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[Crab collecting really isn't something Kaveh would normally be doing with his time, even for a hefty reward. But for whatever reason, probably something related to architecture, Kaveh is out here on the beach--and, well. Not only are these crabs getting in his way, but they're also getting in everyone else's, and they're probably having a bad time too. Imagine being Wizard of Oz tornado'd out of your home! Terrifying!!! And it's not like it's that much effort to help out, right? Right.

Wrong. Crab wrangling is not nearly as easy as it seems, though why Kaveh thought it would be easy is anyone's guess... his own bucket is woefully empty, and he's currently scurrying away from a crab that is incredibly intent on pinching his foot. That's what you get for exposing your ankles, Kaveh.

The sound of his name draws his attention, though--he looks startled to be addressed, which is probably not surprising, given how new he is; or it wouldn't be, if Roland didn't have MEMORY LOSS. But Kaveh doesn't know that yet, so he just awkwardly dances around this Crab With A Vendetta as he calls back.]

Ah, yes. You're... Roland, right? I suppose I ought to say it's nice to meet you, even if it's not technically accurate. [Haha, weird AU memories, amirite?]

So you're already aware . . .

[Kaveh must be well-connected. Well, of course—as far as Roland can remember, Kaveh is a likable, decent member of society. Roland opens his mouth to voice his apology for the mess he's made of things when he finds himself distracted by the crab with a vendetta, snapping away at Kaveh.]

Is this crab troubling you?

[Whatever Kaveh is about to say in response to this, it's cut off by the crab swooping in, taking advantage of his distraction to pinch his foot.]

Ow!

[That's a yes]

[Oh, no. He rushes over and kneels down. Mercifully, or perhaps ironically, no crab is eager to nip at Roland as he hovers his hands around the one holding onto Kaveh.]

Hold still, friend. We'll see you freed yet.

[The question is, how?]

[This is what Kaveh gets for being a reluctant Disney princess.

But he obediently holds still, because even though it HURTS LIKE HELL he is too much of a softie to kick an animal, even one that's trying to slice his foot in two.]

To think my bad luck would carry over to this world...

["This world" . . . ?

No, now isn't the time for that. Roland considers his options before he rises to a stand.]

I fear pulling it away will only hurt you both. Perhaps I can carry you to the waters and see if it releases you on its own.

[Don't worry about it, Roland! It's probably fine, there's definitely nothing wrong with your head.]

Carry?! [HE'LL DIE OF MORTIFICATION even though he's probably like 3 seconds away from bleeding] No, I--it shouldn't get hurt if I walk, right? The water isn't--ow--that far...

[There is a lot wrong with his head. Much as he would prefer to describe it another way, Fukawa made this very clear to him. Perhaps it is because of this wrongness with his head that he fails to grasp the reason for Kaveh's reluctance.]

Are you certain? The distance aside, there are numerous crabs around us.

[However, if Kaveh is truly determined to get moving on his own two feet, Roland won't stop him—only part the way of crabs for him as much as possible.]

[It's okay, Kaveh's logic is terrible. Roland's better off not grasping it tbh.]

It's fine, let's just go quickly.

[It is absolutely not fine, he is in PAIN but he will valiantly begin an awkward hobble-scurry toward the water... he looks so ridiculous that it would have been far less embarrassing than if he'd just agreed to be carried??? WHY DID HE DO THIS.

Also, like Roland pointed out, there are lots of crabs around... and they all seem to be heading Kaveh and Roland's way...]

[Oh . . . That hobble-scurry makes him so sad. At the same time, he respects Kaveh's drive to do what must be done himself. What a man.

Roland follows after Kaveh, during which his gaze is drawn to the ebbing tides ahead. Is it just him, or is the boundless body of water so very fascinating? Struck speechless by the sight, he loses track of his surroundings for a moment—and that's all it takes.]

. . . Look out!

[All but jumping at Kaveh, Roland pushes him out of the way by the shoulder, away from a handful of crabs about to join their friend at his heel.]

[Roland is killing me. Not Kaveh, me, pixi, specifically

But Kaveh yelps, undignified, and stumbles out of the way as Roland shoves him--just in time, too, as there were multiple crabs right near his heel. He scrambles gracelessly toward the water, giving up on protecting his crab accessory from brain damage. THE CRAB CHOSE THIS BUS RIDE, IT CAN DEAL WITH THE CONSEQUENCES.]

Why does this always happen--?!

[ALWAYS???]

[Live, Pixi, live.

The crab has only itself to blame. Its kin, meanwhile, scatter at Roland's thunderous entrance. One valorously hangs back to pinch him on the boot, but its pincers are so small that it fails to break through the leather. It hitches a ride at the side of Roland's foot as he scoops a handful of crabs up with the sand into the bucket he was given for the task, in equal parts to protect themselves and to return the crabs to their home. Then he's back on his feet and chasing after Kaveh.]

Are you unharmed, friend? We're almost there!

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