video;

[graphis]

[A young woman's face appears, framed by bright red hair, her green eyes both confused and tinted with anger as she starts to speak.]

Alright, first of all, to those of you that aren’t totally crazy, my name’s Clary, and I’m new around here. [She’s aware that she’s not the only person here against their will at least, so they should probably work together. She’s screwed if she doesn’t make some allies or friends.] If someone could let me in on what exactly is going on around here, I’d really appreciate it.

Second of all, this isn’t the first time I’ve had to deal with this alternate-dimension thing. [She’s trying to sound ultra-confident about this, and she’s mostly successful, though there’s still a sense that she’s agitated and confused.] So whoever’s responsible for this? I’m not just going to sit around and take it. You can’t keep me here, not when the people I love need me.

And third, if you think giving me a bunch of free clothes and a nice room is going to make everything okay, you’re out of your mind. [Her attempt at being intimidating falls slightly short, considering she doesn’t even know who exactly she’s supposed to be addressing in regards to all this.] This is still kidnapping, no matter how you try to spin it. I’m not about to thank you and turn into some Stockholm Syndrome case.

Comments

[graphis]

Baby?

[k]

No joke? Do you have a specialty?

[powerofmabel]

[shh shh just go with it.]

Is pizzazz a specialty? You know, glitter with a touch of bezzazling?

[graphis]

[She chuckles.]

I'd say that counts.

[powerofmabel]

Good. But I mean... I'm thirteen, so I'm trying not to box myself in just yet. I gotta keep my options open.

[graphis]

I'm eighteen and I do the same thing. Everyone has things they're drawn to, though.

[...pun not intended.]

I wanted to make a full-fledged graphic novel series someday.

[powerofmabel]

[she clicks her tongue and makes finger guns at the pun. she doesn't care if it's unintentional. she digs it.] Nice one.

What's this past tense wackiness though? Wonderland's not forever, y'know.

[graphis]

[She waves a hand.]

That part isn't Wonderland's fault. My life got in the way instead.

[powerofmabel]

Ugh. Of course. Harsh, cruel reality. It's such a buzzkill sometimes.

[graphis]

Yeah. Saving the world kind of took precedence over my college plans.

[powerofmabel]

[her cheerful expression fades slowly, as she realizes how close she is to her own horrible world-saving adventure.] Yeah, crazy how the world almost ending can really take the joy outta things.

[graphis]

[She manages a halfhearted chuckle.]

Funny how it does that. We managed to avoid apocalypse bad, at least. For the time being, anyway. Otherwise I'd be even more freaked out that I already am.

[powerofmabel]

Lucky you. [she crosses her arms over her chest.] Apparently, there's gonna be a big apocalyptic event coming in my future back home. I'm trying to put that off as long as possible.

[like she has a choice.]

[graphis]

You know your own future?

[That...really sucks. So much sad face.]

I...don't blame you.

[powerofmabel]

Only 'cause Grunkle Ford's from around that time. Wonderland's all cuckoo bananas about time.

[graphis]

So it's not just different worlds, it's different points in time too?

[As if it weren't messed up enough already.]

[powerofmabel]

Yep, so if anybody you know shows up... You might wanna ask 'em what the last thing they remember is. Just to be on the safe side.

[graphis]

Hopefully I won't have to but...thanks. I'll remember that.

[powerofmabel]

No problem. It keeps you from learning about how you're missing in action back home months after everyone else knew about it, 'cause no one wanted to tell you.

[graphis]

Is that what happened? They kept it from you?

[powerofmabel]

Yeah... It's okay now, but guys are dumb sometimes when it comes to lady feelings. I guess they figured I wouldn't be able to handle it. Turns out Dipper couldn't handle keeping a secret from me even more.

[graphis]

Guys are dumb when it comes to feelings period. Sometimes trying to get them to talk about anything or to each other is impossible.

[powerofmabel]

I know right? I've got two Grunkles and my twin brother here and they're all dopes about that. I can't even get Stan and Ford to hug it out.

At least Soos is in touch with his feelings.

[graphis]

Sometimes I don't know if they're being difficult on purpose or just trying not to be a burden.

Either way, it's stupid.

[powerofmabel]

I hear you, girl. [Mabel pls.] Pretty sure we outnumber them in Wonderland, though.

[graphis]

[The corner of her mouth quirks up.]

There's one silver lining.