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[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.]

Re: Video • 2/2

[valentineluke]

[Handling it well. Interesting.] I'm afraid there's no easy answers.

[paving]

Looks like it . . . but as long as there's hope, I'm sure we'll all survive this trial together.

It's also pretty obvious that people don't arrive at the same time. How long have you been here?

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;

[subecho]

It is best when stolen from friend bear's grasp.

video;

[paving]

Salmon stolen from a bear . . .

Isn't that a bit harsh?

video;

[subecho]

No, no - friend bear cares for honest contest!

video;

[paving]

I guess you two are really close friends, huh.

Did you find the bear here in the City or did you bring him with you?

video;

[subecho]

We meant to feed, the bear had catch first. We... borrowed.

[valentineluke]

A number of years. I've seen many come and go.

video;

[paving]

Borrowing means returning what you borrowed, you know . . .

[paving]

Many years already? I'm impressed that you still hold such hope and optimism in the bottom of your heart . . . truly, it is magnificent.

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[subecho]

And... one day... it shall be done.