genessia | 1st Case [Action/Video]

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1st Case [Action/Video]

[The hologram is...informative. It isn't information that he's entirely happy with, but it's useful to know, assuming it's true. It also doesn't explain why so many of the people walking through this city have no trace of ki whatsoever, as if they aren't even really there.

Being kidnapped in and of itself grates; yes, his mother has her husband to take care of her in his absence but no doubt she's worried about him. The empty people just make it worse.

But he swallows it all down and stays calm and collected as he explores the immediate area outside the Bay and plays with this new 'smartphone', figuring out how it works. It's fascinatingly advanced, actually, and he might be found just leaning against a wall poking at it with interest.

Or he might be found talking to passersby, testing what they know and how they respond.]

[Video]

[A young man with long dark hair, grey eyes, and a pleasant, friendly smile appears on the network. He brushes back a stray strand of hair with a self-effacing expression before speaking.]

I'm afraid I'm not sure what the etiquette is, but I just arrived here earlier today. My name is Shuuichi Minamino. I'm sure I'll be able to look after myself, but I wanted to see if any of my friends ended up here, as well. Or... my mother... Since it seems like anyone can be brought here?

Their names are Shiori Minamino, Yusuke Urameshi, Kazuma Kuwabara, and Hiei.

[He glances down, the corner of a map brochure peeking into the camera's view.]

By the way... Are these descriptions of the cities genuine? They seem a bit fantastic. I'd appreciate anything anyone can tell me, to be quite honest.

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[ Maybe he noticed this particular guy watching the very end of one of his conversations...

In truth, Akira's very curious about some of the people who wind up kidnapped to here. Heh... wanting them to just live a happy life, huh? Frankly, he finds this forced vacation...

... nice, even if he misses his other friends. He hates that there's a part of him kind of grateful and awe-struck, but so far? There's been no way out of here discovered, and he's been caught up in saving money for things like... bills and food and that cafe he's been curious about opening.

Also taking the time to figure out how to summon his Personas had been an ordeal all its own.

Anyway, he's offering a polite nod once they're close enough for conversation. He would have waved, but his arms are filled with bags of various things (things for Yusuke's birthday, so it's mostly decorations... and cake mix, in case his baking attempts fail). ]

I haven't been here much longer than you, but I can direct you to a few of the nicer places to eat around here.

Well, it's a start. So you're a recent... I don't like to call us 'victims', I have to admit. Arrival will do, I suppose? My name is Shuuichi Minamino, it's nice to meet you.

[The young man's eyes flick across the bags thoughtfully and he steps a little closer. There's a sort of poise and grace to him that isn't really usual in your average high school student.]

Would you like some help with those? You could consider it repayment for showing me around a little and letting me inundate you with questions.

Volunteered vacationer.

[ There's a hint of deadpan as he contributes a possible titles. ]

My name's Akira Kurusu. It's nice to meet you, as well, circumstances aside.

[ He gives a soft blink at the offer, head tilting a bit. It might be clear he's briefly going back-and-forth on a decision. ]

Sure thing. I'll even let you carry the bag that represents how much trouble this is for me.

[ He's handing Minamino-san the smallest bag. ]

Heh. It's not much of a vacation if you have to find work, is it? Relocated residents?

[Yes. Yes, he is actually matching the alliteration, his tone light and with a certain studied innocence.

Though the expression that accompanied it breaks with an amused little puff, not quite a laugh but close, at being handed the smallest bag. It's very nearly genuine, too, despite the tension of his current circumstances.]

It's good to know I'm not too terribly inconvenient, at least. What has settling in here been like for you, Kurusu-san?

[ Oh.

Akira's giving him a look for just a moment; the repetition didn't escape notice, if the expression he wears is anything to go off of. The small smile that surfaces lasts only until the bag's been passed, but it's definitely holding a noticeable look of amusement. ]

Well, I guess...

[ He's nodding in the direction he needs to go in to drop the bags off. ]

... as a fellow foreigner, I can't help wanting to help.

[ A perfectly innocent expression is on his face in that moment. The question has him giving a soft, thoughtful hum. ]

Settling in, huh...?

[ Some tension very briefly enters his expression, but he turns his head to hide that -- even if possibly just a second too late. ]

Surprisingly... simple? [ he wasn't even trying to do it on purpose this time ] I never thought I'd have a full-time job - while trying to open a business - at seventeen.

[ Something just shy of a laugh slips out. The next part sounds very much like a joke, but there's Something beneath the surface of his tone...... ]

Guess this wouldn't be the place for someone used to a life of crime and fighting...

[The look doesn't escape notice, either. Nor does the smile and the amusement. It's pleasant; most of his word games are played with Kaito or against a puzzle game.]

My, that's amazingly altruistic of you.

[He'll match that look of utter innocence. Akira might be someone to keep in touch with. He doesn't know how long he'll be trapped here and being on edge all the time won't serve him well. For now, though, he just moves to walk beside the teenager.

Pretends not to see that moment of tension.]

That seems strangely straightforward... [Totally on purpose and no regrets.] In a place that so many people have been kidnapped to. Why go to such trouble just to let us live a mundane life?

[That Something is intriguing, and so is his choice of example. Kurama hums thoughtfully, brushing the fingers of his free hand through his hair.]

I'm sure the people like that must find some way to cope...

[ Okay, he officially finds this guy amusing? Akira's releasing a soft chuckle at the continued word game. He's quiet as he listens until the last sentence, which has something entering his smile.

He hates to put an end to the game, but... ]

They do have people who get bounties placed on them -- serial killers, mass murderers...

[ This time, there's a different kind of Look ghosting over his face. ]

Some people are very interested in stopping them, so there are postings that wind up in each city. And I'm sure at least some people like what we just talked about, might find being a hunter a great use of their time around here.

[ He gives a small, vague gesture with one hand. ]

Don't take my word for it, but apparently it pays well.

Bounties... So, a certain level of sanctioned vigilante work to supplement local law enforcement? That's interesting.

[He wonders if it implies that local law enforcement might not be up to the task... But he is retired from criminal work. This sounds like it could keep him sharp and entertained, though, if he decides he's willing to let his combat skills be known.

Kurama is a little sad to let the game go, too, but this is clearly a more serious topic.]

Not quite the sort of job I was expecting to start before arriving here. I think I'll look at what in the paper for curiosity's sake, if nothing else.

Yeah... I wonder whether it's from a lack of employees or from some kind of power imbalance...

[ AKA there being more supernatural power within the criminals than in those working with the law enforcement...

Not that he'll jump to elaborating on that just yet. ]

There are a lot of jobs available, though. I'm currently working in Nova City for Aster Technologies and the Planetarium.

[ A... full-time and a part-time respectively... Akira, when are you gonna sleep... ]

Welcome, Mr Minamino! My name is Shi Yamato! I'm afraid I haven't heard those names yet...

Oh! But I think those descriptions were real! I haven't gone yet myself, but I hope to soon. Do any of them sound like your home?

It's nice to meet you, Yamato-san. Even a negative answer is helpful. And I can't say I really want the people I care about to be kidnapped.

Not especially... Perhaps Genessia City itself is the closest. Have you been here long?

Oh... That's a good point. I'm sorry! I was being careless and insensitive...

[He gives a small nod.] Not a whole month yet, but I've been getting used to it. If you have any questions, I can try to help you. I wouldn't be able to survive here if people hadn't been kind to me when I arrived, so...

No, not at all! It's not as if I wouldn't like to have their support. But I can't be quite that selfish.

[He makes a quiet, thoughtful sound.] It's certainly reassuring to know that there are people like that here. Do you know anything about this 'Schnee Company' that the hologram mentioned?

[It's a relief he hasn't insulted anyone right after meeting them.

Shi thinks for a moment, then shakes his head.]

Now that you mention the name, I have been taking them for granted. All I know is that they're really helpful. Sorry...

[Barring one or two pet peeves, Kurama is actually fairly difficult to insult.]

Hm. Helpful in what way? It sounds like you're speaking about more than just the informative hologram.

I think that they're the ones who set up that Hologram and stuff. If I remember correctly, they have buildings where you can ask more questions and stuff...

Why?

If they're important here, then I'd like to know more about them, that's all. Since apparently I'm going to be living here for an indefinite amount of time...

There's no point in letting the grass grow under my feet, as the saying goes.

I guess that's true! Then maybe you could try going to one of their buildings. I bet they're really nice.

[The picture kicks on to a young girl, long blonde hair drapped in front of her. Her bright, blue eyes seem tired, evidence of some sort distress.]

Hello there.

They say seeing is believing, but yes. The brochures are accurate.

[She turns away and covers a small coughing fit. For some reason, doing so tired her out. She looks back to the camera once it passed.]

I can tell you more about a city. Is there anywhere specific you're interested in?

[Concern flickers across his face for a moment at the coughing fit. It's not hard to guess that if it tired her out, it's probably far from the first one.]

Well, Fayren and Everglades certainly seem like the most unusual from my perspective. I'm from a city area with technology that is...certainly behind what's here, but still at a reasonable level.

And I may be getting ahead of myself since we've just met, but are you alright, miss?

Mmm... Yes, I think I'm alright.

[She's completely unsure if there actually is a problem. This was new, even for her. She'll press on.]

So, you're from a city similar to Nova, or Genessia? [That doesn't give her much to work with.] Is there anything specific about Fayren and Everglade you want to know about?

[If she says she's alright, he's not going to press.]

Somewhat similar to Genessia, if not quite as advanced. I'm from Tokyo in Japan, if that means anything here.

[He glances down at the map brochure thoughtfully.] This talks a bit about magic and supernatural beings, but those are such broad categories that it tells me next to nothing. Do you know any of the specifics of magic in Fayren?

Hmm...

[Specifics, specifics...]

Well, the magic in Fayren is in many schools. Anima, like Fire, Frost... Others, like summoning, illusion, destruction, restoration...

Basically, if you can weave the magical fibers of mana, it's the kind of magic that will be found in Fayren.

[Blink. Blink. Well then.]

So the category is, in fact, extremely broad. Mana... I wonder if that's anything like 'ki', or if it counts as something distinct.

Should I take that to mean that what counts as 'supernatural beings' in Everglade is similarly all-encompassing? It's starting to seem as if anything goes in this place.

I don't know what "ki" is, so I can't say.

[She nods at the next question.]

Yes. Everglade is populated with people that are not "human." Zombies, werewolves, vampires, et cetera. There are also humans living there as well.

Ki is the spiritual energy produced by souls. Most people aren't aware of their ki where I come from, but those that are can work to strengthen it and use it to produce extremely varied effects depending on technique and natural inclination.

[A small frown.]

I see... By choice, or are the non-humans being segregated?

Umm...

I don't know... I think so? At least, not to a forced, harsh degree. Last I heard, humans are advised to not roam outside at night.

That's...fairly understandable, considering that all of the races you named have a certain tendency to eat humans, according to myth.

It's interesting... Such drastically different but interconnected societies.

It appears as much, although people I know aren't here. It might change over time, for both of us. It depends on as much luck someone has for having friends appear.

For the most part, yes. I'm thinking of moving to Nova, because it has VR capabilities, and I want to see if something I had with me when I woke up works.

For given values of luck, at least. As nice as it would be to have the support, I'm not quite so selfish as to hope for my friends to be kidnapped...

VR... As in Virtual Reality? That's intriguing. Such technology is barely in infancy where I come from.

I know. It would worry my friends if they were in my position as well, so hopefully if they do show up, I can give them support.

Virtual Reality yeah. I came from a place where VR and AR, Augmented Reality are a thing along with big multiplayer video games too.

I must admit, I'm probably the best option for ending up here first. My friends can be a bit hotheaded, so if any of them do appear, it's for the best if I'm already settled.

[There is a little bit of a pause as Kurama reflects on the fundamental unfairness of life before he responds to the second part of the text.]

Multiplayer Virtual Reality games sounds like it could be a great deal of fun. I think I'm a bit jealous.

Probably. I would serve as a foundation for any of my friends.

They are super fun and I play a game called Alfheim Online, which involves flying.

Exactly.

What is the storyline like? [+1 video game nerd...]

The story has multiple quests in a open world to explore. The game itself is designed so that there's always content generating through a procedural system. It used to be that our main goal was to clear a massive raid in the middle of the world and travel up to the top of the tree, to fight a boss.

That would give us unlimited flight for a start.

...Maybe it's for the best that there isn't anything like that where I come from. I haven't quite graduated yet, so my grades still matter.

[The eternal war of schoolwork vs. video games.]

You'd probably get immersed into it pretty heavily I'd imagine. I haven't graduated either, but I manage to juggle it.

I do not recall ever running into anyone who goes by those names, however I will happily keep an eye out for you should they arrive here, Mr. Minamino.

[ Her eyes catch on to the map and there's a small cant of her head in response. ]

I am to believe that they are... and I am more than happy to answer any and all questions that you have. I have been here for a while now, if it helps any.

It's very much appreciated, thank you. I'll definitely want to find them quickly if they arrive, before they get themselves in trouble. [No 'if' there. He knows his friends better than that.]

That's good to know. Have you visited the other cities yourself?

Ah, are they the type to get themselves into trouble easily? [ There's a light tease to her words, as if she, too, knows the pains of troublesome friends. ]

I have, yes. I used to live in Nova City for a time, but have since relocated to Genessia.

One could say that, but I feel that 'easily' implies a certain lack of effort to the task... [Is he indicating that perhaps his friends would go miles out of their way for the sake of getting themselves in trouble? Probably! But he is doing it fondly and in sympathetic company?]

Nova City... I admit, what the brochure covers makes it sound like pure science fiction. Is the technology really so advanced there?

[Ted's not the best with details like one's physical features. But all those names, on the other hand...]

Kurama? Is that you? Welcome back! You're fond of botany, correct? Goodness, why so many names? And what do they all mean?

Oh, forgive me, ought to answer questions before I ask any.

Well, yes, just about anyone can be brought here. The descriptions of the city are also genuine, though, aheh, why you'd balk at the fantastic is more than I know. You seemed well acquainted last time.

[That is not a response he was expecting. It shows, just for a second, surprise and suspicion, before he hides most of it away. Should he play the nickname angle if anyone else overhears this?

He'll worry about that if it comes up.]

Ah... I do like botany, but 'back'? I'm afraid I'm not sure what you mean by that at all. I've never seen this place before.

[He didn't deny it. That's pretty much the same as acceptance, right?]

Haha, well, I've certainly seen you before. It's probably more correct to say you don't remember seeing the world. I can show you the video posts that evidence the fact, if you'd rather. Unless you've got a twin I don't know about.

[He tends to prefer not to get caught in a lie...]

They do say everyone has a twin somewhere in the world... But yes, if I've really been here before, as you say, I would appreciate some evidence of the fact.

They do?

[Ted would wonder at having an unknown twin. He could've sworn he was an only child. Where had Kurama heard or read this?

Oh, right, moving on to the matter at hand.]

Certainly. Pardon me a moment while I root around.

[A few choice button presses later...]

Here's the first record I can find, where you introduced yourself similarly.
Here's another where you said you were only half human--interesting lineage.

Ah! Here's the one where someone referred to you--very naturally--as Kurama.

[There's more he could pull up, but far be it from him to overdo it.]

You and your brood were here two or three years ago, it seems. Will that do for a case?

[He sounds neither critical nor accusing; simply the same innocent, curious cheer he always had.]

Edited 2018-02-12 15:22 (UTC)

Where I come from, they do. It's only referring to physical resemblance, of course.

[That... The hair and eye color are wrong, but everything else is right. And the other people are most definitely recognizable. Of course it's Kuwabara calling him by that name so openly; he never could break him of that.

He had considered making a few adjustments... He had a flashy streak. But ultimately he'd decided on blending in as much as possible. Perhaps he'd made a different choice somewhere else.

This place is so eclectic already that Kurama isn't willing to dismiss the possibility of alternate universes.]

It's...compelling evidence, I must admit, despite the discrepancies. Red hair looks better on me than I would have thought.

Haha, that must be interesting, knowing a doppelganger might appear at any moment.

Hm? You mean red's not natural? Well, I can't disagree with your aesthetic assessment regardless. Though it does raise the question of why you'd employ a pseudonym.

[Genessia's pretty accepting that way.]

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1st Case [Action/Video]

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