solnet | 001 ♦ video (joint post with alilyinthemoonslight)

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001 ♦ video (joint post with alilyinthemoonslight)

[More than almost anything else, what finally makes Winter realize she's in another place is that, when she fires up the camera on her phone to make a post to the network, nothing's behind her. No group shot of her team. No couch, slightly scorched from something burning that came in through the window during the invasion. Still, the most important things are here. That's really just Raquel and Lily at this point, but it's a hell of a lot better than being stuck here alone.

She starts to reach for computer equipment that isn't there, before she catches herself, letting out a soft chuckle and reaching for her phone instead to tap the record button. The backdrop is bland, a more or less undecorated bedroom as the setting, Winter sitting on her bed. The reason for that is probably the second person in frame; the women make for an interesting pair, but there's a certain air to Winter that says she's perfectly happy where she is and will need to be pried away with a crowbar if someone thinks otherwise. In deference to the sudden chill in the castle, she's wearing a mid-weight jacket and a scarf, discovered in the nearby clothing room.]

People of- no, that's not right, um- Fellow... whatever we are to each other, I suppose; I didn't exactly rehearse ahead of time, sorry.

My name is Winter Tsukuyomi; this is my partner, Lily.

[There's an amused smile from the taller young woman, side eyeing Winter's attempts to get started. Though, really, she has to be honest...] I probably couldn't have started any better. [She means it with love. Really.

Winter sounds theatrically and shakes her head, before continuing.] We've been here a few weeks now, but for one reason or another, we haven't really introduced ourselves beyond a few people when we first arrived, so- [She shrugs; it clearly doesn't seem that important.] -we figured now is probably a good time. We're not strangers to working with others to accomplish goals, however unusual, so! Pleased to meet you all.

I should mention a little bit about the place we came from. We, plus my sister-in-law - Lily's sister - Jasmine and her partner Marina - come from a fairly ordinary world. Moderately advanced technology, with cars and nuclear power and flight but nothing into space beyond a few moon missions; no magic or anything like that. No crises. A normal place... until we, and maybe another one to two hundred of us over a few years, happened. I'm here, and I'm my own person, but I'm reincarnated from another person. A girl from a time and place - from a world - far removed from my own, but all the same, I hold some of her memories and her powers inside myself. Lily's the same, as are the rest of us. Incidentally, the four of us are magical girls - we transform and fight things. Personally, I've about had enough of fighting for a while, but if that's what it takes, so be it. Cure Diamond has plenty left in her to take care of business.

I mention the whole reincarnation thing because I know about things that don't mesh with the girl Rikka was. She shouldn't know anything about mecha, or demons, or quite a few of the other things I've encountered in the place I came from. But all of us pulsed back things from those past selves, and over time we amassed quite a fighting force. [The look in her eyes is hard to read; there's a glimmer of cheer that's probably related to the friends she's made, but at the same time, there's a certain hardness that's likely related.] So if I suddenly start talking about robots or spellcraft or statues that walk, that's why. Life has been kind of weird for us, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I don't know that any of us would.

Am I forgetting anything, love? [She looks sideways to Lily; this isn't a recording of a speech on a fixed topic like usual, so she can be forgiven wanting to check.

Lily meanwhile is still smiling, the look in her eyes lacking any of that hardness Winter might be showing. If only because she's so used to hiding it.] I think that covers the basics, but... hm. [She straightens her glasses - a nervous habit - and tilts her head back and forth a moment.] There's probably a few things...

I can definitely echo everything Winter says - but with the thought that we want to help, we also need to know HOW. Helping's... kind of what we do? As far as my transformation goes, Cure Moonlight was- is, I guess... fairly exceptionally strong even for other Precures like her. Which isn't my own boasting - this is just what I was given. I may not exactly look it, but if you need any heavy lifting in whatever capacity, I can help there. Beyond fighting though, we're pretty used to working on investigating matters - although admittedly that's sometimes worked out better than others.

I guess I've kept to myself a lot so far because I'm not sure what to do with myself. For anything we've dealt with this is ... a little bit outside my wheelhouse so far, but we're not going to get anywhere without putting a foot forward, so... We want to help, and we want to get to know people.

[Winter nods as Lily finishes, smiling softly as she turns her gaze back to the camera.] That's about the long and the short of it. I'd like to meet a lot of new people, and figure out ways to help get things done. This isn't my world, but I still want to protect this place. It's home for now, and that's enough. If you need help with something, or you just want to talk, give us a call.

[Winter waves at the camera, before reaching out to turn it off.]

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[ . . . Wow ]

That's a very formal introduction for something which isn't a matter of showing off, Winter-san, Lily-san.

[She blinks in surprise for a moment, before she nods, letting her features relax back into a calm smile.]

A little, maybe. It's habit as much as anything else. I've gotten used to speaking where many, many people can hear me, so I just kind of... talk, and expand. My intent isn't to show off, I just wanted to make sure I was clear about the things I wanted to say.

[ Wanted to make sure she was clear about what she wanted to say... huh? He hums a little, and fine, if she's still doing a video, he'll turn his on too, showing his bright face, looking a little curious at it and... sweating? Where was he that he was sweat-covered and a bit flush? Oh well, ]

Well forgive this man, Masaomi Kida, for asking, Winter-san, but why did you feel the need to go into the long introduction about your circumstances?

[ In this case, he's actually genuinely curious. Her answer was far more tactful than Hero-kun the other day, so he's inclined to give her some benefit of the doubt. Perhaps he got too cagey over time ]

[The appearance of a person on the other end of the feed brings her up short; looks like he's been working out or something. Maybe some other kind of labor? Either way, she shrugs.]

If there's one thing that stuck with me, in the place I came from, it's that information is a resource with value beyond compare. Knowing what's going on - where to go next, how to proceed, who will stand with you - is better than strength almost any day. If we're going to have to fight, or even just to stay here for a while, I want it to be a life without misconceptions. [She spreads her arms for a moment, careful not to hit anything. Or anyone.] I want to be understood. I don't want to make any of the mistakes I've made in the past. So I'll be open about things, and maybe that'll help us return. Or at least move forward.

...Does that make any sense? I'm sorry, I tend to think with my heart a little more often than I probably should.

[ ... Information is a resource with value beyond compare. Isn't that the truth? That was the best and most primary currency in Luceti, far more than barter or favors or points with MARS put together. The twenty-on year old briefly doesn't respond, exhaling softly as he processes the fact that there is someone who believes that - knows, is probably a better way to put it - but then also just feels the need to front load their information for everyone else. He supposes that he should take it as being the gift that it is rather than being suspicious or negative.

After all, they are all on the same side. No one had (yet) shown themselves to be a fuck up like some people he knew before. ]

[ Hah. ]

Wild, someone who thinks with their heart, is married, and is a magical girl? I'm pretty sure I could fill out a bingo card with you! Actually, to that end, what if we played an exchange game, and you see how much you can fill off my score cord! I'm twenty-one now, but when I was sixteen I was pulled away into another world at war, kept inside a bubble and experimented on. And soon enough, joined the war effort on the side of the ones keeping me there.

Of course, now I'm here. So I didn't really get to see it through.

[Winter makes a show of briefly checking something on her phone from home, in a little bit of a dull tone.] Already had experimentation marked... that's not on my card... oh, fought for the enemy is new. Now I just need "hometown razed to the ground" and I'll have a line with those, aliens in search of fast food, and "past-me was an idiot", which is our free space.

More seriously, yes, it sounds like you've been through a fair bit yourself; I apologize. It seems like I've been a little callous... again. Given the things I've went through versus some of my friends, I freely admit I've had it relatively easy, but... sheesh. Guess other worlds are at least as rough as ours.

But... if you don't mind the question, why? Our Enemy was kind of hard to reason with, but I do understand that certain causes are worth joining, whatever you have to side against. [Even if Rikka would reach through space and time to stop her, if she could.] What made you want to stay?

[ What made him want to stay... huh. He laughs a little, but there's only a slight, sarcastic mirth in it. In fact, he quickly corrects, ] Mahaha, I would never suggest that I'm any more tragic than a blooming winter rose! Any pretty woman can run my bingo card any day of the week, and I'll hand you a victory just for that!

[ Quick to apologize, this one. But maybe that's just still being formal ]

Still... you might have a few things backwards here, Winter-san. [ He hums, and brushes back his (slightly wet) hair, leaning back where he's sitting and shifting the camera angle. This, in turn, reveals a barbell on the rack ] Because my life in Tokyo and on Earth was pretty charmed, looking back on it. [ He lied, ] but that world I got taken to? The world itself pulls people in from across time, space, and possibility. Any dimension and reality could be repped there. In that respect, and with the curse that planet inflicted on so many who were from there, that bubble, thought to be our prison, was actually protecting us fro ma way wider world.

It was my responsibility to see it through - that world and everything on it.

Oh, I'm sure you say that to all the girls. [Her smile becomes a tiny bit more fragile.] Even the ones whose scars are buried where they don't see the light of day. Let alone the married ones.

Better the known enemy within than the unknown without... well. I can understand that too. It's not an easy life, but it's what we have. We may as well protect the people we've met among the way, right? I don't necessarily like fighting, but... sometimes it's the only way to protect what's important.

Did, ah. Did you win? Was it a fight you even could win?

I don't know!

[ He claps his hands together, laughing off her assumptions, her accusation of his intent, and her concerns all in one movement. His face is now a mask of a smile which might be considered handsome if it wasn't a little bit goofy and a little bit sweaty. He leans back a little, and then clarifies, ]

Me and mine were on our way to the precipice of victory right before I was taken here, because it seems Ozuma-san thought I'd be more vital to this struggle of light and shadow than I was on that world. So it must be that there was victory, right? That would only stand to reason!

[...she's certain she's dealt with a Numbered like this before. Well, fair enough. If he wanted to be cryptic and just a tiny bit evasive, that's fine, too. Just like one of Bakura's games - she had to build a relationship to change how people reacted to her, right? She didn't have the benefit of largely positive (by now) press to give her an early start. Still, that smile is something. She couldn't even begin to guess what's hiding behind it, but she recognizes it for the mask it is. Her own grin dulls to the more or less default one that's on her lips when nothing else disturbs it.]

At least we weren't pulled from something more important... I could only imagine being taken from the Invasion. That was a losing battle right up until the Enemy decided they wanted to leave. So... mm, that's probably the best outcome you could wish for. And it's not like you didn't have allies to finish the fight there, right? I'm certain everything is fine, and when we're done here, you can return to that place and take part in the celebration. Or maybe have someone throw a special party just for you. [A single raised eyebrow; let him take that one how he wants. Is she suggesting something? Who knows.]

Ooooh, oh, that's one way to think of it! And here I was counting on the idea that I would return to that same moment in time and no one would be the wiser I was ever anywhere else. [ That was how it worked in Luceti ] Really, the war itself's over anyway though, so it's just a matter of time and a matte of whatever's in the center of the Earth. Or well, not Earth.

[ Which may or may not be Cthulhu.

Either way, he tilts his head, brushing his chin. Enemy is such a vague term, and he's being assaulted with a lot of terms in this conversation. Ah well, probably not important to him ]

Actually on that note, I should be back to Earth soon enough after all this.

I mean, that could be true too? I don't know a whole lot about time and space shenanigans. Reincarnation is about the whole of it. So it's possible you'll be returned to the same place you left the time stream. Although... if you came back a different age, or with different powers, or having lost something... Ah, sorry, got caught thinking on things for a second. [She shakes herself a little to get back on track.]

Will you be excited to go back? It sounds like you have at least some small attachment to that place you've been trapped in. Enough to be willing to fight for it.

Are you kidding? I've really been looking forward to it.

[ There might be some sarcasm in how he says this. But it's a jovial sort of sarcasm. If they come back older or having lost something... huh. ]

It's a fresh start, riiight?

Eh.. heh. Sorry. We might be just the slightest bit long winded, sometimes.

[Sometimes. Sure.]

Hey, hey, hey, I'm not sure that any gorgeous woman needs to knock something that's working for them. Weeeell, if it's working, anyway. Still, I'm here, so something caught the people's attention!

[Her eyebrows raise a tad on her side, before she laughs.] It seems to, so far. It hasn't scared my wife off, at least - that's a plus.

[Because said wife is just as long winded herself, but that's not something she marks as a bad thing. This one seems to like spreading the praise around, doesn't he? Peeking in on Winter's as she goes - given she's in the same room, it's not hard - she sees that much is consistent at least and-- ah, there she goes, already trying to psychoanalyze things. She should probably stop.]

So, what caught your attention, then? [She keeps her tone light enough, at least.]

Naturally, it was the melodious tones that I heard from yourself and Winter-san, and the imagination I could have run wild just from adding more to that fantasy!

Is what a lesser man might say in this situation! Far be it fro me to be so tacky, Lily-san! [ He shakes his head dramatically, though obviously she can't see it. The twenty one year old grins, deciding to be theatrical even without an audience ]

No, no, if anything, I'm just interested to know more about the situation which saw you deciding that a formal introduction is in order! After all, it's not as if this could be an omiai between fellow soldiers... Ah! [ He snaps his fingers ] There I go, running my mouth again! It really would be pointless in the first place, what with their being such a blessed union across time and space in front of our eyes!

[ And really, they are lucky, he can't help but think ]

So, let's settle with that second part.

[She picks up on the word and can't help but snort in laughter. She's fairly fluent in Japanese, and through various instances - family, globetrotting, memories of a woman long dead from yet another reality - still has to regularly recall it.]

Ah, yes - that would be quite an issue, all things considered. Still, I'm still appreciative of the compliment. At the very least.

The second thing, then - but I think Winter has done more than enough to fill you in a bit more on that regard. You can mark off a number of the same things on my bingo card, as well.

[Far, far more if one was counting her past life, but she's not about to head down that path.]

Edited 2016-12-09 05:08 (UTC)

[ Oh wow, she actually laughed at the joke. Color him surprised - he's got great jokes (he doesn't) but no one ever seems to find them funny. He could like this woman already, wow. Still, he moves past it, humming a little. He's not one to collect tragedies, but... ]

So, I guess the more proper way to put this is that rather than collecting marriage partners or tragedies, you're actually more looking for comrades? Giving us a feel for your experiences so you might collect ours and the skills that bore them in?

[Laughing at the joke. Yes, absolutely. That sounds right. ~~No, she actually was, she's not that mean.~~ She tries not to focus on the comment about collecting tragedies, however - she's got a few too many she could add to that pile, and... no sense in doing so.]

Something like that, yes. Whatever we accomplished in my world, we did so united. As corny as that sounds, strength in numbers - even if they're fewer than what you're facing - can work.

So then, who'd going to lead us, Lily-san?

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001 ♦ video (joint post with alilyinthemoonslight)

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