001 | video

[hemokinetic]

U-um...

[The girl peering at the camera looks like she has no idea what to say, because she doesn't.

This is so unpleasant.

Mirai frowns thoughtfully, expression twisting in such a way that it suggests she's about to say something, but what she does instead is adjust her glasses, huff, and — and then blinks at the camera, like she somehow forgot it was there.]

Oh! Yes, hello. My name is Mirai Kuriyama. I'm new here. I was wondering if anyone recognizes any of these names:

Akihito Kanbara
Mitsuki Nase
Ayaka Shindou
Ai Shindou

If you do, please let me know! They're —

[Another pause, this time paired with an uncertain look.]

They're my friends from home. [She very nearly stumbles on the word "friends."] I'd very much like to speak with them, if possible. And if any of you are reading this — [Here she wrinkles her nose, suddenly annoyed — ] especially you, Kanbara-senpai! — please tell me. I'm —

[Scared.

Quietly:] Thank you all for your time.

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[godly]

[Another new arrival; and she looks uncomfortable to say the least. Light feels inclined to at least respond, and hopefully cut down on her confusion as much as he can.

So the feed cuts on, and the face of a 19 year-old boy shows on the screen.]

I don't recognize any of those names, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they aren't here. And if not, there's always a chance your friends may arrive at any time.

[Though whether the latter is very comforting or not is up for debate.]

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[hemokinetic]

[Mirai wasn't expecting such a quick response, or — well, any response, to be honest, so for a moment she looks a little startled.

When she processes what Light's just said, the surprise fades fast.

Props to him for trying. She's upset anyway, and it shows in the way her already shaky voice drops a few levels.]

Oh. Okay, thank you. Maybe — maybe someone else knows them, then...

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[godly]

[He's been in her shoes before. He knows how disorienting it can be on one's first day; and, depending on one's personality, how easy it is to be fearful.]

The imPorts here keep an eye on the network, especially when new arrivals come in. I can say with near certainty that if anyone recognizes those names, they'll speak up in one way or another.

...And don't worry, the first few days can be confusing, but it'll get better.

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[hemokinetic]

[In Mirai's experience, it's much easier to be fearful than anything else. She adjusts her glasses again, nodding to let him know she's paying attention — and maybe trying to look like she's taking what he says to heart, even if she isn't.]

Thank you again. That's good to know. [Both of those things. And she's tempted to let the conversation go there, but...] Have you been here for a long time?

[godly]

[He nods in return, as well.]

A fair amount of time, in my opinion. [Which is putting it lightly. Between having something important to take care of at home, and trying to keep himself as busy as possible here, he's been here far too long.] Since February of this year.

[hemokinetic]

[It's clear from her latest expression that she's not sure what to think of that. She doesn't know if she's ready to go back home immediately, but months and months and months seems like such a long time...]

Excuse me for asking, but what have you been doing all that time? They gave you a job too, right?

[godly]

They did. Originally, I worked in Internal Investigations. Now I work in Criminal Intelligence with the Police Department.

I also go to the university here, in an effort to continue my education.

[So, yes, he keeps himself very busy.]

[hemokinetic]

[!

Mirai looks impressed. That's some job. And for someone who's still in university... she'd give an impressed whistle, if she could.]

That sounds very important. I'm supposed to be an intern at the forensics lab... they work with the police, don't they?

[godly]

[It would be an impressive feat, indeed, if not for the fact that most of it is brought on by a desire to escape an ever-growing sense of ennui.

Not that he would be eager to admit such a thing, mind you.]

Ah, yes, that's right. If you decide to take that job, we might see each other in passing. [A small grin.]

[hemokinetic]

[What????

She's not blushing whaT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT??/]

I haven't decided yet, but I'm going to consider it. It might be... [Searching for a word. Hm, hm.] Interesting.

[A pause, then, a little sheepishly:] It's nice to meet you, by the way.

[godly]

[Oh, Light. Always saying such things.]

I would think so; or at least, more interesting than some of the jobs that you could have been assigned. [He's lucky he wasn't given something ridiculous like some of the others he's heard about.]

It's nice to meet you as well. My name is Light Yagami.

[hemokinetic]

[She can't even imagine what some of those jobs might be — she's just glad to know she has the ability to feed herself, now. Without needing to run around killing monsters. It's nice.

Anyway, she nods at his name, filing it away for future reference.

Then, after a moment's thought:] Um. People who are brought here — do they ever get to go back?

[godly]

[Bonus points to her for not commenting or asking about his strange name. He had the sentences prepared in his mind for an explanation and everything, as is his habit.

So, instead, he just considers her question for a moment and responds evenly.]

Sometimes, but it's random at best. If you are fortunate enough to return home, you don't remember anything that's transpired in this world; of course, there is a chance you might still return even after that.

[hemokinetic]

[But that would be rude!

Her brows furrow as he speaks. That doesn't make sense.]

Is this like a dream?

[godly]

That wouldn't be a completely... inaccurate analogy, if you think of it that way. But unfortunately, that's about where the comparison stops.

[hemokinetic]

So the war... that's real? We're in danger?