Walk to seek the answers I can't find

[notamisfit]

Who: Naoto Shirogane and OPEN
What: Trying to work out just exactly where she is
Where: The streets of Promenade
When: Day
Warnings: Nothing of note

Comments

[notamisfit]

Naoto turned sharply at the voice behind her, immediately on the defensive. Green hair wasn't so unusual, at least not enough to be remarkable by itself, and the girl certainly looked human but there was no need to take unnecessary chances. Especially with that mask in place.

"Excuse me? Are you referring to the mask? I wasn't aware that I was under any obligation to indulge in the whimsy of whoever has brought me here."

[notamisfit]

"Nowhere was it indicated to me that wearing the provided mask was in any way mandatory. I fail to understand how we are supposed to follow rules we are not made aware of."

She crossed her arms in front of her chest, casting another scrutinising glance over the girl in front of her. "And I suppose you are the one nominated by whoever brought me here to scold me into submission?"

[notamisfit]

The look of distrust on Naoto's face wasn't fading any with this girl's words. There was still much she was yet to understand about her predicament and so she supposed she should not turn away this potential font of information. At the same time, however, it was hard to trust someone who seemed so at ease in what was to her mind such an unusual situation.

"It is rare for individuals to exhibit such kindness to those they are not familiar with unless they hold some expectation of what they will receive in return. You will forgive me if I am not quick to warm to the possibility you present. However, if you are indeed willing I have some questions I wish to ask of anyone who knows more of what this place is than I."

Which was near enough anyone in the city, at this point. But she had to start somewhere.

[notamisfit]

Naoto considered this a moment. At least she was honest about wanting something. Still, accepting something without knowing what, precisely, she was agreeing to was very much not her style.

"I do not consider that proceeding would be prudent without understanding the precise terms of this arrangement. If you are willing to present your demands I am certain we can come to an agreement."

[notamisfit]

"The hat. That's it?"

Admittedly, the idea of losing it didn't exactly thrill her. Raised by a hoarder, she had in turn become accustomed to holding onto things with a reluctance to let go. However, she also knew that this might very well be her only chance at getting answers about her predicament. She considered for a long moment, nodding almost to herself before replying again.

"Very well. Tell me what you know. If I am satisfied with the answers you give, you may have what you ask."

[notamisfit]

"Such dishonesty would not be befitting for one of my family. You have my word." It would not do, after all, to start making enemies right now even if it were in Naoto's nature to pull such a stunt.

"I will start with the most important matters. Specifically, where I am and for what purpose I've been brought here. And with whom I need to negotiate my return."

[notamisfit]

Naoto nodded, taking a moment to absorb the information.

"The mirror...yes, I do recall seeing the place I should have been when I awoke. Then am I still asleep there? This is most unlike any dream I have experienced before."

At the mention of the King and Queen, Naoto's expression became rather more displeased. "That's impossible. If they can allow us to view our homes through the mirrors, why would they deny that such places exist? I know for a fact I most certainly have never been here in my life."

And yet, even with so much not making sense, she has one final question to ask. "And the masks? Where do they fit into all of this?"

[notamisfit]

The more she learned about this place, the less Naoto was liking it. This situation was obviously more complex than even she had anticipated - but then, it wasn't for Naoto to turn down a challenge of this nature