video; un: shepherdess

[troubadamsel]

[ The screen shows a refined, elegant young lady having tea. She takes one sip before smiling pleasantly. ]

Greetings, one and all. For those who I've yet to meet, my name is Maribelle. A pleasure, I'm sure. I promise not to take up too much of your time today - rather, I have a small, fun little "quest" of my own to offer everyone.

[ Her manner and voice sound as calm as a gentle breeze... but the look in her eyes is bone-chillingly cold. The snow outside has nothing on them. ]

There is a man here called Toshirou Hijikata. If you don't know the name, he's a human with short black hair and typically wears a commander's uniform. What I would like is a photo of him... wearing a humiliating outfit. I want his soul being destroyed in the expression. I want every single last trace of dignity he has left utterly vanquished. And I'm willing to pay extra for every additional photo taken. I'll start with one hundred G, but I'm also open to negotiation.

[ She then moves the phone, to show various magical items on the table - Magic Mask, Enchanted Pink Calcite, and Mirror Mirror. ]

If a monetary factor isn't in your interest, I'd be willing to be part with any of these.

[ Another silent sip of tea. Her smile never vanishes. ]

Now, before I send you on your merry way, no doubt someone is going to ask me why I'm requesting this, so I may as well get it over with. Last month, some of us wound up unwillingly switching bodies. Hijikata and I were such victims. While I was in his body, I remained inside and inconspicuous, so as to not damage his reputation or allow any misunderstandings to follow him once we retuned to normal.

As for him?

He decided to parade my body in a revealing outfit in a shady nightclub while plunging items into my bosom.

[ SSSSSIIIIIIIIIIP. ]

Happy hunting.

Comments

[bakudan_bambino]

What was his reasoning?

If he attended as himself, would he have been disguised?

[troubadamsel]

He claimed he was there to intercept a crime. Again, if it was so dire, he could have informed me beforehand.

But the important part is he didn't bother to disguise me. My reputation means nothing to him.

[bakudan_bambino]

Did either of you have any idea how long the body swap was going to last?

You both should have worked together to intercept the crime. I don’t think he even considered your reputation. It seems a bit harsh to assume it meant nothing to him.

[troubadamsel]

We had no idea. After all, we'd been tricked into doing so.

And my, aren't you eager to defend him? Are you saying you'd do the same as he would?

[bakudan_bambino]

You were both tricked? So share the responsibility for what happened.

I’d like to think I’d have communicated, had I been in your situation. Kept up constant consideration and had that returned. I’m not sure how much you both talked while swapped.

I wouldn’t be in the same situation. I hardly leave my home.

[troubadamsel]

All he had to do was have one simple conversation. I was holed up, but my "phone" was available at all time. This is on him, and I won't hear otherwise.

[bakudan_bambino]

Clearly.

[Well, Hijikata is fucked.]

[troubadamsel]

[ Good to hear! She instantly relaxes, all smiles and cheer again. ]

I'm sure he'll learn the lesson about healthy communication. Why, it's an educational moment for us all. I'm so happy to have helped everyone better themselves.

[bakudan_bambino]

As long as you learned something too, I guess.

[He’s uncomfortable.]

[troubadamsel]

Indeed, I have. And trust me... these are lessons I'll never forget.