001 ✤ video

[coordinatroll]

[ 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~

Comments

[baldrshand]

You aren't... allowed? [That's a strange prohibition to be under, and a strange way to phrase it, to her ear.] May I ask why not?

[If it's because of a parent's strictures, Ethlyn can understand and sympathize. But if it's some other cause--maybe religious? maybe customs about approved activities for young ladies?--perhaps it doesn't need to apply in Aldrip.]

Unfortunately, yes... my homeland has been embroiled in war for the past few years. And even without that, there are bandits and pirates, so healers are still a welcome sight to many.

[coordinatroll]

[ She understands the confusion; even magical girls who are first introduced to the Coordinators don't fully understand how they operate, so she might as well explain her reasoning. ]

Of course, I don't mind~ Like I said, my power is to strengthen abilities of others beyond what's normally possible for them! However, girls with magic like mine are few and far between, and as such we serve anyone who approaches us... as long as they can pay the price.

[ It's a simple calculation, really; the world of magical girls follows the rules of survival of the fittest, and while Mitama herself cannot fight, she can skew the scales a little in exchange for protection and means of survival for herself. ]

We remain neutral in any sorts of conflicts, as chances are we will be lending our talents to both sides.

[ Some may see this refusal to take a side as noble, others will consider it cowardice... and if the parchment she received upon her arrival here is to be believed, the very fact she has broken that rule before is the sole reason she's here. ]

Are there people like that in your homeland, I wonder? Ones who do not take the stand and support both sides equally?

[baldrshand]

Well... from that description, you sound like mercenaries. And my world certainly has plenty of those.

[That's a bit... blunt. It might not be the best way to phrase her answer. Still, Ethlyn can't think of any other word that fits Mitama's description of what her life is like.]

[coordinatroll]

[ Mitama simply laughs, not offended in the slightest. It's not exactly accurate ─ she thinks "merchants of death" would be a better comparison (and she wouldn't deny it if asked), but it's close enough. ]

Well, I suppose that's one way of putting it! Although, personally, I prefer the term "Coordinator"~

[baldrshand]

That does sound like a nicer word. So you're Coordinator Mitama, then.

If it helps, I don't think you have to worry about the same kind of conditions here. We don't heal people on one side or another--it's just anyone who needs help, especially in an emergency.

[coordinatroll]

That's reassuring to hear! As far as I can tell, there are no real fractions here, either, right? It's nice that we can all work together~

[ She doesn't believe that could last forever, least of all given the apparent nature of the selection of who gets brought here, but for the time being, it's a relief not to have to think about all the different groups and fights between them. ]

[baldrshand]

No, not at all. Some people don't get along with each other, of course, but only in a normal and everyday kind of way.

It sounds like you have to pay attention to people's strengths, weaknesses, and capabilities. That's an underrated quality in leaders, but a very important one.