rekindleme | INTRO LOG

INTRO LOG - JUNE 2014

Who: Everyone
Where: The Welcome Center
When: 18th June, late afternoon
Summary: The new arrivals, freshly pulled from their worlds or others, awaken in a strange place...
Warnings: Inbox death may occur. System overload at own risk. NPC responses may be slow.

It's a shuddering breath, a sensation of being pulled to elsewhere and finding oneself pressed against something on the soft and some place cozy. However, before one can fully stir, there is and odd, warm stirring sensation that lifts you up from wherever you've been dropped, when you begin to drift off once more.

Yet the feeling passes quickly, and when you awaken, you begin to realize your surroundings. It's a small room with what some might recognize as a Far Eastern theme when it comes to decor, from the walls to the sofa (or bed) you find yourself on. Illumination is provided by carefully crafted lamps, and even a candle flickering on a nearby desk. The doors are made from paper and wood, with a thin frame; through them it's easy to hear other people stirring, talking, or coming to.

You are not alone...

Close at hand there's a note that reads:

WELCOME CENTER
Newcomers: Please come downstairs to the lobby 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, there's a gentle knocking on the door as someone comes from downstairs to usher you along.

"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 you've had a chance to stretch your legs!"

Whether you go downstairs immediately or linger a little longer, eventually you must come down and get out of the small space, and sooner rather than later would probably be better. 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 cool and relieving food and drink, including some you probably aren't familiar with. It's just as well they're in good supply, as the windows outside show a city well heated from a summer sun.

On the wall opposite are a pair of desks, each with a sign, and one person at her station-

Rhea, General Assistance
Andi, Technological Assistance

The plaques have a shiny new look to them, as do the desks. The one with 'Andi' listed appears to be empty, though. Gathered around both desks and several tables are boxes as well, and...Empty jars? The woman minding her desk doesn't appear to give them a second thought.

However, before you can go over and give at least one of them a piece of your mind and ask questions, the same person who ushered you downstairs 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 first five districts 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 nurses.

Again, welcome, and thank you for all your help.

~~Irene~~ Rhea
Arrival Liaison

Outside, and through the translucent glass you can see a banner hanging from the tiled roof of the building across the street. The cheerful colors on it match well against a bright blue sky:

WELCOME TO SAENG SEONG
(ENJOY YOUR STAY!)

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Well, it's good that the kid decides to explain it. Otherwise, Luke would have been left looking confused. Of course, either way, he'd have asked. Luke's still giving a slightly confused look as he tilts his head to the side.

"A-...Actually, that's less than a year, where I'm originally from. I think that's how it worked in the last place, though."

He thinks on those next words that had come out of the younger person's mouth, for a moment, before nodding, "Yeah, you've got a good point. I guess, it couldn't hurt, either way." He sighs, reaching to scratch at the side of his head, holding a blink as he frowns just a bit, "I mean, the worse that could happen, is I had to hug some people I don't know...right...?"

Those words are mostly to himself, however. The introduction has Luke giving a blink, as he realizes he's failed to introduce himself, this entire time. Wow, good job, self.

"It's nice to meet you, Diarmuid. I'm Luke fon Fabre." He smiles, though it's just slightly awkward-looking (b-because, did that kid seriously just call him-...?), "No need to call me...Lord, though."

"It is? How long is a year on your world?" Diarmuid's eyes grow wide as his curiosity starts stirring. This may or may not be a good thing, "I have never heard of a place with such a long year! But, what do you mean by 'last place?' Were you someplace else before coming here that wasn't your home?"

Luke's comment about hugging people makes Diarmuid shake his head, "There are a lot of ways to get the touch you need. It doesn't have to be a hug. You can touch other people's arms or shake their hands or even spar with them! It really doesn't take a lot!"

"I called you 'Lord' because that is one way father taught me to show people respect. But if you just want me to call you Luke, I can do that too! Lots of people here don't seem to like me calling them by a title. I don't understand, but I am from a time long ago too. Lots of things have changed since my time," the boy seems a little sad about that, but he very quickly recovers.

"This is my horsea, Lir! Would you like to pat him on the head?" Diarmuid holds the pokemon out and Lir makes a soft squeaking noise as a way of saying 'hi.'

"Thirteen months," he answers with ease, "If I remember correctly, the months back on Auldrant--that's the name of my world, by the way--are twice as long as the ones in the last place I was." He pauses a moment, "And, yeah, I was in another place, before waking up in this one. It was a placed called California."

The replica doesn't add anything else, regarding California. To the explanation of how Diarmuid's father had told him to do that, Luke gives a faint smile and nods. Luke utters a 'thanks' at the mentioning that he would still call him by his first name.

As for the mentioning of the differences in time, however...

"...I think I can understand that feeling, actually. Where I'm from, we don't have the things called 'televisions'. So, it felt really strange to be in a place with things like that. But, in a way, it can be fun to discover things I wouldn't have been able to learn about, otherwise." It's an attempt to cheer him up, actually.

The 'horsea' receives a blink, then a smile. Luke pauses a moment, then...slowly reaches out and gives the creature a quick pet on the head. The kid had seemed kind of down, earlier; Luke doesn't want to...well...offend him? Or maybe make him more sad? Then, Luke has to ask--

"By the way, have you ever heard of anyone named Takasu Ryuuji?"

"Wow! That would mean if you were my age, you would actually be twice as old as me! All the worlds out there really are different, aren't they?" Diarmuid finds it amazing every time he hears things like this about other worlds. Fairy realms might be one thing, but this? This is completely different!

"My world doesn't have any machines or technology, so I am learning all kinds of things now that I am here. I couldn't even read or write before I came here. Now I can do both! Not very well, but I am going to keep learning. I really love learning things! I can even show you how to use the Network if you want me to!"

So helpful, isn't he?

"Takasu Ryuuji? Is that a friend of yours?" Diarmuid shakes his head, but as he does a small blue and green butterfly crawls out of his hair and starts to flutter nearby, "I don't know anyone by that name, but if you think he might be here, tell me what he looks like. Little Dia will go look for him then!"

The butterfly hasn't done well lately finding people's friends, but that doesn't mean he won't try anyway.

Well, this certainly leaves room for Luke to bring up his chronological age. He decides to leave that, for now, though. It's...kind of complicated to explain, after all. The redhead, instead, gives an awkward laugh. "Well, uh...yeah, I guess so." He hadn't thought about that, actually...

Wow, talk about eager. Luke's awkward laugh turns into a genuinely appreciative smile. Nodding, he his tone is certainly more gentle than it had been the first time Diarmuid heard him spoke, "Heh, that sounds familiar..."

He's referring to how he'd been not too long after he'd decided to change- there'd been so many questions to ask. Not that Diarmuid, here, would know that, of course...

"The Network, huh? Actually, I'd really like that. Thanks!"

The redhead nods at the question of Takasu being his friend. Then, Luke's blinking as he stares at the butterfly a moment. Little Dia? So, that must be the name of...? Oh...okay, then. Luke isn't really sure how that could work- of course, he isn't sure how a lot of things he's encountered works. He'll go along.

"Well, he's about my height. He has dark blueish hair, really dark eyes, and...well, he's usually frowning. Even when he's not in a bad mood, he kind of looks like he is."

Luke's letting out a soft laugh, after this. It had been one of the things that had taken him a moment to get used to. Once he had understood it, though, it's something he quickly became used to.

Diarmuid is seven--eight if one counts the birthday that passed here--so he will be excited when he hears how old Luke actually is. It won't matter if the boy is bigger than Diarmuid is. He will just be happy to have others around his age around.

"If you want, I can take you to the Media Center. That is on the first floor of Building One and a lot of new arrivals are put there. If you aren't there, you are probably in Building Two which is right next door. That way, once we are done with the Network, I can show you where your apartment is! It will give us something to do while Little Dia goes to look for your friend!" And speaking of looking for Luke's friend, once they have the boy's description, Diarmuid nods toward the butterfly and it takes off into the crowds to start its search.

"My father made Little Dia for me so that I wouldn't have to ever be alone. He always knows where I am, so we don't have to stay here and wait for him unless you want to. Or maybe you would like to go to your room to rest, first? I know a lot of the new arrivals tend to be tired. Sometimes a hug or touching someone else will fix that," Diarmuid holds out a hand as if he is offering a hug or touch, but doesn't actually touch Luke without getting permission first.

"I don't understand. Why would your friend frown if he isn't in a bad mood? Is there a reason he doesn't like to smile? Smiling lets people know you are happy and that you like them. It must be hard to tell how he really feels if he never smiles..."

It could come up, especially if something regarding Luke being a replica comes up. Who knows! Honestly, Luke isn't all that worried about people finding out. He kind of got used to traveling with people that already knew. It will be one heck of a story, though.

"I believe it said I'm in apartment three-dash-zero-four in Building Two," just to make sure, he's pulling the key out of his pocket and looking at it, "Yeah..."

He pauses as he listens. Wow, that's really cool, that Little Dia always knows where he is. The mention of new arrivals normally being tired has Luke giving a sheepish smile. Well, he is tired...but, he hadn't wanted to bring it up. Besides, he's kind of used to it. It's not as though he got much sleep at the hotel- as ironic as that might sound, to some.

Well, he's not actually opposed to physical contact. He simply hasn't received much of it...especially not lately. In fact, the last time anyone touched him- Just like that, Luke cuts the thought off. There's just a faint flicker of sadness in his eyes, before he manages to. Remembering one's own death isn't exactly easy, no matter how strong the person is.

Smiling lightly, he responds to the offer by lifting an arm. It's an invitation to a hug. Just to make sure said invitation is clear, he steps closer. Diarmuid had said a hug or touching someone would help. Luke's...actually pretty curious to find out if this works.

"Well, I never actually thought much about it. Really, though, I never had trouble telling how he really felt. He showed his feelings through other actions, I believe. Besides, sometimes people can show they care about you by...scolding you, and things like that."

Edited 2014-06-21 18:43 (UTC)

"You are lucky!" Diarmuid leans forward to look at the key in Luke's hand, confirming the number, though, it's just to see if he can read the numbers, not because he doubts the red-head's words, "The rooms in Building 2 are a little bigger than the ones in Building 1! They aren't as big as the ones in Building 3 where I live with my brother, but that's because those rooms are meant for more than one person!"

When Luke signals that it is all right for Diarmuid to give him a hug, the boy does so without hesitation, careful not to smash Lir in the process, "I like giving people hugs, so if you ever need one, don't be afraid to come and find me. My room number in Building 3 is 2-05. There are drawings my brother and I made on the door so it won't be hard to find!"

He waits a few moments and then asks, "Are you feeling any better?"

"Oh! I know someone who is like that!" Diarmuid nods in understanding as Luke explains how his friend shows his feelings through actions instead of expression, "His name is..." Suddenly, the boy's voice drops off and he frowns as if he is trying very hard to remember the person's name, but can't. The reason? That person has been mostly blocked from his memory because of one terrible night his father has made sure he can't remember, "He's...someone who used to work with my father. He's gone now..."

The kid's excitement is contagious, honestly. Luke smiles at the words regarding the buildings. He wonders why they put him in the bigger rooms- though, his thoughts immediately turn to the fact that he's going to be in a room, by himself. That realization bothers him, just a tiny bit. He'd actually gotten used to staying with his friend, pretty quickly, "That's great, that you have someone to stay with. It must be nice to have your brother, here, with you."

While hugging Diarmuid, Luke gives a faintly sheepish look, "Alright, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Diarmuid."

Well, it's certainly nice to have someone offering hugs. Though, he's soon distracted by the way the hug has him feeling...less tired. He'd still had his doubts, after all, about the validity of the words. What person would jump to believe such an insane story, after all? He notes that, after a moment, he's not actually feeling all that tired.

So, when he's asked the question, Luke's face might make it clear he's surprised, "Yeah, I do, actually. Thanks."

The surprise fades and he's simply tilting his head to the side, silently watching as the boy attempts to remember the name. Memory troubles- that sort of thing still, to this day, reminds him of his own childhood years. Growing up while being "unable" to remember his "younger years", "You don't remember his name?"

"It is! He's not really my brother by blood, but I say he's my brother so that is what counts!" There is a certain sternness in Diarmuid's voice that makes it clear no one is going to convince him differently no matter what they say, "He's actually my hero, but right now he's just a boy like me, so we get to go on all kinds of adventures and have lots of fun together. I'm so glad I got to meet him!'

When Luke says he is feeling better, Diarmuid smiles brightly, "See! I told you it was true. I don't know why it works, but it does!"

Of course, when Luke asks about his memory, the smile fades some and Diarmuid nods, "There is a night I am not allowed to remember. Father says it's for my own good, but it's still hard having that time gone. Especially since I know I lost something important that night. I just don't know what!"

Or who as the case may be...

He won't question it. After all, he'd spent the better part of his last year on Auldrant accepting himself, and learning that it wasn't always blood that made people family- it was memories and truly coming to care for one another, "Well, sometimes, the best kind of family is the one you pick for yourself." He chuckles a bit at that second part, though, "Hey, that makes it all the better!"

Nodding, he returns the smile, "Yeah, you're right. It's pretty strange, but I guess there's no point questioning it, right now."

Listening quietly to the part about the memories, Luke's head slowly tilts to the side, "Yeah, I can imagine it is hard having that time gone. Still, though, you..." He lightly smiles, "You can't move forward, if you...keep trying to look back. Who knows...If he says it's for your own good, that must mean it's something that might do you more harm, than good, by remembering it."

His expression softens, "When I was younger, I used to let the fact that I didn't...'remember' my past affect my personality. I let myself become a bad person. Then, some things happened that opened my eyes. I learned that the most important thing isn't the past. What's really important is what you're doing here, and now- and, in a lot of ways, it's about the memories you leave with other people."

"It is! My father is not my blood father, but he is the only one I will ever call that. He loves me and takes care of me. That is all that matters!" Diarmuid nods excitedly, agreeing with Luke. His excitement fades a little as Luke starts talking about not remembering his past, but that is only because he is obviously listening very closely to what the red-head is saying.

"You didn't remember your past either? Do you know why?" The question might be a little rude, but Luke is one of the few people Diarmuid has run into that also has experience with missing memories, "I used to try and puzzle out what was missing, but it always gave me a headache. Now, I am sad sometimes when I think about it, but I don't push. I trust father to know best, even if I can't help but wonder what I am missing. Still, it's given me a goal to work toward. I am going to be a knight when I grow up, so that I can protect others and make sure they don't have to suffer a loss like I have! That's a good way to move forward, right?"

Luke's smiling fondly at that first part. With that, he's remembering a variety of people: Guy and Jade. Guy's someone that stuck by him, until the very end. In spite of them not being far apart, in age, Luke still spent many years looking up to him. Then, there's Jade. That guy's someone that Luke learned some incredibly valuable life lessons from. He isn't someone that wastes time scolding people he doesn't see any hope in- yet, he'd scolded him and lectured him, showing he cares in some of...the strangest ways.

Sure, there's no way he'd ever tell Jade he thinks of him that way...and Guy's something more of a brother and best friend. But still, "Yeah...I agree."

The questions are met with a blink...then a somewhat wry smile. Luke can understand why he wants to ask those questions. Listening question to the rest of what he says, he nods. Trying to "puzzle out what was missing" sounds familiar- as do the mention of headaches (even though his had been different from regular headaches). There's a momentary pause, and then he nods, "Yeah, I think that's a great way to move forward! It means you have a goal in life to work towards." But, onto that initial question. Oh boy.

"Uh...Well, to be honest, it's not that I don't remember my past. I used to think it was that, but it turns out I don't technically...have one. I was born from a type of machine. So, really, I'm...only eight years old." With that, he's somewhat awkwardly scratching at the back of his head.

"You were born from a machine?" The answer confuses Diarmuid because as far as he knows, people aren't born from machines. Of course, he has run into some very different people since he was brought here, so who is to say that's not the norm for people from Luke's world? In fact, he is just about to ask about this when the second part of Luke's answer catches his attention and makes him completely forget about everything else.

"You're eight? That means you are close to me and my brother's age! We can play together! Yay!" Diarmuid starts to throw his hands up in a cheer, but stops when he realizes, one, that he is still standing close to Luke after the hug and will likely hit the red-head if he does, and two, doing so will mean dropping Lir and that wouldn't be very nice. That is why, instead of doing that, he bounces up and down happily on his feet.

"Just wait until I tell my brother!"

"Yeah."

He nods, a faint smile on his lips. Honestly, the idea of explaining how that works is not too pleasant, considering everything else his mind's focused on. Mental exhaustion is still there, in spite of his body having been replenished. Fortunately, it's nothing he can't handle. He's prepared to answer any questions Diarmuid might have- Okay, apparently, he won't have to worry about that.

Blinking, Luke watches the excitement pour out.

Well, he can't say it's not refreshing- the innocence and excitement is...nice, after some of the things he's dealt with. He watches him bounce up and down, and then slowly lifts the back of one hand close to his mouth. Chuckling softly, he moves the hand to let it rest on his hip. With a somewhat awkward smile resting on his lips, he tilts his head to the side just a bit. Well...he can go along. He'd actually enjoyed playing with Florian- looking back, he misses it.

"Heh...What kinds of games do you like?"

Diarmuid doesn't mind the chuckle. He is just happy to see that Luke doesn't seem so..uneasy now. Smiling and laughing is so much better than being sad!

"I like all kinds of games. I'm not picky! My brother and I play hide-and-seek a lot. We also spar together a lot. I'm teaching him how to use a sword. I use two and I am learning how to use spears!" Okay, so sparring isn't exactly the same as a game, but Diarmuid loves training so much that he considers it just as much fun as games are.

"Are there games you like playing? Did you get to play a lot back home? If not, we should fix that while you are here!" He doesn't bother to ask about the other place Luke was at because even though the red-head hasn't said much about it, it doesn't seem like it was a nice place.

Smiling and laughing is something he didn't do much of, back in the other place. It's nice to be doing it, again. The smile doesn't fade as he listens to the child speak. Oh, so he knows how to use a sword. Luke's smile grows, ever-so-slightly, at this fact. Sparring is something that Luke definitely enjoys, as well. He wouldn't mind helping him teach his brother some things. Or even teaching Diarmuid, himself, some things, depending on what he already knows.

For the time being, he focuses on answering those questions.

"Well, I've played hide-and-go-seek, before. And, no, I didn't really have time to play," he pauses, then grins, "You know, I know how to use a sword, too! Maybe I could help you teach your brother."

Edited 2014-06-24 20:56 (UTC)

"Would you? That would be great! We used to have people who were going to help teach us, but they have all been sent away," Diarmuid looks sad for just a moment, before his expression brightens again. "My brother has my old practice sword to use, but I have two real swords now and a practice spear. I'm getting better! Someday I will get to have to weapons my father has for me, but I have to prove myself first!"

Diarmuid looks around them for a moment, looking to see if Little Dia is coming back yet. When he doesn't see the butterfly, he looks back at Luke, "I wouldn't mind playing while we wait for Little Dia to come back, but maybe you are too tired for that now. I don't want to keep you from doing other important things..."

Like finding his apartment and learning the Network...

Luke's smile softens at the sad look on the boy's face, before blinking at the sudden brightening. Heh, Diarmuid is certainly something else. His ability to bounce back is...somehow familiar. Nodding to the words, Luke responds, "Is there a place to buy swords, around here?"

He definitely needs one. Being left to fight in that place, without a weapon, had given him a feeling of helplessness he refuses to let himself feel, ever again. If he can help it. He will do everything possible not to do a repeat of the hotel. Luke gives a faintly exasperated smile, before he responds.

"How about I promise to play with you, later?" He starts, "I'd actually like to send a message out, first, if you don't mind."

Finding his apartment is important, too, yes...

"I arrived with my swords," he kind of fell asleep while practicing after he was sent home and woke up in the city, "but I am pretty sure that there is a weapon shop in the 3rd District. There are so many shops there, there has to be one. Once you find a sword you like, let me know and we can practice together!" He nods when Luke asks to play later, not seeming upset by the decision. However, before he can say anything, Diarmuid notices a flutter in the corner of his eye.

"Little Dia is back!" The boy holds out his hand to let the butterfly settle on it and gives it a curious look. That look changes to a frown when he realizes that his little friend hasn't found Luke's friend.

"It looks like he didn't find your friend, but that just means he's not around here. When you make your post, you should ask if anyone else has seen him. Come on! I'll show you the Network and you can do that right away!" Diarmuid's butterfly disappears back into his hair and then the boy reaches out for Luke's hand to start leading him toward the media center.

"Okay, thanks, Diarmuid," he makes a mental note to check out the 3rd District, as soon as possible, "I'll definitely let you know, as soon as I do!"

While quietly watching the interaction, Luke's head tilts to the side. The frown tells him the answer, even before he hears it. A feeling of disappointment instantaneously creeps in as he holds a blink, allowing a faint sigh to release. Well, a part of him had kind of- expected this. The replica tries not to look too disappointed, though, especially as Diarmuid begins speaking. He forces a smile, moving a hand to scratch at the back of his head.

"Heh, alright!" He watches the butterfly disappear, then blinks down at the hand. Holding his smile, Luke takes the hand, and lets himself be led.

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INTRO LOG - JUNE 2014

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