leaning down to brush some wet strands of hair off her face* ... Went swimming in your school clothes...?
Trucy: *Trucy ducks her head sheepishly and speaks quietly* I fell in a puddle... A big one!
Wright: *raises his other eyebrow as he tests the dampness of her clothes with his fingers-- if he's noticed anything funny about her story, it doesn't show up as anything but amusement and a faint hint of concern in his eyes* ...Looks like is was a really, really big puddle. There wasn't any pushing, was there?
Trucy: *Trucy answers quickly* No! It was my fault! *Trucy's shoulders inch up* I was playing around. But my backpack was safe, see? *She holds it up into his face to distract him*
Wright: I see. *but he's still looking at her instead* Well, you should get changed so you don't catch a cold, Tru. *squats down to her level* And make sure your friends grab you instead of your backpack next time-- I can cope with some lost homework, but don't want to lose you in the next giant puddle accident...!
Trucy: But it... *Trucy squirms, but she doesn't want to get Valant in trouble. At last she nods.* Okay Daddy. Can I put my pajamas on instead of more clothes?
Wright: Uh huh. *he stands up, rubbing the back of his hat* Go on-- I'll make you some soup so you can warm up.
Trucy: Okay! *Trucy gives a little hop, then hurries on to her bedroom before Phoenix can ask anything else.*
Wright: *watches her leave with a curious look on his face--but after a moment he chuckles, shakes his head, and heads off to the kitchen area to open a can of chicken noodle...*