entranceway | video;

[The feed is initially dark and grainy, showing not a whole lot of anything, though there is sound. Specifically, the sound of someone taking a few steps, tripping, and falling over with a surprised sound that's not quite dignified.]

Ow...

[As the unfortunate new comer starts to right himself, his hand jostles against the device and closes around it automatically. The camera angle changes as the device is turned over, inspected, and then a very surprised and confused face appears on the feed.

Kaneki is pretty average looking, except for the eye patch. Right now, he's a bit scuffed, dusty, and what little can be seen in the faint light from the screen shows he's in the caves. He fumbles the device for a moment before he manages to hold it steady.]

Er... I think I'm in a hole...somehow. I don't know if there's anyone around or if I have reception at all but if there is someone...

[He offers a smile that's equal parts embarrassed, apologetic, and nervous, rubbing the back of his head with his free hand. Actually, maybe he's more nervous than the other two.]

I could use a hand, if there is.

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You...can smell that?

[He hasn't even eaten recently... Does that smell just stick to ghouls?]

I can.

[His heart begins to pound as well. He must be holding quite a secret... She remains quiet, strategically, wondering what he will divulge on his own.]

[Kaneki's mind races, his expression going cold for a second. If he told her the truth, she might understand, considering what she just revealed to him. She also doesn't seem like the type to share what she knows with just anyone.

Then again, she has no guarantee that she isn't in danger from him and he has no guarantee that his impression of her is correct. He had to learn that the hard way before and he'd rather not go through that again.

It's too soon to trust her, even if he wants to. But he woun't lie to her. At least he can do that much.]

It's not anything to be worried about. [He offers a smile, but it's a nervous one.]

Edited (verb tenses why) 2014-08-14 04:00 (UTC)

Worried? Hah, I am not worried. I have sensed darker things in man before.

[She believes that he isn't dangerous, and is confident enough in her own ability to survive that it doesn't matter much to her if she turns out to be wrong.]

Very well then. I am no seeker of truths; I have no reason to deny you your secret. You live how you think is best.

[He visibly relaxes at that.]

Thank you, Panne-san.

Spare me your formalities, man-spawn. I have given you this; be warned that you will feel the full force of my hardest hind-legged kick to your face if my confidence proves false.

You don't like humans much, do you?

They have subjugated my people, slaughtered us for sport, and kept us as pets, all for their perverse pleasure.

No, I do not trust a man with an inch, for he will take a mile.

[Kaneki has learned to relate to what she's describing.]

I'm sorry. That happens where I'm from, too.

[She shakes her head sadly.]

I hope that who-ever is persecuted where you are from fares better than my Warren did.

...It doesn't sound like it.

[Okay, this is depressing.]

Things might be better here, though.

Have you no qualms with being captured? I cannot stand it.

[He hesitates before answering.]

I'm not happy about it.

[But....]

A break from home might not be so bad, though.

...If you are the one that is hunted, you have my sympathies. It is not a way to live.

[Kaneki smiles slightly. She's a bit odd, maybe, but it seems like she's good-hearted.]

If I can ever do anything for you, just tell me what, Panne-san.

Please, cease with the formalities! We are all simple creatures, of the same earth. I require nothing from you.

It's not a formality! I really mean it.

[SIGH.]

Fine then. My first request is that you will call me Panne, and only Panne. In return, I will call you Kaneki. Is that sufficient?

[Kaneki blinked. So it was the -san she didn't like?]

O-okay! That's not a problem.

Good.

I have helped you all I can. You seem to understand the magic of the device; there are more people within the Mansion that can explain much better than I can, as I too have only just arrived.

[Kaneki nods. That makes sense.]

I'll look around and see what I can find out. I'll see you later, right?

Yes. Take care not to fall into any more holes.

...I'll do my best.

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