(no subject)

[trainmasters]

Who: newbies + you
When: Day 22, evening
Where: around

[This evening, out of nowhere, Hazel's carriage disappears. There's a shower of sparkles, a bright light, and after that... it's gone. Anyone who was in its hallway is now in the Garden entrance. The Garden car itself is now hooked to Clover's carriage, as if it had aways been and Hazel was never real. Clover itself is currently bare as well -- the lock screen is dull, completely turned off, and there are no lights inside. No one is there, now, but at least the space remains.

In some carriages, that loss of vibrancy is countered by the appearance of some new heroes. In general, the gloomy mood throughout the train is only heightened by the onset of a heavy storm. Outside there's a crack of thunder that rattles the train, and it begins to pour so hard the edge of the clearing is barely visible through the windows.

The rain, the thunder, and the strobe-light effect of constant lightning will continue til dawn.]

Comments

/done

[ruinatings]

[As Rean is approached by the team dog, Rufus elects not to get up from the couch where he's drinking tea, previously enjoying the peace and quiet.]

Good morning, Rean.

[awakenerd]

[Weird train, weird hole in his connection to the mana of Zemuria, weird--oh! Cute dog!

Rean's already kneeling to coo over the dog;]

Who's a good girl? You! You're a good girl.

[When Rufus speaks up and calls attention to himself.

Wow how depleted is his mana he didn't sense the man right there?

But he's going to keep petting this dog because he doesn't recognize Rufus, only that that is his name. He doesn't remember why he knows but he knows that.]



Good morning..?

[ruinatings]

How much do you remember?

[Let's... start with the basics. He has to remind himself he is still a polite, well-bred man who should not get pissy the instant he sees Rean.]

[awakenerd]

[THIS LOOKS LIKE A FACE I CAN TRUST

Also actually he should probably be following the script? It's the only thing he remembers, the script, his purpose, his name, some basics. But this place seems way off. But things can happen, over time? Maybe?

Possibly kneeling and making a big fuss over a very happy dog does not give the impression to continue on in a big spooky voice though so he's maybe ruined that chance for a cool impression. ART THOUs and such seem a bit embarrassing now.]

Uh... Are you the one who awakened me?

[ruinatings]

Oh, no. That would be the prince.

[Rean what are you doing??]

You have no idea who I am, do you?

[awakenerd]

[Giving your dog a tummy rub?]

Prince? Where is he?

Should I know you?

[ruinatings]

[Rufus knows there is 0 he can do to prevent Rean bonding with Leonie so he's not trying.]

Given our complicated history, I'd say yes. But a large portion of those who wake here have lost their memories, so that's no surprise. As for the prince, he's away at his castle, or so he claims. You may get a chance to speak to him eventually.

[awakenerd]

[??????]

What is our history? How can we have a history?

[That second might be a weird question.]

[ruinatings]

I'll explain if you can tell me how you spoke into my mind.

[Rufus knows something is up but why not make it harder for Rean?]

[awakenerd]

I'm not really sure I could explain.

But I can speak to you this way because of what I am.

Still it's unusual, at the least someone should have overcome a trial before I was woken, but I don't sense a connection to you or anyone here.

[ruinatings]

Really now? The Rean Schwarzer I know was the one being tested. And you certainly don't look like any Deus-Excellion I'm familiar with.

[awakenerd]

Well it's true that I'm not a Fragment of the Great Power, I do hold my own purpose--

But the Rean Schwarzer you know. You keep sounding like we're personally acquainted.

[ruinatings]

Because we are. We're... something like brothers, perhaps.

Or maybe enemies.

[awakenerd]

[Hm.

Getting up after giving dog one last happy fluff and walking over to stand in front of Rufus, leaning forward to examine his face thoughtfully. Still no bells yet but he did just wake up and his mana is on empty. He's not too alarmed by no memories at this point.]

[ruinatings]

[Rufus is not moving, or looking intimidated or bothered at all. Rean can do what he wants.]

The you I know is just a normal human boy, if one cursed by fate.

[awakenerd]

[He's genuinely not trying to be intimidating he's just... Trying to figure Rufus out. He sits next to him on the couch after a moment, more relaxed than Rufus's posture.]

I was that once, I think.

[ruinatings]

I see... So you became something else later on?

[He's actually curious about this. How did Rean become... this?]

[awakenerd]

Yes.

Though even to me the details are... Hazy.

I'm certain I'll remember you as I regain my power.

[ruinatings]

I hope you do. I must confess, as a fellow Awakener I find the concept somewhat alarming.

[awakenerd]

[Hm. He can't place it but there's a strange twinge in his chest. Well, he can't force remembering things.]

I'm afraid I can't reassure you yet.

But you haven't introduced yourself. Or should I call you brother?

[ruinatings]

[snorts!]

No. My name is Rufus Albarea.

[awakenerd]

Rufus.

[That really does tug at something.]

Can you tell me more about this place?