Chapter Seventeen :: Voice / Video
I have something to share with you guys, something that Allen and I were working on...before he went home. Please share it with new arrivals if you can. If I go home...someone else might need to re-record this as we learn more. I've written out copies of this as well, I'll be putting them in all the rooms.
[Lavi's feed cuts and another one starts a few moments later.]
---
[The feed clicks on with no one in view at first, moving slightly to show that someone is holding it while you get a view of a wall in the building. Then there's a clearing of the throat.]
Welcome letter to Nesreca, take one.
[...No one comes out.]
Allen! Come on, that's your cue!
[Somewhere off-camera, there's a muffled yelp of:]
Tim! Give that back, I-oh, bother.
[A pale, white-haired boy no older than sixteen or seventeen pops into view a second later, light grey eyes stretched in a most unprepared fashion, but also smiling wide in an attempt to cover it up. The expression causes his scar - if it could be called that, this vivid streak of red starting as a pentacle on his left brow and slashing through his eye to wind down his cheek, almost by design - to tug distractingly, but it's still a good-natured smile, bright enough to touch the corners of his eyes.]
Sorry! Tim's got my script- [ there's a flash of gold at the very edges of the screen and the boy, presumably 'Allen', jerks both head and gaze after it, making a small sound of determination ] Be right back.
[His tone of voice promises a speedy return (or there will likely be dark things to come), and with that, he vanishes again. Hold the fort, Lavi.]
[Lavi will definitely do that! He laughs a little and the view shifts a little bit, pointing more upward instead toward the ceiling and it catches the culprit in the act. A golden flying ball zipping past with paper in its...mouth?]
I told you to feed him first, Allen. He's going to eat it at this rate.
[A few papers appear in a gloved hand in front of the feed.]
Just take mine! You can take my lines too if you want.
[ still off-camera, his tone caught somewhere between exasperated, mournful, and apologetic all at once: ] I did!
[Alright, so it was just the last bite at the bottom of the can and the can itself, but there really wasn't much else to spare. He still feels kind of bad about it though, even if it's not like a golem has to eat... Right?
But here's Lavi thrusting a simple solution at him, so take it he will. He's accompanied by the solid tread of what has to be boots when he pops back into view, trades a sheepish smile for those papers, then plucks them neatly from his friend's hand.]
Thanks, it's a lot to keep in mind and organised. [ retreats to take up his position before the camera, tossing a quirk of a grin over his shoulder ] And it's quite alright, you can keep them. I'm sure you can improvise.
[...He has no idea the cameras are already rolling, by the way.]
Oi, Tim! [There's the rattle of two cans being tossed over toward the golem, not like he minds losing the portions. He does eat (slightly better) meals as a day laborer in Credinta.
Lavi laughs again, refocusing the camera on Allen.] What're you going on about, you know I got it memorized~
[Might as well get it in at him while he can~]
We're still rolling so whenever you're ready, Allen~ [He covers the lens with a hand.] Welcome letter to Nesreca, take two~
[And the hand is removed to show Allen, ready or not.]
That's what I mea-ah!
[-and crunch those cans go like a minor car crash somewhere off-screen, followed by the strangely wet sound of crumpling metal. With a wince and a strangely regretful look, Allen tears his gaze from the source of noise to fix them on the camera instead, looking rather off-kilter and just a tad aghast.]
You mean you're recording?
[Already? Oh dear. But when Lavi moves to cover the lens, Allen assumes he's starting a new recording, and it's all the warning he needs to quickly gather himself with the efficiency of someone used to hitting the ground running, no matter how far the drop. By the time he appears on screen again, he's holding the papers in both hands, back straight, shoulders sturdy, eyes clear. There's a certain calmness, of the latent kind, gathered in the strong but relaxed lines of his posture, that tips him across the threshold of boyhood to make him look a lot more like a young man who's seen things, and still has a long road ahead of him.]
[ He smiles- It's a good, grounding smile, warm and genuine and kind like his voice. ] Hello, my name's Allen. [ Not that a name means much in such circumstances, but he knows it may make some people feel a little safer. ] I know you must be feeling quite disoriented at the moment, but please try to stay with me. This will explain a lot about our [ yes, 'our' ] situation.
[A pause and a deep breath. The smile fades away into a countenance much more sober, but no less earnest.]
Welcome to the audio version of our guide to Nesreca, recorded to help those who have trouble reading.
[ He glances down at the script, in a cursory manner that suggests he's reading it out of prudence more than neccessity, then continues in his clear tenor: ]
'Notice to new arrivals...'NOTICE TO NEW ARRIVALS
This document was written to provide new arrivals with basic information on Nesreca, the name of this place where we now stand, as well as several day-to-day details that will hopefully help us survive better together. Before we begin, please understand that you are not on your own here, nor are you in immediate danger. There are others in the same plight who would gladly do their best to provide whatever assistance you require, so please try to stay calm and focus on reading this notice for the moment. It should answer most of your questions.
BASICS
･ The year is AD 2000. You are in a place called Nesreca.
･ It is an abandoned city in an unknown part of a country called Russia, which in turn exists in an alternate version of a world called Earth.
･ You were brought here by the powers of two spirits: Libitina (a little girl who will be showing up to give you a number soon, if she hasn’t already) and her master (a mysterious man whom she addresses simply as ‘master’).
･ There are others here like you, all abducted from their own worlds. Some hail from alternate versions of the same world, so there can be more than one version of somebody. The most we have witnessed thus far is two versions of a person at a time.
･ No one knows for certain why we have been abducted from our home worlds. According to what we were told, we were brought here for Libitina’s entertainment. She calls us her toys and ‘plays’ with us each month by making strange things happen to us, typically lasting for a week. We are left to survive on our own otherwise.
･ Nesreca being the dead city it is, there is inadequate shelter, food, and medical supplies. Rationing is key. Our captors do not provide for us, so we have been relying on supplies taken from the neighbouring city whilst trying to become more self-sufficient through other means, such as fishing and gardening.
･ Everyone is staying in the only inhabitable building in Nesreca -- an apartment complex. The number you were given is your assigned room number. Located within walking distance of the river, this building should be easily identifiable as it is the only structure not in shambles and has been boarded up on one side, but please don’t hesitate to ask for more directions, or for a guide to bring you there.
[This will carry on until he hits the end of the BASICS section.]
[Lavi will bring you back some hot food from over in Credinta with his money, don't worry. He'll make up for tossing those two cans of precious food.]
Of course I am! I said I was!
[Of course Allen might not be familiar with the filming process and while Lavi had never seen a film he had seen one being filmed before, just in passing. The silent movies that went on in their time. Lavi just wishes that Allen looked a tad bit more relaxed when the filming "starts" again, they weren't adults even if they had to act like them. Just be confident and believe in the material which you were trying to get across, which they all were having lived in it for months.
But he stays quiet as soon as Allen starts talking, starts trying to calm people down. Lavi's own personality might get them a little bit closer to that edge of blowing up or crashing down, he had a habit of doing that without knowing how. Allen was good at this though, making sure that everyone knew what was going on in a calm and firm tone, and it helped that he knew what he was talking about.
He waits until Allen hits the end of the first section and holds out the PDA, giving it a wee shake as it stares up at the ceiling now.]
Your turn to be camera man, Allen~
[Whatever retort Allen might've felt like serving up in response to that is swallowed in favour of getting things done. Although he's technically only giving voice to words on paper, the manner with which he does it is unexpectedly engaging. Tone, inflection, empathy, and the sense that he's putting effort into getting this done right makes it feel like he's talking to the viewer, not just reading aloud.
When it's time to switch, there's a shushing sound in the background and a half-whispered:]
I know. Here, you go on ahead.
[The view wobbles as the camera presumably changes hands, then drifts along the ceiling for a bit, as though Allen can't quite decide where to aim it just yet. Why did they decide to trade off sections again... No matter, this is going alright so far. He'll wait for Lavi to get ready, then train the lens on him with steady hands.]
[At least there's that much and it's not a "why do I have to do this?" upset rendition of the words they'd worked so hard on. Granted Lavi's own tone will be much different than that of the younger teen's. A laugh and heavier boot steps on the floor as Lavi goes to take up Allen's previous position.]
Don't forget to aim it a little higher, yeah? I'm not as short as you.
[In view now is a slightly older teen - and yes, taller - with vibrant red-orange hair wearing what seems to be a uniform since they're the nicest clothes that he still has. A lively green eye accompanied with an eye-patch and scarf gives him the feeling of perhaps being a pirate.]
Right, so I'm Lavi and I'll be carrying on with the next section, yeah?
[A cheerful tone, trying to pick those that might be confused and upset up a little. The switch off is more or less to make sure they both aren't losing their voice at the end of all this.]
On to our neighbors~ [Perhaps not a showman as Allen but Lavi manages to somehow give his own kind of life to the CREDINTA section of the paper, without having it in front of him.]CREDINTA
･ The neighbouring city just across the river from us is known as Credinta. Unlike Nesreca, it appears to be a thriving city typical of any other in this world.
･ Credinta is currently our most abundant source of food and other resources, but please remember we are not welcome there. The people of Credinta are afraid of what happened to Nesreca, and thus us by association. If they catch us inside their city and realise we aren’t from their world, they will not react well.
･ Their mayor has given orders for us to be arrested on sight and their prisons are supposedly very hard to break out of. There is also a barrier surrounding the city with guards posted along it to keep us out.
･ Even so, it is not impossible to get in and out undetected, but please go with someone more experienced, always keep a low profile, and be sure to inform others before crossing over.
[Wait, did the view just-
...Yes, it most definitely twitched. Looks like this Allen guy doesn't take slights to his height very well. The camera stays stubbornly leveled as it is - aimed high enough to provide viewers with a good look of Lavi's face, but not quite enough to avoid cutting off the top of his tousled red hair; and while Allen won't bog down the recording with their quibbling, there's no doubt he's giving the other a look off-screen.
But as Lavi progresses through his section (flawlessly recalled, of course), the view does drift up bit by bit to include all of him in the screen. Allen's not that petty, and well- This is for the benefit of other people.
Once that section's done, all he does is proffer the device wordlessly to indicate they should switch. When Lavi's in range, however, viewers with sharp hearing may catch a low murmur of:] That was good.
[With any luck, Lavi's friendly attitude will serve to reassure some people. Assuming the trade-off goes without a hitch, Allen'll be stepping up again to - ironically - go over the HISTORY section.]HISTORY
･ Nesreca used to be a normal city until approximately a hundred years ago, when its population was seemingly wiped out overnight. We have yet to find out why or how it happened.
･ However, we did find proof that our captors, still alive then as former residents of Credinta, were responsible for the massacre.
･ Those who came over from Credinta to help were killed too. Since then, the people of Credinta have been too afraid to visit. Nesreca was left the way it was when it fell a century ago, until Libitina started her kidnappings in the spring of year 1999.
[Of course he did~
There will be of course a slightly wider grin from Lavi as he reads through his section and a very deliberate wink. At least as much of one as you can make out of someone wearing an eye-patch. It's all just part of trying to get Allen to loosen up! And why not amuse everyone else a little bit, it might help?
He chuckles a little even as he takes the camera from Allen again.] Of course it was~
Lavi stays perched on the edge of his seat this time, giving viewers a different angle of Allen. Slightly from below and looking up at him. To make him seem taller.]
[The wink fetches an equally deliberate lift of Allen's gaze, not quite an eyeroll, but lingering on the ceiling just long enough to convey a silent 'why me?'
When the camera changes hands, however, the corners of his mouth are quirked in the slightest hint of reluctant amusement. Then he's gone with a nod, standing before the camera again and keeping an impressively straight face despite knowing exactly what his friend's up to with that filming angle.
How very considerate of you, Lavi.
The presentation of the HISTORY section goes without a hitch, but here comes what is perhaps the most challenging part: GOING HOME. Allen pauses after wrapping up his section, looking beyond the camera to give Lavi a gently questioning look.
You sure you're up for this?]
[Well it's also to keep things from getting boring, you know? Just having the camera stationary at one angle all the time makes it seem a little more monotone and boring. We don't want folks drifting off during the presentation after all, new views equal catching and holding their attention again.
Of course he can do it, he's a Bookman after all. Even if his heart is still hurting from recent disappearances he can do this. Won't let his mask slip. From behind the camera there's a firm and understanding tone.]
I'm fine, Allen. [A ceiling shot catching a bit of red hair.] I can do this part.
[ piping up off-screen, still keeping his voice soft to avoid disrupting the recording too much: ] Alright, just thought I could keep going if you're tired.
[Which isn't the true reason, of course, but that's okay when they both know it. Consider this a veiled I believe (in) you.
And because this can't go without some light ribbing:] -In case the stairs took too much out of you.
[Switching!]
Hey, I'm the rabbit, yeah? [Lavi appears on the screen again with a broad smile.] Unending energy here. At least until after sparring and lessons.
[Though this is a horribly sensitive subject with the redhead he tries not to let it show. The only tell-tale sign is perhaps a slightly strained look around his eye. Having close people go like they have is trying.]
Besides, I've been using them more often.
[Lavi clears his throat, hands tucking behind his head.] Right, back on topic... [He slowly starts off the GOING HOME section.]GOING HOME
･ While people are sometimes sent home at random, there is no known way of voluntarily leaving Nesreca at this point in time. Our main goal is to find a way out while making life here as comfortable as possible.
･ Some of those who got sent back were eventually brought here again, several without memories of their previous stays. However, even more have gone home and stayed home.
･ Time does not flow in a linear manner across worlds. People of the same world are frequently abducted from different points in time, but those further along their timelines have reported that others from earlier points in time are still present in their worlds, despite simultaneously existing in Nesreca at the same time.
･ Additionally, when people are sent home, they are always returned to the exact point in time from which they were abducted, and in the same physical condition. They will have no memory of Nesreca while they’re home.
[Mouthing silently behind the camera, knowing Lavi can probably read lips:] 'Progress! Next: Learning to handle your communicator with care.'
[He's quiet otherwise, a steady, reassuring presence as Lavi forges his way through that section.]
[Which interrupts Lavi's section with a snort and a bit of an eye-roll until he gets to the end of it, at which...]
And now Allen will jump back out here for our next to last section~ Probably one of the things you've been waiting to hear so far.
[Lavi advances toward the feed, dark green shirt blocking out the view for a few moments.]
You need a drink of water before you go on, Mr. Mouthing-Words?
[Once again, Allen's response is barely above a murmur.]
I'm fine, it isn't that long. Maybe later?
[He's wearing an apologetic smile when he comes back into view, though he chooses not to verbally excuse the interruptions so as to avoid derailing the video further.]
Lavi's right, the next part's important. I know there's already a lot to take in, but we're almost done, so please stay with us a little longer.
[On that note, he launches into the ABOUT OUR CAPTORS section.]WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT OUR CAPTORS
･ Libitina seems to be working under her master’s orders. We don’t know what kind of hold he has over her, but she has admitted to getting punished when she doesn’t do as told. Although she claims not to remember anything of her past, it’s probably safe to assume she used to be a resident of Credinta like her master. It’s also highly possible she either doesn’t know or doesn’t believe she’s dead.
･ Not much is known of her master beyond the fact that he was listed in old Credinta files as a ‘dangerous citizen’, has a name beginning with ‘T’, and was once tried for harming children.
･ Libitina always appears on the network when a new arrival posts, while sightings of her master are much rarer. He takes the form of a man with a melting face. If you ever happen to run into either in person, never confront them alone. Both have proven time and again that they are hostile and extremely dangerous.
･ There is the possibility of a third spirit and though we have no idea who this might be, it’s questionable as to whether Libitina or her master are really the ones responsible for the seemingly random restoration of areas for a day. Thus far we have experienced the amusement park like it was in 1897 only to find it destroyed again and covered in claw marks the next day. The same happened with the town market for 24 hours and another section of town, we're not sure what is restoring and destroying these areas.
[Allen rounds off with:] ...Lastly, Lavi will walk you through a list of other helpful things to know about Nesreca. [ a nod at the screen ] Your turn, Lavi.
[Lavi leaves the camera leaning up against something on the table and walks on over to Allen, though with that angle it manages to cut Lavi's head off even as he stands next to the snow-haired teen.]
Don't forget, you got the ending conclusion too.
[The redhead turns around to face the camera, waiting for Allen to get over there.]
This is a long section so the best thing to do is get it over and done with, yeah? OTHER HELPFUL THINGS TO KNOW...
[Lavi takes in a deep breath as if to say "here we go" and launches into the list of things.]OTHER HELPFUL THINGS TO KNOW
･ Everyone is given a communicator upon arrival, capable of making video, voice, and text posts to the network. It is also possible to filter a conversation for privacy. Currently, the network appears to extend to Credinta, but it is possible that the communicators will stop working any further than that.
･ A generator can be found on the fifth floor, along with a makeshift oven that runs on electricity. There are plans to turn that room into a kitchen. Everyone is welcome to make use of it.
･ Hand-drawn maps of Nesreca are available. Please feel free to ask around if you need one, but do be careful with your copy as they were traced by hand and can take a good while to reproduce.
･ Certain areas in Nesreca are haunted, most notably the graveyard, hospital, carnival, and town market. The last two are marked by giant claw marks, though it’s unclear as to what caused them. If you decide to visit any of these places, please take someone with you and inform others before leaving.
･ The forest on the outskirts of Nesreca can be a potential source of food, but please be careful when you go. At least one bear has been sighted, we don’t know whether there are more in the forest.
･ While the population of Nesreca shifts frequently, there happen to be healers and doctors among us at the moment. They have kindly offered their services to anyone seeking medical attention, so please don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
･ For those of you unfamiliar with the country of Russia, the native language is Russian though English seems to be picking up as a secondary or third language. If you’d like to learn the language to fit in better when you do happen to go into Credinta, Lavi (a redhead with an eye-patch) has set up lessons where you can learn how to read, write, and speak the language. The local currency is called rubles and while there are places to exchange your currency, it is better to just save the money from your world. It might give you away as being from Nesreca and get you thrown in the jail.
･ CAUTION: The other buildings left standing in Nesreca (aside from the apartment building) are structurally unsound and the floors have a habit of collapsing regularly under additional weight. As such they are not safe to explore and have already been checked for usuable items by previous members of our group. The rooftops are also not safe and do also cave in with additional weight not normal (aka weather).
[He points to himself with his thumb when he gets to the part about lessons in Russian and taking a stern tone as his recitation hits the part about the buildings. It wasn't anything to take lightly, nothing was despite how he tried to cheer folks up.]
Your parting shot, Allen~
[Lavi, you unrepentant giant. Allen will catch up someday- Alright, maybe not, but he's determined to at least be taller than Kanda by the powers of poetic justice.
Having moved out of the frame when Lavi began, he takes his place next to the Bookman again - you're quite welcome to stay for the end of the presentation, by the way - and rounds up the guide, notably not referring to the script at all this time. It comes off sounding a lot less rehearsed than the original script, and doubly sincere.]This guide is by no means conclusive. To keep it as comprehensive as possible, it will be edited and expanded upon as more information comes to light. As of the time it was written, this is all we know, but we hope it’ll at least provide you with an understanding of our situation, and will do our best to answer any further questions you may have. Anyone who would like to add on to this guide is encouraged to speak up.
There will come a day when we’ll all go home and have no need of this guide anymore. We’re all working for that day to come sooner. Until then, please remember to take care of yourselves and each other.
... Please remember to take care of yourselves and each other. [ clear grey eyes holding the viewer's gaze for one, two-
Then he'll move to switch off the video unless Lavi's handling it. ]
[Hey, you love him the way he is. Giant and all.
Stay he will! Though he leans back against the wall so his head is no longer cut off and puts his hands in his pockets. Eye focused on the back of Allen's head rather than at the camera.
Though he glances at it near the end of Allen's speech and gives it a friendly smile and wave.]
[Lavi's feed cuts and another one starts a few moments later.]
---
[The feed clicks on with no one in view at first, moving slightly to show that someone is holding it while you get a view of a wall in the building. Then there's a clearing of the throat.]
Welcome letter to Nesreca, take one.
[...No one comes out.]
Allen! Come on, that's your cue!
[Somewhere off-camera, there's a muffled yelp of:]
Tim! Give that back, I-oh, bother.
[A pale, white-haired boy no older than sixteen or seventeen pops into view a second later, light grey eyes stretched in a most unprepared fashion, but also smiling wide in an attempt to cover it up. The expression causes his scar - if it could be called that, this vivid streak of red starting as a pentacle on his left brow and slashing through his eye to wind down his cheek, almost by design - to tug distractingly, but it's still a good-natured smile, bright enough to touch the corners of his eyes.]
Sorry! Tim's got my script- [ there's a flash of gold at the very edges of the screen and the boy, presumably 'Allen', jerks both head and gaze after it, making a small sound of determination ] Be right back.
[His tone of voice promises a speedy return (or there will likely be dark things to come), and with that, he vanishes again. Hold the fort, Lavi.]
[Lavi will definitely do that! He laughs a little and the view shifts a little bit, pointing more upward instead toward the ceiling and it catches the culprit in the act. A golden flying ball zipping past with paper in its...mouth?]
I told you to feed him first, Allen. He's going to eat it at this rate.
[A few papers appear in a gloved hand in front of the feed.]
Just take mine! You can take my lines too if you want.
[ still off-camera, his tone caught somewhere between exasperated, mournful, and apologetic all at once: ] I did!
[Alright, so it was just the last bite at the bottom of the can and the can itself, but there really wasn't much else to spare. He still feels kind of bad about it though, even if it's not like a golem has to eat... Right?
But here's Lavi thrusting a simple solution at him, so take it he will. He's accompanied by the solid tread of what has to be boots when he pops back into view, trades a sheepish smile for those papers, then plucks them neatly from his friend's hand.]
Thanks, it's a lot to keep in mind and organised. [ retreats to take up his position before the camera, tossing a quirk of a grin over his shoulder ] And it's quite alright, you can keep them. I'm sure you can improvise.
[...He has no idea the cameras are already rolling, by the way.]
Oi, Tim! [There's the rattle of two cans being tossed over toward the golem, not like he minds losing the portions. He does eat (slightly better) meals as a day laborer in Credinta.
Lavi laughs again, refocusing the camera on Allen.] What're you going on about, you know I got it memorized~
[Might as well get it in at him while he can~]
We're still rolling so whenever you're ready, Allen~ [He covers the lens with a hand.] Welcome letter to Nesreca, take two~
[And the hand is removed to show Allen, ready or not.]
That's what I mea-ah!
[-and crunch those cans go like a minor car crash somewhere off-screen, followed by the strangely wet sound of crumpling metal. With a wince and a strangely regretful look, Allen tears his gaze from the source of noise to fix them on the camera instead, looking rather off-kilter and just a tad aghast.]
You mean you're recording?
[Already? Oh dear. But when Lavi moves to cover the lens, Allen assumes he's starting a new recording, and it's all the warning he needs to quickly gather himself with the efficiency of someone used to hitting the ground running, no matter how far the drop. By the time he appears on screen again, he's holding the papers in both hands, back straight, shoulders sturdy, eyes clear. There's a certain calmness, of the latent kind, gathered in the strong but relaxed lines of his posture, that tips him across the threshold of boyhood to make him look a lot more like a young man who's seen things, and still has a long road ahead of him.]
[ He smiles- It's a good, grounding smile, warm and genuine and kind like his voice. ] Hello, my name's Allen. [ Not that a name means much in such circumstances, but he knows it may make some people feel a little safer. ] I know you must be feeling quite disoriented at the moment, but please try to stay with me. This will explain a lot about our [ yes, 'our' ] situation.
[A pause and a deep breath. The smile fades away into a countenance much more sober, but no less earnest.]
Welcome to the audio version of our guide to Nesreca, recorded to help those who have trouble reading.
[ He glances down at the script, in a cursory manner that suggests he's reading it out of prudence more than neccessity, then continues in his clear tenor: ]
'Notice to new arrivals...'NOTICE TO NEW ARRIVALS
This document was written to provide new arrivals with basic information on Nesreca, the name of this place where we now stand, as well as several day-to-day details that will hopefully help us survive better together. Before we begin, please understand that you are not on your own here, nor are you in immediate danger. There are others in the same plight who would gladly do their best to provide whatever assistance you require, so please try to stay calm and focus on reading this notice for the moment. It should answer most of your questions.
BASICS
･ The year is AD 2000. You are in a place called Nesreca.
･ It is an abandoned city in an unknown part of a country called Russia, which in turn exists in an alternate version of a world called Earth.
･ You were brought here by the powers of two spirits: Libitina (a little girl who will be showing up to give you a number soon, if she hasn’t already) and her master (a mysterious man whom she addresses simply as ‘master’).
･ There are others here like you, all abducted from their own worlds. Some hail from alternate versions of the same world, so there can be more than one version of somebody. The most we have witnessed thus far is two versions of a person at a time.
･ No one knows for certain why we have been abducted from our home worlds. According to what we were told, we were brought here for Libitina’s entertainment. She calls us her toys and ‘plays’ with us each month by making strange things happen to us, typically lasting for a week. We are left to survive on our own otherwise.
･ Nesreca being the dead city it is, there is inadequate shelter, food, and medical supplies. Rationing is key. Our captors do not provide for us, so we have been relying on supplies taken from the neighbouring city whilst trying to become more self-sufficient through other means, such as fishing and gardening.
･ Everyone is staying in the only inhabitable building in Nesreca -- an apartment complex. The number you were given is your assigned room number. Located within walking distance of the river, this building should be easily identifiable as it is the only structure not in shambles and has been boarded up on one side, but please don’t hesitate to ask for more directions, or for a guide to bring you there.
[This will carry on until he hits the end of the BASICS section.]
[Lavi will bring you back some hot food from over in Credinta with his money, don't worry. He'll make up for tossing those two cans of precious food.]
Of course I am! I said I was!
[Of course Allen might not be familiar with the filming process and while Lavi had never seen a film he had seen one being filmed before, just in passing. The silent movies that went on in their time. Lavi just wishes that Allen looked a tad bit more relaxed when the filming "starts" again, they weren't adults even if they had to act like them. Just be confident and believe in the material which you were trying to get across, which they all were having lived in it for months.
But he stays quiet as soon as Allen starts talking, starts trying to calm people down. Lavi's own personality might get them a little bit closer to that edge of blowing up or crashing down, he had a habit of doing that without knowing how. Allen was good at this though, making sure that everyone knew what was going on in a calm and firm tone, and it helped that he knew what he was talking about.
He waits until Allen hits the end of the first section and holds out the PDA, giving it a wee shake as it stares up at the ceiling now.]
Your turn to be camera man, Allen~
[Whatever retort Allen might've felt like serving up in response to that is swallowed in favour of getting things done. Although he's technically only giving voice to words on paper, the manner with which he does it is unexpectedly engaging. Tone, inflection, empathy, and the sense that he's putting effort into getting this done right makes it feel like he's talking to the viewer, not just reading aloud.
When it's time to switch, there's a shushing sound in the background and a half-whispered:]
I know. Here, you go on ahead.
[The view wobbles as the camera presumably changes hands, then drifts along the ceiling for a bit, as though Allen can't quite decide where to aim it just yet. Why did they decide to trade off sections again... No matter, this is going alright so far. He'll wait for Lavi to get ready, then train the lens on him with steady hands.]
[At least there's that much and it's not a "why do I have to do this?" upset rendition of the words they'd worked so hard on. Granted Lavi's own tone will be much different than that of the younger teen's. A laugh and heavier boot steps on the floor as Lavi goes to take up Allen's previous position.]
Don't forget to aim it a little higher, yeah? I'm not as short as you.
[In view now is a slightly older teen - and yes, taller - with vibrant red-orange hair wearing what seems to be a uniform since they're the nicest clothes that he still has. A lively green eye accompanied with an eye-patch and scarf gives him the feeling of perhaps being a pirate.]
Right, so I'm Lavi and I'll be carrying on with the next section, yeah?
[A cheerful tone, trying to pick those that might be confused and upset up a little. The switch off is more or less to make sure they both aren't losing their voice at the end of all this.]
On to our neighbors~ [Perhaps not a showman as Allen but Lavi manages to somehow give his own kind of life to the CREDINTA section of the paper, without having it in front of him.]CREDINTA
･ The neighbouring city just across the river from us is known as Credinta. Unlike Nesreca, it appears to be a thriving city typical of any other in this world.
･ Credinta is currently our most abundant source of food and other resources, but please remember we are not welcome there. The people of Credinta are afraid of what happened to Nesreca, and thus us by association. If they catch us inside their city and realise we aren’t from their world, they will not react well.
･ Their mayor has given orders for us to be arrested on sight and their prisons are supposedly very hard to break out of. There is also a barrier surrounding the city with guards posted along it to keep us out.
･ Even so, it is not impossible to get in and out undetected, but please go with someone more experienced, always keep a low profile, and be sure to inform others before crossing over.
[Wait, did the view just-
...Yes, it most definitely twitched. Looks like this Allen guy doesn't take slights to his height very well. The camera stays stubbornly leveled as it is - aimed high enough to provide viewers with a good look of Lavi's face, but not quite enough to avoid cutting off the top of his tousled red hair; and while Allen won't bog down the recording with their quibbling, there's no doubt he's giving the other a look off-screen.
But as Lavi progresses through his section (flawlessly recalled, of course), the view does drift up bit by bit to include all of him in the screen. Allen's not that petty, and well- This is for the benefit of other people.
Once that section's done, all he does is proffer the device wordlessly to indicate they should switch. When Lavi's in range, however, viewers with sharp hearing may catch a low murmur of:] That was good.
[With any luck, Lavi's friendly attitude will serve to reassure some people. Assuming the trade-off goes without a hitch, Allen'll be stepping up again to - ironically - go over the HISTORY section.]HISTORY
･ Nesreca used to be a normal city until approximately a hundred years ago, when its population was seemingly wiped out overnight. We have yet to find out why or how it happened.
･ However, we did find proof that our captors, still alive then as former residents of Credinta, were responsible for the massacre.
･ Those who came over from Credinta to help were killed too. Since then, the people of Credinta have been too afraid to visit. Nesreca was left the way it was when it fell a century ago, until Libitina started her kidnappings in the spring of year 1999.
[Of course he did~
There will be of course a slightly wider grin from Lavi as he reads through his section and a very deliberate wink. At least as much of one as you can make out of someone wearing an eye-patch. It's all just part of trying to get Allen to loosen up! And why not amuse everyone else a little bit, it might help?
He chuckles a little even as he takes the camera from Allen again.] Of course it was~
Lavi stays perched on the edge of his seat this time, giving viewers a different angle of Allen. Slightly from below and looking up at him. To make him seem taller.]
[The wink fetches an equally deliberate lift of Allen's gaze, not quite an eyeroll, but lingering on the ceiling just long enough to convey a silent 'why me?'
When the camera changes hands, however, the corners of his mouth are quirked in the slightest hint of reluctant amusement. Then he's gone with a nod, standing before the camera again and keeping an impressively straight face despite knowing exactly what his friend's up to with that filming angle.
How very considerate of you, Lavi.
The presentation of the HISTORY section goes without a hitch, but here comes what is perhaps the most challenging part: GOING HOME. Allen pauses after wrapping up his section, looking beyond the camera to give Lavi a gently questioning look.
You sure you're up for this?]
[Well it's also to keep things from getting boring, you know? Just having the camera stationary at one angle all the time makes it seem a little more monotone and boring. We don't want folks drifting off during the presentation after all, new views equal catching and holding their attention again.
Of course he can do it, he's a Bookman after all. Even if his heart is still hurting from recent disappearances he can do this. Won't let his mask slip. From behind the camera there's a firm and understanding tone.]
I'm fine, Allen. [A ceiling shot catching a bit of red hair.] I can do this part.
[ piping up off-screen, still keeping his voice soft to avoid disrupting the recording too much: ] Alright, just thought I could keep going if you're tired.
[Which isn't the true reason, of course, but that's okay when they both know it. Consider this a veiled I believe (in) you.
And because this can't go without some light ribbing:] -In case the stairs took too much out of you.
[Switching!]
Hey, I'm the rabbit, yeah? [Lavi appears on the screen again with a broad smile.] Unending energy here. At least until after sparring and lessons.
[Though this is a horribly sensitive subject with the redhead he tries not to let it show. The only tell-tale sign is perhaps a slightly strained look around his eye. Having close people go like they have is trying.]
Besides, I've been using them more often.
[Lavi clears his throat, hands tucking behind his head.] Right, back on topic... [He slowly starts off the GOING HOME section.]GOING HOME
･ While people are sometimes sent home at random, there is no known way of voluntarily leaving Nesreca at this point in time. Our main goal is to find a way out while making life here as comfortable as possible.
･ Some of those who got sent back were eventually brought here again, several without memories of their previous stays. However, even more have gone home and stayed home.
･ Time does not flow in a linear manner across worlds. People of the same world are frequently abducted from different points in time, but those further along their timelines have reported that others from earlier points in time are still present in their worlds, despite simultaneously existing in Nesreca at the same time.
･ Additionally, when people are sent home, they are always returned to the exact point in time from which they were abducted, and in the same physical condition. They will have no memory of Nesreca while they’re home.
[Mouthing silently behind the camera, knowing Lavi can probably read lips:] 'Progress! Next: Learning to handle your communicator with care.'
[He's quiet otherwise, a steady, reassuring presence as Lavi forges his way through that section.]
[Which interrupts Lavi's section with a snort and a bit of an eye-roll until he gets to the end of it, at which...]
And now Allen will jump back out here for our next to last section~ Probably one of the things you've been waiting to hear so far.
[Lavi advances toward the feed, dark green shirt blocking out the view for a few moments.]
You need a drink of water before you go on, Mr. Mouthing-Words?
[Once again, Allen's response is barely above a murmur.]
I'm fine, it isn't that long. Maybe later?
[He's wearing an apologetic smile when he comes back into view, though he chooses not to verbally excuse the interruptions so as to avoid derailing the video further.]
Lavi's right, the next part's important. I know there's already a lot to take in, but we're almost done, so please stay with us a little longer.
[On that note, he launches into the ABOUT OUR CAPTORS section.]WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT OUR CAPTORS
･ Libitina seems to be working under her master’s orders. We don’t know what kind of hold he has over her, but she has admitted to getting punished when she doesn’t do as told. Although she claims not to remember anything of her past, it’s probably safe to assume she used to be a resident of Credinta like her master. It’s also highly possible she either doesn’t know or doesn’t believe she’s dead.
･ Not much is known of her master beyond the fact that he was listed in old Credinta files as a ‘dangerous citizen’, has a name beginning with ‘T’, and was once tried for harming children.
･ Libitina always appears on the network when a new arrival posts, while sightings of her master are much rarer. He takes the form of a man with a melting face. If you ever happen to run into either in person, never confront them alone. Both have proven time and again that they are hostile and extremely dangerous.
･ There is the possibility of a third spirit and though we have no idea who this might be, it’s questionable as to whether Libitina or her master are really the ones responsible for the seemingly random restoration of areas for a day. Thus far we have experienced the amusement park like it was in 1897 only to find it destroyed again and covered in claw marks the next day. The same happened with the town market for 24 hours and another section of town, we're not sure what is restoring and destroying these areas.
[Allen rounds off with:] ...Lastly, Lavi will walk you through a list of other helpful things to know about Nesreca. [ a nod at the screen ] Your turn, Lavi.
[Lavi leaves the camera leaning up against something on the table and walks on over to Allen, though with that angle it manages to cut Lavi's head off even as he stands next to the snow-haired teen.]
Don't forget, you got the ending conclusion too.
[The redhead turns around to face the camera, waiting for Allen to get over there.]
This is a long section so the best thing to do is get it over and done with, yeah? OTHER HELPFUL THINGS TO KNOW...
[Lavi takes in a deep breath as if to say "here we go" and launches into the list of things.]OTHER HELPFUL THINGS TO KNOW
･ Everyone is given a communicator upon arrival, capable of making video, voice, and text posts to the network. It is also possible to filter a conversation for privacy. Currently, the network appears to extend to Credinta, but it is possible that the communicators will stop working any further than that.
･ A generator can be found on the fifth floor, along with a makeshift oven that runs on electricity. There are plans to turn that room into a kitchen. Everyone is welcome to make use of it.
･ Hand-drawn maps of Nesreca are available. Please feel free to ask around if you need one, but do be careful with your copy as they were traced by hand and can take a good while to reproduce.
･ Certain areas in Nesreca are haunted, most notably the graveyard, hospital, carnival, and town market. The last two are marked by giant claw marks, though it’s unclear as to what caused them. If you decide to visit any of these places, please take someone with you and inform others before leaving.
･ The forest on the outskirts of Nesreca can be a potential source of food, but please be careful when you go. At least one bear has been sighted, we don’t know whether there are more in the forest.
･ While the population of Nesreca shifts frequently, there happen to be healers and doctors among us at the moment. They have kindly offered their services to anyone seeking medical attention, so please don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
･ For those of you unfamiliar with the country of Russia, the native language is Russian though English seems to be picking up as a secondary or third language. If you’d like to learn the language to fit in better when you do happen to go into Credinta, Lavi (a redhead with an eye-patch) has set up lessons where you can learn how to read, write, and speak the language. The local currency is called rubles and while there are places to exchange your currency, it is better to just save the money from your world. It might give you away as being from Nesreca and get you thrown in the jail.
･ CAUTION: The other buildings left standing in Nesreca (aside from the apartment building) are structurally unsound and the floors have a habit of collapsing regularly under additional weight. As such they are not safe to explore and have already been checked for usuable items by previous members of our group. The rooftops are also not safe and do also cave in with additional weight not normal (aka weather).
[He points to himself with his thumb when he gets to the part about lessons in Russian and taking a stern tone as his recitation hits the part about the buildings. It wasn't anything to take lightly, nothing was despite how he tried to cheer folks up.]
Your parting shot, Allen~
[Lavi, you unrepentant giant. Allen will catch up someday- Alright, maybe not, but he's determined to at least be taller than Kanda by the powers of poetic justice.
Having moved out of the frame when Lavi began, he takes his place next to the Bookman again - you're quite welcome to stay for the end of the presentation, by the way - and rounds up the guide, notably not referring to the script at all this time. It comes off sounding a lot less rehearsed than the original script, and doubly sincere.]This guide is by no means conclusive. To keep it as comprehensive as possible, it will be edited and expanded upon as more information comes to light. As of the time it was written, this is all we know, but we hope it’ll at least provide you with an understanding of our situation, and will do our best to answer any further questions you may have. Anyone who would like to add on to this guide is encouraged to speak up.
There will come a day when we’ll all go home and have no need of this guide anymore. We’re all working for that day to come sooner. Until then, please remember to take care of yourselves and each other.
... Please remember to take care of yourselves and each other. [ clear grey eyes holding the viewer's gaze for one, two-
Then he'll move to switch off the video unless Lavi's handling it. ]
[Hey, you love him the way he is. Giant and all.
Stay he will! Though he leans back against the wall so his head is no longer cut off and puts his hands in his pockets. Eye focused on the back of Allen's head rather than at the camera.
Though he glances at it near the end of Allen's speech and gives it a friendly smile and wave.]