Let's expand the boundaries of our conjectures. [OPEN]

[conjecture_this]

WHO: Nagi and whoever feels like sharing!
WHERE: Through your phone, through the internet, through Coba's craigslist, through bulletin board posts or just notes on the ground... wherever your character would come across a text/written post.
TIME: Day 4, morning.
DESCRIPTION:

[Sometime during the early hours of the morning, a bit of text pops up. How one sees it varies according to how they typically get texts but regardless the message is the same.]

I trust this message is not ill-timed. I am Nagi, lately arrived to this place as many of you are as well. I would ask for the assistance of those reading this then.

In order to form a more complete picture of this dimension, I would like to engage in the process of gathering information. Many new buildings have sprung up with our arrival and those that have seem to be influenced on the preferences and tastes of those here. Those who have experienced such, what buildings arrived from your own dimensions? Have you likewise experienced locations changing around you?

I would like to ask about time periods as well. It has become evident that there are those of you from times much more advanced than my own. If I may then, I would like to ask what year it is for you. For myself it is Taisho 20 or 1931.

If there is other information you wish to share or things you would like to ask others, I encourage such as well. Together we may be able to learn more about the exacts of this dimension.

Thank you.

Comments

[conjecture_this]

[Nagi herself holds the book she had just closed flat between her hands, expression both thoughtful and dim. It's a heartening things to learn as it seems no time is lost and no one is missed. But...]

It seems a little too convenient, doesn't it?

[Her voice is ringed in a gravely serious tone. Dimensions were nothing to be messed with and though this one seems benign and nice... was it really?]

[breakrecord]

[Nagi voiced exactly what he's thinking, although he wishes he wasn't thinking it. He doesn't like being pessimistic or cynical about things, but considering what he'd been through, it's hard not to be negative. Still, he'll not encourage that path of thought in other people if he can help it.

So, instead of agreeing outright with Nagi's statement, he gives her a gentle, encouraging smile.]

Maybe, but then again, I haven't even been here for a week, and my conclusion was based on only one round trip. I think it's a pretty solid guess on how things work, but who knows?

We definitely need more information. It's easy to think that there's some evil plot behind this place, but there's a lot we don't know. Let's find out as much as we can and give it some more time.

[He's trying really hard to believe what he's saying, but... No, he's suspicious.]

[conjecture_this]

Mm, I understand.

[And she does really. At heart Nagi would rather be an optimist herself but after everything that's happened in Tsukigata, from the truth of Lord Tento to her Master's sadness and death...]

It's difficult at times to not search for deeper theories within a moment to add to ones conjecture, whether they be for the better or not.

[She has taken to jumping to conclusions far too often.]

[breakrecord]

[While he meant to allay her concerns somewhat, it wasn't his intention to upset her. When she becomes dejected, he feels bad for not choosing his words more carefully, so he takes a small step towards her and sheepishly looks down.]

No one's saying you shouldn't look for a deeper meaning, just that sometimes getting stuck on an idea prevents you from seeing other possibilities. Honestly, I'm suspicious of this place; anything this powerful and convenient probably comes with a cost.

[He looks up at her and smiles.]

But not everything in this world requires a sacrifice. Sometimes things are just what they appear to be. We can and probably should consider the worst, but let's also keep other possibilities in mind.

And, hey, I'm glad you have theories about this place! Two heads are better than one and all that.

[conjecture_this]

[The teen looks a touch surprised when she finally directs her glance over to Hibiki, brows raised gently. She's more impressed than anything and once she digests what he's saying, a small smile rises.]

That's very true. For now observation is likely the best route. That has been my plan at least.

[Then her smile grows a notch more.]

You're quite mature, Hibiki-san.

[breakrecord]

[He bursts out into sincere laughter at her last statement, although he quickly muffles it by grabbing one of his hoodie's rabbit ears to cover up his mouth. It doesn't take him long to get his laughter under control, but when he lets go of the rabbit ear and stuffs his hands in his pockets, it's easy to tell that he really wants to continue laughing.]

Sorry, sorry! It's funny because I'm usually pretty immature about a lot of things. [He's kind of a horrible troll.] I try to be mature about serious stuff, but for the small, day-to-day things?

[He grins. It's a small, slight motion, but it somehow makes his face look incredibly mischievous. It's definitely a change from the gentler smile he was giving her before.]

[conjecture_this]

[At the start of his laughter Nagi can't help but look surprised. She's not quite used to people who laugh so boisterously, given how gravely serious her Master could be. She stands blinking at him until he speaks again.]

Really? I would never have thought...

[Ah! She quickly waves a hand.]

N-not that it's bad or such! Laughter is a pleasant thing!

[breakrecord]

[When Nagi speaks, Hibiki's grin grows wider and just a tad devious. He can't help it—she's adorable! So earnest and sincere and easily flustered! He's been refraining from teasing her like he does most people because it didn't really feel fair to, since she seemed so overwhelmed by everything already, but if her reaction was going to be like this...

He's not going to be mean about it, but maybe teasing her a little from time to time would be okay. For now, though, he just keeps smiling, even as he responds.]

I know! Laughing is great—it means people are happy. If I can brighten someone's day by coaxing a laugh or a smile out of them, then hey! I've done a good deed.

It's still amusing that we've only spoken twice, and you think I'm mature. That usually doesn't happen with most people I meet. It's kinda nice to have someone with that impression of me!

[conjecture_this]

What do they usually think of you then?

[Because she sure saw no reason to think of him as anything other than mature. Sure he looked a little mischievous and if Pixie wasn't busy peering over some books herself, she might have noted it loudly enough. He's treating Nagi nicely enough though so...]

[breakrecord]

[His expression becomes more introspective, although there's still a lighthearted, casual air about him. What other people initially thought of him... Well, he had a basic idea of what people thought of him, and he definitely knows how he presented himself to others to make them think a certain way of him, but overall? It takes him a few seconds to be able to reduce it down to something simple.]

Hmmm, I'd say people usually think of me at first as a weird guy with a good sense of humor.

[He pauses, actually a bit embarrassed despite the odd twinge of pride he feels. He's remembering a few people who shouted the next thing at him when he was being particularly trollish.]

I've been called an idiot a couple of times, too.

[conjecture_this]

[After a momentary blink of surprise, Nagi can't help but laugh just a little as she settles the book she had been holding back on the book shelf before her.]

It would never enter into the basis of my conjecture for you to use such a word.

[Then again Nagi probably doesn't seem like the type to call much of anyone an idiot.]

[breakrecord]

[Nagi doesn't seem like that type of person at all, but Hibiki's friends with people who throw around the word all the time. Sometimes as a term of affection.]

In their defense, I do act like an idiot all the time.

[Hibiki's tone of voice isn't self deprecating at all; for him, that statement is just the truth. He acts like an idiot because that's how he wants people to see him. Nagi, however, has primarily seen a side of him that isn't Hibiki Kuze: Troll. It's...sweet how highly she seems to think of him. In fact, it's enough to get him a bit embarrassed, although he's doing his damnedest to not show it.]

Anyway, thanks, Nagi. It's nice to hear that.

[conjecture_this]

[At that Nagi gives a warm smile, nodding.]

It's alright. I only try to speak the truth when I am capable of such.

[That said and after a second or so of contemplation, Nagi adds a little gently, as if suggesting something like this might seem odd.]

I should wish in time then that I may view you as your friends do.

[... Like an idiot or... ?]

[breakrecord]

[...well, it wouldn't be too hard for him to act in a way that causes her to view him as an idiot, but would that really be a good idea? On the other hand, Nagi does know now that Hibiki's got another side to him, so he'll loosen up and be more free with his words around her, too.]

I'm sure that won't take long at all. After all, we're already getting started on the road to friendship!

[He pauses for a moment. His next words are said with a hint of embarrassment and shame.]

I gotta admit—I was more reserved with you on purpose. You seemed really serious at first, and then when I found out you weren't from my time, I thought it'd be mean to hit you with everything I've got when you were already overwhelmed. That wasn't really fair to you, huh? From what I've seen, you're a strong person!

[He leans forward towards her, suddenly INTENSE.]

All right! From now on, you're getting the Full Hibiki Kuze Experience! GET! PUMPED!

[If this was a library, they would have been kicked out by now. As it stands, they still might get kicked out if he doesn't tone it down a little...]

[conjecture_this]

[Nagi would rebuke the point of strength if he wasn't suddenly INTENSE and right there as he leans forward. She leans back a bit in accordance, wide-eyed at him.]

Ah... I.

[Clearly the appropriate thing is to bow quickly.]

I look forward to it!

[breakrecord]

[Hibiki leans back as Nagi bows, not wanting to have their heads collide and the two of them end up on the floor. It'd make for a funny story some time down the line, sure, but not getting injured would be even better.

Still, he can't help but to smile at how earnest Nagi is. Guess that must be a product of her time period, although he wonders if all girls from her time were as easy to fluster as she is.]

Good! I hope your mind and body are prepared!

[And then he quiets down, giving her a friendly smile.]

But you don't have to take it too seriously, either. Friends are relaxed around each other! Don't be afraid to call me out on stuff or voice your opinion around me, okay?

[conjecture_this]

Don't worry. In theory I'm very good at critiquing others.

[She spent most of the time after meeting Raidou-senpai critiquing him after all. Well, before she got over being more than a little displeased at him.

About this time is when Pixie finally shows up, shooting over like a glittering rocket because Nagi is flustered, Hibiki is smiling and she's missing something really juicy here apparently.]

Hey! Don't you dare get cozy without me here!

[She flits circles around Hibiki, darting around his head here and there.]

Just what do you think you're doing, huh? I turn my back for a moment and you start teasing her. That's it, right?!

[Oooooor.]

Or is it something else? Nagi, you're shameless!

Eh?

[breakrecord]

[True to his word, Nagi is going to get Full Hibiki Kuze Experience. He takes on something that could only really be called a shit-eating grin, although that might not be the exact words Nagi would use. He can't see her swearing, really.]

Aw~, but I can't help but to tease and flirt with a pretty girl! Especially one as irresistible as the one standing in front of me.

[He leans forwards just a little bit, not enough to get in Nagi or Pixie's space, but enough to demonstrate that he's interested.]

I think I've fallen for you...

[Hibiki pauses dramatically.]

...Pixie.

[conjecture_this]

[It's a very mischevious grin alright but Nagi doesn't think too much of it at first. When he starts in on 'pretty girls', both Nagi and the Pixie manage to blush. It only deepens as he leans in and then...

Both of them seem a bit gobsmacked to say the least. Eventually Nagi turns a wide-eyed look over at her Pixie. Her Pixie herself has her hands pressed to her cheeks, thoroughly surprised. Then she starts giggling before flying close enough to thwap the boy over the head a few times with a very tiny hand.]

Kyaaaaah, you're too much, Hibiki! You're going to break every girls' heart around here! You're such a cad!!

[...]

She looks like she's having fun though...

[breakrecord]

[Hibiki manages to muffle a laugh to their reactions just in time to get hit on the head a few times. It's a good thing that Pixies don't trend towards high strength stats. It doesn't hurt, but he still tries to step away from Pixie's fists.]

A-ah, hey, I can't help it! You've struck my heart and my head! This pain... It must be the pain of longing!

[To Nagi, he gives a her a quick smile.] Heh. It's good to have some fun once in a while, demon or human!

[conjecture_this]

That's true. This town seems apt at providing such entertainment as well.

[The Pixie has finally stopped pummeling the poor guy and nods vigorously.]

There was a parade and then a house party and even fireworks too!

[breakrecord]

Oooo, yeah! I saw those! Coba's got a pretty exciting event calendar. I'm glad I picked this city for a vacation spot!

[...Never mind that Hibiki didn't mean to come to Coba until a few months from now.]

Speaking of vacations, mind if I ask you two how long you're planning to stay? Are you on vacation too, or are you planning to hang around here long term?

[conjecture_this]

[At that Nagi looks somewhat uncertain.]

I am unsure at present. In theory I have a duty to where I live. However I feel there are certain aspects of this city that need further investigation as well as further monitoring.

[Like the appearance of a Nameless Shrine, for one.]

[breakrecord]

[Hibiki considers this for a moment.]

Yeah, and if time stops for everyone's world outside Coba, then there really isn't a big penalty for staying and checking things out, right?

Hmmm, well, if you are going to be staying here for a while—whether all at once or coming and going—we should get you a cell phone! If you're interested.

[This is really just an excuse to teach her about emoji and emoticons more in depth.]

tmw i'm left with few suitable icons for a bit. forgive me here, haha.

[conjecture_this]

Can you purchase those here?

[She had seen others with them of course but hadn't really looked for a shop here. She wouldn't know the first thing about buying them.]