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]

I'd rather escape too, but help is always appreciated.

. . . Hmm, I'm not sure why they would want me. It's been awhile since I've been worth kidnapping.

( Spain that is nothing to brag about. )

[countryofassholes]

[Britannia just smiles at that but it's clear she doesn't really agree...]

It might be a rescue attempt.

[koyo]

. . . I thought we said this was a kidnapping.

[countryofassholes]

A kidnapping of me and a rescue of you.

[koyo]

( Why are you complicating things like this. )

I don't think I understand.

[countryofassholes]

[Partially because it might be true and mostly because it's fun to tease you.]

The remaining countries of the E.U. weren't very happy when I took you away. This might be their way of getting revenge.

[koyo]

¿Perdón?

( Not that he was ever really following along in the first place but he's completely lost now. )

[countryofassholes]

[She laughs and pokes his cheek. That's a funny face he has going on.]

Nevermind, at least we're in this together.

[koyo]

( He shakes his face, trying to brush her off. )

Sí. At least we're together. I think.

[countryofassholes]

Not sure? [Well it's a slim possibility, not at all likely. Mostly because she can't imagine anyone would be silly enough to try and go against her. And while Charles wouldn't fork over a dime to save her in ransom, he definitely would go to war over the insult.]

[koyo]

( Spain doesn't answer right away. Instead, he presses his lips together in a thin line and tightens his brow, giving Britannia a look over once more. She knew him but he was positive he didn't know her. . . even if. . . )

You remind me of someone. . .

[countryofassholes]

[Well, not the response she was expecting.]

Who?

[koyo]

( America from centuries ago. But the eyes and the name remind him of England. Didn't this person say they were a country? They said some other strange stuff too but. . . )

You said you were a country? Where are you from? Britannia sounds like it would be Ingalterra but you aren't him.

[countryofassholes]

[A blink, here's that weird feeling again. That Spain is telling the truth. That he really doesn't know and that this isn't a game but... it has to be, right?]

I thought my name gave it away, The Holy Empire of Britannia. I currently control the Americas, Area 4- [A pause. If... if Spain doesn't know who she is... does he know what the areas are?] ... the Americas, Greenland, Japan, parts of the E.U., including you, and parts of Africa.

1/2

[koyo]

( Spain has been nothing but honest. Maybe a little dodgy at times but always honest in this conversation. )

I've never heard of you. Are you new? There aren't many new nations these days. . . unless-- Ah, I understand now!

[koyo]

( Wait for it. Wait for it. )

You're one of those micronations aren't you?

[countryofassholes]

[silence]





Kindly never call me that again.

[koyo]

( Feeling judged, feeling judged. . . )

. . . You aren't?

[countryofassholes]

You are purposely ignoring the word "Empire," aren't you?

[SHE MAD.]

[koyo]

When I was little, I used to pretend I was an empire too. Then I became one. I'm sure you can some day too.

( O B L I V I O U S )

[countryofassholes]

Spain, I'm aware your defeat and forthcoming loss of culture, name and rights must be disheartening, but please try to retain what intelligence you have. If it is any comfort, I'm sure by 2030 you will be joined by the rest of the world.

[koyo]

( What about Sp-- his mind goes completely blank. His mouth is open to respond and there's that light in his eye that says he's going to respond with something appropriate but he closes it and that light goes away. He now looks incredibly confused, even more so than usual because. . . )

I'm sorry, what were we talking about?

[countryofassholes]

[And she pauses because... what. Was that. For the longest time she merely stares at Antonio, trying to piece together all the hints from before. Perhaps someone truly has messed with the other nation, which, if this is actually the case, means someone has hell to pay.

It's only a hunch but...]

What is your country name?

[koyo]

Anto-- ( Wait, she said country name. Oh, well, that's easy, because it's-- ) . . . Just. . . give me a minute.

( He knows this. He knows who he is so why can't he remember right now. The answer is so obvious but he's drawing blanks. )

It's. . . I know this. . .

( He doesn't. )

[countryofassholes]

[Ahah.]

You don't remember?