26 • [video|action]

[endthem]

[the journal falls open to the sound of a gasp and a metallic clattering, and the camera might just pick up a glimpse of a boy with long blue hair falling to the ground and scrambling backwards, iron shackles on his wrists jangling like oversized bracelets

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[screwthegods]

[And just what will this scared child do if he sees a fully grown man, sitting near the fountain and turning the pages of a book similar to the one he just dropped? Regardless, Homura's already spotted the boy--and of course he's curious. Not many in Luceti go around wearing chains.

First, however, he'll give the child a chance to act.]

[endthem]

[wandering up to a fully grown man is not something that this kid is particularly eager to do, but recognizing the book at least gives him some pause. Hanging back, where he hopes he will be overlooked, he just quietly inspects both the book and its owner from afar]

[screwthegods]

[Overlooking someone simply because they appear small and harmless is an unwise mistake for a warrior, due to the likeliness that it will prove fatal. The boy may be content to observe, but Homura is not one to merely let things be. He calmly turns a page, then addresses the child directly, although he does not look up.]

What do you intend to learn while cowering at such a distance? I will do you no harm so long as you do not attempt to harm me.

You clearly have questions.

[endthem]

[he freezes when he's caught, immediately assuming that his presence is bothering this man]

I'm sorry. [inching a step backward]

[screwthegods]

For what?

[Homura closes the book, setting it beside him on the bench and looking at the boy fully. The color of his eyes immediately catches Homura's attention, and only his own senses keep him from questioning if this child could be from his own world.]

You've committed no crime. Curiosity is a natural response when someone sees anything they don't fully understand.

[endthem]

[under the direct gaze, he automatically pulls up into a more proper posture, though his hands still clutch nervously at the short lengths of chain]

I didn't mean to bother you, sir.

[screwthegods]

Homura. [He leans forward as he introduces himself, letting his own chain fall free as he rests his forearms on his thighs. Homura grins, and while it isn't innocent or friendly, his smile also lacks maliciousness.

He's simply curious.]

My name is Homura, and you haven't bothered me at all. [Now that the boy straightens, Homura can see his eyes--those fearful, golden eyes.] In fact, I'm hoping you'd be willing to speak with me. Would you tell me your name?

[endthem]

[at the sight of those chains, his expression changes. First, some of the fear in those big gold eyes dissipates, suddenly seeing this man as more of a peer and less as a potential oppressor... but then it is quickly replaced by a deeper, quieter fear. If he is wearing those chains, then it must mean that someone around here owns him, and the rumors about this place have been untrue.

Either way, he doesn't seem quite so petrified when he meekly answers--]

...I don't have one.

[screwthegods]

I see. Then you have the opportunity to choose one for yourself, don't you? [As Homura suspected, the boy's anxiety lessens with the clear view of his shackles--at least towards the man. What he sees in those chains, however, Homura intends to discover with time.] It's a rare chance afforded to few. You should think on it carefully.

You've just arrived here, correct?

[endthem]

[the business with his name seems to sail right over his head, as the boy momentarily returns to dodging eye-contact.

The question brings it back, however]

Yes.