Tobias insisted they bring her along with them to their next mission. Rex was against it, but the elder agreed with Tobias.
"If we hope to control it, we need to show it our way of life."
"But it's not alive," Rex said.
"Foolish child. All things are alive. Take the trees, they don't move, or speak, but are they alive?"
"No?"
"You imbecile! Trees are alive, as well as the rocks, rivers, and valleys. All things hold life, including those who had passed."
"Uh...okay."
They traveled in silence until they made it to their destination. The elder ordered the Bunchlings to take any and all valuables. Tobias took her with him. He kicked open a door.
"Hand over everything you got!"
A girl's voice answered. "This is all I have..."
"What is this?"
"It's a ring. I-I made it for my m-mommy..."
"Th-then you can have it back! I'm not going to take that from you! I'm sure your mom will love it!"
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
"Thank you! You're so nice!"
"This is my sister. She doesn't have a name yet."
"Ah! She looks so pretty! What is she?"
"She's something called dark magic."
"Like the magic users? Woah!"
"Tobias," called the elder, "it's time to go. We got everything."
"Oh...Bye bye."
"Bye bye, Tobias!" The girl sounded so happy.
Tobias got a scolding when they returned to the base. Not only was the elder disappointed he didn't steal anything, but Rex also had a few words to say to him. Tobias took her back to his house, shutting her behind a door.
There was a small thump, and Tobias started to make a sound she hadn't heard before. It wasn't happy, but rather the opposite. She followed the sound of his cries until he stopped.
"Y-you can move...? You came to make me feel better?" He pressed his face against her. "Oh, you're so nice. If only the rest of the bunch saw that..."
He rambled to her for a few hours, eventually falling asleep. She found her way to his arm and squished her way through it, so he would hug her. She dozed off shortly after.