realityshifted

[ After heading back in the shop to reaffirm his suspicions, Clear opens up his umbrella. While he knows it's not possible, the stars look so close that they could fall down at any moment. He can't help but stop and stare upwards for a minute. ]

It's just as pretty as last time, too. The stars are so sparkly and pretty. [ He catches a quick glance downwards. ] Ah, it's almost like I'm walking on stars too. It's a little scary.... I guess I'll just have to be careful.

[ Spotting the large INFORMATIONAL sign, Clear moves carefully in a sort of shuffle as if he's afraid whatever he's walking on might crack or disappear. The touchscreen isn't anything new to him, and he's able to navigate it with ease. ]

Wow! This is certainly helpful! I'll have to thank that smiling person in the shop later on. Assuming they left this, of course. But enough of that, let's see here...

[ He takes one of the paper brochures eagerly, excited to see what it might hold, and begins flipping through it. ]

Eh? That's kind of complicated, isn't it? It's making my head hurt a little bit. I don't know if I get it completely. Does that mean that I can get to a bunch of places from here? Maybe Master can explain it to me a bit better than this... I'll have to show him later.

[ After all, a hub world that's connected to other world's is kind of a big deal. Even the kind-of goofy Clear can understand that. He stores the pamphlet in his pocket to show Aoba later on. With that done, he scratches at the back of his head in confusion. ]

I should probably explore some, so I have a full report to give to Master later on. My heart's beating super fast just thinking about it!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Menzies sees him from behind as he heads away from the information booth. even without seeing his face, he looks rather odd with that open umbrella. still, she considers helping newcomers a duty of hers, so she starts toward him] Oi! You new 'ere?

[she's come from work, so she's wearing a suit and has her police equipment around a belt at her waist. and even from those few words, her strong Mancunian accent is clear]

[ Clear spins on his heels to face Menzies. His gas mask visible now, he puts one hand in his oversized pocket and grips the seethrough umbrella in the other. ]

I believe I am! This is my first time here. Can I help you with something?

[she's surprised by the gas mask, but she takes it in stride. after all, it's hardly the strangest thing she's seen. but admittedly, his question is rather odd as well. she chuckles] I, ah, think that's meant to be the other way 'round. 'as anybody told you about this place yet?

[because clearly no one has mentioned that the atmosphere is breathable--or so she assumes, at least]

[ Clear rummages through his extra large pockets and pulls out a brochure. ]

I read quite a bit about this place, thanks to this paper! Did you want to take a look as well?

[she can't help a snort, wondering if this guy is for real] Ah, no. Believe it or not, in a couple of years of this place, I have read it before.

But did you 'ave any questions? [and since he hasn't seemed to understand her so far, she adds:] For one, the air is breathable for everyone I've ever seen 'ere, so you probably don't need to worry about it. Are you...human?

[she knows that question sometimes loses its meaning on the Plane, but if he really is worried about breathing, that's one species she can verify for with certainty]

If you're worried about me not understanding the contents of the air, then please don't worry any further! I do not wear this mask to filter the air of toxins.

[ Even though he has a gas mask on, it seems like his eyes are almost glittering in happiness. Or at least his eye pieces are. ]

It's so kind for you to worry about me like that! I'm very happy! I'm Clear, what should I call you?

...I see. [he still isn't making sense, but there doesn't seem to be any harm in him wearing the mask, so she isn't going to protest]

[his excessive friendliness throws her off, though] Ah, Menzies. DI Menzies. Nice to meet you...Clear. [he has her curious, meaning she decides to see what she can learn about him. her tone is conversational, though] So what sort of world are you from?

Ah! I'd be happy to tell you all about it. I'm from an island called Midorijima which is off the coast of Japan. There's lots of buildings that are all super super close together and everyone works very hard everyday. That's the Residential District, though. There's a dome on the other side of the island where no one is allowed in, called Platinum Jail. I've heard that everyone there is even happier, but I wouldn't know!

[ If anyone has ever tried to describe a dystopian slum as a great place to live, it would be this guy. ]

Oops, sorry. I rambled on a bit there. I hope I didn't bore you or anything, Menzies-san.

...a Platinum Jail on an island in Japan? Right. [for a minute his Earth sounded like hers, but maybe not. then again, one never can tell]

[she smirks, amused at his concern. he still seems too friendly to be true] Oh, no. I've got the patience of Saint. [her tone is full of dry sarcasm] Anyway, I asked. And it sounds...nice. [it sounds like Clear thinks it's nice, anyway, so she's not about to say otherwise]

[ Sarcasm? What's that? No seriously though, all sarcasm goes straight over Clear's head and he takes every word sincerely. ]

What a wonderful trait to have! Anyway, you're welcome to visit anytime you'd like. I'm sure Master's grandmother would make donuts again if you did.

[she chuckles, not really surprised that he missed it. but she raises an eyebrow at the offer] That's generous. I might take you up on that sometime. But first--are you sure there's nothing else you want to know about this place?

... What are we standing on? If we aren't careful, will the stars fall on our heads?

[ That was two questions, Clear. ]

[two questions are better than none! it seemed for a bit there that he was going to be running around with almost no information at all, so she's glad that he finally asked something--even if it isn't exactly the sort of question she was expecting. still, she does her best to answer]

Hard to say for sure, but it acts like some sort of metal, so that'd be my guess. And, ah, no. They don't fall. The most I've seen is that they move around--and they disappeared once, but that's not exactly common.

[ With that, Clear takes his umbrella, closes it, and puts it back in his pocket. How does it fit in that pocket? No one knows. ]

Oh, that's a relief. I was worried!

[she quirks an eyebrow when his umbrella disappears, but she leaves that question for another time. she's not really sure what else to say, though--which is odd for her. she's not used to being at a loss for words, but his carefree attitude is throwing her for a loop]

Well, that's one worry to strike off your list, then. Welcome to the Astral Plane, I suppose.

Thank you for your kind welcome! You've been so nice to me and I really appreciate it! I hope we can become good friends!

[ The worst part is that it seems completely sincere about everything he's saying. It's hard to tell if he's just very nice, a little off his rocker, or both. ]

[she just smirks back at him, still not quite sure what to make of him] Sure thing. And you never know! [she gives him a wave before she heads off. she's a little worried about him, though. she hopes that if he really is as carefree as he seemed, he doesn't get into trouble...]

001

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject