2nd - Video

[circumsutus]

[The camera focuses on five little patchwork mice in a cage. It remains focused on them as Stein tries to pick up a little extra cash.]

Pet mice for sale to a good home. Friendly, healthy, and neutered. Five dollars each.

Comments

action.

[circumsutus]

[He smiles, crouching down to Crona's level.]

I did.

Now, do you have anything here that we need to pack up?

action.

[terrified]

Oh - no. [There's some instinctive shrinking, further against the wall, but that's just Crona's way.] It's just us.

action.

[circumsutus]

That makes it easier. Come on, let's turn in your key.

action.

[terrified]

[Obediently, Crona wobbles into a standing position, straightening out his clothing before taking his habitual stance of clinging to one arm with the opposite hand.] 'Kay.

Professor Stein?

action.

[circumsutus]

Yes, Crona?

action.

[terrified]

I don't understand. I'm sorry— I don't understand why you're taking me with you. We're not at the academy any more. Miss Marie isn't here. [Some wilting.] Lady Medusa isn't here. So I don't understand...

action.

[circumsutus]

[Crona knows Marie, and that is a bit of a surprise. Timelines again, because Marie's only just gotten back to Death City.]

Someone needs to take care of you. [Obligation. Maybe a bit of pity, even.]

[ Video ]

[integra_hellsing]

Very well. Would you like to meet somewhere by the lake, then, Doctor Stein?

action.

[terrified]

[Crona certainly can't deny it, but it's not a very nice feeling.] I don't take up very much space - or eat a lot - I'm very quiet...

[voice]

[kuritsun]

What did you do?

[Video]

[summing_it_up]

[And as Toothless still plays with it, another voice is heard in the background.]

Toothless, what are you doing– [A sigh is heard.] just because it's a rock...

[The rock NV is moved away from the dragon, showing Hiccup at an angle. He frowns at first, but then realizes there are mice squeaking. What.]

Oh. What the heck?

action

[retraced]

Oh. N-no, that probably won't be necessary...

[He holds the little mouse close to his body to keep it from squirming and bows his head respectfully.]

action

[circumsutus]

I don't know if you've kept mice before, but they don't do well on their own.

action.

[circumsutus]

I'm sure you are. There's no shame in needing help, Crona.

action

[retraced]

Well, I guess technically he'll have a friend...

[In the form of a man with an enormous sleepy Dormouse living inside his soul.]

action

[circumsutus]

She'll need a mouse friend, not a human one.

action

[retraced]

It's sort of--

[No, wait. He backtracks, shakes his head.]

No, I understand. What about other animals? Ah...besides cats of course...

action.

[terrified]

Right, [Crona says, though it's abrupt in a hesitant sort of way.] Thank you. I'll follow you.

[video]

[surgicalshot]

So... wait, they were dead? Are they zombie mice!?

[video]

[circumsutus]

Oh no, these didn't die. I'm very good at keeping things alive.

Though I do have experience in reanimation.

action.

[circumsutus]

[This, Stein thinks, is going to be interesting.]

Well then, let's go.

action

[circumsutus]

[Oh, that is interesting.]

Oh, other animals should be fine. What do you have?

[Video]

[circumsutus]

[The video stays focused on the mice for a few minutes before swinging up to show Stein's face.]

Oh, is that your dragon? He seems... friendly.

[voice]

[circumsutus]

I took them apart, and then I put them back together again.

[ Video ]

[circumsutus]

That sounds just fine. Anywhere more specific?