returntospring | First Petal [video]

[The video clicks on, revealing a curious-looking purple-haired girl. She has the normal confused air about her that most newbies had, but she doesn't seem to be outright panicking.]

Um, hello... if there's anyone listening, I have a few questions I'd like to ask. [A pause. She hopes that would be enough to get someone's attention.] I'm not sure how I got here... I heard an explanation before, but I'm still a little confused, so if someone could help me out, that would be great. [She looks a little sheepish at that. She saw the other people, wandering around and looking just as confused as she did; they're probably using this device for the same reason she is now.] I'm sorry if a lot of people are asking this. And thank you in advance. I really do appreciate all your help.

[She moves to turn off the feed, but pauses.] There are... a lot of different people here, aren't there? [Her smile fades a little.] Can someone tell me... do the names 'Shirou Emiya', 'Rin Tohsaka', or 'Rider' sound familiar?

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[ While Saber isn't in the best mental state these days, she'll take a moment to check the network. This girl... she was familiar - that one that was always at the Emiya house, wasn't she? ]

That they do. [ Have one trying-as-hard-as-she-can-to-look-valiant, heartbroken Saber responding! ] Of the ones listed, only Shirou is here. Should he fail to answer your call, I will seek him out in your place.

Oh? What a chance to see that you have arrived here, nurse.

[Oh

Oh

This... this is awkward. And somewhat uncomfortable. Sakura had mostly come to terms with everything that had happened during the Holy Grail War, but this... getting over this was something she couldn't do, due to... certain circumstances.]

Saber-san... is that really you?

Yes. Although you need be warned that there is another who shares my face within this realm. [ Spoken as though it were a casual thing. ] We have our distinct differences, so I am certain you need not worry about mistaking one for the other.

I have no idea what's going on! That explanation was ridiculous, wasn't it!? I don't understand how they expect us to get anything!

[Okay. So he doesn't get why her hair looks a little longer. He doesn't get why she mentioned Rin. He doesn't get how she knows about Rider. But none of that is important for the first minute or so.]

S...Sakura?!

[Yes this is a good warning, considering who commented below...]

A copy... [So it's like the Second Magic is at work here. It doesn't make things less strange, but at least that explains something. This must be some sort of parallel world, then...] I see.

[There's a pause as Sakura shifts, trying to rid herself of some of this awkwardness.] Um... How are you doing, Saber-san?

[Lame. Totally lame. But honestly, what can she say?]

[Oh hey it's the other Saber! Good thing the one she knows warned her beforehand. But... hold on, she knows her?]

"Nurse"? I'm sorry, I think you have me confused with someone else.

No, just mere coincidence. [ Definitely don't call Nero a copy. She will flip her shit. ] Such things were bound to happen, were they not?

[ The girl was acting strange, but it's none of Saber's business to really pry. ]

I am alive. [ Lifting her hand to her chest, she sits there with a silver ring on her hand, the subtle reminder to keep her emotions in check. ] You have just arrived here, yes?

[Never would a psyduck emote be more appropriate, eh Shirou?

Sakura smiles, her face lighting up in a way Shirou has likely ever seen before.]

Senpai! [She doesn't seem that surprised, but there's still a bit of relief on her face when she sees him.] I'm sorry if this sounds selfish, but... I'm glad you're here.

[Don't worry. Once Nero opens her mouth for more than ten seconds, there's no way anyone can call her a copy of Arturia.]

Yes, I did. [Her eyes widen; it's hard not to notice that ring. But Sakura's not one to pry too much, either; if Saber wasn't going to bring it up, she won't ask. For now, at least.]

Where is "here" exactly? The explanation... wasn't exactly helpful...

[Good thing Sakura is... well. Sakura. She rolls with those questions pretty easily.]

I don't understand either... but it seems like there are people who have been here longer than us. I'm sure they can help.

[ She opens her mouth to say something, but takes a moment to stare critically at Sakura. ]

... Perhaps. Perhaps not. Though your hair is much shorter than before, I know you are Sakura Matou.

Huh? You...you are?

[Shirou, on the other hand, looks politely confused.]

And you don't seem at all fazed by this, either.

Saber-san explained some things to me before. [There's something a little off when she says Saber's name. What could that be about?] I'm still confused, but... I'm glad I'm not alone. If you're here, I'm sure everything will be okay.

[Sakura hadn't seemed terribly fond of Saber back home, so Shirou brushes it aside. And wow, that much faith...]

Did she tell you that I've been here for a long time, too?

[Because if she had faith in him because of nineteen months' experience, that would at least make sense.]

... A long time? What do you mean?

[She saw him not that long ago. Just before she blacked out and woke up in that strange house...]

Time flows differently here than back home. It's probably only been a day or so since you saw me, but I've been here for nineteen months.

... How do you know my name?

[It's like the Second Magic is at work again... but this is still pretty strange. The Saber she knows said this one was different, so Sakura was assuming she came from a totally different universe. But There was also a copy of her there...?]

N-Nineteen months... [That finally seems to shock her. And... it also worries her. If Mister Determinator hasn't found a way out in that long, then things must not be looking too good.]

But I only saw you... probably an hour ago. [Just because she knows about the concept of parallel universes doesn't mean it makes certain news easier to bear.]

The realm is known as Johto, although there is another land that is known as Kanto. Here we are to rely on the aid of these creatures known as Pokemon. You can capture them on your own or purchase eggs from other breeders. In fact, I work at the Breeding Centre where all newcomers are welcomed to an egg. It would be in your best interest to acquire another should the responsibility suit you.

[ She'll continue to be this helpful, giving Sakura the full details of the world and specifics of breeding. Because honestly, that's the best she can do. ]

Should you decide to challenge the gym leaders, I am sure Shirou will assist you. He has been on that challenge for a while now.

It's...I guess you can say we're in a parallel world. That's why time is so messed up.

Hey, I have an idea. How about I fly out to New Bark Town and come get you?

Y-You don't have to! [She'd hate it if she was interrupting something he was doing, after all.] But... i-if you really want to. [Her cheeks turn a little pink.] That'd be nice.

It's fine! I've got multiple Pokémon that know Fly, so I can just switch out when one needs a rest. And I'm not going to the next city until the weather's nicer, so I have plenty of free time.

[Asuka grumbles a little]

Well, no one's seemed very helpful to me yet... how did you get here?

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