On the platform: New characters and old ones that want to come and meet them!

[utopiamods]

As you all crowd onto the platform with your new and still bizarre mix of faces, expressions, clothing and wild theories, you are met by two girls. Both are in uniforms that would match if not for the colour differences - skirts, waistcoats, and light summer shirts that seem totally inappropriate for the thin layer of snow and ice coating the station platform. Both have a beret with a crest - one shows a sword, the other a shield.

At the first lull in the chatter, the shorter girl speaks up, her soft voice somehow cutting over you.

"Excuse me,"

She explains, in precise, quiet sentences, that they're prefects, representing the two schools in Rakuen. Nanami of Fortitude, she says, placing a hand on her own collarbone, and Santana of Conquest, here pointing to the taller girl she's leaning against. The girl nods, looking fairly bored.

"We will be sorting you now. When we say your name, please move quickly and quietly to whoever called you."

"Yeah," Santana interrupts, "Then we can go back to the dorms. It's not getting any warmer however many times they make us do this."

They separate, moving to stand several metres apart, and both pull a list from their waistcoat pocket. Alternating, they start to read out your names.

Comments

[keepscalm]

[Squint.] What do you mean my memories aren't--

[Oh god what? The opposite of a squint, which is eyes going wide as plates.] So-- you're... [Oh squint again.] ...undead? [That would be it, right? Though she doesn't really resemble the undead...though that's less concerning than her brother killing her, but that really doesn't seem like something it's his place to ask about.]

[effortless]

According to the Exaclan rules, I am 'undead'... More importantly, you have lost several of your memories. I suppose ten or so would be the specific amount, but it can vary. I suppose your mind is currently adjusting to that.

[keepscalm]

[Exaclan? What the hell is--]

What? [Yeah no losing memories is sort of very important. He doesn't take this revelation well. Immediately he starts searching his mind, but there's so much history to go through, and-- and he wouldn't realize if something was missing, because he'd have forgotten it altogether...]

You can't be serious.

[effortless]

As a method of control, it is rather convenient. Ah, that is, convenient for the system, not for you.

[keepscalm]

There are ways to retrieve them, I sincerely hope?

[effortless]

There are. [ and they're a massive money sink but hey. Your memories. ]

[keepscalm]

[Thank goodness. He calms a little, but he still looks notably uncomfortable.]

So everyone here has had memories taken from them?

[effortless]

As you say.

[keepscalm]

[He's quiet for a moment. And then finally...]

What is this place for, exactly? What do these schools teach?

[You're welcome to tell him to shut up at any time, Nanami.]