(no subject)

[blue_flames]

[Action]

[Ike has been in many strange situations. Some he had even thought to be impossible situations until they happened.

This was another story.

Yes, Ike had been in the process of wandering the world on his own. But that didn't explain why he suddenly found himself waking up in some kind of box in the middle of wading-depth water. He has absolutely no idea what's going on here, and he keeps one hand on his sword's pommel at all times.

He eventually finds his way out, and finds all of the stuff left for newcomers. The biggest shock he gets is when the hologram flickers to life; he tries talking to the girl who is explaining things to him, but she seems to be completely unresponsive, pressing on as if he weren't even there. He's confused, and a little annoyed, when she vanishes. Ah, well. Time to read the information provided.

Once that's done he heads off to find out where this welcome center is. So there's a very tall, very muscular man trying to find his way through the city at the moment. He stops to marvel at random things -- cars, parking meters, store windows -- and he seems to be looking for something.]

[Video]

[Some time later, the video feed opens up...except the camera appears to be held the wrong way. On the screen is a new face, and it's appearing upside-down, no less. He seems to be oblivious to the fact.]

Ah...hello? Can people really see and hear me on this?

Anyway, my name's Ike. I just showed up here a few hours ago and still trying to figure out exactly what in the gods' name is going on here. I read all the pamphlets and stuff -- plus some girl showed up to talk at me and then disappeared. What should I know that hasn't been covered? I tried asking the girl questions, but she ignored me entirely. She would've been more helpful if she listened.

Also, I need a place to stay. Is there a tavern or something I could stay at? I don't have much money, but I can do some chores, heavy lifting, or guard duty. I don't know how much you can see, but I came here with a sword -- and I'm no stranger to battle. So believe me, I can keep anyone you don't want out.

Comments

[Video]

[innocent_royal]

[A young blonde girl appears on Ike's screen. She hasn't given up on trying to be helpful. She had been practicing for this moment and felt ready to do a good job.]

"Um... Good afternoon, Sir. We can see and hear you, yes. I am sorry to say that girl was not real. But the real one is around, however.

I cannot help you with lodging, but I can try to answer any questions the best I can until someone can come help you further... My name is Anastasia, by the way. It is nice to meet you, Sir Ike."

Re: [Video]

[blue_flames]

[...Wow. The irony was almost enough to make Ike laugh. No matter where he goes, he just can't seem to avoid running into nobility. Somehow it doesn't come across as any more than mild surprise.]

No need to stand on formality. I'm just a common mercenary.

[Who also happens to be a great hero, but that's just details.]

You wouldn't happen to be the daughter of someone in charge here, would you?

[Video]

[innocent_royal]

"The daughter of... No, I'm afraid not."

[Nevermind the fact that she is the princess of her kingdom, but her father is back home on her world.]

"I do know a few 'City Guardians' if that may help you. That is, if you are looking for someone in power."

Re: [Video]

[blue_flames]

...Oh. No, I just want to know what's going on here. More than what the information I've already been given has told me.

[Though it might not be a bad idea to learn about these city guardians...]

[Action]

[watercharm]

[Aqua often stops at the bay, looking for Ven or anyone she might know. She has been living at an inn nearby which makes the trip short and easy. She's looking at places to work now that money is running low but she'll still take time to stop by.

She spots Ike as he walks from the bay. Her steps quicken to catch up with him before he gets to far.]

Hey.

[A hand reaches out towards him before she stopped herself.]

I'm sorry. Did you just wake up here? I'm looking for a friend of mine. I don't know if you've seen him. Maybe before you woke up here?

Re: [Action]

[blue_flames]

[Ike turns at the call. He doesn't mind being touched, though is rather surprised someone would be so direct.]

Ah. Yes, I just woke up. What did your friend look like?

[He has been traveling, so he figures it might be possible.]

[Action]

[watercharm]

His name is Ven. He has short blond hair.

[She's a little hopefully though bit by bit she realizes that her hope might be misplaced.]

[Action]

[dives_through_rock]

[The young woman walking down the street stops as Ike marvels at a car.]

I'm going to guess you're new in town?

Re: [Action]

[blue_flames]

Huh?

[Ike looks up at the girl who spoke. He scratches the back of his head.]

It's that obvious, huh?

[Judging from his tone of voice, he sounds at least slightly embarrassed.]

Re: [Action]

[dives_through_rock]

Fairly so, yeah. Going to guess cars and such aren't a thing where you're from, then? Oh, I'm Sein, by the way.

video;

[behindthefakesmile]

I assume you were talking to the hologram, that's a pre-recorded message so she wouldn't be able to answer questions anyone might want to ask.

[How he knew how they worked is anyone guess, or simply the fact he;s been here for a really long time.]

However for places I believe there is an inn nearby the Bay for new arrivals to go to.

Re: video;

[blue_flames]

A...hologram? Recorded...what, you mean like some kind of vision that reads a message? I've never heard of anything like that.

[Of course, he's never heard of his current situation ever happening to anybody, so...]

An inn? How much do you know about it?

video;

[behindthefakesmile]

A hologram and a vision are not the same. A vision I am pretty sure is something of the future where the hologram is always the same recorded message.

[He paused for a moment.]

Not a lot because I've never really stayed there myself, but I've heard it's pretty nice.

action;

[namemeansbeauty]

[Belle had started to make her way back from work, a couple of books in a basket as she had been heading off home, making her way past the Bay to see if anyone else were to appear and instead of anyone she knew it was someone she didn't.]

Hello, you are a new arrival right? I can tell by your confused expression.

Re: action;

[blue_flames]

Well, that's not something I hear often.

[Ike's facial expressions are more subtle than other people's, so not many catch on that quickly.]

But yes. I just showed up.

action;

[namemeansbeauty]

Then I guess you're here like the rest of us, unsure as to when we'll get back or how.

[She moved her arms slightly as to move her basket.]

If you need a place to stay there are inns and such I can show you.

[ video ] I AM SO SORRY AHEAD OF TIME

[secretshoujoart]

[ this guy looks like he might be some kind of video game hero. Nozaki is busy staring at him...then finally says something. his eyes seem to light up ]

Are you a hero? Can you really wield a sword?

Re: [ video ] I DIED OF LAUGHTER

[blue_flames]

--What?

[Oh gods. Please tell Ike that this isn't one of his admirers.]

What...makes you say that?

[ video ]

[secretshoujoart]

Because you have armor, muscles, an unusual hair color, and you were talking about being able to use a sword.

So are you? Or are you in some costume?

[Video]

[son_of_durotan]

[Have a very green face peering back at you Ike.]

The girl you encountered was not actually there. It was a pre-recorded message. Think of it as a more elaborate version of a signpost.

As for lodging, I have some spare room if you need a place until you can find your own lodging.

[After all he's not supply blocked yet, even with just the one burrow.]

Re: [Video]

[blue_flames]

[Ike studies the stranger on the other end for a moment. He's never seen any being that looked like that. However, Ike knows better than to judge a book by its cover. Probably far more than virtually any person alive.]

That's still pretty wild. I've never heard of any kind of magic that could do such a thing.

[Also, he's surprised by the offer. After all, they've just met.]

If you're sure I wouldn't impose, then I wouldn't mind taking you up on that.

[Video]

[son_of_durotan]

It's not magic. It's a machine of some sort, not that I understand anything farther than that.

[He huffs a bit.]

Your reaction to my face tells me everything I need to know about you. You are welcome. It isn't the most elaborate of situations but it will keep you warm and dry.

[youfool]

Guard duty? Guard duty? Guuuard Duttyyy! (sings)

In that case, I might have something for you. It's a regular job; very steady. If that doesn't bore you, I'd love to tempt you more.

[blue_flames]

I'll hear out any request for a job. Back home I was a mercenary, so things like standing guard, driving off bandits, or even providing some extra muscle are old hat for me.

[youfool]

That's good. I think; you mean mercenary in the best possible way, right? Not just selling yourself out to the highest bidder or anything?