soul_logs | Intro Log!

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Intro Log!

Characters: OPEN to new arrivals and NPCS.
Where: En route to Casualty Communal
Rating: Gen
Time: February 11 onwards
Description: Welcome to Death City!

The city was in good shape today, despite the recent attack to it and the unfortunate earthquake a month back. The damages to the city had been repaired best as they could, and everything else was covered in a healthy heap of decor for the upcoming Valentine’s Day.

Things were a bit somber, as was expected after so many of the residents lost their loved ones. Fortunately, if there was something Death City was good at, it was getting back on its feet after a fall.

[ooc: Player characters will also be joining the log. Everything after the sub thread Soul Perception is open to all characters.]

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The first thing that the guests might notice after the projection and the dark room and oh, being not where they were last was a large door at the end of the chamber. More importantly, the door was now open.

Perhaps the second thing that people will notice is the fact that there was a man with disheveled hair and round glasses in front of them, watching them intently. He was dressed in a lab coat that looked like a patchwork of stitches, and sitting backwards on a rolling chair with his arms pillowed on the top and his chin resting on his arms, on one side of the door. A line of stitches that matched the ones on his coat marred one half of his face, which might have detracted from his looks - but not as much, perhaps, as the fact that there was a giant screw driven through his head. How anyone’s supposed to survive THAT, one can only wonder.

He sucked a bit on his lighted cigarette, took a drag, exhaled through the side of his mouth. It seemed as though he was perfectly content with not saying a word. Spirit, on the other hand, was standing beside him, nervously straightening his tie and his shirt, idly looking over his shoulder at the rest of the odd gang of individuals who seemed to be manning this tour with him.

“Ahem,” he started, nodding at the people exiting the door. A smile lit up his face. “Hi, welcome to Death City! I hope you didn’t have too much of a rough ride; I heard it can be a bit weird for some. My name’s Spirit, a Deathscythe. We’re going to be going on a tour to help you adjust to the city better. Most of these guys are guests like yourself, so if you’d like to ask some questions, feel free to approach any of them.”

Maybe Spirit should just have been an actor. He was pretty good at memorizing lines. “The first thing we’ll do is hand you your communicators.” He held up a mirror to show it around. “It’ll let you connect with all the other guests here like you. It has other functions that you can read about later on in the manual.”

Black☆Star was not happy about the extra responsibility here. (What did he do to get punished like this? It was bad enough before -- but now he was taking on Crona's and Kilik's old job on top of his own!) He saw the guests stroll up and crossed his arms over his chest. "Alright. This is gonna be quick and so you better pay attention 'cause I ain't repeating anything. First off, and most importantly, the name's Black☆Star. I'm this world's greatest meister and the man who's gonna surpass god. You can stick around for my autograph later."

He jerked his thumb over his shoulder, "This place is Shibusen. It's our school. You go there and learn boring shit. Or if you don't wanna go there, that's fine too. You can find your own way around, just don't go in the dungeon downstairs 'cause you'll probably get lost and one of us'll have to drag you out and it'll be annoying. Eh, what else am I supposed to cover?" He scratched the side of his head, so used to doing his own section for so long that he forgot what the other ones went over.

"Oh right. Morning training. That's where you can really learn to work out your abilities and fighting skills. You can even challenge me there, but be prepared to lose if you do! Training goes down every morning in the park and it's run by Gai -- a guest like yourself. There's also the Watch -- a guest run organization devoted to protecting the city. If you're bored, you can do that too. Just ask that Roy Mustang guy about it."

Black☆Star led the group around to the largest set of stairs they have probably ever seen in their lives. From up here, the view of the clustered city below was breath-taking. Just don't mind that creepy sun with the face on it, grinning radiantly at all the new guests. "That down there is our city. Might look a little run-down from the recent attacks, but even in spite of that, it's one of the safest places you can be. There's a surveillance system around the districts -- run by the Kuzonoha Agency."

The boredom faded from his face, replaced by something a bit more serious. He turned toward the guests, narrowing his eyes, "This place is run by a guy named Death the Kid. To protect YOU guys, he's stuck here holding up a barrier that keeps the madness wavelength out. So if I hear one complaint, one whine about wanting to go home, or if anyone even DARES to say shit about him while I'm there to hear it -- I ain't gonna go lightly on any of you. It ain't his fault you're here, but he's taking the fall for it anyway. He's too good of a guy, and that's why it pisses me off to hear you guys drone on selfishly when he's sacrificed his own freedom to keep your asses safe."

And the threat was gone after that, his expression returning to impassivity, "Anyway, just head down those stairs. Maka and Blair'll be waiting there to take you around the city."

If one were to wander away from Shibusen and further into the city, it wouldn't be long before anyone would come across a young girl waiting around on one of the roads; sitting comfortably on top of her pig-tailed head was a black cat, although the more unusual thing is that it were donning a witch's style hat. But to neither of them, this was anything odd, and it seemed like they were anticipating a crowd forming before they began, as well.

"Afternoon, everyone!" the girl greeted the newcomers once it looked like a good amount of them arrived. "I'm Maka Albarn, one of the Meisters who attends the academy."

"And I'm Blair!" The black cat cheerfully added. "I'm Death City's one and only magical cat!" She waved a paw hello. "Listen to Maka, okay? She's one of the smartest people here! But if you're not into all that book learning stuff, come with Blair!" The talking cat jumped off the blonde's head onto a nearby wall. A sudden swirl of purple smoke surrounded the feline. When it passed the cat had disappeared and in its place there sat a beautiful woman. She winked at the crowd. "I'll show ya a good time!~"

Maka was torn between feeling complimented and a little agitated she was reduced to nothing more than the "book smarts girl", but she tried not to let it show on her face. Forcing through an amiable smile, Maka's narrowed look toward the cat only lasted a second before turning back toward everyone else. "That said," she continued, initially sounding somewhat forced, but then managed her usual casual demeanor. "We're both here to aid all of you in showing where some things in Death City are. You're more than welcome to explore on your own, but if you ever have any questions, don't be afraid to ask!"

Another batch of newbies, another house tour for him. He normally wouldn’t mind, but it’s been a little crazy down in Death City lately...

Soul Eater Evans waited for the crowd to gather around him and settle down a bit before speaking. He was probably a strange-looking kid for most of you, with his white hair, red eyes and significantly sharp teeth.

“I’m Soul Eater Evans, one of the resident Death Scythes. They put me in charge of showing you all where you’re staying.”

He then proceeded to lead everyone down through the residential quarter, talking as he moved through the area, gesturing to whatever he’s referring to as they go along.

“This place we’re going through is Casualty Communal, and the ones over on that end are the Creeping Crypts. These are free pads that Shibusen’s giving over to you guys for the duration of your stay, so just pick your room and do your thing. Things should change, though, once you partner up with somebody.”

Soul paused there, waiting until they reached a good spot to view another set of buildings in the distance.

“That area is Death City Heights, the place that Shibusen’s carved out for partnered pairs. Rent’s also free, and the places are bigger. Just a head’s up, though... you don’t actually have to move if you don’t want to. Thing is, we’re getting new guys pretty regularly, so it’d good to ship out and leave some space for them once you’re able.”

Then it was back to the usual clear spot that he had picked out on his tour route. SEES had their help desk cum reception area all set up: a large table, stacked with baskets containing food, toiletries and other basic starters. Each had a card in them, welcoming them to Death City. The table was, of course, manned by their members, distinguished by a bright red armband emblazoned with the acronym ‘SEES’.

“Other things you ought to know about: we’ve got a clinic for the sick and the injured, and the shopping area’s got pretty much everything you need. Shibusen’s paying for a lot of the basic stuff, but you’ll have to earn your own cash to buy whatever isn’t covered by that. If you’ve got any questions, ask me or any of the others here.”

One thing the guests would notice immediately was that the room was neat and orderly. X-Ray machines were lined up in very neat, perfect rows on either side of the room, volunteers standing at their side. They were divided and spaced perfectly evenly apart and arranged by model, size, and age. And just like before, Kid was standing in the center as he waited for the guests to arrive. This time, however, he seemed to have a more serious air, his thoughts distracted by other matters. It still seemed too soon for guests to arrive now, but BREW had a tendency to do that.

"Greetings everyone," he said when everyone filled the room. "I am Death the Kid, the current acting Shinigami. I and several volunteers will help determine whether you are a meister or a weapon by examining your soul. There are two methods."

He turned to the X-ray machines. "These X-Ray machines work just like any other X-Ray machine, with the exception that they can capture the image of your soul."

"The second way," he continued as he turned back to the face the group, "is through a skill called Soul Perception. Those like myself and will look directly at your soul and determine which you are. It's a simple process that only takes a few seconds. You may choose whichever method you prefer."

Kid then turned to the man who sat in a rolling chair behind him, though many may have noticed him already. It was hard to miss the stitches and the large screw sticking out of the man's head. Some may have also recognized him from the Kishin Chamber.

"Professor Stein is also here today to help assist with Soul Perception. He is one of our most skilled meisters as well as one of Shibusen's teachers." For a moment he debated whether to warn them about his penchant for asking about dissections, but decided against it. He could only hope that the professor would not get too carried away.

Stein nodded at Kid’s words, and lifted his hand in an idle wave. He stared at the crowd a moment, a bit too intensely to be normal, and then smiled, as if just remembering that he probably should. The gesture was a little thin.

“If anyone has any questions about the process, or about souls in general, you’re free to approach either of us.”

“It is also recommended that everyone participates in the morning training sessions,” Kid added. “They occur every morning and you will be able to learn and discover your abilities through practice and resonating with a partner."

He then did a quick mental check to ensure that everything was covered. "Now, for those who wish to use the machines, please line up on either side of the room and move to the next available one. For those who would like to be assisted through Soul Perception, simply raise your hand and one of us will come to you."

Edited 2012-04-21 05:43 (UTC)

Dripping with rainwater and disoriented, Rock Lee struggled to not let the sudden change in scenario overwhelm him. As a shinobi he had been taught how to acclimate to even the most bizarre situations, but this... this was quite unlike anything he had ever expected. The red-haired man's words had been reassuring, but Lee's sudden inability to access his chakra was startling. If they were in a war, how was he supposed to fight without the most important tool in his arsenal?

As a Weapon or a Meister, they were saying. But what did that really mean to him? Confounded, but not ever one to let confusion bog him down, Lee forced a determined set of his jaw and stepped up to get his communicator.

"Pardon me!" he chimed out as he stepped through the crowd, passed the more nervous and shocked arrivals. "Excuse me! Allow me through, please!"

[SENSEIIIIIIII]

Gai had just gotten to the chamber and was looking around, seeing who he could help first. He was nearly back to his normal self and figured that being helpful would make him feel even better. Many were already being helped and then he saw a very familiar head and heard a very familiar voice.

His heart stopped.

His heart began again.

The biggest smile Gai had ever worn was growing on his face, and then he was running across the room to his student, darting between confused (and likely now frightened) arrivals. While for most people it was a very stupid thing to grab a ninja in a bear hug, Gai figured that by starting to speak even as he was plummeting toward his student it would all work out.

"LEE! MY LEE! YOU HAVE RETURNED TO ME AND MY EMBRACE YOU ARE BACK! MY LEEEEEEE!"

So this was the one that that Black Star fellow was so defensive about.

I thought he'd be taller, mused Loki. He must have powerful magic. I wonder if I could learn it...?

He was quickly distracted, though, by the machines. Loki peered at the unfamiliar contraptions. Everything looked so strange here. "But what is an X-ray machine?" Loki asked. "How do these contraptions work?"

Lee would have found it strange and suspicious to see another shinobi darting towards him without first being alerted by Gai's unique chakra signature as a warning, but given the circumstances Lee was simply thrilled to see a familiar face. And his sensei, no less!

Returning a massive grin, Lee let himself be nearly bowled over by his mentor's massive embrace. He squeezed back just as tightly, allowing the warmth from their hug to overtake him fully. No one quite understood their relationship back home, and Lee didn't expect the strangers here to understand either, but he didn't care. This was his sensei, and they were both safe and sound.

"SENSEI! IT IS WONDERFUL TO SEE YOU, GAI-SENSEIIIIII!" Lee didn't let up on his hug, but the surprise showed in his voice. "But how can I have come back to a place I have never been?"

Lee filed in with all the other strangers, still slightly damp from rainwater but filled to the brim with enthusiasm. Gai-sensei was here, and nothing more could make him happier. Or so Lee believed up until about two seconds ago.

The handsome young man who talked perhaps just as politely as Lee himself had just finished his speech about soul perception and was allowing them to choose a preferred method. Lee's hand shot up almost as soon as he was given instruction, waving it furiously while staring quite openly at his Rival's blank face.

"Neji! Neji! Over here!" Lee called out to his friend, just in case his friend hadn't quite seen him yet.

"Sometimes people come and then they leave and they forget that they were here and then they come back and you have come back and I did not doubt you would for a moment! I can explain more! I am in fact here to explain more! In this room!" Everything was healed. Gai felt like himself again, bursting with renewed hope and vigor.

And, well, he might as well use that vigor. "Come! Let me show you the Kishin Chamber! Up!" A moment later he was ready to lift Lee up to his shoulders, preparing to take off on laps. "I can show you the whole city! The entire thing! We can run around it!"

...He had really, really missed Lee.

Near the back of the crowd of newcomers, Carl saw the man from the video.

"Excuse me!" he called out. "Excuse me!"

He rushed forward, awkwardly navigating his way through the crowd. He aimed for Spirit, but pointed his tape recorder at the first tour guide he reached.

"Carl Kolchak, Independent News Service. Was that video serious? Are we really in some other universe?"

It was really hard to miss that bowlcut, or those spandex on any given day but he'd been occupied with another guest until Lee's voice gave him reason to turn.

White eyes picked out the source in an instant and Neji froze before relief flooded through his system, easing the tension built up over the past week upon sighting his best friend in the crowd. Standing there energetic and straightforward, he felt better than he had in awhile. Unlike his hyperactive teammate however, not much of it showed through.

"Lee," he called, straightening and gestured for him to come up to the machines. "I don't have Soul Perception, so you'll need to come up here."

Grinning like a fool, Lee made a beeline towards the machine Neji indicated. But, before he made any move to attempt stepping up into the machine, Lee hopped over to his best friend and threw his arms around him, giving him a friendly squeeze.

"It is good to see you, my friend!" Lee chuckled, not letting up even though he knew his damp clothes were probably causing Neji a little discomfort. "I was surprised to see Gai-sensei, but I am glad you are here as well!"

The fatigue that came with fighting for hours in an attempt to protect a comrade, followed shortly by a very vigorous run towards the main battlefield, then the sudden yank into an unfamiliar place without warning; suddenly it was all starting to hit Lee, but he had more stamina than the average youth. His head buzzing in an attempt to understand all that Gai had said, Lee simply smiled and nodded. He would figure it all out soon, he was sure.

Fist pumping, Lee fed on the same energy that seemed to be radiating from Gai and gave a mighty shout. "YOSH! Let's go, Gai-sensei!"

Lee felt no qualms about Gai's youthful gesture and was quite happy to be toted around by his joyful sensei. It really did feel like they had been apart for years, even if it had only been half a day's worth of hours for Lee at most.

Kolchak knew he should be listening. This sounded like important information. But something in the sky distracted him...

"Would you look at that sun!?" He nearly shouted. "It's... it's from another world!"

He took a picture of it, wondering whether the photo would come out.

He'd be lying if he said that he hadn't been half-expecting it. Gai and Lee were terrible at containing themselves, particularly when overjoyed about something. Neji let Lee cling to him for a moment in silent concession before he pried him loose.

A single eyebrow questioned the wet state of the other shinobi's clothing, but he looked over the rest of Lee for injuries and tried to gauge exactly how much Lee remembered- if anything. But if he was surprised to see Gai or himself, then it was likely the latter.

Neji smoothed his hands over himself, grimacing at the bits of water that had transferred over. Despite it all however, he can't keep the warmth from his voice.

"Tenten is here as well, along with a few others from Konoha." he said, head tilting. "I'm sure she'll be just as happy to see you."

Carl was so shocked by Blair's transformation that he could barely speak. He took a step back, pointing a quivering finger at Blair.

"Th-th-th-that cat just..." was all he was able to stammer.

By now Blair had gotten used to that sort of reaction. She even kind of liked it.

"Tee~hee. Yup! I told'ja I'm a magical cat!" Blair smiled and debated conjuring up a pumpkin or two. Perhaps it was better not give the poor fellow a heart attack.

"Got any questions, old-guy?"

It hadn't even occurred to Gai that his student might not be feeling entirely youthfully energetic, even though he knew there was a war going on back home. Lee wasn't bleeding and so Gai had simply swooped into jubilant action.

"YES!" Gai's voice was just as loud. They were getting weird looks, but Gai always got weird looks. He broke out into a run, not caring what anyone else thought, because Lee. "This is called the Kishin Chamber! I do not know why! But it is where everyone arrives and where I arrived about four months ago! I arrived with Kakashi and he is still here too! But I forgot! Tenten and Neji are as well! We are all here! My team! My beloved team!"

While this was probably not the most informative welcome to Death City ever, there was a rather good chance it was the most energetic one.

Someone so young was in charge? Carl could have simply followed Kid's instructions and lined up, but he had too many questions.

Holding up his tape recorder he asked "Can you tell me more about this war? Why are you fighting witches?"

Having a tape recorder suddenly held up to him was not something he would have expected. In fact he had never really been interviewed, so this was completely new for him. So Kid stood there surprised for a few moments staring at the new guest before he finally regained his composure.

"First of all, who are you? And what have you been told so far?"

Given that this was the last leg of the tour, he did not want to say things that the man had either already heard or start on an improper assumption that he was told things when he hadn't. Who knew who said what to him already.

Lee was thankful for the time Neji allowed the embrace to linger, and for that Lee also acquiesced to Neji's wishes when he pulled away. Lee could always use longer hugs, but his battle fatigue was starting to catch up to him so having room to breathe was actually a better idea right now.

Despite his teammate's cool reactions, his voice definitely held more of a smile than it normally would. Lee hoped he had something to do with Neji's buoyant mood. It wasn't often that he could put his rival in such a state.

Lee's smile, if it was even possible, brightened more at Neji's words. "Then our whole team is here! Wonderful!" He stopped a moment, taking a breath to steady himself, then attempted to keep his smile up even as a wave of tiredness began to weigh him down. "I cannot wait to see her as well."

"But first," Lee turned to the machine, thoughtful, "I suppose I should find out more about my role here."

Carl was finally able to calm himself and talk normally.

"I have a feeling I'm going to run into a lot of surprises here," he said. "Are there any cars in this world? I haven't seen any since we left the school."

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Page 1 of 54

Intro Log!

KISHIN CHAMBER

AROUND AND OUTSIDE SHIBUSEN

AROUND DEATH CITY

CASUALTY COMMUNAL

SOUL PERCEPTION

OPEN THREAD

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