epidemiology | OPEN ★ ARRIVAL LOG

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OPEN ★ ARRIVAL LOG

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!]

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[She just shakes her head; the idea...no, it's too terrible to even consider for someone like Ranmaru.]

The thing about jerks is...you just have to be patient. Most of 'em got their reasons; they ain't always good, but if they're somethin' you can work with, it means there's a chance. And if I got even the slightest chance of helping everyone out...then I will.

I can't just give up or take an easy option. The goblins and the humans deserve that much.

[ Right. Humans think that kind of stuff is weird. She can't hide the blank look on her face as she tries to figure out how to respond. ]

I don't know. It's easier. At least it settles stuff.

[ It simply makes more sense; in the human world, fights go on forever, never truly having a winner or a loser. When things get physical, you know exactly who wins. ]

Their argument is stupid, anyway.

Maybe. But there definitely won't be peace without sunlight... once crops start wilting, everyone will get desperate.

[ She translocates across town shortly after the message appeared in the center of the square, appearing on the doorstep of the goblin house of worship. She raps smartly on their door -- partially because she respects little rituals and partially because she intends to get off to the right start with this goblin goddess -- and waits. ]

I'd like to see them try! I could take any them out, easily!!

[ Look at how Tough and Intimidating she is. ]

Yeah, yeah, I've heard that kind of thing before.

[ Her little speech reminds her of Scott, which warms her heart at first, before she remembers that he was involved in deceiving her, too. Malia sighs, pressing her lips together. ]

So we're gonna have to take the hard option?

[ The theory is mortally wounded, perhaps, but not dead yet. ]

You have a client, [ she reminds him. The acerbic edge is back. ] ALASTAIR.

» A. CITY SQUARE - PROPER

[ Despite the fact that he carries himself about as stealthily as a parade float, Kurogane's technically a ninja—being able to move around in the dark without fumbling around is pretty much a prerequisite. And it's a good thing too, because he doesn't want to waste the time doing so. People to find, dimensions to travel. All that jazz. He's not in a rush, but there's something heavy to his steps. Purposeful.

I. Still, anyone visibly struggling in the dark might hear someone else at the crossroads. Couple different paths to take, but it's hard to say exactly where any of them might lead in these conditions. Whatever way they're going, he'll pause, then with a too-hard flick to the shoulder, ] ...C'mon. I'm heading that way too.

[ He's only planning on sticking around until they can find a lantern. That shouldn't be too hard—right?

II. Alternatively, outside of the Abel Inn, he seems much less composed—because there's some asshole dogging his steps, strumming some obnoxious string instrument and crowing out a song. One of the city's fine troubadours, bringing (strictly metaphorical) light to the hearts of all the citizens.

Kurogane, meanwhile, glowers like a cat sprayed in the face with a garden hose. ] What do I have to do to get you to shut up—

[ he just wants to get inside and get a room, is this really so much to ask.

III. Or maybe it's not quite time to hit the sack yet. And there's just some guy standing in the way of The Den. Literally in the way—what a jackass—he seems to be blocking one of the small porch staircases up into the bar, paused in thought. It's not a great use of money, he knows. Kurogane's not that irresponsible, but after a moment he does cast a thin smile to whoever's got the same idea. ]

Might be able to put enough coin together to get us a drink. [ Lord knows he could use one. ]

» B . COMMONERS' DISTRICT - SOME SHADY-ASS ALLEY

Watch where you're going.

[ What's he talking about? Possible the pile of trash that's now decomposed into a putrid mush, or a puddle of oil and broken glass. Or maybe it's the shadows down the alley, catching thin, sharp glints of light. Knives, probably. Muggers, definitely.

Whatever the case, there'll be a sharp tug on anyone's arm who's about to get themselves into trouble. ...Granted, he doesn't seem particularly nice either, tone gruff and grip a little too harsh, but maybe he's not a bandit. (Or maybe he is??) ]

Think it's a good idea to wander this kinda shithole alone?

[ Very rhetorical, for the record. ]

» closed.

[ He doesn't answer the earring, for the same reason he's not wearing (or listening to) it in the first place—mysterious accessories don't inspire a whole ton of confidence. He's already got the one curse to deal with and he's not about to risk another: this whole thing reeks of mages and hubris.

So instead he tosses the small, gold ring towards Fai. He speaks flatly, finished with a no-nonsense stare. Don't play dumb. ]

See if you sense any magic.

» WILDCARD.

[ adjust any of the above or do your worst and hit me with whatever you can come up with!! ]

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!

Edited 2015-10-02 02:47 (UTC)

[Seems it was appreciated! That's good enough for Frey, really; the fact that he's so clearly enjoying it means it was a good purchase. The fact that he actually thanks her a moment later is icing on the proverbial cake.

She giggles quietly, before smiling brightly and nodding.]

You're welcome! I'm glad I could help.

[And she's getting the idea that he's a quiet one, so she'll get out of the way of the stand, considering the people bustling by thoughtfully. Well...if she has to carry the conversation, then carry the conversation she will.]

What's your name? I'm Frey.

My escort...?

[That's not really what she was expecting at all, judging from her bemused blink.]

What do you mean by that? [Take pity of the amnesiac country girl]

[ Nico might have been willing to discuss the merits of making the goblins cute, as someone who specializes in cute - at least after a decent amount of "what" at the idea of cute goblins. But she's not coming across him while he's talking about cute. No, the world which conspires to make Nico forever the butt of jokes has lead her to this moment, being about to pass by and not paying attention. It seems Bolin was wise to reject this apple as inedible, the way it bursts on contact.

On contact with her face. And her school uniform (she's only got a couple of options right now until she goes clothes shopping). The first reaction is one of just shock.]

A...ah....

[And then the following realization is accompanied by an ear-piercing shriek.]

Festival:

[It's hardly the first festival Sakura's been to experience for herself. But this one is almost nostalgic somehow in reminding her of the time she caught the Glow Card. She can't help but manage a smile in spite of the situation when she sees the other children enjoying themselves, hears the music and it's infectious. Sakura joins in with the children and watches the lanterns being released rather happily.

That is, until suddenly, everything is dark. Darkness engulfing everyone. It's almost reminiscent of the play back home, which makes her reflexively try to reach for her Cards, about to use 'Light' to show everyone the way and reassure them, when there's no need. She blinks, looking around worriedly even in her relief before noticing the note left behind and bringing her hands to her mouth as she stares, wide-eyed.]

W-what....?

[He does indeed, and she stares back...after a moment it could even be described as awkward, so she decides to break the silence.]

Er...it was a joke, man. Cause you were-...ah, don't worry about it. Jokes ain't funny if you gotta explain 'em, right?

[ Hurt? Thankfully not. Still, the idea of burns is slowly circulating through her mind that it keeps her standing there for a moment with her head in her hands. Her body is bent in a way that she's trying to shield herself from it. Just the sight of fire - regardless of the size of flames - frightens her. First there was Riza and the candles from their arrival, now this.

Alice swears this place is on a fast track of trying to make her insane. ]

I'm fine.

[ Sort of. Judging from her appearance, it doesn't seem to be that way. Slowly, she pulls hear hands away from her face to look at the source of the voice. She hoped no one was hurt and does furiously glance around to make sure nothing or no one is on fire. Thank god. For her, she tries to play it off as casually as possible. Plenty of people are already staring, she thinks. ]

Oh. I see now- some nonsense of something coming.

I see... [A ballad without an ending sounds really sad to her.]

Then... I think it should have a happy ending, where the sun comes back and everyone is happy and at peace.

Quite simply, I am a Recorder. It is our duty to monitor the events in your timeline. Normally, I would not even attempt to approach you in this situation, especially considering that you lack the prerequisites of a Singularity, and all signs point to your timeline branch heading towards very bad ends anyway. In other words, I would have nothing to gain by revealing this information.

[She pushes up her glasses.]

However, the circumstances are different this time. I am apparently meant to be an active participant in the maintenance of timelines. And I know for a fact that the condition you carry is capable of spreading to other worlds, and potentially introducing the influence of the Flower to different dimensions. This has already happened once before.

What I am saying is that I know who you are, and that whether either of us like it or not, I will need to monitor you carefully to ensure the Flower's threat does not spread further than it already has.

[surprise me! or don't, yell at me and I can write you a thing when I finish cobbling a toplevel together]

Don't remind me. I really don't like representing someone -- or something -- who's guilty as charged.

...

[While Ban felt poorly about humanity in general, he wasn't one for genocide. He couldn't gain anything from that--not entertainment or any sort of satisfaction. Distrusting human beings didn't necessarily make him want them dead or put in harm's way.

The smile he wore was undressed as he thought on it, letting out a cool sigh from the mouth of his bottle.

With his eyes focusing on Pearl without the malice from before, Ban's tone became somewhat serious--even a little contemplative.]

Get 'em out of the way, then. If it's strong enough to sweep in under our noses, d'you think it'll be so easy to keep out?

Edited 2015-10-02 02:52 (UTC)

[An elderly goblin man opens the door a crack, peering out suspiciously for a moment. It seems he can sense that she isn't entirely human, though, because after a second he opens the door for her to walk in and smiles.]

Welcome. Ydite bless you.

... Right. Blatant racism...

[ What does... Racism mean though. ]

Either way, it's not my problem. I fulfilled my duty with those fire-reptoids, they can't back out of the contract. They need to return me to my homeworld, immediately.

Gh...[He's right.

Which can only mean...]

Then we'll just have to double our efforts!

Whatever sent it... Some kind of divine power? Magic? I'm not sure what to call it. [Right now it seemed safe to assume whatever sent it was their enemy. It just simplified things and put them in the right boxes for Kashuu to process. And he'd rather not fight it without understanding it.]

[A nod to confirm the arrangement before Riza turns to head toward the vendor, followed by:]

Riza is fine. [Said with a smile, even if Alice can't see it.] It sounds like we'll be working together for the time being.

[Being 'Riza' again instead of 'Lieutenant Hawkeye' is a bit strange, but she's no longer in the military here and it doesn't make sense to stand on formalities. In any case, there's no reason to mix her mission back home with her mission here, not until the Colonel or someone else shows up.

Speaking of their mission here, their previous one hasn't been followed up on to her satisfaction. Her smile fades, replaced by a frown.]

Did you get the message as well? About the dragon hatchlings?

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OPEN ★ ARRIVAL LOG

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