9. And suddenly everyone stood still, and even I went to a halt. [Video/Action for Mahogany]

[can_do_idol]

[So, Mahogany town. Hibiki's in one piece. No, more like, the raid doesn't matter right now. She's just sitting on a bench near the Pokécenter, bundled up for the cold, when she decides to text Miki to let her know everything is alright.]

Error: ID NOT FOUND.She tries again, and again, and again. She made a call. She tries to send her a video feed

Comments

[Video]

[shieldofjustice]

...Hibiki.

[Athrun pauses. He knows all too well the pain of losing one's best friend here.]

If there is anything at all I can do for you, let me know.

[Video]

[can_do_idol]

Athrun-kun. I'm gonna be fine, it's alright.

[Though, she did take a while to answer.]

[Video]

[shieldofjustice]

Perhaps, but the offer is on the table regardless. I know what it's like to lose a close friend, and sometimes just the offer for support can do a lot.

[Video]

[can_do_idol]

I said I'll be fine! It already happened to Takane and Iori, s-so it's just...I'll be fine.

[Maybe.]

video;

[lc_whitequeen]

Miss Miki?

[ They only spoke very briefly --- Lacus didn't know they were friends. She too understood how it felt to be suddenly away from someone important.

But Hibiki was trying hard to be strong. It was really admirable. ]

Hibiki ... I am so sorry ...

video;

[can_do_idol]

Lacus-san...[Hibiki is still going to be strong! Even if it really, really hurts not having your closest friend with you.] It's fine, Miki...Miki would rather be home performing, anyways.

video;

[lc_whitequeen]

[ 'Miki...Miki would rather be home performing, anyways.' Even if that was true ... it must still hurt. ]

Still ... I want you to know that you can talk to ... if you like?

I will always be happy to listen.

video;

[can_do_idol]

I'll...I'll be fine, Lacus-san! Two of my friends from home already left last week, so they're all back goin' after their dreams.

[video]

[tripping_idol]

Hibiki-chan...

[The thing is, Haruka doesn't know whether to be happy or sad for Miki. At least she can go after her dreams now.]

video;

[can_do_idol]

H-hey, Haruka-chan.

[Well, she's off to face Jupiter like everyone else, actually.]

I'll be back soon, okay?

video;

[tripping_idol]

Okay, don't worry! I'm going to explore the city and then I will be around, so take your time.

video;

[can_do_idol]

I'm sure Makoto, Yayoi, and Yukiho will take good care of ya!

video;

[usedfaketears]

[This hasn't exactly been a good couple of weeks for people he knows. Yuri, Sisuca, now Miki...? Well.]

Miki too, huh.

video;

[can_do_idol]

Miki, too? [No, it's not one of the other idols. ...She already checked.] It's okay, though. She's got pretty great things to do back home!

video;

[usedfaketears]

Yeah, I got no doubt about that. I'm sure she's doin' great there already.

video;

[can_do_idol]

Yeah, she hosts her own television show every Sunday! I never told her, though...

[video]

[thisisfriller]

... Miki went back, too... huh.

[ okay, even Makoto needs a minute here. ]

[video]

[can_do_idol]

Y-yeah. I'm so used to havin' her around...but I ran off to get this badge and beat up Team Rocket, and now she's gone. I'm gonna miss her.

[Still not crying. Still not crying...but it's Hibiki, it will come eventually.]

[video]

[thisisfriller]

... We'll all still be here when you get back, okay?

[video]

[can_do_idol]

I know that! I just...want to say goodbye next time, okay?