☆Move 1☆

[machiavellingly]

☆Who: Lelouch Vi Britannia
☆Where: Fountain
☆When: Daytime, Wednesday
☆Status: Open

[Violet eyes open slowly, he's staring up at what (at first) he thinks is a clear blue sky, but it isn't. His brows furrow a little. He struggles, he's soaked to the bone and he gasps as he pulls himself out of a strange fountain and collapses onto the ground next to it. He clutches at his chest.

He remembered pain. He remembered the pain he had caused others, both from where he sat on the throne and from the seat of his knightmare frame. The sword of justice was double-edged and he'd tasted both for better and for worse -- despite this, despite his atrocities and his triumphs, those he murdered and waged war for... the beat of his heart is steady. There is no wound. There is no pain.

Trembling slender fingertips go to his chest and feels along it where he's entirely all too certain he had been pierced by Suzaku's blade. There isn't even any torn fabric on his elaborate Emperor robes.



His eyes widen, he inhales a quick breath and he looks around himself. It isn't frantic but he feels his chest tighten -- what happened? Where is he? Is he alive? This surely cannot be the afterlife! There was (supposedly) a consciousness one joined after death; but, had he not been fortunate enough to be counted among them? No, of course not, this could be his own private hell for all he knew. After the crimes he had committed he should expect whatever deity there was would severely punish him. He notices a ... starfish... thing and a welcoming brochure -- the more he reads the more upset he becomes. Well isn't this fortunate?



He feels a bit dizzy but forces himself to stand to his feet. What in the hell is this kind of place? Vatheon? He must be dead, he wants to be convinced of that and he doesn't want to have to start a whole new fight for survival. But he just might have to at this point. He is trapped with no way home, unsure of if anyone he knows might be here and he may be completely powerless -- or maybe he'll have some power left. He'll have to test it.

The starfish is a communication device is it? He'll have to greet whatever network he assumes there is later. For now he needs to adjust to his surroundings and get a feel for this place. He'd curse out loud but bites his tongue instead -- so much for remaining unassuming in these robes. He needs to take care of that first.]

Comments

[chokmahemperor]

[Intuition is a picky thing, as far as Peony's concerned.

He knows the curse has been in effect for a couple days, and the fairies are probably part of it--the timing fits. Zelos has been absent from the club, and he's just dismissed that as being related to how the curse is working for him. Now, the problem with being able to assess much beyond that is due to Peony having basically shut himself in his room because of ~ideas~. Needless to say, there are a couple new costumes waiting for victims models.

Fairy flitting by his shoulder, Peony pauses his search for the time being; the plaza's at least a good place to go over where he hasn't looked (truth be told, this is also a good way to wile away the time; it doesn't hurt that he is a little concerned for his all-too-peppy "boss").

Hands on his hips, Peony's lips press into a thin flat line; he's stumped. Unless Zelos has locked himself away somewhere (in which case, he's inclined to respect the redhead's privacy), he's not sure where else to check. Maybe up on the island or something...? But those thoughts cut off because oh hey! New person, from the looks of 'em! A grin replaces the off-set line, and the Malkuthian jogs the distance from where he'd stopped to halt a few feet from the newcomer by the fountain. The expression falters only for a second during a cursory once-over, but it comes straight back.

Look, Peony is secretly the emperor of all things fabulous, you can't really blame him.

He holds out a hand; kid looks like he could use it.]

See you've gotten the usual "Welcome to Vatheon" routine already.

[No, it is not impossible for a man in his mid-late thirties to be this chipper. He will break every rule about that.]

[machiavellingly]

[At first Lelouch isn't sure what to think. But he has to play the part, start over, act as though he's adjusting quickly even if he's internally throwing a fit. He replaces his concern with an amiable smile, inwardly reluctant to take his hand -- but he does anyway.

It's through shaking hands he catches sight of the tattoo visible on his right one. He's been marked already -- so it'll be difficult to infiltrate the close circle of people who actually belong here.]

Apparently. It must be typical for many people to arrive in the fountain, then. At least Vatheon has a sense of humor. I am Lelouch Lamperouge -- and you are?

[chokmahemperor]

[Oh, Lelouch; you're over-thinking things! Well, to an extent.]

Something like that.

[The blond man's grin turns a little wry.]

For sake of ease, just call me Peony. The whole thing's kind of a mouthful. Some people land in the fountain, others don't. I just remember wandering in a daze before another displaced person helped me out, a few months ago.

[He hasn't bothered keeping track, clearly. But his expression shifts to one that's almost a wince while he thinks on it a second.]

Hopefully the sea water hasn't ruined the fabric you're wearing. Not too sure something that ornate would survive the wash.

[terribubblykoi]

Looks like someone else took a dive!

[ Feferi had really just been passing by, but other people popping up in the fountain was a distinct novelty to her still. Investigating the situation, she's actually kind of impressed with how utterly ridiculous the human looks.

Given her own fashion choices, she really shouldn't be passing judgement on Lelouch, though. ]

Hee hee, you alright over there?

[machiavellingly]

Yes, I'm fine, thank you.

[What on earth... is this weird... thing? It's not human by the looks of it. Frankly, he's never encountered anything quite as strange looking as this... girl? Yes, he thinks it's a girl.]

Ah, and who might you be?

[terribubblykoi]

Feferi Peixes, the Alternian abdicated Empress to be. Don't worry, you don't need to prostrate your soppy wet self or anything.

[ Definitely a girl, if with a few odd features she still has the voice and manner of a young and terribly curious teenager. ]

But it's rude to not share who you are before you ask.

placeholder! I will be able to tag more later. :3

[dualbladewarrior]

I believe you missed the towels.

[The curt voice comes from the of the very-much-not-dead-emperor, followed by a hand holding out the item he spoke of - a simple, but very fluffy and warm blue towel.

The teen handing it to him can't be more than eighteen at most, but he holds himself with an air of surprising confidence, his other hand moving to push up silver framed glasses higher on his nose.

The job of welcoming committee wasn't one Hubert usually partook in, but in passing by on his way to work he couldn't help but catch the irritated scowl and the overall aura of upset contemplation on the new arrival's face.

Nearby, his dimly lit fairy bobbled about in the air, keeping a bit of distance between itself and it's owner.]

I'm afraid whatever you may be thinking in regards to escape aren't going to get you very far. Frustrating though it may be, this place is home until the coral decides to send you away.

Bwahahah

[machiavellingly]

[He turns his attention to this... man, who isn't much younger than he is. Lelouch is only nineteen -- and he doesn't suppose he can be much older or younger than he is. He accepts the towel gratefully and smiles, though irritated and quickly realizes this one is smart. This one knows the cogs are turning. But it's better to feign innocence and ignorance than it is to openly admit to anything.

He'd learned that a long time ago.]



Thank you. It's an instinctual reaction, don't you think? No one wants to be caught in a place they can't get out of.

[Any trace of his upset is gone. He his charisma if nothing else.]

I am Lelouch Lamperouge and to whom do I owe the pleasure?

>D

[dualbladewarrior]

[Feigning ignorance is fine for the time being. New arrivals, unless they start out violent and unruly, don't tend to catch the extended attention of the Defense Force.

Hubert just actually feels like being sociable for once, is all.]

I agree, and I don't blame you for that in the slightest. I was none too happy about the predicament myself, but it's been months past for me.

[He doesn't exactly smile, but the teen's expression does brighten some at the introduction.]

Lieutenant Hubert Ozwell, formerly of the Strahta Military. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lamperouge.

[poisoncount]

[And Cain's newly acquired elegant suit is splashed on as Lelouch falls into the fountain. He doesn't look happy about the fact and sighs.]

Just what I needed...

[machiavellingly]

[Well, it's not like he's happy about being here either you know. And he's been out of that fountain for quite a while now, sir.]

I beg your pardon?

[He's still wringing out the ends of his robes but trying his best to keep an even tone.]

okay, now that I have hit that permissions post:

[relinquishing]

[Guy had been tucked away in the Welcoming Committee's office, so he doesn't catch the young man falling into the fountain - going two days without proper sleep while trying to help two other incredibly distraught people was affecting how observant he was getting... and, well, how observant he was just choosing to be. The golden-yellow fairy hovering around his face certainly wasn't helping, either. He was snapping a little more than he needed to, finding the patience he held onto so strongly now starting to wear thin. But with new people still trickling in... well, it's not like manners just disappeared because of a few hard days.

The extravagant clothes are hard to miss once he finally steps foot out the door. Watching the raven-haired boy make a shaky rise to his feet, the first thought in Guy's head is nobility, or at least someone with the personal aura of a similar nature. A little proud and observant.

But hey, he's been surprised before.

He'll just slip right back into the office to grab a towel and swing it over shoulder before trotting his way over, an easy smile slipped on his face.]

Hey, you alright? Looks like you took a tumble.

<3!!!

[machiavellingly]

[How funny it would be if he knew the truth about Guy. Well, he's right but Lelouch isn't about to tell him anything, dazed and confused as he still is -- it's furthest from his mind to flaunt it. He'll stick to his story and make sure no one finds out the truth as long he's here for as long as possible.

Others might show up from his own world and he doesn't want that.]




Ah... I suppose you could say that. [He tries his best to shrug it off and smile about it. He accepts the towel gratefully and goes about drying his hair.] Thank you. I am Lelouch Lamperouge and you are?

p-p-p-placeholder...

[oursomalink]

[ Shing himself is at the fountain, sighing quietly -- part of him wonders if it was luck that he'd managed to avoid the worst of the curse so far, or if he was going to be struck with it himself later this week. In either case, he's slightly on edge after seeing what it was doing to several of his friends.

... for all his alertness, though, he wasn't quite expecting to suddenly get drenched after sitting at the fountain for several odd minutes.

... REALLY odd minutes once he's done coughing up water and staring at the newcomer. What was this guy wearing? It looked like he'd fought a losing battle with church draperies or something...

In any case, he takes a few moments to disappear, returning with some towels for himself and the newcomer as he approaches, holding the towel out to Lelouch. ]

Hey, you okay? I'm gonna guess you just arrived, right...?

HUSBANDO /o/

[machiavellingly]

[He didn't lose the battle, he won and they submitted gladly. Ignore the eyes on his drapes everywhere, please and yes mother knoweth he doth weareth them. ]

...No, I was just going for a pleasant swim.

[There's a very forced smile there after he manages to recover -- frankly no one enjoys sea water and Lelouch enjoys being wet about as much as a house cat.]

In all seriousness, yes, I did. And you're a resident, I assume?

[spiria]

[ Oooohhh boy. Here we go again.

By now, Kohaku was used to seeing new people in this place. It always happened around the same time, too ... so, of course, upon seeing a soaking wet man in the plaza, she went to her usual routine of welcoming the new guy.

She went to fetch a towel ...

... and then she went to fetch the newbie.

By which we mean she started to approach him, towel in hand. Right now was kind of a rough time for a lot of people, both new citizens of the city and old alike, what with this curse going around. ]

Here. You look like you could use this.

[ She held the towel out to him, putting on a smile and trying to be about as welcoming as she could be. After all, who wouldn't want to be reached out to by someone with a smile after being thrown into a world they didn't know existed?

And that was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. ]

[machiavellingly]

[This girl... this girl looks similar to his mother and it makes him pause for several long moments. No, it's not her, Marianne is dead -- she was dead to him the instant she made her decision to destroy everything.

But he can't let any of that show to a stranger. So he just feigns kindness, gratefulness, even.]



I suppose I could, couldn't I? Thank you, miss...?

[But it does make him wonder who she is. She seems so kind. Seems, at least but she could (like he does) have ulterior motives. Never trust a kind face or those who go out of their way for others.

Everyone has a hidden agenda.]

[beauchevalier]

[Despite being inflicted with the curse for this week, Angelo had been handling it well for himself and even upon his return to the city from the island he acts as if it doesn't bother him. However as if wanting to get his mind off the curse, he spots someone by the fountain and it appears to be a new person at that, so the templar walks over towards Lelouch. The other may notice when the man speaks, he has a bit of a British accent to his voice.]

It's been awhile since we've had new arrivals. Have fun swimming in the fountain, new person?

[machiavellingly]

[ Well aren't you just a basket of kittens and puppies? For that remark, he could strangle you, but he won't -- people can't help but make jokes at the newcomers' expense, can they? Tch. Well, at least he has the ability to let it slide.]

More than I could handle. It was a shame I had to get out.

[It's sarcastic -- but he tries to sound amused. He succeeds mostly with his expression.]

I am Lelouch Lamperouge, and you are?

the wonders of copy + paste

[pactum]

[ It's par for the course, these days, that Ciel should make frequent trips around the plaza area. He has to do his own shopping now, after all. In fact, he's holding a parcel now in his right hand, gloved fingers curled around the handle of a bag.

It's the robes that catch his eye as he crosses near the fountain. He looks more carefully, and there is instant recognition. He remembers Lelouch quite well--couldn't let himself forget him; after all, he'd witnessed something quite personal, and Ciel likes to keep tabs on people who know things about him. ]

Quite an ensemble. It must be heavy. [ Waterlogged, those garments must weigh something ridiculous. It's a stately thing, to be sure; far from unassuming. The list of people who might ostensibly wear such clothing is a short one. Lelouch may have just gotten a bit more interesting. ]

Do you know where you are?

Re: the wonders of copy + paste

[machiavellingly]

[And of course Lelouch has no idea who Ciel is. Instantly he recognizes his level of intelligence by the words he chooses, his visible eye is focused and he's very catty for looking so young. Normally he'd be incredibly annoyed (and usually he is with children) but there's something endearing about a half blind, half-pint nobleman making fun of his robes. Or it's just amusing him, really.]



Incredibly so. [He represses a shiver and his tone his somewhat dry but he smiles anyway. Be cordial. Be unruffled. This boy just wants a rise out of you doesn't he?] I've been told this is Vatheon.

[A pause, assessing, thinking.]

I am Lelouch Lamperouge, and you would be...?

Guess who's late.

[pierrotdemonique]

[ He's not one to judge Lelouch's fashion choices either. I mean, look at him. But anyway, not the point. He was minding his own business, highly amused by the sudden fears popping up here and there all over the network when suddenly -- it also happens to be time for newbies.

Call it his random "good deed for the millenia in hopes of learning something useful about the newbies" thing when a towel is offered to you from the tip of a cane. ]

I'd assume you would want one of these?

Fashionably late!! u////u

[machiavellingly]

[Well, Lelouch might be the fruitcake and the whole Christmas Tree... but he's just found the whole goddamn NorthPole from the looks of this guy.

He watches him for a moment, replacing his... well, what is this emotion? Confusion? Shock? Amusement? All three? He looks like a strange portly gentleman on his way to a costume party. The stockings (which are a horrible choice he inwardly thinks), the shoes, the hat -- just . Everything. But he feigns a smile.

He can't really be one to talk, either, with what he's wearing.]



Yes, thank you. [He accepts the towel and begins to dry out his hair, peering up at Mephisto -- peculiar man.] I am Lelouch Lamperouge and you are?

Sorry this is a bit late ;-;

[runbysmiles]

[ Sora had been walking by when he saw the newest arrival pulling themselves out of the fountain. So that's what it looked like. He walked over after the newest arrival got a bearing on his surroundings. ]

Hey! I guess you're new here. I'm Sora. Welcome to Vatheon.

[ He smiled brightly. Yeah this place wasn't always the most ideal for people, but they were all stuck here together so might as well make the most of it. ]

no no it's fine!!! ;w;

[machiavellingly]

[Lelouch is still adjusting -- between how different everyone looks, everyone talks and what worlds they're used to... well, he can hardly imagine where this spiky haired protagonist hails from.]

So I am. I am Lelouch Lamperouge... and thank you.

[He isn't trying to be rude when he wrings out his robes, he doesn't want to walk around or talk to anyone really while he's sopping wet. But it's not exactly a choice anymore with how many people have approached him.]

Where are you from, if I'm allowed to ask?