animus_network | ♪ 001. [Video]

[ Sending a message over the network for the first time after three months of captivity feels awkward, even for a social butterfly like she's supposed to be. But even worse is the fact that she's got to do this after such a weird experience. Then again, this is the best way to catch up on everyone she knows in the Tower.

She can't even fake a smile in this situation. Cue a blue haired girl appearing on the feed, blue eyes nervously looking at the camera. ]

Hello... My name is Sayaka Maizono for those who don't know me. There are some of you who know me certainly, so if you see this, can you please get back to me and tell me if you're alright?

[ A pause, then a sigh. ] I don't really remember much about what I've done while being in that state. What about you guys? It was so weird, and... depressing, too. Does that mean we're going to stay in the Tower for that long of a time? It's scary to think about it.

[ That's not a good impression she's making. Not like it really matters... but then, she adds. ] What do you think these noises from down below are about? It's drilling pretty hard in the lower floors, especially the cafeteria.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Well, even if you still have those books, something to help you sleep should be nice..

I'm sorry to hear that you don't remember anything about that time. It's terrible that they just decided to wipe your memories, but not how you thought during that time. But..I don't think you hurt anyone.

That's true..the noise is a little irritating. Hopefully it'll stop soon.

I would rather try natural methods before taking any medicine.

The fact that I'm not physically hurt should mean that I didn't fight anyone after all. But I was such a sad individual, it's laughable now that I think about it. [ Except no, she can't laugh at that. ]

At least the dorms are far up so that the noises are not as bothersome.

Well, alright then..just make sure you get some rest, alright?

But..just because you were sad doesn't mean that you killed or hurt anyone here.

And that's true..hopefully the noise won't go into the dorm floors anytime soon.

Sure thing, Tohko-san, don't worry about it. I just want to be sure everyone is okay.

Who knows, though? With the record this tower had, they could have messed with my head to that point.

Yeah, and I have a feeling it's going to be a bad thing anyway.

Alright then..but I don't think you have to worry too much. It seems like we're all doing okay.

And that's true..but unless anyone says that you did with something to back it up or unless you remember hurting anyone, I don't think you have to worry that you hurt anyone.

..And it might be..but I'm sure that, whatever it is, we'll all be able to handle it.

I guess I'm worrying too much, since there are people who have been here longer than me and are used to these. I'm sorry.

I hope so, Tohko-chan. It would devastate me to know that I hurt anybody against my will.

You are so optimistic. You must have been here a long time.

Oh, you have nothing to apologize about, Sayaka! Really, even people who have been here a long time have a hard time with this, and with good reason.

And I know it would..something similar happened to me back in October, so I know how that feels.

And I've been here for a little while..but not as long as some of the other residents. But that's why I try to remain upbeat. After all, when people start losing their hope, it's best that others try to bring it back, no matter how impossible it may seem.

You seem like a real strong girl. You remind me of someone. [ Although he's pretty less upbeat than her. ]

... but I'm sorry to hear that you had an ugly episode. I hope you held alright after that.

I'm glad you think I am..but really, I'm not that strong..I just try to help whenever I can.

And it's alright! I was okay afterwards..I had other things to deal with, so I didn't have time to brood..besides, everyone involved accepted my apologies.

[She had to take care of other people that had broken down, so she didn't have too much time to think on it herself.]

That still makes you a strong person, you know? Usually someone would break down after going through so much.

I guess that's good then. [ In a way, she wishes she was as strong as this girl. She wouldn't have died in her world, if she had a stronger mind... ]

Well..that isn't to say I haven't had any problems dealing with everything here..I just..try to deal with it as best as I can while helping my friends. I'm not sure if that makes me strong or not..but if it does, I'm just strong mentally and not physically.

But..you're pretty strong too, you know?

[ Ah, that stings her for some reason. ]

... I don't think I'm that strong.

[Not that Tohko meant for it to sting..]

How come?

I've done something unforgivable back home, all because I couldn't stand the pressure of being trapped somewhere.

[ That's all she's going to say about the matter. ]

Hmm..

Well, while I'm not exactly sure of what you did, there's nothing wrong with hating being trapped somewhere.

It was a nightmare. I couldn't take it anymore.

[ Somehow, typing it out is easier than saying it outright. ]

There were people who were waiting for me outside, and I wasn't given another chance. If I didn't do that thing, I would have been trapped forever.

I'm sorry to hear that..that must have been horrible. But..what thing are you talking about?

I can't tell you. Trust me, it's for the best.

Why can't you tell me? Did you promise someone that you wouldn't?

It's very personal, Tohko-san. Nobody knows except a few, and I prefer it to be kept that way.

Well..alright then. I won't pry, but if you ever want to tell me, I'll be more than happy to listen, alright?

Thank you, Tohko-san. Maybe when I feel more comfortable talking about it.

Oh, you're welcome! I'm always happy to help out my friends. If you get more comfortable, please, talk to me.

Okay. I'll think about it in due time.

Alright then!

♪ 001. [Video]

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