tvk | [Video] Forward dated to tonight

[Video] Forward dated to tonight

[When the video came on, it was obvious the Archive had propped her phone up so she could record this and still do homework. There was an advanced calculus book to one side of her, and she was absently speaking as she solved complicated equations easily]

I see that things have gotten strange during the Dark Hour. Not only have I seen odd Shadows, but the videos I've seen have shown various oddities as well. I recommend that no one leave their rooms until we figure out what's-

You're still talking, Ivy?

[Her pencil dropped as she whirled around, eyes wide. For an instant, a tall gangly man could be seen behind her. He wore a long leather duster and held a staff in one hand. His dark hair was long and scruffy, and he looked like he needed a shave and perhaps a good meal. The Archive seemed to recognize him immediately, though]

Dresden! How- there's much I must tell you, much I-

Must drone on and on and on about? [The Archive stopped at that, her posture showing surprise at his tone] That's just like you, Miss Know-It-All. You just keep talking about things because you know all about them past the time anyone cares. And then you need someone to take care of you, like that guy Kincaid. You're almost worthless, just a fount of knowledge no one cares about.

N-no. [Her hands came up, covering her ears] You aren't the real Dresden. He's my friend. He'd never-

Say how upset he was that you wouldn't tell me something I needed to know? When it came down to it, when you knew where the little girl was, you just kept it to yourself for selfish reasons.

I couldn't! [Her voice broke, full of tears] I wanted so hard to tell him where she was, so he could save his daughter! But the Archive is neutral! I couldn't... I couldn't help...

And you never will. I should have let the Denarians take you.

You're not... the real Dresden... he'd never...

You're pathetic, Archive. Just a pathetic little girl.

[The video ended on her sobbing in front of the image of her first friend]

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...I'm on my way there.

[Says the guy that looks pale as death.]

D-diarmuid...

It happened to me too. Tell me where you are and I'll be right there.

I-in my dorm room. I'm in my d-dorm room.

Wait there and don't move. I'm on my way.

Of course.

[And of course he'll show up not too long after, in full armor and looking like death warmed over.]

I'm s...sorry. Did I keep you waiting long?

Diarmuid. [She definitely had been crying pretty hard, but her face fell into a disapproving look at the sight of him] What happened to you? You should be resting.

I've been worse.

[Note how he didn't say he'd survived worse.]

What about you? Are you hurt?

I... I'm not physically hurt.

...I am listening if you would like to discuss it.

... the words he said... I know they're not true. Dresden communicated with me when I had been captured to tell me everything would be okay, that he was on his way. He's been nothing but... b-but kind to me. Those words, they... they hurt so much, in his voice and the way he speaks and- e-everything. [She looked down, trying to hide the hurt thirteen year old she was] If he had s-spoken differently, that could have been Dresden exactly.

...I understand.

[He sat down beside her, lightly putting an arm over her shoulders.]

But...it isn't real. There is simply no way it could be.

[She started crying, hands to her face] I know, but it still hurts to hear those words in his voice!

I know it does, Ivy. I wish there was something I could do.

[The Archive leaned into him, still crying]

It's going to be alright, somehow. I'm sure of it.

[She nodded, still crying]

[Sighing quietly, Diarmuid pulled her into a hug without saying a word.]

[She cried into his chest, hugging him tightly]

...I know it hurts. But believe me when I say it is going to be alright, somehow.

I-I know. B-but I can't stop it from hurting so much.

...neither can I.

... [She sniffled] You're helping.

I am glad to hear that.

Not cool. I'm coming over.

J-jupiter... Miss Jupiter, please be careful.

What's up with this?

I d-don't... [She broke off, not wanting to admit it. Just in case he came back, and needled her for not knowing]

*Okay, this planet is coming over there. Sans animals, for once -- it's too much of a risk to not just leave them at home in pet carriers -- so it's just her rollerskating up.*

[Ivy let her in, not even hiding how much she had been crying] Miss Jupiter, hello.

*Jupiter comes in and takes her roller skates off at the door before patting the girl on the shoulder.* This place is harsh.

[The Archive reached up, holding Jupiter's hand] Mm.

No way that was your friend, little dudette. Friends don't do that stuff.

I know. I... I know, Dresden would never... not after he saved me. [She looked down, hiding the hurt look on her face]

*gently squeezes her hand* I don't know the guy, but I know you got a point. It'll be okay, little dudette. We know what's real.

Thank you, Miss Jupiter.

No big. We can't mellow out if we're all like this.

[She sniffled, then lifted her head] Has everything been okay for you?

Mostly. Going with the flow, y'know?

Yes, I know. Have you gotten any other animals?

Not yet, but you know you can call me if you see any in need.

Of course. And if you're unavailable, I will be certain to house the animal until you can arrive.

I owe you, little dudette.

What cruelties seem to have been unleashed this night.

[Aengus' voice sounds tired, but relatively calm.]

Art thou alright, lady? Be of strong mind, Archive. I know not what madness fills this cursed land now, but I would not hold faith to it being true. 'tis unkind, whatever it be.

I-I know this can't be Dresden. He's not... he's not like that, to anyone.

[But that doesn't mean the words don't hurt]

Take heart. 'tis a sorrowful thing to see a woman suffer, even one so young in form. My son will be there soon, of that I am sure.

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[Video] Forward dated to tonight

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