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

[koyo]

( Oh

Spain. . . likes hugs so he doesn't really mind. When he wakes up, he tries to turn his head to see who it is but he can't get a good look. So Spain sits there for awhile until he really can't be still anymore. He coughs once. )

Excuse me. . .

[countryofassholes]

[At the sound of Spain's voice, Britannia shifts for a moment before settling down again, apparently choosing instead to just get more comfortable. Her grip in Spain's shirt just tightens and- miraculously- she does at least mumble something incoherently.

It was definitely a complaint though.]

[koyo]

( Are they waking up--

Darn.

Spain stays still a moment longer, wondering what to do now. It's not like he can really get up and move now so he tries again, this time, a little louder, )

¡Ay! Sleeping beauty, wake up.

[countryofassholes]

[For the love of... Why is this guy her pillow again? Why did she ever leave Kiku. Silly her.

... no wait- did she ever choose him? Hmm... well, regardless,]

Antonio, please be quiet.

[koyo]

( Who are you and how do you know his name. )

But I can't move.

[countryofassholes]

[I am your lord and master- I MEAN...]

[Well clearly he has no intention of letting her go back to sleep, so with a soft sigh, she finally raises her head to rest her chin on Spain's shoulder. Check out that eerily familiar face.]

Yes?

[koyo]

( Be quiet be quiet.

He leans back a bit when he sees her face but continues, )

You were asleep on me. I couldn't move.

[countryofassholes]

What's wrong with that? [She still hasn't quite given Spain his personal space, by the way.] Do you have someplace to be?

[koyo]

Well, it is a bit rude to sleep on random strangers.

. . . Not that I mind but-- Well, I think we have to get off soon.

[countryofassholes]

[Well now she's raising her eyebrow.] I know we haven't been together very long but "strangers"?

[koyo]

( Making a face. He's obviously very confused but he's trying to make sense out of it, )

Well, I suppose we did sleep with each other for a little bit. . . but I'm afraid that doesn't mean we know each other.

( Laughing at his own joke. Spain you are awful. )

[countryofassholes]

[That earns another sigh, this time one of practiced exasperation. As she straightens out and let's go of Spain to stretch, her disposition is oddly... condescending.]

Isn't it a little too late for you to be rebelling?

[koyo]

( What is that look. What is this tone. Spain sits up a little bit straighter as well, watching this peculiar stranger, )

Pardon?

[countryofassholes]

This game of yours, do you really think it's going to help? Or are you just being stubborn?

[Stretching done, Britannia settles down into a more refined position, crossing one leg over the other and leaning back to watch Spain with ill-concealed amusement. If her eyes seem to say she's belittling him, she probably is.]

[koyo]

What game? I'm not playing any games.

( He's never been one to understand how to read others but even he can get the feeling that something is off right now. )

[countryofassholes]

Then what is this? [Odd, if she didn't know any better, she'd swear he was actually genuine in his claims, but that's absurd. Like anybody could not know who she was.]

[koyo]

( And almost instantly, his cautious mood disappears and he's back to being casual again. )

I suppose it's an introduction now! I'm Antonio. And you are?

( Yup he has no idea who this person is. But to be fair, he can barely remember the name of all of his kids so. . . )

[countryofassholes]

[Oh very well, now she's going to do this his way.]

The country that conquered you, the Holy Empire of Britannia.

1/2

[koyo]

( Wait a minute. . . )

[koyo]

( Oh, they must have him mistaken or something and he makes sure to let them know because WOW, he wouldn't want this to get awkward or anything, )

I think you have me confused with someone else but. . . ah, that's a long name. How about I just call you Britannia, hm?

[countryofassholes]

I'm fairly certain there was only one Spain, unless you intend to imply I conquered those sorry pasta brothers by mistake. Perhaps I'm not playing your "game" correctly but I really am losing the patience for it.

[Aaaand there goes the cold, cynical noble mode.]

[koyo]

( There is no reaction to "Spain" or anything it. However, the second reference catches his attention, )

Huh? What about Romano? Ay, don't be so rude to him. He doesn't like it when you pick on him, you know? ( Oh my God, lady, what is up with this attitude. It's starting to remind him of people he doesn't like. ) I told you, I'm not playing any games.

[countryofassholes]

[Irritating. She doesn't mind when people rebel, it's only the natural instinct after all. It's when they continue to play that game when there's obviously no hope for it. She can't abide fools.

And yet, his tone doesn't carry the familiar signs of denial or pettiness. He seems genuinely... sincere, in his confusion. So... what? Amnesia? Is it even possible for a nation to get such a thing? Perhaps it is merely someone who looks like Spain... but to also have the name Antonio? That's just too coincidental. (That reaction to Romano also nulls that.)]

Antonio, what is wrong with you? [No harm in asking, right?]

[koyo]

( It's true. Naturally, people want to be free and would rebel agains anyone who tried to take it away from them. Spain, of course, is no exception and in the past had shown even in the most hopeless of situations, when it felt like no help would come, he was still a fighter.

However, he isn't fighting now. He isn't even aware that he should be fighting. Spain only smiles politely at her, )

Hm? I'm fine, but thank you for asking. ( Though, a bit confused but that was normal. ) And you? You look tense. Relax, if you don't, you're going to become old.

[countryofassholes]

[Not be tense? Relaxing? What is this nonsense? Tim to parrot Spain...]

I'm fine. I'm just concerned that you won't recognize your status. Has someone been messing with you or something?