Post 'Rebirth In Flames' (Locked from Astara)

[holdthefuture]

So at the end of that fiasco, the mysterious horned girl escaped. The surrounding area is vast, even if she possesses unusual physical characteristics, it can't be too difficult to flee.

But, you should know your Kijin better than that, right?

Wandering the city not long after the mission may lead you to an encounter with the girl in one of a few situations...

-


1. [A vending machine looks like it has been run over by a vehicle, and an unhappy policeman is giving the girl a scolding. She stays where she is and listens.]

Yes...I understand. I'll be more careful next time...

But for now I have to...

[Unfortunately, the officer, thinking that she's one of the district's cosplayers, continues his lecture about respecting public property...

So much for a flawless escape.]

---


2. [Towards the end of the day, a bench in a quiet park is where she sits. Staring into space and looking not only directionally challenged, but also troubled.]

I did that much to her, and she just shrugged it off.

She isn't a normal Kijin...

Comments

[holdthefuture]

I believe it's called: 'cosplay'.

[She points at some others wearing ridiculous anime costumes around.]

But yours...looks very real.

[stupidhonor]

Of course it is real. It is worn for protection... though I see many others wear a variety of outfits.

[If the situation was not so serious, maybe Sielje too would...]

You remind me of someone. A long time ago...

[holdthefuture]

R-real armor...

...Wait, you know someone who looks like me?

[stupidhonor]

[Nod.]

Real armor.

And yes. I met her many years ago...

A person with horns. And a tail.

[holdthefuture]

...When was this?

Was it around here, too?

[stupidhonor]

No. It was in a place distant, almost a decade back. Are there more of your kind on Earth?

[holdthefuture]

Yes...but they don't stand out as much.

[stupidhonor]

Ah. Of course. How stupid of me to ask.

[It's yet another thing that is commonplace on Earth but Sielje doesn't know about, and now she looks dumb.]

[holdthefuture]

It isn't stupid at all. They are pretty secretive.

...That place you mentioned, where was it?

[stupidhonor]

It is the planet of Ankaia.

[Said like it's not a big deal, really.]

[holdthefuture]

...Eh?

Is that where you're from?

[Because another planet would explain real armor...]

[stupidhonor]

[Nod.]

Yes. But I am human, as are all who dwell on Ankaia. We left Earth a long time...

...

[Humans, other planets... wait a second.]

You are a Kijin, are you not?

[holdthefuture]

...Yes.

Ah, but if you don't like my kind, I completely understand.

[stupidhonor]

Why would I do that? I do not understand...

I met one of your kind as well. She was the one to instruct me, how does a vending machine operate.

[Though Sielje does not have the strength to shake it up and down.]

[holdthefuture]

Well, there was that incident not too long ago...some people who recognize me as one aren't too friendly. But I don't hold that against them, and I don't hide it.

[She's glad that doesn't seem to be the case here, though.]

Did she have a name?

[stupidhonor]

Seta Albreich.

1/2

[holdthefuture]

Mm...I don't think I've heard of that name before...

2/2

[holdthefuture]

[At the same time, a warm light suddenly radiates from her right arm. Even under that sleeve, it's noticeable.]

Ah, not again...

[The horned girl puts her other arm over it to avoid attracting even more attention.]

[stupidhonor]

I see. Well, she...

Hold that! What is going on?

[Sorry, Sielje is not so derp that something like this escapes her.]

[holdthefuture]

...

[As quickly as it appeared, the light dims and eventually vanishes.]

I wish I knew...it just happens sometimes. Usually, it means something bad is about to happen. So, I'll have to cut this short.

I need to return to the Si...Ste... my group, either way.

[Whatever the group's name is, it's definitely difficult to pronounce as she gives up immediately.]

[stupidhonor]

Bad?!

[Sielje looks around, more alert. Or perhaps twitchy would be the way to describe it.]

Is another fight brewing? Are these people in danger?

No, nevermind. Make haste then! And...

Do not lose to it.

[holdthefuture]

I'll try.

[She's definitely not going to risk anything that has to do with the arm at least, and so immediately turns to leave.

But something gives her pause.]

Oh, my name is Lenore. I really hope I'll get to look at that armor someday.

[stupidhonor]

What makes my armor so intriguing? I cannot understand...

I am the knight Sielje. Be safe, Lenore.