redacted ★ rufus

[infreefall]

MY ORIGINAL IMAGE VANISHED SOMEHOW so this'll have to do

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[soulus]

[The monkey thrashes and screams as he holds it in the air.]

It's a monkey.

[infreefall]

Why did it jump on me? Did I make it mad?

[soulus]

No. Thieves have a way of absconding once they've taken something.

[infreefall]

[ ...thieves, huh. she kneels then, feeling out for her raptor. it takes a minute before they find each other. ]

What did it steal, then?

[soulus]

It took something of mine—the device. It still has it.

[infreefall]

I don't think I'll be able to help you get it back...

[ she's gathering her raptor back in her arms before standing. ]

Why is it following you, anyway? I thought they were staying up north.

[soulus]

I thought so as well . . . But this one has been especially stubborn.

[infreefall]

Do you think it just likes you, maybe?

[soulus]

I would prefer that it think nothing of me.

[infreefall]

[ hm. the way he says it, she has to stifle a laugh, hiding her face in her raptor's little cat kigu for a second. ]

I'm sure you wouldn't. How long has it been following you, anyway?

[soulus]

It's been with me since I woke up at the ruins.

[infreefall]

Maybe it's adopted you. [ haha ] Better be careful so your wolf doesn't get jealous, Wilde-san!

[soulus]

That won't be a problem. Come Monday, the monkey will fade away with the jungle.

[infreefall]

[ she snickers. ]

I know. It was a joke.

I don't think I've ever met your wolf, though... Can I? [ . . . ] Maybe when I can see, though.

[soulus]

I don't decide whether he accompanies me or not . . . But if he's with me when we next meet, you will see him then.

[infreefall]

Then I'll be looking forward to it, Wilde-san!

[soulus]

. . . Please watch your step until then.

[infreefall]

[ she nods. ]

Yeah, I will. I've been trying to be careful since I woke up like this yesterday, and sometimes this little guy [ she lifts the raptor a tiny bit ] helps a lot. I'm finding my way around okay, just... a little slower than usual.

I'm glad you didn't lose anything important, Wilde-san. It's pretty hard getting used to it when it keeps changing like this.

[soulus]

[He looks down at the raptor. That's good, then.]

It should end once next week begins.

[infreefall]

Well, yeah, but that doesn't mean it isn't still hard while it lasts. Hopefully whatever happens next week is a little easier to manage, though.

[soulus]

You're still managing. That means you can handle more.

[infreefall]

[ she pauses, eyes widening in surprise.

...and then she smiles, brighter than before. ]

I don't if I have your confidence, Wilde-san... but thanks.

[soulus]

[He stares.]

. . . I will not keep you.

[She's blind and clearly has places to go. He won't insult her by offering to walk her. Instead, he turns on his heels and returns the way he came.]