彡 first seal [action]

[spiritbruising]

[Somewhat early in the morning, a New Feather girl wanders across the square. However, her expression isn't one of shock and confusion. She's observing, and calculating. Every detail of the environment is taken in, from the villagers to the signs on the shop windows. One thing is clear.

Everyone has wings.

Not all are visible, but there's a tell-tale lump under coats that shows, to Reiko's sharp eyes, that they're still hidden underneath. Either this is a village of youkai, or there's one very nasty spirit in the area preying on the humans here. Considering her own state, and the absence of the Book of Friends... she can only assume the worst.

First things first.

She needs to find a broom.

A short time later, the girl is now in a school uniform obscured by a coat. The coat doesn't belong to her - it should be summer, but she'd found her money in the pocket of the skirt and left what little she had for 'payment.' However, considering the feelings of humans isn't her priority here. She needs information. It's time to shake down the locals.

Casually gripping the handle of her new broom, she approaches the nearest 'youkai' with a cheerful-looking smile.] Excuse me!

[Today, Reiko will directly approach anyone who clearly appears non-human... or at least might seem so by the standards of a girl from an ordinary 1950s Japan. Anyone else is watched and then ignored, though she won't avoid a conversation if she's questioned.]

Comments

[spiritbruising]

Are humans unusual around here, then? [Maybe... he doesn't realize what she is? But the rest of it...]

I can take complicated.

[vulcanblazer]

Not at all. Actually, humans are the vast majority of the people who live here. There are others, but mostly humans. It's just that people rarely refer to specific species around here, I guess. Most of the time, we just don't really care what anyone is.

Well, all right. This is gonna sound really weird. But I assure you, I'm telling you the truth.

[He takes a deep breath, and then proceeds, keeping a straight face and sounding as earnest as he can. It's not hard for Adell, but still. He knows this sounds ridiculous and has to sound sincere.]

Where we are, what this place is, is a different world than wherever you're from. People from all sorts of different realities have ended up here. This village, Luceti, is actually covered in a barrier, preventing anyone from getting out... or letting anything in. It's the result of a project by a group of scientists called the Malnosso. ...Not the most pleasant bunch, but they do provide supplies and such. Which is why everything's free.

Of course, it's much more complicated than that. I can show you the guide we have, if that'll help things any.

1/2

[spiritbruising]

[Reiko listens with a more pensive expression than she's had thus far. Curses she can deal with... Youkai trying to kill her, and humans shunning her, too. But this is a completely different game - if the story's true.]

Sounds like quite the situation. [...]

2/2

[spiritbruising]

[But, that doesn't last too long.]

So these Malnosso are the ones to talk to, right? Where are they?

[she's got many more questions. Especially about the first part of what Adell said, about humans and... others. The idea of humans and youkai living alongside each other seems ridiculous. But the best way to find anything out is to take it to the top.]

[vulcanblazer]

Outside the barrier. They're keeping us trapped here. You can try to reach them through the journal system, but they're never too keen on answering.

[spiritbruising]

[...

Finally, she asks.] And are they behind these?

[she points at Adell's set of wings, since her initial assumptions were just thrown for a loop.]

[vulcanblazer]

...No. That's more of this world itself. Everyone gets a set of them... and don't let them get torn off. Trust me. You don't want that to happen.

[His voice is grim enough that she can probably guess what happens.]

[spiritbruising]

[At least he can see them, though she has the pretty big suspicion he's not human. "The world itself" doesn't completely rule out the youkai theory, though.]

Something even bigger in play, then... [she's not sure if she likes that. But, subject change!] Then, about this town! What did you mean, things other than humans?

[vulcanblazer]

Well, considering this town brings in people from all sorts of different universe, it stands to reason not all universes have humans in them, right?

This village has seen all kinds of things show up here. Robots, androids, angels, vampires, you name it.

[spiritbruising]

[........] You're sure you're not teasing the new girl?

[vulcanblazer]

Of course I'm not. That's really not my style.

[spiritbruising]

[she considers this.] No, you seem like a straightforward person.

[It's not bad. Even if he's not human.] Hey, what about youkai? Do you know any?

[vulcanblazer]

Huh? Yeah, there are a few of them around. Why do you ask?

[He's not quite ready to offer up who he knows, considering he's not sure how this person and Yukari would hit it off.]

[spiritbruising]

['of them'... so he's not including himself?] Just curious.

[vulcanblazer]

...They don't cause trouble, if that's what you're worried about.

[Because most people who've asked about youkai either have a bone to pick with them... or are one themselves.]

[spiritbruising]

[Youkai... "don't cause trouble"?]

[spiritbruising]

[sorry Adell, Reiko's laughing now.] That's nice to hear!

[vulcanblazer]

I can't tell if you believe me or not.

[spiritbruising]

What do you think of youkai?

[not ignoring the question, nope]

[vulcanblazer]

The ones I've met? All but one of them have been good people. But I'm not about to let one of them ruin everything for everyone else.

Actually, some of them have been really good friends of mine.

[spiritbruising]

[...] That's a kind way of thinking.

[vulcanblazer]

[Adell turns a little red at the compliment. It's subtle, but it still gets him a bit when people call him kind. Quite a change from being called a brute most of his life.]

Thanks.

[spiritbruising]

[hmm... interesting reaction.]

I'm Reiko... Natsume Reiko. What's your name?

[vulcanblazer]

Name's Adell. Nice to meet you, Reiko!

[spiritbruising]

[he's so quick to give his name...]

So, can I ask what you are? That's not frowned on here, is it?

[even if it were, she's... not one for tact honestly.]