01. Video.

[painful_finish]

[The video flickers on and it's being held awkwardly close to the user. Viewers will see a very close up view of his eyes, and a bit of his nose, but nothing else.]

I'm not sure what fresh Hell I've landed in, but I was instructed to use this to communicate. To compound matters, I'm not sure with whom I'm supposed to be communicating with, but if anyone is receiving this, a reply would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

[innocent_royal]

[Anastasia nods and flashes a kind smile.]

"Yes, much better. My name is Anastasia and I will do my best to answer any questions you may have."

[painful_finish]

Thank you. I have read the provided material and yet I still do not know why I am here.

[innocent_royal]

"That is the troubling part... There is no answer to that, as far as I am aware. Anyone you may talk to on these devices are victims as well. There are many people like you and I, taken from our home worlds for what is apparently no reason."

[That got her feeling sad rather quickly, but it's a job that must be done. Anastasia promised to answer questions and she won't stop here.]

[painful_finish]

I see. So we are all captives of some unknown enemy. Though, I suppose that is better than my initial thought that I was dead. Perhaps that's still true, in a way.

[He sighs]

I spoke with the young lady at the magazine stand. Does it matter which city I enter? And why the necklace?

[innocent_royal]

"I do not know if this 'enemy' is really as black and white. After all, it is possible to live an ordinary life. All though, there are... incidents..."

[The way she said "incidents" by itself was cryptic.]

"The cities... I do not know the cities all that well. I reside in Genessia and have visited Nova City. Nova is like something out of a magic-technology fairy tale while Genessia is...average? I think? So I think where you go is up to you.

As for the necklace... I apologize, I do not remember. I just wear the one I awoke with because it is pretty... But I do know it is very, very important to keep with you."

[painful_finish]

I see. I will keep that in mind about the necklace.

[He raises a brow]

Incidents? What sort of incidents?

[innocent_royal]

[Anastasia hesitated a moment.]

"I didn't ask a lot of questions on what happened. But a barrier in the sky was cracked and ghosts started to attack Genessia and Everglade. I escaped Genessia as soon as I could with some help."

[She then flashed a smile to show things have improved.]

"However, it was dealt with pretty quickly thanks to so many hero-minded people living here."

[painful_finish]

It is good to know there are capable warriors here, Anastasia.

[His brow furrows in thought]

How long have you been here?

[innocent_royal]

"Right? So you can rest easy knowing we will be safe from any future incidents."

[Anastasia had to stop and think about how long she has been here. She knows it wasn't that long, but it felt like forever.]

"Umm... I have been here for about a little over a month, I think?"

[painful_finish]

Quite frankly, I would be willing to fight if we were attacked, but I prefer to know the types of enemies I would be dealing with.

[He gives a slight nod]

A month...I don't know if I can be away from my home for a month.

[innocent_royal]

[Upon hearing his willingness to fight, Anastasia mumbled something along the lines of 'I wish I could do that...']

"It is always nice to speak with such brave people, Sir."

[Now came something she wished didn't come up.]

"...I'm really sorry, Sir, but... You have no say in that. Nobody here does. If you knew who I was, you would understand why I could not afford to be away a day, much less a whole month. I really do not want to just lay down and accept that we are trapped here, but... What choice do we have?"

[painful_finish]

I am not brave; just merely a trained soldier. And please, call me Hubert.

[He listens to what she has to say about the lack of control of being here and nods]

Who are you, then? If you don't mind my asking?
I realize we have no choice in being here, but perhaps we can find a way out.

[innocent_royal]

"Regardless, I find it quite admirable."

[Anastasia hesitated. She quickly debated with herself if it's safe to reveal her title.]

"Again, I'm sorry but I do mind. I just feel safer if I did not. And perhaps you are right. I really need to return to my own world too."

[She is very worried about what her father will do to her friends who were sworn to protect her.]

[painful_finish]

I fully understand; no apology is necessary.

[He adjusts his glasses]

Your assistance and kindness will not be forgotten. I am going to make my way into more of this city, and attempt to find employment. Perhaps I will see you in person soon.

[innocent_royal]

"Be well, Sir Hubert. I hope we do meet in person in the near future. If your path ever goes past the children's home, feel free to visit us."

[painful_finish]

Thank you again, Anastasia.

[Have a tiny smile]