expiationnet | 001 ✤ video

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[ Now that she's gotten a better understanding of how things work here, it feels like the right time to address her fellow captives as a whole. The video opens to show a bright, teenage girl, smiling fondly at the charm in her hand ─ and, by extension, everyone who views her message. ]

Hello, Aldrip and all surrounding areas! My name is Mitama Yakumo, 17 years old, and I have officially joined the ranks of the Chosen as of last month!

[ She lets out a small laugh at her own description of the situation ─ it's not as though she, or anyone else here for that matter, had any say in all this, but at the very least she seems to be taking it rather well. ]

I'm sure everyone who shows up here must ask a lot of questions ─ and I admit, I'm no different. I hope you can spare some time to answer me the following.

[ She clears her throat and raises a single finger in front of her face as she moves on to the point. ]

First: have any of you encountered beings referred to as "Witches" or "Kyubey" while in this world?

[ Mitama is perfectly aware that the answer to that is dependent solely on whether there even are other magical girls among the people here, but that's quite alright. Negative answers would be enlightening too, that's for sure. However, on the chance it is confirmed neither of the above are in this world, she needs to ask a follow-up question. For that, she raises another finger in front of the charm. ]

Second: it's a little embarrassing to admit, but there is a certain item back in my world I really need the access to... I realize this might be a long shot, but is there any way for us to obtain things from different universes while here?

[ That would be entirely too good to be true, and to be perfectly honest, her expectations for this one are almost nonexistent; not that one could tell from her expression, as she gives the audience another warm smile, waving her hand as a goodbye. ]

Your cooperation is appreciated! Thank you for your attention, and I'll talk to you soon~

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[There's a hint of curiosity in his voice as he speaks. Something in particular coming to mind, as he tilts his head to the side in thought.]

If that is the case... How did you learn to use magic? It must be special in your world, to be able to have such abilities.

[ Mitama taps her chin with her finger thoughtfully, considering what approach she should take with the answer to that. ]

How should I explain it... It's not that so much that I "learned" to use it, but rather, this ability was bestowed upon me.

[ And all she had to do in return for it was give up her soul! But that's neither here nor there. ]

There's actually quite a number of us, even if the public isn't aware of that!

[ Yet. But if all goes well, that will change soon. ]

[MITAMA... Don't tell him that or else he'll start fretting for her. For now, however, he can only nod. Some part of him understanding being bestowed power, since the tree back home did that for everyone. But he figures that it must be much more complicated than that.]

Is that so? Would it be a bad thing if it got out to the public...?

[Magic is so. Normal in his world, that he tries to understand the repercussions of telling people that magic exists or not.]

Mmm, that is the question, isn't it? It's actually become something of a topic of discussion among us as of late.

[ And by "a topic of discussion," she means "something to fight over to the death," because violence is the only language magical girls understand, apparently. Mitama's smile fades a little, her expression betraying concern. ]

Certainly, it would come as a big shock to people, not to mention cast an entirely new light on the entire history of mankind, which I'm sure would be confusing. People... do not take kindly to big changes like that. [ She makes a short pause, emphasizing that last point, before moving on: ] On the other hand, there's a chance it would give recognition to the girls who work hard to keep everyone safe from the Witches...

[ She trails off, knowing full well it's entirely possible for them to be shunned and hated the moment people discover their supposed saviors and the monsters they're being saved from are one and the same. At the end of the day, it's a damned if you do, damned if you don't kind of situation. ]

[Aw no, he made the girl's expression drop a little. He isn't sure of her situation back home, and how dire it is, but... Man. Kids got it rough these days.]

It must be hard, risking your lives to keep people safe without so much as an inch of recognition. I am sorry that it must be like that, for the time being. I will not ask what side you are on, but never the less, I do wish for you to at least stay safe here.

[If he could, he would give her a headpat here, but alas.]

I am sorry if I conjured up any bad memories or feelings.

[ Oh, but she doesn't want to make him worry; the problems of magical girls shouldn't affect anyone other than themselves, and even if there were some people she believes should become involved, it's no one in this world. As such, Mitama quickly perks up, the bright smile back on her face almost in an instant. ]

Ah, please don't concern yourself with that! After all, that issue is ours and ours alone~ And on top of that, it looks like I have a chance to take a break from all that for the time being!

[ Giving it a slightly optimistic spin, no matter how fake it is, should help her move on and steer this conversation into a different direction. She doesn't want a person she's just met to dwell of the fate of magical girls for too long. ]

Would you mind telling me a little about the magic in your world? I admit, the idea of it being a well-known phenomenon is a little fantastical to me!

You are awfully optimistic, my dear, but I suppose I will tell you what I tell my children all the time. No one should have to deal with things alone, even if you feel it is just a you problem. You may go crazy in trying to take everything on by yourself, but ah... I suppose that's just the ramblings of an old man.

[He gets it though, and that's just his dadly advice for the time being. Even if it might not be taken at heart, he at least has to say it.]

I do not mind... Everyone is blessed with magic because of the Statue of Arygian. It was placed there by the gods, when the world was at it's infancy. However, there are certain people who are blessed with stronger magic than others...

[Himself being the latter, but you know.]

There are multiple elements that one can wield. Fire, ice, thunder, earth... The list goes on. There are also people, such as myself, who can heal injuries. It truly depends on what you are blessed with at birth, and you do not get much of a say in it.

[A pause.]

Does that sound a bit familiar to you? Use of the elements and healing magic?

[ "Optimistic"... Ha, as if. It's easy to mistake her coming to terms with her fate and embracing her despair with that, she supposes, but she's perfectly content to let people around assume that's what it is.

Her smile doesn't waver for even a second even as she thinks that, nodding along to his advice. ]

Your children are lucky to have such a supportive parent~ But I'll keep that in mind!

[ Usually, she's the one lending her ear to other girls and advising them in their woes... It feels almost weird being told to reach out to others instead. She doesn't think there are many people out there who could understand her, but she's too polite to simply dismiss the idea completely, and just listens to what he has to say. ]

Yes, it does! While it's obviously not quite as wide-spread as what you described, the girls of my world have different abilities as well. Some gain control over elements or healing magic, others can change appearance at will or cast illusions... Really, there's no end to what kind of skills they can gain!

Mm, I suppose so. I have... Been through quite a bit, and would not want them to feel trapped.

[He gets it, to some degree. He's always been the eldest child, so many of his peers, and his siblings would ask for his help. So he gets it, to some degree.]

How interesting, to know that we share the same magic. It makes me rather curious to know what kind of magic you have? If you do not mind me asking, of course. And while I usually would not reveal what kind of magic I use, I suppose it is only fair if you tell me. My main element is ice magic, but I can use other things as well.

[Like nuclear powers, but it doesn't work here, so no point in mentioning it really.]

[ She nods in agreement, but respectfully refrains from asking about the details of what he's been through; she might be a little curious, and some would perhaps even call her nosy, but she knows there's time and place for everything, and generally speaking, introductory conversations are not either of those for revisiting some old trauma. ]

Oh, I don't mind at all~ The kind of magic I use is actually rather uncommon! I'm what is referred to as a "Coordinator", you see. It's not exactly that of any specific kind, but rather, I have the ability to strengthen the magic of other people!

[ Mitama claps her hands together enthusiastically, visibly eager to tell him all about it. ]

For example! Since your main element is ice, I could make it so using it takes even less effort than usually, on top of making it more effective~

I see. You are quite the talented young lady... Do your powers work here, Miss? I would be careful if they do work here.... Some people may try and take advantage of you and your powers.

[There is a bit of left over paranoia from his experiences in the past, but he means well. He wouldn't want people to take advantage of her or try to use her as a means to destroy others.]

Why, thank you~

[ If there's one thing some would argue Mitama is lacking, it's certainly modesty, but she could never understand how they could say that. She just recognizes her own value, that's all! ]

That they do!

[ Or at least her real power, the one to decay everything, does; she hasn't had a chance to use it in reverse to adjust someone's powers yet, but she assumes that if the one works, then the other should, too. ]

And thank you for your concern, but please, don't worry about me! I'm rather experienced in dealing with difficult clients~

[ It's simple, really; she will only offer her abilities to those who pay the price, and if they choose to use what they gained against others... well, that's not her problem. ]

Although... I suppose if the whole premise of this world is to be believed, then I would probably have my hands full with those, hmm?

[Squints... This girl is pretty concerning to Astralin, but not in a bad way. But she seems to handle herself well enough, so maybe he shouldn't be so worried about her.]

Is that so? Then I will not worry, as you seem to be rather capable of handling yourself. Still, should you run into any trouble, you are free to seek me out.

[A pause, and he can't help but laugh.]

You certainly do have your hands full, but I am sure you can handle it, my dear. Ah, which reminds me -- I never caught your name. Might I have it?

[ It's almost weird, having an adult actually be invested in her safety and well-being. She briefly wonders if that would still be the case had he known more about her, but she quickly dismisses the thought, figuring it's pointless to ponder that now. ]

Oh, I certainly will! There's still a lot I don't know about this world, after all~

[ The girl lets out a soft gasp before immediately returning to her soft, singsong tone. ]

Oh my, where did my manners go? My name is Mitama Yakumo! It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance~

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