Introduction Log || It's Happening Again (Again!)

[eternitymods]

Who: All characters (New Arrivals, Previous Arrivals, and Native OCs) When: June 5th Where: The Dream Width (Airship), the Curti Center, and the Housing District What: It is happening again. More outworlders have arrived in the Dream Width and must be rescued and brought back to their new homes on Vaikuntha Warnings/Notes: Only new players can put up a toplevel. Previous arrivals and native characters can respond to new characters' toplevel posts. MEMORY [ You've been here before...? No, wait, why would you think that? You're here in the moment, everything is as it should be...(?) The memory you are trapped in has completely enthralled you. You stop questioning and accept, you relive and repeat. Luckily, you are not alone. Others have arrived to help you. The travelers in the airships will enter the nebula formed by your memories and attempt to wake you up and bring you back to the present. The dreamer's mind will shape how these newcomers are perceived and how the NPCs in the memory respond to them. For more details on the mechanics, please refer to this post] ARRIVAL [ You wake from your dreams, from your memories, on a narrow cot. There are fleeting impressions- recycled air, humming machinery, movement, strangers waking around you. The room you wake in is lined with cots, with barely enough space between them to walk to the door, though not all of them show signs of having been occupied. The makeshift infirmary seems like it was prepared to hold many more than are here. Stepping out, there is a lobby space that bears the signs of having once held some furniture, now cleared away to make space. Your footsteps echo in the emptiness. As the automatic door slides shut on the infirmary, a light flashes on the far side of the room. A flickering holographic projection of a man’s face and gloved hand appears projected in the space above the arrivals’ heads. He backs up so his upper body is in frame for the recording. An arm, covered in the same orange flightsuit sleeve, hands him a tablet. The man begins to read. A written version of the message scrolls along the bottom of the projection as he speaks. ] ’Welcome travelers’… That’s way too formal. Hey everyone. Hi! [ The second man leans into the frame to add his greeting. ] Don’t panic. You were floating out there, but we pulled you in and rescued you. Yeah, we’re heroic AND handsome. And also the only ones crazy enough to come out here to get you. [ A woman’s voice calls from out of frame. ] Can you two be serious for ONE moment and stick to your scripts? [ The two men give each other a conspiratorial eyeroll. This does not appear to be their first take. ] Anyways, no need to panic. Seriously, don’t do anything reckless. We got our fill of that with Skywalker. [A huff is heard offscreen, and the men finally spare the tablet another glance.] ‘Your pilots will be navigating treacherous environs as this message plays…’ Claire, seriously? Nobody talks like this! [ The tablet is tossed to the side and lands with a thunk offscreen. ] We’re gonna wing it. Look, everyone, we’re workin’ hard to get you planetside safely, and it’s gonna take some tricky flying to do it. So the door to the cockpit is locked so we can focus on not getting us all killed. Don’t try to open it, unless you want to be stardust. We promise you’ll get answers about what’s going on once we land. But for now, please trust us. Right now, we’re your only hope. [ The second man leans forward, close to the recording device, and presses a button. The projection freezes for a moment, and then the message starts on the next recorded message. ] CURTI CENTER [ Finally after hours of flight, you arrive at the Curti Center. The other NPCs await you having been notified of your retrieval in the Dream Width. Cid gives a short and to the point welcome speech, explaining what the situation is: you were lost in a space called the Dream Width. You are now on a planet called Vaikuntha: for ages, the people of this world have used Airships to rescue people lost in the Dream Width, with one person being found roughly every ten years. No one knows why this happens, but this has been a mutually beneficial exchange, with the people from Vaikutha rescuing people lost in the Dream Width and the rescued ones sharing their wisdom with the people of Vaikuntha. Ten years ago, something unusual happened: two people were found at once, Biggs and Wedge. But that was nothing compared to what happened two months ago. And now, here you are. No one knows why such a large number of people has arriving lately, but the Curti Center is a place dedicated to piercing the Dream Width's secrets. Cid also introduces the other ones: his assistant Jessie, a young woman fascinated by the new arrivals, Claire, the woman sighing and writing in her schedule book upon being pointed out as the bookkeeper, Kupoto and Mogaruru, their Mognet representatives and finally the Native OCs: those brave and kind souls who have accepted to help you all on a daily basis. After Cid finishes (and Claire grumbles at her work never being done), the employees, including the Native OCs, provide a tour of the facility and help the newcomers navigate their future lives. Now is the time to ask questions and look over pamphlets regarding locations, Jobs, life in Vaikuntha... ] [ If you want to contact an NPC, you can do so on the NPC Contact Page. ] A BALL OF FLUFF NAMED MOOGLE [ It has been a long day, perhaps now you would like to find your way to a place to sleep? Or perhaps you'd like to get some answers, but you can't be bothered to go seek people out? And lo, just as despair begins settles in, a Moogle slams into you! Or stops by your side if their aim is decent... It's the Moogle Cid mentioned in his speech earlier! And they'll be informing you that now, they will stick to you like your shadow and help you in anyway they can! They're also giving you your iMog Slate- Now you can get onto Mognet! Isn't it great? ] A QUICK CHECK-UP [ Whether it's your Moogle, Native OCs or NPCs, all will urge you to stop by the hospital wing for a basic check-up. You may disagree, but listen. You've just been thrown into a space between worlds, rescued, and brought to another world. For your own sake, that's a good idea. Should you give in and go (or should you be dragged by your Moogle or a Native OC), you will find yourself in the cold and white space very reminiscent of an hospital. For characters with specific medical conditions necessitating help, this is where they will receive it if asked. The doctors and nurses are all White Mages or Chemists, with various levels into their Job as well as medical knowledge. Don't mind the confused looks if you look like nothing they've ever seen before... It's hard for a doctor to be unable to give a proper diagnosis to a patient! For everyone else though, they'll be let go with smiles and be given a candy as they leave. No one likes medical check-ups, but it's a very quick and basic one: testing reflexes, taking your temperature and the likes. On the bright side, while you're grumpily sitting on a bed with a thermometer on your forehead or in your mouth, it might be a good time to socialize with your fellow new arrival who's having lights flashed into their eyes by a doctor. Misery loves company, after all. ] PRETTY SIGHTS [ There's plenty of rooms to wander about in, with several points of interest apart from the offices. The Airship Hangar is where the airships are kept and the first room you entered. Workers keep guard to prevent the outworlders from getting too close to the vehicles. Airships are expensive and they don't want you messing with them, after all. Venturing into the Research Section, you can walk through public exhibitions on astronomy, airship design, and asterisk studies. A good place to get used to the basic science of this world. The laboratories lie behind a thick locked door with a sign reading "EMPLOYEES ONLY". No going there, for now anyway. Not too far from there are the Employee Quarters - work stations, apartments, and lounge areas. The latter are available to the public, whereas the rest is locked to Native OCs. But if you get them to be friends with you, perhaps they'll let you visit? Also open to all is a Cafeteria - a standard food court with stalls serving all types of Vaikunthan cuisine. The Chef is a very jovial and absent-minded Hypello. Beware of long lines and crowded tables. Should you prefer open spaces, then the gardens are for you! There are different sections in the gardens around the center. One boasts a wide array of blooming flowers, another more practical with herbs commonly used in Vaikunthan cooking. One had been cultivated for butterflies and hummingbirds to visit. Paths have been laid through so that visitors can safely navigate, and moogles will swoop down and shout at anyone who strays into the flower beds. Or perhaps, you want to wait till the sunset. Dusk on a new world, but a beginning of a new life... The sea shines bright in the orange light. A good moment for quiet contemplation. ] HOUSING [The housing accommodations are the best the Curti staff could provide, given that they are still also sheltering most of the previous arrivals from the Dream Width. The keys have been entrusted to the moogles who will be guiding the new arrivals. The new arrivals can stop by the Curti Center storage room to collect some essential supplies that have been donated by charity organizations from around the world (there are boxes of toothbrushes and whitening toothpaste sent from the Zora, hair brushes from the Elezen, quick-drying towels from the Hypello, among the various donations of clothes, toiletries, and blankets), before heading to their temporary homes. The people of Vaikuntha have done their best to provide for their new neighbors and help them get on their feet. Still, things will be a little cramped until the off-worlders can find employment and move into better housing. The staff hopes they can get along with one another until alternate arrangements can be made. You can survive living with roommates for a few months, right?] THE JOB FOR YOU [An important part of life on Vaikuntha is the Job (or Jobs) you choose to take. No, not the way you earn your living. Your Job Class. Most Natives only choose one or two, but you'll have an opportunity to take on more Job Asterisks after you master your first Jobs. The Curti Center's resident Job Master, Ganeshan, is more than happy to arrange transportation to the various Guilds so that you can claim your first Asterisks. ]

Comments

[euphemia]

[ Euphemia listened as Cornelia listed off her expectations. It was a miracle that she even accepted after stating her wishes. Hearing that she needed to be seen and not hidden made her brows furrow. In public, so she can observe? Why did it sound so ... ]

I promise no harm will come to me and will do it somewhere visible. And, ah ... when it comes time for me to tell him, I will do so outdoors in plain sight.

[hatejakku]

[ Finn's cool. He's totally cool. Well, he's holding it together, considering how badly he wants to sprint for the cockpit.

And oh, right. More people showed up today. More could come in the future. He doesn't know how to feel about that yet. ]

Um, yeah. That sounds good. [ There's a part in the back of his head that says being taken aside isn't good. He must be freaking out, right? He doesn't want to take Shiro away from anything. But he did offer. Honestly, Finn just doesn't even know anymore. He's going to follow Shiro's lead. ]

Anyone could come here. And no one knows why or how. [ Just putting it all in place. ]

[arosetowar]

There's something like magic in Cornelia's world but it's a dark power, twisted, corrupt. It has cost her more than she can bear to think about. She won't question its existence but is not yet prepared to embrace it as a positive force.

Very little of what Connie says makes sense to Cornelia, but the sentiment is familiar. "The first sacrifice any warrior makes is their own sense of peace," she says, her tone soft, reflective. "It's no wonder you wanted to remain there."

Now, she finally motions to the lion. "Was the memory from a time before him as well?"

[hatejakku]

I'm not dying. I'm currently not dying. Not even a little-

[ Finn lets out a shrill 'eep!' as he's pulled against Okuyasu. Then a scream as he's thrown through the doors. He attempted to hold on like a cat and failed.

Instead, he lands on his side and slides until he hits the check-in desk, scrambling up to sit and stare wide-eyed at the guy, totally lost for words.

Having stepped aside once Finn was grabbed, the moogle knows what to say! ] Holy crap, dude.

[promisedtolive]

[ He sets the mask aside and pulls down the cowl, his mouth set in a grim line. Some small part of him is a little relieved -- at least he will be able to move about the house without hiding his face.

Her question is not what he expected. But his expression becomes sharper. He knows they will be at odds, Lelouch and Cornelia; he will have to be careful.]

When I was ten.

[immortalmarshal]

"Days?" Cor doesn't remember that much time passing since they left. He's got a slowly sinking feeling as he settles himself, noting that Noctis does not take off his pack. How he hates feeling bare without his blade by his side...

And then he had that same feeling sink faster upon hearing the news. The way he talks about her...he recognizes that particular tone. Hell, he used it himself, during those dark days immediately after the passing of Noct's mother. Hence, the mix of sympathy and concern on Cor's face. "...she didn't survive the Hydraen's wrath?"

[warpstriking]

[When the room flickers, Noctis grimaces, briefly catching a glimpse of his younger self and his father running away, Regis trying to lead Luna away as well by the hand-

No. No. he thinks the same time Ravus says it aloud, yet when the room in Altissia reforms... he doesn't relax. Not yet. They're still in danger of Ravus falling back into the dream.]

The Dream Width... it's pulled us from Eos like so many others from different Stars. Even created this place - this dream - from your memory. Insane, I know, but it's true. Ended up in a few others trying to find you.

[As proof of his claim that it's only a memory, he holds up his right hand. The very Ring in Lunafreya's hand, resting on his middle finger; something that wouldn't be there if this wasn't in the past. Yet as he lowers it, unthreatening, he looks to the memory of Luna with profound sadness and determination in his eyes.]

The dream will repeat over and over until you wake up.

[hatejakku]

[ He nods and smiles. ] Thanks.

Study sessions aren't a bad idea, either. Looks like there's a lot of us brought here... People mentioned things like monsters, though. Do they mean the wildlife? I haven't seen much about them.

[ He has seen a map, though! From his genius examination, he's gathered that this place is kinda huge. ]

[hatejakku]

[ Finn jolts about a foot when the new guy just announces his presence. Geez! Still, he clears his throat and tries to be the picture of calm. ]

The... airships? [ He points at the display he means. ] We had ships kind of like that where I'm from. I don't really get much about them either...

[boomchucka]

"Selphie," she offers after he trails off. "Selphie Tilmitt."

She notices that small smile and casts a sunny beam at the older man. While she has Cor's attention, she pulls out a couple more kupo nuts and offers them to him. "Here, you can have these for Tommy if you'd like."

She has to ask though. "Do you have any questions at all? I might be able to give a few details about this place, weird as it is."

[hatejakku]

[ He turns quickly to face the woman, a little startled that she spoke to him but there is no one else here. ]

Yeah?

[ Considering she had been staring at her notes a minute ago and is sitting pretty far away, he figures her business is with him instead of the exhibit. ]

[immortalmarshal]

Cor's still rather shocked to see the younger man by his side, holding on to his arm, instead of being off across the sea with their young king. But then their surroundings fade, and he feels pulled along in some kind of strange, chilly place towards something...metal?

"There better be a good explanation..." he manages to mumble, even as he feels a little light-headed from a combination of shock and the Dream Width slowly fading around them.

[fatefulprincess]

There are quite a lot of us. Pretty soon you'll be able to look at the Jobs and get at least two Asterisks.

[ Corrin rubs the back of her neck for a moment. ]

There are monsters though. Not just wildlife. Hence the need for Jobs.

[warpstriking]

"Days," Noctis confirms. "The Dream Width apparently doesn't like sticking to the same time we do. It's been a couple months since we left Caem for me."

He finally sits down, the pack on his back slowly sliding from one shoulder and into his lap. A little stuffed knife pokes out from the top, but he doesn't even make a note of it. Instead, he focuses on the grain of the wooden tabletop as he answers the question.

"Ardyn made sure she didn't." There. There's the anger and pain, but unlike in the tomb, it's held back. He knows no one deserves it other than Ardyn (and his own weakness). "What's the last thing you remember?"

[hatejakku]

[ Ah. He frowns. ] That's what I was afraid of. I guess I need to choose sooner rather than later...

Can I... ask what Jobs you have? [ Or is that rude? He's probably being rude. ]

[arosetowar]

[Lelouch's insistence on having his questions answered first doesn't surprise her; neither does his manipulative attempt at coercing her cooperation. She leans back in her chair and cocks her head to the side, considering him. The power of ultimate command suits him well, given how poorly he fares when he lacks an advantage. Similar taunts breed on the tip of her tongue but logic keeps them in place. If this conversation is to become a battlefield, it won't be because of her.]

What remains for me to say, Lelouch? It's clear that your death was by your own design, and the rest should be obvious considering the company I currently keep.

3

[lordshield]

The familiar voice caught Clarus a bit more off guard than it should have. Some others from home were here, why wouldn't this particular person be? The old knight couldn't help the smile that warmed his face as he turned toward the familiar tones and took a few steps forward. Cor would think he was dead, as the others had, so this might be a surprise... but the Marshal could handle it.

"Mine forced me to the hospital," he admitted, giving Cor a second to let his voice sink in, then. "Marshal." He nodded to the younger man, wanting so badly to come off as stoic and unphased, but... he just couldn't help his smile. This man was, arguably, his best friend and had been for decades. He missed the little shit more than he cared to admit.

[arosetowar]

[She finds no relief in Euphy's response. Only a deepening of her dread, of her regret over agreeing to this, of a fear she has never felt before today. She can't lose her sister twice.]

Thank you, Euphy. Please be careful.

[likewishes]

There's plenty. You want to speak plainly? So speak plainly.

[ So he's not going to bother to hide his irritation. Why should he? Maybe there is a way to spin this to his advantage. If she already knows then does it really change things? From what Suzaku's said people are making an effort towards peace. That means that Cornelia is likely going along with it, even if she already had suspicions. She isn't doing anything to actively sabotage the Requiem. ]

I'm asking because I'd find it irritating to have to repeat information that you already know. Everything was by our design, yes.

[fatefulprincess]

You can. I don't mind. You don't have to rush either. Take your time and figure out what you really want to do.

[ It's not rude to ask. Even if it was, Corrin wouldn't really know the difference. ]

Since I used both blade and magic back home, I picked Red Mage and Swordmaster. Some people pick what they are familiar with. Others select their Jobs by what they'd like to try or be.

[immortalmarshal]

"Selphie." Cor nods as he commits that name to memory. She's certainly helpful, even if she's just a touch too cheerful for his immediate comfort. Despite the frown at her sunny demeanor, though, he does accept the offered nuts with an open hand and brief, quietly murmured thanks.

He mulls over her offer, figuring out what questions he (thinks and) feels might be okay to ask a stranger. "...is it common for folks to come here from another star--I mean, world?"

[arosetowar]

[When he was ten.]

[Ten.]

[Does he consider himself clever? Does he think this is a joke? Every single part of her now radiates the tension of a frustrated rage.]

[Ten.]

You... [She stops herself from continuing. Scoffs.] If this is how you're going to conduct yourself, then leave. You know precisely what I was asking, Kururgi, and I refuse to deal with your evasions.

[immortalmarshal]

Cor actually relaxes a little, once they're outside the building and he can feel the breeze on his face. Just a little, though, since he's still in a strange place and without his usual weapon.

"I'll consider it for later... Is it truly mandatory to have them check you over, though?" Cor's not protesting outright yet, but he is rather wary about letting some unfamiliar doctor check him over and take down his vitals. Neverthemind how he's always been loathed to see any kind of medical caretaker that wasn't urgent and immediate...

Still, despite the answer, he makes sure no one's in the immediate area before he speaks up again. "Alright...I know Prompto's here, since we met on that airship. And...there might be some kind of time magic involved, if both of us remember things at different points of time?"

[immortalmarshal]

Cor almost dropped his slate upon hearing that voice. He's been advised already that the older Shield was alive (again), but that didn't fully prepare him to actually hear that familiar voice after so long.

He turns around the see the familiar older man approaching him, smiling like the old friend he always has been. "Clarus..." Part of Cor is relieved to see him hale and hardy once again, and it shows in his voice for a few moments. "...Didn't think I get to see you again, after all that's happened." And then a genuine, relieved smile slowly begins to grow on his face. "Lord Shield."

Tommy looks between the two men hopefully; they sure seem to be acting like long-lost comrades...

[hatejakku]

I know a lot about blasters. Um, guns, I guess. I was thinking about the Gunslingers.

... I don't know what I would want to try being. [ That's still a concept he's getting used to. ] Never really thought this hard about it before.