strongside | [Video]

Another world, is it?

[ The feed comes on to show a young woman's face on the screen, looking at the Gear with an idle sort of wonder. In her other hand is a common, and familiar, handbook, one which she quickly glances back to as soon as the Gear is turned on. Seems like someone is trying to make sense of all this... technical jargon. But it's somehow able to make sense. Somehow.

After several moments of silence, she snaps the handbook closed with a sigh. She brings her attention back to the Gear. ]

Is there even a point to being "the best"? [ Does it involve you going back home? ] The book doesn't mention titans, but how much is this book not telling me?

[ Skeptical? Just a bit for all that the dubiousness shows on her impassive face. ]

I need to find my friends. If anyone knows a boy named Armin-- [ Pause. No, there's too many to list. She glances down to her arm and lifts it up to show the insignia of two swords crossing over a shield. ] If anyone has seen anyone with this jacket and symbol, please inform me immediately.

As for where to go... [ She trails off. She has a journey, but no destination. And the fact that she's alo-- a small roaring sound from outside the screen lifts up her head. ]

... Right. I need to find berries, too. [ I need a distraction. ]

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[A middle-aged man's face shows up on the screen. He's sitting on a bench at the side of a road by an open grassy area, where a Snubbull is throwing a stick for a Growlithe.]

[Blake's taking a breather, and he figures he should give the serious-looking girl the good news.]

No point to anything, as far as anybody's figured out.

[The Growlithe drops the stick and barks. The Snubbull patiently lifts it in her claws and throws it, sending the yapping fire-dog-thing scampering after it. Puppies.]

There's some giant ones if that's what you mean by titans.

[Blake tilts the screen to get a better look at the logo.]

Never seen it before. What are they, in your band?

[ More of those creatures, but at least Mikasa sees some semblance to animals she was already familiar with. She listens to Blake's words with a contemplative silence. By "giant ones," he's probably referring to a type of Pokemon. She'll get to that in a bit. ]

They were a part of my training regiment: the 104th squad.

[Chatty one. Blake's not complaining.]

Army?

[That doesn't look like any fatigues he knows.]

Sorry kid, but odds are you're on your own. There might be a couple around somewhere, but I wouldn't hold your breath.

[ Indeed, she doesn't. She lets out another sigh after he confirms her suspicions. Her nose dives under her scare for a few seconds. She did nod to his previous question of whether she's a part of an army, though. ]

If this world takes me, there might be a chance they get in as well. [ She hopes. It's very strange to have moments pass by where they aren't "do or die" moments. Like now. ]

If that's the case, I'd still like to be informed, if possible.

[He nods in acknowledgement] It happens sometimes. [ruefully] Not always who you want it to be, though.

[A stick drops in his lap. He looks up to see a Growlithe wagging it's tail and looking at him expectantly. He picks it up by one of the lss slobbery parts and tosses it out into the grass.]

Welcome to the planet of crazy bullshit.

Hope you like pets.

[ Speaking of "pets," her own walks up to her, causing her to hold the Gear a bit further away as an Axew clambers onto her lap and curiously peers at the screen. She glances back to Blake. ]

I don't mind them. I've never seen anyone like these before.

[ "Crazy bullshit," indeed. Her Axew croaks at Blake. ]

Neither'd I, but they're the basis of the goddamn economy around here.

[Hearing that croak, the Snubbull leans over into the frame and waves.]

Looks like yours gets along with you. That's a good start. You're gonna need it to beat the shit out of the feral ones.

"Feral"?

[ She really does wonder how hers could be considered hers to begin with, but the thing acts like it belongs with her. It wasn't "acting" feral, but he was hers. Outside of her possession, then...

Hers is so small looking. Her Axew rubs at his tusks before waving back. ]

I can't fight them myself?

Wild. [He waves his hand toward where the nice, clipped grass is bordered by some that's a lot thicker and taller.] Out there. They're always trying to gnaw on your ass, and siccing your own on them is the best way to get them off.

Yeah, people get mad if you punch them yourself, don't ask me why. It wouldn't work real well anyway, Some of them are made out of rocks.

[Blake may have learned about punching those the hard way.]

Indeed. We've all been transported from our own worlds to this one. As to how, it remains a mystery.

I'm unsure what it means to be 'the best', although I suppose the definition may differ for each individual.

Unfortunately, I have not seen that symbol in my time here. However, that does not necessarily mean that someone else hasn't. I've only been here a few weeks, while others have been here much longer.

But that's the only way for him to get stronger, isn't it? [ She gestures to her Axew. ] And to get more of my own?

[ If only she had her 3D Maneuver Gear. These things... they wouldn't be bothering her as much with them. ]

[ She listens to the answers a contemplative hum, nodding slightly as she receives them. She looks up at that last part, though. ]

How much longer?

There are some who have been trapped here for well over a year, if not more.

[ If she feels any surprise, her lack of reaction hides it pretty well. She only briefly looks off to the side as she considers the possibility of being stuck here for that long. ]

There's really no way to go back? [ What a frustrating thought. ]

[Minoriko sighs. She's come to terms with her situation, but she'll keep searching for answers. As long as there's hope, there's a way.]

Not to my knowledge. There are some who have vanished and returned, saying that time had not moved in their absence, but I cannot say how they managed to return. A definitive answer continues to evade us.

If something like that has occurred to multiple people... Perhaps there is a basis for it.

[ Time stops in their world when people are here? Then perhaps Armin and the others are safe while she's gone. If only she could make sure herself, but the girl has given her some helpful information. She bows her head. ]

They may not be concrete, but they put some fears to rest. Thank you.

Indeed. I only wish I knew more about the force that brought us here.

Those who informed me of these details seemed trustworthy enough. It's only right that I pass along the information that helped me. You're welcome. My name is Minoriko Aki.

Being the best just gives you bragging rights.

Minoriko Aki. [ Huh. That sounded much like-- ] My name is Mikasa Ackerman.

[ Is this woman an Oriental? ]

There must be something more practical than that.

It's a pleasure to meet you, Mikasa. If you have more questions, feel free to ask. I will do my best to answer them, even if I haven't been here all that long.

Where should I go next? Many of the civilians here don't seem accommodating.

You have a choice. You can follow Route 29 by foot and continue on through this region, or I've heard that there's a ferry that could take you to another from New Bark Town.

A three week pleasure cruise?

The ferry might take more than it gives. The next town is along Route 29, then?

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