A truth that is currently plaguing J, for it found itself stuck within the big Forest in Cotes, one that is infamous for this very issue, although… the drone didn't exactly expect it to be a genuine problem it'd struggle with.

If it could, it'd either just fly high up, or make use of a certain chainsaw to clear its path… unfortunately, neither of which J had the tools necessary for anymore. So here it was, stuck, with patience running thin.

Eventually, it just started silently following someone who seemed too… relaxed, not to know their way around the forest, figuring they'd lead it out sooner or later. It'd have worked out so well, too, were it not for the stranger turning around without warning, leaving no time for J to avoid eye contact.

"…"

awkward.

"— juuust following you. Carry on. I insist."

"What kind of Mahnga...?" When she picked up a random book to read at the library, she didn't expect such a twisted plot from a hardcover of something cute and innocent-looking.

It was difficult to describe, now that she thought about it. It almost echoed some of the standard Sky Realm architecture, but everything was just a little off. It was a poor copy, like someone had described it to a builder who didn't really care to get it right. Nier wasn't fond of the change; she had preferred a place that made her feel far from home. Was it possible that she had just wandered far off from familiar streets, and a few correct turns would bring her back to familiar territory?

Or had she been gone for far longer than she realized?

Sighing, she gives a small wave to someone passing by. "Um, excuse me... Do you know where the cherry blossom grove is? They didn't get rid of that, did they? I'm just looking for a quiet place to collect my thoughts."

"Only fitting for the protagonist," Uzi mutters to herself, surveying the space. "Oh yeah, workbench here, computer there, I could really get used to this."

It's just... kind of lonely, isn't it? As cool as being whisked away to another world is, it seems like she's the only one here. Does she need to reunite the party? Are N and V waking up somewhere else in the city- oh, she really hopes not; they'd probably explode in the direct sunlight.

Perhaps this is just another task for the protag of the story to struggle with. But as Uzi ponders her situation, the front door opens, and suddenly there's someone else in the house.

"Human!"

It's startling, but Uzi collects herself after a moment. Reflexively, she holds a hand out, three fingers extended. "Didn't they teach you about knocking in- in human school? Or what about trespassing?"

"If it's already starting to get hot outside, why don't you put your hair up in a braid?" He had overheard her complaints and couldn't help but pipe up with the suggestion. It was practically a kneejerk suggestion.

"hope you didn't give my friend too much crap for the booze," although it really doesn't seem like yuri minds much either way, shuffling through a deck of cards as leisurely as can be.

he'd never met the girl prior to today's mishap, so what's better than a friendly game of slapjack to help break the ice? it's more fitting than poker, at least.

Ambrose isn’t really sure what to make of someone like this, who seems to be a chaotic force of nature that can talk endlessly about whatever is on her mind, and he finds he can hardly get a word in. Goodness…

It was one thing interacting with younger children who would simply talk your ear off if  you let them, but apparently teenagers weren’t much different.

Eventually, when a small silence spans as if he’s expected to have an answer now, he blinks bewildered before even opening his mouth.

“I… I’m sorry to burst your bubble but I actually don’t work here.” He looks so embarrassed now, unsure where to look and settling on something to the side. He fiddles at a loose strand of hair, if only to distract himself from becoming too stressed over it.

“If I was more acquainted with things here I could probably still help… but…” 

…