folivo

Alas, what a charming evening – you are even more beautiful in this light. Do come in, they're playing a lovely song.

Many thanks.

Look at you, you came all the way out here to pick up little old me. I'm unworthy.

I meant what I said. I'm willing to bet that a single glimpse of you would be enough to see that piano player over there forget the piece entirely.

Say, who is that lady?

And what is she doing here?

We often say that photography is a sophisticated art, that a moment of time frozen inside a photo is instantly captivating. Whether out of a genuine obsession with art or a simple clinging to elegance, is hard to say.

The lady over there is Pasado, a member of our Photography Society, and she's extremely fond of the latest up-and-coming photographer, Scene.

Scene? Oh, that lovely young girl? I do recall enjoying some of her work the other day. Those photos really set my heart free, I could feel the love for life within them.

Precisely!

An adorable young photographer whose name has never appeared on a guest list before, managing to win award after award... Who wouldn't be dying to learn more about her?

We were just discussing the idea of shooting a documentary about her, to record her entire creation process from beginning to end. The perfect way to present her artistry!

Excuse me, would you happen to be Scene? I'm the one who sent you that correspondence.

*Beep*—*beep*—!

*Bzzzt*

You are Scene, aren't you? I've written to you before. We're a group of photography enthusiasts.

There are many in our group eager to learn from you, and since you're planning to hold a photography session in the near future, we'd like to shoot a documentary capturing your creative process.

If it is not too much trouble for you, would you allow us to follow you and observe how a photographer with such a unique understanding of the art captures such profound images?

As I'm sure you well know, there are many who struggle to find meaning. And even among those who don't, they are often unable to elevate themselves to the next level. They fail to self-actualize.

Participating in a live photo session will be an invaluable experience for many newcomers, and they'll surely have much to learn from a master such as yourself.

Um, Scene, ma'am?

Beep beep!

Ah, um...?

O k a y.

*Beep*—*beep*—!

Oh, um, excellent! I'll take that as your agreement? Thank you so much. In that case, what does your schedule look like?

*Bzzzt*

B-Battlefield ruins? Scene, ma'am...

Um, yes, very well. In any case, we'll provide a list of names who will be participating. Is there anything else you need from us?

Beep beep!

*Bzzzt*

Oh...

'I agree to be filmed, but please do not interfere with my creative process during the shoot.'

Yes, yes, I understand your request, and will make sure it is conveyed clearly to all participants.

Then, I suppose I shall take my leave...?

Beep beep!

*Bzzzt*

O k a y.

I look forward to seeing you soon. Goodbye.

(She... is nothing like what I expected... What's the matter with her? She didn't move at all...)

(Well, whatever. With a reputation like hers, there's no way she's a bust.)

Beep beep!

I t ' s h e r e

I f o n l y

I c o u l d h a v e

a c t u a l l y b e e n t h e r e

Beep beep!

Boop––!

*Chime* *Chime*!

A swarm of nimble little robots accompanies the taciturn photographer, lining up in formation around the ruins, each with their respective roles.

The crowd can only watch in astonishment as the robots assemble photographic equipment faster than they can react, before proceeding to survey the geography.

The passage of time has long buried blood and bone under these ruins, and stepping onto these grounds is like sinking into a long, drawn-out groan.

The machines carry the slender photographer through the dense mud and ruins.

Beep beep! Beep beep––

Scene is beginning her work. What astounding diligence.

This is it, children! Pay close attention, and see how Scene captures her masterpieces!

Yes, sir.

They're already gone. What about us then?

We should go too.

I thought this was going to last a bit longer.

A place like this is best appreciated when you can hold it in your hand or see it hanging on a wall. When you're actually here in person, the meaning behind it is lost.

Our ride is here. Let's get going.

Beep beep!

Scene went over there.

Need to record some things for my commentary later.

'On the first day of the shoot, we arrived at the ruins. Perhaps Scene chose this spot because of the unique fascination young people have with the dark and edgy.'

'In contrast to our expectations, she did not conduct her shoot by herself. She had machines assemble her equipment and ferry her around. We still don't know exactly why.'

'Perhaps that's a part of her craft.'

You're next.

'Kids often like to delve into these types of settings in an attempt to show off the depth and complexity of their thought.'

'She's not going to stay here more than three days.'

I don't think that's a very nice thing to say.

And I don't think this documentary's going anywhere.

Scene is on the move again. Stay on her.

Finding the right material is a crucial part of the photographer's shoot.

What am I trying to express through my lens?

When my heart has to convey its ideas, how should I bring them out?

How should I tell my story to such bleak scenery before me? And then tell that story to others?

'Wartorn ruins are unlike any other scenery.'

'Scene must have a starting point in mind, to have chosen a place like this.'

'Everyone has their own reasons for doing the things they do.'

'This morning, Scene climbed to the highest part of the ruins and overlooked the entire area. It looked like her robots were noting down important locations.'

'I'm not sure what she plans to do this afternoon. Maybe she'll dedicate some attention to the places she's chosen, to see if they have what she wants to express.'

By first light, Scene has already finished her preparations and set off once more.

She follows the same process as yesterday as she embarks on her solitary trek: assembling her equipment, surveying the terrain, and avoiding obstacles.

Behind her lies the stillness of the ruins, and the bustle of the crowd.

Scene got up early today. We have to hurry.

The hot water isn't even ready yet, and you want to head out?

She's just pretending to be busy for another day. What's the point of getting up early? We're just in for more of the going-around-in-circles like yesterday.

After she's done milling around, we still have to put all that effort into editing the video. Then she's the one who reaps the recognition, prestige, and money –– I've seen enough of people like her.

Hear me now and believe me later. If you'd been through what I've been through, you wouldn't let a person like that use you again!

Really...?

Then I'll go without you.

She just shows up, ignores everything anyone says to her, and runs around doing whatever she feels like. How's she ever going to accomplish anything?

That's the only lesson we should be learning.

'A battlefield holds a different meaning for everyone, and I'm not sure what the rubble and ruins mean to Scene in particular. However...'

That's not quite right for this place...

'The photography has just started, so I can't wait to make a great documentary this time around.'

'It's lunchtime. We thought Scene would take a break from work to head back to the tent, since that's where we keep all the food.'

'But she seems to have brought some quick eats with her, and makes those her lunch.'