INTRO LOG - JUNE 2014

[rekindlemods]

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!)

Comments

[headfons]

Luke's expression darkened and he gave a faintly startled expression at the question- not that he was necessarily surprised at the fact that Gaara asked it. Lowering his head a bit, eyes planted to the ground, he had to force his expression to relax. Which was difficult, considering the swarm of thoughts rushing forth. Of course they were more so memories, than thoughts. The things he'd only allowed to surface within his nightmares, they were coming through due to that single question. His voice was tense as he said, "Yeah...I did..."

If Gaara were able to look into his eyes, right then, he would definitely notice the cloud of emotions. Luke was transparent; without a doubt, he was not good at hiding his feelings. It was an unfortunate thing, considering he was not eager to discuss the matters of Akzeriuth. With a clearing of his throat, he lifted his head and gave Gaara a forced smile- his eyes definitely didn't match, "...unfortunately."

...

Yes, Van had certainly not cared about the fact that he was going to destroy billions of lives. The man Luke had blindly trusted had never seen the err of his ways. Even to that day, Luke couldn't hate him, though. Luke's voice was quiet as he muttered, "He was going to repopulate the world with replicas. It was all part of his plan to destroy the Score."

The last question had Luke's brow tensing. The smile held as he nodded. It was still very difficult to tell people about his being a replica- he still remembered the reactions that almost all of the staff at the manor had given. Chest tightening at the memory of the fear. The hatred. It was difficult to just...up and forget something like that. Fortunately, two of the White Knights...and Pere...had never changed their view of him. The rest of the staff, though? Forcing all of those thoughts to the back of his head, he reminded himself that it was all in the past. That was all over and done with. Heck, he wasn't even in that world, at the moment.

"Yeah," he started, reaching up to scratch at the back of his head, "It's me."

[no_dreams_for_you]

His body language was telling, in itself, along with the abrupt shift in expression. Amplified more so by the tone of his voice, and that obvious fake smile. He had seen similar ones on Sai, often enough to detect them easily.

Most importantly, was the look in his eyes, when Luke finally lifted his head. It was haunted, plagued with guilt that would take a great deal of time to recover from. Gaara had looked into a mirror once, back when he was a child. Shortly after his father had punished him for losing control of his powers, and consequently killing one of their villagers.

“......”

Whatever had happened in this mining town, was a painful memory for Luke. Gaara considered asking, but relented, before the words could fully form. Luke was clearly uncomfortable with this line of questioning. It wasn’t his place to force that type of heavy burden on someone he still didn’t know. Though, he did make a mental note of it, for future reference. Just in case he needed to probe deeper, one day.

“He didn’t have the right to make that decision, unilaterally,” Gaara stated in a dry tone, “What reasons did he have to abhor the Score to such an extent?”

…Luke himself was that replica. Well. That was certainly unexpected.

Without announcing his intentions, the Suna ninja dismissed the clones and returned his sand back into his gourd. It explained why Luke had tensed up at the sight of his own clone, while expressing curiosity at the ones he didn’t recognize. What remarkable technology to possess, being able to create an entire planet… but it was undoubtedly a dangerous power. He could only imagine the number of wars that would take place in the ninja world, if such an impacting technique was available.

“Then, your original has perished?” Unless the original was still alive, back in Luke’s home world. Auldrant, he had called it? “…Hmm. You are unique and fortunate, to be the sole survivor.”

[headfons]

There was obvious relief when Gaara didn't push the topic further. Luke was far from thrilled to talk about Van; he simply wasn't quite as painful of a discussion. Eyes lowering, Luke was quiet for a moment. He fully agreed with Gaara's statement, in spite of his tense demeanor. With a sigh, he lifted his eyes back to the other redhead's face.

"It started as revenge, and then..." He didn't honestly want to go into that subject, "...We tried reasoning with him, but it never did any good. I used to wonder if I'd done enough to try convincing him, but..." He held a blink, then let out a very brief and sad laugh, "In the end, I think it had become a crazy obsession for him. After dealing the final blow, I realized there was nothing else we could have done." A sad smile rested on his face, "We all did what we had to. I'm just glad I was able to finish everything, before..."

His throat went just a bit dry, and he turned his head to conceal the sudden pained look, "Now that Lorelei's free, Auldrant should be just fine. Everyone should be fine." That was what he'd focus on.

Luke watched the clones disappear...and then his eyes followed the...sand(?) to the thing on Gaara's back. Oh...Well, that was certainly cool. While he'd witnessed some amazing things in his lifetime, he'd yet to witness anything like that. He was distracted, instantaneously, by the question. His face tensed, a bit, before he nodded, "Yeah," he looked away, though, at the mention of him being unique and fortunate, "Well, I'm not the only replica left, period. Not...all of them were killed," or sacrificed, he finished in his head, "The oldest one, though, is only maybe a fourth of my age. Fortunately, last time I saw him, he seemed to have plenty of energy."

A smile appeared on his face, at that. Florian certainly had quite a bit of energy. It was a good thing, no doubt. Luke very much hoped he'd live a long life. His thoughts were interrupted as he glanced off to the distance. The sun was sinking behind buildings, at that point. His brow tensed, though he instantly forced his expression to relax. He reminded himself that he wasn't in the hotel. The night wouldn't be the same, there.

[no_dreams_for_you]

“…Before being kidnapped from your world,” Gaara finished in a cool tone. So Luke hadn’t left any unfinished business behind, in his home world. He was… very fortunate, in that regard. “There are certain individuals that refuse to change their ideals, despite all efforts to persuade them otherwise. If words have no effect, then force becomes a necessity.” Granted, not all shinobi bothered with talking out their conflicts. Some of them jumped straight to violence. “Your world is now safe. That is the most important factor, correct?”

He caught the way Luke was staring at his sand… and felt uncertain about how to interpret that look. He was accustomed to people fearing his powers, from his village, as well as within the facility. Their wariness was completely justified, considering what he had done to them, after losing control to the devilish sand demon. He couldn’t commit that heinous sin… yet again… in this new world.

“Why have you survived for so long, and not the others?” And then, another curious thought: “What is your current age?”

Gaara had other questions in mind as well, but when Luke looked away, his gaze followed. Night was falling… excellent. His eyes narrowed slightly with renewed interest, senses immediately heightening at the darkened setting. Shukaku was shifting more actively inside his mind, sharing that same fascination with the night. His reasons were seedy and perverse, but in the absence of a full moon, Gaara had the greater mental strength and willpower.

Regardless… enough information had been extracted, for the time being. He wanted to begin his search, very soon. Luke was useful helpful, and his kindness would be remembered.

Bearing that in mind, Gaara turned to him and bluntly offered, “Do you need protection?”

[headfons]

Well, Gaara was half right. Luke had actually come close to saying, 'before I vanished'. He didn't bother correcting Gaara; there was a reason he hadn't finished his sentence. He gave a nod at the question, after listening to the other redhead's words, quietly.

"It's...because Asch and I had matching fonon frequencies. The original and the replica don't normally match on that level," and then, with an awkward smile, "I've been alive for eight years."

That question had Luke blinking. In that moment, he was remember the time that his friends had attempted to put him in the center of the triangle with Ion. To protect him. Smiling faintly, he shook his head. Since that day, he'd vowed to be protected by others. He would fight until he couldn't fight, anymore. Even when he was scared, hurt, barely able to move...He'd fight until his body literally couldn't move, anymore.

"No." Also, "Do you still want me to show you how to use the Network?"

Tilting his head to the side, just a bit, he reached a hand to scratch at the back of his head. He wasn't going to push the matter. The Network wasn't actually difficult to figure out. Or maybe Gaara would want to wait until another time to learn. Though, the Network would be a useful tool in locating his friends. If any of them were there, maybe they'd be on there, somewhere.

[no_dreams_for_you]

Eight years… His appearance heavily suggested otherwise. His body was that of a developed teenager, a man, even. He was taller than Gaara, had broader shoulders, and by the look of his exposed abdomen, was more muscular. Luke must not have been created at the birth of his original, then. That would be Asch, presumably. He also mentioned that he didn’t know much about the outside world, and had only explored it for… approximately a year or so?

“You can take this opportunity to acquire more knowledge,” Gaara remarked quietly, turning to make a quick gesture toward the district behind them. “Books are extremely informative, as well as observing other individuals.”

He was similar to the other redhead in that regard, although, interestingly enough, Luke seemed to be better adjusted. How could he already appear so calm and relaxed, and this skilled with social interaction, given his past circumstances? That journey around his world must have taught him a great deal. A twinge of negative emotion pulled a frown over Gaara’s brows, but as usual, he said nothing to indicate his inner thoughts.

“Yes.”

And with that, he headed toward the entrance of the building, and waited for Luke to show him where the network was located. Or rather, the communication device that could utilize it.

[headfons]

Luke nodded, a smile resting on his face, "I was fortunate to have my friends help me. Not to mention, I was able to see nearly all of Auldrant, during our journey. I stopped in every library I could and...read as much as I could. There's still a lot I have to learn about, but that's okay. I...actually enjoy learning, a lot!"

He grinned just a bit with that last sentence. It was definitely the truth. Luke had thrived on having questions answered by everyone. They'd certainly all been quick to answer them- if they weren't busy picking on him or making fun of him for something. Sometimes those jokes did hurt a tiny bit more than he'd let on, but whatever. They were just joking; it didn't matter, anymore, anyway. It was all over and done with, and- well...a part of him would definitely do it all over, again. He missed them. His expression softened in curiosity at noticing the frown, "Something wrong?"

Following Gaara to the entrance, he began leading him over to the place where said communication devices were located. Gesturing towards the things that resembled...flatter versions of the television screens he'd seen at the hotel, he looked over at Gaara, "This is it."

[no_dreams_for_you]

His enthusiasm was… somewhat amusing. Luke reminded him of his friend Sora, back at the facility, who had always seemed eager to learn and try new activities. When presented with the option of ignorance or knowledge, Luke had chosen the latter. Like with the kunai, and not knowing how to wield it – he agreed to train, so he wouldn’t remain ignorant.

Suppressing the urge to smile faintly, Gaara inclined his head in a single nod of acknowledgement. “Then I trust you will acquire information about this world, as well. It might become beneficial, to your goal.” And that was, to leave this world and return home. “If you have questions, I would be willing to answer them as well.” Not specifically pertaining to Saeng Seong, because he didn’t know everything about it himself. At the very least, he wouldn’t exercise humor as a method of discouraging Luke.

“......”

Gaara quirked a brow, at his mood being discovered. He shook his head and replied, “No. I was simply reminded of certain deficiencies. One should always seek to improve himself.”

On that cryptic note, he stepped up to inspect the screens. Most of the functions resembled those of the communication device, used at the facility. How to post, and in what method – simple enough to understand. He decided to refrain from sending a message immediately; the physical search took higher priority.

He turned to Luke, and consciously made sure his expression wasn’t as stern as usual. “Your assistance is appreciated. I will need to depart now, and begin conducting my search.”

[headfons]

Luke nodded at those words, smiling at the offer. He genuinely appreciated all of Gaara's kindness- well, he saw it as kindness, even if Gaara didn't. The replica's head tilted to the side, just a bit, "Thanks, Gaara. I'll keep that in mind."

The words about improvement being something always sought had Luke's face softening. He definitely agreed with that. He'd spent all of the last year on Auldrant doing just that. All he'd wanted was to be...better. He wanted to say goodbye to the old him, and never let that part of him show, ever again. Really, more than anything, he'd wanted to stop being someone that people...should hate. He'd wanted to be someone that could be accepted- of course, then, he realized that he needed to change just for himself.

That was what he'd set his mind on, anyway, "You're right. There's no point in just settling, when there's something you could make better, about yourself. That's how people grow," his smile increased, "If you're not growing, you're pretty much giving yourself no purpose, in life."

Watching Gaara inspect the screens, he remained quiet. Honestly, Luke had held not even the faintest idea of how to use it, since he'd only had experience with the watches back in the hotel. Nodding at the words of appreciation, Luke reached up and scratched the back of his head with a smile.

"It was nothing," he nodded once more, "Good luck. I'm gonna continue mine."

[no_dreams_for_you]

With a light smirk, he remarked candidly, “I’ve yet to earn your gratitude.” As in, he hadn’t answered his questions, to date. He supposed Luke was thanking him for the offer, alone. Exchanging information was a concept of common sense, but not everyone would be so patient, or generous with their time.

“And without a purpose… there is no reason to exist.” His tone turned icy during that brief pause, before resuming its normal quiet volume. But when his gaze settled on Luke, it was absent of judgment. It was astonishing, to think he had only been alive for eight years, and already learned so much about life.

He observed Luke’s reaction as he was scrutinizing the monitor. The technology was not the absolute same as the computers at the facility, but fairly similar. If only Kite was here to hack into the database – he might have been able to extract useful information. Thinking of Kite reminded the Suna ninja to be grateful, for receiving all of those lessons in hacking computers. Was this… technology… also capable of applying privacy settings to the posts? He would realize that answer, through trial and error, at worst.

Gaara nodded in acknowledgment, and decided not to tell Luke that he didn’t base anything on “luck.” He had learned it was an expression people used on others, which essentially meant “good wishes.” Though, he was curious about something; “Are you familiar with this type of technology?”

[headfons]

He shook his head, "You've already done more for me than I deserve. For starters, you didn't have to give me a weapon. It's already more than I can repay, right now..."

Green eyes lowered. Luke certainly didn't disagree with him. In his opinion, Gaara was completely right. That was the reason he would never stop learning, never stop growing, never stop, period. He never stopped pushing himself, even at the hotel. He'd continued fighting to keep Takasu safe, even after letting him down, that first time. In fact, that was what had pushed him to fight, even harder. Returning the gaze, he managed a light smile.

"Hm?" Glancing over at the flat screens, Luke gave an almost exasperated smile. Yeah, about that...

"Only a little. Diarmuid showed me how it works," he started, then looked back over to Gaara, "Auldrant had things similar to this, but I never used them. Then, back at the hotel, we were given what was apparently called a 'watch'. It let us do things...similar to what this can do."

[no_dreams_for_you]

No, he didn’t. But there was something about Luke that had compelled him to try and assist. Perhaps it was because of lingering memories from the facility. A silent tribute to Tear, who had healed the Suna ninja a number of times, when they fought together as allies. More than simply that, Luke had known what it felt like, to be utterly helpless… and abhorred it. Gaara fully understood the sentiment… and so long as there was a desire to fight, he didn’t have a reason to refrain from helping. Luke seemed to be an earnest person.

His tone was cool and dismissive as he murmured softly, “I am not seeking repayment. I did it of my own volition.”

Luke’s world didn’t have watches? …Interesting. That wasn’t a very advanced piece of technology… well, no matter.

Nodding slightly, Gaara touched one of the screens and pulled up the network. “The appearance of this communication device is similar to that of a computer. It is primarily utilized for posting and sending messages.” He began to demonstrate how to post a message, showing Luke the video and voice functions. “However, it would be much more efficient if the device was portable…”

[headfons]

The cool and dismissive words were met by a very faint and lighthearted frown, before he sighed and shrugged, "Alright, fine. You could, at the very least, accept my thanks, though."

Luke's world didn't have a lot of things that Saeng Seong and the hotel had, which was secretly something Luke enjoyed about each of those worlds. It was fascinating, on some level, to check out each of the different types of technology. In some ways, too, it was his way of remembering his best friend from back home. Every time he saw things such as a 'computer' or the 'watch', Luke would inwardly laugh and wonder how Guy would react at seeing them.

...He really missed his friends...

Forcing his thoughts to come to a stop, he watched Gaara pull the network up. Tilting his head to the side he stared at the screen, a moment, as he listened. At one point, his eyes drifted back to Gaara's face, only to drift back to the screen as the ninja finished talking. He agreed about the portable thing, considering the watch had been a useful tool during the night period.

"I agree. Well, I already plan to look into whether, or not, they have anything portable. If I happen to find out there are, I'll let you know, next time we meet," and then he paused, for a moment, "Thank you, by the way. For explaining that, I mean."

He gestured towards the still-slightly-unfamiliar machines.

[no_dreams_for_you]

“…Persistent, aren’t you.” He tried to remember if Tear had ever mentioned that trait particular of Luke’s to him… With a light sigh, he nodded, relenting, “Very well. I accept your gratitude.”

Since Luke was new to this technology, it would take him some time to become accustomed to the various functions. Gaara had been fortunate enough to be acquainted with several individuals, at the facility, that were able to teach him. If it wasn’t for their tutelage, then he would share the lost look on Luke’s face, right at this moment.

…Again. Gaara smirked this time as he replied, “You are welcome.” He wasn’t about to engage in another pointless debate on the expression of gratitude.

Night had fully fallen, by this point. He was more than ready to begin his search, and headed toward the exit of the building. “You have my gratitude as well, Luke. Until we meet again.”

[headfons]

A faintly awkward laugh was his only response- and, oh, that was not even the extent of it.

Luke was giving a somewhat sheepish smile at both of the acceptances of his thanks. The smirk was met with a faint scratching of the back of his head, too. Glancing outside, Luke saw the darkness. His body outright tensed with the now-somewhat-ingrained desire to jump into defending itself. Then, as he reminded himself he was no longer there, he held a blink and exhaled.

Glancing towards Gaara as he started that way, Luke slowly started that way, as well, "No problem. Take care, alright?"