001 :: Action/Dictated :: Lobby

[lifeandpride]

[This... was not where he expected to be. That's apparent by the look on his face, which is both confused and cautious. He reaches for something at his side, only to find it missing and a strange book tucked into his hakama-himo where it should have been.

This appears to anger him slightly. He looks suspiciously at his surroundings and whispers to no one in particular.]

...Has he managed to fool us once again?

[Finding no answer or immediate danger in his surroundings, he flips open the book, looking for clues.]

What is this?

Comments

[lifeandpride]

[Ukitake looks around the lobby once more, trying to get a sense of 'everyone']

That is not too reassuring, I'm afraid. Is there a way to go back?

[cantacquityou]

...I am sure the overwhelming majority would not be here if that were the case.

[lifeandpride]

[a frustrated sigh.]

I suppose not.

[he holds up the journal.]

...and this?

[cantacquityou]

It is a 'journal' of sorts. It has proven itself to be a very effective tool for communication. You may write in it, or speak in it, and it will transmit your message to just about everyone else who possesses a journal within the compound.

That is, if you choose not to do so and 'filter' your message to a specific person, or persons, instead.

[lifeandpride]

[Filtering messages? He'd have to experiment with that later... for now, there were more questions, and this man seemed the most informative so far.]

I see. I suppose I'll keep it around for now... I'm sorry to trouble you with all my questions, but this is quite important.

[He hesitates just a moment, choosing his words carefully.]

...something I normally have on my person has been taken from me. Is it safe to assume that those responsible for my arrival here are also involved in it's disappearance?

[cantacquityou]

What would that be? That is, if you do not mind me asking.

[lifeandpride]

[He wasn't about to lie if directly asked... but he could tell this man's mind was as sharp as the object that was missing. Best to keep it simple, then.]

A sword. You could say it is particular to me, only.

[cantacquityou]

Ah. A sort of combatant, are you? Well, I can tell you that it is most probable that it was irrevocably taken away from you at some time, especially if it held some particular sentimental value to you. From what I understand, each person suffers a 'loss' upon arrival.

[lifeandpride]

In a way, though you've no need to be concerned. Wanton violence is never on my agenda.

[A loss. That is certainly what it felt like. Irrevocably?]

No one has found a way to have these... losses... returned to them?

[cantacquityou]

Hm. Speaking with you thus far, I haven't felt the need to be. And to my knowledge, no. Apparently, this place simultaneously thrives on providing the residents with excess and taking away from them, as well.
[Pauses] ...If I am not mistaken, however, I have reason to believe that there's been an exception.

[lifeandpride]

[Oh... but there was need. More than the other man could imagine. ...but it wasn't the time to try to explain all that.]

...an exception?

[cantacquityou]

...According to a friend of mine, his loss was his voice. Since a certain incident which rendered him incapacitated for over a week, he was able to speak again.

[lifeandpride]

[A loss of voice seemed like something else entirely, and Ukitake was a bit skeptical that this information would help him any.]

I see. Thank you for the information... er...

[Perhaps he shouldn't have skipped right to all the questions - it was a bit rude of him. He still didn't know this man's name.]

[cantacquityou]

[Aaaand, supposing that such a tapering of verbalization could mean many-a-thing...]


...Hm? Question?

[lifeandpride]

I'm sorry for being rude with you. I'm rather startled by the whole thing. I'm Ukitake Juushirou, and I thank you for the information. Might I know who you are?

[cantacquityou]

Oh. My name is Miles Edgeworth. I arrived in this very same spot but two weeks ago, myself.

[lifeandpride]

I'm pleased to meet you. ...two weeks? It must be still difficult for you to understand as well.

[cantacquityou]

...Very.

[lifeandpride]

I apologize if I've only added to the confusion.

[cantacquityou]

I fail to see how. The least I can do is impart what I know. You should at least be made aware that you should have a room prepared for you here, too.

[lifeandpride]

I do appreciate it.

[a pause.]

I suppose that settles that I'm expected to stay. At the moment I can't think of any alternative. Where can I find this room?

[cantacquityou]

I wish I could tell you. I suppose this place expects you to walk about find it on your own. It took me two days to find my own.

[lifeandpride]

...oh dear.

[cantacquityou]

I'd perhaps use the journal at this point to seek out anyone you might know here. Then, once they know you're here, they can be on the lookout for your room.

[lifeandpride]

[Of course. If he had been taken here, why did he assume he was the only one from his own world? Still, one just didn't announce 'any shinigami out there?' did they? He would have to be discrete.]

That might be best. I guess I'll have to start looking into it.