[week 14, day 7, midday // accidental video]

[callhimbrother]

[when the Hitomi first turns on, there's just the view of a dark brown leather boot nudging at the screen. in time, the boot retreats, and the face of a middle-aged man hovers overhead. he leans over, frowning slightly and curiously

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[ voice ]

[snapandspark]

A dog?

Can't say anything like that would last too long around here by himself.

[Yeah, he's... not looking for a dog. But hello there stranger.]

[ voice ]

[callhimbrother]

[his tone is curious and interested, but at the same time light-hearted and perhaps oddly calm, for a new arrival.]

A dangerous place, is it? But it's quite beautiful here, I can't imagine it would be difficult for anything to survive.

[ voice ]

[snapandspark]

... We're in the same realm of reality, aren't we?

[ voice ]

[callhimbrother]

Oh, I would hope so. Why do you ask?

[ voice ]

[snapandspark]

... nevermind.

I hope you have someone to hang around with. You're in for the long haul.

[ voice ]

[callhimbrother]

Ah, but I have company right where I stand! Unless, of course, you'd rather not be bothered. I'm sure the weeds will provide me sufficient company until my escort arrives, in that case.

[he jests, of course.]

[ voice ]

[snapandspark]

[Well now. Another Grumman-like character. He's quite surprised.]

Well, then. If my company means that much, I should oblige.

Do you play chess?

[ voice ]

[callhimbrother]

[oh, come now, Mana isn't that old..]

You have my gratitude.

No, I'm afraid I do not. I've never quite had the time to learn.. Ah, but I can juggle. [:D]

[ voice ]

[snapandspark]

[Oh, but old men are so entertaining!]

... juggle? [What?]

[ voice ]

[callhimbrother]

[only if they can still walk and talk and play cards! ..and juggle!]

I'm a performer, you see-- a clown, Pierrot, traveling entertainer, what have you. It's a bit of a hobby. [see, he's juggling pine cones and rocks now. free demonstration for you, mister.]

[ voice ]

[snapandspark]

[Not so sure about that juggling bit.]

A clown.

[Well. No one can say they're all soldiers now. Kind of weird. Juggling stuff. When things aren't so nice.]

Then you won't have any trouble finding work. These people could use some entertainment.

[ voice ]

[callhimbrother]

[...damnit.]

A clown, yes. [Mana doesn't want to be a soldier, he's just a dead papa who can juggle. and he's cool with it.]

How terrible it must be for them. Indeed, I shall make plans for a show-- as soon as I've gotten myself relatively settled in. [hm, but where will he get all the supplies? ..ah, well, that can wait until later.]

[ voice ]

[snapandspark]

I haven't been here long myself. I don't have anything that might cushion your transition into full-time resident. At least nothing you probably haven't already heard.

[He allows a moment for a seemingly thoughtful silence.]

Do you think I could get free tickets to your debut?

[ voice ]

[callhimbrother]

Oh, no worries. I do believe I'll figure something out. It's nothing I haven't been through before.

[blinks. and then breaks into a grin and a bit of laughter.]

While I'd much love to give free tickets to every child who wished to come, I do still need to eat. But we will see, my good man, and I shall let you know when the time comes.

[ voice ]

[snapandspark]

... you've been through this sort of thing before?

[Well, it's good at least someone can laugh.]

Well, you know, if you need a bodyguard, I don't mind working it off. Celebrities need them. [Teasing.]

[ voice ]

[callhimbrother]

I've been through the relocating and becoming accustomed to new environments again, yes. The existence of multiple gods, even. [just.. not the coming back to life part. yeah. let's not mention that.

Mana can always laugh! ..or, well. he'll try to!] Such a generous man you are. [another somewhat hearty laugh, because it's not everyday someone offers to be a bodyguard for a clown.] Yes, yes, I'll be sure to employ you should I ever be in need of protection from any raving fans.