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

[chosehope]

Nunnally only gave a small smile in response. "Yes, I have to agree. Although, I must admit, I do kind of want to see them here..." Not to mention that she wanted to see a certain someone here but now isn't the time for that.

Instead? "But I think it would be best if we stayed together! That and I don't really have a lot of friends around my age too!"

[fatefulprincess]

I suppose you have a point. [ Even if it is battle. Getting hurt is sort of inevitable at some point. ] Anyway, my sister Camilla rides on a dragon. That's what I meant.

[ Wyvern, specifically. But she doesn't need to get into that. There's a different sort of discussion going on. ]

It could be that maybe they don't really know it themselves? Or maybe can't talk about it?

[chosehope]

[Nunnally can't argue with that. It was difficult enough that he was Zero but to be transported to another world on top of that? It was more than enough to make the strongest person feel overwhelmed.

Before she could say anything, that's when she heard something odd from behind. Turning around, her eyes widen in shock. Goodness, she thought to herself, was this what happened?]

...I'm so sorry. [She said with a sad look. She wished there was more she could say but just what? As she bit her bottom lip, she knew this was a sensitive topic but...was this really all she could do?]

[chosehope]

[At least he was happy! That was the most important thing!]

I'm sure there will be! I can't wait to go outside and see all of them! They might even have some sunflowers too!

[...Oh right, the check-up] Well, as soon as my check-up is over. I'm afraid I'm a bit nervous though!

[chosehope]

[For a moment, Nunnally wanted to say something. Was it just her imagination or was there something else going on? She didn't know but perhaps it isn't right to bring it up. It should be a happy occasion knowing that the both of them weren't alone here.

With a soft smile, she nodded]

Mhmm, they are. It makes me wish that they bloomed back home, it would liven up the place! I wonder if we can take some.

[chosehope]

For a brief moment, Nunnally had to raise an eyebrow at such a drink. Goodness, she thought to herself, they really do know how to make an impression! But she wasn't going to refuse it. Instead, she giggled before taking it.

"Not to mention that they know how to throw a party! I know that I won't forget this!" She said before taking a sip. "And I've been to a lot of parties before too!"

[arosetowar]

We should be able to take some for the moment, at least.

[Picks a nearby flower and, after checking it to make sure it doesn't have teeth or, like, evil and unflowery impulses, places it behind Nunnally's ear.]

There. It suits you.

[A pause. She was so distracted by creating a distraction that she neglected to ask:]

How are you, Nunnally?

[likewishes]

[ What a pair they make. Staring at each other in stunned silence. Frozen and unable to do much of anything out of either fear or disbelief. Maybe a bit of both for each of them. For Lelouch there are other things working his heart over. Joy that his little sister seems to be doing well. Grateful that he can even see her again - or elation that she's right there in front of him. Yet there's also guilt, since part of his own punishment had been to be permanently separated from her and yet here they are...

Dread also grips at him too. This could very well end up being another situation like with Euphy. By all accounts his little sister should either hate him or be afraid. She doesn't seem to be either but what happens when the other shoe falls?

He doesn't know what to do and that scares him. It's happened so much in the last couple of days that the once strange sensation is starting to become so familiar. But then Nunnally starts to cry and not even Lelouch can interpret what exactly for. Again is it fear? Grief? In the end it doesn't matter. It still rips Lelouch in two. His weakness has always been his sisters. Always Nunnally too, no matter the situation. Though as much as he wants to walk over there and dry those tears himself, he doesn't dare move from the spot. Who is he to touch her at this point? ]

N-Nunnally...

[ Please stop. Don't do this. ]

[theirshield]

Brigitte raised her glass to that sentiment before taking her own gulp, sighing contentedly as she tasted the sweetness. "It does mean I'll have to look elsewhere for the Paladins however. I know they're supposed to be *somewhere* in this city."

Moglin did look a little ashamed of himself, but Brigitte was quick to encourage him. "You got me to the right *city,* Moglin. You don't have to know everything for me."

[saint_sami]

"Then, it's settled!" Sasami said, nodding as she went to hold Nunnally's hand tighter. "We'll stick together and make sure everything's okay!"

[promisedtolive]

[ He pulls the cowl down and then sets the mask aside so he has both hands free. ]

I think that's my line. [ Without the voice changer, he feels even more vulnerable, as he kneels down in front of her chair. ]

I am so sorry, Nunnally. [ He reaches out to take her hand in his. Unlike Euphy, Nunnally's hands aren't bloodless. It's easier to make the effort. And he needs to make sure she knows he's being honest with her. ]

Housing

[promiselisting]

[ It's been... a day so far? And she's finally had the chance to just sit at home and... not deal with everything. And everyone. Except that's when the door opens (after knocking at least). And there's a stranger's voice, a guy's voice at that. Futaba can't help but feel a tiny bit panicked and defensive, even though part of her knew, after seeing Finn over at Ren's house, what was probably going on. There is a small face peering over the top of the couch in the living room and squinting suspiciously. ]

Who are you?

[modelcivilian]

Personally, I have two, but I think some people have been going in for a third.

[Reaching into a small bag he had on his person, Adrien took out his iMog slate and opened the Jobs to show Hope.] You can only have two equipped at once, but people have been putting a third on Reserve. I know you can change between the two you currently have equipped in battle, but I'm not so sure how having a third one works yet.

IV

[whirluendo_of_puns]

[Uendo had been out picking up groceries, but with the sudden excitement spreading all over Curti Center he decided to cut his shopping trip short. New folks coming through the Dream Width, almost at the same time as two months ago... Whoever (or whatever) was behind all this, they were apparently sticking to a timetable.

Arriving back at the house he shared with Okuyasu, he shifted two shopping bags on one arm and opened the front door.]

I'm home!

D

[whirluendo_of_puns]

With Hope showing up at their house, Uendo had checked with the Curti Center staff to see whether they should be expecting anyone else. The answer had turned out to be yes -- and yet, although the sun was already sinking towards the horizon, no one else had showed up.

He remembered all too well how overwhelming it had been, finding himself in a new world with no familiar face in sight. Maybe he should go look for their missing housemate, just to make sure they were alright...

It took him a while to actually track her down. The search hadn't been made any easier by the fact he didn't really know who he was looking for. Still, even if he had the wrong person, he could hardly ignore the kid he found sitting all by herself, watching the sea.

"Hey there." Uendo approached the girl with a gentle smile. "Is everything okay?"

[doodlebuginette]

[A familiar voice caught her attention just as she was starting to consider leaving, and she's turning in time to see Adrien just... smiling and waving across the way. And the little creature floating nearby was just adorable, if she was honest.

But she's mostly just glad to see a familiar face, so she's heading over without even thinking too much about it.] Adrien! Hi!

[modelcivilian]

[So far, it's a crowd of unfamiliar faces, but his eyes grow at her voice. Eyes snapping to her, Adrien stared... but then, he's smiling widely, truly, and doing something he probably would not were they still back home: he hugged her.]

[It was impulsive sure, but dad's not here to find out, and Adrien kept it brief.]

Hey! Haha, I probably should've started with hi, but you're here!

[hashtagdaddy]

[Gladio continues to talk with his Moogle, discovering she is a girl, likes pretty things, and is super serious about making sure she's helpful. He's finally given her a name, though he has to reassure her that the name is a compliment, when a second Moogle comes up to him.

Aren't people only supposed to have one? Oh - he smiles at the newcomer and chuckles.]

I don't mind givin' you a lift if you need help finding your companion. Unless... [His voice trails off as he notices the approach of a half-man, half-snake creature. Muscles tense, ready to spring into action if this was something like the Marilith, Midgardsormr, or Naga monsters from home.

Noodle, previously listening to this other Moogle start speaking and trying to be the first one to get picked up by this giant that is her person (and he's so nice too!), is about to tell him to wait his turn because she gets the first shoulder ride when this ... snake-person comes up. Two big and scary people in one moment is too much and with a sound of surprise, she ducks behind Gladio's still-crouching form to cling to his back as he stands.]

Eeep! [Anything else is lost to the fabric of Gladio's shirt, which might be a good thing since chances are being referred to as 'Scary Snake' would likely offend this ... person?]

Uh, hey. Name's Gladiolus Amicitia. [A small wave.] The little guy in blue and white yours? Why're you trying to get rid of him? Seems sweet enough.

[chefbayardee]

What. [ See, Hunk just stares at Emeralda for a hot second. Because that's a lot, a hair hammer or hair axe. Or at least it would've been, had Okuyasu not told him about someone he knew whose stand let her manipulate her hair and attack with it.

This was probably something like that. ] Can you turn your hair into stuff that isn't a weapon? [ And rather than further bombard her with questions (especially if there's a language barrier), Hunk pointed the camera of his iMog slate at Emeralda and just started snapping candid pictures. Click. ]

I'd want to turn my hand into a spoon, if I could. [ Click. Ignoring the fact that he kind of already can. And then he starts grinning. ] Say cheese!

[ Click! ]

G:

[regisrex]

[ And the door bursts open, a man about Noct's age and Ignis's height, with unruly brown hair and green eyes, steps out, an exasperated moogle on his tail. ]

Kupoooo...

No, it's all right, it'll be-- ah! Sorry!

[ Reflexes fast enough to not actually run into the mountain of a man who is outside. ]

Hey! I didn't hurt you, right?

[ Giving him a once-over to check. And a twice-over because dem Amicitia genes okay, very nice, then he looks up, expectantly. ]

[chocobosnap]

"Yes, sir." Prompto reacted predictably, because that was a reasonable thing to expect. He just hadn't been in the mental headspace at the time, but he needed to get in the game.

"He did, I think, as far as I know." Prompto shook his head. "I'm not sure how it happened, and I don't think he knows either, but he's here. He's alive. He really likes chocobos." He smiled slightly, to ease tension.

[chocobosnap]

It's okay.

[He smiles warmly at Shi and turns instead to take a picture of a bird, perched on a tree branch, hopping along with a twig in its mouth. He waits for a moment when it stops and snaps the picture.]

I was just taking pictures.

[chocobosnap]

[Some people aren't good at naming things.]

Yeah, this place is...f-full of information.

[Prompto smiled and pretended the fact he was stuttering wasn't bothering him. His nerves were always too much.]

Uh, no, not quite. I mean, um, I came two months ago.

[chocobosnap]

Yeah, it was there when I woke up.

[He smiled, friendly.]

I m-mean two months ago. I'm not like, I didn't just get here, I mean. I'm Prompto.

[And perpetually embarrassed.]

[regisrex]

"Yeah, you've been pretty vocal about it." That's said soft and fond, but somewhere in the space of a few heartbeats after the words end, something changes in his face. Doesn't harden, just. Goes a little expressionless.

Cor's entitled to his opinion. Always. But there was so much more to worry about than cowardice...

"I'm taking it that I did - will? - talk with Father to get you as a permanent assignment to me?"

Of course, that's more complicated, as well, but disgust or rejection were not in the myriad of reactions and emotions that have been nearly paralyzing Cor.

"... nothing is burning, right?"