Dead Stream Blues and the Disaster Siren
[Just Chit-Chat / 7 Viewers Watching]
A few days after that riverside stream ended. Just like pretty much every day, I was in the middle of my broadcast when I glanced at the calendar. Come to think of it, there had been a little Chuseok talk back then too. That weird bug (which kept showing up after, so I even set up extra Disinfection barriers) had made that stream stick in my mind—it was around late September. Yeah, it was definitely Chuseok time.
"Gonna head down to the hometown this year too?"
For the past couple years, my parents back home have called me down for every holiday. Wasn't like that when I was a guy, but after returning, I haven't missed one, and the calls got way more frequent. One of the few differences from pre-otherworld life, in this almost identical setup. Well, duh—even at the same age, who'd treat a tiny cutie pie the same as a buff young dude?
I knew they worried, so even if it was a hassle, I'd always gone when summoned... but this year, radio silence. Something up? Kinda worrying me a bit.
Worried about late family contact, and they hit me with this nonsense? No idea if it's their bit or real, but what's family even mean to these guys?
I pulled out our listeners' fan name for the first time in ages and got serious.
"I'm cute and pretty."
True story from someone who's lived both sides.
"Mom and Dad sometimes block me from the gas stove, saying it's dangerous."
"Anyway, won't happen. But really, something up?"
Forgot since I've only received calls post-return, never made one. Dialed Mom right away.
"No answer."
Daytime, but lunchtime. Mom's a full-time housewife—no reason not to pick up. Really something wrong? Hope it's just busy stuff, but if it's dangerous...
For the first time in a while,
"Agh, didn't wanna show this here."
These past few days, I've felt weirdly less chill than usual.
Phone out anyway—saw chat, grabbed my growling stomach, fired up delivery app. Hit that eternal modern dilemma 90% (rough guess) face.
"What to eat?"
No killer menu? Total pain. More viewers, I could've spun a roulette for superchats.
Never tried myself, but seen plenty. Gross, sure, but whatever—it's just edible stuff mixed.
Viewers just talk big. Sticking to a dead stream? True rotten cores. If they hated it, they'd bail—not park here for years. Last newbie settled over a year ago.
Dense journey means even short chats eat hours.
"Dinner time already? That's it for today?"
But wait—what's that guy?
"Hey. Don't expect you to hold me back, but straight-up saying that? Come here."
"No lies. Bet nick was 'SignHereGeukbingUnnieIsTheBest'. Cooldown up, swapped quick."
TS'd? Nah, wouldn't phrase it like that. Netkama then.
"Huh, true."
Why didn't I think? Magical girls target girls, sure some guy fans lately, but core's female from childhood viewers. So my magical girl lore stream appeals more to women!
Maybe she's the weirdo. Or not?
"No proof, no believe."
"Legit."
Apologized first. Felt bad. No idol stan history, but upload speed screams sincere. Scratched her fandom deep.
Hmm. All fans like this? Or just her? Who knows.
No clue, instant mob consensus bites back. Can't philosophize mid-hate.
"Got it. Burgers'll fix it!"
"This."
Forgotten post-return sense. Not like family worry earlier. Intuition alarm. Otherworld life-saver screaming crisis. Something's happening now.
...What the hell.
No time for thoughts. WEE-OO-WEE-OO-WEE-OO—
Sirens blared like a verdict.
"Anyone know where that guy's from?" Glanced at viewers: 7 to 6.
"Answer!"
Chat froze. ...Oops. Long time no real alarm—panicked, mana slipped in voice.
One play, clear job.
Magical Change
Whoooosh—foggy extreme chill veiled me like a bride.
Transforms.
Magical girl, Elise Calamity. Entrance.