001 | video

[smokingdemon]

[The video clicks on to show the edge of one bare shoulder. It is not a happy shoulder, although as far as biceps go, it's also not particularly expressive. The barely hidden snarl in its owner's voice is much more telling.]

-thing even working. There must be a way to-

[A throat-clearing noise. He raises his voice.]You're all talking like you

Comments

[boomchucka]

This place is called Luceti, it's controlled by the Malnosso who also brought us here. They also gave you the wings on your back.

As for Kyoto... I don't know how you're gonna get back there. You're probably not gonna like this very much but there's no known way out either.

[smokingdemon]

[and now the book is talking to him. he didn't exactly expect that, and he's fumbling it slightly, tilting it to try and get a better look at this girl.]

...

If they brought us here, there has to be a way back. ['Malnosso.' It's something, at least.]

[boomchucka]

As far as I know, nobody's found it yet.

[smokingdemon]

[He snorts.]

Who are you, girl?

[galaxy_nymph]

Welcome to Luceti and Kyoto is far from here.

[smokingdemon]

So I hear. The other girl said there's no way out. Why? Is it guarded?

[galaxy_nymph]

There has to be a way out. I just don't think the people here are looking in the right place.

[smokingdemon]

[At least this one is still thinking. He sounds almost pleased.] Hmph.

Where have they been looking, then?

[voice]

[purpledemoneyes]

You're from Japan?

[voice]

[smokingdemon]

Of course I am. [He definitely wasn't taken overseas, so he should still be on Honshu--

He also has wings. Whatever. He'll assume this is some corner of Japan until told otherwise.]

Who are you?

[voice]

[purpledemoneyes]

Oh, sorry! I'm Tsuzuki, nice to meet you.

[And he bows as he says so, but that's not visible over the journals.]

Have you managed to find your way to the town already?

[voice]

[smokingdemon]

Same.

...I've gotten directions.

[voice]

[cookingninja]

[Another one?]

Hijikata-san? Is that you?

[video]

[smokingdemon]

[The voice is familiar, but he can't quite place it. It almost sounds like -

It can't be her, though. Frowning.]

Who are you and how do you know my name?

[voice] -> [video]

[cookingninja]

[Ah. Yes, that would be him. And he likely doesn't remember being here before, either, not if he's reacting like that.]

I thought that was you. Where a- ah, just a moment....

[She'll just fumble with the journal a little, pretending to have difficulty before she switches on the camera and her smile is visible as well as audible.]

Have you found your way to the village yet?

[video]

[smokingdemon]

[Just give him a moment to pick up that book again. It's like seeing a ghost.

Susumu in costume? He takes a breath, leveling a glare at the moving image.]

I'll assume you have a reason for this. [He can't imagine why the ninja would be dressed like her, but he's reliable; it wouldn't be for fun. Maybe these conversations are visible to their captors.]

-- No. I've found a river, though.

video

[ahappylie]

[That voice... It's impossible to mistake it. Just as grumpy as he remembers and just as good to hear it coming through the network. With everyone else here, he'd been holding out hope that one of his friends would return.

With a smile, Souji turns on the camera and laughs a bit at Hijikata's demands.]

Hello, Hijikata-san~!

video

[smokingdemon]

[It's not entirely a surprise to see Souji on this... thing... after talking with Ayumu. He sounds well.

...and he has the gall to laugh. Hijikata glares halfheartedly at the little picture.]

Souji. You are here.

video

[ahappylie]

[Of course he laughs. It's not like Hijikata ever will. 8|

Souji waves at him through the journal.]

Did you think I'd let you have fun without me?

video

[smokingdemon]

[Not right now he's not going to. OR DID YOU MISS THE PART ABOUT KIDNAPPING-

Sigh. Looking around.]

How long have you been here?