prismatica | video;

[ The camera turns on to reveal a young face, currently in transit. It's Rebecca, walking down one of the broad, bright streets of upper Lunatia. She's a little unused to mobile videos, so occasionally she bobs out of frame. You can see her short hair, the pink choker she perpetually keeps wrapped around her neck, and the top of a green baseball tee. It is the nineties, after all.

More of relevance is probably the flushed cheek, the slightly heavier breathing. Iris is in full effect, and it's not giving her a second of mercy. She gathers herself before starting, eyes flicking over the display to make sure everything is set up and working correctly. ]

...you guys really weren't kidding about the effects of these moons. The physical and physiological changes already didn't make any sense, but this is just-- [ She puffs out a breath, shaking her head. ] Maybe there really is some merit to the lunar effect. We have all sorts of old wives' tales back home about how the full moon makes people go crazy, and we've only got one of them.

[ She pauses, glancing up to cross a street. Once across, she flashes an embarrassed smile at the camera. ]

Anyway. That's not what I wanted to talk about. Now that I'm settled in and things seem...peaceful... [ Her expression creases briefly, a nonverbal "for now". ] I was wondering, how do you all fill up your day?

I'll start! I'm Rebecca. [ She gives the camera a little wave. ] I haven't settled on a job yet, so mostly I'm going to the gym or at the cafe if I'm not in my apartment. I love sweet drinks, so it's nice to just relax in the sunshine with a book. I like playing basketball, and piano too, but those sort of fell by the wayside. All that keeps me busy, but when the moon's full, I'm still kinda lacking strategies to...distract myself.

[ It's about the most polite way she can conjure of saying, "Jesus Christ, nobody told me the moon effects were this bad, I'm going out of my mind here." ]

I figure we should all be trying to help each other out, even if it's just with sharing coping mechanisms. I'm always here to help if you need a medic, or even just a sympathetic ear. So...let me know!

weiss;

[ And then, as if by divine providence, a familiar, stylish ponytail of white hair exits a building. Rebecca lowers her phone and squints after her. She's much more put together now, but...yes, it is the girl she'd had that talk with!

Rebecca's wandering route has taken her near to the theatre. Was that where she was going? She's briefly caught in internal debate, not wanting to bother the girl, before managing to push. She breaks into a light half-job and quickly catches up. ]

Weiss?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It takes a certain kind of mindset, of course.

I run an apothecary over on Level 3- If you've been to the Heavenly Fowl, that's me.

Oh, an apothecary! I haven't been there yet, but I'll be sure to visit soon. I'm a medic back home, and the last couple of weeks kind of...drained my supplies.

Yeah, that's not surprising. My stocks a bit on the thin side too at the moment, but it shouldn't take long to bounce back.

If you're a professional, I'll cut you the same deal I already have with some of my other priority clients.

Really? I feel bad...you don't have to do that!

[ Though, if she intends to not work for a bit, with limited Chroma...it might be a good idea. She relents and gives a warm smile. ]

I'll put your shop's name out there in return. Sound fair?

Yeah, that's fine. I'll also listen to any feedback or requests you end up having to fine tune my stock. Information is a type of currency too, after all.

I might take you up on that...but I wouldn't hold out too much hope. There's a type of herb that grows in the mountains near my home that's really effective for medicines. I guess they'd be called Arklay herbs?

If you happen across any of them, I'm more used to refining those than anything, so I'd really appreciate it.

You're closer to the mark then you think. That's all I do here, minus a few trade secrets.

Don't bother looking for the herbs themselves, though. As far as I know, I control this world's entire supply and I intend to keep it that way.

What? You're keeping them all to yourself?

[ She looks pretty concerned now. ]

That doesn't seem ethical...what if somebody really needs some and can't find any?

They wouldn't find them anyway- they only exist because I grew them in the first place. If somebody needs them that badly, they're free to visit any of the clients I supply for treatment or come to me directly.

Wait, sorry...you mean you're the only one growing them, anywhere in Lunatia? How'd you get the first seeds, then?

...well, I'll be relying on you either way, I suppose.

Something tells me you're the type who wouldn't take 'trade secrets' as an answer...

I made them. I have a skill that lets me modify plants at will. If it bothers you, I think I can make you a special arrangement.

Not really, no.

[ Colour her impressed, though. She even makes an impressed noise. ]

Really? That's so useful...what kind of special arrangement?

[ If this is a sex thing, then........maybe. ]

I told you I was behind on my stock, I could use a little extra manpower from somebody who knows what they're doing.

In exchange, I can pay you and you can take some of the inventory you produce.

Well...I am looking for something to do with my time. An apothecary might be a good opportunity.

[ Getting to use her medical skills, but in a low-stress way, and helping people into the bargain...it all sounds good to her. After thinking it over a little, she flashes a thumbs-up to the camera. ]

Sounds like a good deal to me! I'd be glad to help.

You'll still need to show me that you're up to it, but that's better done hands on in person.

As long as you can do that, we've got a deal.

Of course. You can count on me.

[ She'd probably snap to attention and salute, were this not a video call. ]

Before that, though, I should know the exact address of this place...and the name of the person I'm working under.

Naofumi Iwatani. You can find the shop here- [And there should be a ping as he sends the address and directions to her device.]

One more heads up- I came here from a world were magic is normal, so don't be surprised if you see me using skills like that.

I'm starting to think I'm from one of the only worlds that doesn't have magic. Thanks for the heads-up.

Anything I should bring along?

Any notes you might have. Otherwise, you shouldn't need anything.

That might be in the minority, but you're not alone. I'm from the Japan of a totally normal, unremarkable Earth. This just isn't my first Isekai.

Really? But you said...

Hold on a second. What's an 'isekai'?

This is. All of this. Getting yanked off to a new world without warning.

This isn't the first world I've been whisked off too, though I guess it's been less of a shithole than the last one was. I didn't 'learn' magic there so much as had it forced on me whether I wanted it or not, and it came with a hell of a lot of problems.

Now I'm stuck with it, so I might as well make use of it.

I see. Like being taken to a new world.

It sounds like you've had a really hard time, Naofumi. [ Which is just...so relatable. ] I'm glad you've got a constructive attitude about it, at least. Trying to help people with your new power.

I need to make a living somehow. This seemed to be the most effective wa to do that here. The fact that it also helps people out is a bonus, I guess.

[That's just if you ask him, of course. He's the type who can't admit to himself that he actually likes helping people.]

I'd hope that helping people would be the main reason, but...whatever works.

Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow morning? Unless there's anything else you wanted to ask me?

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