[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

[rateup]

I guess. Especially when we're on a moving vehicle --

[ that's picking up speed all of a sudden, causing itaru's grip around his phone to loosen and it clatters away to the very edge of the roof, with half of it already dangling off. ]

Shit!

[ittoryu]

Whoa—!

[shigure immediately scrambles for the phone, despite DANGER signs flashing around it, because it seems important to this guy?? he manages to grab it—

though as the train continues to speed up in bursts, he momentarily loses his balance, and off the edge he goes...! bye he's dead now.

no, he grabbed onto something at the side of the train, so he's fine, if. sort of hanging in there. but the phone's okay!]

[rateup]

[ stop!!! raising so many death flags!! he just met you, for crying out loud! itaru immediately scrambles to the edge of the roof where he thought shigure has kicked it with his phone, and reaches his hand out. ]

Here, grab on --

[ it's definitely one of those quick-time events where you button-mash to hell and back, and itaru's a physically weak guy as it is to successfully pull up a guy with his upper arm strength. still, he won't let go. ]

[ittoryu]

[shigure is oddly okay with this potential life-and-death situation but maybe he's just an adrenaline junkie

honestly he feels like it might be easier if he just climbed up himself instead of relying on itaru's weakass arm?? but he appreciates the sentiment. itaru's a good guy! won't leave him to die!

which is to say that even though shigure knows he's probably supposed to take his hand, what he does first is put itaru's phone in it. here you go!!]

[rateup]

[ itaru blinks, and quickly pockets his phone before he accidentally drops it again for good. ]

...D'you still need my help or nah?

[ he's super useless but if he needs to buttonmash...! ]

[ittoryu]

Why not? I won't say no to help!

[let's see your best efforts, itaru...]

[rateup]

[ okay, second attempt at this quick-time event then. he grabs shigure's arm and puuuulls with all his might, but he's already winded at managing to tug the guy a good couple of inches up. ]

Can't you like... work with me here?

[ittoryu]

Of course, of course.

[he'll make his own attempts to climb back up, then, with his free hand.]

[rateup]

[ it's easier to pull shigure up now, but tbh he'd be doing more work than itaru, who's this close to giving out. once the guy's fully secured on the roof, itaru collapses on his butt to catch his breath. ]

God... Either you're heavy or my arms don't have what it takes.

[ittoryu]

[itaru tried so hard... shigure appreciates it!]

Hahaha, perhaps you should work out more, my friend!

[rateup]

Ugh, pass. The only thing I wanna lift is my phone from my pocket.

[ ... ]

Thanks.

[ittoryu]

To each their own!

[he shakes his head.]

That "phone" is important to you, right? It would be unfortunate to lose it.

[rateup]

It's the only thing I have from home.

[ his brows knit for a moment, feeling as though something is missing inside him. but what could that be? but he shakes his head to get his mind off it for now. ]

And I don't think they sell phones back at the shop. Unless someone here can fix it. [ but most of y'all havent even heard of this thing so, ]

[ittoryu]

I'll keep an ear out for such a person, just in case. It's a pity that they aren't sold here, though—it seems fascinating.

[rateup]

Right? Can't imagine living life without it.

Tell you what: if phones like this suddenly spawn inside the shop one day, I'll teach you how to use it. It's the least I can do.

[ittoryu]

The one thing I'd say I can't live without is my sword...

[!!]

Ohh! I'll hold you to that.

[rateup]

So you study the blade...

[ while itaru's on his phone. rip. ]

I've got to get back inside and continue recharging there. I'll see you around, uh.

[ he just saved this guy's life without asking his name first, fuck ]

[ittoryu]

[should've asked for his name while he was hanging from the train, smh.]

Shigure of the Itto-ryu! And your name would be?

[rateup]

Chigasaki Itaru. Of Spring Troupe.

[ there's that empty feeling again, but he figures that he may as well tack that last part on since shigure's doing it. ]

All right then, I'm off. GG.

[ittoryu]

See you around, Chigasaki Itaru of Spring Troupe!

[what the fuck does gg mean, he doesn't know]