[video] un: eleven

[savingthrows]

[ The video clicks on to a young girl, perhaps 14 years. Her round eyes look a little unsure, brows drawn together in concentration as she figures out how to work this new tablet machine with the stupid name - it's not liquid. She's learned how to operate the application tools back in Beacon, so it's a transition rather than a completely new skill.

Eleven sits cross legged on her bed, half cast in the light of the strange lantern sitting right next to her. She sets the Fluid down on the nightstand, then briefly leans out of frame and picks something up that looks like a beak shaped, half plague doctor mask, distractedly scratching at her neck, where healed scars looks as though something once grabbed her by the neck. Finally, she stops fidgeting and looks at the camera. ]

Hi.

[ She speaks with a pattern that might strike as odd. Sometimes halting in odd places, or saying words slowly, as if she has to place them on her tongue very deliberately. ]

Is there an angel? Here? I need a... miracle. Or maybe. Someone old, with magic?

[ She glances down at the mask, worries her lower lip between her teeth, then adds: ]

There's something in here. It smells like... where I'm from. Home. It's fading. I lost my friend who did the... miracle. So it's fading. But it's important. [ She swallows, lips pursed. ] To me.

[ The things unsaid sit deep in her chest and ache - the home she lost months ago. The friends she lost along the way. A short, deep breath, she gathers herself, serious face relaxing into something softer, but still somber. ]

I can pay. With glitter pens. Or birds, if you have paper.

[Another small pause. She's about to reach out and shut the video off, when she remembers lessons learned. Right - manners. Or the attempt at them. ]

Thanks.

Comments

[incandescentfaith]

It's alright, Eleven.

[She smiles. Yes. It does sting a little to be forgotten, but it's fine. She has been through this more than once, and she's adjusted. She can rework everything in her thoughts and rekindle relationships. It has happened at home, too.]

Sometimes Deerington reunites us, sometimes it resets us. It just means that you and I have the chance to get to know one another again.

[Her head tilts, a smile flickering back to life.]

Do you still like Wonder Woman?

[savingthrows]

[ The chance to get to know one another again.

Huh.

That sinks in, deep. Eleven doesn't grasp it quite yet, the intricacies and emotional weights of this, but... it sits with her, and will remain with her.

Much more prevalent, of course... is the mention of her favourite superhero. ]

Yes! Max showed me the story. Wonder Woman is a princess. She's very strong.

[ And her face, at once, utterly warms up to Rei. ]

[incandescentfaith]

[That had been Rei's way of trying to divert things to a lighter, more easy topic. She'd listen to Eleven talk about Wonder Woman more than once, because she liked hearing people talk about things that they liked. And it seemed a good way to get them to warm up to her, too.]

She is. You told me about her, before. I don't forget when people are enthusiastic.

[She leans closer, like she's imparting a big secret.]

Did you know there's a big comic book shop here?

[savingthrows]

[ And Eleven's eyes go wider still. The tactic is working hook, line and sinker. ]

No. I didn't know! Do you know. Where it is?

[ She's only read Wonder Woman that one time, with Max. If there are more comic books...

Maybe she can read more about Princess Diana. ]

Can you show me?

[incandescentfaith]

I can absolutely show you.

[Rei's glad for that, her expression brightening even further.

She's glad this worked. Because, honestly, her read on Eleven is a kid that really, really needs heroes. And who better than Diana?]

When are you free? I am off of work, so I can take you, whenever you want.

[savingthrows]

I have all of the time. I don't work.

[ Or go to school - she just doesn't know about that yet, too caught up on it not having been allowed so far to consider if she wants to pursue it now that she can. ]

We can go. Now?

[incandescentfaith]

Yes, of course. If I send you an address, can you follow it?

[She will do that. Boop beep.]

Just push the button that says start and follow the instructions. I'll meet you there in ten minutes.