realmofstories | First Shield | Is this what they call an Isekai?

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First Shield | Is this what they call an Isekai?

Characters: Ryotaro Dojima (King Arthur)
Campaign: Break
Format: Prose (But I'll match you)
Open or Closed: Open
Summary: The King has arrived, and he's trying to get the hang of the whole 'whisked away to another world to save it' thing. Come talk to him?

A: About the Town:

Clink, clank, clink--

"Ugh..."

If you followed the distinct sound of metal clicking and clacking together, you'd find yourself staring at an older man (maybe 40s?) in chain mail and parts of a suit of armor, with a cape, sword and crown to boot. He's rubbing his temple with his hand (Causing more clinking) glancing around, looking a little lost.

If he catches you looking at him, he straightens up, and turns your way-

"Pardon me--Ah."

He shook his head, looking even more annoyed, before continuing.

"Do you know where they sell normal clothing around here?"

Emphasis on 'normal'.

B: No horsing around.

If you happened by the lake, you'd see a new house had a appeared there. Well, perhaps it would be more appropriate to call it a castle. And standing infront of it would be an older man, staring down a pure white, large horse.

Fortunately, the horse seemed calm, and well trained, flicking its ears a bit but otherwise standing still. It was the man who looked a little unsure... as he offered up an apple to the horse, palm up.

"...I heard you guys like these."

The horses ears went up, and making a soft sound, the horse stepped forward, taking a bite out of the apple, it's tail relaxed along with it's nostrils.

At that, the man also relaxed, a small smile spreading on his face.

"Well, at least you're going to take it easy on me, huh?"

Maybe he'll let you pet the horsey...?

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"It's fine. It's not uncommon to ask what someone's aspect is when you encounter them. I know I personally told several people within the first few days of meeting everyone."

It really wasn't a big deal to her.

"I can't say I know that many more personally... not unless it's perpetuated in media. Anyway, I'm the Sea Witch."

"Alright, I'll keep that in mind."

He nodded, then tilted his head as she revealed her own 'Aspect'.

"The Sea Witch... from The Little Mermaid, right?"

Even he knew that one, though after reading through one version of the book himself, he'd decided NOT to read that one to Nanako. Talk about a depressing ending... how was that a 'fairy tale', anyway?

"I figured it was water related, but wasn't sure if it was something from that story or more like Otohime."

Well, if she was going to open up to him about it, he should return the favor.

"...It's probably obvious considering the outfit and the 'courtly manners', but seems like I got King Arthur mixed up in me now."

And he didn't sound especially pleased...

"That's right. And don't worry. No one's made any sort of contract or request with me."

And as long as the Little Mermaid didn't, he would live a little longer lest his actions get him killed instead.

"I would think Otohime would wear something more elaborate."

She brought a hand to her hip and raised an eyebrow.

"King Arthur? Oh my... that's a story to be stuck with."

"...You don't sound keen on doing it, anyway."

Which Dojima could understand. After all, the witch's price for such wishes was rather... extreme. Who's want to do that to someone, especially knowing how the story ends?

"Maybe, but you have the composure of royalty, so I didn't think it wasn't that far off."

One might think Dojima was making a joke there, but his face was completely serious. Was that King Arthur, actually him or... Both?

"I honestly don't know a lot of the details about it, other what I learned just by picking up references here and there and tv shows or manga when I was a kid. Legendary Sword, Camelot, Knights of the Round table..."

He made a... rather uncomfortable face.

"...And some adultry, if I remember right."

"What do you mean? I love potentially condemning people to arbitrary retributions for their wishes, or for unknowingly being part of one."

Because the Prince ended up the center point of The Little Mermaid's wish, and one or the other ultimately had to die for the other to live. Still, she might be a little too harsh.

"My composure? No, this is normal for me. Not the dress, but everything else."

Odd compliment, but a different one. Old-fashioned, wasn't he?

Thinking about his Aspect, she nodded. "It was Lancelot with his wife... at least, I think. It's been a while, but the name stands out."

"Ah, sorry..."

Hit a nerve there, huh? He rubbed the back of his head, not sure what to say. So thankfully, she changed the topic.

"Hm, I see... that's reassuring." Someone calm and able to take charge in possible stressful situations. It was good to know someone else like that was here too.

Old-fashioned, country bumpkin, rough around the edges... there were a lot of things you could call Dojima.

"Lancelot... Yeah, now that you mention it, I recognize it as well."

There was a twinge of pain, discomfort-- betrayal? Burrowed in his chest from just hearing that name.

"I'm guessing there must be somewhere to do research on all these stories, right? I'd hope the man in charge wouldn't leave us totally in the dark."

"There's the Grand Library here in the Index. If you need a refresher on your story or any others, you'll go there. Still, one destination at a time..."

And he wanted regular clothes first.

Though, thinking about it, it would be interesting to see if he got kicked out because he couldn't move without making noise. Eh, no, the Library here was more lenient than that.

"Yeah, clothing first, then I can find the Library later on, so I won't disturb your work."

Because it was some sort of work she was doing, right?

The streets were winding, european in style, and just... fairytale like. Dojima would've definitely gotten lost here if it wasn't for the wo--

"... I just realised, I never actually introduced myself to you yet, just gave you my 'essense'."

Geez, this was embarrassing. What kinda detective was he?

"I'm Ryotaro Dojima. I'm a police detective in a small town... in Japan."

He said that last part tentatively, for all he knew, maybe Japan didn't exist where she was from.

Well, drat, there goes the armor in the Grand Library.

The streets were fortunately the same as yesterday; given the fairytale settings, no guarantee they would remain quiet or a new building wouldn't make an appearance.

Glancing back at him over her shoulder, he doesn't have to give a name, but she wouldn't stop him either.

Also, he doesn't have to see her eyes darken a bit at the mention of Japan.

"... Naomi Kimishima. I'm a medical examiner in America..."

He's been smacked for being too loud at libraries when he was a kid and even a teenager, he's not repeating that, thanks.

He couldn't help notice her expression change when he mentioned his home country. But he wasn't going to press it. she probably had her reasons, especially considering her name indicated her family may have been from Japan itself.

"Medical examiner?" He actually looked... relieved? Relaxing a bit more as they kept walking. Someone who worked with something he could relate to, something concrete and practical in this topsy turvy place.

"That's something I can understand, at least. Evidence gathering is one thing, but what you guys do at the lab is something else."

It'd be interesting to talk shop with her sometime, see what Americans do differently first hand from someone who worked with them, as opposed to second hand knowledge and dubs of their crime shows. But... perhaps another time.

"Either way, thanks for the help, Kimishima-san."

"Quite... It probably wouldn't be my profession if I still lived in Japan, of course. Not a highly desirable job and all."

And she doesn't know if attitudes had changed since her departure, but that was the end of that discussion.

"Just... Naomi or Kimishima, Detective. No honorific needed. And don't thank me just yet; we haven't arrived at the store."

But it was getting closer. They would both see it shortly in another block or so.

"...Maybe not, but it's an important one."

Being able to work with dead bodies took a special kind of mental fortitude, after all. He was fine with it by now, able to compartmentalize it easily... most days. With most people.

But he was only human.

Still, he could understand what she meant in other ways. Naoto Shirogane hadn't hidden her gender for fun after all. He knew the attitudes, especially in his town, weren't much better than they used to be.

It was frustrating, honestly. If a person did good work, who cared what gender they were? And despite his annoyance at times, he couldn't deny Shirogane's good work.

"...Alright then, Kimishima." Naomi felt far too familiar to him, but he could handle 'Kimishima' no problem. Odd though, maybe she was just used to being in America for too long?

Or... the added honorific reminded her too much of Japan. He was getting the distinct impression her departure hadn't been a pleasant one, but that was just inference and gut feelings. Another conversation for later, maybe, but he wouldn't push on this obvious sore spot.

The shop soon came into view-- it was hard to miss, with the large, faux spool of thread and needle on either side of the door, with measuring tape and scissor, and drapes of fabric cascading down the outside walls. Dojima sighed at the sight, rubbing his temple.

"... It looks like something out of an amusement park."

Wasn't hard to get him to agree to that... and he didn't seem to object to Detective. That was fine he'd probably find it awkward if she just called him 'Ryotaro' out of the blue, but 'Dojima' felt too formal alone. No, no, she'd have to think of a nickname for him other than Detective... King would probably do from his Aspect and Essence.

Staring towards the shop in question, she rested a hand on her hip and looked his way.

"You'll have to get used to it. Fantasy Victorian faire is the standard."

He was not at all Kingly. Did he come off as actually Regal already? Damn this essence...

"I will, I will..." He reassured her, giving her a small, wry smile, "I'm going to let myself complain for at least one day before I make myself get over it."

That was fair, right? But glancing back at the Shop, he sighed.

"... Well, better face the music and see what's actually in there for clothing. Thank you again for the assistance, Lady--"

A groan, and he shook his head.

"Kimishima, I appreciate you putting up with me."

Edited 2019-07-13 05:17 (UTC)

"Alright. Just don't complain to the actual citizens. They seem somewhat upset for one reason or another... Haven't asked them yet." Didn't want to bother asking them. What if one of them asked her to fix it; or for the ability to fix it themselves? Ugh...

Even she doesn't look very amused at almost being called Lady Kimishima. No formal titles for her.

"You're welcome. If you need my help again for some reason, just ask for the Under the Sea Apothecary... I didn't name it, but it functions."

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First Shield | Is this what they call an Isekai?

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