【MAY plot arrivals】

[berriah]

May Mingle

SHRINES LORE DROP LOCATIONS NPC CONTACT FAQ CLAIMS LIST

❤

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Welcome to Starsand

According to the locals, you are not the first stranger from another world to be dragged to this one. This is a world that, up until five years ago, did not know magic. Fantasy did not expand beyond its designated shelves of the library; There were no gods or spirits, only science and reason.

But five years ago, the secret was blown. Magical 'spirits' exist in this world. You may have seen them as flickers of light; Souls without a body. They were once invisible and powerless, existing silently alongside the rest of the living. But with enough faith from the living, spirits can manifest. They can even have the magic powers that others believe them to have.

Nowadays, spirits and magic are impossible to ignore. Magic has transformed the architecture, average people are learning spirit magic, and technology is being upgraded with this new power. Electricity is going out of favor; Spirits now power homes in exchange for shrine offerings and prayers. Though traces of the old era still exist, they are slowly being replaced by magic. Every city is changing at a different pace depending on how the citizens reacted to the news of spirits.

But you're not here for a lore drop, are you? You just got here.

New arrivals have become commonplace in the City of Star Sand. In fact, the city is named for this phenomena; People from other worlds ("stars") appear so frequently that it's like a beach of sand. Even those who normally travel between worlds have found it impossible to leave the pull of the Star Sand once they get here. Some people have even come from other time periods. (the date here is 2025.) No other city is reporting this unique problem for some reason.

Roleplay-wise; This is a semi-private sandbox for a modern-fantasy blended setting. Characters can either be whisked away from their homes or wake up as AUed residents. While there will be a lot of background lore and a mystery to dig your teeth into, it's all optional. First and foremost, the sandbox is meant to be played in. The City of Star Sand is a very flexible place to stretch your imagination. Some parts of the city may just seem like normal Tokyo, while others might feel like a DnD campaign. The world will gradually expand as the sandbox takes off as well, so you'll be able to submit your own cities with unique cultures.

!

Out of Character Notes

It is possible to handwave arrival and assume your character has been in the setting for months.

Anyone can top-level in a mingle post. You do not need to be playing a new character.

You do not need to feel restricted to the listed prompts.

(A) Arrival: The Firm Grip of Space

Typical arrivals to the City of Starsand have always been peaceful. Remarkably so. Characters would blink their eyes and find themselves transported into this new world without any pain or drama (Well, aside from the drama of being in another world.)

But it’s different this time. Characters blink and leave their old world, yes, but there’s a less peaceful transition this time. They can feel themselves being forcibly pulled. Like someone grabbed their arm and yanked them across an invisible border. They are moved without balance, sometimes even aware of a finger grip-like sensation on their arms or legs.

And they do not arrive in the city. They wake up in a space that is strangely empty. The only light comes from their own bodies and the ripples left with every step. If they look at these ripples, they can see scenes of their lives reflected in the not-quite-water; Choices they’ve made, choices they missed, even events that have yet to happen.

Characters may see others in the distance and be able to reach each other. These meetings will be brief. A humming sound grows louder and the lights coming from their bodies gradually becomes brighter. Eventually, the hum is too loud for them to hear each other and the light is too bright to see passed. They’ll ‘white out’ and awaken in the Starsand City.

!

Out of Character Notes

Player characters may use this prompt to interact with each other.

This prompt will invite an NPC interaction.

(B) Arrival Part 2

Welcome to the City of Starsand! Which is still blessed by now out-of-season cherry blossoms, filling the city with a sweet scent. Characters may find their eyes and ears aching from the experience of that other space. Some might even forget the experience all together, or find their memory temporarily blurred.

Regardless, they are here now. And they don’t look like the usual arrivals to the Starsand City. Typically, the civilians regard new arrivals politely and act like it’s a normal occurrence. But this time, there is something different. It’s something that the arriving character themselves may also notice: They have red marks on their skin. It’s always an exposed part of their body, like their arm, wrist, an exposed ankle, or even around their necks. Fingermarks, pressed so tightly (and supernaturally) into their skin that they’re visible for hours.

The townspeople are distant this time. It isn’t the usual friendly greeting of past months. They whisper cautiously: Isn’t it strange? Did a Kami do that? Why would a Kami do that?

Fortunately, spirits will flock to the new arrivals this month. Brave and kind civilians will push passed the rumor to offer aid. Free food, housing, clothing, etc. will still be supplied. But it will not be as easy-going and friendly as before. There are also a lot of new arrivals at once, as opposed to a sprinkling at a time.

!

Out of Character Notes

Most May arrivals are dropped into Starsand at the same time.

The handprints can be anywhere that a person might feasibly grab your character.

The unfriendliness of the locals should not be malicious.

Kami & Spirits will continue to treat Fallen Stars kindly.

(C) Old Arrivals: A Shattered Shrine

At the same time that this month’s new arrivals were dumped enmass, something dramatic happened on the top level. The TimeSpace Shrine, which had locked doors and closed windows, has changed. All of the windows that lined the spiraling staircase have been shattered and have a dark, sparkling liquid leaking from the cracks. The liquid is gathering at the foot of the shrine and everyone seems rightfully afraid of it.

”What is this? Did someone vandalize the shrine?”

”Is the Kami inside there alright?”

”There are so many new Fallen Stars! Are they connected?”

People murmur from a safe distance.

When approaching the shrine, one can hear a strange humming noise. Like static from a radio with a distant melody lost in the noise. As you climb the stairs, the sound gets louder and louder until it’s unbearable. You can hear voices and sounds from the world you once knew, but they’re drowned out by the static.

If you manage to reach the top and touch the door, you may find yourself in the same space as new arrivals. Use this to interact with new arrivals from Prompt A! You can also put !NPC REQUEST in a thread title for an NPC interaction.

!

Out of Character Notes

New Arrivals can also investigate the shrine.

The voices characters hear can be from any point in their canon, past or present.

Native characters will not enter the shrine.

The black goo is repelled by Fallen Stars, as if by a magnetic force.

(D) No Plot: Cherry Blossom Viewing

It is a few days after the Shrine of SpaceTime broke. Reception to the new arrivals has grown warmer as the marks on their skin faded away. In order to ease tensions, the Kami of Love has renewed the cherry blossom trees and called for a final good-bye party for the season. Grassy parks are lined with picnic blankets, food vendors are opening all kind of stalls, and cherry blossom themed trinkets are being sold for faith.

It’s an easygoing sort of prompt. Fallen Stars, as out-of-worlders are called, are welcome to join in the festivities. People are encouraged to take a spot on an empty blanket and view the blossoms. The blossoms are renewed with faith every day, so the trees do not go bear for long. But because the blossoms are faith-based magic, they also don’t linger on the ground. Try to take petals home and they’re disappear overnight. Perhaps it’s a small price to pay for reviving the sight over and over again. The blossoms are getting no rest this month.

!

Out of Character Notes

Festival food can come from any culture.

Food is free and leftovers can be taken home in containers.

The cherry blossoms renew at midnight. Petals will fall backwards and back onto the trees.

Blossoms can be viewed on all levels. There are many picnic areas throughout the city.

(E) Rumor: The Fallen Stars

Unfortunately, despite the Kami and their attempts to maintain peace, Rumors still exist. These stories carry the power of faith, which can turn a lie into truth if spoken enough. They’re unfortunately common in the City of Starsand, though admitting to their power will only make it stronger. Very few average civilians realize that Rumors exist, and those that do know better than to explain this dangerous magic to just anyone.

Since the Shrine of SpaceTime shattered, there has been a common rumor about Fallen Stars. It’s one whispered between the native civilians, which they try not to let Fallen Stars hear: ”Perhaps the reason that they’ve come here is to replace us? So many of the Fallen Stars have magical powers unrelated to spirits and Kami. Are they going to replace us? Is the SpaceTime Kami trying to make a stronger and more magical world?”

This Rumor has an unfortunate power. It is replacing civilians with illusions of Fallen Stars. You may see someone you know suddenly running the general store in the place of the old lady who once gave you free snacks. Once you get closer, both the person you saw and the person who should be there are gone. In the civilian’s place is a pile of the dark, glittery substance that was leaking from the SpaceTime Shrine.

The missing people can be brought back. If Fallen Stars visit the broken shrine, they can pray for the return of missing civilians. Missing civilians are typically the ones who bravely reached out to help at the beginning of the month.

!

Out of Character Notes

Missing people can be brought back and disappear again.

Illusions can speak, but they disappear before they can be interacted with.

Goo puddles do not disappear until the missing person is brought back.

The black goo is repelled by Fallen Stars, as if by a magnetic force.

Notes for May

The arrivals in May are different from normal. Arrival process is expected to return to normal in June!

There will be a second part to the Rumor event later in the month.

There is a possible third event that can be triggered by exploration this month.

The NPC contact is open to anyone who wishes to interrogate/meet a specific NPC.

code

Comments

Elliot Nightray | Pandora Hearts

[rejectedchain]

Arrival

[The last thing Elliot remembered was that he couldn't feel much of anything, other than a bone-deep exhaustion once the pain had faded. So he's surprised to find himself being pulled...is this some sort of hallucination meant to ease the process? If so, his body has horrible taste.

He's heard people say your life flashes before your eyes right before you die, or if you nearly died, so what happens next is less surprising, even if it is devastating. But then there's a sweet scent that hits him. It's gentle. Perhaps this isn't so bad.

Elliot opens his eyes and stares at the sky. The flowers are lovely-

Flowers?

The teen jumps up, recovering his energy as he looks around, part in awe and confusion. There are people here, people who stare at him and whisper about things he doesn't understand, but that sort of standoffish behavior hasn't deterred him in the past. Straightening his posture, he approaches them. It gives him something to focus on that isn't what just happened. There are red fingerprints on his cheek.]

I have a few questions. I don't mean you any h-

[Oh. They're avoiding him. That's rude! Dropping some of his polite demeanor, Elliot stops and starts to seethe at them.]

What the hell are you running away for?!

Cherry Blossoms

[Elliot is still conflicted about his presence here, but there had been spirits and civilians who were kind, and it helped with adjusting to this new place. The cherry blossoms had caught his eye the first time he saw them, and the party wasn't unlike a picnic, so he finds himself sitting on one of the blankets, one knee pulled up and his elbow resting on it as he sorts through the fallen blossoms, picking out the prettiest ones and putting them in a pile on the blanket. It's a bit girly for him, but it keeps him occupied.]

Rumors

[As far as Elliot is concerned, rumors are for the cowardly and weak-minded, and a complete waste of time, so he gives them no thought, preferring to focus on the people he has met who didn't judge him immediately. He's met one such lady who takes care of a small library, and he found himself spending more time there. As a noble, his practical skills are few and far between, but he knows how to arrange and organize books, so he offered to help her in his free time, which he has an abundance of now.

Stepping into the library, he expects to see her behind the counter, smiling as usual, but instead it's-]

Vanessa?

[It's his sister, Vanessa. Elliot is frozen in place. He doesn't know whether to approach her or stay, after what he did. His limbs feel like they're made of lead, but he still resolves himself to move forward. She's alive, so even if he can't atone for what happened, he can't run away. There's no way in hell.

She's-

Where he saw his older sister is now a dark, glittery pile of something. Elliot just stops, seeming to gaze through it, his eyes haunted.]

Cherry Blossoms

[goldspecktacles]

[Right as he got used to the idea of being Glen Baskerville, something just had to go and test him. Leo had accepted that crossing into the Abyss would become second nature to him soon. He'd also had to swallow the idea of different worlds, falling through timelines, so many strange things when he was controlled by Glen. What should be a mystifying and exciting journey straight from a storybook becomes so irritating when it's forced upon him.

Luckily for Leo, hiding irritation is a skill well practiced. He'll thank Elliot for that one, with grief lining that sarcastic thought. No, what Elliot really taught Leo was to be a patient person. He knows how to accept help from the locals and interact with them politely, because life as a valet forced this kind of skill to develop. He had taken up residence in the library and soaked up facts and story alike for the next few days. Visiting the cherry blossoms wasn't a choice, but something the library attendants insisted on.

Another bother, really. Leo is still healing from the whirlwind of emotions from his home world. So many stories ended and he's still trying to process them. He had only just started to find a way to walk on his own. Without his friends. But he'd learned that forward was the best option. It would be what Elliot and Oz would want for him too.

So when he sees a familiar face on one of the picnic blankets, Leo feels angry. Here he is, trying so hard to process his grief, and his mind is playing tricks on him. Someone who looks like Elliot is here, teasing him with his friend's likeness.

All of his contained anger flares and Leo marches across the grass, closer to this person. If he leaves without confirming it isn't Elliot, then Leo knows he'll hope otherwise forever. So annoying! He hopes to get a good look at this person, confirm it isn't Elliot's face, and put this hope to rest--

Then he stops suddenly. Wide eyes stuck rudely to those of this person. No, not 'this person,' a word used for a strange. He's looking at Elliot.]

[rejectedchain]

[Yes, it's all very irritating. Maybe Elliot should be grateful he's not dead, but now that he's here it feels like he's stuck in a state of limbo, having to live with what he did. Of course he would carry that burden. He had to live with that truth, but the change of scenery, all of it is surreal at best. Why him? Why out of all people, was he here? Life isn't fair or just, but this just seems cruel.

He'd never get to show his mother or sister or Leo these flowers. He curls his fingers around the delicate blossoms, crushing them. Maybe coming here was a mistake. He could probably leave early, this party doesn't hold any significance to him other than a mix of novelty and bitter nostalgia.

Elliot notices the shadow, but it's the eyes that won't stop staring that get him to stand to his feet and glare right back, expecting to see some angry civilian he doesn't have the patience for.]

Stop gawking, you idiot. If you got something to say, say it-!

[He stops and stares, looking as if he's seen a ghost. The hair is different, as well as the clothes, but he'd recognize those eyes anywhere. The anger in his voice dies out, and he suddenly sounds uncertain.]

Leo?

[goldspecktacles]

[He's stunned. Leo, too, looks like he's seen a ghost. Because hasn't he? Elliot is dead. Burying him has been a painful process, but Leo has been working on it. He has spent hours, days, weeks coming to grips with this loss. He's been so shameful with his grief, too, to the point that his shoulders sink under that shame.

Elliot truly died, Leo reminds himself. He has his friend's sword as proof of that. If Elliot would have to be dead to part with this sword! That old joke has a sour taste now that Leo is living its truth. All of that is painfully real, so why?

Why is he seeing Elliot now, all of times? After going through so much pain to move on, this cruel story twists the knife and mocks him once more.

Leo's expression snaps. He smiles, laughs, and yet he doesn't seem happy. He's confused and, yes, still irritated. With renewed feeling!]

Oh my! If it isn't the Elliot Nightray! [Leo's act may be practiced, but the emotional strain tears away at his attempt to sound cheerful.] Fancy seeing you here! To what do I owe the pleasure?

[rejectedchain]

[There's something very unsettling about the way Leo responds, like a dream that almost seems normal at first before it quickly descends into a nightmare. It sobers Elliot up enough to forget about his own shock for the time being. He remembers dying. He remembers it vividly, a dull ache lingering in his chest, just like he remembers the hellscape of murdering his family. Yet Leo... he had left Leo alone with that burden. Elliot is disgusted. He's disgusted with himself.

His stunned expression quickly becomes unimpressed with Leo's poor acting, but there's a weariness in his eyes too. He doesn't have the energy--or the patience--for his best friend's theatrics. Not now. Elliot may have been louder and bolder in his temper and emotions, but still waters run deep, and he had feared something like this would happen when he left Leo. This is his responsibility, after all, so he fixes his gaze with a confidence he doesn't quite feel and marches over to headbutt his friend in the forehead with a loud smack!]

Would you cut the crap! Why the hell are you here?! Did you do something reckless back home?!

[Outrage burns in Elliot's chest. If Leo went and got hurt, he'd kill him himself!]

[goldspecktacles]

[That headbutt, an all too familiar form of reasoning, shakes Leo's expression. He even loses his balance for a second, but he does not cry out. That felt very real. It may not have been Elliot's intention to prove he was real, but Leo no longer has any doubt. This person isn't some ghostly apparition or a trick of his mind, but is genuinely Elliot.

Leo rubs his forehead. His stunned expression breaks to a weak smile, but it is hard for even Leo to fake "okay" right now.]

So you remember. You think that I, too...

[It hurts, because Leo knows he was very close to doing something absolutely stupid. He was dangerously close to acting like Jack. If not for Oz, Leo would not be able to face Elliot right now.

But because of Oz, Leo is able to turn his gaze confidently to Elliot. There's a lot that he wants to say and a lot he should explain, but thanks to Oz he is able to start out honestly. And without initiating a fight to the undeath with his best friend.]

I'm alright. Oz beat me up before I did anything stupid. [...] I'm sorry, Elliot.

[rejectedchain]

Are you stupid?! Of course I remember, how could I forget you?!

[Elliot's own stern glare softens minutely. This is...it's not okay. Neither of them are okay. But it's better than fearing Leo's about to have some kind of mental breakdown.

So not only was it Leo who was left to pick up the pieces after Elliot's mess, but Oz as well. There's a sinking feeling in his stomach when his worries that Leo did try to do something were confirmed. Even after all his efforts... He was still hurting people in the afterlife, but he's grateful to the Vessalius noble all the same. Elliot's smile is small and resigned.]

I suppose I owe that brat my thanks. [Which is impossible, so there's no point in dwelling on it. On the other hand, Leo is in front of him right now, and very much real. Elliot's eyes widen, troubled and upset by the apology, but he scoffs and folds his arms, tapping one finger impatiently.]

If you're really sorry, you can apologize by swearing to me you'll never do something that idiotic again! And besides that--

[Leo shouldn't be sorry to begin with! The blonde becomes uncharacteristically quiet after his outburst, gazing off into space. He trusted that Vincent gave Leo his last words as he requested, but he would have rather been able to say it himself. Life hadn't been that kind, but if he has this chance--

The fire in Elliot's voice dies as he adds, quietly.]

I wanted to tell you... I'm sorry, Leo.

[goldspecktacles]

You don't even know what I did.

[Even Leo can tell that is a poor defense. He doesn't want to have to tell Elliot about how badly he spiraled, because he knows his friend might take it harshly. Even at the end, Elliot was apologizing for things he had no business taking responsibility for.

Leo's temper flares again, but only minutely. It's a defense against a different type of emotion, which he isn't confident in expressing yet.]

And you have no reason to apologize. I- [The memory of forcing Elliot's contract threatens to silence Leo. He takes a moment to compose himself;] I forced it on you. All of it was because I was selfish.

[He instinctively brushes his hair in front of his eyes again, but there's not enough to truly hide Glen's eyes.] You were unfortunate to meet me. And-.

I'm sorry. [A beat. Remembering Oz, Lacie, Glen, Jack, all of that nonsense, reminds Leo of the resolution he had reached:] For not being sorry.

[Much like Glen couldn't die Lacie, Leo couldn't "unmeet" Elliot.]

3 tries later i'm sorry

[rejectedchain]

I don't have to know. I know you.

[Leo would tell Elliot when he was ready. If he ever was ready. By now, Elliot's accustomed to Leo's vague answers when he doesn't want to answer something, but what's important to him right now is he's his best friend and servant. He has no intention of letting it go, but he can put it aside for now.

Elliot's smile falters. The more Leo says, the harder it is for Elliot to ignore the bitter feelings he hasn't had a chance to grapple or make peace with. How could he even begin to?]

You were. [Said bluntly. But just as importantly--] What's your point? I was selfish too. We're all selfish.

[They all were, in some way or another. More than anything, Elliot blames that chain, that thing that massacred people including children. And he blames himself for being so selfish as to become its puppet.]

I chose to forget. [...] What are you talking about?

[Elliot bristles at the statement as he grips his arm. Unfortunate? A bitter, rueful laugh escapes before he can stop himself. Leo looks different. He's acting strange. Not that Elliot expected anything to be normal now, but he's only getting bits and pieces of what's going on and he's tired of being left in the dark. His temper boils over and he finds himself raising his voice.]

Since when was it up to you whether I'm unfortunate or not?! [He's shouting, the words pouring out before he can stop them, but he doesn't care how harsh he sounds or if anyone's staring. Everyone else is irrelevant, background noise.] Only I get to decide that, Leo! I don't accept your apology because you're wrong. I chose to ignore what was going on, so don't you dare-- Don't think about shouldering this alone too. I will never regret meeting you, and I won't allow anyone, not even you, to take that away from me!

[With a sharp intake of breath that does nothing to calm him down, he adds firmly.] You're my equal and my closest friend, so stop saying such stupid things unless you want me to beat you up!

[goldspecktacles]

[Even as their fight begins to earn a few passing stares, Leo holds his ground. He knows very well that Elliot is right. When it comes to Elliot Nightray, no one else gets to decide what he feels or what he does. That only makes what happened that much more haunting. Elliot thought he had a choice, but at the end of the day it was Leo who chose his fate for him. The past Glen even warned him before he sealed the illegal contract.

"Equal," therefore comes as a startling reminder. Leo looks down at his feet, shame washing over him again. That's right: Elliot doesn't know. Is that why he's saying those things? Would his opinion change if he did know what unraveled after his death?]

...

[Of course not. Even if Leo told Elliot everything, he won't lose the strange but strong bond they share. Beating around the bush is only going to make them up upset.

Leo breaths in to stall his own temper. Then he moves to remove the sword from his waist and hold it out to Elliot. It's as good a place to start as any.]

I have a lot that I need to tell you, Elliot.

arrival

[lunarcycles]

My!

[Of course Kaguya finds herself eyeing this spectacle, trying to take in the sights and figure out what exactly is going.]

They seem to not like you, do they?

[Kaguya is one to talk, but she's been trying to hide her own mark with her other hand.]

[rejectedchain]

[There are very few people who Elliot is accustomed to having speak to him so bluntly, and a stranger isn't one of them. His attention now diverted from the civilians, Elliot turns to face Kaguya, a strained smile on his face.]

And why would I care whether or not they like me? Who the hell are you?!

[lunarcycles]

[Kaguya doesn't seem to be bothered in the slightest bit by his outburst, instead just sighing as she places a hand on the side of her cheek in what seems to be utter disappointment.]

Isn't it obvious? Having the natives of this land dislike you will only cause more trouble in your efforts to go home. You'd simply be hindering yourself, which would be quite the shame. Although if you somehow didn't want to go home, having people dislike you would also be troublesome, too... a lose-lose situation, if you will.

[But as for Elliot's second question, she smiles; in that all too polite manner that befits someone who was raised in an upper class family such as herself.]

My apologies for not introducing myself. My name is Shinomiya Kaguya. There's no need for me to speak of my title, given our current situation, but I am just as foreign to this land as you seem to be.

i'm so sorry i missed this!

[rejectedchain]

[A dry bark of a laugh escapes him before he can stop himself. Home...

Yeah. That's not happening.]

I don't need your advice. And I don't care what some strangers think of me. If they dislike people for stupid reasons, they aren't worth my time or attention to begin with!

[He yells his statement proudly, almost feeling normal for a moment. A fellow noble? Now that he's paying more attention, he can see it. Nobility tend to have a different way of carrying themselves whether they earned it or not. He does the same, even though he's never cared for many of the politics and pleasantries his title involved.]

I am Elliot Nightray. You're right about one thing at least. Those stupid formalities are a waste of time here, so let's skip them. Do you remember how you got here?

no worries in the slightest bit!

[lunarcycles]

Perhaps it was unsolicited, but you should understand that garnering the ire of an entire city is not within one's best interest for survival, simply put. After all, those strangers are one of the few ways to obtain supplies.

[Just simply putting it out there.]

In any case, Mister Nightray, I unfortunately do not have any recollection of my arrival here. It was a blink and you miss it, I suppose. I do not know if that is the same for you, however...

[rejectedchain]

[Elliot frowns severely at her, but he doesn't argue because...she's right, and that's rather vexing.

Some of the angry lines in his face soften though when her answer is the same as his and he looks down in thought.]

It's the same for me. [That gap in his memory could be explained by the circumstances that brought him here, but surely not everyone here was...like him, too?]

I don't know about you, but I want to find out the truth of how I got here. Perhaps it will explain why the strangers are so wary of our presence.

[lunarcycles]

I would also like to know the answer to that question as well... but from what I've heard, there seems to be something about a kami?

npc

[borderlineconflict]

[Prior to his official arrival in the world of Kami, Elliot may recall another place. It's dark, with the only light source being Elliot himself, and its eerily silent. There are ripples under his feet, but no liquid to sink into. For a few seconds, there is nothing else to observe. Then, somewhere distant, another light appears. This one seems human in shape, but it otherwise too bright for the details to be visible.

The human shape reaches out their arm and, finally, there is a sound. A feminine voice, to be exact;]

You're really here..?

[rejectedchain]

[Elliot's first reaction is a sinking feeling of dread that he somehow was still contracted with his chain and had been dragged to sleep. His next conclusion is that he is in the Abyss. Where else would he go, after all?

Elliot holds his hand out in front of himself, making sure he is solid, or appears to be as much. Nothingness. Would he get to be reincarnated, or would he disappear here?]

This really is a pain in the ass...

[He smiles humorlessly, only to himself. But then he notices a light-- How could he not? It shines like a lighthouse in the darkness, the only beacon in the darkness. It's almost blinding at first, and he has to shield his eyes as he approaches. He doesn't recognize her voice and cannot make out her features, but he's drawn to her. Maybe he just doesn't want to be alone. Why does she sound like she knows him?]

Are you all right?

[borderlineconflict]

[She makes a startled noise at his question. It's not what she expected when he approached. If anything, she had instinctively recoiled her arm and held it protectively to her body, bracing for an attack. Like a broken light, her bright form flickers away as he gets closer. She becomes darker as Elliot gets closer.]

... Mm. I am well enough.

But you... You came from somewhere very sad, didn't you? I saw it.

Are you well?

[rejectedchain]

[Elliot stops as soon as he notices her alarm, keeping a safe distance between the two. He doesn't understand why she's afraid, but...he doesn't have to. As she darkens he narrows his eyes, trying to discern any notable features now that he's closer.

But then she goes and asks about him-- he doesn't want to think about it, or give it more attention than he already is because how can he avoid it? His posture changes and becomes guarded and his answer is uncomfortably curt.]

I'm fine.

[He's anything but fine, and normally he's not one for dishonesty. But what difference does it make anymore?]

Are you-- Are you trapped here?

[Maybe he could help her. It would be the right thing to do.]

[borderlineconflict]

Didn't you die?

[She presses on in a naïve voice; No ill will and not quite curious either, but clarifying that her facts are correct.]

I wasn't sure if I could bring the dead. I've never tried.[A small headshake,] No, I'm not. You are not either. You'll move on to another world soon enough.

[rejectedchain]

[...Ah.

Elliot freezes, his expression unreadable, the reality of the situation sinking in yet again. He doesn't realize he hasn't answered her yet until she keeps talking. He can only nod in acknowledgment, shadows under his eyes. He doesn't understand. A different world? Some emotion is visible in his face again as he asks in confusion.]

You brought me here? ...Why?

[Why him? Why couldn't he just rest?]

[borderlineconflict]

[It's unclear whether or not she is staring at him during that time. Her form is obscured by the glow and any flickering just takes her into the darkness. But she is patient, not prodding further until he asks his question.]

It is my job to bring you there. That is why I exist.

[It's a simple enough answer. She finishes that thought matter-of-factly, only to then speak again in a curious tone.]

I cannot exist anywhere else, so I should not be called 'trapped.' I also cannot change anything outside of this place. Not without help. [If the angle of her head is to be believed, she's looking directly at Elliot now.]

[rejectedchain]

To another world?

[Bitterness lingers in his voice as he asks. He's getting tired of everyone deciding his fate for him. He didn't ask for this, or any of it for that matter, and her answers only beg more questions.

...But what a melancholy existence, to be here, alone except for the fleeting passerby. His expression is stern, but there's a hint of compassion in his tone now.]

Is that why I'm here? Because there's something you want to change? Who are you, exactly?