New Arrivals (All new characters)

[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 snow. 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

[keepscalm]

England was probably way too used to falling asleep at places of work, because instead of being sprawled across a seat, he's crammed quite efficiently into a corner, head supported against his shoulder in a way that will definitely leave him with a crick in his neck when he wakes up.

Which happened to be just as the falling sensation left him with the feeling that he was about to hit the ground. He jolted awake none-too-pleasantly (and sure enough, pinched something between his neck and shoulder that resulted in a muted "fucking hell" out of his mouth). After rubbing the kink to a bearable ache, he narrowed his eyes, glancing up for the source of the voice. An announcement? But he's never heard of any place by the name of Rakuen.

There were others here too. He didn't recognize most of them. What the hell is going on?

[relentless_sentinel]

ephenee was wandering around the train at this point, trying to figure out from everyone what was going on, when she passed by the man in a few compartments over from where she had found herself. Stopping and backing up, she found herself slightly intimidated by the grumpy looking fellow, but also wondering if he was alright, favoring part of his neck like that...

So in her internal squabble whether to say anything or not, she managed to merely stand there, looking blankly at him.

[keepscalm]

England didn't even notice the girl at first, too preoccupied with trying to figure out details that could clue him in on who was responsible for moving him. Eventually his gaze passed over the young woman, and he stopped, giving her an inquisitive glance. She...seemed to be staring at him.

"Yes?" he prompts, sounding a little irritated. It's not personal, but he's in a mystery location and thus not in a very good mood. Give him a few minutes and he'll probably apologize.

[relentless_sentinel]

"O-oh!" The young woman started, stepping back a bit, "A-ah'm sorry! Ah...Ah was wondering if your neck is alright, is all." That's fine, but Nephenee is easily intimidated by grumpy people. Not dragons or whatever. Grumpy people. Go figure.

[keepscalm]

Startling her seemed to bring him back a bit, and he grimaced a little at his rudeness. "It's alright." Though she had been staring, but he'd excuse that, considering she seemed to be timid. "A little pinched, but it's fine, thank you. It'll clear up after not too long." He was used to cramps and soreness after sleeping, it wasn't really a new thing.

[relentless_sentinel]

"Oh...that's good ta know." She looked down, rubbing the back of her leg with her foot, before asking, "Um...do ya know where we are, sir?"

[keepscalm]

Oh, thank goodness. So he's not the only one confused as all hell. "The announcement system said 'Rakuen', but I haven't a bloody clue where exactly that is," he answered with a frown. "I'm afraid I'm no more in the know than you are."

[relentless_sentinel]

"Oh..." Oh well. It was worth a try. "Um...I guess we're all stuck here, so might as well tell ya my name...I'm Nephenee."