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Anika drew back from Quint, unsure about this strange man.  She clung more desperately to Espie and caused her to cough a little.  Anika let up her hold but continued to half glare in suspicion of the stranger.

Esperanza watched as her brother ran off to continue helping those in need.  While she disliked his occupation, she had to admit that it did quite a lot to help the community.  She sighed, looking at the child in her arms.  Anika was still very much distressed about the situation but had calmed down in the safety of Espie's arms.  She glanced back at Quint as she took into consideration his suggestion.  Anika clung to her and Espie did not have too much by way balance.  It would be most helpful if they could get the girl to walk on her own. [color=bc8dbf] [b]"That's a good idea, lets head that way." [/b][/color] She jerked her chin toward a street just slightly out of the way.  The buildings would block the site of the wreckage.

Slowly she made her way toward it, having to take very careful steps in an attempt to hop and balance a child.  It was slow going.  In exasperation she looked over her should toward Quint.  [color=bc8dbf][b]"Could you hold my waist to help make sure I don't fall?  Just stand to my right here and wrap your arm around.  I'm not used to doing this shit."[/b][/color]  She grinned and waited for him to help her movement.  She directed him a bit to help her walk more comfortable.  Anika was at first afraid of the man being so close, but grew more comfortable as Espie sang a spanish song to her.

[color=bc8dbf][b]"Los pollitos dicen, pio pio pio.  Cuando tienen hambre, cuando tienen frio," [/b][/color]she soothed in her soft, lilting alto.  [color=bc8dbf][b]"La gallina busca, el maiz y el trigo.  Les da la comida y les presta abrigo. Bajo sus dos alas. Acurrucaditos, hasta el otro dia duerman los pollitos."[/b][/color]  They had finally reached the area Espie had suggested and attempted to set Anika down.  She screamed and clung to Espie's neck.  [b]"Poco amor,"[/b] she whispered softly into Anika's hair.  [color=bc8dbf][b]"I cannot hold you for long.  I need you to be strong and walk so that we can find your parents." [/b][/color] She moved so she could lean her back against the wall and offered her crutch to Quint.  [b]"Could you hold this please?"[/b]  Once the crutch was taken she used a hand to stroke the child's hair, making soft shushing noises to help calm her.

[color=bc8dbf][b]"I very much want to help you Anika.  Can you help me?" [/b] [/color]The child pulled her face from Espie's neck and wiped snot on the back of her arm.  Glancing toward the area which had been burning but that she could no longer see, she finally nodded.  Espie let her down and slid down the wall so she could be at face level with Anika.  "What are your parent's names?"

[color=f49ac2][b]"Mommy and Daddy."[/b][/color]  Well, that was little help.

[color=bc8dbf][b]"Do you know your last name?"[/b][/color]

[color=f49ac2][b]"Belgar,"[/b] [/color]Anika responded.  Something they could work with.

[color=bc8dbf][b]"Do you think you can walk with me?  Or will you let Quinsey carry you?" [/b] [/color]The child seemed to consider it, looking between the both of them. [color=bc8dbf][b] "Quinsey is a very dear friend of mine.  He would never hurt you.  He knows if he did I would chop his huevos off."[/b][/color]  She smiled kindly to the child and Anika walked to Quint, lifting up her arms in a request to be carried.  Esperanza used the wall to stand up and took her crutch back.[color=bc8dbf] [b] "Well, I guess we look for Mister and Mrs. Belgar."[/b][/color]

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