1 • video

[paving]

[A teenaged boy steps out from the fountain, unaware that his entrance into the City is broadcasting across the entire network. His white hair is a shaggy, sopping mess, and his clothes are drenched, hanging from his thin frame as though he were a clothesline. He takes a good few moments to cough and hack, blowing water from his nose and, unfortunately, retching it out.]

I'm soaked to the skin . . . [A sigh, and he squeezes out some water from his shirt.] At least Monomi was kind enough make sure we arrived at the beach . . .

Well, no sense in worrying about that, is there? Nothing I can do about it.

[He picks up the device, wiping his hair back and looking at it curiously, unaware that it's transmitting.]

This looks like our Electronic Student Handbook -

[He glances up as someone passes by.]

Hello! Excuse me! I'm sorry to be such a bother, but I'd like to ask where I am. This doesn't look like Jabberwock Island. In fact, I don't think this is a deserted island at all, considering that you're here . . .

If anyone could help someone as useless as me, I would really appreciate it. Thank you.

Comments

Video

[valentineluke]

[Many a arrival has landed in the fountain. Usually gets nary a glance from longtime resident Luke. However, if something's 'different' about a drenched landee, he'll take notice. In this case, it's the boy's very pale skin that comes close to his own marble white. Not often one sees such coloring topside.]

Welcome to the City.

Video

[paving]

[At first, Nagito's expression was one of surprise - but this quickly changed to acceptance.]

Thank you.

Did you see my embarrassing mishap with the fountain? Heh heh, that was awkward.

Re: Video

[valentineluke]

I imagine everyone did. 'Dramatic' entries tend to be public posts.

Video

[paving]

Oh, I see. To think that voyeurism is so common . . . !!

[He was also eying the device as though trying to discover its inner workings. A few swipes across the screen later, and it looked like he was satisfied.]

Um . . . Right.

So where are we, exactly? And why are we here?

Sorry for being so nosy! It's just really weird, isn't it?

Re: Video

[valentineluke]

Another world. [Pauses for a minute to let that bit of reality sink in before moving on to the real shocker.] You - all of us, were collected by the City. As for the 'why'? Popular theory: This place is a Noah's ark of sorts. Personally, I prefer the term 'zoo'.

Video • 1/2

[paving]

Another world? That's just crazy! Do you mean to say, another dimension? Another planet?

This is just like I'm in a science fiction manga . . .

Video • 2/2

[paving]

To call it a "zoo" means that we, the animals, are supposed to be on display and preserved. For who and what, exactly?

[This is pretty damn familiar, if you ask him.]

video;

[subecho]

...that pool is not meant for bathing.

video;

[paving]

It was kind of an accident! Heh heh. Well, in the sense that I didn't mean to end up swimming in it. I just fell over and then I was there. Pretty weird, huh?

video;

[subecho]

...it depends on the day.

video; 1/2

[paving]

I guess weirder things have happened compared to being knocked out and then suddenly ending up swimming in a fountain in what might be another world . . .

video; 2/2

[paving]

Well, no sense in worrying about that, is there? I might as well just start finding out what's going on here.

video;

[subecho]

The people are small and loud, they live with spell, and their salmon pleases.

video;

[paving]

Spells? You mean, magic? Huh . . .

Though isn't salmon always delicious?

video;

[moonlitrequiem]

[Monotone, oh so monotone.]

Welcome to the City. Have you been given a guide?

video;

[paving]

Thank you, miss. It's nice to be greeted so warmly, even if we're probably here for a bad reason.

No, I haven't. Do you have any I could look at? Or are you a guide?

video; sorry for all of the edits

[moonlitrequiem]

[She sends an attachment.]

The attachment is a sound guide giving basic information on the City and what you will experience here.

If you like, I can give guided tours. I work at the Welcome Center, which is a place to go if you require more information, or help. It is right across from the fountain.

[Attachment.wav]

video; no worries!

[paving]

Thanks! I'm going to take a moment to listen, just a sec -

[And then after the wav file is finished - ]

That's pretty crazy, isn't it?

[He let out a sheepish laugh, scratching the back of his head.]

No sense in getting worked up about it right now, anyway. [Sigh.] I could probably find those apartments by myself, but I wouldn't mind a guided tour if that would be okay with you.

video;

[moonlitrequiem]

[Yin is incapable of determining the crazy level of their situation. She, as she has from the beginning, simply accepts it in her quiet inability to judge it. She nods.] I can be found at the Welcome Center, if you wish for a tour now.

video to action;

[paving]

That would be great, miss!

Oh, I think I should've introduced myself earlier. I'm Komaeda Nagito. Pleased to make your acquaintance.

I'll be there soon!

[And a short walk later, he was standing in front of the Welcome Center, trailing water after him and squeaking in his sneakers.]

video

[yourlastdance]

What, calling yourself useless already?

video; o hai thar

[paving]

No point in lying about it, right?

video; HELLO MY DEAR

[yourlastdance]

No point in being such a wet blanket, either. You need a serious attitude adjustment!

video; /DOGPILES

[paving]

Sorry if it felt like I was being such a drag - negative thoughts are a bad habit of mine.

But I think I'm adapting to this whole kidnapping thing pretty well . . .

video; /BODYSLAMS

[yourlastdance]

Well, awareness is the first step toward change. We'll make an optimist of you yet.

[chuckle]

I shouldn't tease you so much- you did have the misfortune of landing in the fountain, after all.