intro log.

[fracturamods]

welcome mingle

( AND SO IT BEGINS. )

There's nothing but the clatter of train tracks, and the odd feeling of almost floating.

When you wake, it's hard to tell exactly what it is that you're missing - only that you are. There are pieces that aren't quite right, even if you're not sure where those pieces would normally be. Pieces of what, exactly....? Well, if you had to put a word to it, it would be - yourself, probably.

The place you've found yourself in is strange, certainly. It's probably worth exploring a bit. Though it just as easily seems that the only form of welcome or explanation that you have, comes from nothing more than a slab of marble.

Well - that, and all the people who seem to have woken up alongside you, lost and also probably Doing Their Best™.

There's no need to fret that much though. It's hard to say exactly where you're going next, even though some places might feel a little bit more like a clue, but what you do know is one unshakeable thing:

There's still much more ahead of you.

Comments

[survivaltricks]

[uh]

. . . yyyyes, you're awake? Unless I'm asleep, too.

But if I was, I don't think I'd be dreaming about someone I've never met before.

[counterclocked]

You'd be surprised!

[what does that even mean...

Anyways, he looks around, before handing the cat ears back to Akira.]

I probably don't need these, in that case. But - if neither of us are dreaming, do you have any idea what's going on here? I mean, with the train tracks and the... endless void situation we've got going on here.

[survivaltricks]

You say that like a man with experience.

[Akira sounds vaguely amused, by his gaze is surprisingly sharp and searching. what kind of guy is this Hunter dude, anyway?]

And your guess is as good as mine. But I did read something about our souls being in pieces.

[he says so. . . nonchalantly]

[counterclocked]

I've been having some weird dreams lately, that's all.

[That's said fairly casually, but his expression loses some of that nonchalance when Akira says that. His expression is more confused than dismayed, but he still looks concerned.]

Right, I saw... Do you think they're actually telling the truth, though? Like, something definitely feels wrong, but it's hard to tell whether it's actually anything that serious beyond, well, that weird message.

[survivaltricks]

[something is definitely wrong, and Akira noticed it immediately upon arrival. where there were twelve voices there now sits one, and it's a voice he didn't think he'd ever hear again once something so much more powerful took its place]

[not that Arsene doesn't resonate with the depths of Akira's rebellious soul. he does, of course, but after the fight with Yaldabaoth, not having Satanael with him makes him feel almost naked]

. . . I think there is some truth to it, actually.

[for the first time, Akira looks contemplative]

I wouldn't say it's serious, but there's definitely something. . . missing.

[counterclocked]

So... What you're saying is you think there's something messed up about our souls, but that you also don't think it's serious?

[He doesn't sound judgmental, but he does sound a little bit dubious.]

[survivaltricks]

Not quite.

[folds his arms, head canted to the side slightly]

I can only speak for myself, but if I'm right about what's missing, it isn't serious for me.

For someone else. . . it might be a little more grave.

[though he has no idea how]

[counterclocked]

[He blinks, but while he pauses, it isn't for too long.]

...You realize that my follow up question is going to be what you think you're missing, right? I haven't really narrowed mine down that fast.

[survivaltricks]

Yeah, I figured.

[. . . but--]

Do you mind if I take a rain check on answering that question?

[???? AKIRA???]

[counterclocked]

[He pauses, but while he gives a small nod, there's a frown on his face.]

I mean, I'm not going to force you or anything, but... You don't think it would be useful for everyone to know what kind of thing they might be talking about? I mean, if we have any information, shouldn't we all be sharing it?

[survivaltricks]

[he won't argue that Hunter has a point, but. . .]

I doubt my answer will be that useful. It's something unique to me, after all.

[he says while Minato exists in the same time and place as him, NOT THAT HE KNOWS JUST YET]

But if it becomes relevant, then I'll share. I promise.

[counterclocked]

[He looks like he wants to say something else for a moment, but then he nods.]

Yeah. I'm not here to push you into it or anything. [...] At least it isn't, like, catastrophic from what you said. That probably bodes well for the rest of us, right? I mean, as well as the whole waking up in a void with an apparently broken soul thing can bode.

[survivaltricks]

[a huffed laugh, breathless and amused]

At least they gave us a very well-stocked grocery store.

[FANTASY COSTCO IS GREAT]

[counterclocked]

[Very seriously:]

If there’s one thing that makes or breaks a mysterious alter dimension that we’re trapped in, it’s definitely the supermarket selection.

[survivaltricks]

Absolutely.

[spoken like he's a true expert on the subject (he isn't)]

And I'd give this one a twelve out of ten.

[counterclocked]

Well, now you have to divulge your grading rubric.

[For science.]

[survivaltricks]

Classified. The government would put me on a hit list if I divulged those details.

[for science, huh]

[nevermind that he's already being monitored by the government HA HA HA]

[counterclocked]

Of course. Can’t forget the top secret grocery research going on behind closed doors. Far be it from me to interrupt your espionage career.

[Said with a slow nod and a mostly straight face.]

[survivaltricks]

Thanks. I'm in line for a promotion. I'd hate to ruin it.

[he likes you already, Hunter]

[counterclocked]

Maybe soon you'll be head of warehouse rating.

[He can't quite help it; he cracks a little smile.]

[survivaltricks]

[good!! better to smile and joke in this weird situation than to stew in its. . . weirdness]

One can only hope. I have my fingers crossed.

[counterclocked]

[He nods, before he moves on to something else.]

If I'm waiting on the theory you have about what's missing... Can I ask you something else?

[survivaltricks]

Hn? Of course.

[Akira's playful expression fades into curiosity]

What is it?

[counterclocked]

What were you doing, right before you got here?

[There are a few reasons he's curious.]

[survivaltricks]

[well, that question he can answer with relative ease]

I was riding in a van with my friends. We were going on a road trip.