[video]

[hawkattack]

[A rather serious-looking man appears on the screen, leaning back against a wall. A brown feather is between his teeth, which he doesn't seem to care about removing as he speaks.]

Hmph. So I have been brought to this place. Were this to be told to me rather than something I witnessed on my own, I would call it far-fetched. As it is, there is still little evidence as to what has happened.

… Unless someone would like to come forward with testimony, of course.

[There's a gleam in his eye that suggests this is more than just idle wondering.]

… A prison with pretty walls is still a prison. I demand to know why I have been moved to this place.

[There's a screech, and a large hawk lands on his shoulder. His expression softens very slightly.]

And make it quick. Taka does not like his time to be wasted, and neither do I.

Comments

[hawkattack]

[The bird on his shoulder caws, and he reaches up to scratch at the feathers on Taka's head.]

Hardly a satisfying answer at all. But this 'Persona'... should something like that actually exist, it seems far too powerful to be something given to random strangers assembled from all over.

[unbroken_chain]

"Magic doohickey called the Shining Trapezohedron, actually, but the same principle applies."

[terminally_clever]

As difficult as it may be to believe, it definitely exists. Philemon's reasons are his own, unfortunately. As far as I've been able to tell, the only thing any of us have in common is that we weren't originally from this world. Which isn't to say some of the natives don't have Personas of their own, but so far every single person who's been brought here artificially has developed one as well. At least, in every case of which I am personally aware.

[hawkattack]

I doubt there was some sort of rigorous screening mechanism in place - which means that even dangerous criminals could be given this power. It seems unlikely that someone with the power to bring us here to 'save' a city would want someone with that kind of power running amok.

[hawkattack]

... Give him a moment to fume. ... Okay, we're good.

"Right. Hmph. This whole thing is still extremely quesitonable."

[unbroken_chain]

SUDDENLY VERY SERIOUS

"Okay, if I could offer some advice? Please make the best of it - Philemon won't bring people here that don't agree to come, and even though you can leave we'd be left without whatever skills you can offer, and that would be a shame."

[terminally_clever]

That's the problem with inscrutable godlike beings of pure power that reside in the space between the collective human unconscious. Their motives are seldom clear.

[hawkattack]

"I never said I would not make the best of it. I simply do not appreciate being drawn into agreements in which I do not know all of the details."

[hawkattack]

Hmph.

... I wonder, though. Is there a way to continue practicing law, even in this place?

[terminally_clever]

I don't see why not. Despite the presence of the supernatural, this is still a city, after all. It has a government and a police force, so I'm sure there's a legal system as well.

[unbroken_chain]

"Oh, well that's fine then. Not many people are, really!"

[hawkattack]

That would be helpful. I do not relish the idea of simply sitting and doing nothing.

[hawkattack]

"I am a prosecutor. Details - and evidence - are what cases live and die upon."

[unbroken_chain]

"Sorry, I'm just the official welcome wagon, and I've already given you most of the details I know."

[terminally_clever]

A man after my own heart.

[badluckhealer]

You are a lawyer, then.

I am sixteen and am unused to fighting, yet I was brought here just the same. I do not think whoever - or whatever - is in charge here, is all that particular.

[hawkattack]

"... I will find out the information I need one way or another. You have given me a start, at least."

That's as close to a 'thank you' as anyone's likely to get.

[hawkattack]

I am.

I will have to speak with them, then.

[hawkattack]

Hah.

[He grins a little bit.]

There was far too much of that in prison. Now that I am a free man, I intend to spend my time on actually productive things.

[terminally_clever]

Congratulations on your release, then. I hope you find what you're looking for here.

[hawkattack]

... I have already found that. But pursuing something new... I think now is a good opportunity for it.

[terminally_clever]

A very literal fresh start, you might say.

[hawkattack]

It is not an opportunity to be wasted, at least.

[terminally_clever]

Good luck to you, then.

[Fumi nods slightly.]

But I suppose we should make brief introductions before I let you get about your business. Fumi Kanno.

[hawkattack]

Prosecutor Simon Blackquill.