[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

[glooming]

[ Why would a trash lid be hers? She's dealt with strange people. She knows many strange people, but somehow, the people here are... Very strange....

She shakes her head. ]

It's the public's.

[dianxias]

Ah. [ .... whoops.

well. ] I should put this back, then, shouldn't I? Thank you for letting me know, I would never have thought to steal it.

[ there's a beat of a pause as he examines his newly created lid...and then starts nearly effortlessly bending it back to its original shape.

yeah. ]

[glooming]

[ It's fine. She's seen a lot of alien powers in her life. She doesn't know if the man in front of her is an alien or something else, but

It's fine. ]

I'm gloomy.

[ She seems pleased enough with smallest curve to her lips despite what she just said. ]

[dianxias]

[ it doesn't take much effort before xie lian is able to reshape the trash can lid back into a lid shape. it's a little crumply looking, like a piece of aluminum foil, but it's definitely still usable.

...ah, but, wait! ] Oh--? You are? Are you okay? [ turning around with his hands still on the lid, xie lian ducks down a little, as if to get a look at her expression!! did he make her sadder?! ] Is there something I can do to help?

[ ... ] Unless that's your name, or something. It isn't, is it?

[glooming]

[ She watches the trash lid. Put it back, please, hobo god man that she doesn't know is a god yet. ]

I'm Utsutsu.

[ This joke would have a chance of landing if he knew Japaense because she's no longer barely smiling.]

It's okay.

[dianxias]

[ can you hear the WHOOSH sound of that joke going right over his head. ]

Utsutsu....that's a very nice name. [ he's never heard anything like it! xie lian gives a proper bow of his head, making him seem less like a weird metal smashing hobo for a few minutes. ] I'm called Xie Lian, though many call me daozhang. It's nice to meet you, Utsutsu! Thank you for your help.

[glooming]

Daozhang?

[ Her tongue trips over saying it. Is that a title or a nickname? ]

[dianxias]

En, that's it! Dao-zhang. [ he separates the syllables slowly, to repeat. ]

Sort of like an official? [ a heavenly one.... cause he's a god... ] Or a priest, if you'd rather that. Xie Lian is fine, too!

[glooming]

[ She thinks she gets it. ]

Xie Lian. [ His name is better than calling him a priest. ] I'm a Gatchaman.

[ If he gives his title, then she should tell him her equivalent. It's not something she's supposed to keep secret anymore. ]

[dianxias]

[ . . . ]

What's a 'Gatchaman'? [ is that some new religion he's never heard of... these cultivators nowadays...... ]

[glooming]

The wings that protect the planet.

[ She's quoting someone. ]