Autumn, November 22nd - Welcome To My World (Backdated)

[zenoh]

Text - Private to Blaze, Gale, & Satsuki

Good morning. I have something in mind that might interest you, so I'll make this brief. There is an event in the Dubai subarchway right now, a technology and cultural fair lasting for an entire year. I'm not sure if Troy had shown you this side of Dubai, so if you wish to see it, I'll gladly accompany you

[ In reality, it's Ayame who really wants to see Dubai again. Especially when she finds out this is a few years into her past, back to a time when she was still herself. Ayame couldn't do it on her own, so she feels having some company would help her cope with what she is about to dive into ]

Text - Public

[ Right after sending that text message, Ayame removes the filters and sends another message to the public, with the same topic of subarchways ]

Good morning, Genessia. I'd like to know which of you have subarchways leading to a place in your respective homeworlds. More importantly, if you would welcome visitors to them. I would just love to see new worlds and experience different things in my spare time here, so your answers would be appreciated.

Comments

[Closed] Dubai International Expo

[zenoh]

[ The city of Dubai and their friends at the Spiral Consortium spared no expense for this event. With the intent to bring the world's brightest minds and the wealthiest investors together, and to hopefully join forces and improve mankind's quality of life, the expo attracts visitors from all over the world. To match the amount of people, the city has created an entire compound just for it. The center and the very core of the compound is connected to every major pavilion in the expo via large walkways shaded by gigantic canopies of solar panels. Hovercraft trains and cars are provided for the guests, with a holographic pamphlet guide with a map and points of interests. There are numbers of things to find in the expo that Ayame doesn't even know where to start. From holographic entertainment, music and theatrical performances using robots, technological presentations on stages, and even a separate area for new military technology along with plenty more.

Ayame picked a simple outfit for this trip, to keep a low profile. Looking a little uneasy after talking to one of the expo workers and coming back with holographic wristlets, Ayame taps the shoulder of whoever she is with ]

Uhm, hey. Do I look okay?

[weavemyownfate]

[Satsuki doesn't have an issues with visiting subarchways; at the very least they're quite informative and often inspirational, but this time around she's more interested in hanging out with the more fashionable of the two of them.

The only issue, however, is that being so.. Casual isn't exactly one of her strongest talents. Wearing a simple ensamble herself and a shoulderbag on hand, her opposite shoulder being touched results in Satsuki jerking away in surprise.]

...

[Then attempting to not look embarrassed afterward.]

Yes. ... Are you feeling unwell?

[zenoh]

Ah, no no. I'm just not sure how black and white stripes look on me, is all...

[ Ayame adds a weary half-smile and a tilt of her head. Watching a documentary about how zebras use their black and white stripes as camouflage in the desert has made her think of giving this trick a shot. Anything that would make her stand out less and have to talk to people she knows. She gives Satsuki a glance to inspect what the other is wearing, and she is astonished at how well Satsuki looks. A simple combination is almost always a better look than having too much "noise", like accessories or colors. ]

You look wonderful. I'm almost intimidated standing right next to you.

[ Having a bit to drink has made Ayame's more playful side surface, as evident in the small smile she made right after. She does mean that, though. She feels that Satsuki should give herself more credit in the looks department. ]

[weavemyownfate]

I can't help but find that a bit odd; given your profession shouldn't you be the most confident in your appearance? You do not appear any less stylish than usual to me.

[It isn't immediately obvious to Satsuki that Ayame has had a sip or two of the good stuff, but she doesn't really mind the more playful side either way- she just still isn't very comfortable with being touched. As for the compliment given, Satsuki can't help but look more confident than usual with a small smile in return.]

Well, I could still stand to learn a thing or two from you. On the other hand it would be more efficient to hire you as a planner- if something like that would interest you at least.

Let's pretend I wasn't crazy stupid late whoops

[orlokbutterfly]

[It didn't take Gale very long to get there. The most he had to do before getting to the subarchway was that he had to make sure his dogs were tended to for a while. It was a good thing that Ivy and Gunner were so well behaved.

And it's not like Gale dressed up for special trips, so he just dresses the same as he always does with that same brown coat and thigh-high boots. The idea of going to Dubai was almost weird without Troy around, but eh. Odd feelings were to be expected in this case.

He was casually flipping through stupid apps on his phone until he felt a tap on his shoulder, making him glance over. His eyebrows lifted slightly and he turned fully, pocketing his phone.]

Lookin' good, kid. You really have a different outfit for every occasion, huh?

[zenoh]

So much that I need a new apartment as extra closet space.

[ Ayame huffs with a little shake of her head, taking out a flask from her purse to take a few gulps. Being called "kid" just feels weird, especially when they're the same age. But she can't blame Gale entirely. Ayame looks pretty young for her age.

But enough about that. Ayame hands Gale a wristlet as his "ticket" to use for things all over the expo grounds ]

That's what you're going to use to get through gates. But we're not going to need that. I have someplace else in mind... Follow me

[ Ayame pauses to put her flask away, motioning Gale to follow her outside of the main canopy ]

How long has it been since you've flown?

[ Just outside is a open field with parked experimental aircraft for people to rent and take for a "test drive" ]

[orlokbutterfly]

[Poor Ayame gets the same treatment as everyone eles Gale talks to. She could be twice his age and he'd still lovingly call her 'kid'.

Gale takes the wristlet in hand and admires it a little before putting it on, following after her.]

Well, I've been stuck in this place for over a year, so it's been at least 13 months. So unless you count flight sims and arcade games, I haven't gotten to taste the sky in a while.

[ghostofrazgriz]

[Blaze was a little bit late due to work, but he'd hurried to the archway as quickly as he could. Or rather, as quickly as he could while holding a cat on a motorcycle. Once in the city, he looked around the area while holding the little fluffball that is Sisko in his arms. He quickly looked over his shoulder when he felt the tap, then smiled sheepishly.]

Wow. You look great.

[Sisko gives a meow. The puff ball agrees!]

I'm sorry I'm late. Were you waiting long?

[zenoh]

No, no. I was here only about five minutes ago, and thank you.

[ Ayame shakes her head before nodding in appreciation to that compliment, with Hibiki's head poking out of her purse and meowing in response to Sisko ]

Oh, and this is Hibiki by the way. I found him as a stray on Fayren.

[ "Come on", she urged the cat who was too lazy to leave the comfort of the purse. But Ayame insisted by pulling him out of there to walk. Hibiki only pawed on Ayame's ankle, as if to beg to be put back in the purse ]

I figured he could use a friend. He's been acting a little depressed.

[ghostofrazgriz]

[Blaze smiled, looking down at Hibiki. He really had a soft spot for cats, and Hibiki was adorable.]

Nice to meet you, Hibiki.

[He knelt down and set Sisko down nearby Hibiki, the munchkin cat staring before cautiously wandering over to the other cat. He stared and sniffed before meowing at Hibiki. Hello friend!

Blaze watched the two, still kneeling just in case they didn't want to get along. He glanced up to Ayame.]

Is it okay for them to be here?

[koishi_komeiji]

A familiar little satori's face popped up shortly after the text went out.

"Hello Miss! Remember me?" Koishi was absolutely all smiles. "I have a sub-archway. It goes to my home in old hell. It's really big!" An understatement. It was easily one of the largest sub archways. If not the largest. Though it was mostly empty.

"A bunch of oni live there. They have really good food and alcohol. Sometimes sis has parties there too. We live in Chireiden, but since Okuu isn't here with us we can't light the furnaces of old hell. So its really really cold."

[zenoh]

"That place sounds quite interesting, Koishi. I have the urge to see it for myself now." Ayame smiles to pause briefly. "Though oni are an unscrupulous folk, it has been quite some time since I had a taste of sake. One of the supernatural sort. I hope they won't mind sharing"

[koishi_komeiji]

"Of course not. The more people the better the party. Just be careful. They get really really rowdy sometimes and they might hurt a human by accident." A pause. "And don't get into any fights. If you win other oni will want a turn too. Just decline as politely as you can."

Text; Private

[ghostofrazgriz]

[Before, Blaze probably would have politely refused out of having work to do in Attleton, but after he was knocked out of commission for a while he has surprisingly come to realize he does need to relax once in a while. And, well, he would be interested in going back to Dubai.]

I wouldn't mind going. From what Troy said about it, a technology fair for that city sounds interesting.

[zenoh]

[ Ayame remembers well how Blaze was in need of a vacation, so this offer is not only to help herself, but him too. That's what Ayame thought. It's mostly for herself ]

I see. I just didn't want want to pry you away from your duties with this sudden invitation. But it is an event held once every six years, so this is a rare opportunity.

Where are you right now?

[ghostofrazgriz]

It's fine. I've hit a snag with my current job. I think I need to get out and clear my head before I can make anymore headway on it.

[He could feel himself getting a little frustrated, and he of all people knew that keeping a clear head was key in many operations.]

I'm still in Attleton right now.

Text; Private

[orlokbutterfly]

What? You askin' me out on a date, hun?

[One could almost see Gale's cheeky grin with that message. Dammit Gale.]

Sure, I'll tag along. It's fun comparin' technology from other places with what I came from.

Speakin' of, I got an archway open to one of the cities back from my home. Only have it open out of necessity for me, but I don't care if anyone decides they want to hit it up sometime.

[So long as no one runs into two particular military ladies there and tells them of his existence. That would be awkward.]

[zenoh]

[ Ayame is amused by Gale's antics that she gives a grinning huff in response ]

Yes, it's a date... If you can magically turn into a beautiful woman right now.

Where is your subarchway located? What is it like?

[orlokbutterfly]

[...oh. Oh. Ohhhhh. No wonder his flirts seem to go no where.]

Dammit. I should have known my sister would be a bigger chick magnet than I am.

It's in Nova City. It's the self-proclaimed "military and tech hub" where I come from. Big transforming robots were invented there.

[Video]

[psychic_supremecy]

[Mewtwo was meditating when he responded to the request, with the camera orbiting around him.].

You're more than welcome to visit my gate in Fayren, though I do not recommend a long stay. The atmosphere is thin, making it difficult for humans to spend protracted periods of time here.

[Text]

[zenoh]

Understood. But what does your subarchway gate lead to? Are there no humans where you are from?

[Text]

[psychic_supremecy]

It is a place known as 'Lake Purity' in my world. And there are humans, but the lake is located at the top of one of the tallest mountains in the world. I chose that spot both for its natural boundaries and the thin atmosphere makes it difficult for humans to reach.

The humans of my world are safer away from me.

[video]

[hellish_butler]

Are you planning to go sight-seeing?

I own a subarchway in Everglade. It's a mansion from the time period during Queen Victoria. If you like to come by and visit, I can give you a tour, and you can have afternoon tea and play with the cats on my estate. However, it's ideal to visit during the daytime starting morning, and I only visit my manor during the weekends.

[zenoh]

Sight-seeing, yes.

[ Ayame gives a polite nod to confirm. Afternoon tea and cats are totally a huge bonus to a Victorian-era mansion ]

I've always been fond of older things over the more modern and futuristic places I'm familiar with, so this trip should be interesting. I'm grateful for your offer. And since my shop is closed during Sundays, that would be a perfect time as well.

[ Ayame wonders why there's a preference over morning hours, but it's a thought that she didn't linger on. It could just be a schedule preference ]

[hellish_butler]

[Her wonder and curiosity on the morning hours preference is answered with his warning.]

You have to let me know if you're coming in advance. Everglade is dangerous at night if you're not aware of their laws, so you can't stay for long beyond evening hours. It's dangerous that a Mr. Namur made an escort protection service for that reason.

[Still, he smiled at a promise of a new friend to join him for tea times and to enjoy the scenery.]

The manor is usually a lot of better during spring and summer when the season is warm to appreciate the roses and the flowers in the garden. Then I can have tea outdoors, but with all the snow piling all over the estate, it's most likely we'll have tea indoors.