On the platform: Meet the new characters

[utopiamods]

As you all crowd onto the platform, which is drenched with sunlight though the air is cool you are met by five girls and eight boys. One of the girls is a somewhat humanoid grey-skinned, finned alien and one of the boys seems to be a blue Hedgehog; but the rest all seem human. All twelve are in uniforms that would match if not for the colour differences - skirts and trousers, waistcoats, and light summer shirts that seem totally inappropriate for the chill. Some seem irritable while others look excited. Each has a beret with a crest pinned to the front - six depicting a shield on green, the other seven a sword on red.

At the first lull in the chatter, a frail looking girl with a shield on her cap steps forward.

"Excuse me, may I have your attention please!"

She explains that the eleven of them are the current prefects of Rakuen, representing the two schools on the island. Nanami (she gestures to herself), Lelouch, Yuri, Sonic, Jade and Sora of Fortitude; and Santana, Flynn, Feferi, Kevin, Gino, Suzaku and Golbez of Conquest.

The introductions are over fast and the girl named Santana seems impatient, "So come over when your name is called so we can all get inside." They all move to stand in two groups some distance away from each other; two boys step forward and begin to read names from a clipboard.

Suzaku, the Conquest Prefect reads in a short clipped manner, his posture stiff. But his tone is kind. "For Conquest, Arthur Pendragon, Stellaluna, Nepeta Vantas and Jadesprite."

The Fortitude prefect, Lelouch, on the other hand looks bored. "Jane Crocker and Merlin are for Fortitude."

Comments

[unflinchable]

[Suzaku holds himself like a Knight, so Arthur easily slips into Commander-mode]

[in the same commanding tone:] Rakuen City. In what kingdom does it preside? If you have not taken me then why have I been taken? If you are imprisoned as well why are you not in a dungeon.

[swordofzero]

[Suzaku waits until all the questions have been asked before answering them, Arthur's attitude is making Suzaku act more knight-like as he replies.] We don't know if it is part of a larger country or if it is an independent city, it is more likely the latter. We have been brought to battle, and to solve a puzzle that if we succeed at will let us go home. The motives of those that brought us here are unclear.

They don't need dungeons, we cannot leave the island.

[unflinchable]

[Arthur looks out across the water]

There is no one on this island who can build a boat then? [he looks over at the train] And what is that magical box that brought us here? It is a sorcerer who brought us here, is it not?

[he pauses] You are a Knight, to what Kingdom do you hail?

[swordofzero]

You can't get past the wall. [Blink] No, the train is... It is not sorcery, it works on a power source. Moving along those tracks. [He points them out]

I am a knight of the Holy Empire of Britannia.

[unflinchable]

Wall? I see no wall. [he looks over at Suzaku in disbelief] A power source? What type of source?

I am not familiar with that kingdom, where does it lie? [a beat] I am King Arthur of Camelot.

[swordofzero]

It's further out, or if you walk long enough in any direction you come to it.

[He points to the last tendrils of steam coming from the train.] In this case coal is burned to heat water which produces steam. That steam creates pressure which moves a piston which in turn moves the wheels. [You wanted a full explanation right?] They aren't used much at all where I come from as we have different power sources, but they were used briefly in the past. [And in countries that were not rich in Sakuradite.]

I can draw you a map if you wish though there is no guarantee our worlds look the same.

[An eyebrow raise at the name.] I am Suzaku Kururugi, my lord.