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 AssistanceDevin, Technological AssistanceMai, Medical AssistanceUnlike 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!)![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
rekindlemods) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
rekindleme2013-10-18 07:17 pm
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Yes. Of course! He'd been so nervous about the competition that he'd lost sleep, and maybe he'd fallen asleep in the stands somehow. Makoto-senpai would shake him awake and wonder if he's alright, though if Rei knew his friends it'd like be Nagisa-kun who'd--
His gaze snapped back down when he heard a girl's voice, watched as she tried to catch one of the flying papers. With a glance to his hands and a sound of surprise, he realized he'd dropped them, and stepped forward to apologize. But with her own envelope going into the street his concerns immediately shifted.
"W-wait!" He moved quickly, and that was no exaggeration when you spent years winning trophies in Track & Field.
"Don't go into the street, that's dangerous!" She had a head start, but he could pass her and grab most of what the wind was blowing away before it hit the street. He saw no traffic, but with speeders that could change very quickly if they tore around a corner.
He managed to catch her envelope and the odd card he was issued, but the envelope was lighter, and flew higher and higher with the passing winds. With a sigh as he slowed to a stop at the end of the sidewalk, he figured he was perhaps dreaming anyway and didn't need a map in the first place.
Instead he turned and held out the envelope for her, coupled with a polite bow. "Here. It's my fault- I didn't keep a grip on the paperwork I was issued!"
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"Oh, no, it's nothing you have to apologize for. I'm sorry I wasn't able to get everything...though I'm sure they have extras," smiling softly, she took her own envelope and returned his bow. "And thank you for catching my own papers. It turned into a double rescue mission."
Straightening up, she widened her smile, though she was still in turmoil within. But she imagined he was too. Who wouldn't be in this situation? Faltering some in her smile, she looked around, trying to see if she recognized anything.
"May I ask why you came outside? Did you think of some way to get back?" It was a slime hope, but she had to ask.
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"Nevertheless, a storm might be blowing in, and we should remain indoors." He folded the papers, and tucked them into a jacket pocket. The apartment key jingled away within, and he tucked the card inside the papers themselves. It'd take some force for him to lose it again, especially if he needed the funds. With a curt nod, he led the way to a nearby building, something warmly lit to wait things out a while.
"I came outside to find where I am. Simply put, to know the position of the stars and moon can not only tell you where you are, but what time of night it is. Of course, seeing two moons gave me the solution and the way out: I'm dreaming! I simply need to look at a clock twice, see that the time isn't the same both times and I'll wake right up at the relay! Ha ha! It never fails! I admit this dream is a rather beautiful one; the architecture, the lights and mood of this city are all rather exciting! I hope it appears again sometime." The way he looked, he seemed positively convinced.
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As they entered the building, she listened quietly to his conclusion. Leaning against a nearby wall, she watched him, and wondered if anything she could say would convince him otherwise. After everything she had seen, she knew this was no dream. It was reality, strange and improbable as it was. The longer he denied it, the harder it would be when he finally realized the truth.
"I suppose that means I am apart of your dream? A figment of your imagination?" she asked, smiling lightly.
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"It's impossible to conjure permanent objects or real people in the mind's eye. You're a product of rapid eye movement, and everything here will be safely tucked away into memory in the hopes that it will all come back again! Then again, I've always been the only one aware I'm dreaming whenever I do. ...And there, see? A clock!" He gestured to the round face hung up on the wall.
"17:24. Time for dinner to most. However, if I look at it again..." He slipped off his glasses, and took a moment to clean them, turning away from the clock as he took the time to clear debris from the windy moments outside.
"Three... two... one..." Rei then slipped on his glasses and quickly turned, pointing to the clock.
"And there it is! The time is-- ...what? H-how is it still 17:24!? Time isn't supposed to flow properly when dreaming, and even if there are multiple theories on the functions of dreams to an exact science, there's never been consistency...!"
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As he gestured to the clock, she looked up at it, then at him. Bracing herself, she wondered how much he would freak out when the time changed. Hopefully he wouldn't lash out at her...but it was a possibility, given how strongly he was holding onto this belief. Sure enough, as the minute hand clicked into place, she saw his confidence begin to crumble as he attempted to reconcile what had just happened.
Sighing softly, she took slow step towards him, gently holding out a hand to touch his arm.
"This isn't a dream, strange as it is. This is real. Just take deep breathes...oh dear, we never introduced ourselves," she smiled, trying to sooth his nerves, which she saw were beginning to fray. "I'm Fuuka Yamagishi. What's your name?"
no subject
When he turned violet eyes upon the girl he looked distraught, hair ruffled, but made no move to pull away from the hand. In the back of his mind, perhaps he desired some form of comfort, realizing he hadn't seen any of his friends here, not a single face of anyone from Iwatobi.
"...Rei Ryugazaki." Well, it was rude not to have introduced himself earlier.
"But how is this real, Yamagishi-san? Am I really supposed to believe that alternate worlds exist outside of fiction??"
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"It's nice to meet you, Ryogazaki-san. Even under such circumstances," glancing around, she tried to think of what to say, finally shrugging, "I have seen many strange things that I would have considered impossible unless I saw it. This is no different. We're here...where ever here really is. And that's the reality."
Smiling again, she moved both her hands to grasp his hands, instantly feeling more warmth. It was an amazing thing, how simple touch vastly improved her mood and nerves.
"...but I think it may take time to fully accept what's happened. And that's alright."
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...Well, she seemed so steady, so sure in everything. How could she be so calm? She was just as confusing as the rest of this place, yet awfully sweet. When she turned and took both his hands, he only stiffened briefly, but made no move to pull away. He wasn't realizing that his first physical contact since coming here was wiping away the chilling unrest, soothing the edge of what had his nerves frazzled.
"I can't bring myself to accept this! Not entirely! But... I could perhaps look into what the natives have to say about all of this, if anything to help make this entire world none of us have even heard of make some sort of sense! No city is without a library, for instance. Surely this place has an extensive history on record...!" He spoke with such conviction, partially to convince himself that he wasn't up the creek without a paddle.
"...It's strange, but I'm not feeling quite as under-the-weather as I was a moment ago."
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"Yes...finding out as much as we can will surely bring us closer to finding a way home," nodding firmly, she strengthened her resolve to get home. She would do whatever she needed to. Hearing his 'under-the-weather' comment, she smiled at him.
"I'm glad! Though...I think it is because," she lifted their joined hands up somewhat, "we're touching. In the packet, it mentioned how touch was...important, somehow. Thus far, I have noticed it makes me feel warm, and calm. Is it the same for you?"
no subject
Rei looked down at their joined hands. He hadn't believed the touch bit, either, but he had been feeling sickly and out-of-sorts until a moment ago. Nobody kicks a cold that quickly, either, which further proved that touch was of importance here. But why touch? He still couldn't accept engaging in such things with strangers-- even if he was doing that now, ahem, BUT THAT IS BESIDE THE POINT--
"I... do feel that as well, but I'd surmised that it was because we happen to be-- ...erm, hm." He cleared his throat, took a moment to adjust his glasses. He was presumptuous to assume holding hands felt worlds different from a clap on the shoulder or a handshake. It was this Saeng Seong's influence, as maddening as that sounded.
"Nevermind. It does prove their persistence to engage in physical contact, however."
no subject
"Ryogazaki-san, should we head into town to look for a library?"
It was the only lead they had right now, after all. There had to be something there. Just had to be.
OOC: Sorry this took so long! :(
No worries!
"Yes! I don't want to wait on finding out more about this place if I can help it. Your help is appreciated, Yamagishi-san," he replied, upper body tipped into a bow, before he nodded and allowed her to lead the way. She had the map, after all.
Re: No worries!
As they stood outside the building, she tucked the map away and sighed, relieved.
"We finally made it..."
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But he sighed his relief when they stood in front of the library.
"Everything we'll need to know is right inside. As much as I'd like to look for the How-To books, we'll need to make a dent in the history section, find out where in the universe this place is," he noted aloud, rubbing his chin. As they stepped inside and shut out the chill of the outdoors, he peered around.
"...Ah, where is the historical section...?" There... didn't appear to be one. At least, not one he could see.
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Walking down the rows of books, Fuuka let out a content sigh. Looking around, she found comfort in the tall shelves looming over them. Libraries were where she had spent a large amount of her schooling career. Save for the last year, of course.
"At least this is the same," she said, glancing back at him, "Maybe this place is more familiar then we think."
As they reached the back wall, she gazed up, looking for some kind of sign for 'History' or 'Reference.' But she could find neither. Not yet concerned, she headed right, figuring they would find it eventually. Until they did though, perhaps getting to know one another would be nice. Especially since they had been holding hands this long.
"So, Ryogazaki-san, what were you doing before you came here?"
no subject
"I was in the middle of the prefectural swim meet. I suppose I should be glad I wasn't taken during my heat, especially with how cold it was outside, rather than the middle of summer." Wow, now that he thought about it, there probably couldn't have been a better time for him to be taken in!
"You?"
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Listening to his reply, she was surprised to hear he was a swimmer. Then again, the only real athlete she knew was Akihiko, so he was all she had to compare Rei with.
"I agree, I'm certainly glad you weren't taken mid swim!"
Shrugging some she remembered that she had been remembering Minako with Junpei. No one else had wanted to drudge up the memories of her, or her death.Fuuka's eyes dropped to the ground at the memory before she answered.
"Moon watching...with a friend of mine. I...I don't know if he was taken with me or not. I couldn't find him inside," smiling, she looked up at him, pushing away her melancholy, "I actually followed you outside because I thought you were him."
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But this place was mysterious. Anyone who wanted to know more would either be at the visitor's center, or possibly come here to learn more afterward? "Would he come to a place like this, or remain at the help center?"
Then, he turned pink. "Ah- I should walk you back, just in case! It was never my intention to pull you away from your own search!"
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Fuuka couldn't imagine Junpei coming to the library, since he rarely went back home, but he might. If he came to the same conclusion they had. Looking around again, she was baffled that they hadn't found the history/reference section. The thought of there not being one unnerved her a bit.
Rei's slightly flustered declaration brought her focus back to him, and she gently touched his hand in the hopes of calming him down some. "It's alright, I thought it was a good idea to come here too."
She smiled, "...though it might be a good idea for me to go back...just in case." Though she wasn't sure if he was here at all. Rei had not shown up with his other teammates...but she still had hope.
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One could only hope, Rei.
"Let's get you back, then."
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"Yes, perhaps someone else you know came through too."
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"Someone might have, if I've shown up. If Saeng Seong needs people so badly, then who better than to bring individuals in large groups, and teammates on top of that?"
But he'll lead the way. He quietly thanked a clerk and apologized for the waste of time.
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After bowing to the clerk, she followed after him, doing her best to remember landmarks; might come in handy. As they neared the Center, she glanced up at Rei with a smile.
"...thank you, by the way. For accompanying me this much. I really appreciate having someone to talk to in a time like this."