[WORLD TWO | INTRO LOG]

[spellbindmods]

Who: All coven members
Where: In and around the new world’s apartment building where the coven is staying
When: Day (the calendar isn’t syncing for me hELP)
Open/Closed: Open to All

You’re in a room. It’s pretty bright — blindingly so, even. There’s something very stark and very clean about the place, and also the person you’re sitting in front of. You’re sitting? You’re sitting. There’s also a pane of very powerful plexiglass separating you from the uniform-clad person who is now speaking to you. It’s impossible to transcribe what they say verbatim, but here’s the gist of it: - You’re being welcomed to a city called Shehui. Depending on who you are, the level of technology may be light years ahead of you or child’s play. - There’s a very strict policy about magic. While there are measures put in place to prevent magic from happening, this is still something that they reiterate over and over. They don’t want to take chances. - Crime is also frowned upon. Small infractions will result in credit deductions, while major crimes will get you banned. Antisocial behavior is also looked down upon. You’re locked in the city for your initial eight weeks. You can leave afterwards, but trying to break out of the city or cause social unrest will result in monitoring and a potential ban. - This city is supposed to be somewhat relaxing. Is it a free pleasure cruise? No. Is it a self-contained society that runs on community and indulgence? Yes. - You’re being given an allotment of credits in order to stay in the city, which is what the economy there runs on. This goes on for quite some time. - You’re being moved to a housing location. Despite the slotted speaker in the middle of the plexiglass, the only time you have a chance to ask questions is when a small slit opens in the bottom and a package is slid towards you. - What’s in the package? There’s a credit card-like apparatus that has apparently taken a picture of you. It contains a place to write your name, an identification number and barcode. It also has a thin strip near the top that has scrolling script floating by. It states “WELCOME TO SHEHUI. YOUR ID WILL UPDATE WITH COMMUNITY NOTICES AND PERSONAL PINGS FOR JOBS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES RELATED TO YOUR INTEREST.” It’s a lot to take in, but that’s the long and short of it. Have questions? The person will reiterate a few times that there are information desks around the city. That’s all for now…now you’ll be traveling to your next destination: your new home. The floor slowly lowers as if you’ve been in an elevator the whole time. It connects to several other glass containers, much like your own, all suddenly clanking together in a chain. After a short wait, the chain begins to move — quickly. Faster, maybe, than you’ve ever gone before. It’s hard to even make out the scenery when you’re zipping past everything so quickly. Where does this trip lead you? The ground floor of your new apartment building. The plexiglass cases open up and you’re in a hotel lobby. There’s a flashing board on the wall — NEW ARRIVALS, COME HERE. A ▢ So now’s the time to get settled into your new digs. Your name is on the board, and there’s a promise that your things — which, by the way, were mysteriously taken — will be located in your room. No need to fight over bedrooms; those also hold name placards that are digitally installed. Maybe everyone else is already there. Maybe you’re the first person there and need to find a way to stake your claim on the fridge or a bathroom. B ▢ Maybe you don’t want to fuck with anybody right now and are busy exploring the apartment building. You may encounter some aliens, some strangers, some ice machines. There IS that floor that’s nothing but recreational stations. If you’re overwhelmed, the garden is a good place to start. The sport court is pretty empty right now, if you want to have any regrouping meetings.

The apartment building is locked up tight for three hours in order to let new arrivals get their bearings. After that, the ground floor lobby doors open into the city of Shehui. There’s a lot to take in, but let’s cover the biggest bases: C ▢ Right outside this communal apartment building is a large, digital job board. The list of available jobs and credit opportunities are constantly flashing by. Want to pick one out? Just hold up that ID card you were given and the instructions and location will be sent to the ID’s text scroller. D ▢ You’ve got 500 credits to blow on clothes, food, strippers…whatever you’d like? Right next to the apartment complex are tons of local businesses, from bistros to outlet malls. A movie theater, an arcade, a video game store…and the best thing about Shehui? Most everything is dirt cheap. Where are you shopping? What are you buying? Enquiring minds would like to know! E ▢ Right next to the shopping area is a wooded park. It’s akin to a nature trail that’s similar to Yellowstone in scenery and topography. If you’re more comfortable someplace less…tech or modern…then this may be exactly where you’d like to be. F ▢ Wildcard! How will your character interact with this new and unusual world?

Comments

[finagles]

( a: floor 5, room 1 )

[ At least he has some privacy with his own room in the shared apartment. As eerie as the rules of the new city are with the unsettling the emphasis on collective, unanimous thought, a jingoistic culture if there ever was one, McGillis is grateful for a few things:

1) hot showers
2) proper beds
3) caffeine

A pot of coffee brews in the kitchen. He might choose tea on an average day -- eight weeks without anything like it calls for something stronger. So he stands by, watching it drip, silently adding more items to his mental list. He might be an upstart and a traitor, but the conveniences of a luxurious and modern life had been missed. Just because he knows what it means to go without doesn't mean he prefers to.

He pours himself a cup (the smell...) and brings the mug to his mouth, sipping. Turning, he keeps from startling at the sight of a roommate, instead politely extending an offer to fix them a cup upon noticing their presence. ]

Good morning. Would you like some coffee?

( c: job obtained )

[ Not much of an interview process - well, when a city runs as smoothly as this one seems to...

Within virtually no time, McGillis has obtained a simple retail job. For a local bakery in the sprawling metropolis. Not exactly in line with his former resume or his former title of Brigadier General, but hey, one of his best skills happens to be rolling with the unexpected.

If you step into the shop, the aromatic smell of freshly baked goods awaits you. A tall blond man in an apron greets each customer from his place behind the counter, his demeanor calm and courteous. On each side, there are large rows of glass-encased desserts and pastries -- a large selection.

What can he get for you? ]

( f: wildcard )

[ my inbox is always open! free for all friending policy on plurk: dingus ]

[stripartist]

[Yusuke is so unsure about everything about this city, but he can appreciate roommates and showers and coffee and technology. Something still feels a bit off, maybe the lack of persona, but whatever.

Finding his new rooms for the time didn't take too long, but he'd crashed as soon as he found them. Now it's morning and--coffee. Dear God, someone made coffee.]

Please. What food is in the refrigerator, do you know?

[finagles]

I haven't gotten a chance to check our food supplies yet.

[ If there are any beyond what he sees on the counter... this is his first world hop under Qri's tutelage, and he's not sure what to expect either. McGillis plucks another mug from the cupboard and pours from the coffeepot for his roommate. ]

Though, it's exciting to have access to modern amenities again. The sort of lifestyle we had on the island can become tiresome.

[ living in the wilderness and whatnot...

Something tells him this guy will agree. He hands him the cup, still smiling. ]

[stripartist]

Honestly, I'm mostly excited about the hot shower.

[He can survive without a soft bed but hot showers are a must.

Yusuke takes the cup and moves to the fridge to start looking for food.]

McGillis, I'm assuming? No offense, but you don't look like a Kosuzu.

[finagles]

No offense taken.

[ A light and airy response. Curious, he leans against the counter and watches to see if Yusuke unearths anything interesting from the fridge. ]

By process of elimination, you must be Yusuke Kitagawa. A pleasure to meet you.

[decipheringeye]

[ Kosuzu opens the door to the room she's been assigned and takes one glance at the people already living there before hastily apologizing. ]

Oops, sorry, wrong room!

[ With that, she closes the door.

...And a moment later, opens it again, looking incredulous. ]

...This is room 1 on floor 5, right...?

[finagles]

[ oop sorry kosuzu

McGillis blinks as she disappears quickly back into her room. He's still watching her door when she opens it and reappears. ]

That's correct.

[ She looks very young... that's probably why she's a little flustered. His next smile attempts to be reassuring. ]

If that's your name on the door, you're in the right place.

[decipheringeye]

[ Well, whatever she was expecting from the next world, this wasn't it. ]

Are you sure there wasn't some kind of mistake here? Two boys and one girl living together is kind of...

[finagles]

I apologize, I don't have any details on the room selection process.

[ Crossing an arm over his chest before he takes another sip from his cup. He personally seems unbothered, but his smile strains towards sympathetic. He can understand how her discomfort comes in as a factor. ]

There might be a way to request a new room. Then again, the rules of Shehui seem... inflexible.

( c )

[enflame]

( Depriving someone of baked goods should be a capital offense, space witch or no. At least, that’s similar to what Emil thinks as soon as he enters the store, overwhelmed with the fresh smell. Ah yes...heaven does exist.

Giving someone 500 credits to spend in a booming economy, then showing them a bakery is a very bad idea, though. He’s not immediately familiar with all of the things he can buy, but what the hell — he’ll get them anyway! )

One of those ( Pointing to some baklava looking bread. ), a few of the frosted cookies...as many as you can put in a box, honestly. ...Oh! Do you sell cakes here? What are the sizes?

( He doesn’t even know this is a coven member since he doesn’t get out very much, so excuse Emil while he enthusiastically talks to McGillis like he’s worked here for years.

God, he’s going to get fat again. )

[finagles]

[ Emil...

You understand. Nobody should be deprived of sweets for too long. McGillis may or may not have been sneaking samples all day.

Well, regardless of experience or temptation, he can certainty play the part of someone who's been employed by the bakery for years. He took his short training from the unenthusiastic manager very seriously. As soon as his latest customer begins to speak, he's preparing boxes and sliding back the glass to access each treat. ]

Our cakes are right over here. [ After he's tended to the items Emil has already requested, McGillis walks over to the far side of the store and gestures at three rows of medium-sized looking cakes. ] Freshly made on location, of course. I can cut you a slice or box up a whole one of your choosing.

[ Has he recognized this customer? It doesn't seem like it...

... but McGillis spends too much time flying in circles and stalking the group in animal form not to slowly ping to a familiar face. ]

As a fellow student of Qri's, I'm happy to give you a discount.

[ smirk ]

[enflame]

( Slices? Slices are for scrubs. Finding out that his server is a fellow coven member isn’t as embarrassing as it is unexpected, but it puts him off guard either way. Oops...and how did yo get a job so fast, you cretin???

Oh well. Emil can’t stay too focused when there are cakes to preoccupy him. Discounted cakes, at that. )

A whole one! Definitely whole. ( As much as he would like a whole cake to himself, this will potentially be going to three other people (not even his roommates; fuck 2/3 of those people tbh. ) I’m going to need a larger one in a week or so...is that doable?

( He’s noticeably not acknowledging their coven bond; you’re at work, dude, and he wants cake. )

c.

[reckoner]

[ Had he sought him out?

Old habits die hard, but then, Gaelio had died hard.

Strange to bend. Strange to prop his elbow onto the case, leaning more toward the counter than the baked goods. Muscles stiff and aching with disuse, severed but newly reconnected. Once, how easy to lean, supple cording.

Strange, but the beach had been a stranger thing, further upsetting one understanding, further expanding another. Where they stand after what transpired there, a lingering unknown, weight and charge to every meeting since. Well -- before the beach, too. From the start. It might be they better acknowledged it now.

He acknowledges it now, if indirectly. Leaning toward counter, but face turned toward casing, but eyes glancing sidelong to the man behind.

Cute apron. Horrible hairnet, which also makes it cute. ]

Do you get samples? Leftovers?

[ Idly. ]

It's a good thing, if so. You've been slimming down.

[ Not quite losing weight, no one starving, but... ]

But, don't overdo it. You'll get fat.

[finagles]

[ Is he surprised to see Gaelio wander into the shop? No, not really.

He is surprised to see him lean with elbow propped against glass, his body language casual, close to flippant. McGillis, eye caught, is promptly assaulted by memories and nostalgia. He levies a quiet smirk, side-long, as he himself leans over the countertop to pore over a tablet - notes for orders.

Lingering unknowns, their only steady constant. ]

I thought you liked how fast I ate.

[ A very bizarre thing to say unless Gaelio can recall the specific memory...

Tinged with secretive humor regardless. ]

I'll bring you half of what I take home. Problem solved.

[ After all, the natural living diet of produce and proteins has also taken its toll on Gaelio. ]

You've been looking lean yourself.

1/2

[reckoner]

[ Another constant, perhaps, though he would not have thought McGillis capable of it. Not until recently.

Susceptibility to memories, to nostalgia. After sixteen years, it took little to trigger. Two stimuli now: that angled smirk, slight and shared, and the sight of his focus bent toward data on a tablet.

Before Gaelio can be swept too far by the undertow, McGillis stirs an entirely different memory, one that startles. His eyes round, and absurdly, inexplicably,

his neck,

feels hot.

Two years since last embarrassed, but warmth sprawls steady, undeterred by rising protests in his head.

The difficulty with that memory: past his pride in Carta, past his pleasure that she persuaded McGllis to keep close to them, the scene once Gaelio stood again alone. Mortification, the agony only a child anxious, desperate to be seen and to please, could feel, with all its overwrought exaggeration. How stupid his encouragement had been. For all his confidence in it, sincere in his admiration, compared to Carta...

What an idiot.

Thrown off-guard by the unexpected memory, Gaelio stares, and though it's been two years since he last really blushed, and though thinking of Carta should spark only pain, only fury, well... ]

[reckoner]

How fast isn't how much.

[ Stop????

Blood won't heed him, but he can at least control his voice.

MOVING RIGHT ALONG. ]

Who says I want your scraps?

[ Besides... ]

I thought you hated sharing. You don't have to try so hard. Don't think of me.

[ Try harder.

Think more of him. ]

c

[splinten]

[Uh.]

Is there anything orange flavoured.

[Jane is the baked goods heiress. He is lost.]

[finagles]

[ Another coven member...!

But the first one he ran into burned him. He's quiet about the connection this time around. At least for now. McGillis rests a hand on his chin, eyes drifting down as he tries to recall orange flavoured things from the shop's list of desserts he's currently trying to memorize.

honestly what a nerd ]

Hm... we have orange spice cookies, citrus cupcakes, blood orange poundcake... I believe that's it. If there's something specific you're interested in, we can also put it on order for you.

[splinten]

I've never had any of those.

[He comes up closer to the counter. Shopping at a bakery is new to him. Almost all shopping is new to him.]

Which ones rare they?

[Holy shit he hopes this doesn't sound stupid.]

c.

[armigers]

[ Making his way through the shopping district, it's not difficult to be lured in by the siren call of freshly baked bread and pastries, unable to remember how long it's been he's eaten something he hadn't either microwaved or killed himself. It would be nice to splurge a little... is something he's already spent far too long thinking, given how few credits he has left. How long had all of it lasted? Not long enough, so all he can do is stare at the bakery window forlornly before spotting a familiar blond crown of hair.

Now the question is whether he wants to duck out of sight and pretend he's not drooling over baked goods or venture inside and see if the guy will sneak him something for free. His mind says A, but his heart (stomach) says B.

With his hand on the door, it seems he's already committed himself to this, and he's moving in, inhaling the aroma, looking at peace with the world for once. Shit, he should probably say something, shouldn't he? ]

So... you work here now? Good pick. All this food...

[ He's going to leave here starving, isn't he? ]

How much can 1... uh 3 credits get me?

[finagles]

[ Oh hey, it's his transformation training partner. Initially, McGillis looks pleased to see him. He's not embarrassed about being seen working here by someone he knows - he happens to agree that it was a good pick as long as they won't be able to move up in their first weeks. He gets to eat and earn credits at the same time. ]

Ah, Ray --

[ ...but it's a fading smile. Three credits down from five hundred in this short a time? Tsk, son...

Then again, he could be interpreting this wrong. ]

That's not all you have left, is it?

[ Maybe it's the maximum amount he's willing to spend on sweets. Clearly he's budgeting. ]

[armigers]

No.

[ Yes. ]

'course not. Just left the rest in my other pants.

[ This is a bad lie unfolding. Abort. Abort. ]

Maybe just a cookie or something?

[ His eyes scan the bakery, clearly interested in far more than 'just a cookie.' How can this guy even stand to work here all day and not sneak in some food into his mouth? There's no way. Maybe he's got a stash hidden somewhere out of sight. It's not like he'd judge him for it. In fact, the scent almost feels too titillating in its nostalgia. His apartment almost always smelled of baked goods after Ignis had his way with his kitchen. ]

Did you make any of these yourself?

[ Because there's a certain reminder at the tip of his mind, something in the measured way he speaks, the mannerisms, the attention to detail, so upright and astute where Noctis is disheveled and cluttered. ]

c

[cherrypuncher]

[Yuna is so excited about the city. There's hot water! There's places to buy things! There's stuff that isn't dirt! This is amazing.

Baked goods are up there on the list of things Yuna's excited about, because she's kind of a fatass, so she's already practically skipping into the bakery, and she only smiles wider when she sees who's behind the counter.]

Oh! Hi, General Fareed! [is it weird to call him that while he's manning a bakeshop... too late] Are you working here now? You're so lucky! [spoken like a true teenager who doesn't know how jobs work. she's pressing her hands and face up against one of the glass displays of desserts... sorry about all the fingerprint smudges]

[finagles]

[ Officially his new favorite customer. ]

Good afternoon, Yuna. [ If it is weird, he doesn't seem to mind, nor that she presses so close to the glass. Her claim that he's lucky to have the bakery job earns a gentle chuckle from him. ] I'm forced to agree. An endless supply of day-olds for the taking.

[ And when the food on the island can get a little...tedious, it's easy to overdo it. ]

Do you have a favorite baked good?

[cherrypuncher]

["tedious" is a start. they're gonna get so fat.]

Aaah, you know, my friend Togo-san makes the best botamochi. If I could eat that for the rest of my life I definitely would!

[the fact that she's in love with togo helps]

All rice cakes are good rice cakes, though! What's your favorite?