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

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?

everyone loves the bat c:

[risingland]

[Probably not that big, either. Not like it seems to care...unless you have free ear scratches to give? :D

The owner seems to be a bit more serious, though.]

Well, why are we here? And what for?

[this isn't the world that never was, ok. he's concerned it's another dream and how many xehanorts he needs to punch.]

because it's cute

[callmewhateveryuwant]

[He does have scratches to give out just as long as your owner is okay with it.]

The city brought us from our worlds to try and bring energy back through physical contact. It can be any type from hugs, handshakes, and the occasional punch or poke.

[He does it to Shinju ok? The poking part.]

truth

[risingland]

[More than okay with it because it'll bite if you're mean to it.

Or cast a spell. Depends on its disposition of the day.]

Through-- ...what?

[How does that even work?]

2

[tofu_idol]

[With a little of her temper vented, Rise's doing her best to calm herself down before she thinks through her next plan of action. Easier said than done when she's still so angry and freaking out just a little but she feels she should be better at this by now and so she's trying to at least act like she is.

A yellow and pink bat, then, makes for a good distraction, enough to cut through her thoughts and pique her curiosity.

She makes her way over, attention turning to the person the bat seems to be accompanying]

He's cute. Where did you find him?

[risingland]

[He was lost in his own thoughts when he suddenly heard someone's voice; unfamiliar, but- wait, what was she asking?

... oh.

Figures someone would ask.]

Picked him up back home. Guess he followed me here.

[The komory bat chirps happily because new friend??? Do they have free ear scratches and belly rubs? :D]

...His name's Highwind.

[tofu_idol]

Oh really? I didn't realise they could do that.

[Not that she's as surprised as she might have been - her Persona's not a pet but she still has her and if Highwind was with him when he'd been brought here, of course he'd be brought too.

Highwind can indeed have ear scratches provided he seems receptive to Rise doing so]

Still, at least it means you're not here entirely by yourself...though I guess there's only so much that can help, huh.

{And since she's already fussing over Highwind, she supposes she really should go ahead and introduce herself]

I'm Rise, by the way. You just get here too?

[risingland]

Apparently. [And just like that, Highwind begins to sparkle. Just a bit. Rise must have hit a spot it likes being scratched.]

Yeah. I've seen a familiar face already, but I don't...really know them that well.

[He rubs a finger under his nose a bit sheepishly, because how does talk to girls sometimes.]

Riku, and yeah. That easy to tell?

uno!

[dragoncrest]

[The young man's flying companion definitely catches the attention of one rat-woman, who at first judged it as a friendly monster. Even with a closer look, she isn't entirely sure it isn't (it is awfully cute, she's tempted to give it a few ores), but Riku's question brings her gaze to him.]

A few. [It's said with something of a wry smile; even though she'd been here for a few months, there were still so many questions that needed answering.] You have just arrived, I imagine?

[risingland]

[Poor thing will never get a cookie at this rate... :( ]

Yeah. [He shrugs it off, but he was never one to dive into the unknown.] We have.

[Never not counting his wingman.]

[dragoncrest]

[There are always the snacks on the table, you know...]

You've been taken from your world to help restore the power of this city. [It's said plainly, but she wouldn't blame the newcomer if he didn't believe her up front. She probably wouldn't have.] For some reason, energy is generated through touch. It's very strange, but it appears to be the truth.

[risingland]

[Watch them all be gone the very moment the bat senses them.]

Through touch, huh. That so? [Oddly enough, that is the strangest part of this madness for him.] And what if we have something to do back home?

1

[feetarestrange]

I can tell you, sure. But you're probably not gonna like it.

[Advice from a floating mermaid, anyone?]

[risingland]

I can handle it.

[Floating mermaids? Just another Friday for him! What's more, the big puffy bat seems to puff up a bit as though agreeing with his owner.]

[feetarestrange]

It's like the letter says. The humans in charge of this place want you to touch other people to help with their energy problem. I don't really know how it's supposed to work, but it's all true.

Speaking from experience, hugs usually work pretty well.

[risingland]

[Letter? Was that something he was going to find inside? He puts the thought aside for now, focusing on what else was being said.

... Does he look like a hugging kind of guy.

Does he.]

Has anyone tried to figure out how it does? [Because really, even in his worlds, that was kind of on the strange side.]

2!

[thenameofscreen]

[Brace yourself Riku. Incoming alien girl with a fondness for odd things.]

Oh how adorable!

[She's just zipping right on over to say hello, because YOUR SPIRIT ANIMAL. CAN SHE PET IT]

Please, tell me, what is this delightful creature?

[risingland]

[Consider himself braced for whatever this world has in store. Besides, not like it can get any stranger than back home.

...He likely stands corrected at the forwardness of girls going OMG SO CUTE CAN I PET THE THING?]

Ah, a Dream Eater? [Riku you can handle eldritch abominations and people possessing you and you can't deal with speaking to a girl who thinks your spirit animal is cute. A+ there, bro.] A Komory Bat Spirit to be more specific.

[...yeah master your derp with girls is cute but PET? CAN HAS PETS? 8D]

[thenameofscreen]

I have never seen anything like it! Such glorious colors!

[Forget asking, she is now holding out her hand in invitation- like she's perfectly accustomed to offering her friendship to strange new beasts.]

Hello, furry, winged friend!

[risingland]

[The bat bat floats around excitedly, lightly bopping her hand with the top of his head. You don't need to ask, Starfire, because this beast likes to be petted. Besides! It's not like you smell like a nightmare! Nightmares are bad, okay. :(

Riku sighs, hiding a bit of the embarrassment behind being amused.]

You know, sometimes I think I spoiled 'im too much.

[But the cookies were delicious!]

Option 2

[fallingsky]

[Sora still hadn't gotten used to the routine of people coming in at a certain time every month - if he had, he probably would've been there even before the newcomers. As it was, though, he was late. Very late.

But that was okay! There were still plenty of people here...so if any of his friends had shown up, they'd probably be around, too. Right?

Well, right or not, he's looking anyway, especially for two people in particular. One of whom is a tree (or, at least, may as well be as tall as one).

So, of course, it's a bit of a surprise when Sora has to look down to notice him. But even if the height difference makes him do a double-take, there's hardly a moment of doubt in his mind that he's spotted Riku...and even if there was, the colorful little bat flying next to him would have squashed it.

Speaking of that bat, Sora is just a moment away from calling his best friend's name to get his attention when Highwind notices him first, flying over to Sora as quickly as his little wings can take him.]

Oh-...hey there!

[The bat flaps around excitedly, making little noises, and Sora spent enough time with Dream Eaters to be able to figure out exactly what he wanted. He reaches up, scratching the little bat behind the ears.

Sorry, Riku. He'll get back to you in a second. Your spoiled baby is demanding attention.]

It's been awhile, huh?

[risingland]

[Riku was just going over the information in his head again, after being separated from Terra for a brief moment to let it all sink in. Nothing conspicuous about being just a little shorter again, or the fact he still was wearing those clothes with a certain sigil on his back. Nothing at all~

In fact, it's probably a little dangerous for him to just keep thinking and not act, so when he sees a blur of yellow and pink suddenly fly off, he has to look to see just where it goes-

Well, if the presence or Highwind hadn't given itself away, it definitely would not have been long for him to realize someone had been there... Though the amount of sparkling the komory bat does is likely just more proof that he is so screwed later. ...Okay, and so he gave him and his eaglider a few too many shield cookies and block-it-chocolates. Hush it was worth the spoiled brat of a spirit.

And maybe, just maybe, he can't help the chuckle as he puts his fists on his hips.]

I don't know, Sora. Has it?

[He certainly seems to know Highwind, and he's back to his normal age. If that's the case, then... what exactly happened after he beat Ansem again?]

[fallingsky]

[Sora finally turns around to pay attention to Riku when Highwind does - oops, looks like the spoiled baby is going back to his #1 favoritest human - and grins.]

I'll say! I've already been here for...what, two months? I thought I was supposed to be the slow one!

[He's teasing, but he's really, really happy to see Riku, and that's clear as day from the look on his face.

There are a lot of things to worry about, of course - and a lot of implications that come with Riku still being in his younger body and wearing those clothes, implications about what he probably does and doesn't know yet - but those can wait a little bit, right?]

[risingland]

[...Two months? Really? Well, it wouldn't be a first time he left Sora to his own devices, but he couldn't really imagine having let him go without someone completely hopeless without him or Kairi alone so long.

Though that smirk is going to take a bit of work to wipe off.]

Or maybe you're finally catching up.

[Says the one still looking like his dream self. Hush. There are enough things to worry about, and if he knows Sora - he's probably trying not to focus on them just as much as he is.]