maskormenace | 001 ⚔ Video

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001 ⚔ Video

[The device is unfamiliar to Van, but he has always been a quick study. After a brief fumble with the initial direction of the camera, he appears upright on screen, a young man with earthy red eyes, wild black hair, and a stern expression that suggests he is attempting to, and only halfway succeeding at, controlling a barrage of intense emotions.

Probably confusion and disorientation, the same sort almost all imPorts feel upon their arrival, though some more so than others, particularly those who hail from worlds much less advanced than this one...]

I'm looking for two friends of mine.

[He's abrupt and to the point, seemingly unhappy with having to ask for help, but obviously knowing that he's without any alternative options at the moment.]

We were traveling together before I found myself here. Merle, Hitomi...I've been told that this is the quickest way to reach you if you've also been brought here by that Porter.

[If...

Van's expression darkens, and a gloved hand rises to cover the lens of the camera.]

...I would be grateful to anyone who has perhaps heard of them, or who recognizes the names Gaea or Zaibach.

[The latter said with such potent disdain it's a wonder the young man's voice didn't crack before he simply...disconnects.]

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[The first day, implying there will be many more to come. Van starts to say something and then, as that thought sinks in, shakes his head and averts his gaze instead.

How long? That is the question he would like to ask. How long will he be stranded here and separated from his friends? From his country? How ever will he get back home? Though if this stranger knew the answer, Van supposes he'd have already gone back to where he came from.]

No, I'm fine. Thanks...but I don't need anything else.

[But that's not entirely true, is it? And he realizes this quickly, allowing him to amend...]

Although...your name. What is it?

If you're certain.

[an acknowledgement rather than a doubt. there's no reason to insist on a matter that's so deeply personal, especially when Van can change his mind whenever he likes. help isn't going anywhere, after all.]

My name is Jonathan Joestar - although you can simply call me Jojo, if you prefer. It's a pleasure.

[Van's certain. He doesn't want to rely too much on others, doesn't want to drag anyone else into what's going on back home the way Hitomi had been unwittingly involved.]

Van Fanel.

[His chin lifts, a flicker of pride in his sharp eyes...and gratitude.]

I won't forget your name, Jonathan.

[Ain't calling you Jojo, though.]

[lmao ok buddy, you're either going to hop on the Jojo bandwagon eventually anyway or turn into Speedwagon. make your choice early before it's thrust upon you.]

I wouldn't mind some practice with my introductions even if you did. [a small joke, accompanied by a gentle smile.] Repetition is the best way to improve with that sort of thing, after all.

[Wow, dude, don't go thrusting destinies upon him! He gets enough of that shit back home!]

From what I've gathered so far, you'll never be short people to practice with here.

[Not if that machine keeps bringing people through against their will...]

[god some bad news for you about that, buddy.]

The machine has a mind of its own, from what I understand. There doesn't seem to be much rhyme or reason for the comings and goings here.

[and that's truly a pity, for more than just himself.]

...but it does send people back?

It does, although they aren't always permanent returns. As I said, there isn't much sense in it all.

Why don't they just shut it down until they figure out how to send people back for good?

[It's nowhere near an ideal solution, but it would certainly beat being sent home only to be brought back here again almost immediately after, wouldn't it?]

They can't. As I said, the machine has a mind of its own; from what I understand it resists any attempts of that nature.

And you've just accepted that?

There really isn't much that I personally can do - none of this technology exists yet in my own time. But there are others a bit more capable working on finding an answer.

Tell me who they are.

I can't say that I really know any of them personally...but you may want to inquire at StarkTech, or Starr Industries. Even if they don't have what you're looking for, they ought to be able to point you in the right direction.

[Van takes a breath and...nods. Solemn, but understanding. A place to start is better than having no direction at all.]

Hm.

[A slight cant of his head to the side as he realizes something seemingly important.]

That's twice.

[That you've helped him, Jonathan, and asked nothing in return.]

You have my gratitude for your assistance...just don't think it means I owe you any grandiose favors, alright? I'll repay your kindness, but I won't be taken for a fool.

[Jonathan doesn't seem to realize what Van is talking about - but then he continues, and the other man can't help be laugh. it's a kind sound, however, genuinely amused rather than mocking.]

I'm glad that I've been able to help, but I'm afraid I don't do so with the intention of some sort of reward. If this talk is useful, even a bit, then I'm quite satisfied.

[Van would really like to believe that, but his expression reads more of one who's thinking, Yeah right.]

There aren't very many people who do something for nothing, and I like to think there are even less who like being in another's debt.

[If it isn't clear, he falls into the latter bracket.]

[if any of it bothers Jonathan, he gives absolutely no indication of it.]

A gentleman doesn't hold people morally hostage simply for doing what's right. If it really bothers you to not reciprocate, you could always buy me lunch sometime.

[it's more of a friendly thing to do than a real repayment, and it gives them a nice excuse to chat if Van's so inclined.]

[Van stares a moment, surprise behind his eyes. This man is...a gentleman? Oh...well, that explains the etiquette, doesn't it?

And immediately he feels a bit ashamed for being so suspicious. His surprise turns to chagrin and he stiffens marginally.]

...lunch?

[He seems to consider this, but there is a problem. He doesn't have any money at the moment. At least, none he's aware of.]

Is there nothing else?

I'm not particularly picky; if you have something else in mind I'd be happy to do that instead. It's your treat, after all.

[there's nothing to meet Van's uncomfortable posture but a warm smile. he's been taken for much worse many times before.]

I don't exactly know enough about this world yet to offer you anything different.

[Which very clearly bothers him! But he will deal with it and move on. There are worse things, after all.]

Although...

[He frowns again. Always frowning, although this time it seems to be a little in confusion.]

...I was given a job here to do? Maybe once I've gathered some earnings from that I can treat you to lunch. If you don't mind the wait.

There's no need to rush. It may even be easier to figure out what to do after we get to know each other a bit better.

[he knows better than to use the f word around someone who frowns that much. not yet, anyway.]

Do you mind my asking what they assigned you to do? They seem to be rather...creative with the jobs.

Yeah...

[He knows what Jonathan's getting at, but he'd rather not go there. Not yet. Instead, it's easier to answer his other question. Well...sort of easier.]

I was told that it's assembling figurines? Clashmallet figurines. Whatever that is.

Your guess is as good as mine on that. They must be rather intricate if they need a dedicated assembler, though.

[at least it's not a television show. feel fortunate, Van.]

[He doesn't have the personality for television! All his costars would complain about him being too surly!]

I'm a pilot not an engineer...I don't know what they were thinking.

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