001 [video]

[laughingsword]

Hello~ooo… [in extreme magnification, a pair of eyes blink at the communicator for a few seconds before the face retreats into focus.] Ah! It's working, isn't it? That little light… what a funny dream.

[He chuckles, and holds the communicator a little further away, turning it from side to side.] Very funny. I've tried pinching myself ten thousand times, and I can't seem to wake up! Has anybody found out a better way? If I sleep in all morning I'll ruin my reputation, you see. Everyone will tease me!

[The temporary pout dissolves into a smile as he looks around beyond the communicator.] But maybe I can look around for just a few hours first. That wouldn't be so bad, would it? Ah, look! I think that's a candy store--!

Comments

[brodakota]

[He'd answer the question about waking up, but there's a bit of a distraction.]

A Candy store? I don't remember seeing one of those.

[Granted, he's so used to Traverse Town now that he's probably missing details.]

[laughingsword]

[After a moment, Souji's back, pouting at the screen.]

It wasn't one. It's too bad! Dream snacks must be interesting, mustn't they?

But I'm sorry, where are my manners? Who are you?

[brodakota]

There might be some at the tea shop.

I probably should have said something. Agent North Dakota, but most people call me North.

[laughingsword]

Soujirou. It's a pleasure to meet you, Agent North! [canting his head to one side, he adds:] Agent of who?

--It's good to know there is a tea shop, by the way, thank you very much. Which of these Districts is it in...?

[brodakota]

It's a codename. Military stuff.

[He'll leave it at that. Part of it's top secret, and you can never tell when anyone's from.]

The fourth district, in Traverse Town.

[video]

[battleborndr]

[He's staring back like he's in deep thought over something.]

Wish I could say a better way has been found. Instead, it's more like "no way." I think you'll be asleep for awhile.

[video]

[laughingsword]

But that doesn't make any sense. Even someone who is asleep for a long time goes from one dream to another!

[Doesn't make any sense, and besides that, he can't accept it. This is all part of the dream, isn't it? Funny animals, bright glowing paint, foreigners talking about sleeping forever....]

That's a funny way to say it, though. Are you asleep too?

[video]

[battleborndr]

That's because this isn't a normal dream. [At least that seems the best way to "explain."] We're all asleep.

[video]

[laughingsword]

I didn't think it was very normal.

But are you trying to tell me it's some kind of magic?

[earthshatter]

Yes. It's working.

[laughingsword]

[He laughs.] That's good, isn't it? Thank you!

The candy-store wasn't, but I've gotten directions to a tea-house. What kind of money works in these dreams, do you know?

[not that he actually has his purse with him, of course -- who sleeps with it unless they're on the road? -- but maybe he can find out how to earn a little....]

[earthshatter]

The moogles should be able to exchange what you have for the local currency.

[laughingsword]

Really? They can do that, too? My goodness, they're very talented creatures!

I only wish I'd been napping on duty. That way, I might have had my purse on me.

[sailorlaughter]

Ooooh! There's a candy store here?

[laughingsword]

No! There's not. I checked, and it only looked like one....

But there is a tea house, I'm told!

[sailorlaughter]

Oh, yeah! I work there sometimes! They've got pretty good pastry-making ovens, but not as good as the ones in Ponyville! I'm gonna try to bring some back with me!

[laughingsword]

"Ponyville"? Is that your hometown?

[video]

[juniorganymedian]

[This young man acts as though he might not be completely out of place among Mr. Wooster's more eccentric circle of acquaintances. Jeeves takes a look through the other messages before responding.]

Good day, Mr. Soujirou. [He tips his bowler hat politely.] My name is Jeeves. I would strongly advise creating a Spirit to aid you unless you have some form of fighting or magical powers. Even then, they are highly recommended as the native guardians of this realm.

You may find the following notes on Spirits and Nightmares prepared by young Master Riku and young Master Sora most instructive.

[He sends along a link to said instructive notes.]

[video]

[laughingsword]

It's a pleasure to meet you! Oh, and thank you, that's very useful, isn't it? An ally never hurts.

[He chuckles lightly.] I'll have to hurry up and make one!

Jeeves -- excuse me, I don't mean to be rude, but it's an unusual name. Where are you from?

[video]

[juniorganymedian]

[Jeeves inclines his head.] A most wise decision, sir. They have capabilities well-suited to facing the enemies endemic to this plane of reality.

I am from a country called England on the planet Earth. I must confess, your name is most foreign to me, as well, though it does bring to mind an historical gentleman of Japanese origin with which I am somewhat familiar. I am afraid the history of Europe and the new world has captured more of my academic focus than the Far East.

I suppose our years of origin may also be relevant. The nature of this dreamscape has allowed the integration of persons from many eras and worlds. I hail from 1925 on my world. Where and when are you from, sir?

[video]

[laughingsword]

Oh, I'm afraid it's a common name! May I ask what the family name is of the man you're thinking of? I am Japanese, of course, and it is the first year of Genji. 1925 -- what a big number! -- that's the foreign calendar, isn't it?

And England, let me see, I've certainly heard of it, but I don't know very much about geography!

It's on the other side of the world, isn't that right? Far west of China?

Voice;

[lessabrasive]

[ Reputation, huh? ]

And what sort of reputation do you have, exactly?

[Not that it really matters, since:] You'll likely have plenty of time to establish a new one here.

Voice;

[laughingsword]

Why, I'm always up early to train, of course! I hope this long nap won't be too troublesome for my friends.

Are you very concerned with reputations?

Voice;

[lessabrasive]

[..Is that all?]

As others may or may not have already mentioned, it's not likely your friends are inconvenienced much - unless they're brought here themselves.

People who proclaim themselves to have a reputation often tend to make themselves a source of concern.

Voice;

[laughingsword]

Even reputations for not sleeping in? I don't think that's very concerning, ah, I don't think I caught your name ♥ You can call me Soujirou!