seasonsrpg | 01 -- Carved on stones, buried deep in the earth...

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01 -- Carved on stones, buried deep in the earth...

Who: Mei and you!
What: Mei wakes up... and promptly collapses within no more than an hour after she gets out of arrivals. After being found and patched up, she opts to head out into the streets and properly get her bearings back.
When: April 13th, then going on through any time within the remaining days of the week for the other prompts
Where: Nightwake initially, then all over the city as she gets her feet under her
Warnings: Primarily for the first prompt: Vague descriptions of just what it is that happened to her before she showed up. Spoilers: it was Not Good. You could say it was painful, even.

First Contact

[--she can't remember what happened before everything first went black.

She knew she had her weapon drawn, that she was fighting someone... or maybe it was something? And then her consciousness ebbing away as that same something drained what was left of her strength. But then what could have drawn her out of that? What of her squad--?

...she doesn't really have the time to figure this out, does she?

After being ushered into the room that welcomes her into this new world, Mei is able to keep herself awake enough to get through everything from processing what came with her to having her questions answered, at least. She's been through equally demanding scrapes by now -- what she'd been through was easily one of her worst, but she learned how to persevere. How to grit her teeth and hold it together until she couldn't.

A shame it wouldn't be long enough after she got her belongings and went out into the city proper, before everything went black again.

Mei's unconscious form can be found not too far from the apartments; if one checks her for a pulse, they'll find she's at least fine, physically, but something has sapped her energy enough to leave her in this state. They'll also find an armband of unusual make has fallen out of the bag with her things in it...]

[OOC: Bear in mind that this one's a first come first serve prompt! Mei's chosen canon point did not do her any favors on arrival and the magic that should have healed her didn't quite stick for everything else she was dealing with...]

Across the Seasons

[When she's more awake and rested after her less than pleasant ordeal, Mei opts to head out to the more Summering parts of the city first. Her first instinct in particular is to visit the Summer Guild to follow up on questions she had but couldn't quite get answered, and to see what she can help with. One could catch her while she's in the guild proper or going out of it to take in the lay of the land.

If she's not there, one could likely find her roaming Sunwaning, taking in the sights and doing some peoplewatching, trying to get a grip of how the locals act. If there's anything that Mei particularly enjoys when she has the time to, it's watching the many faces in whatever crowds that gather show their individuality.

She eventually opts to settle in Solarpeak as she feels the pull of street food and a need to figure out her lodgings; if she can't find anywhere good for her, she can at least figure out new ways to cook herself and anyone she knows a good meal...]

Wild Card

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[ Okay, seeing an unconscious person, especially someone that she does remember seeing from the simulation is enough to get Inaba to snap immediately to attention. Sure, she may not have any healing capabilities, being an Autumn rather than a Spring, but that doesn't mean that she doesn't have knowledge--enough for her to at least check for a pulse first. While she knows that Otherworlders that 'die' here in this world do come back, she'd like to not have to deal with that if she can.

Definitely going to check for any potential external injuries first before trying to lightly shake her awake. ]

Oi, you better wake up-- [ There's an "or else" attached to that, but it's more of a "don't go dying on me" kind of deal, really. ]

[Unfortunately, it looks like Mei's too worn down to actually respond; there's a vague groan, but nothing substantial as far as rousing her goes, at least right now. On the other hand, she looks fine, physically -- the magic that nursed her as she was brought here must have dealt with that much.

It's not ideal. It was at least a better sign than what it could have been.]

[ Okay, there being a sound and that she's physically alright is a relatively good sign at least. But leaving her here would probably not be the best option, either. But she also isn't exactly the best person to be carrying another actual person - much less their supplies.

But here we are, we suppose!

Well. Worst case scenario is that she can stick around until she wakes up... which she doesn't mind doing, really. It's the least she can do, in any case. ]

[Her occasional unsteady, hitching breath aside, the next few minutes pass quietly; those minutes eventually become half an hour, but eventually, her eyes, heavy as the lids are, make vague gestures of trying to open. She can't quite move her hand to block any light coming in, so she shuts them again, exhaustion still firmly gripping her being.

It looks like she might need a bit of a push. That armband might be an unknown, but it has to be useful somehow if it was among her belongings, right...?]

[ The good thing about being... herself, so to speak is that she does have her phone on her to use as a distraction for those moment while still being able to keep an eye on her.

...

She lets out a sigh, knowing that this might not get anybody anywhere as she looks at the armband that's fallen out of her supplies. She's not the type of person to normally deal with this sort of thing, so it's a bit uncomfortable. But was she wearing that before...?

She doesn't want to put it on in case it's somehow bad, even if it might be important so she'll at least try and bring said mysterious object closer to Mei at least. ]

[It doesn't seem to do much by itself... but there's a faint glow, as if it was trying to seek out a signature. The closer Inaba brings it, the more it reacts...

While it definitely wasn't on her before, it at least looks like it was meant to be given to her. What even happened since that last meeting?]

...

[ Well, that's certainly weird! It only raises more questions, honestly, and not in the best way. But, okay, fine- guess she's going to have to try and put it around her wrist, trying to be gentle with it. ]

[It certainly doesn't feel like it's going to break if Inaba mishandles it at least -- whatever it was made of, it's hardy enough to survive a bad scrap. The armband appears to be developed to last, even...

As soon as it's in place around her wrist, it begins glowing more prominently, and it keeps this gentle ambient light going for a while. Whatever it's doing, it seems to be trying to help the unconscious Mei pull herself together...

It's another uncomfortable few minutes of silence after it's applied, but eventually, the elder woman stirs. Her hand drifts to her forehead, however weakly, as she tries to open her eyes.]

Ugh... where...? [It's barely above a whisper. Everything still feels heavy.]

[ She'd like to treat other people's belongings nicely, though! Nevertheless, whatever it's doing is... well, it's something to put in the back of her mind for later, although she isn't sure if she should even dare ask about it. ]

Ah-

[ Okay, sigh of relief. Just brief, though. She'll wait a bit more, but to answer the question: ]

You're in Ellipsa, by the way.

What...?

[Her memory's still hazy. She can't quite place a name on the voice yet -- but it certainly feels like she's heard it before. It's hard to tell when she's teetering between conscious and sinking back underwater.

The slight clamping feeling on her wrist helps her wake up a bit more, at least. Her eyes open up a little wider as she tries to pull it together. And when she feels like she can actually raise her voice,]

That's... the first I'm hearing of it...

It's another world.

[ Inaba has to remind herself that she might have to repeat explanations again; it doesn't surprise her in the slightest, and it's honestly something that she's already used to. ]

[...wait.

She has to fight a little with her memory as soon as she hears that, but... was it like...?

As the device on her wrist continues to help stabilize her, she slowly finds the strength to at least sit up and look around her. It takes a bit for her to really process it, but the haze lifts a little more as she realizes--wait. Why does it feel like she's seen this before...?

...and as she hits upon that thought, she asks herself -- was that strange, fragmented dream that accompanied her arrival to this place real? She isn't even sure what she saw back then, and even if she did, it didn't feel like there was enough for her to remember...

...still, it's not something she can just pass off as nothing.]

For some reason, the name is ringing vague bells...

[ ... Oh.

Well, if that's the case, then she probably can at least say this much, hopefully. ]

You were here before - or at least, a virtual copy of it.

Is that right...

[It's more a conscious acknowledgement than a query, as she tries to shake off the remnant grogginess and actually get her thoughts in order.]

If true, that must mean my memory's failing me somehow... it sounds more like something out of a fever dream than something I'd actually experienced.

Haha...

[ Inaba laughs a little hollowly, rubbing at the nape of her neck a little awkwardly. ]

Well, that's fine. I don't mind helping introduce you to this world proper in any case; if you don't mind, in any case. I help out with the Welcoming Committee sometimes, so.

That'd be nice, honestly... I could use more of a grip on where I am right now.

[Eventually, she slowly gets up, but stumbles and has to catch herself on one knee before she hits the ground.

...it's starting to hit her just how bad things were before oblivion took her prior to her arrival here.]

Or... maybe I need something else, first...

My place is nearby. I can make something simple for you to eat to get your energy up, and I have basic medical supplies there, too. More than I have on hand, at least.

Mm... Sorry for the trouble.

[She has to make sure she won't just collapse onto Inaba when they get going. The last thing she wants is for her to have gotten an acquaintance hurt.

...okay, her legs don't feel like they're going to give out from under her. That's the bare minimum. ...and it looks like the armband's stopped its odd glowing pattern, by this point -- the lack of light gets Mei's attention, and she gives it a closer look...

...mm, looks like it's done. The Professors back home did their work, alright.]

I should at least be able to walk now. If I can help it, I'll try not to make you haul me there.

That's a relief, at least... I'm not exactly known for my strength, after all.

[ Her voice is admittedly a bit sheepish, but she's going to at least try and smile it off. ]

It's not a long walk, though, thankfully.

Edited 2024-04-20 12:58 (UTC)

[She finally gets up. ...and she has to rest her hand on her chest for a moment to double check something. Now that she thinks of it, the other thing she remembers from before she blacked out was...

...urgh. She can already feel the remnant aching coming on. Just how badly did she get hurt that she can still feel it...? Failing that, was this from when she collapsed? Whatever it is, she'll have to give herself a once over later.]

I wasn't about to complain too much, but still... lead the way, then.

...ah. Your name was... Inaba, right?

[ She nods as she starts to walk in the direction of her apartment; thankfully it's just a hallway away. It's only when Mei asks about her name that she pauses her steps again. ]

Yeah, it's Inaba. [ Oh, they're almost there- ] Ah, if there's anything you need to ask, I can try and answer.

[Rinku is on her way into the Summer Guild building, with Mecchan, her Sobble, clinging to her shoulder. Mecchan looks nervous and clings to Rinku, but Rinku waves happily.]

Hi! Are you a new guild member? Did you come to train or look at the quests?

[Mei happens to be looking at the Quest List when Rinku gets her attention; she scratches her cheek as she turns to face the other girl.]

Ah, I'm new to town in general... but yes, I was looking for things I could help with.

There's tons of stuff! What kind of quest are you looking for? Building stuff? Getting materials? Trying out new places? There's a lot for fighting monsters, too, if you're good at that.

[The weird little lizard warbles, and the girl pets him.]

Not you, Mecchan, you're a good boy.

Monster extermination should be up my alley, but I can also help with gathering efforts.

[The katana at her hip certainly speaks wonders about that!

...ah, but now she's distracted by the little guy...]

Mecchan, though? You mean the lizard...?

[Mecchan gulps and tears up. Rinku pets him to calm him down and smiles.]

Yeah! His species is called Sobble, and I named him Mecchan. He's nervous and anxious a lot, but he's really sweet too! Oh, and I'm Rinku! Aimoto Rinku. What's your name?

[Oh, that's adorable. She smiles at the lizard.]

Don't be shy, Mecchan. I come in peace. [Of course, she also maintains her distance to emphasize she's not a threat, but after a bit to watch his reaction, she turns back to Rinku.] I'm Raiden Mei -- ah, Mei is fine, for the record. Given I'm still getting my bearings, I'll be in your care for the time being.

It's nice to meet you all the same, Rinku.

[Mecchan blinks and blows a bubble. He seems to relax, though, even if he's still keeping an eye on Mei. Rinku gently pets him.]

You too, Mei-chan! Which quests were you looking at on the board? It sounds like there's lots you can do.

I'm more than familiar with a sword, for one, so I was thinking I would help with hunting in particular. Foraging wouldn't be out of the question, though.

...really, anything that would help me feed a mouth or two that's in need.

Eh? You mean you're trying to earn money to take care of other people? Like you have people you're looking after already? That's so nice of you? My apartment is just me, my roommate, and Mecchan.

[Oh, that gets a chuckle.]

I mean, I don't share a place to live with anyone yet, but I do prefer thinking ahead. On the off chance that anyone I know does arrive here, I'd rather be able to offer a nice warm bed for them to lay in and a good meal to eat.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, I like being hospitable.

That's so cool! I hope your friends do come! None of mine from home are here either, but this place is full of nice people.

[Mei frowns, slightly.]

It's a bit hard for me to share that enthusiasm...

[She snaps back to attention soon after.] Ah, not that I'm trying to say I wouldn't appreciate them here. It's just, there's a lot going on back home that I'd rather they focused on first.

[...and besides, she'll be able to process what happened better.]

Aww, I guess you're right. I want to go home too, come to think of it... but it's really fun here, so it's easy to get attached.

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01 -- Carved on stones, buried deep in the earth...

first contact IM SLAMMING INTO U HEAD FIRST

sdjgkdsjh HI

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summer guild

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adjsdk god, sorry for coming back to this late--

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1/2

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