and then they fell. [rakuen revolution opening post]

[utopiamods]

You're falling, and you can't remember why. It's a sickening feeling that makes your insides lurch; the darkness and the vertigo combine, and all you can think of is a story you heard once, somewhere.

Ah, I remember now. It's... a simple story that everyone knows. A legend of a Princess, the Demon Lord who kidnapped her, and the Knight who fought to save her. The Demon Lord had kidnapped the Princess countless times, but every time the Knight bested his challenges and rescued the Princess. No matter what tricks and ploys the Demon Lord used, the Knight would always triumph in the end. This was because--

The world tilts on its axis one last time, and the dream slips from your mind as easily as it arrived. A new voice intrudes on your sleep. Mechanical, monotonous.

"Next stop: Rakuen City. This train terminates here. The next stop is Rakuen. All change." The train rocks steadily as it winds its way through white drifts of now. Sunlight streams through the window, heating the air and making the seats almost uncomfortably warm. A puff of steam from the train winds its way lazily past the windows when the wind is right.

It's strangely difficult to shake off the sleep; the rhythm of the train seems to lull you back into slumber and the air is warm and heavy, making it hard to keep hold of a thought. Finally, though, the nausea settles, the last of the dream fades and you can take in your surroundings. And, perhaps more importantly, those around you in a similar state.

"We have arrived at Rakuen City. All passengers must leave the train. This train is terminating here. This is Rakuen."

Comments

[bloodbrother]

[Sheepish smile, don't freak out at the fangs] Sorry, the train stopped and I was getting pretty warm in this sun. [starts stripping off the lab coat.]

[lovesignmasterspark]

It's not that hot. ... Are you some kinda vampire? You have fangs.

[bloodbrother]

I'm wearing a lot of layers, so... [Off goes the suit jacket and he loosens his necktie. But his eyes go blank when she says that word] Huh? [And suddenly back to normal] What's your name? Call me Sam.

[lovesignmasterspark]

[Huh? He didn't answer the question. Well, she'll let it go. More important matters and all that.] Marisa. [Slight feeling she was supposed to be tacking something onto the end, there. But she didn't know what. She finally starts looking around.] Where the hell are we, ze?

[bloodbrother]

The voice on the train said a school. I don't really know why I ended up on the train in the first place, let alone going to a school... [For the first time he sounds kind of concerned.]

[lovesignmasterspark]

I don't want to go to a school. I have better things to do. [No she doesn't.]

[bloodbrother]

I'm afraid I agree with you there. [He pats his pockets looking for his cell phone. And then he checks all of his jacket pockets. Suddenly he's kind of anxious.] No no no no... Where is it? [Looks under the seat]

[lovesignmasterspark]

[She didn't do it!] What are you looking for?

[bloodbrother]

My phone. My wallet is gone too! Did someone pickpocket me while I was asleep? [Flail. He continues to pat pockets as if he'd somehow missed either of them the first couple times around.]

[lovesignmasterspark]

If anyone did, I didn't see it, ze. [Wait. She felt like she didn't have a few things with her that she should have... but damned all she couldn't remember. She didn't mention it.

Now it's time to try and win a favor, then.] Do you want me to help you find it?

[bloodbrother]

Sure, I guess. [He is so trusting of kids.] The phone is an iPhone. I know that's not terribly specific, but I don't have a case on it or anything.