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 and a boy. All three are in uniforms that would match if not for the colour differences - skirts and trousers, waistcoats, and light summer shirts that seem totally inappropriate for the thin layer of melting slush coating the station platform. Each has a beret with a crest - one girl's shows a sword, the other two have 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 the three of them are prefects, representing the two schools in Rakuen. Nanami of Fortitude, she says, placing a hand on her own collarbone, with her fellow prefect Lelouch, and Santana of Conquest, here pointing to the boy and the taller girl she's leaning against. The girl nods, looking fairly bored, whilst the boy doesn't appear to be paying much attention.

"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. This'd better be the last lot we get in winter, seriously."

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

Comments

[effortless]

"The list appears to be inaccurate," is her explanation. The girl's touch makes her tense for the barest of moments, but she's not so crass that she'll make any kind of deal out of it during an important event. She frowns down at her clipboard for a moment, and taps it sharply with one fingernail. It hums, and one shimmer later there are more names shuffled into the list. "Would you be Reimi?"

[has_soothing_bells]

"Hanamori Reimi," she responded with, bowing again, "that is my name. So I am to be in this school, then?"

[effortless]

"That is a rather cute name... And you are enrolled with Fortitude school, as you say." She returned the bow, albeit shallower.

[has_soothing_bells]

"Thank you very much. It was picked by my trainer in response to my bells." But...did she even have bells now?
"So...what does one do in this place?"

[effortless]

"Attend classes, involve yourself with the Exaclan tournaments... Ah, I suppose I should also encourage you to compete against Conquest. We just won the second round, and they reacting poorly to their loss."

[has_soothing_bells]

"Exaclan tournaments?" She asked, sounding unsure. She didn't like fighting very much, you see.

[effortless]

"Rakuen's system is one designed for battle." Her tone remained calm, almost bored. "You may read the manual for details... the chances of you being chosen as a combatant is somewhat low, so you may relax if you wish."

[has_soothing_bells]

"Oh...will we receive this soon?" She wasn't even sure if she could read, but she guessed she would find out.

[effortless]

"You will receive a manual with your uniform when we arrive at the school. Ah, if you don't mind me asking, what did you mean by 'your trainer'?"

[has_soothing_bells]

"Ah. I see." She nodded when Nanami asked about her trainer, "I am a Pokemon, and I have an owner. A 'trainer', as they are known. Mine is Erika of the beautiful Celadon City gym. Perhaps you have heard of her."

[effortless]

"I'm afraid I haven't seen much of the world... There is much I haven't heard of." That made sense, though. There was a boy why had asked about his 'Pokemon', a few weeks ago. It was to be expected from the world's nature that a Pokemon would arrive sooner or later. "I gather your trainer uses you in battle."

[has_soothing_bells]

"Well...yes, but it's mostly to defend her honour as a gym leader." She crossed her arms, "I do not like battling so much, but I will do it if necessary."

[effortless]

"Hmm... Well, in that case, it might suit you to fight with the honour of your school in mind, whilst you are here." The smile she offered this time was a trifle warmer, with Reimi's motivations more clear.

[has_soothing_bells]

Reimi nodded, offering a kind smile in return, "Well, if it is for honour...I'll do whatever is required to return home, and if it is required that I fight, I suppose it must be done."