INTRO LOG - OCTOBER 2013

[rekindlemods]

Who: Everyone Where: The Welcome Plaza When: 18th October, afternoon Summary: The new arrivals, freshly pulled from their worlds or others, awaken in a strange plaza... Warnings: Inbox death may occur. System overload at own risk. SOME NPC RESPONSES WILL BE SLOW. The lanterns flicker and the shadows rise... Perhaps you felt a rumble beneath your feet, a sensation of what you were standing upon giving way underneath you as something pulled you in and away from what it was you were doing. Or, perhaps it was simply a gentle tap on your shoulder before you had the same tugging sensation from behind your navel. No matter which it was; there is one other constant: lp... A quiet rustle of the wind, wherever it is coming from as it hits your face. help... u... The earth grumbling beneath you resounds with something unintelligible. Of course; it's the earth. Dirt can't speak, after all. Yet it won't stop, nor does the wind. All you wanted to do was sleep... Yet suddenly it stops, and as you begin to stir, you begin to feel the crisp wind still seems to be picking up, yet as it settles, it's almost as if it whispers something to your ear. 'elp... u... sh.... Before you can make sense of it, it is gone; and when you awaken, you begin to realize your surroundings. It looks like...a plaza of some sort? As they look around them, the ground beneath them is an intricate mosaic - a water fountain at the center of the plaza in this foreign world. There are many buildings around its perimeter, making this location seem like a central hub of whatever town this was. Some may even recognize the peculiar design of the buildings and sloped tiled rooftops as a Far Eastern theme. Were they somewhere along the Pacific? Who knows! But what is quite apparent is this: Along with the many buildings surrounding the plaza, the first thing that is noticeable is the amount of people sitting or standing around you in a similar daze. You are not alone... One building seems to stand out among all the others; one that seems large enough to house all of the completely lost and confused masses gathered here to the welcome plaza. A sign outside the door reads: WELCOME CENTER Newcomers: Please come inside for refreshments and your welcome packets! Odd... This wasn't written in your own language, and yet you find it easily understandable. Soon enough, if you don't enter on your own, someone comes from inside the double doors to usher you and everyone else inside. "Welcome to Saeng Seong! I know you must be confused as to where you are and what's going on, but we promise to explain this to you once we're inside and away from this windstorm!" Whether you go inside immediately or linger outside a little longer, eventually you must come in from the slight autumn chill, and sooner rather than later would probably be better. ...What was that shadow from the corner of your vision? You'll find yourself in a well-lit lobby, filled with comfortable-looking couches and chairs. Along one wall are refreshment tables, loaded with all sorts of food and drink, including some you probably aren't familiar with. On the wall opposite are a pair of desks, each with a sign and a person seated behind them - Irene, General Assistance Devin, Technological Assistance Mai, Medical Assistance Unlike a few waves before, the only people in charge seem to be the people behind the desks. They look a bit busy. However, before you can go over and give them a piece of your mind and ask questions, the same person who ushered you inside hands you a manilla envelope that contains your welcome packet, urging you to read this before asking the two figures questions that the packet likely answers. Inside it, you will find: a ring with a key and apartment number on it, some kind of cash card, a map and informational guide to the city, and a letter folded neatly on the top - Welcome to Saeng Seong! You are among a new group of arrivals to our city, from many far-apart worlds. We have gathered you here because our city is in a crisis, and we are at our last resorts. The energy of the city is in a slow downward spiral, and is dangerously close to expiring altogether. That's where you come in - you and everyone else we've brought to the city. Unlike those of us here, you have the potential to generate the energy the city needs, but you'll need to work together to do it. Why? Because the energy can only be generated when two people touch each other. Any touch will do, but it must be between two of you who are new to the city. If you don't keep in contact with someone, eventually your energy will begin to drain as well, making you dangerously ill. A few other things: The closed-off sections of the city are closed off for a reason; approaching them will cause your energy to drain very rapidly. We're working to open the rest of the city to you as soon as we can, but for now, please remain within the four districts in the south and west parts of the city You have been given a key to a one-bedroom apartment in a complex set aside for you and the other new arrivals, near the riverside in the 1st district. You're free to change your living quarters whenever you like, and we encourage you to move in with someone in one of the larger apartments. When you want to change, just come back to this building to exchange your key. We've also included a cash card with a living stipend; if you're unfamiliar with this system, or the network established for new arrivals, you can talk to Devin in the lobby for help. It's what he's here for. If you need medical assistance, contact Mai, one of our newest and brightest doctors. Again, welcome, and thank you for all your help. Irene Arrival Liaison Back behind you, others still linger, and through the translucent glass you can see a banner hanging from the tiled roof of the building across the street in the blistering summer day: WELCOME TO SAENG SEONG (ENJOY YOUR STAY!)

Comments

Irene - General Assistance

[rekindlenpcs]

A blonde woman sits at the first desk, straightening paperwork. She doesn't seem perturbed by the things in the shadows; in fact, she doesn't seem to see them at all. At least she glances up as you get closer.

"Hi, my name is Irene. How can I help you?"

Watch me spam this whole post. Wheeee.

[someonetowatchoveryou]

When she looks up, there is an expressionless bald man who dresses like a federal agent on the other side of the desk. His features remain expressionless as he tilts his head to one side (and if she's a telepath, there's a mental pinging to hear) and then finally speaks, his voice soft and even.

"I do not know if you can. Can you explain to me how this... replenishment of the city's energy is accomplished through physical human contact? I cannot see the connexion."

He's... serious.

Devin - Technical Assistance

[rekindlenpcs]

The young man behind the second desk sits up straight as you approach. Though that may have been because he had a brief glimpse of something else, too.

"H-hey there, I'm Devin. What can I help you with?"

Re: Devin - Technical Assistance

[thenameofscreen]

Greetings Devin. My name is Starfire. I wish to know why my communication device does not appear to be functional, please. You are skilled with such devices, yes? [She looks so very hopeful as she holds out the round, black and yellow device.]

Mai - Medical Assistance

[rekindlenpcs]

Standing behind the third desk is a young woman in a lab coat, reorganizing what appears to be medical supplies on the shelf in front of her. At first her back is turned, but she turns around to smile at any who approach her.

"Oh, hello! My name is Mai. Is there something I may help you with?"

Batgirl - Oldbie Open to All

[ichoosefight]

[ Stephanie Brown has called out sick today. She's supposed to be helping Mai with Medical Assistance, but she has... a bad feeling. So she figures, to be safe, she'll come to the welcome party but in full uniform. With her belt, her collapsible staff and her kevlar-blend suit she feels much more secure. She scans the crowd for trouble makers, keeping to the shadows of the welcome building. ]

[someonetowatchoveryou]

Observers always looks suspicious. Hairless white guys in suits, completely expressionless, just watching everything and writing it down? Even though they wear what is technically perfectly normal clothing for the 20th/21st century (white shirt, black tie, jacket, trousers, shoes and hat), they still manage to stick out like a carpenter's sore thumb--maybe it's the unnaturally straight posture or their minimal movement or their keen stares.

There is an example of said Observerkind right over...there. In this crowd, it's kind of like a Where's Waldo picture, only in this case it's Where's Baldo.

What's he doing, casing the joint?

September | OTA

[someonetowatchoveryou]

Anyone who looks in his direction (and, really, they can't help but, because he kind of stands out) will see a rather slight, hairless man in a black suit and tie and white shirt, a black fedora on his head. He looks like a federal agent. Or one of the Men in Black, of either human or alien persuasion.

Maybe he is an alien, because there is something unnatural about him. His posture is too straight, his movements too fluid and economical, his face too expressionless.

Upon coming to, he immediately pulled a small notebook and pen from a pocket and began writing in an almost hasty right-to-left scribble. He scarcely looks at the page and yet the writing follows a neat line. He digs a pair of folding binoculars out of another pocket, opens them, and scans the area through them, turning round in a slow circle. More writing. Then he puts all of that away again when he is brought inside.

Somehow he manages to navigate the milling crowd, walking exactly into spaces where other people aren't, and completely avoiding notice until he's found and handed the files. Of course they're files. What else would they be? He calmly looks over all of the information, head tilting to one side.

Even while reading, he occasionally takes a step or two in one direction or another to avoid people walking by.

Once he finishes reading, he tucks the envelope under an arm, pockets the keys, and starts walking, searching either for information or a higher place from which to see the crowd and the goings-on.

[littlewhitelies]

She's used to things that probably count towards 'unusual.' Life as a superhero and a martian has introduced her to that much. Still, M'gann can't help but fixate on that black hat, and the person underneath it, because there's just something very…Very different going on here, though she can't put her finger on it.

Not being able to do so leaves her floating a few feet into the air, partially out of agitation. But it at least gives her the height to drift over and try to give him a tap on the shoulder.

"H-hello? Are you lost? Do you need help?" 'Are you an alien too?' She almost asks, and only just keeps that question stuck behind her teeth. One thing at a time.

[screwmeister]

After patting himself down and being thoroughly discomforted by his manner of arrival, the logic-defying banner and the shadows flitting just outside his range of vision, Stein decides the better part of valor is to head inside and gather information. He takes an information packet, immediately rejects the idea of sitting in the middle of the room (no matter how comfortable the furniture looks), and after a short inner debate finds a bit of open wall space to lean against.

He digs a cigarette out of his lab coat and puts it in his mouth right away, but doesn't bother to light it until he's read the welcome letter. Smoke trails from the end of his cigarette as he carefully examines the information provided in the packet, occasionally raising his free hand to give the screw embedded in his skull a turn or two. It creaks ominously when he does so.

Caught up in trying to determine if he's experiencing a particularly vivid hallucination (the shadows flitting around in his peripheral vision and the surreal atmosphere aren't exactly helping him discount that theory) or if he's really been transported to some far away world, the thought that his smoking, or the strange noises he's making with his screw, could be bothering someone doesn't even cross his mind. After all, he doesn't look that strange, right?

[someonetowatchoveryou]

Here's a thing for your peripheral vision. Does one of the shadows look like a pale, hairless man in a suit, or is he really there, just at the edge of your view, watching you?

[thenameofscreen]

[Scenario A]

Titans? Titans, please respond! Hello? HELLO?!

[Well yelling and shaking her communicator isn't working, all she's getting is static. The last thing she remembers is returning home from Russia in the Tship. This is... not the strangest thing that has ever happened, or even the first time she's been taken from home without warning.

This orange skinned girl isn't bothered by the cold, and you'll probably find her pacing between the fountain and the doors of the welcome center for a few moments before approaching one of the three desks.]

Pardon me, but perhaps you can assist me in locating my friends? Their names are Beast Boy, Raven, Cyborg, and Robin. I wish to know if they have also been magically transported here now, please.

[Scenario B

Maybe you're busy with your own problems and quests. Don't worry! You'll find Starfire wandering around on her own later. She might be on the ground or she might be up in the air trying to have a better look. Either way she's heading for the first district to investigate this apartment she's supposedly been assigned and her expression shifts between curiosity and confusion.]

B

[someonetowatchoveryou]

This is the second non-human-coloured young female flying through the air under her own power that he's seen to-day and that's two more than he's ever seen until now. He watches her through a pair of folding binoculars. It's the flying that really intrigues him. How do they do that?

He decides to follow her. When one's being followed by an Observer they don't just walk along after one. No, one goes a distance and when one looks about, there he is. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Damn, Observers are creepy when you think about it....

Barbara Gordon - Open! (In costume or out)

[acro_bat_ic]

In Costume

Like every month, the purple-clad red-head showed up as Batgirl first, Barbara Gordon later. Mostly because it was easier to decide what to do with any friends or foes she saw in costume, compared to when she was supposed to be the happless commmissioner's daughter.... but also because Batgirl could disappear from the crowds a lot easier than a college girl supposedly looking for her friends.

So there she is, people. One of several girls to grace this crowd in costume, acting as if she at least knows what she's doing here.


In Civvies

Barbara Gordon. Commissioner's daughter. Gotham girl. Old hat at this place. Always seems to arrive late, with slightly mussed bedhead - currently dating Supergirl. Totally not Batgirl, or anything...

But she does seem to know what she's doing here, at least. Looking all around, eyeing faces - she doesn't actually expect to see anyone she missed as Batgirl, but she knows how to pretend. Everyone here is looking for someone, right?

[screwmeister]

Stein is really just wandering aimlessly through the crowd, but the sight of Batgirl makes him stop and stare--mostly because he already met one Batgirl today, and even though she told him she had friends he didn't think they would be friends wearing the same silly (in his opinion) outfit. There are differences, sure, but they're too similar to be unrelated. So, unable to resist his natural curiosity, he approaches her.

"Wow," he says with no inflection at all, "there really are more of you. I guess Batgirl is a rank and not a name after all." He's got an unlit cigarette in his mouth and does actually look vaguely interested despite the monotone.

Terra - Another oldbie, open to anyone

[earthshards]

[Another month means another wave of new arrivals. With new arrivals comes the possibility that maybe, just maybe, someone he knows will be pulled into the city.

So with that in mind, Terra has made his way back to the plaza he first arrived at, hoping that he might see a familiar face or two in the crowd.]

C:

[risingland]

[Well, there's at least one familiar face in the crowd. Sadly, this familiar face is in another part of the crowd; or at least was until their familiar began flying in a different direction than they were going.]

Highwind, wait!

[Whoever "Highwind" was would soon become apparent as suddenly there was a brightly colored (and rather big) bat stopping right in front of Terra's face, chirping happy as can be.

Pet it?
> yes
> no]

Charlie Bradbury - Open!

[not_really_charlie]

Sometimes, CHarlie wondered why she came to these things. It wasn't like she was actually expecting to find Sam or Dean, here. Or any of her peeps from Moondore, either; and it wasn't exactly like there was a field of interested girls - she was worried she might be losing her touch there, actually. Too bad this place didn't have more gay-bars, or she'd hang out there instead of coming to the plaza every month....


She shook her head, deciding to focus on the people around her. Maybe she'd at least find someone she could talk to.

[stillshinigami]

First thought? This girl is pretty good lookin', age difference aside. Had he actually been actively interested in dating he might have to consider flirting with her. On the other hand, he still needed some new pals around to do all that cuddling with, especially with winter approaching.

"Hey." He waves at her, a friendly smile on his face.

"You don't look too frazzled about being here. I'd say you've been here a while."

Rise Kujikawa - Open

[tofu_idol]

By the time Rise has the time to stop and think about how angry she is about being kidnapped so soon after the last time and how absurd this whole set-up is and how presumptuous to assume she'll just help - and those shadows lurking aren't helping her to think this isn't connected to the previous cases - she's been ushered into the welcome centre, had an envelope shoved into her hands and just as quickly been ushered out again. Perhaps they know she's half a second from exploding - she'll certainly be going back in to give someone a piece of her mind.

The second time she emerges, with no answers that she particularly wants, she's still clearly upset. Ostensibly she's trying to find her apartment but it looks a heck of a lot more like she's stomping off in whichever direction she feels like until she feels better. In fact, it's a little of the two - really, she's looking for somewhere quiet, somewhere she can summon Himiko and work out just what's going on here. Assuming she can on either count, of course. Failing that, she's watching out for anyone she knows although not so carefully that she'll necessarily spot them before they spot her.

:3c

[callmewhateveryuwant]

It seems to be clockwork, that much Yu has figured out since arriving to Saeng Seong. Every month on the 18th new people would be arriving to help with the city's energy problem and each time he would go to the welcome center to see if anyone from Inaba has shown up. Until now, there hasn't been much luck except when he and Yosuke arrived together and then his partner suddenly vanished after a month.

Despite this, he would always come to look even if there is no one he knows. He has hope after all. It's only when he heads to the entrance that he accidentally bumps into someone who looks rather upset. Poor thing.

"I'm sorry, I didn't-" he speaks up and turns to focus on who he ran into before his eyes widen slightly. "Rise?"

Kotaro Mochizuki - open!

[babysage]

Everything was really strange for a moment before Kotaro found himself in a square, surrounded by people. Nowhere he recognised and Kotaro looked around, looking for his brother. How had he gotten so lost! He had only been outside the warehouse. "Big brother? Mimiko?" He wandered through the crowds looking lost but also excited because this was all very strange and new. Even if it was a little bit scary.

Once he saw the building he headed in there, his brother wouldn't have stayed outside if he could help it. He entered the lobby and said thank you politely to the person who handed him an envelope. Most people seemed to be human but it didn't stop him from pulling on their sleeves or coats and smiling up at them not caring that it showed his fangs. "Have you seen my big brother? He's really tall and has dark hair and wears a red hat."

[dragoncrest]

As she usually did, the Dragon Knight passed by the welcome center to see if she could find any fellow Gaians or anyone who needed help. She'd been walking around watching the crowd, thinking about approaching the officials there when she felt a tug at her sleeve.

The fangs didn't do much to deter Freya; all she saw when Kotaro caught her attention was a lost child hoping to find their sibling. Though she herself matched two of those descriptors--tall with a red hat--she hadn't seen any others that matched the rest.

"I'm not certain," she answered, kneeling down to get to his level. "He does not sound familiar, and he may not be here, but I would be glad to help you look."

Demi-Fiend "Shura" - Oldbie OTA!

[demimaudite]

Normally, Shura doesn't come to the Welcome Center to see the new arrivals. She is not yet feeling a responsibility toward anyone in this world. If she touches people, it's to stay alive, not help out the world.

However, last night, among the nightmares and the feeling of being watched and judged, she had a dream that Futomimi was in the new batch of arrivals and was lost and bullied. The dream had been so vivid that Shura could not help but come out to check out the new arrivals, arriving shirtless, hair dishevelled and tattoo edges glowing red, looking around frantically.

She makes her way through the new arrivals, heart thumping, stepping on toes and ramming into shoulders and barely apologizing when she does so, if at all, focused as she is to find Futomimi. "Pixie!" she suddenly calls out in the middle of the crowd, loudly, summoning a diminutive but insanely powerful demon to scout the area from the air for her.

Here have a Naoto

[detective_shirogane]

Naoto had been reading over the pamphet she'd been handed, trying to find any and all information to use when she was going to *thoroughly* question this committee--

The sudden cry of 'Pixie' had caused her to look up, but it was the glowing red tattoos and shirtlessness that had truly caught her off guard, causing her to nearly drop her papers in shock.

"W-What are you doing?!"

Was it some sort of custom for the locals to walk around completely shirtless?! Why was she glowing?! Naoto was already starting to unbutton her jacket, preparing to toss it at the topless woman before her.

[literalnames]

Alone outside, somewhat away from the crowd, is a teenager in a Superboy t-shirt, Manila folder clutched in a white knuckle grip. His eyes are moving back and forth over the pages of the packet, lifting every so often to look over the paper at the...chaos. He's reminded of his high school orientation, only he's much more confused and much more overwhelmed. For all his knowledge on world history and polynomials, he cannot for the life of him figure out how to feel - nor can he identify who most of the people-things-aliens in the building are or where they come from.

He's read the packet over and over again. The confusion doesn't seem to be clearing, no matter how he fits the pieces together. Obviously, he's been transported. Transported to save a planet. He says planet because he knows every country on Earth, their flag, and their average yearly rainfall, and this clearly is not any of them - no matter how similar the architecture. He's been brought here to help this planet, along with all these others. Through...touch? What does touch have to do with the kind of energy a world needs to sustain itself? The more he reads, the less sense it makes and the less sense it makes, the angrier he gets. He throws his keys on the ground as hard as he can and, satisfied with the tiny crater and the key being embedded, he calms.

What would Superman do?

Simultaneously, he tries his comm and reaches out with his mind. What if he's not alone?

[tough_love]

"Is the explanation for our abduction not to your liking? Good."

Superboy wasn't quite alone outside. Looma Red Wind had decided to start shadowing these little welcoming parties, if only hoping to catch sight of someone interesting. She doubted she'd ever see a truly familiar face at one of these gatherings, as she did not believe the locals could possibly be foolish enough to kidnap her father, let alone Ben Tennyson or his friends. But the potential for like-minded allies was enough to at least convince her to show up, even if she didn't enter the building itself. She'd been kicked out the last time she did, after all.

Which meant she was going to be coming over for a little chat. All eight-plus feet of her, and still wearing full battle regalia. And while she keeps her lower arms crossed just below her chest, her upper pair hang freely at her sides, largely due to the unknown nature of this new arrival. He looked human, but...something was off. She did not recall the species being known for its strength, or the locals being known for their sub-standard construction work. Concrete was concrete, and at the moment, someone's house keys had managed to actually damage it.

Which made that someone very interesting indeed.

"Perhaps you will find a use for that anger, unlike most of the fools in this city. Many are content to help these people, as if it were only natural to assist one's captors. I hope you will not do the same..."

[heretic_hamlet]

One young man looked as though he was a knight having arrived at the end of a drawn-out battle, with scuffed armor hanging from his shoulders and a pair of swords held loosely in one hand that seemed more burden than brandished. And as beautiful as the city might have been- and as friendly as its residents had been to him thus far- the fact remained that Ramza had arrived only after facing a fiend that nearly bested him; after he was seared and blinded by its death throes, and after the ground crumbled away to nothingness beneath his feet.

Suffice to say, he was as wearied as he looked. It left him reading over his introductory letter- or perhaps a conscription notice?- with tired resignation. But there was a small section that had caught his interest- and within it was written the reason for his arrival.

"Touch," he murmured to himself. So that was all they would ask of him...? A far cry from the struggles he'd so recently left behind. And this one with both an end and means that were as relieving as they were puzzling. The details of living spaces and a 'cash card' he would ponder later; for now, he was content to tuck one sword away in his belt, and pray that he would not draw too much attention for keeping the other in hand.

He'd mull it over once he'd cleared his head; and with that hollow coolness still weighing him down, he moved straightaway for those warm, steaming drinks within the lobby... and perhaps a quieter vantage point after, where he might find a familiar face or two within the crowds.

[dragoncrest]

Her usual patrols brought the Burmecian to the welcome center to scope out the new arrivals, either to find someone familiar or anyone in need of help. Finding no friendly faces from home, she focused on seeking out those who looked particularly lost or in distress--and her eyes fell upon the other knight as he took one of the drinks sitting on the tables.

She wondered briefly if she had looked as haggard when she arrived, standing on her last leg from a battle that had ended in her home and country destroyed. Though his sword was in hand, he didn't seem particularly on edge, so she approached him to offer aid.

"Are you injured at all?" was her first question. They could exchange pleasantries after she made certain he was in good health.

Riku | OTA

[risingland]

Option 1
[Waking up in a new place? That wasn't anything new to him. Though he had to admit, he was a bit unenthused at the timing. He had a friend to save, and who knew what was going to happen to him while he was gone? In fact, a chill went up his spine thinking about it. No. Not him; not Sora.

He had to get back, and soon. While everyone new to the city seemed to be orienting themselves or minding their own business, he was already on his way to get some information. Opening a path didn't work, whether it be the old or new way (for him). So logically, he had to find out who brought them here in the first place and for what reason and how fast can they finish this so they can go home.

Of course this doesn't mean his, er, companion thinks the same way. Because while the strange yellow and pink bat is following him, it's chirping happily at all the new people, sometimes wanting to stop and say hi! This only makes the boy sigh.]

Highwind, what are you-?

[...Then again, it could be a good idea to stop and ask others too. Riku: 0, Highwind: 2]

Hey, any idea what's going on?

[What's apologizing for a dream eater going omg new frands. Also maybe hiding behind you because of the shadows.]

Option 2

[...So he finished reading that info packet, likely pocketed it and the key (not like he'd need it but still) in his hammerspace. Also likely stared at the holiday festive stuff for a brief moment too were those cookies.

They expected him to cuddle, or hug, or let others hug him.

Nope.
Nnnnnnnnooooooooooope.
There is so much nope in his head he doesn't-
Nope.

He may be absentmindedly scratching the ear of his Spirit companion, but he's more focused on searching the crowd for familiar faces. If he can't leave yet, might as well see if anyone else from his worlds got here too.

...If Highwind hadn't found them first. And what was that weird light he'd caught glimpse of earlier?

Something wasn't right, here.]

omg bat! Also known as 1

[callmewhateveryuwant]

[That's odd...bats aren't seen to be that yellow. Or cute and friendly. Want to touch want to touch~ But when the other boy addresses him, Yu had to blink. Did he see him before? Possibly just a passing moment way back but it didn't matter.]

I can try to help. What do you want to know?

Newbie alert

[everwalking]

[take your pick of introspective Allen...]

In a way it might be harder to believe that this was real, that it was authentic, if he didn't have the handcuff.

Allen had seated himself by the window as he contemplated the welcome material he'd just read -- there's a small pile of food next to him, easily a meal or two worth of snacks, but he hasn't touched it. He's just leaning forward, elbows braced on his knees, turning the handcuff over, and over.

It keeps shocking him. It's painful enough to be distracting every time, and it's annoying more than anything else, but it's a reminder that he's somewhere far away now. If this were just a scenario concocted by that turban-headed Noah, or some dream of Road's, they wouldn't have bothered with this -- right? It tells him that this is real; that he's far away from where he needs to be and everyone who knows him.

Though in another way, it's also a reminder that his past is real, too; that there are people like Johnny, who care about him enough to refuse to let him go -- people who believe in him, no matter how far away he is.

It makes him feel a little less alone.


[...or feral Allen]

And then it shocks him again, and he yelps and tumbles out of the chair as electricity arcs through him. Then he lurches upright, lips curled back from his teeth.

"Damn it, Johnny, how do you forget the password to remove this stupid thing?! The next time I see you--"

He yanks at the handcuff angrily, but it doesn't budge other than to dig into his wrist. He may be about to gnaw his arm off.

[someonetowatchoveryou]

He sees this man fall off of his chair and attack a cuff on his wrist. Usually he would simply observe and see just how far this individual would go to get that thing off of himself.

Until he takes a curious look into the man's future, realising that he really needs to stay alive and keep his limbs.

He steps close to the man, then reaches out to take the wrist with the objectionable cuff on it.

Another oldbie OTA

[hamburgerhero]

[This man is near the doors of the welcome center but he doesn't go inside. Instead, he seems to be looking for something. If one watches him long enough, they'll realize he has been looking over the outside of the building. What in the world is he looking for and why?]

[demonicbookworm]

<sub>[Ruca is just passing by when he notices that the man is apparently looking for something... and it seems he doesn't have much luck in finding whatever it is.

Perhaps he needs help? No problem! Ruca will help!]</sub>

Um, e-excuse me...

_{[He calls out to the man timidly. Though... his voice is probably too quiet, so he can't help but wonder if the other will even notice him.]}

[reassigned]

Well. At least it's not a war.

[Cupid very carefully slips her letter back into its envelope, sets her key-card aside in the liner pocket of her purse, and pulls her mirror tablet up, opening a note-taking app and tapping something out quickly. That done, she turns her attention to those around her, taking in all the different sorts of people there- mostly normies, but a few not- and narrows her eyes thoughtfully.]

...this is definitely going to be interesting.

[She tucks everything away neatly in her purse, tucks her mirror tablet into the crook of her elbow, and looks for someone to introduce herself to. Anyone else is free to find it strange that the pretty girl with the pink hair and wings seems thoroughly nonplussed by the fact that she's just been kidnapped into a city fueled with hugs, and in fact seems to be... networking?

Wow. What a weirdo.

Someone should try and explain how serious this is to her, don't you think?]

[wallcrawler]

...is that really such a regular thing where you're from that that's your idea of optimism?

[If the pink monster demigod whatever girl hadn't noticed the diminutive boy nearby, well, at least she wouldn't be alone in that regard? Pete was here out of costume, and as such, doing his best to remain as thoroughly unremarkable and inconspicuous as possible. And frankly, when you're 5'6" and used to navigating a New York City high school avoiding bullies five days out of the week, you get pretty good at it.]

I mean, I'm glad it's not a war too, but I feel like that's setting the bar a little low.

[Kind of like saying "Well, I may have been kidnapped to another dimension, but at least they didn't break my legs when I got here." Good, yes-- but still plenty of room for more minor annoyances.]

[loveswaffles]

[With all the dark colors she had going on, Raven definitely stood out.

Repeatedly trying to get in touch with the other Titans turned up nothing, so that was the end of that. Not really having anywhere else to go, she followed the sign into the welcome center, and oh boy, they had a packet ready for her.

How thoughtful of them.

She looked around, noticing the other people, some looking just as lost as her. May as well see what the packet as all about. She opened it up and...

... A city powered by physical contact. Really.

To that, Raven only had one thing to say:]

You can't be serious.

[reassigned]

[From one side, comes a chuckle, and a cheery voice pipes-]

Can't be serious about what?

OTA!

[blazeoflife]

"This is total bullshit!"

Junpei was still scowling at the papers in his hands, reading it over again. All he'd been doing is walking back from the shrine with Fuuka, and he'd just closed his eyes for just a SECOND! Just a second!

And now he was in this weird town, reading this paper that somehow he could read even though he knew it wasn't japanese (which is weird on it's own, cause his language skills sucked), and he was feeling tired and shaky and gross, and where the hell was Fuuka, goddamn, this was beyond bullshit!

Re: OTA!

[redpeacoat]

Shinjiro is not the best at casual, friendly entrances. He's also pretty quiet. These two factors allow him to maneuver around the people in the area and zero in on a familiar-looking ball cap after hearing an equally familiar-sounding exclamation.

He looms over Junpei from behind, confirming his doubts...and also responding to his kouhai's outburst with his usual soft, raspy voice. "Yeah."

[spicyworkaholic]

Falling. Tony's face grew smaller even as she reached for him, as the air rushed around her. Then the world disappeared in fire. It crackled on her skin, and in her, engulfing everything to the point where she didn't feel the landing. Her entire existence was the roaring cacophony of flame, a soft whisper almost lost in its powerful noise. But it was there...quiet...a calling...almost forgotten in pain and burning.

Suddenly she was elsewhere. Waking, skin tingling with heat that was already fading. Crouched, not knowing how she got to that position, Pepper Potts stood, hair trailing about her in sweaty tangles and she stared around in utter surprise and incomprehension. She blinked.

"I'm dead." She whispered. And this was heaven? She thought that for two seconds until she looked down and saw the same black sports bra and skin tight shorts she had been in moments before. Also someone was handing her a packet, which she took shakily without even thinking. Fingers probed inside, finding keys, paper, all of which she left where they were as she started to look around.

Pepper was utterly lost, more confused than she was frightened, and looked it as she stared around with semi-blank eyes.

[blazeoflife]

"...Are you alright, ma'am?"

Junpei may be pissed off and upset himself, but he wasn't one to miss someone (especially a woman) seeming to be troubled. Plus, with her clothing and the way she seemed to smell of smoke (was her hair singed a bit? Ouch), he had a feeling she'd been dragged from something far worse then him.

He already had his jacket off, offering it to the woman several years his senior. She'd probably be cold or... go into shock? That was something that could happen, right?

[lepuslupus]

[ If anyone looks around, they'll see a young girl sitting in a wheelchair, looking completely and utterly lost. Her eyes flicker around nervously, taking in her surroundings nervously and doing her best not to look as nervous and lost as she actually is. It takes some effort, but she manages.

On the inside, it's something different; she's taking in her surroundings, true, but it's for a more specific reason. It's calculating, a little darker than anyone would probably expect from a teenager holding a giant, stuffed rabbit, but that's the point. She pulls her rabbit closer, hiding her face behind it so she can look around better with less obviousness.

Eventually, she settles down and peeks her head over the rabbit, trying to look calmer than she truly feels. She's been kidnapped, she has no control and she's furious. Thankfully, she's a better actor and she settles up, wheeling herself forward and trying to find a safe place to rest and read the strange letter pack she was given. ]

[cookingmechanic]

Walking slowly through the crowd of people, Fuuka holds tightly to the envelope that had been pushed into her hands. She had read it the best she could, but in a near panicked state, most it made very little sense. She obviously was not the only one brought here, but had Junpei been swallowed up by the earth as well? Dragged to this strange place with her? A part of her hoped not, that he had escaped, and was running back to the dorm to find a way to bring her home. But deep down, she hoped he was here, and in any minute his blue cap would catch her eye.

Taking deep breathes, she scanned the crowd, looking for him. Not paying attention to where she was walking, her foot, then leg bumped into the side of a wheelchair. Gasping, she quickly hopped back, and realized what she had done.

"O-oh, I'm sorry! I wasn't paying attention..." her voice trailed off, seeing the girl looking just as scared as she was. Had she been taken by herself too? Her heart ached for young girl, who's age she could not place. Looking around, she saw no one else attending to or talking to her. Facing the girl again, she asked, "...are you alone too?"

[topgun_textiles]

The crowds weren't his thing. Never really were, because he was never sure how to really put himself together. When you stood around a bunch of damned strangers, you were guarded, were sure you'd freak someone out with how he looked. His eyes had met one or two others, his expression as harsh and unpleasant as ever, but when he didn't know where the hell he was he opted for a familiar guarded body language.

His English was shit. Why he could read the papers shoved into his hand, he'll never know, but the person he'd bumped into seemed all too happy to welcome him here to this Saeng Seong place before shoving the envelope he now held open.

Power troubles. Energy getting sucked out of you real slow. Touching to generate power. Kanji felt his face burning, though the frustration overtook any bashfulness over things like that.

"...How the hell do they expect me to believe any'a this shit!?" He clenched his teeth, quieted when he realized he'd thought out loud again. Touch. Like when ya drag your feet on carpet and shock somebody, right? Is that what they needed?

Man, but that kinda stuff hurt! And he was only half-sure that wouldn't be enough of a charge to keep your lights on. Screw this. He needed to find a phone, call his mom, and hope she doesn't lose her shit at him winding up in some place - what, China? - with no memory of how he got here. Kanji turned and ignored the obvious solution of the help center to find a phone on his own- his was busted somehow, of course- if anything to keep others out of getting nosy and listening in on what was definitely gonna turn into an argument. None of their damned business, anyway.

But his checking corners and swearing under his breath likely made him look pretty freakin' fishy...

[demimaudite]

Did his checking corners and swearing keep him from being rammed into by a 5"6' bundle of anxiety and muscles? Because Shura is still stressed, still dishevelled, still shirtless, and still looking for her girlfriend with Pixie without paying too much attention in front of her.

[butterflop]

Rei wasn't happy. If you asked his friends, he was very rarely - if ever - happy. But the way he was staring at the letters in his hands, it seemed he didn't want to absorb the information he was reading. Though any with an observant eye would note that he'd already gone around and around at the help desk, triple-checking that he is indeed in a place he can't quite leave without severe bodily harm to himself (charming), and it was safest if he stayed within the walls of Saeng Seong.

Rei'd never been abducted in his life. He was perfectly happy living his life unabducted. Yet here he was, reading the information over and over. The city's power was dwindling and if his understanding was top notch- of course- he was to be made a human battery.

But how!? It didn't make any logical sense. Although he didn't appreciate making the calculations for such a dark subject, you needed far more human beings to power a city and keep the lights on, and that's not even broaching the touchy subject on how to harvest energy from a person. The very thought was grotesque! But... they'd said touch, and he didn't even want to begin to talk about that!

Touch! Intimacy! Was it not beautiful to share a moment with the ones you're close to in such a manner? So what would it be with strangers other than unsettling and stiff? Perhaps he'll stick with handshakes, and keep things professional and crisp. He wasn't sure about hugging a stranger.

Which left where he was, this Saeng Seong. As he stepped outside to have a look, the architecture was very eastern, the aesthetic taste of the city around him enough to lighten the troubled heart, make it sing with each dramatic slope and the lovingly-crafted mosaic beneath his shoes. As he looked to the sky, it would be a simple matter in his mind: Determine the constellation placement, find the North Star, and...

The teen had to freeze, the papers dropping in his hands, dancing through the air as they made their way to the street. Two moons.

...Where was he!?

[cookingmechanic]

Fuuka had been searching the crowd for Junpei, but to no avail. She was beginning to think she had been taken alone to this strange place. Swallowing back tears, she knew she would have to be strong, if that was the case; crying and panicking would get her nowhere. At least the natives seemed kind enough...though anyone could be kind for a short time.

The sound of the front door opening caught her attention, and she turned in time to see someone slipping out. Could it be Junpei? They had disappeared before she could see, but there had been a bit of blue. His hat maybe? Heart racing, she muttered apologies as she hurried through the small crowd by the door to reach it. Pushing it open she stepped out, instantly hit by a cold breeze. Hugging herself, it took mere moments to see the individual who had stepped outside; it was not Junpei.

Her heart sunk, but was distracted as the papers he held fell from his hand. Weren't those important? It had a map and some kind of cash card! Her own envelope tucked under an arm, she rushed forward, grabbing at the papers as they were tossed on the wind.

"I-I'll get them!" she called back to him, hopping into the air to snatch the letter. Scurrying after the others, her own envelope fell, and though it was closed, the wind began to pull it towards the street. Gasping, she now hurried to catch her own envelope, as well as the young man's map, which was nearly in the street, along with his cash card.