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[h1][color=F65772]H[/color] [i]i l a r i a[/i][/h1]  
[b]+[/b]
[h1][color=brown]K[/color] [i]i m b l e[/i][/h1]  
[img]https://i.imgur.com/nHCIUxm.png[/img]

[color=F65772]"Hilaria's glad to share the spotlight with Kimble!"[/color]

[color=888888]— Hilaria, ignoring lazy Pants[/color]
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Kimble was moving along the beach on all fours, her face close to the sand; she had learned from stalking Alicia that she liked to collect seashells, and came up with a new idea to impress her.. “I’m going to find the prettiest seashell ever and give it to Mistress, nyah!” She spoke to herself enthusiastically, and kept combing the sand. Eventually, she found what looked like a small hole. “Maybe there’s one here...” Distracted by the scent of sunblock, she hardly noticed how she ended up peering into the keyhole of Hilaria’s swimsuit until she had placed a hand on her, causing her to jump in surprise. “Nyah! Sorry! I wasn’t watching where I was moving.”

[s]“Ooo, watch those pointy bits.”[/s]

Hilaria did not display any embarrassment or signs of being upset, instead offering a kind smile to Kimble as she picked up a bottle of sunscreen that had dropped out of its hiding place. When she was finished, Hilaria smiled at Kimble. [color=F65772]“Oh, that’s very alright.”[/color] she said, easily dismissing the accident. [color=F65772]“These kinds of things happen sometimes.”[/color] the big... hearted magical girl patted Kimble on the back with perhaps a little more force than was comfortable. [color=F65772]“You seem distracted. Hilaria wonders if something is troubling you. Do you need help?”[/color]

Kimble made a distressed meow when she was patted with slapping force, a little fang showing from her biting her lip. “Oh, Kimble was just looking around,” she answered with a smile as she looked up at the taller girl, taking the girl’s eccentric mannerisms in stride. “Kimble is glad that you don’t mind. You’re very soft!” She then blinked at the realization. Then, as if a light bulb was switched on, her eyes turned wide and ears popped from getting an idea. “Hey! Can you join Kimble in the next round of the Keijo tournament?” She took Hilaria’s hand, her tails waving behind her. “Kimble heard that most opponents work in teams, and Kimble is afraid she might lose and drop into the water by fighting alone, nyeh. But maybe if you’re there to save Kimble, Kimble can win and buy Mistress-Doll!”

[color=F65772]“Keijo~?”[/color] the busty altruist raised a finger to her lips as she pondered what her answer would be, either oblivious to her copycat (heh) or simply not caring. This action, naturally, took all of 3 seconds before she came to a rather predictable conclusion. Clasping her other hand around Kimble’s, she beamed a smile to her newly acquired feline ally. [color=F65772]“Of course! Hilaria would love to join you if you think she can help~!”[/color] she gleefully exclaimed, shaking Kimble’s hand. “In that case, Hilaria thinks introductions are in or--...” pausing, the girl’s expression slowly soured. [color=F65772]“Oh, I suppose we don’t really need to do that, do we?”[/color]

Kimble nodded, causing her fluffy ears to flop. “Nyeah! I’m so happy to hear that!” She then giggled as Hilaria realized both have already introduced themselves. “Now come Hilaria, let’s go sign up!”

However, Kimble’s dreams would be shattered as she went to the arena.

“WHAT? Why nyot?” Kimble frowned before the arena’s reception desk as she looked a Dan’s shaking head. “Sorry, but Hilaria is not qualified to play as your partner, as she hasn’t played a first round match.” For a moment, Kimble’s eyes turned slitted, and she let a slight hiss, before she turned away. “F-Fine...” She then walked away, her ears drooping and tails dangling low. 

Once outside, she sighed. “Nyeh...Sorry to have dragged you in like that, Hilaria. I didn’t really think about this.”

Hilaria was frowning, but shook her head. [color=F65772]“Hilaria really wanted to save you from being pushed into the water during your matches.”[/color] she sighed. [color=F65772]“If anyone should be sorry, it should be Hilaria, for not being qualified to be your partner.”[/color] the silver-haired girl spoke. There was little she could do about the situation, since she couldn’t participate. [color=F65772]“What will you do, Kimble? Hilaria can’t join you, but perhaps we can find someone who can?”[/color]

Kimble gave a sad little smile, and nodded. “Nyeh...Maybe. I just hope it’s not too late. Well, maybe we should go to the cafe, and see if I can find someone else.” With that, Kimble began slowly walking with Hilaria. “Hilaria...” At one point she spoke up. “Have you ever liked someone a lot? I mean, so much that you would do anything for them?” 

[color=F65772]“Mmm~? Why do you ask?”[/color] Hilaria was confused by Kimble’s sudden question, and the topic was one she’d rather avoid. Yet she had no reason to lie to Kimble, either.. [color=F65772]“Hilaria has lived a long time, so she's definitely felt that way before.”[/color] she answered, feeling a bit uneasy about the direction the conversation was headed.  

Kimble nodded, looking surprisingly thoughtful for a catgirl traipsing around. “Can nyou keep a secret, Hilaria?” Kimble asked as she hopped on a few cobblestones.

There was a short pause as Hilaria entertained the idea of cutting Kimble off. She was confident she knew what was going to happen next, and for Hilaria, it was not a pleasant topic in the least. But the same could be said about any talk about relationships, and she had yet to help Kimble, so perhaps it was the least she could do. [color=F65772]“Speak in confidence. It will remain between Hilaria and Kimble.”[/color] she said. 

Kimble lifted up to her tippytoes, beckoned for Hilaria to lower her head, and she whispered to her ear: “I love Mistress.” Afterwards she blushed, and turned away. “She saved my life. And she has given me a nyanderful home. I was afraid she would reject me, but she instead wanted to get to know me! She has so many responsibilities, but she spared some of her time with me!”
She then stopped, seeing the cafe up ahead. “And that’s why I need to show Mistress I’m more than a pet! I can fight, and save others. I’ll be super reliable. That’s what she likes...I hope.”

Hilaria seemed somewhat troubled, but she had agreed to listen knowing that would be the case. [color=F65772]“You must feel so elated, Hilaria thinks.”[/color] she spied the cafe as well. If they were lucky, someone who was able to compete would be free. [color=F65772]“Reliability is a very good trait to have. Hilaria hopes you the best in your romantic endeavor…”[/color] she trailed off, but she was clearly about to say something else. Suddenly, she offered a smile. [color=F65772]“But for now, let's get you a partner that can watch your back~”[/color]

“Thanks, Hilaria!” Kimble answered with a happy purr, and proceeded to enter the cafe with a swing of her tails. Valerie was leaning against the counter with her arms, watching the broadcast of a Keijo match between Lily and Amaryllis. However, she quickly turned to greet the two with a smile. “Welcome! What would you like to have? We have a sale on mango smoothies~”

Kimble nodded, placing a couple of coins on the counter. “Nyeah, that sounds good. But, umm...Miss Valerie, do you know about about the Keijo tournament?” She asked, to which Valerie shouted from the backroom: “Sure do!” Kimble smiled a bit.
“Did any of the winners come here recently?”
Valerie came back with a couple of glasses, and handed them over to the girls. “Winners, huh? Well, I do know that Sally won a match against a ghost girl. She’s right over there.” 

She pointed with her thumb to the back, where Sally was sitting and watching the other TV display. “Oh, is something the matter?” Sally asked. “Hi Sally!” Kimble greeted her. “Could you join me in the next Keijo match? I’d need a partner since all the other winners have one...”
Sally shrugged. “Sorry, can’t help. Remember the island rule? It applies to the whole thing.”
“Nyehh...” Kimble’s ears drooped, and she sighed. “What will I do now? It’s hopeless,” she mumbled, and left the cafe, leaving her drink on the counter.

Hilaria couldn't stand to see someone she promised to help be so down. She left the bar along with Kimble, matching the girl's pace. [color=F65772]"Hilaria is sad to see things turn out this way, but don't lose heart, Kimble~!"[/color] she gave the girl a soft pat on the shoulder. [color=F65772]"This chance slipped out of your hands, sure, but it wasn't like you didn't try."[/color]

As they continued to walk towards a destination currently unknown, Hilaria thought back a very short while ago to when Kimble confided in her, and revealed her feelings. More importantly, the adorable expression of a lovestruck girl as she thought about the person with her heart resided. It definitely seemed genuine. It was also cute.

More importantly, though, was that in Hilaria's opinion, it was an expression only an ignorant person could make. A person who knew not of the risks that were associated with lending someone your heart. But even if it was something painful, it was definitely not her place to deny Kimble the ability to grow as a person because of it. And most people were adamant about not learning from other's experience. Hilaria thought to cheer the girl up, however she might be able. 

[color=F65772]"So,"[/color] Hilaria spoke, having taken on a faster pace now, and was a few steps ahead of Kimble. [color=F65772]"Kimble, you wanted to prove you could be reliable for the one you like, didn't you?"[/color] having made a decent lead against the feline, Hilaria turned to face her. [color=F65772]"Then you should be happy, because this is a chance! At least in Hilaria's opinion, a person who can accomplish a goal in spite of hardship is a very reliable one~! Hilaria is sad that Keijo did not work out for you, but if that was the only way to prove someone could be reliable, then we'd be in trouble. We just gotta think of another way, is all~! Wouldn't you agree?"[/color] Cliche, perhaps, but most things were, to Hilaria. That did not mean the message she was trying to get across was any less true. 

Kimble looked unsure at first, pouting at Hilaria. “Nhh...I guess you’re right.” She slowed down as the other girl moved before her, and then managed to smile at the pep talk. “You’re right, Hilaria.” Her ears sprung up. There’s always another way! That’s what Mistress taught me! But, what to do...”

It was at that point that the two heard an announcement from the arena’s loudspeakers: Alicia had been chosen as a finalist for the tournament. At first, Kimble couldn’t believe her ears, having realized she was not picked. “What! A secret rule? Dan’s not fair! But, huh? Mistress is going to the finals?”
Then, as if a flash of inspiration hit her, her eyes gleamed. “I knyow! I’ll make the biggest and prettiest flag ever, and wave it really hard! I’ll cheer harder than anyone else!” She took Hilaria’s hand, looking up at her with a serious expression. “Hilaria, can you teach me how to sew? I don’t know how, nyah.”

Hilaria was elated to see Kimble’s mood lightened, and the cat girl’s newfound goal was something she was confident she could help with. If there was anything the ancient magical girl could do, it was… well, a lot of things. She had the time. She was just happy that she could use her knowledge to help someone.  [color=F65772]“Hilaria would love to! She’s pretty good, you know~! She won't let you down again!”[/color] but then she remembered something. [color=F65772]“But Hilaria didn’t bring any sewing supplies with her…”[/color] Hilaria’s smile dropped. [color=F65772]“Do you think the store would have any?”[/color] she asked. 

“Let’s go and ask, nyah!” Kimble responded with a happy cat smile, and began leading her once again.