maskormenace | ( ɪ ♛ ᴠɪᴅᴇᴏ )

[ Opting for the text function is definitely a less daunting prospect compared to airing a live video for strangers to see, but to Haru, first impressions are important. She can feel her hands and chest warming up, though a part of that could be attributed to the fact she's wearing that thick pink sweater. Still... she's not unused to addressing a large audience, it's just finding yourself in a world that isn't the cognitive one even with your friends here is somewhat unnerving.

But that's why video it has to be. She needs to convey a friendly approach and demeanor, otherwise it will be much harder to ask anyone for help should she ever need it.

There's no fumbling of the communicator once the feed starts up. Haru is seated close to the table it's propped up on, her hands laid neatly in her lap. She smiles at her unknown audience, a touch shy, but it's warm and friendly. ]

Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Haru Okumura. [ A beat. Does she mention her family? No. ] It is very nice to meet you all. I've heard there are many of us who have been brought to this world. Um, I suppose some of you have been here long enough to hear the same questions over and over, but if you would indulge me I would very much appreciate it.

[ She shifts closer, speaking a bit more clearly. ]

I have heard that superheroes are real in this world ― something that government actively encourages. [ It's difficult to mask the intrigue. Her eyes seem to light up. ] There must be superheroines, yes? I can hardly believe it myself... but that sounds amazing! I wonder if they are anything like the ones I admired on TV as a child.

[ An abrupt pause, followed by Haru's shoulders rolling back and a whimsical smile settling onto her face. ]

Ah, my apologies. I seem to have gotten a bit distracted for a moment.

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[ It's entirely reflective, and with the camera, it's only the device she can see in his hand. Behind him is a bookshelf, but the titles are all too warped to be recognizable. ]

Oh trust me, Valhalla was something I paid for with my licenses and contracts. It was not an expense to me.

[ He shrugged. ]

I don't find it all that lonely. I make new friends here all the time. [ no... no he doesn't ]

[ Valhalla? Haru frowns, uncertain what he means by that. ]

That is good. This imPort community appears to be a friendly one. Even I can admit I'm taken aback a bit by how kind and helpful everyone has been so far.

You likely found some good eggs. Some of us are better than others.

Although... generally talking about superheroes will bring people out of the woodwork, too. It seems to be a favored topic of discussion.

It certainly appears so.

[ It's somewhat surprising.

Pause. ]

What is your opinion, sir?

Me?

[ A beat, he held a hand to his chest, for a moment. ]

I'm a god. I'm above all that drivel.

[ It takes a moment to sink in, but once it does, she can only stare back in utter bemusement. There are many questions she has, but she isn't sure where to start.

He doesn't look like a god she recognizes, but neither did the one Akira shot in the face back home. ]

A real god?

Yes.

[ A wave of his hand. ] I know, it's not something most have encountered here. I'll try not to let my countenance be too overwhelming.

Are you a god of anything in particular?

[ Or is he an Almighty type? ]

Many things. I'm the sky god -- sometimes the sky-king. I'm the god of Valkyries and fury, ecstasy... [ A half-beat. ] Of magic and seidr, I'm one who gave my eye -- [ He pointed to one eye through the helmet. His finger reflects off of it, ] for wisdom...

[ Another pause. ] Sorry, I get carried away sometimes. You may call me Woden.

[ It's Haru's turn to wave a hand and she also shakes her head. ]

No need for an apology, sir.

[ Wait, is "sir" too informal for a god? How does one even address a god? How mad would this one be to find out she and her friends killed a god? Best not to bring that up. Ever. ]

I apologize, but the name is unfamiliar to me. I admit I've never been quite the religious type.

Most aren't, by the time I resurfaced. People who worship me here are long-dead, or death-metal bands.

[ A wave of his hand, his fingers flex as if to describe something. ]

I'm more well-known by people with no lives, and losers who study mythology.

Bands...?

[ This Woden is an odd fellow... ]

Would you want the general masses to know you better?

I want to do a lot of things.

[ Another laugh. He's so odd. ]

But let's just say that won't be a problem. I'm already becoming very well known, here.

That's good... right?

[ She's unnerved by that laugh again. She can't get a read on this guy at all... ]

I love the attention.

[ Says a guy who doesn't show his face. ]

It's quite good. Some people like the adulation of masses more than others, however.

[ Honestly, that's a question that pops in her head immediately. Why does he hide his face? ]

Too much can be overwhelming, yes.

In my world, we are media monoliths, for the time that we walk the earth. We don't get the luxury of hiding away from it.

[ Says the guy in the mask. ]

That's something that you would have to learn to deal with, if you decided to go into superheroics, you know.

[ A considering pause. ]

I suppose so. I'm not completely unused to having a vast amount of attention.

[ As an Okumura and a Phantom Thief. ]

Oh no? [ He leaned forward. ]

What is it you do?

[ Despite him just being a few inches tall on a screen, Haru shifts back a bit as if Woden were entering her personal space. ]

Actually, it's because of my father. He was the president of the family company and founder of a successful fast food chain.

So you've been in the public eye for some time, huh?

Did he cart you around for publicity, or something?

For connections.

[ Her gaze falters, breaking away completely eventually. ]

I was engaged to a man from a wealthy and political family because my father wanted to use that connection to enter the political sphere.

Wow. [ That blank stare is ever-present. ]

What kind of parent uses their child for something like that? To just have a taste of power?

[ A heavy sigh. It's clear she has mixed feelings on it. ]

My father made mistakes. He knew that.

Huh. Did he?

[ A longer pause. ]

Did you forgive him? For that?

video

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