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

[likewishes]

[ She DOES know then. At least that Zero is a conspirator of Lelouch's. Maybe she isn't clued in on the entire plan... Who could be? But Cornelia is aware of some details no one should be. ]

I am starting to think up of more questions for you.

[arosetowar]

Then quicken your pace. We still have a ways to go.

[likewishes]

Maybe you should learn some patience.

[ But he does pick up his pace. As much as he can. ]

[arosetowar]

I have been patient enough with you.

[Zoom...kinda zoom. It's an improvement, she supposes...]

[likewishes]

That's debatable.

[ Yeah he's not moving faster than this, Cornelia. Doesn't have the stamina for it. ]

[arosetowar]

Is it, now?

[Come on, Lelouch. Surely even he can admit that she shows him more restraint than he deserves.]

[likewishes]

[ Oh that's probably true. She could have probably have found a way to just kill him on the spot.

So what's Lelouch to do? Be quiet. Irritable. But quiet. ]

[arosetowar]

[Cool, I guess we're fast-forwarding to the cabin then? Unlocks the door, opens the door, gestures through the door.]

Get in.

[likewishes]

Those are terrifying words...

[ He doesn't like where this is going. Nope. Nope, nope. It's like a trap. And to think Buttons is at home.

With a sense of dread, Lelouch steps through the door. ]

[promisedtolive]

[ He has been slowly pacing around the living room, working off excess energy as he emulates Cornelia from the night before. The iMog and mognet are a wealth of information, and he has lost track of time skimming through the databases.

Only recognizing the voices outside the door keep him from donning the Zero mask. He immediately raises an eyebrow in Lelouch's direction as the pair enter. ]

This is unexpected. [ Tucks a bit of hair behind his ear. Are you all right? ]

[likewishes]

[ Suzaku. Not Zero. Suzaku. So Cornelia knows about this too. So much for some of their secrets, hmm? Better and better. ]

In more ways that I could predict.

[ He fusses with one of his sleeves. Be careful. Lelouch chances a quick glance in Cornelia's direction. He can't predict her actions. Hence the wariness. However he is willing to be here. ]

[promisedtolive]

[ Lowers his iMog, setting it on an arm of the sofa. ]

Is there anything I can do? [ Mostly directed at Lelouch, but also not ignoring Cornelia. ]

[likewishes]

Could you give us a few moments?

[ Lelouch crosses his arms. His fingers tap on his arm. Stay close. Just in case something happens. Lelouch isn't keen on dying here. Not quite yet. ]

[promisedtolive]

[ He inclines his head, pressing a hand over his heart. No secret language necessary; even if they were technically equals, and rank means nothing here, he is still Lelouch's knight. ]

I'll step out, then. [ Picks up the iMog and his mask, and adjourns to his room. ]

[arosetowar]

[He's nervous. Lelouch, the boy who killed Clovis in cold blood. Who shamelessly ordered Euphy to commit massacre then shot her dead. Whose reign as Emperor was empowered by destroyed wills and spilt blood. Nervous.]

[Cornelia is not.]

[It isn't that she trusts the boys; on the contrary, she is well aware that Lelouch could have shaped their conversation towards this outcome. Neither does she assume that she can handle them easily should they take aggressive action against her. Rather, it's that as Zero, Suzaku has an image to maintain—an image which will all but vanish if he harms her out of turn. Likewise, she assumes that Lelouch is unlikely to initiate anything.]

[She watches Suzaku leave, then takes a seat at the dining table and motions for Lelouch to join her.]

Sit.

[likewishes]

Not just yet.

[ He can't sit. Yes, he is nervous. Only a fool wouldn't be. It's not like he has a plan for any of this. Cornelia. Being here. It's so far out of the scope of his schemes that he has nothing prepared. This isn't his usual set of conditions. No, this is venturing into the unknown and he hates that. ]

Being on guard is the last thing you want, isn't it? [ He rolls his eyes. With Suzaku close at least he's a little at ease. Not much. ] How much have you pieced together, Cornelia?

[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.

[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.

[arosetowar]

You're a murderer. [A beat.] A demon. Those you could reach with your Geass, you subjugated; those who you could not, you slaughtered to make an example out of them. You made indiscriminate use of F.L.E.I.J.A. against the innocent as what, a warning? Yet kept the surviving world leaders, along with your Black Knights, safe beneath your watchful eye else they rise against you and force your hand into slaughtering them as well. And you did this all while dismantling Britannia's most contentious systems from within.

[She may have gone underground, but she didn't fall ignorant. Every single detail of his reign that was made publically available, she absorbed and analysed and applied to her own rebellion.]

I was present that day, and I watched it all unfold. The rest, I trust, doesn't bear repeating.

[likewishes]

[ His anger and irritation die down. Just a little. Cornelia isn't wrong. He is a murderer. A demon, sure. Everything she says, he has done. Yet he kept the world leaders alive. Left the Black Knights to their devices. He had torn down everything that had made Britannia what it was. So she realizes, to a degree, that he set up the chess board in order for someone else to take all of the pieces. ]

I am those things. [ No refuting that. ] What I said about becoming evil to defeat evil is no lie. I killed our brother. Our sister. I even murdered our father and my mother in order to stop them from condemning the entire world. My power? I used it to do what I knew must be done. In order for the fighting to stop, someone had to take it all.

[ His lip quirks. Not arrogant. Not a smirk. Just resigned. ]

Of course I couldn't be like Scheizel. The world couldn't keep going if the world was at peace due to fear and I couldn't allow Nunnally to do exactly the same thing as me. It had to be taken back. It had to be me. But the reckless use of F.L.E.I.J.A. had little to do with warning anyone. My hands needed to be stained further.

[arosetowar]

[There's a moment where she almost seems calm. Her posture softens and her glare falls and she looks away from Lelouch for perhaps the first time since they arrived at the house. Then she scoffs. Then that scoff becomes a laugh, dark and disbeliving, maddened by grief and incredulous disbelief. With quick fluidity, she thrusts herself up from the chair then slams her hands down on the table in front of her, ignoring the pain rising from the heels of her palms.]

You used it to do what you knew must be done? What part of the SAZ disaster did you deem necessary, Lelouch?

[likewishes]

[ He deserves that anger and that rage. Because as much as he had grieved, he knows that Cornelia's pain had been tenfold. He remembers how much it hurt when he had thought that Nunnally had been killed. Lelouch had shut down. Been unable to function. Cornelia? She's stronger than him. She picked herself up when he couldn't. ]

SAZ... [ Does he tell her? Would it really make a difference? Lelouch also looks away, clearly conflicted. ] It wasn't what I wanted nor what I had planned. Nothing happened as it should have that day. I should have been more aware, but...

[ Lelouch clenches his jaw. He can't look at Cornelia. The pain is still stupidly raw even though he knows he has no right to it. ]

I miscalculated. I messed up.

[arosetowar]

[A voice at the back of Cornelia's mind had once insisted on something similar; it had told her that Lelouch had loved Euphy once, almost as fiercely as he loved Nunnally, and therefore he would never have intentionally caused her such extreme harm. It was soothing in its simplicity, in its innocence. As she struggled to deal with Euphy's death, Cornelia had subconsciously sought to escape as much of her pain as possible, and centering the brunt of her hatred and her aggression on Geass had helped in the smallest of ways.

But that was before she heard him confess; it was before she knew how far he was willing to go to fulfill his purpose.]

You would dare lie to me now?

[Her tone is sharp, biting, every damned word like sharpnel flung from the explosive force of her anger.]

You would dare attempt to convince me that it was nothing more than a mistake? Why?

[A seething pause. She doesn't want him to assume that her doubts are baseless.]

I heard your confession, Lelouch. It told a much different story about what truly happened that day.

[likewishes]

I also created a plan to enslave the world so that I'd draw their focus. That they'd hate me and come together to defeat me. Those lies? I created them. I made an image of myself that is not true to who I am. People were lead to believe the motivations that I had conjured up instead of realizing my true goals and the reasons behind them.

[ Despite her anger and rage, Lelouch doesn't look at her. All in all, he is saying that it's easy for him to spin a story. Black and white remember? It's easier to deal with things like that than to fuss around with grey areas. ]

Does it really change anything? Would knowing the actual details of that day make the pain go away or make it more bearable? [ A pause. Then he breathes, one hand reaching over to hold his arm still. He's shaking. ] I am still responsible, regardless of what you choose to believe.

[ Lelouch finally looks up at her. But it isn't spiteful. It isn't filled with arrogance or ego. There's a bit of defiance there. Asking her to challenge him on it. ]

So pick whichever one you want. You're the only one that I've ever admitted the truth to, but if you are so determined to not hear it, then why ask me why? Maybe the better question to ask me is why did I lie in the first place?

[arosetowar]

[Does it change anything?]

[It changes the way she looks at him; it softens the heart-rending belief that her little sister died because the love she extended to her brother was met only with hatred. If what he says is true—if he never intended to cause such grievous harm to her sister—then does that mean he be trusted? Can she spare Euphy the pain of discovering her fate, and can Euphy be allowed the company of her brother?]

[Cornelia still doesn't know.]

[Lelouch had been so flippant when she'd asked about Euphy earlier that it's impossible for her to reconcile what he's saying now with how he had acted before. She knows that this shift was likely caused by her making clear that she knows his reign was a ruse, but can't decide whether she believes it has motivated him to be truthful or to use it to his advantage. There is more to his reaction than his words, though. The way he holds his arm, the way he trembles—those responses look real to her, and there's something so infuriating about it all that for a moment she loses focus on the lie and instead begins resenting him for his pain. He hurts, he suffers, he grieves?]

[No. Euphy has suffered so much more than his curse.]

You gave Clovis the dignity of a quick death. [A single shot, a bullet to the brain, he would have barely felt anything.] But Euphy... [Her voice picks up again here, louder, sharper, less controlled.] She died in agony by your hand.

[Another weaponisation of her sister; another impulse she can't hold back. The fact that he killed her is almost unbearably painful but she understands it on a certain level. As far as the public knew, Euphy had orchestrated the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of people, and given what Cornelia now knows, there was no bringing her sister back from that. Either she remained under the Geass forever, or she was freed of it and spent the rest of her life knowing what she had done. That doesn't change how deeply she suffered during her last moments. That doesn't make her death seem any more loving, any more compassionate, any less spiteful.]

After all the pain you've caused her, what right do you have to act as though you haven't destroyed her in every possible way? What claim do you dare to take on her love?

[On her laughter. On her smile. On her forgiveness. On any of it.]