Video + Voice | UN: Serenity

[chaossealer]

[ For a good while, all anyone's going to see is the cityscape of the second district. There's clear movement as the scene seems to move and shake with what seems to be the sounds of footsteps in the background. ]

Hello? Hi, my name is—oh no, the video is on backward, uh—

[ There is a small pause, and after much tinkering, the feed switches over to the front camera. Crisis adverted? On the screen is a teenage girl, looking barely legal with a strange hairstyle. She has on a pretty friendly smile, with all things considered, and doesn't seem entirely too distraught. ]

—there we go! Hello again, sorry for the trouble! My name is Usagi Tsukino and I'm new to the city. So far, I've found a place to live, I think, and I'm just trying to familiarize myself with the place so it's easier to navigate.

[ She looks pensive for a moment. ]

Or perhaps more information on the place? How do things work around here? Anything is fine. [ She pauses for a moment. ] Oh, maybe a place to get food? I haven't seen anywhere that resembles a restaurant where I am, but I'm not entirely sure.

Sorry for all the questions, and thank you for your time!

[ The video feed switches off, but it seems like she somehow didn't close the voice transmission along with the video. ]

Okay...where am I, ooooh, I could really go for a large banana split sundae right about now...where does a girl get some ice cream around here?

...wait, didn't I walk past that place earlier? Huh? Why is this still on? Oh no.....!

[ And the voice transmission cuts off here. ]

Comments

[anthropophagite]

Hm-mm - we still haven't been able to figure out who restocks things or how, but they do show up after a few days. So far, no one has had any problem with what they need.

[ which is good. kaneki can't imagine what this place would be like if there were issues with the restock... ]

Ah, that's good to know. A lot of places are empty so we can just take them for ourselves. No one has complained so far. [ still kind of waiting for that to happen one day, actually ]

[lupusintus]

People can get pulled from different times here. [ Does she really think he's that old? He really can't help himself so, with an eyebrow raised, he continues, trying to contain his amusement while pretending to be hurt: ] Usagi. You don't think I'm actually over a hundred, do you?

Your friend never taught you how to use a computer? It sounds like they would be the right person to ask. [ Oh boy, he is not accustomed to people with this amount of energy. It's an interesting, but nice, change. ] Much obliged. With our knowledge combined, maybe we'll be able to figure out how to turn one on.

[ .. that's what they do, right? Turn on? For once, she is the computer master in this conversation. ]

Good. [ For a moment, just a moment, he is reminded of the little sister he both loved and lost when she was far too young. He doesn't dwell on it any further than he has to, however. ] Just be careful, I don't want you to spend your first few days crying over ice cream. And don't get too comfortable, as ominous as that might sound. It's not my intention to frighten you but this place can challenge us at the best of times.

[ And, with that said ] If you ever need anything, you can contact me over the phone. Doesn't matter how unimportant it might seem.

[chaossealer]

I'll do it! I'll win the bet! I'll make sure I put my best effort into it so I can get my prize!

[ Well, she's pretty sure they can work out when they come across a bakery of some kind. Or maybe one of the restaurants will have it? It's something worth thinking about, of course. ]

Eek, I don't want a cake that's gunk on the inside... [ She thinks hard for a moment, and then comes up with a great idea: ] We can look for a restaurant or bakery of some kind after we meet up, how about that? If nothing else, I'm pretty sure we can ask around to see if someone knows anything about a high-quality oven!

[ Either way, it's probably something on her list, anyway, to find a good bakery. ]

Oh, sure! I'm already heading out! We can meet at, uh, the diner or maybe the shopping mall...definitely not the garden, though! We're not going there again!

[chaossealer]

Hehehe, thank you, Tsuruno!

[ Perhaps it will be sooner than anticipated...or maybe she just needs some food. Who knows. ]

See you soon!

[chaossealer]

[ That sounds both concerning and reassuring at the same time. Maybe it's just the way the city works? ]

Well, if no one has any problems with it, then I don't have any complaints! [ Unless the city is actively hurting people, then it comes her business. ] Anyway, maybe one day we can stake out the place and catch the person who restocks the city in action! It will make a good sleepover mission, don't you think?

[ Like those kids who stay up during Christmas Eve to catch Santa—something like that? Hmm. ]

Well, that's a good thing, isn't it? I wouldn't know what to say if the people who used to live in these apartments came back to just random strangers in their homes—that would be terrible, wouldn't it? [ Let's not jinx anything, Usagi! ]

[chaossealer]

Yeah, Mr. Crowley said the same thing, that people are generally from some version of Earth.

[ She giggles, though, at his question. ] Um, I don't really know...but if you were, that would be pretty awesome, you know, looking so young like that at a cool one hundred years. [ She pauses for a little bit of mischievous suspense. ] I'm kidding! I mean, we all come from random times, too, right? Maybe you were just brought in from the past?

[ It definitely makes sense, since she's been to the 30th century and has her fair share of time travel, so this isn't news for her. ]

Well, I don't think I've ever needed to use one so much, so I never asked. I think they're pretty expensive, I don't know. But hehe, but I can at least turn it on, so we'll have that cut out for the both of us! It's just the other stuff...

[ It occurs to her that in their short conversation, she's reminded of Motoki, minus all the power talk and the timeline difference. And maybe Haruka? She misses home, sometimes, but she's got to toughen this out. ]

Well, if you catch me crying over ice cream, it's probably because of how much I like it, or how much I miss it!

[ The warning is taken very seriously, as she's already experienced her fair share of creepy things in this city—namely, the park and the strange statues in the deeper part of the wooded area. It's disorienting at best, and downright disturbing at worst. ]

Don't worry, Ethan, I'll take your words to heart! [ A pause. ] But I do hope that things are as peaceful as right now. Thank you very much for looking out for me! I'll be sure to let you know no matter what it is, even if it's just to say hi!

[ And then: ] I know I'm new here and all, I hope that you'll be able to confide in me, too! I know I can be a bit much at times, but I can keep a secret, and I'm a great listener! Or maybe I can do the talking for the both of us? Hehe, whatever you need, okay?

[lupusintus]

[ Mr. Crowley -- ah, he recalls Vanessa mentioning that name. He can't be all that bad if he's helping teenagers acclimate to this place. ] He's right. I was in London before I arrived here.

Now you're just teasing me. [ He laughs nonetheless. ] Disappointing, maybe, but I'm not a pretty .. awesome one hundred years old. I'm 35. [ The way he says "awesome" should be a clue, he has never heard that word in his life and this is his first time using it. Don't make fun of him, he isn't hip to this teenage lingo. ] I think being brought from the past makes more sense.

Considering this place brings a variety of people here, if there is a computer, I'm sure someone would be willing to teach you how to use it. [ Her, of course, because he actually isn't as enthusiastic as she is about the topic. He's still learning the phone! ]

Not because you ate too much of it? [ Uh-huh, Miss Sweet Tooth, he has wisdom in spades. ]

[ The statues are his least favorite part of the city; he likes having his head messed with even less than actually being here. That's saying something. Despite the reassurance that she'll remember his words, he can't help but feel for her -- some of the horrors here, he foolishly hopes she will never have to see them. At the same time, he knows better than to hope. She will. He really does hate this place for bringing in kids. ]

Just don't let your guard down here. As peaceful as it is now, the mood can chance as quickly as the weather. [ A small smile. ] Alright, I can accept that.

[ Oh, Usagi, he doesn't even confide in the people here from home, but somehow telling her that never crosses his mind. It seems counterproductive and, because she just arrived, he doesn't want to be the one the sour her mood. So, after a pause: ] Deal.

[chaossealer]

Hey, that's where Mr. Crowley is also from! [ And Minako. ] Maybe I should go there one day? Hehe.

But I'm not teasing, I promise! [ Judging from the way Ethan says the word awesome, it's probably not a word that he's familiar with—he is from the past, after all, so all this newer language situation is probably pretty foreign for him. ] Hahaha, well, that's fine, too! You're like...an amazing 35-year-old, right? [ And she nods twice while making affirmation sounds. ]

Heh, I think so! But using a computer isn't the top of my priority, I mean, if I were my friend, maybe! I'm much more inclined to just explore and find places to hang out with friends than go on the computer all day! [ She pauses in thought. ] Although, it is as good a time as any to start...hmm.

[ She gawks. ] No! Never! I'll always have space for dessert!

[ And they're back on the topic of dangers in the city—her demeanour doesn't really change much, as she's gleeful as before, but there's something else in her expression that gives others the impression that she's serious about the topic at hand. ] Yes sir! I promise to be careful. I'll promise to keep out of trouble and be on my best behaviour.,.

[ Just what is her best behaviour, though... ]

[excaliburden]

Oh, no, no need to apologize. I'm very excited!

[Maybe a little overwhelmed, but that's a normal state of being for her, so.]

I'd be happy to meet you there! I'll leave right away, okay?

→ action!

[chaossealer]

[ She waves dramatically, clearly very ecstatic about spending time with friends! ]

Okay! I'll see you! I can't wait!

[ Usagi manages to switch off the video properly this time after some practice because it's embarrassing her for her to not know how to do that after so many tries. She squints at the map again and then makes her way to the Welcome Diner without much issue. Score one accomplishment for Usagi!

Is she late? Not sure, but she doesn't mind waiting if she's not—after all, she does tend to be late for a lot of things, including her school, senshi meetings, you name it, she's probably been late before. It's fine, it's not like they've set a time, as long as they get there with sufficient time to both eat and explore the malls and stores in the vicinity, she's fine.

She's snapped out of her thoughts when she hears footsteps and looks around. Is that her? Should she wave? And if it isn't, she can just explain herself—I thought you were someone else...sorry... it's worked for her in the past, right?

It's fine, she thinks. And she waves. ]

[lupusintus]

Small world. It has its charm. [ Hopefully her version of London isn't as bleak as his own. ]

I'm not convinced but I'll take your word for it. [ Teach him all of the hip slang so he can horrify his castmates with his newfound knowledge, please. How else is he supposed to understand a teenager girl of the modern era? ] I feel like there was some hesitation there, Usagi, like you were unsure about what you just said.

I wouldn't have pictured you as the exploring type, though I'm no expert on the subject. [ Not entirely true, he has traveled some through America and Europe. ] No time like the present to learn a new skill, it could come in handy later.

[ He is so amused by her shock as he holds his hands up in a show of surrender. ] Who am I to doubt you?

[ Now that he doubts, he can smell trouble a mile away and he has a feeling she will be knee-deep in it in no time flat. Is he going to voice that? Absolutely not. ] I'll hold you to that, then.

[chaossealer]

Well...it's more like I was trying to find the right word to use at the moment. [ She's deep in thought for a moment. ] You know, like using words like awesome or neat, you know? Or even what a mood, right?

Because you are really cool, though. [ Of course, this is paired with a thumbs up! ]

I mean, I didn't either, but you know, if I explore, at least I can find some places I'll like, like food places I can go to when I'm hungry, that sort of thing. [ And on that note: ] Yeah, exactly, learn a new skill now and benefit later? [ If only she expressed the same tenacity when it comes to academics...

Well, you know what they say about girls: they always have room for dessert, somehow, and in Usagi's case, her dessert stomach is even bigger than the one she has for food, and that's saying something. ] Hehe, I'm pretty capable of handling my food intake, I assure you!

[excaliburden]

[After wandering its streets and spending enough time on the trains, Altria's gotten a bit more used to this place--so it isn't too difficult for her to find the Welcome Diner.

She steps in, peering around a little curiously, and, well? It's not hard to miss the girl with blonde pigtails not too different from Altria's own, waving enthusiastically.

So she waves back, coming closer with a smile.]

Hello! I'm glad we both made it okay.

[anthropophagite]

[ kaneki smiles. He already tried it but in truth? Things seem to restock by magic. He looked away for two seconds and there they were... But he opts not to say that because it just sounds defeatist. He did it on his own so perhaps with a second person, it would be different.]

Ah-- a lot of people thought that would happen at first. Some places even have things as photographs. It's strange but... It's better than living in an office or something like that .

[lupusintus]

What a mood? [ Right, what? He might not know what it means but he'll humor her. ] 1890s, remember? You might have to explain a few things to me.

We've just met, are you sure you want to give me such high praise?

Wise words. If you stay in one place, you'll never be able to see the wonders the world has to offer. [ Pfft! This girl and food. ] I'm starting to believe it's less the spirit of adventure and more you letting your stomach guide you.

At least if your penchant for ice cream says anything. [ Definitely a world of trouble, this one. ] Did you have any other questions about this place?

[inlovewithmycar]

Well, there's a university if you don't want to treat this as an extended break and actually keep up with said studies.

And sure; wouldn't be the first time I bailed someone out of prison.

[chaossealer]

Noooooo anything but school!!! I was so happy to finally be out of school... [ Cue massive panic.

Aww, Usagi feels super happy to know that people are willing to bail her out of trouble. ]

Hehe, thank you! I was mostly thinking about being lost or something... [ ...or eating entirely too much that there is a food shortage...welp. ]

[inlovewithmycar]

What, you don't like being squished into a pseudo prison for eight hours a day where you're expected to conform to a rigid curriculum that sucks all the actual joy out of learning because schools aren't actually institutions for education, but rather for indoctrinating good little worker bees who do as their told?

I never would have guessed.

[Crowley has Opinions about schools, okay.]

Fair enough. Jail isn't really a thing here, but getting lost absolutely is.

looking up lingo on google

[chaossealer]

[ Oh right. ]

Ah, sorry, Ethan, that phrase means that I relate to what you're feeling! I mean, I don't usually use it much but it's nice to know what it means!

[ She blinks, a little confused at the thought of not complimenting others a friends. ] I mean, you're helping me out, pretty funny, and I don't think you've said anything that would make me not trust you, right?

Anyway—! I think anyone would think about food if they're hungry, right? They always did say that the way to a girl's heart is through her stomach! [ It's probably one of the things that will guarantee her affection. ] Plus, it's rude to deny a girl her food!

I like ice cream a perfectly normal amount, I'll have you know! [ She flashes him a silly smile, wink and all. ] Either way! I think for now, I think I'm a little directionally challenged, but I think after a while I'll be okay...what are some of the strange things that happen here, you know, except for new people coming in every month?

[chaossealer]

[ Usagi sighs, looking a little mellow. After that chat with Eizen in the garden about disappearing citizens, maybe the theory about citizens just vanishing into thin air is the most probable...yikes. ]

Yeah, that's true. I don't think living in an office building would be too comfortable. I like the beds here a little too much... [ And she gets to sleep in, too. ]

Do you think they just disappeared?

[chaossealer]

[ Wow, it really is her! Well, at least she's got that one right, so there will be no apologies on her part! ]

Yeah! [ She pauses. ] Let's grab some food so we can have adequate energy to go shopping for cute things to decorate our apartments with! Do you have any recommendations or should we just go with whatever's on the menu?

[ She's about to address her properly, but...it seems like throughout their entire interaction, she's never thought to ask for the other girl's name. It's a little embarrassing... ]

Uh, I never got your name, and I sort of got really excited and forgot to ask.

[chaossealer]

...it's kind of...soul-sucking, to be honest. [ Like creepy youma-level energy-sucking lemures crossed with death busters. ]

Wait—that was sarcasm, right? [ It's got to be, otherwise, she'd think he loves school as much as Ami does, and as much as she loves her, school is a source of headaches for her... ]

Anyway, school definitely does not teach you to get un-lost, or whatever, so I'll be needing a really, really good map, you know?

[fashionably_strong]

It's just like the stores. You don't have to pay for anything anywhere here, either.

[excaliburden]

[This girl is just as chipper and exuberant in person as she was over the device, huh...? It's kind of amazing, and Altria just kind of watches her with a blank smile despite herself.

This sort of energy... it's infectious and also overwhelming, but in kind of a nice way, she can't help but think.]

Oh--that's right! I'm Altria. Altria Caster. It's nice to meet you!

And I like the pancakes. With the powdered sugar on top. Have you ever had powdered sugar? It's so amazing...!

i do it all the time lol

[lupusintus]

What a mood. [ Do you.. see what he did there, Usagi? He doesn't use it much either. ]

Some people are wolves in sheep's clothing, Usagi. I haven't met anyone here yet that would take advantage of a kind person but that doesn't mean people like that aren't here or couldn't arrive tomorrow. [ Then he adds on thoughtfully, looking a tad defeated: ] Just be careful who you trust, alright?

I wouldn't dare get between a lady and her food. [ He yields, Usagi! He even holds up a hand as if to apologize. He even manages to refrain from saying her phrasing might be off. Isn't it a man's stomach? No matter. ]

For Halloween, people kept ending up at the University party just by walking through doors. If you weren't wearing a costume.. [ He suddenly looks rather annoyed, though he's quick to wave it off. ] One was chosen for you and you couldn't take it off.