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. Rain pounds on the train and runs down the window in rivulets. Despite the rain there is a ray of sunlight streaming 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

[pennypincher]

Huh? No, the story. I didn't get to hear...

[ She trails off as she realizes this isn't anyplace she's familiar with, and the other people on this train are all strangers. What the... ]

You! Who are you?!

[france]

That is a good question, ma belle. I go by many names. [ OBNOXIOUS MYSTERIOUS DOUCHEBAG MODE GO ] Some of which you may be familiar with, others, perhaps not.

[pennypincher]

Whatever, I didn't ask for your life story. Did you kidnap me?

[france]

That is very accusatory and rude to ask of someone who has just met you.

[pennypincher]

I just woke up in some weird place surrounded by strangers. What am I supposed to ask?

[france]

[ you're asking the new philosophy teacher an existentialist question ]

[ good luck ]

Well, that would depend upon what it is you wish to know. But how would you assure yourself that the answer I gave you was true? I could just as easily say I am indeed your kidnapper as I could say I am a helicopter. Neither are true, but perhaps subjectively, they are true in my perspective. Perhaps they are both true! Subjectively to you, they might be false, but who are you to determine what my reality is?

[ Crossing his legs. ]

Are you asking me subjectively what you are to ask, or objectively? [ A hand to his chin as he strokes at his beard. ] Or perhaps you were asking me a rhetorical question...

[pennypincher]

It was rhetorical! Oh my god, you're such a mega pain!

Look, I just want to know where I am, okay? Is that so much to ask?

[france]

[ He points up to the ceiling. ] Perhaps if you were listening to the announcement instead of making pointless conversation, you would know where you are.

[ you can punch him if you really want to, i would ]

[pennypincher]

[ Actually, she has the overwhelming urge to hit him with her staff... which she suddenly realizes she doesn't have. So instead she just shoves him out of the way with her newly-acquired schoolbag and storms to the exit door. ]

[france]

[ this is clearly the start of a beautiful relationship ]

[ He settles back in his seat and smiles, watching her storm off. ]