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[A familiar face to those who knew her during her previous tenure appears. Yes, Aqua has returned. For her, not a day has passed since her disappearance, but she's figured out quickly enough that everyone else has had several months go by. The weather alone is indication enough of that.

It's with that knowledge that she takes to the consoles.]

How long have I been gone? Has there been any trouble?

[Hopefully someone she knows is still here. It seems likely, given the length of time others have spent here. And a familiar face would help her with the growing dread she's mostly able to hide in her expression.

She's been back for only a bit, but it's long enough for the fear to set in. Aqua draws a breath before asking the next question.]

Are... are Ven and Xion still here? [She knows the answer even as she asks. Their shared home had been the first place she visited, and the empty building told her the painful truth. Still, she's holding to a small glimmer of hope, that she did not abandon them and, in turn, cause the forces of this world to send them back as well. That she has no control over the whims of this place is irrelevant.

It occurs to her, then, that her wayward friends may have been sighted but not recognized by name. She quickly adds:]

Ven is fifteen, with spiky blonde hair, about as tall as my shoulder. Xion... she's smaller than he is, about fourteen, with short black hair.

[She hesitates, then lifts her hand up, calling her Keyblade to her hand in a flash of light.]

You might have seen them wielding weapons similar to this. [She holds it out a few seconds longer, then dismisses the weapon.]

If anyone has seen them since I was last here, please tell me. My name is Aqua, and I'll keep near the consoles. Thank you.

[She shuts the feed down, but her shoulders drop in weariness before the video completely cuts. She knows full-well this is a vain effort.]

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[The backdrop implies the Guild; Raine herself just looks a little tired, but that's hardly unusual, and she smiles to see Aqua. It turns into an apologetic expression only a few seconds later, though.]

It's been a while. I'm sorry, Aqua-- I believe they've gone home. I haven't seen them in almost as long as you.

We've had our share of trouble, but it's good to see you again, nevertheless.

... you got un-lost.

Aqua! You're back! [He gives her a genuine smile, which drops when he processes the rest of her questions.]

...but I'm sorry, Ven and Xion are gone.

[Seeing a familiar and friendly face is good, and Aqua smiles gently in response even as Raine confirms her fears.] Thank you, Raine. It's good to see you too. [Even if for her it's been no time at all.]

Perhaps they'll return in time as well. [She'll have to hope so. And Raine would know well what she's feeling - Aqua remembers that the healer similarly had family come and vanish.

And then the trouble. Aqua sighs. It's true that there is nothing she could have done about it, but that's never stopped her from feeling like she should be able to have helped before.]

It's not been anything too bad, has it? [She hopes not. Still, she's going to offer her own assistance.] If there's anything I can do, let me know.

[This is a new face. She wonders when the young woman on the screen arrived during her disappearance. The phrasing is interesting, too, and it takes Aqua a brief moment to come up with a response.]

I suppose I did, but I don't know where I was. It doesn't seem like any time has passed for me, but it has for this place.

[She puts on as friend a smile as she can muster, an effort that mostly succeeds.]

I don't think we've met before; what's your name?

[Aqua gives him a genuine smile in return. Even if Ven and Xion are not around, it is heartening to see that other friends are still present.]

It's good to see you too, Deon. You've been well, I hope? [No one's tried to shoot you while she's been gone, right?

Aqua's own face drops. She nods somberly.]

Yes, Raine told me they haven't been seen. But I came back, so maybe they will too.

I've been doing all right. Keeping myself busy, you know. And I hope so.

We're currently stopped at land right now, so we're not sinking any longer, and we're trying what we can to get Tu Vishan to wake up.

Hello, my name is Bisi, I just arrived a short time ago. I'm sorry about your friends.

Perhaps. Others have returned before, after all.

[It's a thin hope: but it is a real one, so Raine offers it sincerely.]

I could use your help with the Guild, of course.

We've made a more long-term landfall, and I believe various of our number are looking into ways to help Tu Vishan. And...

[Raine thinks about past failures, and makes a mental note to apologize to Aqua about this later, once everything's settled.]

Milyn's dead.

[ River nodded; the same had happened to her. ]

It was like falling asleep and waking up again, and you dreamed but couldn't remember it. I was here before too.

River. I'm River.

I'm glad to hear that.

[Her expression rises a bit; at her disappearance, the sinking of Tu Vishan had been a pressing issue.] That's wonderful news! Has there been any success in reaching him?

Hello Bisi. I hope you've been settling in well? [Yes, she has only just returned herself, but that doesn't mean she can't welcome others.] And thank you.

[Aqua appreciates the sincerity in Raine's voice, and smiles, albeit thinly.]

Of course. I'd be glad to help at the Guild again.

[She waits for Raine to finish before asking anything else, but then...

Any questions she may have about the landfall itself and how they are trying to help the great turtle are tossed to the wayside. Aqua is stunned.]

Milyn's... what? But... how?!

[There is horror in her voice: she'd liked Milyn, and to think she was gone upon Aqua's return....]

As well as can be expected, I think. Mr. Shudder has been very accommodating and offered me a job at his hotel.

Thank you. There are some people you should meet-- Simon and Fletch, especially. They've been helping a great deal.

[And then... yes. Raine's sorry to relay this news. Sorrier still to cause Aqua grief in this manner, but the more people know this secret, the more risk it gets out.]

It's... a long story. Would you mind if I filled you in in person?

Aqua! You're back! [Pepper is smiling, but there's a little sadness in it - she knows Aqua's friends aren't here. Others seem to have covered that, so she doesn't bring it up.] It's really good to see you again. Are you okay? I can come meet you if you want.

...not really, I'm afraid, but people are coming up with new ideas every day. We're a resourceful bunch, I'm sure we'll come up with something.

I'd be happy to meet them. Is there any particular time I could catch them?

[There's a moment of silence before Aqua responds. It's clear she's taking a moment to process, but when she does speak it's sad and resigned at the situation.]

I... I think that would be for the best, yes.

[The consoles can be impersonal.]

[That definitely sounds familiar. It's quite disorienting.]

It's nice to meet you, River. Do you know how long ago you were here before your return?

[If she can get an idea of the length of time between stays for others, she could potentially have an idea of when Ven or Xion (or both!) may return, if at all.]

We certainly are, aren't we?

[A small grin.]

If you hear of anyway I can help, please let me know!

[Ah, yes, that sounds like Anton. She's glad to know he's still here.]

Anton is very kind. When I was last here, I was able to work for him and stay in the Hotel until I could move out. The room was a part of my pay - is that the same for you?

[Speaking of - she should probably let him know she's back.]

[The hint of sadness does not go unnoticed, but Aqua smiles brightly in return regardless. Pepper's energy is something she remembers fondly. She laughs a little.]

It's good to see you too, Pepper. [Then her face drops a bit, but just a little. She'd rather not have Pepper worry overly much.] I think I need a bit to settle back in, but I'd love to see you soon!

[Notice her crafty evasion of the 'are you okay' question.]

Yes.

I believe the foreigner quarters in the Sky Sector are relatively new, I don't know if you're familiar with them?

I've thought about moving there, but it would be a chore to commute between the sky sector and the hotel, and I'm also not used to furnishing or running a household.

I moved to the Sky Sector once construction was finished, when I was first here. It seems my home was untouched in my absence. [She nods offscreen at the room behind her - there seems to be a bit of dust gathering on everything, save for a few areas she's already wiped off a bit.]

It's not very difficult once you get the hang of it, but traveling between Sky and the Hotel is a bit of a hassle. [She would know, after all.]

I imagine even moreso with a wheelchair. [ She tried to add a touch of mirth to the statement, but it really was a pain. ]

I can give you their schedules. They work full-time at the Guild, so it shouldn't be difficult.

[Raine waits patiently, knowing something of what Aqua must be going through. She's not going to rush that.]

I'm at the Guild, if you want to come by, or I can meet you later for tea.

[And notice she does, but given that Aqua has only just returned, it's probably best not to press. Later, though, when they're not on such a public forum.]

Yeah, totally. Are you staying at the Hotel for now? I can come by some time.

[Because there is a 'dead' woman living at her house right now, and that makes visits a little awkward for people outside the secret circle.]

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