badfic_manor | Amanda Young | 01

[And that is the sound of a confused new arrival - something he's well used to; he'd been wondering at how quiet it'd been. He stays on Audio for now, replying calmly.]

Unfortunately, I'm not sure there is a "John" here at the moment; if it's any consolation, you didn't so much leave as get lifted, much like the rest of us here. It's safe enough, for the time being.

[For the time being because...he recognizes this hotel.]

[That...is not John. Did someone have his phone?! Was someone with him?! Standing so fast that she knocked her chair back, her tone turned decidedly vicious.

If there was one thing you didn't do, it was mess with John.]

Who the hell are you and what did you do with him?! Is this why you got me out of the way? So you could get to him?!

[...Well, it's not the worst he's gotten from a new arrival; worth noting - whoever it is, they apparently have enemies, for better or for worse.]

I actually have no clue who "John" is. My name is Saguru Hakuba; I've been here for a while, but I woke up here about the same way you just did. The Blackberries are on a shared network - I wouldn't be surprised if you get a few other replies besides mine.

[She didn't believe him, she couldn't afford to. Unfortunately, her tone was also getting a little more frantic. John couldn't defend himself right now...she had to get to him.]

Bullshit!

People don't just wake up places! Do you think I'm stupid?! Tell me the truth, where are you and what do you want with him.

[Okay, people DID just wake up places, but not from the factory. If you didn't know where you were going, you would be maimed before making it more than 15 feet in.]

[He clicked the video on, walking out in the hallway towards a lounge on that floor of the hotel; first order of business was going to be calming her down - if she was used to a dangerous situation and acting defensively, there was a risk of her accidentally hurting someone uninvolved or getting hurt tangling with more than she could handle by acting on that panic.]

I wish I were lying - this place likes to defy reason like that. I'm on the third floor of the hotel; I can meet you in person if that would help, and I can come to wherever you are.

[A voice on a network was threatening, a video transmission was still something that could be doctored; both of them without some physical presence in an unfamiliar situation would register as "the upper hand", and he'd taken on the job of talking down the more volatile new arrivals because, as much as he knew it'd be putting himself at risk, he still felt more confident in pulling it off than most people around the Manor would be.]

[Unfortunately, she still didn't know how to turn on the video function. What she did know was that he seemed to believe he could get to her easily. If that was the case, then John had to be nearby somewhere and no one could tell her otherwise.]

Come to me. [Tentatively she checked the room number. No traps but...she still wasn't sure of this place.]

Room 46.

[Turning the phone off, she tossed it to the side before pressing herself to the wall and holding the handgun loosely. No chances. No mistakes.]

[There's one short last bit on the video, as he just nods.] I'm on my way.

[Of course he's not going in completely unsuspecting; one hand in his pocket with the smoke grenades handy in both just in case. Sure, the track record with them is iffy, but then, he's also only ended up using them against Kaitou.]

[And he walked to the door and knocked.]

[Gripping the pistol tighter, she takes a deep breath as she hears the knock. She wouldn't admit it, but she was scared.]

Come in...

[Keeping the gun trained on the the ground, she was ready to pull her arm up at any minute.]

[...Welp. This was someone with probably EXPERIENCE to work from. Also someone who was being cautious; odds were good that whatever she had for defense, she probably had at the ready, and was probably waiting for him to walk in to be sure he wasn't able to get the drop on her.]

[It was sad that back home, he'd have been expecting gunpoint, but here, he couldn't really count on it being a gun.]

[At the same time, he was the only source of information she had, so she wasn't going to just shank him out of nowhere.]

[With a sort of mental shrug, he opened the door and stepped in, then glanced to see where she was and what he got to stare down today.]

[Licking her lips nervously, she was a little surprised he was here. Did that mean John was close by? It had to...it just had to.

Pulling her arms up, she followed him with the gun. Though, he may be glad she hadn't pulled back the hammer yet.]

...What's happening...where am I?

[Oh God...did Mark drug her? She could still be in the factory right now. No, Amanda. Focus, you have an information source right in front of you.]

[Oh, he's quite glad for that, although he's not going to give any sign he's noticed, just calmly turning to face her.]

I wish I could give you an answer that sounded sane; this place is some kind of realm unto itself - it's entirely possible we're not even from the same version of Earth. [And he knew that make of gun, so it had to be some version of Earth.] There's people from stranger places, as well; usually the area seems to be some kind of large manor house or Kirkbride facility, you just managed to turn up here when things were getting changed around.

I've been here over a year myself, but I woke up here one day the same as you just did, and most of the others you'll meet are others that're stuck here the same as us. [Besides the rabbit, but he can get to that.]

[Did he think she was an idiot? He had to, why else would he be telling her something so ridiculous.]

Some other version of earth? You make this sound like some kind of loser sci-fi book.

There aren't other worlds, there's only one Earth, I know that much.

[Though, she was beginning to wonder if this was some kind of test...a game. She wouldn't put it past John to use her as a pawn, he loved his games...so what's to say he wasn't here to test her? Why else would he have willingly come to her?]

Stay back!

[She was starting to shake, this was too much for her to deal with...she never handled stress well and now that she wasn't even near someone she knew? She was crashing a lot harder and faster than she typically would.]

[...Less controlled, more defensive than the last few times he was held at gunpoint, and in some ways more potentially volatile; he stayed VERY still where he was. No sense of the sort of controlled training either, which probably meant she wasn't from a place that was usually chaotic - but as edgy, cautious, and upset as she was, she was used to things being unstable and dangerous; dressed western-world and decently-kept, and her immediate focus had been on individuals and not "who are you with", which made "used to fringes of society and the places where things break down" more likely than some kind of war scenario. Not linked to legal authorities either, or that would've been a recourse or a question somewhere before the edges of a breakdown; this was someone used to the threat of very bad situations and used to authorities not being something that could be relied on.]

[Also from a place that was at least as quiet on anything supernatural as he was, if not moreso, which would make this FUN; he couldn't exactly flag down Alexstrazsa easily, since she was probably stuck human if this worked like it had last time, and he wasn't sure a fast, hard, "Oh look a dragon" or "...you know there's dinosaurs in a box a few floors down" wouldn't make things WORSE. Telling her it was perfectly safe would probably just ring as a lie here, too, even if calming her down was going to be the first priority.]

I'll admit. I'm running on FAR too little data; I can't give you a solid, rational explanation, since I'd be lying to you, and I'm not sure how we've been transported among other things - anesthetics leave after-effects.

But I'm not your enemy; I'm trapped here the same as you, and whoever you are, we're both more likely to get through this intact when it gets dangerous if we're not fighting amongst ourselves. [And at least he COULD honestly say that it was a very close impending WHEN on that; if she was used to thinking in terms of securing her own safety on her own actions, then she probably had at least some capacity to put survival concerns as a priority in the face of anxiety.]

[She was out for herself and only herself...it didn't matter if someone was wounded and needed help. Saguru would learn very quickly that unless she cared about them, they were as good as dead. And sometimes, not even that would save them.

She could honestly say though, the was more than sure John hadn't brought her here or HAD her brought here in his stead. This was far from his style...too many ways to get out and no clear set of rules.

She almost laughed when he told her they needed to work together. She may have bought that crap at one time, but since being put in jail by the people that were supposed to keep her safe, she only trusted John. Mark was tolerable, but she wouldn't trust him to lead a dog to food. And considering she knew nothing about this man, he wouldn't be getting anything from her.]

Everyone's my enemy...I don't need anyone.

[And yet the first thing she'd done was call for someone else, and come close to a panic-attack with a lack of contact - there was SOMEONE she was relying on, which made that less "truth" and more paranoia - defensive lashing out rather than true aggression.]

[He gave a light shrug.] It's your choice; there's not any "law" here beyond consequences of one's own actions, the ability of others to defend themselves, and people's alliances.

However, I have no reason to treat you as an enemy as things stand - it'd be pointless, needless, and rather stupid, to get people aiming at me for no reason.

[Pacing, she lowered her gun slightly. She was in turmoil and it showed...she wasn't one that trusted others easily, but if what he said was true. And that was a big if. She needed to know more about this place and it's rules...she wouldn't let herself die so easily, not when she finally had something worth living for.]

What are the rules? If you know so much about this place, then tell me how to play this fucking game.

[She was far from calm, but as long as Saguru kept his distance, she may not completely lose it.]

[Turmoil was almost expected, and depending on her larger mental state, something that might be a bit harder to combat than one conversation; the gun lowering a little was a step in the right direction. She'd have no problems with him coming closer; in fact he was quite carefully staying relatively still and stationary, since the last thing he wanted to do was give her more reason to feel threatened. It was a bit curious; she'd given no indication of giving thought to allegiances or larger organizations, which might've been an issue with organized crime, yet to be this survivalistically defensive from a world that couldn't be far off from his had to say something about her lifestyle.]

From what I know? Things change week to week; sometimes it's small things, sometimes it's major, like this week. This hotel is one that I've seen before; if the pattern's the same, it'll be peaceful for a few days at least, and then things will go to Hell and there will be large predators in the area, with this building no longer safe. The one who's responsible for the place doesn't show themselves; I've been working on figuring out what I can about them, but it's not exactly something that's going to make a lot of sense at the moment. There's what looks like -

[He wrinkles his nose; there's no good way to sound sane on this one...] broadcasts to the network from a rabbit - usually with some bits of warnings or other information, occasionally. [At least with that, it'd leave the idea that the Bunny was some kind of special effect or video trick.]

The people here are from a wide variety of places and backgrounds. Some of them are basically normal and nonthreatening, some of them are potentially dangerous; there's not anyone I can think of at the moment that goes looking for trouble, but it's better to be cautious.

I can't say there's a "victory condition" either that I've been able to determine - People do occasionally disappear; judging by how some of them end up brought back here, there's evidence they are returned to their original place. No-one's found a way out otherwise to my knowledge.

[It was almost an overload for her. All this talk of rabbits and kidnapping was simply ridiculous and insane...not to mention things changing week to week...it all sounded like someone just trying to get her to drop her guard.

She had to be strong...she had to find John, God knows that no one else would. She didn't trust his ex as far as she could through her and Mark was just undependable unless he gained from it. She was the only one that gave a shot about him, the man that had saved them all at one time or another.]

Anything I want to know, you'll answer. Okay?

[If John was here, and she was sure he was, he'd need someone who knew the dangers of this place and protect him.

Moving towards Saguru, she tightened her grip on the gun. She'd make him talk if she had to.]

...Who are the dangerous ones.

[Well, there went more of a threat; it was an almost bored expression that met the gun, less intimidated and more "oh, this again."]

Half the Manor, in one respect or another, depending on what you're capable of and if they feel they have a reason - and depending on your definitions, anyone could be capable of being dangerous, even in a less restricted setting, given the right circumstances. [Put enough pressure on a "normal, quiet, harmless" person the right ways, after all...]

Of those that're here now, none of them would be a threat without some active provocation, and we only have two somewhat volatile tempers that I know of - the more tetchy of which would be a blonde named Mello, although that's half some kind of ego complex; the other, Gokudera, is mostly bark and posturing unless he or one of the people he's connected to is threatened. Mello tends to keep to himself, and you'd have to be looking for a fight to get a violent reaction from Gokudera.

[All of it was true - he was sure Alexstrazsa could be dangerous if someone gave her a reason, but she was more likely to mother someone to death, and Mukuro hated tipping his hand to what he was capable of without DAMN good reason. They'd HAD some more volatile personalities, but he hadn't seen their nameplates in a while.]

The environment is likely to be your worst threat.

[Moving forward, she ran her eyes over him for a moment. He didn't look dangerous, but then...Matthews looked like a cupcake until he wanted something.]

And yourself?

Should I eliminate you now or...will you stay out of my way?

[She had to admit...she knew nothing about where she was. If she could use him for that at least, he'd be somewhat useful. Still, she wanted to meet the others he mentioned. They couldn't be worse than Mark and if they were...well, she could take care of it to where she didn't have to deal with them again.]

[It wasn't a huge posture change, or any sudden or threatening movement, but he did just shift carriage to drop some of the effort to act like a Normal Human Being; he'd been raised and trained Predator, and was much more comfortable with that kind of carriage, as much as it was something most normal people found unnerving.]

[However, to his best guess? This was someone used to dealing with predators, and if she was acting on paranoia, then playing a few more cards face up would be a gamble, but one that'd at least be a moment of more direct honesty.]

I'm mostly interested in surviving and making enough sense of this place to do something about it. I have a few friends here, and as long as you're not harming me or them, I have no interest in a pointless fight. As far as the people that are "dangerous if provoked", I'm one of the least dangerous, but I'm not going to roll over and die for anyone.

Don't threaten me or the people close to me, and I'll stay out of your way.

[Raising a brow at his sudden shift, it was easy for her to read his posture. It wasn't far from how she held herself when she was relaxed...if anything, it was slightly comforting. She knew where he stood now and didn't have to worry about being caught off guard.

Having some semblance of respect for him, she took a half step back as she observed him. He was a confusing creature, but...perhaps they weren't so different. Nodding at his arrangement, she put the gun into the back of her pants. If what he said was true, she'd need to save her bullets anyway; all she had was the clip in it and one in her pocket...and close distance threats would have to be dealt with using her knife, there was no telling when her ammo would be needed.]

Fine.

The same goes for me as well...don't threaten me or anyone close to me. If you do, nothing can save you.

[Never mind the fact she wasn't friends with anyone here, nor had any plans to become friends. The only person she was truly close to was John and she'd gladly die for him.

Stepping back, she picked up her jacket, not looking away from Saguru.]

So we understand one another then. Consider yourself lucky you've proved yourself useful.

[Comparing this to her earlier behavior, he had a good guess it was predatory posturing; she wasn't the dominant one wherever she'd been, but she knew better than to act otherwise. He did move the hand that'd been in his pocket to idly run fingers through his hair; if she noticed to guess, fine, if not, well, he could hold onto the fact that he'd been armed the whole time easier.]

That's about all that I expect of most; self-interest. I wasn't speaking idealistically earlier; it was pragmatism - I expect this place to turn dangerous very soon, and infighting tends to drop survival rates.

[She was far from dominant, but it would be better to not make those observations in front of her. AS far as she was concerned, the only person more dominant than herself was John...and all of his underlings seemed to vie for his attention. Something that she was given freely...and now, wasn't getting.]

Survival...If that's true, then I expect most individuals here will soon meet a grisly fate~.

[And not all by her hands.

Smirking slightly as she saw his action, she slipped her jacket on and backed up towards the door. Even if she weren't armed, she knew better than to give a stranger such an easy shot.]

[Well, now. That said some interesting things about her psychology that had him going over some of her behavior in new light; modern stable society, used to dealing in predatory terms, not attached to any organization or coherent group, likely distrustful of authority, paranoid of everyone except apparently this "John" individual to whom she was basically subservient, comfortable with violent responses to problems, nihilistic outlook and a distaste for the rest of the human race.]

[It was a very familiar basic outline from his usual work, and one that left him very much calmly in his slight predatory smile, and put her up on his watch list.]

Well, if there's nothing else you want to ask about, I should probably go prepare for dealing with the wildlife; I imagine there's quite a bit you'd have to see to adjust to here.

[Like the talking rabbit.]

[She'd noticed his wrists...up until now though, there were more important things to be concerned with. It wasn't like she was unmarred herself...but his marks...they looked all too familiar to the ones she'd inflicted on more than one person.

Smirking slightly, she moved out of the way of the door.]

I think that would be best...

Just be careful that you don't piss off the wrong people. I'm sorry to say that I don't think I could do much for you if you end up in that situation again. [A pause.] The restraints, I mean~.

[She was very far from sorry, but it was more a jab that she could see and put together more than he probably gave her credit for. One thing that could be said about her, she was observant and she was smart. A potentially lethal combination given the right circumstances.]

[Oh, now THAT was fascinating, and just got more of the pointy smirk. Not a lot of people noticed his scars, especially not when nothing had really happened to draw too much attention to his wrists.]

I'm quite used to getting out of things on my own - had to learn young. [Yes, those scars WERE as old as they looked.] I'd offer you the same advice - people here are prone to unexpected surprises.

[And yes, he is doing a short sketch of a bow on his way to the door.]

[Interesting...she'd have to keep an eye on this one. He could either prove to be useful or a liability, but only time would tell which.]

Like I said...I don't need anyone.

[Shutting the door behind him, she proceeded to sit in the corner and think about what just happened.]

I'm sorry. I'm not this John person, but I'm sure he could be around here somewhere.

Tell me something I don't know! He wouldn't leave me, I know he wouldn't! [...He loves me.]

Well, he didn't leave you most likely. You were brought here against your will.

Then whoever brought me can take me back. Now.

I... don't know if the author will. She tends to choose when people come and go.

So good of you people to give her a choice...I won't give her that luxury.

It's not like we had a choice, I mean you can try and get out, but so far no ones been able to do it themselves.

Then they're not playing by the rules.

[She didn't bother specifying who, though, there was a hint of a smile in her voice.]

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