Ichigo [Action/Video]

[theonewithsixeyes]

[That wasn't right. When Allen became aware of the first vague sensations of consciousness nipping at him, his eyes snapped open, and clarity returned to him. This wasn't right at all. His eyes focused, and the first thing he saw was the roof of a cavern. The first thing he heard, the sloshing of water. He could take account of his other senses as well, but by this point it wouldn't tell him anything he wanted to. Instead, he took account of his own body- made sure everything was still working- and then used one hand to push himself up from the bed of the cocoon, catching the box that was sitting on his chest in the other in a smooth, reactive motion that could have been mistaken for unconscious.

A bed- no, a cocoon? As he pried himself from it and stepped into the water filling the Bay, finding himself up to his heels in it, a whole host of questions crossed his mind, many with answers he didn't like. But he supposed he should get more information before he pursued THOSE lines of thought any further, or else they could lead down dark roads. Best not to jump to conclusions... even if that's what he really wanted to do right now.

He finally turned his attention to the box and pried it open, tucking the lid under the same arm holding the box while he examined the contents. He plucked out the walkie-talkie first, and took a moment to examine it- thoroughly, the hand holding it bursting open into a mass of metallic tendrils, each ended with a different device to prod and hook and pick apart the device- there was even an Ammeter in there somewhere. Ultimately; Rudimentary but functional, he concluded on the device, his hand folding back into it's original shape- and taking the walkie-talkie with it, absorbing it into his body. He knew how it worked in detail now, replicating it's functions wouldn't be an issue.

He briefly glanced over the gold necklace, studded with a large red jewel and numerous other smaller ones, and then chose to pick out the pamphlet. Huh. They wanted him to know they brought him here?

It didn't take long to flip through it. How kind of them to provide the walkie-talkie! He took a second look at the necklace though, now that he knew it's purpose as a transport vessel and an identifier- and took a moment to wrap it around his wrist like a bracelet, snapping it shut and letting it hang there. Then last of all, he took the money and stuffed it into his coat's pocket, mumbling, "Thanks for room and board, I guess." Then he chucked the box and it's lid back to the cocoon, and at last, made his way out of the Bay.


Upon stumbling across the magazine rack, he cocked an eyebrow. "Sure stands out, but I guess that's the point."

As Weiss' message played out to full, he dug through the magazines at the rack, giving them cursory glances. Safer than home, huh? He could believe it. But that didn't mean it was more exciting that way. The message ended and he put the magazines back, taking in his surroundings, and considered making his way to Nova City. But first, he figured he'd put the video capabilities of that walkie-talkie to the test by posing a question to the greater populace who'd already arrived, raising an empty hand and allowing a camera lens to form on it's palm- HD Video, here we come! He'd already recorded the frequency it was broadcasting on, so the rest came neatly.]

[Video]

Getting into the Christmas spirit, everyone? [He laughs to himself, but you can tell from his face he's not in the best place mentally. A little red under the eyes.]

So, can anyone give me a read on how outdated Ms. Schnee's little info relay out here is? You know, if anyone's gotten any closer on how to get home or not. Just need to know if I'm here for the short-term or the long haul, you know?

[He briefly is out of focus, giving anyone viewing a view of a boot attached to a leg- after all, the camera is in his hand, as opposed to being carried by it. Not that the viewer would know. Then it shifts focus to his face again.]

Nice place you've got here.

Comments

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[orlokbutterfly]

[Gale must have made it a habit to come by the Bay every now and then to see if there were any newcomers he could potentially harass help, always decked out in the pilot suit (which was always complete with wires in his neck). His incident with Ib certainly helped that, but that was more on the 'entertaining himself' side of things. He was accompanied by a tiny german shepherd puppy, who seemed to notice Allen faster than Gale himself, and took off from Gale's side to greet Allen with a tiny bark. He gave a small frown, so much for training him to be a guard dog right now. But he'll let the pup have its fun and call over to Allen.]

You're lookin' kinda lost over there, pretty boy.

[theonewithsixeyes]

[He closes his hand around the lens in his hand briefly, concealing it- though notably not cutting off the actual transmission, meaning there was audio for anyone listening. As the little dog came his way, he smiled and crouched down to pet it, cooing things like 'Hey there!' and ultimately making cute-voiced commentary toward the dog. Then Gale arrived, and he looked up at the man.]

Yeah, you could say that. But I imagine that's normal around these parts, what with the whole 'getting kidnapped from one's own world'.

[orlokbutterfly]

[He takes a couple steps closer but still stops a reasonable distance away. Mostly he's just keeping an eye on Gunner, as the little puppy keeps hopping up and licking at Allen's hand. Gale lazily points towards the Bay entrance.]

It's normal after waking up in there, certainly. I'm surprised so many people take 'waking up in a pod and being told they were kidnapped to another world' so well.

[Not to say he didn't take it well, of course. Surely not. He was totally cool about it.]

[theonewithsixeyes]

I'll be honest, I'm not. [Allen laughs, taking a moment to pet the dog again. He's smiling, but there's definitely something behind that smile.]

I just... figured freaking out and screaming my lungs out and raising hell wouldn't solve anything. I've got a lot of people back home I'm missing right now. I've... got kids, even. I'm sitting here wondering if they're all okay. Wondering if something hasn't happened to the ones I love the same that's happened to me. And I miss them all and I'm worried to death.

But tearing this place up won't do anything for them. As hard as it is, I should probably keep a level head, until I can find the way home.

[orlokbutterfly]

'least you're takin' it better than others then. [He nods towards Weiss' hologram.] That was broken recently because someone lost their head.

[He does understand Allen's fears to an extent, though someone would be hard pressed to notice that since his eyes were covered by that mask. He shrugs and folds his arms over his chest.]

If you can put any stock in what that Weiss girl told me when I got here, then you won't have to worry about anyone at home. Something about alternate timelines or whatever, some kind of gibberish, but general consensus is that our home worlds and inhabitants are fine. Nothin's gonna happen without you if that's what you're worried about.

[Of course, Gale himself is still constantly fearing for Lala, but there's not much he can do about it.]

[theonewithsixeyes]

Well, not all of us can be so calm.

At least if that's the case though, I'm at least a little relieved. I've seen a lot of weird things at home, so I wouldn't be too surprised... but I still miss them.

[He finally stood up, looking to Gale, and taking full note of the man's suit. There was definitely something going on there- a direct-to-pilot interface, judging from the wires in his neck.] I'm Allen, new guy on the block. Nice to meet you.

[orlokbutterfly]

[He shrugged again.]

Who knows, maybe you'll get a familiar face here eventually. People seem to run into people they know from home sometimes. I haven't had that luxury myself, but at the same time I don't think I want to.

[He hesitated before reached up and took off his mask.]

Name's Gale Reinhardt. Pleasure. [He nods down towards the puppy, who barks again.] He's Gunner.

[theonewithsixeyes]

Heyyy there buddy. Nice to meet you too, Gunner. [Allen bends over to pet the puppy, smiling at it. Then he rises up and puts his hands on his hips.] So, what do you do around these parts?

[As he was saying this, he took the moment to examine the mask. It was solid, no clear cut eyeholes- some kind of visor? Mechanical, maybe? Best not to pry, though.]

[orlokbutterfly]

[Gunner gave another yap as he sat down between the two and constantly turned his head between Allen and Gale. Gale looked down at him with a slight smirk before he looked back to Allen.]

Bounty hunting, primarily. It's one of the only good sources of excitement I can get around here. Rest of my time either goes to night clubs, arcades or slogging through work for Nova City's major technological firm.

[The latter pays though, so he can't complain too loudly.]

Video~

[skilledwithwords]

[Levy flicks on her phone with a soft smile on her lips and a slight laugh in her tone. There really is no helping the decorations.]

I'm sorry to say it seems like the long haul but there are a few people looking into it. [At least they aren't doing nothing.]

Do you like Christmas? I've been planning a Christmas party... which was before the decorations. [Though the decorations make her job a little easier.]

[theonewithsixeyes]

I'll be here for a while then, huh? [A beat. Then he sighs.]

Yeah. I was actually making some Christmas plans of my own, but I guess I'll have to accommodate for the new locale. If you're in need of a chef or catering for your party, I'd like to help out. It would give me something to do at least, and take my mind off home.

Though, I should probably introduce myself before jumping into things like that. I'm Allen. Just Allen, no last name- though I could probably make one if that'd be more convenient.

[skilledwithwords]

I'm Levy and there is no last name needed.

[Her smile is wide and sincere, however, as she continues her smile breaks into a nervous grin.]

Would you? I admit I'm not the most skilled cook. [The thing she makes are eatable but it's nothing fancy or party worthy. Her masterpiece is pasta with whatever she can find in the fridge.]

I can pay you too![Of course because not paying would be mean and not fair.]

[theonewithsixeyes]

No need to worry about payment for now, I've got those 'starter funds' from the starter kit to hold me over for now. I'd be glad just to provide. Though, it also means new opportunities for input on my meals, and that's enough for me. I run a restaurant back home, so I'd be glad for you to try some of the recipes.

[He's smiling more now, at the least. Finding the good even in the bad; He might not be home, but he could at least make good use of his time.]

[skilledwithwords]

[Levy has a lot of money, though it's mostly by accident that she does.]

It's really no trouble. I own a bookstore in Fayren, so I have plenty to get by.

[Plus she has a roommate which always helps with costs. The only thing she really spends her money on is food and books.]

I have the party set for the 23rd. Can you come over before then so I can see what you're going to make? You can also get used to the kitchen.

[theonewithsixeyes]

No problem! Though... [Pause, as he visibly looks around.] You might have to give me directions. Fresh off the boat here, and all. Though if you give me an address, the rest will probably come naturally. I'll pick up some things from the store on the way there, so I can show you what I've got in mind.

[skilledwithwords]

[Levy's smile broke before reforming once more.]

How about I meet you there? I can show you around and I'd rather pay for the supplies.

[At least if its for a test run, the good news is that she'll have dinner!]

[theonewithsixeyes]

That works too! I'm in no rush to go anywhere, so I can hang out until you get here. I'll just look around and see if I can find anyone to talk to. See you when you get here?

Video --> action

[skilledwithwords]

Yeah, I live nearby so I'll be there in ten.

[Levy collects her bag and then makes her that everything is in place before leaving the house. Tepig makes weird annoyed noise that she's leaving but she tosses him a treat hoping it might make up for it. It's not a long walk, only a few blocks away and since Levy walks a lot she's learned to do so quickly.

When she arrives she looks around for the boy she remembers from the video.]

Hello!

[She smiles brightly at him, with a warm winter coat pulled around her thin frame.]

video;

[firefandance]

It's probably still not outdated. Information about how to get home still is none existent and no one seems at all close to finding that out.

As much as it might hurt to hear that, I felt I should at least say this might be long term. I mean it's possible it might not, but we can't really be certain.

Re: video;

[theonewithsixeyes]

Well, thank you for filling me in. It might not be good news, but at least it lets me know what to prepare for. If I'm gonna stay I should at least get comfy, right?

video;

[firefandance]

Of course, if you have some idea already then it should be easy enough. If not however you can stay at the inn until you do.

Re: video;

[theonewithsixeyes]

I think I might. I'll look around for a little more, but I'll find my way to the inn afterwards. Thank you for the offer!

video;

[firefandance]

Your welcome. it's my job to help after all. But if you have questions, I am happy to answer them while you look.

Re: video;

[theonewithsixeyes]

Thank you for the offer. I'm actually surprised, everyone has been surprisingly helpful since I got here. I guess kidnapees have to stick together, huh? [He smirks, humming to himself thoughtfully.] Well, I guess it's easier to get along when the population is smaller.

I should introduce myself at this point; I'm Allen. Nice to meet you!

video;

[firefandance]

I guess that is the best way to put it really. Sticking together for what could be a similar goal.

I'm Yukiko Amagi.