citynet | Video + Voice

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Video + Voice | UN: Serenity

[ 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. ]

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[ There's all sorts, aren't there? She is very glad for all the helping hands, at least, and so far, she's bumped into several really helpful and kind people. ]

Oh no, that's no good...I mean—you're right, you're only going to get places when you ask, right? I'm not super great at technology myself, I'm kind of hopeless at a computer myself. [ Usagi, that's not something to be proud of! ] But you know, that's okay, too! Not everyone's good at everything.

[ How did this turn into a talk about life? ]

Ah, right, I've got some warnings about the ice cream, and so far, I think there are a handful of flavours with weird side effects, and as long as I stay clear of that, I'll be okay. But don't worry, I plan to visit the Welcome Diner later—I can't wait to eat! [ She's just going to be offering her biggest, toothiest, and brightest smiles ever, because food is good. ]

Please call me Usagi, Mr. Ethan! It's a pleasure to meet you!

[ Oh, she is a lively one. He's already keeping tabs on one teenager, no reason he can't add another one to the mix. In fact, he's more than certain she's going to run into trouble with her carefree and gentle attitude. ]

That makes two of us, then. Technology has come a long way since the 1890s that's for certain. Between you and me, I'm not even sure what a computer is. [ He leans in and lowers his voice, as if this is a secret for just the two of them: ] Your secret is safe with me as long as you don't judge my inability to use a computer too harshly.

[ Good girl! She's well informed. ]

So, you do have a sweet tooth. Just make sure you don't fill up on sweets on your first day, leave room for a proper meal, too. [ Mr. Ethan? Between that and the toothiest smile he thinks he's ever witnessed, he can't help but chuckle. ]

If you're having me call you Usagi, you can call me Ethan.

Eh, you're from the 1890s—as in over a hundred years ago? Whoa, that's a long time, isn't it? [ That is, to her, really cool, the thought that he's been alive for so long doesn't really cross her mind, though. ]

Hehe, I'll bet! I have a friend who types really fast, so there are really all sorts! [ A giddy smile later: ] Hehe, thanks! I won't judge at all! And plus, maybe we can learn how to use a computer together, provided that they have them here in the city!

[ She chuckles sheepishly as they're discussing her sweet tooth. While she does eat a lot of sweets and will likely inhale the stuff on a daily basis, she does try her best to eat a healthy diet (which includes all of two slices of tomatoes and a few leaves of lettuce.) But she nods anyway. ]

Got it! I'll make sure to get my fill of healthier food while I'm here! [ It's never bad to explore to see what the city has to offer food-wise, so she'll definitely be trying all sorts around here. ] I do plan on trying all the food the city has to offer! Maybe I'll even compile a list!

[ She'll have something else to do, now! ]

Hey, I like the sound of that! I'll call you Ethan, then! Thank you very much!

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.

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?

Edited (i should not be allowed to write tags at 12am) 2023-11-22 06:13 (UTC)

[ 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.

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... ]

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.

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!

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?

[ 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?

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.

Hey, you catch on quick! [ Well, she'll have to say, this is the fruit of her good teaching skills!

But in all seriousness, she nods at his words, the earlier excitement settling a little to give way to a more neutral expression. She wants to be able to trust everyone, but not everyone thinks that way, and there will always be people who will take advantage of it. ]

Hmm, I'll take your advice to heart. I'll be sure to be more careful. [ At least while she's got absolutely no powers, anyway. ] But I'll keep you posted!

[ Speaking of desserts...she's at least glad he's not one to stop her from inhaling as many desserts as humanly possible. Either way, she just giggles and moves on. ]

That...sounds rather festive...although forcing people to wear costumes against their will is kind of...slimy. [ ...forcing people against their wills is never good. ] How long did it last...?

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Video + Voice | UN: Serenity

I didn't even notice orz

Just as planned!

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looking up lingo on google

i do it all the time lol

gomen rl smacked me