Twenty-Nine Coins [Audio]

[u_n_asplode]

[The transmission from this frequency is garbled at first--but a loud CRASH can be heard. From how absurdly loud the noise is, whatever-it-is seems to have fallen on it. Nothing can be seen; only darkness.

More immediately noticeable, though, is Flandre screaming. And she sounds absolutely and uncharacteristically terrified.Another crash, this

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[baka_jyanai]

FLANDRE! FLANDRE!

-Screw resting in bed, she's close by!-

[u_n_asplode]

[Flandre's too lost in her own memories to recognise the sound of footsteps.]

[baka_jyanai]

-Does she recognize the sound of door kicking?-

[u_n_asplode]

[SHRIEK.

Not at the moment, no. D:]

[baka_jyanai]

-Cirno... freezes once she sees Flandre. In that state... Cirno failed her. She couldn't protect her like she promised.-

[u_n_asplode]

[The vampire is distraught; eyes wide and staring at some spot on the floor, rocking back and forth. She's still talking to herself--or whatever enemies her mind has conjured.]

Arrêtez!

(Stop!)

[baka_jyanai]

... Flandre? -Cirno approaches. Slowly.-

[u_n_asplode]

[She snaps her head around when she detects movement, but--pauses. That didn't match what she was remembering this instant.

Instead of attacking, Flandre stares.]

...vous êtes qui?

(Who are you?)

[There is no recognition in her eyes...only a crazed--and frightened--expression.]

[baka_jyanai]

-Cirno doesn't understand what Flan is saying. Of course she's heard her speak it before, but...

Either way, she simply gives Flandre a puzzled look. She knows that fear in her eyes. She wants to make it go away. So slowly, and with as open a stance as she can manage, she approaches Flandre.-

[u_n_asplode]

[Even as Flandre cowers away, the memory seems to be...unraveling. This wasn't France. There were no enemies here, only a small fairy. And she wasn't being cut to pieces...

...at least, not anymore.

A name teased at her mind instead.]

Cirno?

[Her voice wavers with uncertainty.]

[baka_jyanai]

-Cirno gave Flandre a warm smile.- Yeah...

[u_n_asplode]

Cirno.

[Unsteadily, she stands up; trembling and unbalanced. One of her wings is gone.]

...Cirno, Cirno.

[She wobbles a bit, trying to walk towards the fairy.]

[baka_jyanai]

H-hold on. -Cirno moves to her, gently taking the other girl into her arms.- Lean on me, okay? I'll support you.

[u_n_asplode]

[Flandre does more than lean; she practically collapses on Cirno, trembling. She buries her face in the fairy's shoulder, making that odd keening noise again.]

[baka_jyanai]

-Cirno hugs Flandre tightly, just wanting to comfort her most precious friend.-

[u_n_asplode]

[She is quiet again--and very still.]

...who did this this time, Cirno?