001 ⚔ Video

[danceofcurse]

[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.]

Comments

[fistofthejoestar]

None that we don't bring along ourselves, no.

[which is a little funny - for someone who's had to weather so much unexpected supernatural bullshit, you'd think Jonathan would have jumped on any excuse to assume the same here. apparently that archaeology degree wasn't as worthless as Dio thought!]

The show is more - ah, it's a big difficult to explain. They have devices here which can record and play back actions, as well as broadcast it to a great number of people.

I suppose it's a bit more accurate to say it's like being able to watch an investigation as it unfolds rather than waiting for the report.

[this is really hard when you don't have any of this shit in your own time period.]

[danceofcurse]

Oh.

[Van nods, the concept simple enough (and not so far removed from what they're doing now) that he understands fairly quickly what Jonathan means.]

But you spend more time reporting the history of old locations?

[A thought...]

Where can I watch this show?

[fistofthejoestar]

Yes, although I must confess it's a bit selfish of me. The past has always been dreadfully fascinating to me, especially in a place whose past is my own future.

[or some approximation of it, at least. how anyone could tear themselves away from that kind of thing he really doesn't know.]

It's on television - ah, the box in your home - in the evenings. I'd have to look up which channel, if you really would like to see it sometime; I must confess I don't watch it myself very often.

[danceofcurse]

It's selfish to explore the past?

[Van looks away. He doesn't agree with that, but then...maybe he's selfish, too? Of course, he runs from the past a whole lot more than he investigates it, but there are certain things he keeps close to his heart, and things that he wants very much to know more about. His curiosity isn't even limited to his heritage or his kingdom. The world is a vast place, and if he's to be a good king, ignorance will only serve to cripple him...

And can't that logic be applied to most everyone and most every situation? If you don't know what happened before, how can you ever hope to avoid repeating the mistakes of your predecessors?]

I'd appreciate that, if it's not too much trouble.

[Not only will he be able to learn more about this world that way, but if Jonathan's the one reporting, perhaps it will give Van more insight into what he's like, too.]

[fistofthejoestar]

It is when you're being paid to do something else entirely...but no one really seems to mind, so perhaps I'm being a bit too strict with myself.

[it wouldn't be the first time. Jonathan may not really be all that talented at combating it, but he's well aware that he often places unrealistic expectations on himself. there just always seemed to be something he could be doing better, no matter what it was.]

But I'll be certain to send that your way once I manage to track it down. I've written it somewhere around here, it shouldn't take too long.

[are you ready to watch hourlong segments of Jonathan's camerapeople helping him fix old houses and filming him settle marital disputes accidentally? get hype, Van.]

[danceofcurse]

[He thinks he's ready.

Spoiler: he's not.]

There's no hurry. You have my thanks again.

[fistofthejoestar]

[AT LEAST HE'LL HAVE NO DOUBTS WHATSOEVER THAT JONATHAN IS AN ACTUAL SAINT]

Really, I ought to be thanking you. The more popular the show is, the better pay I can get for my crew.

[danceofcurse]

Then this is mutually beneficial. That's good.

[fistofthejoestar]

It certainly is. They really deserve a great deal more than they receive for putting up with me.

[danceofcurse]

I don't know, you don't seem that bad.

[So far.]

[fistofthejoestar]

Thank you for saying so. But I'm afraid that I'm terribly curious and still have a ways to go on reining in my questions.

[he's been taught plumbing and electrical wiring on-air. it's endearing but also a little ridiculous.]

[danceofcurse]

I knew someone once who would have thought that a good quality. An aggressive willingness to learn...

[He seems faintly nostalgic before shaking his head.]

Anyway, I look forward to watching your show.

[fistofthejoestar]

[yeah, you kind of think maybe you should reconsider that after it allows your brother to become a vampire shitlord.]

I'm glad to hear it. If you can think of any way to improve it afterwards, I'd love to know.

[danceofcurse]

[Wow, Jonathan, you're not your bro! Your destinies aren't...

...oh.

Never mind.]

I don't think I'll be able to offer insightful advice, but...if I think of anything, I'll let you know.

[fistofthejoestar]

[WHATEVER YOUR BROTHER'S DEAD AS SHIT]

You'd be surprised how how even the smallest comments can help. I truly appreciate it.