Chapter 1

[romancier]

[The video turns on to a perplexed Shigure, rubbing the back of his head with the file they gave him upon his arrival tucked underneath his other arm. The kimono that he wears is a little loose, and looks a bit disheveled as he stands there, trying to let everything sink in. Once he realizes the video function is working, he gives it a small smile.]

You know, when I told Mit-chan I was going on vacation, this isn't exactly what I had in mind. I was imagining something more along the lines of a nice, sandy warm beach, surrounded by lots of young beautiful high school girls in nothing but bathing suits that fanned me and waited upon my every need!

[A huge, dramatic sigh.]

And to think! Poor Tohru-kun would have made all that delicious food by now, and I won't be able to taste any of it! She'll only have unruly teenage boys to keep her company, and no one else to watch out for her! Oh, to think what she must be going through without my influential presence!

[Then, as if he hadn't been whining at all in the first place:]

So, to my dear kidnappers, as much as I would love to be your mighty king, fighting off your dreadful dragons, I'm afraid my duties call me elsewhere. If you could just tell me how to get back home, it is of the greatest importance. Lots of princesses to save, and all that!

[He chuckles and looks at the camera as if waiting for a response. There is a low growl that comes from off screen. Shigure looks in its direction and suddenly looks very nervous.]

Ah. Nice doggy...

[As he starts to back away, he turns the feed off.]

Comments

[bindsthedead]

I can pull up the videos, if you'd like. [Sabriel sees the terror- and if it gets much worse she'll reassure him, but at the moment, it's almost funny.]

Even if you traveled there, it would be a different version of your country, with a different history, and no who would recognize you.

[romancier]

No, no, there's no need! I think I understand!

[Oh god did his voice get a little higher it sure did.

But then he adds a little more seriously:]

So there really isn't a way to return?

[That's troublesome.]

[bindsthedead]

There really isn't, I'm afraid. The pamphlet they gave you should answer some of your questions.

[romancier]

I did read it, but I was hoping there might be something else.

[Like someone who could help him.]

Well, I suppose I have no choice but to dedicate my talents to the greater good in hopes that I will one day be able to see Tohru-kun's beautiful face again!

[bindsthedead]

And what... are your talents? Or did you receive some useful power upon your arrival?

[romancier]

I'm what you'd call a jack of all trades. Alluring author, master samurai, and not to mention a degree of the highest caliber in the traditional, yet very important, art of hanky panky.

[bindsthedead]

So you're a writer and a swordsman. [Also a pervert, but she doesn't say that out loud.]

That's fortunate- you'll be able to defend yourself.

[romancier]

[That would be fortunate if half of that were true...]

Oh? Do you find you often need to defend yourself here?

[bindsthedead]

Well, yes. Not constantly, but... because of our powers, there are those who see us as threats.