[Action] -> [Video] -> [MOAR ACTION!]

[leekspins]

Orihime stared blankly at the little box on her knees. The key was new, but most everything else she'd seen before. Her head felt thick, packed with cotton, and she was wildly disoriented. She'd been in this bay before. She knew what it was called. It was dark this time, with cool breezes sweeping into the cavern -- a marked contrast to the summer sunlight reflected blindingly from the shallow water.

She gave her head a shake and her eyes a good hard blink, then finally settled for just jumping feet-first from her cocoon perch and into the Bay, dipping her hand in the water to splash it on her face.

"Ah!" Cold! But it seemed to snap her senses more firmly into place. Genessia! That was the name of this place, she remembered! Granted she hadn't been here all that long, but she remembered trying to find dragons in Fayren (and failing), and doing a lot of baking for the Lady Maribelle.

...Baking...

...

"AHHHHH! I overslept! I'm late for work!!" The panic was even more effective at shaking off the brain fog of sleep, and the thought of Maribelle's fury filled her with energy. She dashed noisily through the bay water that soaked the hem of her skirt and shoes, darted past Weiss's hologram as it began to flicker to life, and into the streets of the city beyond.

Maribelle would never accept excuses, and Orihime had none to give. What was she supposed to say? 'Sorry I'm late, I think I was in a coma or something ha ha!' Why had she appeared back in the Bay? It didn't make sense.

She scarcely noticed the rain as she pelted through puddles and beneath dripping streetlamps, frantic to reach her destination. She was harried by her frantic thoughts. What should she say? How would she explain it when she knew so little herself?

Nearly skidding around the last street corner, she came to a breathless stop before the Tea Time Cafe. It was dark inside, the patio furniture withdrawn, the 'CLOSED' sign leaning against the inside of the window. She was too late for work, and had missed the entire day. The whole day, just gone! "Ahhhhhhh I'm so sorry..." Orihime breathed to no one at all present. Her forehead came to rest against the wall of the building with a pathetic, guilty thump. What should she do now? She could use the device, she supposed, to call her employer and let her know about the unusual circumstances she found herself in.

Raising her head, she glanced at the sign, then furrowed her brow.

It didn't say 'CLOSED' like she'd initially assumed.

It said 'FOR LEASE.'

"What...?"

Her fingers lightly brushed over the cool pane of glass as she stared at the sign. How could the cafe be vacant? Shut down? She cupped her hands against her temples to peer through the window into the dark shop interior. The entire store was completely empty -- no chairs, no hanging menu board, not even the refrigerated case that was meant to house Orihime's pastries and cakes. How could it have been cleared out so soon? Unless...

Unless...

The white box dropped to the ground at Orihime's feet as she fumbled for the communicator, turned it on, and delivered a frantic message.


HOW LONG HAVE I BEEN GONE?!

[Geez, hello to you too, Orihime. Her face is flushed, brow furrowed in distress, and her breathing is slightly labored. She's not in the Bay; instead she seems to be standing outside a vacant building in Genessia City. The rain is slowly soaking her blouse and her long chestnut hair, the spatters growing in size.]

I went to work and it was closed! The cafe was closed! Did it really happen that suddenly? I know it was summer but the night was supposed to be warmer than this, unless it's just cool because it's raining...!

[Orihime withdraws a fraction of an inch, taking a brief moment to just breathe. When she speaks again, she doesn't seem quite so frantic.]

I-I guess I'm a little out of sorts, ha ha...! My name is Orihime. Maribelle-sama, if you're there, please don't be too angry! I didn't mean to go into a coma, I promise!


Well. That was that, she supposed. She closed the communicator with a light snap and tipped her head back, taking in one deep breath as she closed her eyes. All she could do now was wait for some helpful (or lonely, chat-inclined) individuals to respond... She parted her lashes to gaze at the sky.

Rain plopped immediately into her eyes and she staggered back, blinking rapidly. Right, she should probably...do something...about being outside, in the dark, getting soaked to the bone. She'd had an apartment before, but that was probably closed up and rented out to someone else too if the cafe was shut down. Awkwardly she rubbed the back of her head, then stooped to pick up the things she'd dropped in her haste. Item by item, she replaced everything in the box, then took out the necklace and unfastened it. This item was particularly important, she remembered, so it was best to put it on right away. Her fingers were getting numb with the cold, and after several failed attempts to get her fingers to work the clasp, she gave up on the jewelry with a sigh and put it in her skirt pocket instead.

Hugging the box to her stomach, Orihime rose to her feet and walked briskly back the way she'd came, looking left and right. There was probably a late-night diner open around here somewhere. It would do her some good to find a place that offered hot tea or cocoa so she could warm up her hands, dry off a bit, and figure out what in the world she was supposed to do next. Right now? She didn't have the foggiest idea.


[OOC: Feel free to run into her at any old cafe/diner, bump into her in the temporary apartment building, or even get mowed down while she's darting around town getting her bearings!]

Comments

[Video]

[youfool]

[Wow, a question that loud must be really important! He'd better get this right. He recognized that hair, which still hadn't been repeated for all the world. Guess long and orange wasn't a popular combo.]

Oh, hello Orihime! Persistent, eh? This must make your third time here. Last time was a year and three months ago. Are you in distress, or just very curious?

[Video]

[leekspins]

[Orihime opens the device after hearing a distinctive and plaintive 'beep' that informs her she's got a reply. When she appears, she's in a brighter and warmer looking place. She looks more like a drowned rat than before, though.]

Ted-san!

[A familiar face! Hooray! His question perplexes her for a moment as she lays a cold hand against her cheek and looks around her, considering.]

Well...both, I guess. I can't believe it's been so long!

[Especially as she's completely unchanged. Her hair is the same length, and her memories still seem fairly fresh. She exhales a sigh, but her wry smile is still a smile.]

I guess the people who leave and come back don't actually go home. I'm pretty sure I wasn't there, anyway. What about you?

[She perks back up, seizing the device in both hands.]

Are you doing okay?

Re: [Video]

[youfool]

[He pulled back a little, with a mirthful hitch]

Ti-hah! You remember! That's...very surprising. Not that we've done any exhaustive study, but most who are gone so long usually don't. How queer. Well, I'm glad for it anyway. Saves me an introduction. Oh, speaking of which, I don't think I ever figured out what your name meant. Mind telling? I'd look it up if Japanese names weren't so hard to figure.

[His cheer turns cloudier and more thoughtful with her proposed theory.]

You think so? Held in some dimensional lock up or...hibernation? I always thought it might be too pat to say those who disappear automatically return home. Raises the question: where do they go? Wherever it is--if it is--the world's keen on ensuring our amnesia.

[deja vu; he remembers their last conversation got into the metaphysics of Genessia almost immediately too.]

Oh, uh, yes! More or less. I've ah, been blessed enough to forge friendships with some very lovely people. How about yourself? Anything...different?

[He figures there would be, after so long. A mere gap would be very mysterious.]

[Video]

[leekspins]

I wish I knew! Sorry! All I know is that I was pretty tired and a little out of it for a while. I guess it wasn't all that different than the first time I woke up.

[Or rather, the second, if what he says about her being here before is true. As for changes? She shakes her head.]

I don't think so, not for me! The Tea Time Cafe looks like it closed, though. I feel pretty bad about that.

[Enough that her shoulders wilt slightly. But hey, if he wants to know her name's meaning, that's a nice and light-hearted topic! Plus it's nice that he knows about Japan too.]

Oh, of course! 'Inoue' means...anou...I think the best translation is 'high well.' 'Orihime' is the name of a star. Literally translated it means 'weaver princess'. I'm pretty good at sewing, but I couldn't be more common-born if I tried, ha ha!

[She shrugs. But since they're on the subject, and because he seems to find some interest in names, she feels urged to return the favor.]

Ne, what about you? What does your name mean?

[video]

[mira_strauss]

Maribelle?

[Mirajane blinked in surprise when she heard that name.]

Miss... I've been here for a few months and as a bartender I make it my business to try to know or at least know of as many of the people that live here as possible... and I don't think I've ever heard of you or any Maribelle.

[That probably wasn't the answer that Orihime was hoping to hear, but it was probably best to rip off the band-aid fast and try to repair the damage that was her life here in Genessia.]

Do you need help? You seem a little... lost and out of sorts.

[video]

[leekspins]

Oh yes, I'm definitely both of those things, ha ha!

[At least she's got a good sense of humor about things? She's also been speaking with Ted, so she has a better idea of what's going on.]

It's nice to meet you, though, thank you for contacting me.

[Orihime politely inclines her head.]

I guess I was here in the summer of last year, so I guess we wouldn't have had any chance to meet until now. Maybe Maribelle-sama went back to sleep too.

[She really, REALLY hopes it didn't happen because her new employee just mysteriously stopped showing up to work and left her cake-less.]

Actually...do you know of any 24-hour clothing shops? That would help a lot!

[video]

[mira_strauss]

[Okay, Mirajane is just going to laugh, because this girl is adorable and reminds her so much of her little sister.]

No, but if you stop by the Fairy Tail guild hall I'm certain I can find you something to wear.

Action

[zenoh]

[ It was pretty late and Ayame spent a little extra time in Genessia to get some design sketches down and go on a meeting for her business. As usual for her, Ayame is dressed in style, wearing one of her creations that fits her figure nicely. There wasn't any late-night cafes open nearby, save for one restaurant and the gas station across the street that Ayame is currently at. She got herself a brand new car that she's refueling at the station when she glances over her shoulder to see a young woman, drenched from the light drizzle that's pouring over the city right now. Ayame takes a second to observe, looking at Orihime before she offers any assistance. Ayame calls out get the girl's attention ]

Pardon me, but are you all right?

[ Which may seem like a silly question, seeing how Orihime is affected by the cold and is absolutely drenched from what looks like head to toe, but that seems like what most people ask in situations like these. Then Ayame got a better look at the box in Orihime's hands; combined with her drenched attire and the way the girl looked left and right, makes it easier to deduce that Orihime is a new arrival who had to walk through water at the Bay. ]

Come, take shelter from the rain. Is there anything you need? A ride to the Commons, perhaps? You're a long way from it.

Action

[leekspins]

[Orihime hears the call, but doesn't stop. In fact, she's already hurried on several more steps before she realizes no one answered that call. She turns her head, and her eyes come to rest curiously on the woman with the car.]

Me?

[She points at herself. It sure looks like she was the one being addressed. Darn it, now she probably looked rude for not answering right away! She quickly recovers, flapping her one free arm energetically as proof of her good health.]

Oh! Yes, I'm fine, the very picture of robust health!

[She certainly doesn't seem to be lacking in vivacity in any case. A mention of The Commons gives her pause, however, and her head tilts thoughtfully.]

Those are the apartments set aside for new arrivals, ne? I guess I got turned around if they're far!

[Oopth.]

Is that where you're going? I wouldn't want to put you out!

[zenoh]

[ Ayame luckily didn't make a big deal out of Orihime's initial response, instead focusing on helping the newcomer. Orihime's energetic reply made Ayame feel some relief, at least. The question after that made Ayame lightly roll her shoulders before taking the nozzle out of the car's fuel port ]

It's along the way, and I have some time to spare.

[ Under normal circumstances, it would be pretty uncommon to be this generous to a complete stranger. But pendant-wielders have to stick together in this strange world. And it's better than doing nothing and watch this girl get rained on. Ayame invites Orihime over under the shade of the gas station's roof at least while she finishes up with her transaction, managing to keep her attention to the newcomer. ]

My name is Ayame. Should you have any questions about your situation, I'd be happy to answer them to the best of my ability. But, we first need to dry your clothes up.

[ Ayame gestures into the air, using her powers to remove the rain and Bay water off of Orihime's skin and clothing ]

There, that's better.

[Video]

[fairysoul]

The summer is almost over and this shop seems to have been closed down quite a while ago...

[Mavis hates being the bearer of bad news. She gives Orihime a sympathetic smile.]

What day do you think it is today?

[Video]

[leekspins]

I guess I think it's one year and three months ago, eh heh...!

[She doesn't seem too upset; just a little embarrassed at her panicked outburst. She's calmed down significantly after talking to a few others.]

Did you visit the Tea Time Cafe before? I'd like to know more about the owner, if you knew her, please.

[Video]

[fairysoul]

[So she left Genessia quite a while ago. Yet she still remembers her stay here and the people she met. That's interesting.

Mavis bites her lip.]

I'm afraid I haven't heard of Maribelle for pretty much as long as you. I believe she left Genessia too.

...I'm sorry, Orihime.

[pianola]

Dorothy was wandering around Genessia, as she often did, holding a clear umbrella which allowed her to look up at the rain. This, at least, seemed unchanged from Paradgim. The clear sky, which seemed to be most days, was still novel to her.

That's not what distracted her, however. There were live, wild squirrels, dashing in and out of a tree, darting in and out of the rain. The android was fascinated. There was so much life, even in the city! She would have never guessed at Paradigm's lack if she never came here.

This is when Orihime ran into her. Literally.

The android didn't budge, of course. Dorothy weighed quite a lot, despite her small frame. But it couldn't have been pleasant, to run into her. Right away, she turned, and thought she felt something akin to embarrassment.

"I'm sorry," she said. "Can I help you up?"

[leekspins]

The rain soaked quickly through Orihime's skirt where she'd fallen onto her hip, one hand thrown out in a failed attempted to catch herself. Her box remained cradled close to her, none of its contents jostled loose, but she'd landed hard enough to jar her breath for a moment.

She was dazed, and like Dorothy, very embarrassed to have rammed into someone due to her own carelessness.

"Oo--!" She gave her head a quick shake then looked up at the slight young woman who had held her ground so easily against Orihime's charge. "A-ah ha ha ha! I'm really sorry about that. The fault was mine!" she reassured Dorothy quickly. But she would gladly take the hand up, her smile sheepish. "I'd appreciate it, thanks. I guess I'm a little more disoriented than I thought!"

Once she was on her feet, she brushed her hand over her long floral skirt as though she might brush away the rain.

"Whew! Usually people say I'm the sturdy one, ha ha! I hope I didn't hurt you with my crazy stampede."

[pianola]

People could run into her all the time. Dorothy usually was observant enough to avoid this. For her to just ... stand there, like a statue. Yes. Embarrassing was the word.

"I should have seen you," she explained, and - only hesitating for a moment - offered a hand up to Orihime.

Her hand wasn't cold and it didn't feel like metal. But, neither was it warm like human skin, or textured like human skin. It was a very close approximation. Masterful, even. But it was wrong. Definitely off.

It's the reason she hesitated. All other things aside - her refusal to mimic breathing at all, for one - it was an instant giveaway that she wasn't human.

But then again, she decided not to pretend.

"It would take a lot more than that to hurt me," Dorothy assured her.

[ Video ]

[mortal_son]

... Which cafe did you work for?

[ Video ]

[leekspins]

The Tea Time Café. Have you heard of it?

[She's hopeful, but not holding her breath.]

I wasn't there for very long, just for the grand opening. I don't remember what happened after that.

[ Video ]

[mortal_son]

No. [ Winces a little. She might have been gone for a while. But ... ]

What city was it in? Maybe I just haven't heard of it.

action;

[ivegotadream]

Rapunzel didn't have work today, she didn't even have any paintings that she needed to do. However, she did have clothes she was in the middle of making on commission and today was one of those days where she needed to buy some more fabric.

As the rain started to plop down, Rapunzel was surprised, looking up slightly. She had really thought to bring an umbrella and instead found herself moving a little quicker, hair trailing along behind. Instead of finding shelter, she instead found herself nearly colliding with another.

"Ah, sorry. I guess we are both trying to get out of the rain, right?"

action;

[leekspins]

Orihime jerked back stiffly, mortified at the thought of mowing down some poor hapless citizen. When the collision didn't occur, she visibly relaxed and sighed in relief. "Whew, that was close, ha ha!"

She took a wide step to the left, placing herself beneath the awning of a shop that had closed for the night. That gave Rapunzel (who seemed to have the longest silkiest cloak dragging behind her that Orihime had ever seen!) plenty of room to either skirt past Orihime or take shelter as well.

Smiling, she shook her head. "It's okay, neither of us hit. And now we already have something in common, ne?" The respite from the rain, however brief it wound up being, was certainly welcome, and she wasn't above enjoying a moment to catch her breath after running around all this time.

"I'm Orihime. Pleased to meet you!"

action;

[ivegotadream]

Rapunzel was at least relieved that they hadn't literally bumped into one another but instead she found herself gathering up all of her hair and taking shelter next to the other.

Sighing a little bit with relief, she looked on over. "At least we didn't hurt ourselves or get too wet." She at least saw that as a positive, to say the least. She looked around at where they were taking shelter, still keeping a firm grip on her hair for the meantime.

"You mean that we both forgot to bring an umbrella. I guess the saying one should always be prepared would have worked in this situation." She let out a light chuckle as she said that.

"I'm Rapunzel. It's nice to meet you as well." She peaked out slightly, before moving to let her hair down finally. She was used to the weight but she still found she could only hold it all for so long.

"Where were you headed?"

video;

[firefandance]

What cafe were you working at?

[She already figured out they remember seemingly being here before at least. But it did make her wonder how long it had been.]

video;

[leekspins]

It was called The Tea Time Cafe, if I remember right.

[And she does, thankfully! The long passage of time hasn't blurred her memories too much.]

Do you remember anything about it? Or about the owner?

video;

[firefandance]

I haven't heard a cafe called that here in a while.

[The most known don't fall under that name as far as she was aware.]

So I think it was closed because the owner left and no one took over.