Nightmare Fright [CA Open/Intro]
"Aha, please, I do not require thanks for something like this. It is only natural to aid one who is lost in a strange land. I was lucky in my own travels in my world to have had a companion and general knowledge of the places we went. To be dropped into a land you know nothing about, it is not right for one to be left to their fears."
The boy was a timid one, that was clear. But in this situation, Faust could hardly blame him. In fact, he found it more odd that others did not have a fear when entering the city. When stripped of all ability, taken from your home, and sent to an unknown place, especially one such as this, fear should be natural. It showed that one was still a human, and not something different. It showed that they were able to live a more normal life. Faust would not mock the fear. It took more courage than one would think to even show such fear. With the specific area added to all of this, well, Faust was simply happy he could help to calm the boy and show him the way.
"How long… I believe it has been around four months now? It is quite difficult to tell at times. There has been so much that occurred since I arrived. Judar’s declaration of war, Sector 6’s mass fire, the mass false arrests, and the Nightmare Knight’s attack, it has made time feel so short."
So much had happened. Since he had been snatched from his own quest, so much time had passed. He didn’t even realize until this moment. Faust had not attempted to try to find an escape; he realized long ago if there was a way someone would have found it. So he had simply lived his life here in hopes of returning one day to his friends. But that had also skewed his perception of time. Of course, compared to his over 500 years of existence, four months was but a blink. But it was still a great amount of time to others.
It also occurred to him he had spoken nothing but the bad of the city’s history in his time. The negative always did stick out didn’t it? A skewed perception would always be given if asked for occurrences over time. So with a smile, he decided to recount some of the lighter things that had happened..
"That is not to say it is all bad however. I have made quite a few companions here. Despite his title, the assassin Connor is a kind man who helps those in need, even if his path to do so is not always the greatest. Miss One is a kind soul who has lost a bit in her stay here, but still shines through to many others. Miss Lucina does all she can to protect the people that cannot protect themselves, moreso than perhaps anyone else. Even one of the Disaster Masters was willing to fight instead for her sector when myself and two others spoke to her. During the fire there were many who worked desperately to put it out, and to save those caught in it. Whenever a large event occurs, the brightest of people appear from places you would not expect. It may be harder to see, but there is much good in this city as well. While to some it is a prison, to others it is a haven from the tortures of their own worlds. That is why I cannot bring myself to think badly of it. It is like any other place. It has its goods and its bads, pros and cons. It can be so easy to forget that sometimes. I am sure you shall be able to find your place here as well."
Cucumber audibly gulped, listening to Faust list the many hardships this city and her citizens had been subject to in the recent months. Nightmare Knight had attacked the city, probably killing some unsuspecting innocents. Cuco couldn't help but feel guilty. The Knight was from his own world and he had been chosen to stop these sort of things. Though, he hardly felt confident in his abilities to face anyone. And who knew what other forms of evil this city held? Other worlds meant other villains. Cuco wondered if there were beings even stronger than the Knight in this city, waiting to attempt similar acts of chaos.
Yet, Faust continued on, speaking of this place as if it was not a curse. He had actually created seemingly positive relationships with the others trapped here, and had witnessed their good deeds and brave efforts. Cucumber then wondered if the ones in charge had thought to bring an even amount of good and evil people into this place, or if statistically one would eventually have to overcome the other.
"It's certainly... nice that some have found their place here. Still, I wonder what the purpose of this all is."
"Is there some end they're trying to achieve? The people who put us here... are they waiting for something specific to happen or are they just letting this run its course? I'm not sure which one I'd prefer, to be honest..."
"A-Ah... I'm freaking myself out!" Cucumber sighed. "Maybe I should just focus on our destination, for now."
