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]

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?

[koyo]

What about me? ( He makes a face, obviously quite confused. if something is wrong, he would like to know. ) I don't think so. . . Ah, well. . .

it is a bit strange, don't you think? How so many people are on this train but if you listen-- ( Spain motions to the other people, many who are conversing and trying to find answers of some sort. ) If you listen, it sounds like no one really knows where we're going. I mean, I don't know where we are but perhaps you do since you seem to have answers to things I don't know.

( Is that

passive. . . aggression. . . or an honest comment. Only Britannia can decide. )

[countryofassholes]

[Given the nature of their relationship? Britannia's willing to bet that the comment was at least not made with kind intentions. Regardless, he does have a point that this can probably be saved for when they return home and that the kidnapping is the larger issue here.

(She just gets really prickly at the thought of someone screwing around with one of her areas.)]

I have no idea. I've never heard of this... Rakuen City, nor do I remember getting on this train.

[koyo]

Neither do I. This can only mean two things! ( Spain holds up two fingers to Britannia, counting his brilliant ideas down. )

Uno: We drank too much last night but we're fine right now. . . just very lost! Which I suppose isn't very good depending. . .
Dos: We've been kidnapped and well, that isn't all right.

[countryofassholes]

I don't think one is likely... so it's probably two. [She's all very blase about this. Kidnapping? OH WELL...]

Why would anyone kidnap us?

[koyo]

I don't know. ( Spain shrugs, ) Money? I'm having problems with money at my house though. . .

Why do you think someone would take you?

[countryofassholes]

I hope not. If they're trying to get a ransom for me, it's not going to work very well.

Hmm... probably because they don't like me.

[koyo]

Hmm. . . If they didn't like you, they wouldn't take good care of you like they are now.

Trust me, I know.

( Because they aren't tied up and collared and thrown into the lowest deck of a diseased ship and left to starve and then forced to eat England's cooking and they aren't getting beat up and-- THIS IS NICE. )

Or maybe they just don't care. Do you have friends that will come to help you?

[countryofassholes]

[She seems amused at that answer.]

If that's true then I really have no idea why I'm here. [She pauses at Spain's next question, seemingly having thought of something.] No, I'd rather get out on my own... but maybe our kidnappers were aiming for you.

[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.