OPEN ★ ARRIVAL LOG

[futurologists]

ARRIVALS ( OCT 2 ) The dragons are taken from you, sent off to a safe haven. You're back in Oska for less than a day when you hear the announcement and head to the rendezvous point. You blink, step through the portal, there's a loud crack, and... You're thrown into darkness. You taste copper and, for a moment, your ears won't stop ringing. All common side-effects of portal travel. The entire crew arrives just beyond the city gates, so you might also be feeling a little bit claustrophobic. It takes a second for the eyes to adjust, but one can make out buildings and the cobblestone beneath their feet. To the right is the Trade District, where all the vendors are gathered to sell their wares. Up ahead is the City Square, where the rest of the citizens out and about seem to be gathered. To the left of the square is the Commoners' District, and to the right of it is the Nobles' District, the two main residential areas. Further travel west will come to the outskirts, a makeshift residential area, this one densely populated with goblins. Many of the people are holding candles or lanterns. You might want to try getting your hands on one of those. If you have not already done so, your enchanted jewelry will manifest words in front of your very eyes — or sounds in your ear, if you're illiterate — asking you to identify yourself. A quick look around shows that you seem to be the only one able to see it. All you have to do is think or say how you wish to be identified. After that, you're immediately given a message. Those who participated in the dragon mission at Anwick will first receive this: We appreciate your help at Anwick. The wyrmlings will live to grow up and bring about the world's natural end. Thank you. -- ALASTAIR Afterwards, the crew will be given an abridged version of this, then told to familiarize themselves with the city and natives, report all information gathered back to ALASTAIR, and wait for further instruction. At the end of the night, wherever they may be, everyone will receive a letter with the royal seal thanking them for their efforts to end the goblins' defiance and inviting them to the Festival of Illumination on the 4th. FESTIVAL OF ILLUMINATION ( OCT 4 ) Candles are sitting on windowsills throughout the entire city, but the main event is in the city square. In the fountain float lit lotuses, and people all around are holding lanterns, waiting to light them. There's a minstrel playing songs, and several of the vendors have pulled their carts up to the square in the hopes of making a sale. Many sweets are for sale, including baked apples, gingerbread, cherry tarts, pudding, and more. There's also some drinks for sale. Some children are playing games in the corner, and others are dancing to the music or writing wishes on slips of paper to be sent into the sky with their lanterns. Everyone seems merry for once, but you'd better be careful. This is an ideal place for a pickpocket. About an hour and a half into the festival, the lanterns are sent into the sky. They're sent flying, the sky becoming filled with bright lights, until... A strong gust of wind sends all the lights out. At least, you think it was a gust of wind. What else could have done that? On closer inspection, however, you'll see that even the candles sitting on windowsills inside have gone out. For a minute or so, there's only darkness and chaos. Suddenly, the flames begin to burn again, revealing a message in the cobblestone in the center of the square. It almost looks as if it's been burned into the ground: IT IS COMING, followed by a symbol of a creature with a lion's head, goat's body, and serpent's tail. [MOD NOTE: This is a catch-all log for the first few days. For the sake of organization, all arrival threads should be posted under the subheader ARRIVALS and all festival threads should be posted under FESTIVAL. Threads that don't fall under either of those categories can be top-levels. Also, please remember to add your character's tag to the post! Thank you, and have fun!]

Comments

Sakura Kinomoto l Cardcaptor Sakura l Open

[keystaff]

Arrival:

[Sakura is used to standing out, given Tomoyo-chan's outfits for her play, her duty as Cardcaptor. But that still doesn't mean she's enjoying the attention from her current one as some stare at it, not just because of her younger age and obviously not being a local. Mostly, initially, she wanders, finding her way to the commoner's district after meandering through the trading area with the vendors, eyeing their wares but not seeing anything that she immediately feels she needs. Not yet, anyway. She's more distressed and confused still on this whole situation to really think too seriously on buying anything right now.

The chime of the enchanted necklace alerts her to the message; ALASTAIR thanking them for their assistance. Which, well, Sakura supposes is a good thing. Though the part on the creatures growing up to end the world is rather ominous. Naturally, she's vaguely aware on stories of dragons and their destruction, but even so she had still wanted to do her part to help. These ones were only babies, after all. She hadn't thought that far ahead, exactly. Which world did they mean? The one they came back from just now? Or the world where ALASTAIR took them to raise them?

It distracts her enough that she isn't necessarily watching where she goes as she reads it over once more, possibly bumping into someone in the process.]

But which wor--I suppose we should be glad they mad--ah! I'm so sorry!

[griped]

[ Look where you're going, idiot.

That's what he'd like to say. Or more accurately, growl and stomp out, hackles raised. He's not in a spectacular mood today, not after another hop between worlds and no sign still of their younger companions. It'd been fortunate enough that him and Fai'd stumbled into each other earlier, but loitering around, sitting on his hands with no idea where in time and space the kids had ended up...

It's a hard wait.

But part of him has faith they'll show up. It'd taken them half a year, but they'd done so before, so if he works and takes care to keep himself and Fai alive—they'd all end up in the same world. It's a foolish thought. It's fate. Senseless hope except not really, because they're all destined on the same path together, tangled up in some set of shared destinies he can't (won't) reject any more.

It's why he doesn't snap when he hears Sakura's voice, because in a way, he'd been expecting to hear it. Instead, his eyes widen, narrow, squint into the dark as he turns to look down at her. Even with the awful lighting, though—something's not right. He could be blind as a bat and realize that much. Kurogane rarely sounds uncertain about much of anything, but his voice is equal parts relief and tension as he steadies her. Her shoulder is smaller in his palm than he remembers it being. ]

...Princess?

[ It's a question to Fai as much as it was to himself and Sakura. Someone tell him he's crazy. ]

[evasively]

[ It doesn't show on his face, given the carefree demeanor he often portrays, but Fai doesn't like it either. How long would it be before they ever saw Mokona and the children again? The last time, it was a mere half a year. This time, there was the possibility that they might never see them again, given ALASTAIR's meddling. Even if ALASTAIR decides to return the both of them to where they originally were, he has his doubts that Mokona and the children would still be there. There were an infinite amount of dimensions, each one vast in their own right; now that they're separated, it would take nothing short of the most powerful wish to get back together again.

That, or perhaps a very powerful magic. But that isn't currently an option for him.

Fai doesn't believe in anything like 'fate'. He rarely believes that anything will work out. For now, there was little point in fretting over a hopeless situation, however. They just had to adapt; the same way they've always done. They were on their way to buy themselves some new clothes when they stumble upon a very familiar young girl. ]

Ah -- [ A second is all he needs to process. Then, he's considering his options. This was either a younger version of the Sakura that they know, or it's a completely different one altogether. Either way, there was no way she would know who they are. Fai gives Kurogane a look, as if to say 'it's probably not the one'. Then, he puts on his most gentle smile, bending a little over to regard the small child. ]

Are you alright? Kuro-rin here is so big and sturdy, I hope you didn't get hurt.

[keystaff]

P-princess?

[There's a princess? Well, that might not be so surprising. Given all sorts of people were helping ALASTAIR. It takes a moment before Sakura registers he must mean her though. Which, she decidedly is not a princess. At least, not this particular Sakura. So she's a little confused, as she glances up at Kurogane with her head slightly tilted, distracted from apologizing when the other man with him steps in. She hastens to reassure them, waving her hands a bit in front of her.]

I'm okay! I should have been paying more attention, really. I'm Sakura! And you're....Kuro....rin?

[Kuro. Something. And she's not yet as sure on Fai's name. Though he certainly seems friendly enough. She senses something, some magic from him but it's different to Kero, different to Syaoran or Kaho-sensei. But again, perhaps his magic works differently. She isn't sure if she should even ask on that yet.]

i know it's not my turn but i wanted to slip this in real quick ...

[evasively]

[ Before Kurogane can speak, Fai chimes in with a nod. ]

Yup. That's his name. He also goes by 'Kuro-pon' and 'Kuro-daddy'.

MURDERS

[griped]

[ Neither of them are dense enough to delude themselves into thinking that this girl is their Sakura. It only takes a look to get on the same wavelength: it's not her. Or it is, like the Tomoyo in Piffle was like the Tomoyo he knew but not, like however many iterations of each and every person exists across spans of universes. Different Sakura, same 'soul.'

Maybe that's why his response isn't gruff. (Well—not to Sakura. Fai gets a downright withering glare, he's going to punch him in the throat later.) Usually he'd be more spirited, agitated, and though he's not nearly as soft as Fai, it's as close as he gets to warm. ]

...Kurogane.

[ Feels odd having to correct her, but it is what it is. After shifting away, he looks down at her, considering. Not because he's Deeply Pondering his questions, but because he doesn't have much grace about these things. ] What's ALASTAIR want with you here?

[ how do you even children, fai do something ]

[munechika]

[ cue being bumped against, mostly because mikazuki himself isn't looking where he's going. ]

Oof -- [ his hand immediately moves to shield whoever it is from the jewelry he's wearing (because really, it'll hurt bumping into them) and he takes a step back, blinking. his hand automatically goes to pat her head, a habit he's grown to doing after spending so much time with children. ]

Oh, goodness, are you all right, little lady?

[keystaff]

Eh? Oh, I'm fine! Really! This isn't so bad. At least I'm not wearing my skates and going even faster. I was just distracted, is all.

[But then she pauses, distracted from her reassurances when she feels that hand instinctively go to her head. It's somehow almost comforting, reassuring in the same way that being around Toya, her father or Yukito could be when they would do the same. It makes her almost flushed and sheepish]

Ah, I'm Sakura!

[munechika]

Oh my, those 'skates' sound rather dangerous.

[ a.k.a. he has no idea wtf those are!! ]

But it pleases me to hear that you're all right. A little girl as cute as the flower she's named after should remain as such. [ once he's managed to make sure she's fine, he bows at her. ]

And my name is Mikazuki Munechika. It's a pleasure to meet you, Sakura.

[keystaff]

They're not. They just help me get to school faster! I don't fall over with them anywhere near as much as I used to when I was first learning to use them.

[Which, of course, Toya likely teased her about which only made Sakura all the more determined to prove him wrong and manage to get the hang of using the skates. Maybe that reassurance isn't quite necessary as such, unsure if this Mikazuki even knows what they are, if they have skates back where he was from before this, but all that train of thought is interrupted when he tries to reassure her and introduce himself.]

Ah, Mikazuki-san then? T-thank you.

[munechika]

[ it still sounds dangerous to him even though his curiosity is piqued. especially when it helps you get to places faster. ]

You're most welcome, little one. [ there, have another headpat. ] But you must one day show me what these 'skates' are. They seem very fascinating to an old man like me.

[grunehexe]

[Thankfully for Sakura the person she's bumped into isn't large enough or solid enough to cause damage for either of them- in fact, they're practically the same size. Unfortunately, the person she's bumped in to had been struggling with walking and balance even before the bump...

Which sends her sprawling to the ground in a pile of thick skirts and long hair.]

Ouch- !

[keystaff]

Ah! Are...are you okay?

[Well, there is that much to be thankful for. It's not quite as solid and disarming as bumping into Kurogane. Even so, Sakura frets and is quick to scramble to her knees and try help the other. She herself being familiar with some clothing difficulties even if most of the time her battle outfits actually work out pretty well in terms of allowing her to move easily.]

Let me help.

[And she stands proper, offering a hand to help the other to her feet.]

[grunehexe]

I am perfectly fine-

[Beyond an ego bruising and maybe slightly skinned palms, but that was negligible to her, who had spent the last several days mincing about on feet that had been broken and folded in on themselves, bound tightly to prevent her from running, from even walking well. But still she hurried to assure, trying to untangle herself from her gown, muttering another "ouch" when she accidentally tugged on her own hair in the process-

Oh. A hand.

Sieglinde looked up at the other and blinked owlishly. A girl. A young girl.

The closest she had ever been to another girl near her own age- and in the processing of that, she accidentally... Forgot to speak, or reach for the offered hand just yet.]

[keystaff]

[Having hair that long is beautiful, but she understands it can be a pain, from her friend Tomoyo. Accidentally sitting on it or getting it caught. It's part of the reason why Sakura keeps hers cut shorter, plus being more practical with how athletic she was in keeping it out of the way.

But that isn't quite the only reason she offers a hand, simply wanting to help as she sees this as at least partly her fault for not paying attention. Sakura waits, expectantly. Obviously oblivious to the inner confusion and amazement from the other at being among peers.]

Come on, I can help you up. Or...you're not too hurt, are you?

[grunehexe]

[Words at least serve to snap her out of her own mind, and with a slight lurch of sudden snap to movement, she took hold of the hand that was offered to her. She considered it a silly thing to notice even as she did, but- almost the same size!

It takes her a bit, and relies more on the others counter weight than may be expected, but she finally gets her feet under her, finds the careful balance on tiny heels, bow legged and swaying slightly- but she still hasn't let go of the other girls hand.]

How old are you?

[Blurted out with no warning, her expression perhaps a bit too eager, but. She was always the type to say what was on her mind.]

[alphatar]

[From extinction to apocalypse. As conflicted as Korra is on the issue, she understands the balance is needed; especially when it's a natural end instead of a forced one. Still, she is distracted by it just like the girl that bumps into her.]

Oops- no. It's okay, I was just [Wow, that clothing looks like something a high class citizen might wear. A rich one too judging by how flamboyant it is.] Are you okay?

[And she tests the waters on an off chance:] I'm Korra.

[keystaff]

Y-yes. I'm okay!

[Sakura is quick to reassure, waving her hands a little for emphasis. As if she needs more attention than this, walking into people she's so distracted! In this outfit, no less. Sure, it's comfortable enough but she can't help being self conscious on it in such a public area like this.]

Korra-san then. I'm Sakura!

[Obviously oblivious on the incorrect assumptions of her status or wealth. It's Tomoyo that is the rich friend who makes these. Sakura herself is from a modest, middle-class at best family. Not that anyone might guess from this particular outfit or any others Tomoyo had made for her.]

[alphatar]

[Little hands for emphasis is more like it. Korra's partial to younger kids and Sakura's certainly not going to be an exception. She smiles and nods before bringing her hand up to wave politely.]

Nice to meet you Sakura. But you can just call me Korra. I don't use titles that often.

[At least she thinks that's a title since the only thing that's ever been added to her name has been 'Avatar'. Despite it all, she did give it a shot.]

So you're stuck with ALISTAIR too, huh? [Kids, ALISTAIR? What is wrong with you, you're getting talked at next time Korra has a chance.]

[keystaff]

Just Korra? Ah, okay. Hopefully I won't slip up.

[Though she might. She's just so used to using titles with most everyone, given she lives in Japan. But the least she can do is try, if Korra prefers that. She's aware others don't use titles to mark their relationships as such, let alone the use of someone's first name being a rather defining characteristic in that.]

But...I guess so. Still, they wouldn't have brought us here if they didn't need help. So I'll do my best!

[Of course, Sakura being Sakura, and her age, chances are most will try find any means necessary to stop her doing just that out of instinct in protecting her, but she isn't quite realizing that yet.]

[alphatar]

[Who is she to not encourage this little girl? Korra gives a smile with an approving nod.]

I will too. If we try hard enough, maybe we can get back to Oska that much sooner. [Tasking herself with picking up Sakura’s work load is a given, something Korra’s not thinking twice about, or once for that matter. It’s instinctual.]

Have you thought about where you’re staying? I know they said there’s a few places we can rent out. [While she’s not sure how far their stipend will stretch, Korra’s not willing to bet on ALISTAIR sending more.]

[rosing]

[ The person Sakura bumps into a smaller girl who, unbalanced, falls backwards, hood lifting to reveal white hair, red eyes and a mostly expressionless face. Anna looks up slowly, pausing when she takes in the other girl's costume... It's cute. It's really cute.

Slowly, Anna shakes her head. It's not really the other girl's fault. Overwhelmed by her new environment, she didn't see where she was going either. ]

It isn't your fault. [ There's something like apology in her tone too, soft. ] ...Are you okay?

[keystaff]

[Sakura, for all her athletic skill, can still be a bit of a klutz. Especially if she's distracted. Which she is, at the moment, given their situation. And what she just heard from that recent announcement.

It doesn't take long though, for her to straighten and brush herself off a bit.]

I-I'm fine! Really! What about you? I'm sorry, I was just....

[Distracted. Not in the good, 'floaty' way she sometimes gets either.]

[rosing]

I'm okay.

[ She stands easily, hands going to dust her red dress. Then, in the same apologetic voice, Anna adds, ]

...I wasn't looking either. [ A pause, as her eyes go to the necklace around Sakura's neck, before she says another word, ] ALASTAIR.

[keystaff]

[At the confirmation that the other was all right, Sakura seems to visibly relax a lot more. Even moreso when the other notes her necklace and seems aware of her situation. Probably the same, this girl also pulled from home to help. Then again, she is meeting a lot of them since her arrival. And some are more obvious in not being from the worlds they end up in.]

That's good. But ah--yes. I was brought here to help. I guess you were too. Um, I'm Sakura!