The Years Gone By

Talented

She was asleep, she was certain of that, and she didn't want to be. Why, though, would she want to wake up so badly... Her closest friend was gone, the rest of her friends insist she step outside when it'll only make her feel worse, and... wait a minute. She had forgotten, she wasn't alone. She needed to get up, or she'd end up on the other side, unable to save her friend; at least, that's if the intruder hasn't already harmed him. 

She forced herself up, opening her eyes against the harsh sun's rays that were shining through the newly opened window. She looked to the desk to see the soldier, seemingly having a whispered conversation with the bottled jewel. She cleared her throat and the soldier turned, then nodded softly.

"I suppose you're waiting on an explanation, yes?"

She watches him warily, unsure what's going on. She nods hesitantly, deciding that she needed to know why he was acting so differently, a near polar opposite of the soldier she knew before. She was fearful of that fact, more terrified than she had been by his actions before. He may be a cold, calculating killer now, rather than the reckless murderous follower he once was. That could mean many things, but most of all, it could mean that he could lie, in an attempt to gain her trust before he kills her and destroys the shard. 

He currently seems tired, mentally, leaning back in the chair and messing with the tools on the table, picking up a detailing knife and taking to his fingers, carving designs into the wood that makes him while he speaks. Simple ones, on their own, but together form a delicately intricate and lovely pattern of vines, leaves, and flowers of an indiscernible type. He seems very talented in this skill and seems to feel no pain from it either.

"You, Yumi Wright, are just as special as Ivan had been."

She was taken aback almost immediately. None of the toys were so quick to mention Ivan, in fact, they were always avoiding it as much as possible. Not even Paris was fond of mentioning him, which keyed her into this being an extremely serious conversation. She didn't trust him, but she was definitely paying attention now. She had no choice, this clearly was a conversation with a very important meaning.

"However, your talent is more favorable than his, as your creations use their forms as intended. You have the ability to recreate the toys that had been destroyed, with their proper purpose. However, this does not mean they will not be violent, nor does it mean they all will remember what has happened. Which is why you must be extremely cautious."

She wasn't sure how to reply, at first; something like that is a huge deal. If that were true, she would definitely have to be careful. She wondered what limits her power had then, what exactly she could make. If her power is similar to Ivan's she should be able to create everything she ever wanted. However, she was then inexplicably and repeatedly messing up on her recreations of Paris, which made no logical sense in comparison to her supposed talent. 

"Especially with Paris. We are all certain he won't remember anything, considering you managed to save his soul from shattering and separated it from him."

She glanced to the shard, unsurprised by that information, and doesn't comment on what is being said. The soldier goes silent, watching the shard for a few moments with Yumi. He doesn't know what else he should say right now but knows he can't leave her here on her own. Not with the remainder of Ivan's toys still out there hunting for her, because of her connection to Paris. 

"While you're figuring out your talent, I'll remain here as a guard. Those that are left of Ivan's creations will likely be seeking you out, due to your partnering with Paris. I can't exactly ask you to forgive my... idiocy, from before, but I would at least like to do something to thank you for freeing myself and the others."