XX9: Escape Plan v.1.5 [Video]

[stupidgenes]

[Asch is near the fountain--sitting, thinking, finishing up lunch.]

I know this doesn't last for very long, but that's why I'm waiting here. That's all.

[/end video]

[OOC: Feel free to jump in with whoever, whenever, and whatever part of the City actually. Doubles, AUs, genderbent characters are go. Replies may be slow or delayed until later

Comments

[atouchoflilac]

[ooc - hope this is ok!!]

[blinkblink]

For whom or what are you waiting?

[stupidgenes]

[OOC: Totally cool with me! Hope backtagging's cool with you. Gonna be kinda slow with things. DX]

...Anyone who shows up from my world, I guess. [He tries not to stare at this guy's forehead but can't help wondering if the condition of his head is part of a disease.] The last time there was a population influx, my mother showed up here.

[atouchoflilac]

[ooc - definitely, I'm not the fastest, lol, thank you!]

[bristles resignedly, used to scrutiny from human-appearing people]

I see. It is indeed important to have those who matter around you.

...where *is* here, by the way?

[stupidgenes]

So, it isn't familiar to you. This is the City--that's what it's called. It's a city of people taken from other worlds. Most wind up trapped here, but you're here while the City's being overcrowded with visitors who're later sent back to where they're from.

...I don't know if which applies in your case.

[taleoftwobirds]

That's all. Think you can fool ol' Rave with that?

[stupidgenes]

...Who are you? And what are you even talking about?

[taleoftwobirds]

Raven. You seem deep in thought is all. What is it that you are waiting for?

[stupidgenes]

Anyone from my world who'll show up. If any of them do. [Topic switch time.] Are you another one of the visitors who'll be returned to your home world after this?

[2and1make3]

What doesn't last for very long?

[stupidgenes]

The population influx that the City's undergoing right now. There are people pouring in from different places, different worlds. Some recognize this place, and others are new here. They don't always stay for long.

...Does this sound like something new to you?

[2and1make3]

You aren't talking any sense, mou.

[stupidgenes]

[... He takes this to mean it's not familiar.]

There are a lot of people here now who won't be staying here long. Does it make sense now?

[imperialwill]

...Asch?

[She sounds so hopeful, almost sad.]

[stupidgenes]

--Natalia. [Asch fails to hide the faint traces of hopefulness-shock-relief because he'd wanted to see her again. Just like he'd seen her the last time it happened. But once again, he can't tell whether or not she's been here before... And he feels kind of guilty for wanting her to be here when he knows she has things to take care of back in Auldrant.

He can't get too attached.]

I didn't expect to see you. [Okay, maybe that's not entirely true, but he didn't want to get his hopes up too high.] Is this place familiar to you at all?

[imperialwill]

Quite.

[She smiles brightly, so happy to see him. Even in a place like this- he's alive. He's here. He's-]

I've been detained her for a rather long time before- before I was able to finally leave. But it seems you've...taken my place.

[THEY CAN NEVER BE TOGETHER]

[stupidgenes]

I see. It seems that I have.

[His features soften as he examines her, trying to memorize each and every feature and detail because he doesn't know when he'll ever see her again. She's... beautiful, especially when she's happy, and it would mean more than the world and life itself if he could keep her that way.]

Things aren't so bad. The restaurant--Hymns of Lorelei--it's still up and running. I've been helping the people out. [And the replica, too, apparently.

Topic switch time.] Have you been doing well? Have you been safely returned home?

[fononfailure]

[ Well... if it doesn't last long, then there's no harm in giving Asch a little shove into the fountain, right? Logic. Luke has it. ]

[stupidgenes]

[...Well, Asch certainly had been waiting, but not for that. Indignant, he turns to the--] What do you think you're doing, idiot!?

[--wait, there's something different about the replica. First, the long hair. Then, he kind of looks like a...

Asch's eyes widen with once that clicks.]

WHO ARE YOU!?

[fononfailure]

[ Shoes that don't squeak? 5600 gald. Coat to boost agility? 15000 gald. Lessons in stealth from Anise? Too damn much. Drenching Asch in a public fountain? Priceless. ]

If you have to ask that, then I take back ever defending your intelligence.

[stupidgenes]

When did you ever do that!? And when did you suddenly--

Why are you a woman!?