003 // Action + Video

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[ The city is burning.

Strange, then, that Haruka can't hear any screams. She can't hear anything, in fact - it's as if the world has gone utterly silent in preparation for its inevitable end. Buildings crumble unnaturally, from the ground up, and she can see the waves of fire spreading, heading towards the populace, frozen in time - she struggles to move and can't, even as the flames near a clump of civilians, near a girl with pigtails, no, not her, for some reason not her -

And then she wakes up in a cold sweat, scattering Sewaddle from where he'd fallen asleep on her chest; he curls up into a ball and rolls off the bed. The dreams have never been that vivid before. She's never had that kind of detail. Does that mean something's about to happen, or....what's going on....?

It's then she notices her hands are shaking, not from fear but some kind of heady mix of adrenaline and - power, isn't it, she feels stronger despite what she just witnessed. Her breath is still coming short from the dream, but Haruka feels a grin tugging her lips. Something's happened, all right. And if something else is going to happen - she's become more prepared for it. ]

[ Apologies to anyone who might happen to be up and about near the Divine Theater compound already. Extra apologies to anyone who lives around there and was trying to get some sleep. A newly-evolved Haruka (looking just about the same, but a bit broader about the shoulders and even more inexplicably stunning) has just decided to test her new powers by punching the ground in the outside courtyard.

Every building on the property shook, and now there's a huge crater. ] ...well, that answers that question.

[ Union really does have an Earthquake problem, huh. ]

[ video ]

The Union Divine Theater would like to reassure the populace that this morning's events were an anomaly. We're testing effects for our new show. [ Okay, so this isn't exactly an explicit apology, or an admission she was in the wrong. But Haruka's making up for the inconvenience with an extremely attractive smile, so isn't that okay? ] It'll be stunning.

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Good for you. [ A knowing smile. Wouldn't that be nice, but even Haruka can't always tell. So how can the kid possibly hope...

...ah, there's the restaurant. She pulls open the door but a Chansey bustles over to get it for them. This place prizes itself on its Pokémon waitresses, who in turn are given excellent lodgings and chances, if they're so inclined, to help with the menu. It's cute. ] No dessert till you've had your lunch.

[threemoms]

I've never been here before.

[ Her eyes widen at the Chansey. ] Ah...! Thank you.

[ Wow, Haruka, you've successfully figured out how to get past Hotaru's crippling anti-socialness. Bring her to a restaurant with pokemon staff. Good job! ]

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Chansey! [ Chansey offers Hotaru a flower; she's keeping a bunch on either side of her egg. This is a special service they started offering during the flower outburst, and it was such a hit that they've just kept it up.

Haruka grins. Every now and then she's got a good idea. ] We can sit anywhere, right?

[ Chansey nods, and gestures to Hotaru. Take your pick of the tables, Miss! ]

[threemoms]

Thank you! [ Hotaru puts the flower in her hair or something idk that sounds girly enough

For their seat, though, Hotaru picks the furthest seat against the wall, facing the rest of the restaurant and the exit. Furthest away from all of the other customers plus she can see everybody who enters! Aw yeah.

.....She has problems, okay? Still, she actually looks pretty happy for once. ]

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[ Wow, yeah, you picked the paranoid table. Haruka knows this because she's assessed that kind of thing from time to time herself, just to stay sharp. It's okay, she'll take the hit for you and be the one sitting with her back to the door. She's got nice broad shoulders and everything.

The Chansey lays down their menus and hurries off to fetch them some water. Guests are so exciting, so exciting, she enjoys making customers smile. Haruka watches her go with a grin. Sincerity is so sweet.

Oh, right, death child. What to say? ] So where else do you go, besides the library?

[threemoms]

[ Hotaru's more at ease in this place, even with Haruka. So what's coming out is a more natural conversation, at least on Hotaru's end. ]

The Habitat. [ That answer comes out fastest - it's the next most frequent place they visit, after the library. Hotaru doesn't swim there, though. ]

Errands, once in a while. The art store, or music store. [ She stays as an Absol for those. ] Sometimes we browse antiques, too. [ ....Michiru doesn't buy her any lamps, though. ]

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[ ....that is more words than she's ever heard you speak. It's almost as if you're a normal child.

And that errand list is just so Michiru she can't stay guarded, so, why not. They'll have a casual day out and if anything happens, she'll deal with it then. ] You're getting a classical education.

[ Here comes Chansey. Did you want anything else to drink? Haruka is ordering tea. ] ...One cup or two?

[threemoms]

[ Hm? Sorry, Hotaru's too busy paying attention to Chansey. ]

Hello again! [ Chansey babble- ] My name's Hotaru. [ More Chansey speak- ] Mmm. Tea's fine.

[ As Chansey heads off, Hotaru turns back to Haruka.

Wait, did you say something? ]

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[ Haruka's just going to sit here grinning. She supposes you are technically a Pokémon....

Which could be very useful if you ended up an ally. And either way, she should know the scope and limits of your abilities. ] Is the service as good as I think it is?

[threemoms]

[ Technically a human, but functionally more a Pokémon.... humanity is too much work. Or something. ]

Mm-hmm. [ Hotaru gives a smile. It felt odd, smiling so much, but also liberating. It wasn't something she was used to, especially in front of Haruka. ] She's very polite.

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[ This satisfied expression indicates Haruka had suspected as much. That smile looks good on you, too. ] Then we'll come here more often.

[ She's done with her menu, so she tosses it down and looks for their tea. A Chansey hurries by chasing a Happiny that had escaped from where it'd been playing by itself in the kitchen. It really is bring your daughter to work day.

Not that Haruka did. No. She's making up for the lamp, that's all. ]

[threemoms]

[ Not that Haruka ever worked, either. If she did, she'd actually show up for play rehearsals.

Hotaru watches the Chansey and Happiny with a small smile. Look how cute and innocent and not world-destroying she is, Haruka. ]

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[ Haruka sees it. On the one hand, she suspects it. But on the other....until that time comes....

Darnit, the world does not grant her the luxury of working out the way she wants it to, okay? It's not like she likes distrusting the kid. So let's just...wait and see. ] Have you ever wanted to do something like that? Get a job, or go to classes.

[ There's got to be something you can do around the theater, right? Even if she doesn't trust you with Defense Force secrets (beyond the obvious fact of its existence). Even Sewaddle can help with the theater! ]