001 ✩ ( audio )

[rosen]

[ The red-head has an extremely displeased expression on her face, but too bad you can't see it. Audio will suffice for everyone. No use getting more familiar than need be, after all. An audible irked tone will be heard by anyone who cares to listen to her. ]

While I'm certain this isn't Kamigusk, or anywhere near the academy, I'm lost as to where exactly I am. I apologize for this ignorance, and can assure you I'll get my bearings once acclimated to the area. A map would be nice, if one can be supplied to me. I refuse to trust any objects in this backpack until it's proven not to be cursed or rigged. Not to mention I have no mother, so this farce that is going on is ludicrous.

This creature that I've been given is also an unexpected burden and I'd much like to get rid of it somewhere. If you'd like to take good care of a floating cat-like animal, please reply with your request, though I refuse to give it to anyone unqualified.

Comments

[Audio]

[youngforhisage]

Oh? And why might that be?

[Audio]

[rosen]

I have a job to do. What kind of assistant abandons her position without notice?

[Audio]

[youngforhisage]

I can understand that. I was on something of a job myself when I wound up here... However, from what I can tell, time is completely stopped in our worlds while we are here. Or at the very least, should anyone return, it is to the exact moment they left at.

[Audio]

[rosen]

Oh? And what proof do you have to back up those words?

[ It comes out a bit brasher than intended. ]

[Audio]

[youngforhisage]

The words of more people who have experienced it than I could count.

[Audio]

[rosen]

[ Consider her still a might skeptical. ]

It's troublesome either way.

[Audio]

[youngforhisage]

A bit, yes. But at the very least, you can rest assured that you will not miss anything while you are gone.

[Audio]

[rosen]

[ 'That's not necessarily true.' is all she can think. ]

It would still be beneficial for me to get home as soon as possible.

[Audio]

[youngforhisage]

Your job must be very important to you.

[Audio]

[rosen]

It is. It's important to others as well.

[Audio]

[youngforhisage]

...I see. Whoever you work for must be lucky to have such a dedicated person with them.

[Audio]

[rosen]

...I do as I'm instructed. There's not too much to compliment me for as I'm just following orders.

[Audio]

[youngforhisage]

And yet there are many who wouldn't, were they in the same position.

[Audio]

[rosen]

I'm not one to break promises that I make.

[Audio]

[youngforhisage]

Promise...?

[Audio]

[rosen]

[ Crap. His familiarity caught her off guard. ]

I apologize. for misspeaking. It's none of your concern.

[Audio]

[youngforhisage]

In that case, I won't pry.

[After all, it would be pretty rude, and obviously it's something quite personal. So instead:]

I don't believe I ever introduced myself. My name is Asuma. It is nice to meet you, miss...?

[Audio]

[rosen]

[ Another long silence graces the network. ]

...You're...Asuma?

[Audio]

[youngforhisage]

[That was... quite the pause indeed. Was this someone he had met, only to forget? There were such an awful lot of people one ran into when traveling...]

That is me, yes.

[Audio]

[rosen]

[ It's impossible, isn't it? But at the same time, it wasn't too long ago that she did hear this voice. There are multiple people with the same name, right...? There's only one way to confirm her hunch. ]

...these devices have capabilities that allow picture signals to be sent, correct? So that I can possibly see you.

[Audio > Video]

[youngforhisage]

That is correct. There should be a button labelled "video" on your 'Gear, but I can switch mine now.

[Which he does! Look familiar now, Misaki?]

[Audio > Video]

[rosen]

[ She doesn't inhale but she does pause, finger over the specified button. It's true. It really is him. It seems rude to be the only one not visible so she quickly clicks the button and appears. ]

So it's been reversed.

[Video]

[youngforhisage]

[...Odd. She looks familiar, but he can't quite place her. It has been a few months for him and a few years for her, after all..]

Reversed, you say?

[Video]

[rosen]

Your magic. You've become younger.

[Video]

[youngforhisage]

[It's his turn to pause a moment. It isn't as though he broadcasts the effects of his sacrifice.]

Who are you...?