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Mystic Star Cloud
068384
[X] Eavesdrop.
It's not quite what you had in mind when you came here, but this
opportunity is too good to miss. The door is open, so you can't safely
put your ear against it, but on the other hand there's a handy
crack. Walking as softly and carefully as you can, you make your way
over to the other side of the door, put your back up against the wall
and lean slightly out so only your right ear is exposed. If anyone saw
you now you'd totally look like a secret agent. Like this, you can
easily hear their conversation.
Kanon seems to be very upset, which surprises you. He's normally
utterly unflappable, subscribing to the theory that servants should be
like furniture - there when needed, but never intrusive or emotional.
The content of their conversation quickly stops you thinking of such
matters.
"Two trees, seemingly struck by lightning. Several bushes completely
blown up. One half-dead cat, one of Suzuka's favorites, and your
sister comes out of it looking like she lost a fight with a
sword-wielding cactus, and claiming she fell into a thorn bush. A
thorn bush, I'll add, that I can only assume has a serious grudge
against her. It must have, to start walking around - there aren't any
in that forest, we checked, and an immobile one wouldn't put her in
bedrest. Even if you're happy to leave it at that, I cannot. I don't
what she's gotten herself into, but she could have gotten herself
killed. Worse, she could have gotten Arisa killed."
You remember, of course. You don't think you'll ever forget.
Last Sunday. The three of you - Suzuka, Nanoha and you - were having
lunch in Suzuka's back yard, when Nanoha suddenly ran off, claiming
she was going after Yuuno. She came back a little while later,
carrying a half-dead cat and looking half-dead herself, with Yuuno on
her shoulder where he always is - and now Miyuki is talking, so you
stop thinking and just listen.
"I told you already.." she says hesitantly, then more firmly. "It is
at least as likely that Nanoha's actions helped Arisa instead of
putting her at risk, given that they're friends. I trust her
judgement, and if this was something that could be done elsewhere, she
would have. It's probably why she ran off in the first place."
"A nine-year-old. You trust the judgement of a nine year old girl."
Miyuki's voice seems to grow wistful. "It would be rather hypocritical
of me to do otherwise, if you'll remember. We'd intervene if she was
trying to do everything on her own, and we'll help if she asks us
to. Since she's asking for training instead of direct help, we'll go
with that for now, and I'm sure she'll tell us eventually."
"And Arisa?"
"I believe we can compromise on that point. Nanoha's heart is in the
right place, and her talent for the family Art is tremendous, but she
has only barely started. For the time being, let's say they will only
meet when either me or my brother are present, or at school, or at
Suzuka's place. They have their own retainers, who should be
sufficient to the purpose if they keep an eye on her."
"So the two of you coming on the trip when your parents couldn't is
not a coincidence, then. I was wondering."
There's more talk, but you're not paying attention anymore. Never mind
this talk of training and blowing up trees, you'll figure that out
later. They're threatening to take Nanoha away from you! You twist in
agitation, slip, and land on your side with a loud thud.
The door opens with a sigh.
Your face flushed, you slowly turn around. Sure enough, Miyuki is
looking down at you. She does not look happy.
She wouldn't. We're still basically in a cutscene, but if you'd
like to think of a good excuse, this would be the time. Running away
is not going to work.
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