[mingle] the space (january).

[fracturamods]

interim mingle

( WELCOME BACK, TRAVELERS. )

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. Or did you get something back recently?

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. It might've changed since the last time you saw it.

You might have changed since the last time you saw yourself too - perhaps with a new emblem on your clothes, or a portrait on your skin.

There's no need to fret that much though. You've already gone through the ordeal once, and you might be able to see results from it. Even so, it's best that you don't get too comfortable, because there is still the unshakeable feeling:

There's still much more ahead of you.

Comments

[foodbin]

[A few moments pass while she decides how to respond, but it isn't hard to see the skepticism on her face.]

I mean, you can give it a shot, but I feel like this is going to end in disaster.

[wisterin]

[ Shinobu smiles brightly. ]

It will be all right.

[ That's all the warning Emma gets before Shinobu springs into motion. In a blink, she jumps up and lifts Emma in a princess carry, making sure to avoid where her injuries are visible, and lands back on the ground with her knees bent to lessen the impact.

There's no shakiness, only confidence that comes from experience. ]

[foodbin]

[She's definitely clinging a little bit harder than necessary from surprise, and her eyes are open wider to make that shock even more clear.]

How did you do that?!

[wisterin]

[ Her hold on Emma is sure, and she carefully sets her down on the ground. ]

With years of training. Are you all right?

[ She indicates the bandages on Emma's leg. ]

[foodbin]

[She's trying to not look as awkward as she feels, but there's definitely a frown on her face.]

I got kidnapped to the world's largest grocery store, so no. Seriously, you said this place didn't have a name, but there has to be something you can tell me about where we are.

[wisterin]

There's an airport that doesn't let you go anywhere until it's ready. [ Thanks, Magical Olympics for teaching her what an airport is. ] When that is or how that is... isn't a certainty, but that's the only place that gives any kind of location.

[ She gestures towards the exit. ]

You will also find a train that goes anywhere and nowhere at the same time.

[foodbin]

[After a moment:]

...You don't mean any of that literally, right?

[wisterin]

[ She keeps her hand that gestured to the exit up. ]

Please look for yourself.

[ A beat. ]

If your leg needs to be rebandaged, please let me know.

[foodbin]

[She starts to say something, but then hesitates.]

Okay, you just did me a solid, so sure.

[To the exit she goes!!]

[wisterin]

[ Emma is an adult and there isn't any danger lurking around the corner as far as Shinobu's aware, so she doesn't think she has to hover or escort a grown woman. However, she will stay in the vicinity, if Emma decides to come back and ask more questions. ]