[Video]

[unknownrival.livejournal.com]

[At least this person seems to know what he's doing: he doesn't look at all surprised when the device clicks on and starts recording, merely annoyed and more than a bit worried.]

This is a ridiculous situation. It isn't possible for someone to wake up on another continent for no reason. For one thing, who would bother to kidnap a monk? Not even a monk, but a monk in training?

On the chance that this isn't an extraordinarily vivid dream, I'd like to ask for some explanation of what on earth is going on here. I would appreciate it. The only other apparent option would be to beat my head against the wall until the concussion knocks me out and I wake up at home again, but that doesn't appeal as much.

Comments

[video]

[unknownrival.livejournal.com]

I might as well stay at this bookstore, as it will give me something to do until then and I don't feel comfortable staying in a strange hotel yet...

[Issei turns the camera to show the outside of the bookstore Diarmuid works at.]

[video] 1/2

[croibhristeoir]

. . .

One second.

[action]

[croibhristeoir]

[SUP ISSEI?]

[He'll just be sticking his head out the door and adjusting his glasses again.]

Had I known you were right there, I wouldn't have stayed in here so long.

[action]

[unknownrival.livejournal.com]

[Hi, Lancer. Watch Issei jump just a little.]

That's a coincidence, isn't it?

[action]

[croibhristeoir]

Remarkably so. I happen to work here, actually.

[action]

[unknownrival.livejournal.com]

Then, considering my sudden lack of access to my temple's library, I imagine we'll be seeing a lot of each other.

[action]

[croibhristeoir]

I suppose I'll look forward to that, then.

Re: [action]

[unknownrival.livejournal.com]

Likewise.

[Issei bows low.] Forgive my sudden imposition upon you. I felt it best to not be with Emiya at the present time if this is all true.

[action]

[croibhristeoir]

Not at all. [He gave a slight respectful bow as well, smiling.] It'll hardly be any trouble, I'm sure.

[action]

[unknownrival.livejournal.com]

You help protect people from monsters all the time?

[action]

[croibhristeoir]

Here? Yes, actually.

[action]

[unknownrival.livejournal.com]

You're quite brave.

[action]

[croibhristeoir]

Is the mere absence of fear really bravery?

[action]

[unknownrival.livejournal.com]

...Hm, I think that it takes more than absence of fear to take others under your protection. It does you no personal good to keep them safe.

[action]

[croibhristeoir]

Perhaps not, but I do it simply because it seems the right thing to do.

[action]

[unknownrival.livejournal.com]

And that's why you're a good person.

[action]

[croibhristeoir]

I'm flattered you see it that way.

[action]

[unknownrival.livejournal.com]

It's hard to see it any other way.

[action]

[croibhristeoir]

I feel I should at least caution you, incidentally, that the city at night can be a bit of a shock if you're not used to it.

[action]

[unknownrival.livejournal.com]

Wouldn't that apply the first time I saw it in any circumstances?

[He's not going to fully believe you until he sees it.]

[action]

[croibhristeoir]

A fair enough point, yes.

[action]

[unknownrival.livejournal.com]

I'll be fine.

[action]

[croibhristeoir]

Very well, if you're certain.

[action, timeskip]

[unknownrival.livejournal.com]

[So he said, but after their conversation ended and the Dark Hour fell upon them, the twisted light, the coffins, the creeping Shadows- Issei couldn't help but immediately cling to Lancer's arm.]

N-now I believe you.

[croibhristeoir]

I hope you understand I'm going to need that arm shortly.

[The glasses were nowhere in sight, Lancer obviously not really needing them. A thin metal pipe was in each hand, green and black armor worn in place of the ordinary civilian clothes from earlier.]

Though it's good to know you don't consider me insane.