revenance_rpg | with the river's flow (open)

Entry tags:

with the river's flow (open)

Characters: Alphonse and whoever!
Content: This place just took in an alchemist, and it's a lot to take in.
Location: The fountain in Traverse Town, Fourth District
Time: Morning-ish
Warnings: None for now!

[At some point early in the day, there's a sudden crackling burst of blue light - and then, without further fanfare, a large key nestled in a hollow in the cobblestones that wasn't there a minute ago.

It's perfectly formed; the only giveaway that he didn't just find this thing is a couple of very, very tiny rectangular cracks along the side, and that's if you know what you're looking for. Still, that doesn't stop the nearby kid in the red duster from looking a shade disappointed as he picks it up. Sure, it's about the right size to fit the keyhole he remembers, but what's he going to do with it, stick it under his head the next time he takes a nap and hope that if he happens to dream the same thing again he'll be lucid enough to carry it in with him? Geez. He'd been hoping he was done with dreams like these.

Then again, the way that bat-winged cat thing had put it, maybe it won't be too much longer. He has to get his bearings first, though, and he won't make much progress there if he just sits by the water for the rest of the day. He can practically hear that in his brother's voice already, even awake.]

...I think we've both got a lot to get used to.

[The Meow Wow beside him tilts its head sympathetically.

Then, without warning, it springs up and snatches the key out of his gloved hand.]

H-Hey! [Al scrambles to his feet so quickly he almost trips on his own coat.] Look out - don't -

[He's too late. The Meow Wow collides head-on with whoever was in its path and bounces helplessly away, losing its grip on the key, which clatters some distance across the cobblestones.

Al hurries over to help it right itself before looking up.] Are you okay? I'm really sorry!

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[Bolin is thinking about his dreams as well. He hadn't been getting a lot of sleep lately which probably explained a lot. Still, he tries to remain his usual chipper self and was taking a walk with one of his newly made Spirits: an Escarglow he'd named Ganseki. The snail-like spirit moves along at a decent pace though and the only other Spirit with Bolin at the moment was Chi the Tama Sheep.

Bolin yawns.]

Maybe we should go work on some routines for another performance, though I need to be at Rarity's shop later today.

[A nap sounded like a good idea too. However, all those plans were derailed when suddenly a Meow Wow came barreling towards them. Chi jumps in the way of it and both Spirits went flying in the crash.]

What? Chi!

[The sheep rolls back onto her feet easily enough and bleats in irritation. Bolin looks from his Spirit to the guy in the red jacket. He didn't recognize him which probably meant he was new.]

We're fine. Uh, is your Meow Wow okay, what was he running from like that?

Meow Wow... Oh, right. [Al smiles at the stranger, sheepish but relieved, as he picks himself up.] He probably just wanted to play. I'll try to keep a better eye on him from now on.

[Not that he needs to right at this minute - the Meow Wow, once back on its own feet, immediately ambled back over to where the key landed, and is now preoccupied with nudging it along the ground in the direction of what it can only assume are new friends.

The sheep next to the older-looking boy merits a look of friendly curiosity, though.]

Um, this is probably a weird question, but do you live here?

No, it's fine, they can get a little excited especially when they're new or you haven't played with them in awhile.

[Speaking of, the overlarge snail now seems to be rubbing himself against Bolin's legs and...is he purring? Bolin supposes not all of them are quite as energetic as this Meow Wow. Bolin has to wonder why he's pushing that key around but looks back to answer the red coat kid's question first]

Uh, no, I mean...I stay in the hotel with my friend Asami, but I'm not actually living here because my home is back in Republic City.

[When the Meow Wow is close enough, it picks the key up in its mouth again and tries to give the snail a playful poke in the side with one of the ends.

Al briefly glances down at it, since he did just say he'd have to be more careful, but doesn't look particularly bothered. He looks up again when the boy mentions a place name, though there's no spark of recognition in his eyes.] Republic City? [Just from the sound of it, there's some possibility it's somewhere in Amestris he hasn't heard of, but under the circumstances...

He rubs the side of his neck.] To tell you the truth, I just woke up here not long ago. I'm still trying to figure out what's going on.

[Ganseki blinks and turns an eye-stalk to look at the cat, as if to ask it what it was doing. Bolin nods again, he wasn't exactly expecting the other guy to recognize it, but he could always hope.]

Ooooh, so you're new new. Got it. Well, I'm Bolin and this is Traverse Town. It's a little weird because of the whole dream thing, but it's not that bad once you get used to that and the Nightmares around here.

[Al nods.] It's an interesting place, that's for sure. I don't think I've seen anywhere like it.

[At their feet, the Meow Wow decides to interpret Ganseki's response as encouragement, and tries to poke him again. It's a toy! What's not to get?!]

Oh, and I'm Alphonse. It's nice to meet you. [He pauses.] Are there... a lot of people like this?

If you think this place is interesting you should check out the space ship. [Not that Bolin goes there much. Of course then he remembers why and flails a bit.] Actually, no, no don't go there. It's a bad place to be, especially if you're new! I mean...you should find a place to settle first and then explore or something, cause that's what most people do.

[He doesn't want to see this kid get hurt after all and the space ship was a VERY dangerous place.]

[Ganseki does not find this amusing and slips inside his shell. Either bored or annoyed, it's hard to say with a giant snail.]

Uhh, there's quite a few yeah, though not all of them stay here in Traverse Town. Some people are even from the same place but others are really weird.

[The victim of this collision, a Thunderaffe, lifts its head proudly to indicate that it is absolutely fine! Then it boldly zooms over to the lost key in a frenzy of hooves to pick it up and bring it back, all heroic helpfulness.]

[At this display, a soft laugh comes from above.] Hero is living up to his name, I see.

[And at that, an alicorn drops from the sky.]

Oh, thanks! [Al beams at the creature as he gently takes the key.] You're really -

[At the sound of more hooves touching down on the cobblestones, he turns, and - can't help it. He stares.

But presently he pulls himself together, and rubs the back of his neck with the hand that isn't still holding onto the key like he's forgotten about it already.]

Is... Is he yours? I'm glad he isn't hurt.

[And what's a good way of phrasing the question "are you a chimera" which isn't just, well, that?]

Not to worry. Hero is a very tough Thunderaffe. Which is fortunate, considering he is named after what he believes his duty to be.

[She pats the Thunderaffe fondly with a wing as it stands proudly beside her, then turns her attention fully to the human.]

I take it you are new to the dream worlds?

[Worlds in the plural, he notes again, and for a moment starts to wonder if all of his other dreams leading up to today had any bearing on how he ended up here, but doesn't comment on it besides a sheepish smile. From the sounds of it, he'll have plenty of time to think his situation over later.]

I guess so. Honestly, it's pretty hard to believe.

[He looks down at the Meow Wow, which at least doesn't seem like it's about to snap the key out of his hand a second time but nevertheless is still eyeing it hopefully, then back up again.]

Sorry if this is rude, but - you're not the same as these animals, are you?

I am not. These are Dream Eaters, Spirits, native to the dreaming world. I am a pony from Equestria, an unwilling visitor to these worlds in the same way you are.

[She takes no offense to the question. After all, she'd had a great deal of her own adjusting to do when she'd arrived, given the sudden existence of humans.]

Unwilling... I see.

Um, in any case, I'm Alphonse Elric. [He bows quickly, because it's what he'd do on meeting anyone else and she seems friendly enough.] You probably don't recognise the name, but it's nice to meet you. [Worth a shot.

This does mean that for the briefest of instants the key he's holding is back in the Meow Wow's reach, but this time it misses and contrives to look disappointed.]

When you say "these worlds"... you wouldn't know anything more about where this is exactly, would you?

This, or rather these, are the world of dreams -- sleeping counterparts of waking worlds, or so I am told. I have never been to any of these lands while awake, but others here have, and I believe them.

I can also assure you that, according to all evidence we have, time does not pass in the waking world while we are here. [She knows that is a worry many have, quite justifiably.]

Edited 2013-07-16 19:03 (UTC)

[Actually, he looks a shade more surprised on hearing the last part, although worried would be a stretch. He glances down at the key.] Evidence?

My sister is here as well, but her entrance to this dream world came at a different time than mine. However, she never went missing at any time between her entrance here and mine. We conclude based on this that she must leave the dream world at essentially the same time as she entered it.

But if there's more than one, they might not all work the same... [He's half talking to himself.

Down at his feet, the Meow Wow loses interest in its toy for now and toddles over to the Thunderaffe, radiating innocence.]

[Said Thunderaffe looks down on the Meow Wow with as benignly protective a attitude as befits any protector of humanity.]

While that is possible, it seems less likely than the alternative.

[ The pricklemane - for that is indeed what its fellow spirit collided with - chirred in surprise, bounced back in turn by the impact and eyes spinning a little for the force involved. After a moment of dizziness, the critter shook its head, then wriggled its ears at Al's question. Oh, no, it was quite okay!

Across the cobbles, someone else stepped forwards and ducked down, hand scooping up the abandoned key. Turning it over on her palm curiously, the tall grey-haired human woman turned her gaze and faint frown to the young boy. ]

I think this belongs to you.

That's right. [He holds a gloved hand out for it, the circular pattern on the palm clearly visible, as he sizes the lady up. Something about the look in her eye makes him wonder if she took it personally...] Sorry, I just wasn't paying attention. I'll have to be more careful.

[Completely unperturbed, the Meow Wow skips back over to the Pricklemane and attempts to nudge it in the side with its nose.]

[The circle design was certainly interesting, but did not appear familiar to Lin; it was noted and filed away for later, but not commented on. The key was placed dead center on the boy's palm, before Lin's hand dropped to her side, coming to rest behind her back.]

Not a problem. My pricklemane should have been a little quicker on his feet, but no harm seems to have been done.

[Her head canted slightly to the right.] A recent arrival, I take it?

Mm. [He nodded, still a little nervous.] To tell you the truth, I just woke up here... [His fingers quickly curled around the key.] But it sounds like people must be used to that kind of thing in a place like this.

[That new, huh. The expression doesn't soften, but the sharp edges fade into neutrality.]

It's unnerving for all of us, no matter how well or poorly the moogles explain it. You've made your dream eater. [Meow wows were pretty reliable as companions went, even when up to mischief.] They'll be a good companion to you for as long as you're stuck here.

[Her hands remained clasped behind her back.] The First District is relatively free of nightmares, but I recommend going to the hotel. The moogles offer board there, and it is safe.

[Safe... He tilted his head slightly.] What about the rest of the town?

[Meanwhile, the Meow Wow, apparently bored of harassing the Pricklemane, took a step back and began to critically size up Lin's feet.]

When you are outside, you're more likely to encounter a nightmare - darker spirits, aggressively inclined and usually in groups.

Certain districts have areas where they exist in a greater concentration than others. This-- [she gestures to the First District] --has them occasionally, but you'll find it helps to keep your spirit close to you, especially if you're not versed in combat.

[ He's young, but there are other kids here, and Tenzin's kids had been competent. Still, her head does tip to one side: can you fight, kid?

The meow wow can eye her steel boots all he likes. He just better not get any ideas. ]

The Meow Wow ran into... another Meow Wow. This one, however, was painted a light purple with dark purple dalmatian spots. However his muzzle was still white and his paws, tail and the tips of his ears were still black. He didn't seem too bothered by whole affair once he was back on his feet and the other Spirit with him, a Toximander still in his default colors, just looked on with mild curiosity.

For his part, Jelly Bean barked an affirmative when asked if he was okay. Really, though, he thought the new Meow Wow ought to watch where he was going, but accidents happened sometimes.

"The Meow Wows can be pretty energetic," Sora remarked. He hadn't been far behind and, truth be told, had been mildly amused at the bean dog collision. Maybe it would have been funnier if he wasn't a bit sleep-deprived, but it did improve his mood a little. "I guess you just got here, huh?"

"Mm, I think so," said Al, carefully stepping around his own excitable Meow Wow, which on getting back to its feet immediately started to inch towards the Toximander. "Although all I can say for sure is I just woke up."

He knelt down for a second to hastily retrieve the key. After all, whether or not it would do him any good in the end, littering wouldn't be fair.

Then he picked himself up, giving the unfamiliar boy a still slightly embarrassed smile. "Sorry. I'm Alphonse, Alphonse Elric."

"Yeah, none of us has any idea how we got here, really." For his part, Toxy just kind of watched the Meow Wow. He wasn't going to get bounced on, was he?

Sora hadn't witnessed the making of the key. He only knew that it was over-sized while also not being a Keyblade. For all he knew, the boy had brought it with him from wherever he came from.

In any case, he offered a warm smile in return. He knew what it was like to suddenly end up somewhere unfamiliar. If he could make it easier to deal with somehow, he would. "I'm Sora. It's nice to meet you."

"You too." Al flipped the key over in his hand, looking thoughtful. "Although if we're really asleep, maybe that isn't the right question to - hey!"

That last part was aimed at the Meow Wow, which had waited until it was just a few feet from Toxy before flinging itself into a playful forward roll.

Toxy was squishy, not bouncy, thank you very much. And he didn't like getting bounced on either. So when the Meow Wow decided to pounce, he disappeared into the ground in a purple shadow and moved closer to his person.

Sora watched exchange with the Spirits with a small bit of amusement. Toxy really didn't like getting bounced on, but that might have had something to do with the Nightmare Meow Wows. "I'm not sure what's going on either, but this isn't normal. At least, not as far as I know."

"I'd be surprised if anyone in this situation knew as much as they wanted to."

He looked down at the Spirits again with a small shake of his head, although he couldn't help smiling a little too. The sight kind of reminded him of someone...

"Um, if you want him to stop, I can take him away," he ventured. Where to was another question entirely, but he'd probably find somewhere, right?

Kooma Pandas were pretty resilient, so when the Meow Wow ran into Pooh, he was just fine. In fact, he was about the help the poor thing up himself when its person ran over. Then the person started speaking and..oh, bother, Persons couldn't understand Spirits. Where was his to help explain things?

There she was! Person, could you help him let this other person know everything was all right, please?

Xion had hurried over as soon as she realized her Spirits had wandered on their own. Unfortunately, she hadn't quite seen everything. "What happened?"

At the sound of a stranger's voice, Al finally managed to tear himself away from his not entirely intentional nonplussed staring. "Oh! Well, I looked away for a second, and they must've run into each other..." He gave the big bear-like creature another apologetic look, too. "Is this one yours? Do you know if it's okay?"

Meanwhile, the Meow Wow, supremely unruffled, bounded over to where the large key had fallen and picked it up in its mouth again.

"Pooh? He should be fine. Kooma Pandas are pretty tough." Xion offered a small smile, which Pooh imitated. Yes, he was fine, really. Now, if you please, he was looking for some honey. You wouldn't happen to have seen any, would you?

"I lost track of them myself. Pooh must have gotten hungry and wanted to go looking for honey again..." She trailed off as Alphonse went to look for the key. That was interesting.

Having extracted the key from the disappointed-looking Meow Wow, Al straightened up and turned back to face the girl with a sheepish smile. "Don't worry about it," he said. "I mean, keeping a pet is a lot of work. My brother's always telling me that."

And now he had one too, apparently. He fidgeted absently with the key for a second. This was kind of making him wonder what Ed would think of the rest of his situation - which handily brought his train of thought back round to more pressing business.

"You must be... one of the people living here, right? My name's Alphonse."

Oh, so the newcomer had a brother like Bolin. That fact and the key piqued Xion's curiosity, but asking about them might be personal. Anyway, he had offered a conversation topic. "Spirits can be a handful sometimes, but I don't think they'd like to be called pets."

Lightning certainly didn't seem to think much of the term. Pets always needed looking after, and they didn't, they kept an eye on their Person. Pooh simply looked quietly disappointed.

"Yes, I'm Xion." She offered a small smile along with the self introduction. "It's nice to meet you, Alphonse."

The Ursa Circus didn't seem very phased. It slid forward a bit, actually, until someone in a full suit of tan body armor could look around it. "Guess that saved me a tumble. Thanks, Bouncer."

The guy seemed to notice Al and he gave him a friendly nod. "Haven't seen you before. Are you new in town?"

Al blinked. He'd seen suits of armour before, and the one in front of him was a world apart from those - if not for the voice, his first guess would've been something closer to a robot.

But as someone dressed kind of idiosyncratically himself, he wasn't in any position to judge, so he refrained from staring and just gave the stranger a cheerful nod in return. "It's a little hazy, but I think so. Sorry, that wasn't much of an entrance. ...Is your bear okay?"

The Meow Wow certainly was - it was already making its way back over the cobbles to retrieve the key it dropped.

The Ursa Circus bounced and waved its paws in the air, then trotted ofer to the meow wow. "He looks like he's pretty okay," York said. "Nice to meet you; I'm York."

"I'm Alphonse Elric. Nice to meet you too."

He hesitated. There was always a chance that this person just really liked wearing armour, and it didn't have to imply anything else. "I don't know if -" he began to ask.

But he stopped and took a reflexive step back, cut off by a sudden metallic blur through the air in front of them; the Meow Wow had taken the Ursa Circus's approach as an invitation to play catch with its new toy, and missed.

"Hey! Be more careful, guys," York said. "You've gotta watch for people before you do that." He bent to scoop up the key. "What's this to, anyway?"

Bouncer wilted a bit, trying to make himself look small. This was roughly as successful as one would assume, given the ursa circus' size.

In contrast, the Meow Wow didn't seem to feel guilty at all - although its attempt to puff itself up after watching Bouncer deflate wasn't too successful either, seeing how it had been pretty rotund to begin with.

Al looked slightly embarrassed as he glanced over at the Spirits. "Geez, talk about getting carried away."

But at the question, he looked back up. "Oh, that? Honestly, probably nothing... I just made it. I'm an alchemist," he added quickly, gesturing towards the shallow little hole in the cobbles nearby by way of explanation. "Some ideas make a lot more sense when you just woke up."

"Oh. The dreams, huh? I wouldn't have thought of making an actual key." York wasn't sure that the keyhole could be opened with a normal key, even if they found it. Or it was a real thing.

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with the river's flow (open)

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wow I tense failed there

s'all good, i flipflop terribly X)

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