ellipsanet | video; un: reiner

Entry tags:

video; un: reiner

[ The video opens on a young man in his late teens. Tall, blond hair, gold eyes, solid build—good looking, carrying himself with an air of confidence. ]

Wow, this technology is something else. Weird to think that I don't have to write a bunch of letters.

[ He smiles, easy and genuine, matching his voice. ]

I'm Reiner Braun. I'm looking for a few friends of mine, and it seems like this is the easiest way to get the word out.

One of them is a tall guy—taller than me—with dark hair and green eyes. He probably looks nervous, like he wants to be anywhere but here. The other is a shorter girl, blond hair and blue eyes, who looks like she could kick your ass. She can, too, so maybe don't test her patience.

[ He pauses for a second. ]

I guess I'm also looking for anyone else who recognizes me. Better to get any reunions out of the way now, right?

Anyway, if you see anyone matching those descriptions, I'd appreciate it if you let me know. Or if you just wanna chat. I'm pretty new here, and it'd be nice to meet some friendly faces.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Warm metal. Again, Reiner is reminded of himself—of the Armored Titan, heat burning inside of him, plating warm to the touch. Is Iggy something like that? Or is Reiner simply seeking familiarity?

He falls into step with her easily, matching her stride in the way that a tall person accustomed to walking near shorter ones does. (Even if it's been a while since he's towered over anyone quite like this.) ]

I meant it when I said that my menu has been limited the past few years. [ Though how limited and why, he doesn't mention. ] I'm game to gamble if you are.

I've seen some people end up with some pretty out there food combos at the Gatcha place. [And some that those people couldn't stomach, if their reactions to tasting their 'won' dishes was anything to go by.

Most people got lucky and could eat whatever they got.] It can get pretty packed in there.

If you wanted a more relaxed atmosphere, there's a diner that sells 'classic' foods in an old fashioned theme. Food seems descent, and then there's an all ramen shop that has some pretty nice music.

[She doesn't eat, but again she sort of just enjoyed the atmosphere of most of these places.]

[ A packed restaurant… Considering his fraught relationships with many familiar faces around here, that probably isn't the best idea. Then Iggy mentions music again—the second time she's done so during their brief conversation—and he takes the cue. ]

All right, let's try the ramen shop.

[ Not that he knows what ramen is, but food is food, right? And he's happy to try new things. ]

So, are you a big music fan?

Do you like it meaty? They do pork, chicken, fish- and that's just the broth alone. I hear a lot about their miso pork ramen? It's a lot in a bowl for a cheap price, and if you still have broth they'll give you free ramen re-fills.

[A bargain for people that really liked the food and could make a good meal. That was something she figured was good to know-

Iggy did laugh a little, the sound soft.]

It's one of my favorite things that humans have created- their various styles of music. I lean a bit towards what's considered 'classic' styles of rock back home. What about you?

[ Pork, chicken, and fish? Reiner's mouth salivates a bit at the mere thought. It's been a long time since he's been able to enjoy such luxuries. He and his mother didn't eat much meat when he was a kid, though whether that was because they couldn't afford it or because they couldn't access it, Reiner doesn't know. But once he became a Warrior, meat became a staple of his diet.

And then, of course, he was shipped off to that island with its limited land and lack of meat. To have such unrestricted access to luxury items is… Well. It's a lot to process. ]

Miso pork ramen, huh? That sounds like a great place to start.

[ Who knows if those free refills will satisfy him? He'll try to hold back, sure, but … meat.

He notes the use of the word "humans," which doesn't come as a surprise, all things considered. Still, it's intriguing. How should he approach the subject without risking offense? ]

Ah, I'm not too sure. Back where I'm from, music is always played in person. People use their voices or instruments, not these … long-distance methods. Sometimes there's a local style, sometimes they play a classic. It depends on where you are.

You can ask for extra of any of it with some addition fee- which is pretty on the low side given the quality I hear about. Those who eat in there are definitely enjoying it, though.

[So hey- a place to start and for cheap. Cheap eats that provided a lot and were actually really good? She figured that would be as good a place as any to start anyone off.

She could get something to 'drink' there as well, even if it was definitely not on the menu.]

There are bands that play in person concerts, otherwise you can buy their music- I like vinyl records, the sound quality is something else when compared to what's easy to find around here. Regional like that can be pretty interesting, though.

[ Give him a second to try and figure that out. Then: ]

"Vinyl records"?

[ Yeah, he's way out of his depth. ]

They are round and flat compressed discs with grooves on them, and when put on a record player they play music recorded on them.

[Iggy even moved her hands to sort of give a little bit of a visual for the size as she spoke.]

I have a few records and my record player in my apartment.

[ Reiner is quiet for a moment, imagining such a device. Grateful, too, that Iggy is kind enough to give him a sense of scale. But truthfully, the concept is so outside Reiner's experience that he has difficulty envisioning it.

He huffs a quiet laugh, perfectly willing to admit, ]

I have a hard time picturing it. As far as I know, that kind of technology doesn't exist where I'm from. This, [ he adds, gesturing to their futuristic surroundings, ] is all very new. It's like wandering through a dream.

If you got the time, can pop by my apartment and I'll show you. [No big deal- and she liked sharing music.

Were music shops around that sold vinyl records as well, but she didn't know how hands-on they wanted customers who hadn't bought anything to get yet. Best not to test that good will.

She glanced up to check where they were, turning down a side street easy enough to follow. Looked like there were a few shops down this way as well, people passing by. Spot they were headed was a few spots down. Probably could smell the food, given some of the other shops were also little restaurants here and there.]

I can imagine- tech-wise I'm familiar, but being able to just walk along without issue is... Nice.

Yeah, [ he agrees, nostrils flaring slightly as he sniffs the air, unable to resist the allure of food. ] Yeah, it's a nice change.

[ He casts a quick glance at her, debating how to broach what sounds like a commonality. He might be wrong. For all he knows, she could be a mass murderer unable to walk the streets for fear of capture. (Then again, that would still be a commonality of sorts, wouldn't it?) He wets his lips before speaking again, voice a little softer: ]

So, what's the "issue" for you? Is it personal, or is it … something you can't control? Something to do with a group?

[ A line of questions leading enough to hint at his own experience. ]

Very nice.

[She had hopes that it would be like this, one day, back home. That it didn't have to take being trapped in some other world being the only way to get that. To make things better.

Iggy did fall silent, briefly, but more to try and think how to word it, a small gesture of one hand made as she poke.]

It's because I am... this. [A gesture to herself, a tap of fingers near the side of her 'face'.] Not human, and my kind seen as lesser because of our origins. The fear mongering because of events in the past, and rather than try to learn more about us or reach any sort of understanding, treated like things rather than sentient beings half the time.

Won't even sell us any sort of parts, or anything, when we've got the money. Just as a small example of- well.

[Some Bullshit™.]

[ Iggy's story is familiar. Not because Reiner knows anything about where she's from but because it closely mirrors his own. People hated because of their ancestors' actions, weapons at best and filthy devils at worst. Confined within walls, their lives and experiences limited to what makes it past the gates.

What did Iggy's people do in the past? Did they terrorize the world? Rule it for millennia using man-eating monsters as weapons? Somehow, Reiner doubts it. ]

… Yeah. That sounds really familiar. [ Unconsciously, he raises a hand, rubbing his left bicep where his Warrior armband ought to sit. ] Other people are terrified of us. They have good reason to be, considering the past. But…

[ He trails off uncertainly, the idea of voicing any degree of discontent clashing wildly with his fanatical upbringing, making him squirm inside.

Thankfully, they reach the ramen shop a moment later, and Reiner is promptly distracted by the sights and sounds. ]

Some people with power rely on that fear to keep control- over humans and omnics alike. I won't disagree that the fear isn't without good reason where I'm from... but I think there's a difference between being controlled with no choice or sense of self, and awakened with a sense of individualism and freedom.

[It was a sentiment she could finish, because she felt like more shared it- more so amongst her fellow Omnics of the London Underworld. Not wanting to continue and let the fear being spread amongst them by those power hungry even of their own.

Things could get better.

Her head lifted once they reached the place, humming as she moved forwards to lift aside on of the cloth banners hanging low over the door.]

Here we are! Can sit at the bar and watch them make the ramen, I can see a few seats open from here. [Wasn't a meal rush time just yet.] Can even ask for a menu to look over.

There are a few choices when it comes to what you want in the bowl with whatever soup and noodle-type you pick.

[ Keeping power by ruling through fear. That, too, is familiar. Reiner knows it well, doesn't he? He's one of his nation's greatest weapons; he's one of those who cause that fear.

As soon as Iggy pushes aside the cloth, Reiner's eyes widen, taking in the shop and its customers. Some things are familiar: the sight of hungry people enjoying food is pretty universal. Other things are strange: he's never seen chopsticks before, and he spends a solid five seconds staring at someone using them, wondering how they work. ]

Wow, [ he finally says, smiling down at Iggy. ] Thanks for this, Iggy.

[ Even if he doesn't end up enjoying the food, he's certainly enjoying the experience!

He makes his way to the bar she indicated, then orders the miso pork ramen that she recommended. Might as well start there. ]

Glad to help, really. [She was; added up on the list of reasons why it was good to keep up with these places while she explored. Better to point people in directions of things to try and help ease their own arrival experience.

That, and she really did enjoy being able to walk around so freely. May as well take advantage of it.

Iggy followed in after, waving a little at someone who saw them. Just friendly.

Sitting down she knew she could order some mineral oil for herself; food grade, but it was safe enough for her consumption even then. Never hurt, knowing they had some for their knives.]

My treat too, by the way. Don't have to worry about paying for it.

Are you sure?

[ Asked as he settles in, tearing his eyes from the strange sights to look at Iggy again. She's friendly, generous. Certainly one of the nicest people (individuals?) he's met so far. A breath of fresh air, in a way; his reunions with people from his world have been emotionally fraught at best. ]

I noticed that you have a … cat? [ Definitely a question there, even as he smiles. The black void was strange enough on its own. Add to that the fact that Reiner witnessed Jean transform into a cat, and he really doesn't know what the hell the creature was. ] You could put those coins toward giving it a treat.

Very sure! The allowance I'm still getting still is a lot more than I need to survive, and I like being thrifty when it comes to clothing- patching together my own style.[Just a little gesture to her clothing.] So I got plenty to spare to treat you.

[The light of her mohawk headpiece flickered with the warmth of Iggy's laugh-]

Yeah- Miss Janie Jones is what they called a 'void cat' around here! Reason she's so black she looks like a hole in reality. She eats light. [Which was weird? Very weird? But also it wasn't hard to supply that at all.] Janie has been nice company, given I live alone otherwise. I think she'd appreciate the thought of yours.

A cat that eats light. [ Reiner shakes his head, mystified and amused, smiling in response to Iggy's laugh. ] This place really is something else. Thanks, Iggy; I appreciate it.

[ He hesitates, then asks, ]

Miss Janie Jones. She's not, ah. A person who turns into a cat, is she? I saw someone do that—or at least, I'm pretty sure that's what I saw. It was a tense situation.

[ Jean definitely couldn't do that before; Reiner is certain of it. ]

Right? That's a new one for me, too- but I don't have to worry about getting food she doesn't like at least. [Taking it all in stride, and making her way as it was.] You're welcome, and hey- anytime. Better to stick together with all of this, I think.

[Iggy hummed a little-]

She's not, no. Just a cat-even if a strange sort of cat, but that does sound like one of the abilities that comes with the whole seasonal magic thing. There are animals for each season, that sort of thing.

Edited 2023-07-03 17:41 (UTC)

[ Reiner nods, accepting that explanation, incredible as it is. Animals for each season. Presumably, that means he, too, could turn into an animal. To anyone else, the idea would probably be somewhat less miraculous than turning into a fifteen-meter-tall armored giant. But to Reiner, who has possessed that power for nearly half his life, the idea of transforming into an animal is … something else. ]

Was there anything like this where you're from? Magic and everything?

No, but a lot of high-tech science exists. Hover cars, hard-light— things like that? It can seem like magic, especially the hard-light and all of the technology surrounding that.

[Which honestly made all of the magic just that much more interesting to her.~~Picture an omnic turning into a bear.~~ Fingers drummed lightly on the counter where they were seated-]

Apparently given I'm Spring? I can heal people through magic here.

[ Hover cars and hard light? Reiner is unfamiliar with those things, of course, but he tries to visualize them anyway. A hovering car is easy enough. "Hard light" gives him some trouble. To him, it seems to go against the very concept of light.

He's distracted from asking more when Iggy mentions healing people with magic. His eyes widen a bit, genuinely impressed. ]

That's incredible. I had no idea these powers could do stuff like that. [ He gestures to himself. ] I'm Autumn. From what I've gathered, most of what I have to look forward to is mental. "Controlled insomnia" and stuff.

[It was still exciting, no matter where her worries and other thoughts went to- this magic stuff was really cool. To think she could heal people? Do anything more than what she'd always known? Hell of a concept.

Easy to keep that energy and smile there in her voice.]

Right? I can also make plants and stuff grow or bloom faster, and purify air and... liquids? If I'm remembering the stuff I read right. That's all just basic, can get better and stronger in it! [She could do a lot of stuff to help people here.] It's not bad- more so if you have to stay awake for some reason. There's earth manipulation with the more elemental stuff, yeah?

[ The more Iggy speaks of her Spring powers, the more impressed Reiner grows. Five years on that backwater island made him appreciate things like food and fresh water more than ever. Purifying air would even be helpful back in his hometown, where smog sometimes hangs above the houses. ]

That all sounds amazing, Iggy, [ he says, meaning it. As for his own powers: ] Yeah, Autumn has earth creation and manipulation. Those'll come in handy if I ever take up gardening.

[ He says it half-jokingly. He spent two years working on a farm, so he's not ignorant. But honestly, when will someone like him have time to garden?

He glances up as someone approaches them behind the counter, carrying a bowl and what might be mineral oil. Looks like their food is arriving. ]

video; un: reiner

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

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)