luministi | ◌ 013 ◌ Games and worry

[When the CAT turns on, Fuu doesn't even notice because she's playing a crane game with an intense look of concentration upon her face. Nearly buried amid the adorable stuffed figures that fill the machine is a brown schoolbag, which Fuu is clearly aiming for.]

[The claw snags one of the handles of the bag, the crane moves up, and Fuu gives a small cry of happiness as her bag is deposited in the chute.]

At last. Thought I'd never get it. --Oh, and another one of these?

[Taking up her bag and the two coins she looks left and right. She then moves over to another game, this one with a pincushion nestled among the toys. Fuu tilts her head thoughtfully.]

It was Miss Sophie who lost the pincushion, right...

[Figuring that she wouldn't know how to play the game to get her item back, Fuu tries to start the game with her CAT so that she can retrieve the pincushion for her. But it won't work.]

What--?

[Moving down the line she tries a couple other machines. None work.]

Oh, I see. That's just mean.

Well, everyone, it seems that my CAT is on, so you just saw it. Apparently we must each come enjoy this arcade that the Mayor told us about.

---
[Later, a message private to Verita, in text]
Miss Verita, something happened, didn't it? Please message back when you can, and... hang in there.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[he switches his messaging to video too--but so far, he doesn't look any different. (then again, it's difficult to tell with the patch of synthetic hair existing on the back of his head...) his expression falls when he sees her, and even more so when he hears the distress in her voice.]

[gently, but firmly] This is just another one of their tricks, Fuu. You'll be all right.

[The CAT video turning on catches a sliver of her attention away from her legs. Still numbly running her hands along them, she looks desperately at the Doctor. She can't help her voice shaking with shock and fear.]

A t-trick? Like weather or na-nanobots or lost m-memories? But this--

[She draws her knees up to her chest, and resting her head against her knees so that her face is hidden she tries to take deep breaths.
It's not a wound. It doesn't even hurt. Her healing magic once again will be of no use. Without moving her head she faintly whispers to herself:]

This is freakish. Like this, I can't-- How can I--

Worse than all of those, but it is a trick. It's got to be. How else would we all be able to keep on living otherwise?

[softly] Just be careful how many doors you go in. Don't make any unnecessary trips.

...
You're right, I'm still alive.

[Fuu takes a deep breath and lifts her head, her face resolute but fear lingers in her eyes. A touch of a smile comes to the edge of her lips. It sounded like he'd tried answering her whispers, but that hadn't been what she'd meant.]

I won't. And... if I get any questions I don't understand, would you mind terribly if I called on you?

[he smiles back] I wouldn't mind at all.

Good luck, Fuu.

Thank you. And, to you too.