maskormenace | ❮❮ 01; video. ❯❯

[The video feed flickers to life, revealing the face of a young man decidedly still in his late teens. He's calm enough, almost professional, and his words will be spoken with the deliberation of someone who's put some thought into what they're going to say.]

I'm going to bypass what I assume are the usual comments concerning the... inconvenience of being brought here. I'm sure I'm not the only one who was either in the middle of something important or simply has more pressing matters at "home", so there's little point in being redundant.

[All-in-all, he appears to be taking this alright. There's only the slightest twitch, a furrowing of the brow -- but to anyone who claims to know Light well, this is merely an indication that's he a lot more irritated than he's letting on. (Consider it a blessing that no one really knows Light all that well.) He continues.]

My name is Light Yagami; I was a first year college student in Japan before my arrival. I understand that there are shared residencies here... in that case, if you happen to be one of my housemates, I'd appreciate you letting me know. I'd like to familiarize myself with your names, faces, backgrounds, personalities and et cetera, just so I can get a sense of [what he's getting himself into] who I'm living with and what daily life is going to be like. Just out of curiosity.

Secondly -- and this is directed to anyone seeing this -- I'd like some advice as to how to adapt here. This is a - [a pause because the notion sounds ridiculous but here he is] reality that isn't my own, so as far as I know, down could be up and up could be down. Explanations of do's and don't's are welcome, as is just general information if that's all you have to contribute. And yes, I know I've already been given a summary of what's supposedly happening; it's just that I wouldn't mind getting second opinions, or just meeting the people here.

[He looks as if he's about to end it there, and then, as if remembering something:]

Oh, and is the calendar on this thing right? February 26th? It's almost my birthday again.

Anyway, thanks for your time.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Fair enough; "decent behavior" wasn't something I intended to ignore, though it didn't hurt to ask.

[But as for the rest of that:] I just find it a little difficult to trust the circumstances of my arrival -- cooperation is well and good, but aren't most here at least hesitant? We've practically been torn from our worlds and just expected to accept it.

I'm sure. I mean it's less the choice that dictates your reception, if you catch my meaning. Not that the choice doesn't make a difference.

Who wouldn't be hesitant, though? Unless you're from a dying planet or prison most of us just got our lives put on hold. And like most of us, I don't like being inconvenienced, but it seems like inconvenience is our new reality for a while.

You're right, of course. But while it may be our new reality, I have no doubt some may find it more difficult to accept than others. Or not be suspicious.

[Because to Light, this is all a little suspicious.]

After all, having to swear an oath? That's a pretty serious notion.

No kidding. Especially for those of us who didn't grow up during a war.

[ He shrugs his shoulders pensively. ]

I'm pretty used to strange. Alternate universes, superpowers, aliens... it could be more unbelievable. The only problem is time doesn't stop while we decide if being suspicious is worth it.

[He makes a good point, but--] You're used to alternate universes?

[Because wow, his own world must have been pretty mundane in comparison, even if you took the Kira case into consideration.]

[ His smirk is almost guilty. ]

Sure am, and I assume you aren't. I wouldn't say it's anything to brag about, except it prepares you for... well, alternate universes. Alternate Earths, whatever you'd call them. And I guess they're used to them here, too. At least enough to be prepared to handle them.

At the very least, it seems that way. And no, I'm not used to the idea of alternate realities, universes or anything like that. Guess it's a scientific discovery that hasn't been made in my world yet.

[He can't say he doesn't believe they exist, that's for sure. He has proof all around him.]

How did you become familiar with the concept?

[ He holds up his hands, eyebrows raised as if in exasperation. Not at the question, but at the science involved in the answer. ]

Not by choice. Actually, kind of like this. People show up from thin air because they're a refugee from their dying universe, or a visitor, or from the future, and then the punchline is they're all serious.

Really, though. You're better off, I wouldn't call the complications worth it.

[He vaguely thinks to himself that that sounds like something out of a science fiction film, but he decides against it. Instead:]

Better off or not, it seems like I'm going to have ample experience in the matter thanks to this new situation of ours. I may have to learn of the complications sooner than I'd like. For instance, it seems as if I've skipped a few years since last I remember and when I arrived.

Better just a few years than a few decades at least, right? Well, so I hear. Oh--

[ A beat. ]

On that note, should I wish you a happy birthday? What's the number?

...Ah, you don't have to -- I'm not really considering it an official birthday. In my experience, it's only been a few months since my last one.

[But, you know, as for the number:] Nineteen, though. If it counted. [Which it doesn't. He refuses.]

What's the harm? I might still celebrate mine. A birthday where you don't get any older seems like a dream come true.

[ Though admittedly: ]

Maybe not at nineteen. But the point stands: here you are in an alternate universe for an indefinite amount of time, why not seize the opportunity?

[He nearly laughs.] You know, you're not the first person who's said that to me. I suppose heading out to look for a cake gives me an opportunity to explore the city.

I don't say things that aren't true or good ideas. What's the harm, taking a little time to celebrate yourself right out of the gate? It might do your mind and your nerves some good.

❮❮ 01; video. ❯❯

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