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[adregem]

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[adregem]

Can't say that for certain either, you know? Not after what happened to me, back there. [ Can the train revive nuked countries just to grab a little memento from his house...? The mysteries are so out of their control or reach that Roland can't even guarantee a sliver of a chance. ] But like I said, it's worth trying. The train doesn't take points from you if it can't get what you need, anyway.

[ And if he got that camera - the memoris or the sphere - from the real version of his home, then by logic, it could stand that Tidus might still revive something sentimental from the Zanarkand he thought was real right? It's not something Roland is brave enough to bring up, or confident enough that he could reassure, so he keeps it to himself. For now, he'll follow this train of thought too, see if it leads there. ] What type of lunchbox was it?

[blitzcheer]

A magically refilling bento that some god gave him for doing a good job cleaning! [ Bah. ] Where's a god around to do that for us when you need one?

[ But you know, he'll start typing it in anyway. Roland Crane's family photoalbum... ]

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[ There's some silence that follows that answer. ]

I...can't imagine why the train would deny you of that.

[ Yes he can. But the typing does catch his eye, and he's not one to peer at it for privacy reasons but he does glance at the movement instead. ]

So. What did you end up trying to get?

[blitzcheer]

Eh, I dunno. One of a kind? [ Like there isn't a magically refilling bento in some other part of existence??? Boo. But there comes a pause as the screen flashes with the text changing, and...

Tidus frowns, mouth bunching to the side before he sides. ]

Tried your album. Didn't work. [ Guh. ] Sorry. What about a charger for your cell-phone? [ Said like someone not used to the name. ] Didn't you need a dock for that?

[adregem]

[ Roland isn't too disappointed. He shrugs nonchalantly. ]

That's okay. I'll wait for my one point to get back to a decent amount. I'm fairly certain the train isn't that cruel to deny me a point refill. [ And if his hypothesis is to be believed, at the very least he does his work on missions...That should be enough to get him points, right? ] You just need an outlet to charge it. It's through a wire and a port.

[ Roland tilts his head to the side. ] What else are you getting?

[blitzcheer]

[ He's humming, humming and humming. Thinking, before he eventually throws his hands up. ]

Can't think of anything. Guess I'll have to hang onto these. [ Hanging onto points? What a bother, right? ] Got a mini-fridge earlier, food for Gibbs... We still have supplies for missions - we just need to fill up some of the lunchboxes and drinks.

[adregem]

Back to the kitchen, then? That sounds like you. You already cook up a storm between the two of us, heh.

[ And just to add to the joke: ] Say, you're welcome to leave your ticket with points with me anytime. I'm pretty good at the audit, as you know.

[ Yeeeeeeeeeeah, let him handle that budget! ]

[blitzcheer]

No way. [ Flat out! No hesitation!! ] Who knows what you'd buy with my points?! How about you give me your ticket? Since I'm so great with supplies.

As you know.

[ Can't forget that part! ]

[adregem]

Well, we could buy some Voidtrecker merchandise. Make you the train spokesperson. I'd say that's a good endorsement deal for supplying us so generously.

[ He smiles wider, maybe even convincing him for that ticket with hundreds of points left...? Ah, it was a joke of course. But there is something else from what he said. Roland pushes himself off of the wall and walks to the other end of the narrow hallway where he sat previously, resuming his spot though only half-sat now. ]

Hey, I've got another favor to ask you. Just a small one. [ A not-so-serious ask, but a favor is a favor. ]

[blitzcheer]

[ Buy some Voidtrecker merchandise - way to not convince him to put his ticket in your hands, mister president! A good thing it's now secure in his pocket, removed for the time being from the shop terminal. ...maybe he'll come back later to think on a personal memento. ]

What's up? [ But he's following Roland over as he speaks, not taking a seat but leaning on the edge of the seat. His arms folding comfortably, eyes on Roland curiously. ]

[adregem]

[ ...You still have his ticket too, huh!! But Roland won't bother for it now, instead summoning Bambosh with a glow of his chest and out comes the sprite, happily jumping about and making a wave motion with his arms and body. A high-pitched greeting to Tidus - 'Young sojourner! You're heart is ablaze even today, I see!' - before he settles next to Roland on the table, sat with tiny legs dangling off to the edge. Right in between them, where Tidus sits too. ]

Can you ask him what he prefers to eat? I'm lost. I really don't know what else to feed him that he really likes. I tried the obvious route, but he didn't appreciate it. [ He rubs the back of his neck, apologetic in tone. He really did try, Tidus! He even got the cookbook to help, but that didn't cover the high higgledy essentials. ] Whaddya say? I'll order it next platform, for certain this time.

[blitzcheer]

[ let's see if Tidus can run off with it.

Bambosh gets a 'Sup' for his greeting, fingers raising from a hand, but not too much. He listens to Roland without too much reaction at first - what Bambosh likes to eat? sure, that's a good thing to find out - but raises a brow by the end of it. ]

What's the obvious? [ For a higgledy? Especially when Inigo's trying to figure out what 'Rare' is. But he turns his gaze from Roland to Bambosh. ]

So, you know what he's asking, right? What're you craving, firestarter?

1/2

[adregem]

[ Please don't, there's nothing there for you.

Roland looks completely serious as he answers that first bit - because who could blame him? It was a logical conclusion! Plus, most fire higgledies seemed to gravitate towards it anyway! ]

Hot peppers.

[ When Roland shares this bit of information, Bambosh deflates and sighs in only a way his kind can. Roland hears it and makes a face, embarrassed but also, don't be dramatic! He could only work with what he's got!! ]

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[ Bambosh shakes its head, too big for the rest of his body, and starts jumping up and down in a rhythm. Approaches Tidus by hopping on his forearm resting by the table. ]

'Hiiig! Young sojourner, your spirit is good and brave! Will you tell the Dear Soul that peppers are not delicious to me? I want ore! Piggle! Piig! Plenty of good, delicious, ore!'

[ It almost feels like he's being told on. Roland's expression morphs into an amused one, albeit on the drier side.

Tattle! ]

[blitzcheer]

[ And watch as Tidus nods at Bambosh, backing his head away some to give him all the room for both their dramatics. ]

Mm-hm, mm-hm.

[ Like overplaying how much Bambosh is telling him by the sounds Tidus makes! ]

I'll get you a bag of that, and it'll be here by the end of the month. [ Spoken sympathetically. This poor, mistreated higgledy! ] No more Roland trying to poke you boring, unfun peppers.

[ He raises his free hand, holding it up, nearly as big as Bambosh's head and crown, but- ]

Gimme a high five. [ He'll make a forward motion with his hand if the higgledy needs it to understand what Tidus wants him to do! ]

[adregem]

[ The red higgledy does indeed deliver that said high five and even twirls in the air before its tiny paw reaches Tidus's palm. Roland just stares on, but when nothing happens after this little display, Tidus unusually quiet...He shifts his eyes and turns to face him a little more. ]

Hey. [ Excuse me. EXCUSE ME!! ] Tidus. [ Please stop ignoring him?? ] What did he say? What does he want to eat? Come on, stop fooling around.

[blitzcheer]

Hm? [ Oh, is grandpa talking? ] Right, right- hey, Bambosh, come for a ride with me.

[ He's already on his arm, so let Tidus raise it, tip his head and say 'On the top side!' to get a companion on his shoulder. Lead the two of them over to the shopping terminal... and poor pappy Rol all alone. 😢

And Tidus can do his potential crimes with Bambosh over here too in this privacy, whispering- 'So, y'think we should tell him what you like, or keep him on his toes? There's none of that stuff onboard.' ]

[adregem]

[ This is an absolute affront to his sensibilities!! Is this Roland's karma for walking away from Tidus all cool-like before? He didn't even mean it to look that way! But now look at them bonding over what Bambosh likes to eat while Roland is lost in the wind...He grimaces and holds back a sigh. Typical. He's not too annoyed at least, but he won't make the trip to follow them either. Instead, he'll cross his legs, one over the other, and throw out his voice.

Bambosh just seems to be happy about the whole thing, finally getting what he wants. 'Ore, ore, ore! I like you quite a lot! Ore to help me be braver! Higgle!' ]

You're gonna have to tell me at some point!

[blitzcheer]

Ohh yeahh? Is that a challenge? [ The ticket is already coming out by the time Tidus hears that DARE, and look at this punk face he's wearing, his new higgledy pal on his shoulder.

Sauntering over like the cool guy he is. ]

Guess you'll just have to keep asking Bambosh if you wanna know sooner! C'mon, you can't give up now. Bambosh believes in you!

[ One would presume. Who knows in reality. Maybe Bambosh was just having an off-day when he connected hearts with Roland. ]

[adregem]

[ Do you see his Face? Yeah, don't @ him, he's not taking this delinquency from you!! ]

Does he, really?

[ Roland replies, drier than dry. Bambosh is already so happy, dancing that higgledy dance on Tidus's shoulder and isn't even paying Roland any mind. The talk of his favorite food - whatever it is - has gotten him so excited, it won't deviate into any other discussion. Regardless. Roland shakes his head and the look he gave Tidus initially, morphs. He looks serious. ]

Thank you. You didn't have to do that right now. I really was planning on buying his favorite food myself, when we got to platform. [ Surely he'd have twenty, twenty-five points by then. Right? He also turns to Bambosh, more sincere this time even if the little thing is still dancing. ] Sorry I couldn't get anything out of our chats. Maybe I should see if there's a book on higgledy charades...

[blitzcheer]

Awww, Roland. Don't pout. Do you pout in your big important meetings?

[ No, keep on pouting, it only makes Tidus's youth stronger. He's back where he was, but leaning his elbow more on the top of the seats to give Bambosh all the room he likes, if he chooses to slide down and re-join Roland. ]

I wonder why it's so hard for you two to speak? It's like hearing any tiny voice to me. Maybe another higgledy book isn't a bad idea. It's gotta mean something, wanting to hear the little guys.

[adregem]

Yes, Tidus. I pout in international summits to get people to sign my treaty for global peace. It's my secret weapon.

[ :| Here's a pout to accompany his sweet quip right now! But now that all that's said and done, and with that kind of question...Truthfully, he's had his hypothesis. Ran it through the experts back in the kingdom, and there's the other matter he might not want to bring up yet. ]

I can't talk to them, but I understand what they mean. It's a strange feeling, but it's as if I'm running on higgledy instinct. Whereas you and Inigo seem to do both - the connection, and the conversation. Just like Evan. [ He casts a wayward glance at the abandoned ICP terminal. No reason! ] Remember, I'm not really magical. These are all just fairy tales where I come from. That's the best explanation I can think of.

[ Or is it. ]

[blitzcheer]

[ Tidus always knew Roland was a big kid at heart -- too bad the rest of him is so old! ]

Mmm... it's always weird to hear though. You, Inigo, other people... I don't think I'm any different from either of you. I'm just a normal guy too, despite all the other stuff. [ You know. ]

Yuna and Lulu were always way better at magic than me. Sure, it's really hard to get going... but once you get going, it starts making sense in your head!

[ Sorta. Kinda. He's putting his hands up near the sides of his head anyway. Up here!! u start gettin' it! ]

You just need a lot of targets to smack around! ... ... for magic, [ uh, ] I don't mean smacking any higgledy!

[adregem]

[ Apart from just being non-magical, Roland can posit one other theory to his lack of ability to speak Higgledy...But hey, he's sure glad Tidus didn't mean higgledy friends!! They can take a beating, but they sure won't like it!! ]

I'm actually pretty impressed that you've got magic spells which affect time. [ Roland having been put through that quickening spell more than once already. He's not seen magic like that, apart from Nerea turning back time for three hundred years. And even that was at a great cost to her well-being, ancient magic as it was. ] Did Yuna and ah, Lulu? Have magic wands too? [ A beat. Don't hate him for asking this but... ] Did you guys have flying brooms?

[ He's completely serious. Completely. ]

[blitzcheer]

Flying... brooms? [ What? ] Dunno what that is, but no. Yuna used staffs like... long poles - [ guess what, it's Tidus, so of course he's going to make a visual aid: a long pole that goes from the floor, and ] - with some design on the top. Lulu used dolls.

[ Pause. ]

Lulu's the only person I saw use dolls. And they moved with her when she did magic.

[ Which, by Tidus's lazy hand wave, is how they and Lulu moved. ]

They said they're like a conductor, or...focal aid for their magic. Like why I move my hand when I do magic, [ such as the fist he makes now, then waving out his fingers ] or how I use some moves with my sword. But I guess they have something in 'em to make the magic stronger.