1st ♥ [ video / action ]

[rewindingly]

[ Action ♥ Residents of Room 02-05 ]
[ Homura woke with a start. Last she remembers, she was going to sleep and expecting to attend her new school tomorrow. Fresh from one timeline to the next. Her determination is worn plainly on her face, overtaking the confusion that comes with waking in a new environment. Adjusting all too quickly, she slips out of the bed and snatches up the letters. Reading the first one, rereading those simple words over and over, before finally lowering the paper. ]
This can't be.... [ Her heart drops like a rock. That can't be. It makes no sense!

... But it does, actually, doesn't it? After seeing Madoka's soul gem taint again, it makes sense. Homura covers her face, sobbing into her hands for only a few seconds before drawing in a deep breath. ] Madoka... Everyone... [ She has yet to notice her roommates as she tries to wipe her eyes and get a grip. ]

[ Video ♥ ]
[ A calm facial expression betrays Homura's feelings. True, she's gathered some courage to keep herself relatively calm, but her heart has been ripped to shreds by this possibility. Even so, there's still hope. She reminds herself, over and over, that it's not over yet. ]
I am Homura Akemi. I am a new arrival. I have read both of my letters and have an understanding of the situation.

 [ A pause. Debating. She never properly "started" her last timeline beyond being released from the hospital, so if the other girls are here then they might not recognize her. Calling out their names would be strange. ] I am from Mitaikihara in Japan. I'd like to know if anyone from home has also been 'saved'.

[ She brushes her hair behind her shoulder, a seemingly confident gesture that is actually just a nervous tick. ] How long have you all been here? And how many of you believe that letter?

Comments

[Video]

[fusedstars]

[He is used to seeing those types of faces, having trained himself to keep a constant calm or blank expression his face. As such, it was simple to detect small hints as to what can betray that. However, he also knows that everything is not what it seems, even hints; detecting someone else's thoughts was always a confusing matter.

There is at least one thing he is sure of, mostly: this tower.]

The situation is not entirely what it appears to be, even with the letter.

[rewindingly]

Please elaborate. [ It's hard to keep her tone neutral. This is exactly what Homura wanted to hear. She wants reasons to doubt the letter. ]

[fusedstars]

One month ago, occupants of the tower, most of them it seemed, were taken away to be experimented on, all as a part of a competition as to who would take control for this month of the tower.

While I have no proof that can deny worlds have been destroyed, I still highly doubt such an event occurred, one that none of us were made aware of until we were brought here.

[rewindingly]

I see.

[ Homura takes a second to let this information soak in. ]

Then, in theory, there exists a power that thinks of itself as higher to us wishing to control this tower? [ She pauses again. ] Have there been residents here longer than a month?

[fusedstars]

They think of us as toys at best, tools for their entertainment. [As evidenced by those experiments. There was no purpose in them at all. Even the experiments at the facility made more sense.

He nods.]

Others have been here longer, yes. Their information only helps prove my own correct however.

[rewindingly]

I see then. Thank you very much. That is all... reassuring, I suppose.

... Perhaps, though, if I may trouble you once more. [ He isn't from her world. He won't find her knowing the names of 'strangers' too strange. ] Do you names "Miki Sayaka", "Tomoe Mami", "Sakura Kyouko", and "Kaname Madoka" mean anything to you?

[fusedstars]

[There's just that brief bit of surprise there. Kaname Madoka. That was a name he was familiar with, however...]

Kaname Madoka does, but not within this tower.

[rewindingly]

Madoka?

[ Homura almost allows herself to be hopeful, but his last words catch her. ]

What do you mean?

[fusedstars]

It was at a facility that specialized in cloning and experimentation. What I met was a clone of her, the same as myself.

I take it you were close to the original Madoka?

[rewindingly]

Cloning...???

[ And then such a tricky question... ] Our paths do cross often, yes...

[fusedstars]

Yes. Unfortunately, I do not know what has become of her or anyone else.

How do your paths cross? [He could tell there was something more underneath of that.]

[rewindingly]

We are classmates and she knows an... acquaintance of mine. Other than that, I do not know her particularly well.

[ It stings to say it that way, but in recent timelines that has usually been the case. ]

... She's a wonderful person.

[fusedstars]

I see. [There was no doubt more to the story, but that could be uncovered in time. But...] If she was anything like the one I knew, I imagine she must have had a strong heart as well.

[rewindingly]

[ Yes, she does. ]

I would not deny the possibility.

You have yet to tell me your name. I will respect secrecy if it's your intention, but I would like to know how to address you in the future. "Homura" is fine for me.

[fusedstars]

I have very little to hide anymore for what I am.

My name is Hei. It is a pleasure to meet you, Homura.

[rewindingly]

You as well, Hei.

I have things to look into. I suppose I should be going. Does any form of library exist here? Or a place to train one's physical fitness?

[fusedstars]

[Training huh. Made Hei all the more curious. What did these girls do back home?]

There are two libraries here, one on the third floor, and the other on the nineteenth. As for training, I haven't explored enough, but creatures do dwell here, hostile ones. I suggest taking caution, especially at night.

[rewindingly]

Thank you very much. Are there are any other notable locations and-or dangers that I should be made aware of?

[fusedstars]

Others can help you out more with that information. Unfortunately, I am still gathering intel on my end.

[rewindingly]

Very well. It has been nice talking to you, Hei.

Please do not hesitate to get in contact with me if you learn anything more. I would be appreciate being update-to-date.

[fusedstars]

I will. Take care, Homura.

[Well mannered and intelligent, and knows Madoka. Something was up, that much he could tell, but for the time being, he had his own problems to go with. The future held more possibilities and problems that needed to be cleared, and more important than probing information out of a lone girl.]