tushanshu | Entries tagged with thread: raine sage

[As the old year ends and the new year begins - or whatever the closest equivalent is for the kedan, but definitely sometime in the middle of the night when the least amount of people are likely to be sitting in front of a console - Skulduggery appears on screen.

The first thing you'll notice is that he's wearing a suit.

It's a tacky red Christmas sweater suit, covered in snowmen and Christmas trees.

On top of this startling sight, Skulduggery's wearing a knit scarf with reindeer on it, nestled neatly but visibly underneath a different knit scarf with mistletoe on it. In place of the usual 1940s private eye hat sitting on top of his head, there's a knit bobble hat with reindeer antlers attached to each side. He's broken into a small cafe to use their public console, and there's a small group of about four kedan children just visible over his left shoulder singing Joy to the World. It's a halting rendition; these children only learned the words last week. But they're happily humming over the parts they don't remember, and having the time of their lives.]

Hello, Keeliai. Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

[This is clearly a bid to fulfill the condition of a piece of blackmail during a time when there won't be many people around to witness it. Unfortunately for Skulduggery, messages left on the console network can be saved and replayed by anyone at any time, and his message is unlikely to be buried before morning.

So he might as well add to it.]

Erskine Ravel and Solomon Wreath, by the way, are both planning to overthrow Keeliai's current government.

[Because who else would sic unwanted music on Skul 24/7. Who else.]

mrsarcastic003

[The feed opens on a young man, dressed in clothes that would be best described as 'business casual.' He looks a little uncertain as he addresses the camera, as though he’s not totally sure what he’s doing here.

Again.

Then comes a wry smile.]

Hi. It… looks like a few things have changed since I was here last. I… don’t even know how long it’s been, but judging by how much has changed, I’m thinking I missed a lot. If you don’t remember me from before, I’m Tim Drake, and I’m sure it will be nice to meet you.

[Well, actually, he’s not, because there are plenty of people in any reality that he’s sure it would not be nice to meet, but there’s nothing wrong with being polite on a first 'meeting.']

Uh. Is there anyone around who remembers me?

peacefullywreathed

[Solomon comes on the screen wearing a light smile. There's a white bunny before him, one which is probably familiar by now, whom he is stroking gently between the ears. There is a notable change. Namely, the bunny is wearing a tiny little waistcoat. With a bowtie. And a couple more bows around his floppy ears. The bunny, it should be noted, Does Not Look Happy. The only question is whether it's because of the little outfit or the stroking, but either way, said bunny is nibbling on Solomon's sleeve.]

Good evening, all. I'm sure you've all met our friend Mr Ravel and his new disposition, here. I just thought I'd show off the additions I've made to his new look, courtesy of Meira and my friend An-lin, here.

[A teenage hand comes into view just long enough to wave before being snatched back. Solomon continues to smile blandly into the camera, his gaze staring into the distance.]

In the event anyone complains about animal cruelty, I would like to assure you that he's indicated to me that he misses wearing proper clothes.

[There's a delicate pause.]

By eating holes in two of my shirts. So I'm just doing him a favour, really. Smile for the camera, Ravel.

[Solomon saves his sleeve from being nibbled and puts Erskine a little closer to the camera, which Erskine obligingly snuffles adorably, the bows on his ears flopping everywhere. Along with his ears.]

problematical

[ River looks comfortable with the console with the backdrop of the Welcome Center behind her, and that's a telltale sign that she's used them before. She's ready when the video feed starts, and looks at the screen with earnestness, as if hoping to see familiar faces on the other end. ]

The old story ended, and the new one's begun. The Dragon is gone, the Queen and Knight are dead. The sleeping flowers have woken up and turned their faces into the sun.

[ and then, perhaps needlessly confirming the previous: ]

I was here before. One day I woke up, and I was back on Serenity... and I didn't forget, but I didn't remember, either. It was--

[ How to describe it? ]

A missing chapter in a book. The story doesn't quite make sense, but you just have to keep reading.

Good job slaying the dragon.

thaumatophage

[Kitty's grinning at the camera, almost manically enough to suggest that since her trick-or-treating expedition the other day she's been surviving entirely on local sweets.

Singsong:] Guess what day it is~?

Myyyy birthday! Yeah! November third, isn't it? Unless I'm counting wrong. ...anyway.

I don't have plans for a party, but, you know, I still have a lot of sugar to power through, so if anyone wants to come round and have some with me in soulful celebration, have at!

[Shortly afterwards, via radio to Pepper, Raine, Bakura, Klaus, Milo, Zatanna, Wally, Tonks, Erskine, Cain, Casey...basically, anyone Kitty's interacted with significantly:]

Hey, where are you at? I've got something for you.

thaumatophage

Ah, um.

[Kitty looks a bit sheepish...but rather less woolly, in any case.]

So...uh. Hypothetical medical-slash-metaphysical question...

...whaaaat iiifffff...what if you accidentally............swallowed........your soul gem.

Hypothetically.

Asking for a friend.

But it is also quite urgent.

[This is the exact kind of quality person you let onto your turtle, everyone.]

wrathfulkhan

[When Gene speaks, he says two words, and it's obvious that he's making an effort to keep his voice level. Someone who knows him well, though, may notice a tightness to it.]

Bianca's gone.

[He won't respond for an hour or two more than the most cursory of replies.]

skeletonenigma

[The message over the handsets is short, succinct, and to the point. Long story short: the detective is bored, so the first thought to capture some of his idle curiosity gets put to the Foreigners at large.]

Who else has received letters from themselves?

edgeoftheknife

[The user of this particular handset comes up as anonymous, which strongly implies that the handset is stolen. The voice of said anonymous user is fairly high-pitched and nasal, and the accent is a very posh Queen's English. Almost poncy.

No, strike that. Incredibly, flagrantly, flamboyantly poncy.]

Now then. I gather that I'm on the back of a giant turtle.

Very well, I can bear this if I must.

More to the point--and this is the important bit, mind--I'm on the back of a giant, sinking turtle, and no one can adequately explain to me how they plan to stop said giant turtle from sinking. Moreover, said giant turtle has been all but invaded by some foreign power with ill-mannered, inconsiderate representatives with a painful lack of fashion sense.

Really, Madame Justicar, I've seen better full dress on the streetwalkers in London.

So now, my darlings, can anyone tell me what's to be done about this? Any of it? Are there plans? Schemes? Vague whispers? Tell me everything.

((ooc: Hello, hi, yes, this is Erskine. His voice, however, is all but unrecognizable. Anton and Skul will get this right away, but if you really feel strongly about your character breaking through the disguise, please poke me first? There'll be much easier chances to out him later, I guarantee ♥))

mortalheart

[It is night, the very earliest of hours in the new day, and Louis is sitting in a dully lit room. The color of the light is a dull blue, and his face is mostly in shadow. The darkness outside and the blue-teal light give his white skin -- what can be seen of it -- a very unhealthy hue. However, his voice is soft and curious in tone, and welcoming in its calmness]

One of my most favorite of memories of my home were the crawfish. Platters full of bright red crawfish, freshly caught, steaming and soon to be bathed in seasoned butter.

[Being in the Water district has brought these distant memories back and they make him smile slightly as he thinks on it. He couldn't now remember what crawfish tasted like but he remembered that he had enjoyed it.]

Do they have here what any of you recall fondly from your own homes? More surprising to me is not what all is different here, but how much is so similar, to what I once knew.

skeletonenigma

[Skulduggery misplaced his radio when he died. Finding it hasn't exactly been top priority, so he grabs a spare one off the Welcome Center and broadcasts his message on a public channel. Some folks might have no idea what the message is referring to, but it's not them Skulduggery's trying to reach.]

I'm back.

[And the observant will notice his voice is at its usual level of smooth once again.]

looksfine

[On the plus side, since those who have last spoken to her, Aya appears less glow-y than usual.]

[On the additional plus side, she still appeared to be (mostly) unfazed by the...let's go with minor inconvenience. Even smiling at the camera as she addressed the Network.]

As a result of several experiments, I have come to the conclusion that the ideal method of disposing of my excess energy reserves is to simply regularly expel energy.

[Okay, yes, it sounds like the most obvious solution, but the trick was that she had to make sure it was safe to do so. Now she knows.]

Therefore, I am currently seeking those who may require a...sparring partner, I believe is the correct term? Any and all manner of training would be sufficient, as I can manipulate my Green energy to accommodate accordingly.

[Had this request been made a few weeks ago, that would have been the end of it. However, just before she ended the conversation, a secondary thought crossed her mind. Thanks to a certain recent conversation regarding Asti and...well...fish.]

I also have a question regarding the olfactory senses of carbon-based life forms, if there is anyone who would be willing to provide an answer for me.

Thank you.

12goingon113

[Aang takes a slow measured breath before speaking.]

Hi. I'm Aang. I don't know if we've met yet, but...I'm hoping we do.

[He manages a small, hopeful smile that lasts for a fraction of a second. If you blink, you might miss it.]

Chances are good though, that you know some of my friends. General Iroh, Sokka, and Katara. They know a lot more people than I do, and so I want to make sure that all of them know that they went home.

[This is a lie. Aang doesn't know that they actually went home, but he's choosing to believe in the reality that they did. Because the thought of any of them being stuck in the void for who knows how long is...no. They're home. They're just home.]

Anyway, I know I'm not much of a substitute, seeing as I'm no where near as wise as Iroh, or mechanically inclined like Sokka, and I can't heal like Katara, but...I'm still an Avatar and I'd like to help.

So if there's anything that they were doing that you'd still need help with? Or that just needs doing? I'd love to try.

asoothingvoice

[Frazzled isn't quite the right word. She went from being in the middle of an attack on the hospital to suddenly being in the middle of a street in a downright peaceful looking part of Metal that doesn't look like it's been recently struck by Malicant, and has changed quite a bit. Not to mention the piece of jewlery she found on her, which she's keeping stuffed in a pocket for now.

Trying to ask the kedan doesn't really get her many answers; they're mixed, with a few kedan who recognized her from her work with the hospital focusing on the fact she's back- since when was she gone, but she isn't sure she wants an immediate answer to that, with all the differences- to some being downright rude or avoiding the question completely, which isn't that much of a surprise, if a frustrating one.

She ends up slipping into a cafe, finding a console- checking the network doesn't do much more than confuse her further, finally leading her to turning on the video herself:]

What in the world have I missed?

insertdadjoke

[ The line opens to dead air for a good ten seconds or so before there's a sigh, more amused than anything, and the soft sound of civilization around. Cain has made his way to the Welcome Center after being tossed down in an unfamiliar area of the Turtle and is just letting it all sink in for now. ]

So, what have I missed?

By which I mean: hello, Keeliai. This is Jacob Kane speaking. I was here once before, but apparently that was a while back. Can anyone fill me in or otherwise point me in the direction of someone who can? Losing so much time out of the blue like this isn't exactly the best way to get a welcome home, but somehow I doubt anyone's established a complaints department in my absence.

skeletonenigma

[It's been over twenty-four hours since Skulduggery was brought back to life, and it doesn't seem like that's going to fade any time soon. He should be worried, or possibly angry, or at the very least unhappy and unsettled. But, due to reasons Skulduggery's trying not to think about, he's cheerful.

Genuinely cheerful.]

Hello. This is Skulduggery Pleasant. Some of you may have noticed a distinct lack of well-dressed skeletons in Keeliai and possibly feared the worst, but I can assure you, I'm still here.

[His voice sounds different. Recognisable, especially by the accent, and still smooth - but it's less unnaturally smooth, and more like a voice belonging to someone who's just gotten over a bad cold.]

If anyone sees a young man in a cowboy hat and a long duster coat, long hair in a ponytail, carrying a shotgun - first of all, be careful, because he's much more powerful than he looks. Second of all, please let me know. I suspect he's new, and ever-so-slightly confused about where he is. Thank you.

backwordscompatible

We did it! He's still alive! I felt--no, better than that, I heard him!

[She sounded tired, but only physically. Just barely out of breath. Still, even that couldn't contain the excitement to her tone as she barely waited until the radio had turned on before addressing the network.]

[Allowing a full second for that bombshell to properly sink in, she collected her thoughts and elaborated.]

The spell I was suggesting. The one to see if there was something magical interfering? It worked. We got through, and I heard Asti's voice calling to me, begging for help. It was faint...like it was coming from far away--no, lots of far aways. [Wait, no, that didn't make sense, either.] Like his voice was...I don't know...fractured?

Anyways, that wasn't all. I also had another Vision. It wasn't like the last one. I'm not even sure anybody else but me saw it. There were stones. Black and White ones. They were forming arches at this underwater crossroad...only some of them looked like they were brand new, while others looked close to falling apart.

I think Asti sent it to me. But I don't know what it could mean. Second, third, and any other opinions are welcome on this one.

((ooc: Because of the nature of the subject in particular, Threadjacking to allow for open discussions is not only cool with me, but I even encourage it! Spread the word~))

backwordscompatible

[A few days after this conversation took place, Zatanna chose to make a rare public appearance on the radio network. She would have used the public consoles, if the subject wasn't too delicate for certain ears:]

Okay, so...I have an idea.

[~~Fair warning, at this moment, it was a fairly terrible plan. And almost certainly won't work. Unless it does~~.]

Remember that Vision we all had a couple of days ago? [Rhetorical question. Of course they did.] Well, it got me thinking. What if Tu Vishan really is still alive, only...trapped? Buried within his own mind so deep that he wasn't able to reach out to us until we went looking for him.

So let's look. Magically, I mean.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is that...if you have any magical abilities whatsoever, would you be down to try something with me? It's not too dangerous. Probably.

readytopayit

[Technology isn't exactly Terra's forte, but he was no stranger to it even before coming here and getting a generous crash-course. That, combined with his immediate need for more information, has him looking pretty casual when he triggers the video feed, as if this is all pretty mundane where he comes from.

In truth, he's doing his best to stay composed. He's in no danger of lashing out or getting emotional, but he'd prefer to keep as level a head as possible -- and that includes keeping his impatience and grim mood at bay, at least until he's done talking.]

My name is Terra. I'm -- a Foreigner. I arrived the other day. I've talked to a few people since then, so I have a good idea of what this-- [He hesitates, but then continues through with his intended word choice.] --world is going through. Roughly. [It was a lot to take in, even for him -- but then, he's still reeling from the fact that A) he's himself again, B) his Keyblade was inaccessible for a full day, and C) now that he can summon it, he still can't reach the Lanes. And speaking of:]

I guess my main question is this: has anyone lost any of their abilities since coming here? I'm not talking about when we first arrive -- I heard that was a temporary side effect -- but after that. After you recovered. Were any of your powers... blocked, somehow? [It's a vague question, and it doesn't quite pinpoint what he's really thinking -- but he can't refer to the Lanes Between openly, so this will have to do.]

And one other thing-- [Again, Terra hesitates, and here he can't keep up the nonchalance. His face darkens slightly as his eyes drop for a moment -- the look of someone who has more beneath the surface than he's letting show, who's making an open appeal like this as a last resort.] --if anyone here knows a man named Xehanort... I ask that you let me know. It's important.

[Wouldn't Xehanort have to be here, if Terra is? ...A lot of things don't make sense, but that's the most pressing question, danger-wise.

Still, Terra remembers himself and looks at the screen again, respectful once more.]

I'd appreciate a few minutes of your time on either account. Thanks.

redlightgreenlight

Wan is gone.

[The screen will be completely black, as if she is trying to hide what a wreck she currently is. Her voice is broken, thick with emotion that she is trying, and failing, to hide.]

I don't know what cruel game this place is playing, but I'm done following along. Wan was concerned about the turtle...We all know that it is sinking and I know that many think that he is dead.

[Her voice levels out, perhaps even taking on a hint of anger.]

Some of you may remember how Wan and I possessed the great turtle in our attempt to force Malicant out. We failed in that endeavor, but we did gain the information we needed to defeat him. I believe that Tu Vishan is the one who gave us that information.

[Now the anger in her voice is evident.]

The cultists tried to stop us then and they are involved in whatever is going on now. With Wan gone, I aim to find out for certain if Tu Vishan still lives or not.

[A dark and soft chorus of voices echo her next words]

To the cursed followers of Malicant, your pathetic god is dead. Without him, you all are nothing. Try to stop me and I will send you into Oblivion.

Tu Shanshu

[console] video; RELUCTANTLY. SO RELUCTANTLY.

[001] Intro, revisited. [Video]

video;

FIFTH VERSE ☯ VIDEO;

video;

video;

RADIO; audio

RADIO | AUDIO | some idle curiosity

[handset | audio] anonymous user

. v i d e o .

RADIO | AUDIO; well look who's back

[video]

002 - [Video OTA]

video; console cafe

oo1 / radio;

AUGUST 3rd: RADIO

[radio]

[radio]

first | video (console)

Console | Audio

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