[Video]

[tempervale_npc]

[Temper's face appears on the communicator in its typical impassive expression. There's a faint shade of a polite smile on his lips, but that's all.Some of you have been busy, haven't you? Well, at least you look busy -- in the same way a gerbil on a wheel looks busy, and with about as much to show for it. But it is nice to see liveliness. Even if

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[morethanpasta]

[Italy is completely oblivious to any sinister undertones. He neither has an idea who Temper is, nor does he know of the plans to fight their captors. So he just beams at the nice man on the screen and gives an excited little squeal.]

Yes, yes, let's have a party! A big, big party! I love harvest time! Back home at this time of the year, we harvest grapes for yummy wine and we harvest wheat for pasta and apples and olives and almonds and... We should have a harvest festival! I'll make the pasta with fratello and you can make the pie! Or you can help us with the pasta, but you have to promise you won't get mad if brother calls you names, alright? Harvest time is a time for being happy and friends, not for fighting!

[At the end of that epic rant, he gasps for air.]

[tempervale_npc]

[Well. That was an impressive run of words, wasn't it? Temper lifts an eyebrow, mouth looking like it's working its way towards a smile and falling just short.] I'm afraid I'm not much of a cook. But I can certainly arrange a decent festival, if that's what people would enjoy seeing.

And you're right. This time of year is for peace, not discord.

[morethanpasta]

Ve? You can arrange that? [Italy's eyes go wide and awed.] You must be very good at organizing things! When I try to organize something, Germany often ends up yelling at me. I think he thinks I only ever think of pasta. I don't! I barely ever mention pasta!

[He pouts a bit, but the dazzling smile returns within moments.]

If you ever want to learn to cook, I'll teach you! It's easy and fun [he giggles] and you'll be learning from the best, but don't tell big brother France I said so!

[tempervale_npc]

Of course I can. [He pauses to let the other finish.] Well, not everyone's talents lie in the same areas.

[There's a hint of surprise on his features at that.]

What a kind offer, but I have no need to eat, being what I am. [Though he does, for enjoyment, especially sweet things.]

[morethanpasta]

You don't eat? [He gasps.] That's horrible! Good food is one of the best things in life and it can cheer you up!

[Besides being deeply offended in the name of pasta everywhere, Italy is intrigued. His eyes sparkle with unabashed curiosity and he brings his watch closer to his face, squinting at it, as if he hopes to find whatever makes Temper different written on his forehead.]

Ve! [He pouts and gives the watch a little annoyed shake, there's nothing extraordinary to be found.] What are you? I've never heard of a being that doesn't eat, even we nations eat!

[tempervale_npc]

[Temper's lips curve upwards just faintly.] We can eat, my kin and I. It's just not something we must do to live.

As for what I am, I'm afraid there's no easy answer. There are only seven of us, after all, so we lack a proper title. We were human once, if that helps. But no longer.

Ah, so you're another of this city's national guests. I've come to know several of your kind. I fear their opinion of me is less positive than mine of them.

[morethanpasta]

Don't be sad about them, I'll be your friend! [He smiles brightly.] I'm Italy Veneziano, but you can call me Feliciano if you like.

[Italy hums thoughtfully, trying to process what Temper told him.] What do you mean, you were human once? [He mutters that more to himself than to Temper.] Did it hurt, becoming not human? It sounds to me like something that would hurt! [His eyes turn sympathetic and soulful.] Were you scared? I know I would be scared if I suddenly weren't a nation anymore! [A distressed frown line appears on his face.] Do you think that could happen? I was... I was different once, here in Ruby City, when our captors did something funny with our memories. But I was still a nation... [He chews on his bottom lip, a little unhappy frown still firmly on his face.]

[tempervale_npc]

Feliciano then. It's a pleasure. My name is Temper Vale.

[So many questions. Temper can't help a faint hint of amusement creeping into his expression.] It's a difficult time to remember, but there was pain. I died in a way, after all.

Oh many things could happen. Memories are easier to touch than many would thing. But in the end, we're much more interested in what you are than what you are not.

[morethanpasta]

[He gives an appropriate gasp of horror and sympathy at hearing that his new friend died. It takes a bit for the 'we' to sink in, considering he's a bit too busy trembling and "ve"-ing in distress at the prospect of 'many things' happening. When it does sink in, however, the reaction is instanteous. Feliciano yelps and drops the watch on the ground as if it had burnt him.]

I surrender, don't kill me! I have relatives in your city! Don't hurt me! I surrender!

[tempervale_npc]

[Temper blinks a bit at that, and despite himself, he laughs -- barely a sound at all, little more than an exhaled breath.] I have no intention or designs on killing or hurting you.

[It's true enough. Broken things lose their usefulness. And then there's the fact that Temper doesn't like getting his hands dirty himself.]

[morethanpasta]

[Feliciano whimpers become more distressed at the faint laughter - scary! Still, he said he wouldn't hurt him, didn't he? He decides it's safe enough to peek at the watch from where he's cowering on the ground nearby, for lack of something or someone to hide behind. Streets are such horrible things.]

Ve! But Temper's scary! And... and... you're mean and cruel and... [his voice turns small and sheepish] ...I think I was supposed to stay away from you. [He moans in dismay.] They're going to be so upset I made friends with you!

[tempervale_npc]

Am I? [Another faint smile at the explanation of his reputation.] I don't doubt you were warned away. My apologies, if I've gotten you in trouble.

But, has anything in this conversation been so terrible, Feliciano?

[morethanpasta]

Ve~ [There is silence as flight instincts battle with his natural belief in the inherent goodness of everything that isn't currently trying to eat him alive.]

You called me Feliciano. Does that mean we're friends? [He sounds hesitant and really, he's not quite sure if he wants to, but you can't go and end a friendship just because your friend turned out to be an evil mastermind, that's against the rules.]

[tempervale_npc]

[Temper lifts an eyebrow at that.] I suppose it does, unless you have objections.

It's strange really, the reputation my kin and I have. For all the accusations, not a single person brought to this city has died by our hands or actions. The only deaths have happened at the hands of others living here just as you are.

Oh look, now you get friends benefits! ...such as unwitting insults

[morethanpasta]

[Feliciano whines in agitation. He has many objections, such as Temper being scary and mean and evil and why does he keep wondering if the captors have a third eye? A little nervous giggle escapes him. They should have one, anyway! But... A promise is a promise is a promise. He picks up the watch with a slightly trembling hand and flashes Temper a sweet smile.

Since he's already cowering, he makes himself more comfortable on the ground, sitting down cross-legged right there in the middle of the street. Feliciano cradles the watch in both hands and huffs.] People wouldn't hate you so much if you didn't go around disturbing their siestas to kidnap them! [A pout.] You forgot to bring my white flag! You're awful at this kidnapping thing!

lololol

[tempervale_npc]

Am I? Well that is a bit tragic. I suppose I'll have to practice more.

[A tilt of his head though, curious.] Your white flag? Is that what you miss the most, Feliciano?