star_kingdom | [Video/Action]

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[Video/Action]

[The image is steady though somewhat off, showing a tiny girl with bright green hair at an odd, stilted angle. Even so, that's enough to capture the look of wide-eyed horror given at a moogle barely within the screen's range, not much smaller than the girl herself.]

What?!? No! My world can't be gone! You're lying!

[Of course the moogle is quick to protest.]

I'm not lying, kupo! It's the truth! You--

[The little girl stamps her foot, even as tears begin to form.]

Stop it! That doesn't make any sense! I told you, I don't have time for this! We have to go and rescue Rosa!

But--

[The video feed grows unsteady as she runs down the street. Once she's far enough away, the little girl plops down to catch her breath...and curls in on herself, sniffling.]

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[She nods in response and smiles sadly.]

I know, but that wasn't his fault. There was a very bad person who was cruel to him and Kain both. He took control of them and made them do things they didn't want to do.

[Some of this would be difficult for a child to swallow, but Rosa's still convinced that this is more of the aging issues from earlier and that soon enough Rydia will revert back to how she should be. Therefore, she sees no harm in telling her things she should by all rights already know and will again.]

We stopped him and saved them both. You helped too.

[Rydia's brow furrowed. Rosa's explanation only confuses her more.]

But...I didn't get to do that yet. I fell overboard on the way to Baron. I'm sorry.

[She glances to Golbez again, not quite remorseful but more inclined to believe that he won't harm her now that Rosa said it.]

I guess he doesn't have to be a toad....

Thank you, Rydia. It would be unkind to leave him like this, don't you think?

[Mothering 101: Teach children to make reparations for the things they have done.]

[She pouts a little, probably still thinking that he's much more interesting and less threatening as a large toad. Scooting over so that Rosa is a half-shield again, she casts Esuna.]

[And suddenly, enormous man in scary armor once more. He doesn't move toward Rosa and Rydia, or do anything threatening.]

Thank you.

[Not that he's pleased about spending several hours as a toad, but she did come back, and she did return him to his proper form, despite being scared.]

Thank you, Rydia.

[The child gets a grateful hug and then Golbez himself gets a warm smile.]

It is good to see you again. Won't you come home with us?

[Rydia snuggles against Rosa, watching Golbez -Theodor?- to see what he'll say. She rubs her eyes, starting to feel just how long she's been awake.]

I already have my own place to stay. It is not necessary.

[He's seemingly indifferent to Rosa's smile. Really, he's uncomfortable with so much as getting close to Cecil, when he still hasn't properly spoken to his brother, but he's not going to say that.]

The offer is always open to you.

Thank you, for watching over Rydia. I hope you'll forgive me for not asking first, but I knew you would be capable of guarding her safety.

[If he weren't wearing his helmet, Rosa would see a skeptical expression. There isn't much a toad can do to guard a child.]

I will keep that in mind.

Can we go now?

[Rydia doesn't mean to sound whiny, but the day has worn her down a lot. Her energy -and what little patience she has- is dwindling.]

[Rydia gets an indulgent smile from Rosa and a nod.]

We can.

[Back to her brother-in-law for the moment.]

Thank you again. Be safe.

You, as well.

[He turns as if to leave, but hesitates for only a moment.]

You and Cecil both.

[And then he's gone.]

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