1 - ACTION / VIDEO

[wantsnudes]

[There's a dark-haired teenager with the lost expression of a new arrival wandering around the streets, clutching what few belongings he has and staring around at everything. He... seems to be talking to someone? But he's not using his phone, so maybe the person he's muttering to is just himself.]

... If living here for the first month is free, and if I forego two of my three meals a day, this money should last a few weeks longer than intended. But how to afford art supplies... More than that, even with my art, how do I gain an income...

[Someone is a little anxious about the welcome talk and getting shunted into an unfamiliar city. Since he has to stay here for the foreseeable future, his situation has shifted from figuring out who is behind this and why (apparently nobody knows? yikes???) to the more immediate, material reality of his situation. He really has no idea what to do to make ends meet.

Spotting a passerby, he just straight up steps into their path and shoves his pendant into their face.]

You there! I would like to know the address of any place I could pawn this trinket off to. [uh]


VIDEO.

Excuse me. I was informed I could use this in order to find others from my home. [A pause... Who should he ask for first... Only his friends spring to mind, so--]

Does anyone know an individual named Ren Amamiya? He is my age, bespectacled, and often smells of coffee. Or perhaps Ann Takamaki, who is the most beautiful woman to have entered my gaze. Or there is Ryuji Sakamoto, who is loud and a bit crude, with dyed hair... [talk about descriptor whiplash]

I seem to talking on for longer than intended, so I'll stop there for now. I hope if anyone knows these individuals, they would be willing to point me in the right direction.

Comments

[wantsnudes]

You make it sound as though attacks on the cities are fairly frequent...? [His brow furrows, concerned.]

I doubt I will be much help in protecting others. But if keeping it is a matter of survival, I suppose I will make do.

[specialist_snowflake]

Uncommon. Occasionally predictable.

[He understands, though, and that satisfies her. Hooray for Yusuke who will not be slapped in the head for the sake of foolishness!]

Monitor your device. If the guardians are performing their duties adequately, you should receive ample warning if there is any danger to be found. Have you found your temporary residence?

[wantsnudes]

I have. Though I can only reside there for a month, correct? Having once been homeless before recently, I would rather avoid such a situation again by making preparations in advance.

[... by selling things that should be prized possessions, apparently ...]

[specialist_snowflake]

Understood. As long as you are not careless with your spending, you should have enough credits to last at least a few months. May I direct you toward the employment agency? I'm certain you'll wish to peddle your art for a living, but the local laws insist that one works under the direction of another for at least a month before being allowed to open one's own business.

[Winter takes a half-step as though to play tour guide, should he accept the offer.]

[wantsnudes]

I do not peddle my art like cheap market wares.

[He seems a bit haughty at her choice of words. But he's also completely at a loss, and she seems like a competent individual to follow, so he falls into step with her.]

If that is the law, I suppose there is little to be done... A month is only a short time.

[specialist_snowflake]

[She turns her head to regard him with a cool gaze over her shoulder. It's not an argument she wants to indulge, but seeing as the subject seems to be dropped, she continues her brisk procession.]

Indeed. You may find a method of preserving your income further if, upon opening an art studio, you place your residence in the same building. There are more than one individual who have requested one or two modest apartments above their shops, or connected in the back. The sooner you find work, the less rent you'll have to pay in the interim.

[She cuts a neat path down the street, as people seem inclined to move aside for Winter. Eventually they reach the employment office where Winter comes to a halt, spinning about neatly on her heels.]

We have arrived. Do you require any further assistance?

[wantsnudes]

[Yusuke follows along, noting how people seem to avoid her path, and he's not sure he likes that particular sign of authority. When they arrive, he shakes his head, then bows out of politeness.]

That will be all. Thank you for your guidance, Schnee-san.

[specialist_snowflake]

[There's a faint turn of her head at the unfamiliar formality. But she doesn't seem displeased. Very well, she will adopt the mannerism in return.]

My pleasure, Kitagawa-san. I wish you luck.

[Winter inclines her chin once before turning to depart, still carrying that militaristic and pristine air even until she's out of sight.]