Not sure what's going on.

[allons_y_alonso]

There's a crowd of people heading from the agricultural district down towards the coast.  Nothing's bothering or attacking them... but they're not listening to anything anyone says, either.  It's like they're not... not here, somehow.  Has anyone else seen or heard of anything like this?  Does anyone know what's going on?  Because whatever it is, I don't like it.  Got a bad feeling.

It might help if I had someone knowledgeable to consult.  Anyone would do.  Even an expert hypnotist, say.

How's everyone else holding up?  Jenny?  Rose?  Ianto?  Yosuke?

[Locked to Investigation Team]

With all this going on, are you going to have the time to get to Jack?

Is there anything I can do to help?

Comments

Investigation Team

[perseverant]

We've been a little scattered.

If we regroup we can think of a plan.

Investigation Team

[allons_y_alonso]

You're always welcome to use the TARDIS as a meeting place.

[justletmeknow]

That's interesting. It sounds similar to a theory I heard once.

When you saw them, did you see a mark on them?

[allons_y_alonso]

Actually, now that you mention it... I do see it. Funny little dots on their necks in a sort of pattern. Like something off a mah jongg set.

I'm not sure they're actually visible, in the strictest sense.

Psychic tattoos? Are those... something?

[justletmeknow]

That's also interesting. You're not a normal human, are you?

[justletmeknow]

I'll have to see it myself, but I believe what you've seen is called a "Witch's Kiss."

[allons_y_alonso]

I'm not any kind of human at all.

So. A Witch's Kiss. That implies a Witch, somewhere around here, who is... drawing them in somehow?

[justletmeknow]

Right. If my information is correct, Witches hide in a barrier similar to a parallel reality. Normal humans have no access to it. In order to deal with the Witch, one must first get past the barrier.

[justletmeknow]

But even if you're not human, I wouldn't advise you try unless you know how to deal with them.

[justletmeknow]

I know someone who can help!

[zerobalance]

I'm on my way.

[allons_y_alonso]

Aren't you a bit young for this sort of thing?

[justletmeknow]

At the moment, she's the only chance those people have.

[allons_y_alonso]

Objection withdrawn. Provisionally. Are you coming as well, then?

And is there anything I can do to help?

[zerobalance]

Stay out of my way.

[allons_y_alonso]

No need to be rude.

I've found the barrier, but I can't get through it. Down at the end of the pier. This parade of people is starting to gather a bit of an audience, too.

[zerobalance]

I'm not being rude. Staying away from me will help. Just because I know how to stop them doesn't mean I'm any better to be around.

[allons_y_alonso]

If I'd be putting you or anyone else at risk, I'm more than happy to give you some space. But... if you save all these people, then you're a hero. No two ways about it.

[zerobalance]

You can watch if you want. That'll show you I'm not a hero.

[allons_y_alonso]

I'll keep the marked people back and safe.

And if you need more help... well. Stay safe. And I'll be nearby.

[zerobalance]

You won't help.

[allons_y_alonso]

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I don't know what's happened to make you feel this way. But whether I can help or not, I'm still going to believe in you. Good luck.

[zerobalance]

I don't need it.

[justletmeknow]

Right! I'll be there too.

She answered it best, but on this side, you could keep an eye on them. A Witch feeds off of the negative energy of humans and their influence can be linked to suicides. There's no telling what they might do in a group.

[allons_y_alonso]

If they were, say, stuck in a pocket dimension, would the psychic signal still get through to them?

[justletmeknow]

I've never heard of anything like that, but I wouldn't suggest removing them. The Witch's Kiss may not be a psychic signal more than an imprint the witch left on them that will only be removed once the witch is destroyed.

But I can't say for certain. I'm unfamiliar with them beyond theory and second-hand information.

[justletmeknow]

I'll be glad to finally witness one first-hand.

[locked]

[allons_y_alonso]

What's happened to this girl?

[Also Locked]

[justletmeknow]

What do you mean?

[Also Locked]

[allons_y_alonso]

She's angry, depressed... she's not old enough to be fighting monsters on her own, for one thing, particularly not if that's the sort of toll it's taking on her.

I recognize that look on her face. It's not a good place to be.

[Also Locked Revisited. This Is A Very Courteous Cat-Rabbit.]

[justletmeknow]

I can't comment on her mental state. I also can't comment on her exact circumstances because I am not familiar with her iteration, but I do know the way she is now is a result of the choices she has made.

[Also Locked Revisited. This Is A Very Courteous Cat-Rabbit.]

[allons_y_alonso]

And there's no-one else who can do what she does?

Or... would it matter? Would someone else wind up just like this if they were doing her job?

[justletmeknow]

To answer all three of your questions at once, I can't say for certain after meeting several of the young girls and even boys here. Some adults are useful in ways I never imagined they would be.

However, what I can tell you is in the iteration of the universe she's from, fighting Witches can be considered a hopeless engagement with no end in sight. How quickly a Puella Magi gives up hope and descends into despair is dependent on the girl's personality and emotional constitution.

[locked]

[allons_y_alonso]

I understand.

Well. She's not in that universe anymore. If I can find a way to bring her some hope, can I count on you to help me deliver it?

[The Previous One Was Locked Like This One. Cat-Rabbit Forgot To Specify A Lock]

[justletmeknow]

I will assist in any way I am able, but you may find it difficult if it's Sayaka. Sayaka won't listen to me either.

[The Previous One Was Locked Like This One. Cat-Rabbit Forgot To Specify A Lock]

[allons_y_alonso]

I understand that,too.

[Locked And Locked Forever]

[justletmeknow]

It may be different here. In our universe, the identities of Puella Magi were often kept secret. The exception being a rare handful of those who chose to go public with that information.

[Locked Again]

[justletmeknow]

Good luck.

A Puella Magi's struggle may only bring despair to those who witness her.

[Locked Again]

[allons_y_alonso]

No worries there. Despair and I are old friends.

[zerobalance]

Do they have a mark on them? Something little, like on their neck.

[allons_y_alonso]

They do. An invisible mark, or mostly, something put there by nonphysical means...

[zerobalance]

Okay.

[lifewithoutrest]

They're being controlled by something?

[allons_y_alonso]

That's what it looks like.

[lifewithoutrest]

I suppose it shouldn't be unexpected, given recent events.