Rufus Catch-All

[misstrust]

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[soulus]

There was a reward. It must've been the Realm.

[misstrust]

[ A delicate pause. ]

... I'm assuming it wasn't another plush doll.

[soulus]

It was a bag with stickers and candy.

[misstrust]

[ Oh my god

She's just kind of white-knuckling the bridge rail. It's fine.]

So it's capable of dolls, candy and guillotines. How incredibly diverse of it.

[soulus]

Did you receive anything?

[misstrust]

[ She shakes her head. ]

I'd have to assume that rewards are only for those who place first. It would make the most sense.

[soulus]

It was for the team's "particular success in gathering nova."

[misstrust]

...

I wonder how much of that had to do with the murders and this trial. I'm sure the scavenger hunt contributed, but... [ It's more of a thoughtful murmur than anything. ]

[soulus]

Nova is attracted to people and emotions. Putting the trial and removal aside, the Leaders encouraged us to talk to one another for this reason.

[misstrust]

Right, I know. I'd rather earn it through talking than...

[ She trails off, fingers flexing on the bridge again. ]

[soulus]

. . . That depends on the rest of the participants.

[misstrust]

I asked Fox, about what Virid mentioned. That he'd gotten his memory back, even though Yona hadn't.

They know about as much as we do, in that regard... on whether a memory might be linked to an act like that.

[soulus]

If that's all they know, how did he arrive to that conclusion in the first place?

[misstrust]

I don't know. It might have just been a theory on his part. We can't verify it right now, at least.

[ Not enough evidence. ]

[soulus]

[Unfortunately.]

Did you speak with him yesterday?

[misstrust]

... Yes. The subject of his memories didn't come up.

[ With a small, weary smile. ]

He just asked if I was also there to scold him.

[soulus]

[Spoken like a true child. Rufus shifts to face the water running under the bridge. They never spoke, so he doesn't have anything to say.]

[misstrust]

... Does your face still hurt?

[ She's willing to share information, but honestly, what she and Virid spoke about was better kept between them. Even if Dorothy's the only one left alive to remember it.

Better to change the subject. ]

[soulus]

[Personal matters are better off being kept private.]

No more than it should.

[The scratches have already begun to heal. They should be gone in a few days' time. More than anything, they itch.]

[misstrust]

As much as they make you look rugged, I'm glad they look like they're healing.

[ Okay, Dorothy can switch back to teasing. He can bolt now. ]

[soulus]

[He won't—not yet.]

It doesn't matter if they scar. A handful of scratches will not hinder my performance.

[misstrust]

[ Wow. ]

Yes, I'm aware. But consider, perhaps, that I might not like to see you look hurt.

[ Even if they heal. ]

[soulus]

[He makes a face.]

Why? It doesn't concern you.

[misstrust]

[ She makes a face right back. ]

Because I like you.

[soulus]

. . . Please refrain from making ridiculous claims.