Video, backdated to the day of Noelle's disappearance.

[its_tv_time]

[A few hours after the first news of Noelle's disappearance breaks, everyone receives a video message. In the center is a now-familiar bug; Mr. Tenna looks haggard, shaken, and distraught, though he's putting in a valiant effort to stay put together. All the valiant effort in the world doesn't stop the river of grief pouring through, though, as tangible as emotions get. His hands tremble a little as he fidgets them together, unused to not at least having a microphone.

His tone is somber when he speaks.]

H-hello? Is this thing on? Goodness, it's still so hard to- well, nevermind that. [He straightens out, looking serious for once.] We've got an emergency on our hands! Our beloved Noelle Holiday has gone missing! Her last known location was the Pokeclinic at around 6.30am, and has not been seen since! You can recognize her by her- I mean, she's a deer! [He stumbles over his words a little.] Right now, her pelt is dark brown with a creme face and belly, and there's a large yellow flower growing on her head! She's cute as a button and as nice as ice cream, so you can't miss her!

[His lip trembles, and he reaches up in surprise- his eyes are watering, and he hastily blinks them away before continuing.]

If you've seen anyone like this, please report to a nearby guild member! We'll take all the information we can get! We all want to find Noelle as soon as possible, so please, please cooperate to the best of your abilities! Thank you very much! Let's find this deer together!

[He holds a determined pose for a moment, before slumping, sighing heavily. Does he realize he's still recording...?]

Oh... Noelle... where'd you go...? Why'd you have to leave...?

[He sniffles, holding back a sob, before the feed finally cuts out for real.]

Comments

[telewarped]

Shoka. Noelle's friend.

[Though the answer comes automatically, more thought than spoken, it's also accompanied by a wave of uncertainty and despair. Is she really much of a friend to Noelle at all?]

How the hell did they lose her?! She could barely walk—!

[Or... so she assumes. She hadn't visited much, wary of making Noelle's condition worse, but the last she checked, Noelle was bedridden. Being out that long has to cause some kind of atrophy, right?]

[its_tv_time]

[Noelle's... friend? How'd she reach him, he thought he turned off...

... Ugh. Damn newfangled technology that he doesn't understand. Well, the least he can do is answer, and try to cheer up. For her sake. That's his duty as a television, after all.]

I... I don't know, but- [he pauses, trying to gather his thoughts. Come on, Tenna, say something hopeful!] they... they'll find her soon, won't they? Everyone should know now that I've put out a broadcast! It'll all be fine!

[He says that, but he's clearly broadcasting guilt and sadness and anxiety, however unintentionally. He doesn't believe his own words and it shows.]

[telewarped]

[Shoka clearly doesn't believe him either.]

Who're you?

[its_tv_time]

[His grin strains. This is usually where he'd say 'Mike, play the tape!' but... that won't exactly work anymore, now would it?]

Why, I'm Mr. 'Ant' Tenna, TV extraordinaire! But you can just call me Tenna.

[telewarped]

[It's a jarring introduction; Shoka's thoughts stumble over it. What, like an actor? Ugh, who even cares!]

Okay. And you're—friends with Noelle, or—?

[It might be wasting time to ask, but—she wants to know, if for no other reason than to confirm that what he's saying can be trusted. He did seem genuinely upset, at least...]

[its_tv_time]

Ah-hah, something like that, I suppose! I've known her for a long time- why, I remember when she was just a little fawn! What an adorable little thing she was- cute as a button! Well, she still is, of course, but-

[... You're going to be here for a while if you don't stop him now, Shoka.]

[telewarped]

Yeah, yeah, I got it already.

[Everyone already knows Noelle's cute!

... Who thought that?!]

So you're—from the same world she is, then? [That's literally what he said. Get it together, Shoka!] And you don't have any clue what could've happened to her?

Sorry this is late brain fog kicking my ass lately

[its_tv_time]

-Ah.

[His mouth clamps shut when she interrupts him, guilt pouring through the connection. He's talking too much again, isn't he?]

I... no, I don't know. I know she's been a little glooby lately, but I don't... [More guilt. Sadness.] I wish... I wish I could've done something. [He, quite literally, exists to make people happy! To distract them from their pain! Why can't he just-

Why is he so useless?]

no worries at all!

[telewarped]

[Her first thought is uncharitable: Thanks for nothing.

But their emotions are mirrored in that same moment, crushing uselessness tangled with guilt. She's lashing out despite knowing it isn't productive or fair; she didn't even know Noelle was missing until he said something.

What she chooses to say out loud is at least somewhat gentler.]

Well—you did something just now. And we're both gonna keep doing something. Right, Mr. TV Extraordinaire?

[its_tv_time]

[Her words, at least, are encouraging. He perks up, just a little.]

R-right! Of course we are! There is no way I'm just leaving Noelle to her fate! I'll do- I'll do whatever I can!

[Determination laced with guilt. What can he do? No- he can't think like that.

There's gotta be something else he can do, right?]