Restless Magic

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[Action; Gefion Park]

[It's a rare day off, which means Hibiki can be found sitting on a bench watching her animals at play! She really doesn't have enough time to spend with them, so she's happy to see that they seem to be enjoying the outdoors on this sunny day.

Happy, and a little... tired, actually.

By the time people come across her, she may well have just nodded off in her seat, her form slumped slightly to the side as she rests. The sheep, hummingbird, gusk and Cyndaquil currently running/scampering/flying around don't seem to have noticed, but there is a small hamster on her shoulder now nibbling on a bit of her hair.

...Someone may want to wake the poor girl up.]

[Video]

[And later, a video call! She is clearly pretty uncomfortable, her hands twisting and fidgeting in front of her.]

I... I didn't really want to ask about it before. I thought I could take care of it, but there's so much going on...

[Deep breath, Hibiki. It's okay to ask for help, remember? With a short gulp, she continues.]

I... have a lot of pets. But I can't take care of them as much as they need it. I work with the medical team and the suppliers. I just--

[Her expression falls as she falters.]

...I can't take care of them by myself anymore.

[As loathe as she is to admit it. Even at home, she had managed to take care of Shii-chan even while juggling her work, but here...

It seems she's bitten off more than she can chew.]

I don't know what to do with them... I have a sheep, a hummingbird, a gusk, a Cyndaquil, and a hamster. They're all really great, and they're well behaved, s-so...

I don't want to have to get rid of them... but I want to make sure they get cared for. What should I do...?

[It's almost like a plea. These animals - each one reminds her of people she can no longer see. To give them away just doesn't seem right. But neglecting them hardly seems proper, either.]

Comments

[Video]

[thehedgehogsdilemma]

[ Shinji smiles knowingly. He thinks of a scenario where what if Kaworu left before him from here. He'd certainly do what he could for Kaworu's three cats, including his own pup. Therefore, he wouldn't want Hibiki to give away her pets who remind of her of people she knew. So... ]

I wouldn't want to see them leave you, either, Hibiki-chan. Would you like me to help out if it ever gets tiring for you? I may only know about cats and, recently, dogs... But I hope I could still be of some help?

[ You could leave Fiery with him for a bit till he returns it back to you~ something like that! And for no pay. ]

[Video]

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[Oh gosh, that does get her to brighten a bit in hope.]

Are you sure...? You aren't too busy or anything?

[Hibiki, you just asked for help. He just offered. This does not need to be so complicated.]

[thehedgehogsdilemma]

[He smiles wider. This girl has shown him kindness in ways she was capable of when he didn't want to see it, before. (Stubborn shy boys are stubborn...) So if there were chances to return the favor, he'd do it! Maybe this could be a chance!]

For you? Never.

[He rubs the back of his head for a bit as he realizes something.] But... er... I'll probably need a explanation or two about those furry friends of yours, but I think I can handle it! Kaworu-kun would also be around me. So there's double the help.

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Ah-- that's right, you live with Kaworu-san!

[She's always happy to hear about her friends being friends with each other!]

They're all really easy to take care of... Which ones do you want to know about? [He has five options here to choose from.]

[thehedgehogsdilemma]

[ He nods at her statement. He sure does! Shinji contemplates on the idea of the three of them doing something, sometime...] For a long time, until recently, he was the only person from my world. It, um, was complicated before, but it's different.

T-That said, I think the ones not from our world, like cyndaquil, would be helpful to learn about...

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[You know she would come if she were invited!]

My Cyndaquil is very simple to take care of! He actually sleeps a lot... I used to think it was because he was just a baby, but it's been a long time now and he still does it. He just eats the same kinds of berries people do!

[thehedgehogsdilemma]

He does? [Excellent! Well, the fact he's simple has be a pro for her, who has other creatures to look after.]

Do you think I can see him, Hibiki? I don't think I ever met any of them, now that I think about it.

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Okay! Hold on a moment!

[Turning to somewhere off screen, she murmurs for "Fiery" and lo and behold, the Cydaquil comes ambling on up to her. He doesn't have his flames alight, so he's actually quite cute and harmless-looking. Gently, she'll lift him up and hold him towards the camera so Shinji can get a better look.]

Here he is!

[He just gives a small yawn, and then a squeaky "Cyndaaaaa." It's utterly adorable.]

[thehedgehogsdilemma]

[ Shinji couldn't help but look in awe at the Cyndaquil. It's... different.

But he is also... ]

...Cute-! [Oops. Did Shinji say that out loud? He sure did.]

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Isn't he? He hasn't changed very much since he first hatched. Well, besides getting a rounder tummy maybe.

[She giggles softly to herself at the little joke. Fiery does like eating those berries!]