Video

[plate_builder]

[The message posted is a very brief one, and for anyone who has seen Reeve before, definitely not in character. The man looks to be in no small amount of pain, his head in one hand, his teeth grit, tears stinging at the corners of his eyes. Even when he speaks, his voice is clearly gasped out through pain.]

Has anyone... seen a little black and white

[His voice breaks as he curls up just a bit and clearly the image gets too close and a lot of his hair because his hand holding the phone has gone to his head too. And then after a moment of labored breathing the communicator is lowered back to where Reeve can be seen. But not centered now. Sorry, he's not looking closely.]

Cat. Stuffed animal. About six inches tall, responds to 'Mini-C'. At least twenty meters from the main fountain. Probably further away.

[Another flash of pain across the man's face.]

Please, if you've seen him, bring him to me.

Comments

[plate_builder]

I could only figure that because it hurt less to walk that way. Our bond doesn't normally work like that. I can see through his eyes and command him. I can't tell where he is otherwise.

[deal_me_in]

Okay. But we're within range of him now. Can you walk all right to split up so we can widen our efforts a little, or you still need another leg?

[plate_builder]

[He could use another leg, but he doesn't want to bother Cayde. So he just nods and moves away from the man.]

I shall try not to fall as well.

[deal_me_in]

[Cayde nods back.]

You do that. If something goes otherwise, give a holler.

[Turning, he starts in another direction, looking around as he tries to imagine Mini-C wandering along.]

[plate_builder]

[Reeve manages about two minutes in his direction, turning down an alley before he stops and calls out.][An alley way where what should have been a covered entrance to the sewers was not. Mini-C had clearly fallen in and tried to grab something, bringing a whole slew of rubble from storms down with him.]

[deal_me_in]

[Quick to backtrack, Cayde doesn't take long to track where Reeve's gone. He comes up behind the man.]

Well, that explains the dampness.

[Despite his lack of one, the Exo certainly gives a good impression of wrinkling his nose.]

...I needa replicate me a flashlight, that's what I need. The things you take for granted when your Ghost's not around.

[plate_builder]

Ghost?

[Reeve shakes his head. It doesn't matter.]

I could climb down?

[It's a horrid idea.]

[deal_me_in]

No you don't. I'm not dragging two back up.

[He points at Reeve.]

You stay put. I'll be right back.

[]Looking down again, he supposes it'd be safer to climb than just jump. The last thing he wants to do is land on Mini. So down he'll climb.]

[plate_builder]

[Why must all of the people here treat him as a child? He's not a boy. But Reeve sighs and obeys.

As for Mini, well, amid the grays and other drab colors, the bits of black and white doll fur are hopefully obvious, pinned by a brick. The doll lacks the skeleton to do anything about it.]

[deal_me_in]

[Cayde's more concerned about anything more coming down on them, and he figures between himself and Reeve, he'd handle a few chunks of rubble better than the man's fleshy noggin.

Once he gets down, the Exo looks about. Sure, he glows, but it's not like he's built to illuminate things that way. Still, it doesn't seem like there'd be much of a distance for Mini to have gone if he'd fallen and gotten buried from trying to hang on.]

...and there you are.

[He takes care where he steps, stooping down to toss bricks and things aside before he can pick up the little doll.]

Hey there little guy. Got in over your head, eh?

-Reeve, we're coming back up!

[Best to give the man a head's up, because Cayde doesn't have to be careful going up when he can probably make it in a couple of leaps.]

[plate_builder]

[The doll is all torn up and dirty but there is still somehow relief in it's posture, perhaps in how it tries to hug Cayde's hand.

Reeve backs up a few paces and waits for his little friend and Cayde, an expression of absolute relief on his face.]

[deal_me_in]

[Cayde gives Mini a gentle pat.]

You'll be all right.

[And once Reeve's given them room, the Exo makes his leap, soon setting foot back topside. He straightens and carefully offers the little doll back to the man.]

[plate_builder]

Thank you.

[Reeve can't help how his voice breaks as his reaches his hands out for his little doll and cradles the thing in his arms. He tsks over the tears and stains and dirt and Mini-C hugs his arm right back.]

Thank you, Cayde. Mini's... family.

[deal_me_in]

[He steps back to give them space, smiling as he nods at Reeve then.]

All the more reason to help out.

[plate_builder]

[At least Cayde didn't even mock him for it. Reeve knows this could look like a man with a security blanket. But when it comes down to it, perhaps Cayde gets it better, because there was a chance humans from an earlier point in time might even compare Cayde to the toy.]

If it helps, Mini thanks you and has decided to call you 'big brother'.

[deal_me_in]

[Here's an Exo clinging to every bit of proof that he'd been more than just a machine at some point. The notion of family ties runs deep beyond the circuitry.]

D'aw, you're welcome little guy. Next time you wanna go adventuring, you let me know.

[He pauses. That might not work so well. He glances at Reeve, grinning.]

...or let your dad know.

[plate_builder]

The problem is I knew, but this happened suddenly.

[With that he tucks Mini-C into the breast pocket of his coat and the doll waves at Cayde.]

I think I need to go and lie down before I start cleaning and repairing him.

[deal_me_in]

Yeah, I know. Hey, at least we got him back.

[Cayde nods, giving a little wave back at Mini.]

Sounds good, chief. You need help getting back or you good?

[plate_builder]

I think I'll manage. I'll rest here a while and then get moving.

[It's something, and Reeve takes it for what it is. With a deep sigh of relief.]

[deal_me_in]

All right then.

[He gives the two a salute, turning to be on his way.]

Catch you two later!