animus_network | THE FIRST ☠ VIDEO

[The video opens to a young man dressed in purple, looking a bit anxious.]

...Oh man, I really hope this thing is working. I don't think I broke it, but it's not like the 'Gear, so I don't know if it's actually transmitting...

[He studies it for a moment before finally relaxing. An easy smile crosses his face and he leans forward a bit, actually managing to look at the camera.]

Well, if this thing's working, then hi! I just woke up here this morning, so I'd like to know what's going on. The last thing I remember is going to bed in [the Team Rocket base, but he's not going to mention that] Goldenrod, and now I'm here. I don't think this is like that weird dream everyone had - this doesn't look like that castle, after all - but correct me if I'm wrong!

[He steps back from the terminal and reaches up to absently tug at the collar around his neck. For those of you who recognize this man, it might be a bit of a surprise to see that the collar is blue.]

Oh yeah, what are these for? I definitely didn't have this on when I went to sleep. It's kind of annoying, but I can't get it off. Is there any reason for that?

[Ryuunosuke pauses, tapping a finger to his chin in thought. As he's thinking, a strange ghost floats into the frame and starts pulling faces behind Ryuunosuke's back. He doesn't seem aware of it at all.]

I think that's about it. I guess I'll be here in the library if you want to come talk to me directly, otherwise I'll respond on this thing! ...Assuming it's working, that is. I'll feel really dumb if this isn't broadcasting...

[He reaches over to shut the camera off, still smiling innocently.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Well, if you know the other version of me then yeah, I guess you're right!

[Ryuunosuke motions for Haunter to come closer to the screen. The ghost Pokémon does as he's told, floating... too close to the screen. Ryuunosuke can sort of be seen through him. This is probably weird as hell, sorry Waver.]

A Pokémon! You know, from the games? Well, I never actually saw the games, so maybe they weren't created where I'm from, but I've heard that they're video games!

[Ryuunosuke, you're being so helpful.]

Oh, who are you? I didn't catch your name.

I'm not exactly the type to play them, myself. [Waver, go get your canonself to explain the pokeymans to you.] Why don't we make it stop grinning at me, for one.

As for my name, it's not of specific importance to you. The fact that I know yours is, for the moment, enough.

[Ryuunosuke somehow manages to push Haunter out of the way, despite the fact that it's a ghost. Look, don't question these things. Haunter is still grinning, but at least he's in the background of the video now?]

Yeah? That seems kind of rude. But I guess if you had a run-in with the other me I can kind of understand it.

[...]

Assuming he's like me, that is. I mean, I can't imagine a different version of myself not being the same, but you never know!

Right, because serial murder is the picture of fine etiquette? Glass houses and all that, let's not travel this particular road.

If any force in multiple universes was kind to anyone, you'd be polar opposites--god forfuckingbid I have a nice day, though.

So you already know about that, huh?

[Hopefully because his otherself has been killing people in marvelous ways!]

I'd apologize, but I'm not really sorry. It's not my fault I'm here, after all!

After some Second Magic-based confusion and several headaches, I caught on to the concept. And while I'd agree it's not your fault you're stuck here? The whole horrible murder thing is something you're a little more responsible for.

"Second Magic"? What's that?

[Because clearly that's the most important thing here.]

Well, if you're expecting me to apologize for what I've done, you've got another thing coming, sir. Besides, I haven't done anything here!

[...Yet.]

...God, you are just a brainless waste of a thing, aren't you?

[Things Waver hates: senseless murder and idiots.]

Hey, I'm not brainless! It's not my fault I don't know anything about magic!

[...Actually it kind of is, Ryuunosuke. You could have asked Caster about it but noooo of course not.]

How did you even--

[And there's the tension headache. Better not think too hard about how some creepy little shit ended up being a Master.]

How did I even what? I can't answer that if I don't even know what the question is!

[...and just like that, the irritation is gone and he's back to headtilting and looking almost innocent.]

How do you function?

Presumably the same way as everyone else does!

[ c: ]

[Give him a second.]

...Oh god.

Oh god you're like one of my students if he was a murderous lunatic. Do you comprehend how airheaded that makes you?

Edited 2014-02-12 00:19 (UTC)

[Should he take offense at the term "murderous lunatic"? ...Naaaah.]

Well, I don't know your student, so nope, I have no idea how airheaded that makes me!

[Is he joking? Is he serious? Is he stupid? We just don't know.]

[He can practically feel his hair going gray from stress. Waver didn't even know that was possible.]

...The more I talk to you, the less willing I am to believe you're actually not faking stupidity.

[It's a gift~]

Well, that's for me to know and for you to find out, right~?

[BECAUSE CLEARLY THIS IS SOME KIND OF DEMENTED GAME, sorry Waver]

[if only he was close enough to a wall to whack his head against it]

Look, you pick up your usual hobby here and the only thing you'll be finding out is 'what it's like to get thrown off an enormous helltower'. Do I make myself clear.

THE FIRST ☠ VIDEO

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