maskormenacelogs | Open mingle for musical shenanigans

»A | Arrival// Car ride to Heropa [Closed to other newbies?? or idk folks who would feasibly be in this car]
[Everything is kind of crazy. Insane even. Connie is feeling pretty dumb because he is just not getting what's going on. Another world? Super powers? What's he supposed to be doing from here? He's gotta-- gotta get back. Right? They finally made it to Shiganshina. Now's not the time for--]

Hey. Hey. Hey!! STOP THE CARRIAGE!

[Whether the car actually stops or not, Connie's interrupting this ride to Heropa. Sorry any carpool buddies, but he's flinging open the door and jumping out. Child locks probably should have been engaged, note for next time if you're ever in a car with Connie again. Or maybe you're really glad he got out because frankly this kid is covered in dirt, dried blood and sweat, smells like gunpowder and has the ripe odor of a kid who hasn't bathed in several days (he hasn't bathed in several days). Also can't forget that lovely horse smell underpinning the whole thing. If you're counting some blessings right now it's completely understandable.]

What-- is that?!

[Connie is staring. Staring at the largest body of water he has ever seen. It goes...right out to the horizon? How is that even possible? But apparently it is. Because he's looking right at it.]

»B | Jobs ahoy [Closed to Fuu!]
[So uh. Fuu when you enter the office today you get saddled with a trainee. Another imPort yadda yadda teach the kid some things and get cracking on those columns you two, time is money and you're not making this magazine money!

Connie is currently holding a keyboard up and swinging it a bit as if he's trying to decide its merits as a weapon. This is going to be a rough start.]

»C | Heropa// Getting settled [OTA]
[Connie has little to no understanding of this world. It's a town. He can get that. But the carriages are weird ugly cages that float. The "money" comes in a variety of formats including cards made out of a material he's never encountered before. And he's supposed to be doing... What? He was given a job, but it's some kind of newspaper gig. He's a soldier.

That said the boss at the paper is pretty scary so--]

Hey. You. With the big eyeballs. [He is pointing at you. Yes he is.] What do you think of the music scene in this town?

[Just ignore it if music that would fit your entrance in a movie to a T starts playing when you turn to look at Connie. He certainly is. Just going to ignore all this damn music.]

Roulette etc
Wanna do something else sling a starter at me I am not picky honestly.

Edited 2016-08-08 21:16 (UTC)

[When Mr. Jules Joel Jefferson sees Fuu at the office, he jerks a thumb towards one of the desks and says "We got another one of you duty-free imPorts, Hououji! Since you're obviously not going to CRITICIZE anything soon, why not take your goody-two-shoes routine over there before IT murders him!" in what he thinks is sotto voce, and which demonstrably isn't.

So she bows and says I-would-be-happy-Mr.-Jefferson in her best polite way because that irritates him a lot and goes over to the new fellow. She stops, briefly, because well. It seems he hasn't showered yet. So uh, here's a challenge. But: smile smile!]

Ah... if you don't mind, that isn't quite how you're supposed to hold it.

I told him I haven't seen most of this crap in my life.

[But there'd been a lot of yelling and "any monkey can work a typewriter!" and he'd sort of beat feet after the boss man had started to froth at the mouth a bit. That all said though he looks over this...other...person. She works here too? She looks his age.]

Are you a- [er word, word, word] -foreigner like me?

[Damn there's a word he's never had to use in his life. Someone who wasn't born in the same city as him, cowering behind walls for all their lives. ...Well. He supposes Bertoldht and Reiner and Ymir were like that. Annie. Eren's father even if he'd never met him personally. ...Damn he actually does know a lot of foreigners.

Still, this girl here is the first one registering as foreign. So she can be his First Foreigner, why not.]

[yes the frothing really is a bad habit. one of these days she'll get him a monogrammed handkerchief. not that he's likely to take the hint.]

Yes--both in world and country. I'm from Japan, and I'm an imPort like you. [she sighs.] I've noticed that Americans do get very emotional sometimes, but Mr. Jefferson is--well, sometimes it helps to wear earplugs in the office.

But I take it you haven't used a computer before. Would you like me to show you?

[LET HER SHOW YOU SHE'S SUCH A COMPUTER NERD]

[Japan. Americans. Computers. She's sure using a lot of words he doesn't know. He does sort of vaguely recognize the imPort one. That's what they'd called him at the government headquarters place.]

I don't know crap about half of that stuff. But I guess I've gotta cram all this new information into my head. Till I can go home anyway.

[Er... He sets the ~~plank~~ keyboard down.]

But you're right. That old bastard sure is loud. I'm Connie. Connie Springer.

It's nice to meet you, Mr. Connie. [She bows politely. It's odd; his clothing looks modern but he doesn't know computers? ~~Also isn't Connie a girl's name~~ Things to find out.] I'm Fuu Hououji. I've found that it's best to treat the situation as though it's an indefinite one--you never know how long Miss Porter thinks your stay should be.

Yeah, well. She should send me back fast if she knows what's good for her! There was some--

[--important things going on. But. He doesn't really want to talk about it. So instead he just frowns. This is all so dumb.]

She's a fugly bitch. [THIS IS A MATURE RESPONSE.] So what's this thing do? Slice off heads?

[LOOKING AT THE KEYBOARD it seems like a terrible weapon, but hell what does he know.]

[she's what. she's. HOW VERY RUDE Fuu reacts by ignoring that comment completely wow. at least he asks a question she can entirely focus on.]

No, it's a little too blunt--and the plastic is much to flimsy to be used as a bludgeon either. [light, airy tone.] It's a writing device. When you press the letter keys, it make them appear on the screen.

[She gestures towards the monitor. But. Can Connie read? Fuu's never encountered someone who can't, but now it seems like a distinct possibility.]

[Did someone have a boombox out or something? Ryoga looked around briefly, frowning as he considered the question. ]

The... music scene? I don't really have a lot of money.

[He was trying to get Ryoga to buy tickets to a jazz club or something right]

Who's asking for your money? I'm not some kind of scam artist.

[Er...what had the boss given him... He scrounges in his pocket before flashing a card! It says something about being a "certified music critic" and lists a publication that sounds an whole lot like the title of a teen magazine... But the whole thing sure looks official!]

I've gotta write about this. So like... What do you like? That's what folks our age do around here, right? Listen to music and... ... ... [Damn what was the word again--] Raves? Someone mentioned something about going into mass induced insanity together earlier. Heard of it?

[Cough up some answers so he can turn in an article and get paid Ryouga!! He's starving and he hasn't figured out how to use the stipend card the government gave him...]

Edited 2016-08-09 03:43 (UTC)

Raves? I've heard of them, but I've never actually been to one.

[Wait, he knew what this was about! Had to be.]

But if I had to hazard a guess: I imagine they have their own strict code of conduct. Logically, each participant would be swathed in glow necklaces and bracelets, with the object of the competition being to beat the tar out of each other until all but one is divested of all his decorative lighting. The last raver standing would, of course, be the victor. Sonic assault would be something to look out for.

[Ryoga. Ryoga. Ryoga why.]

...

[He's staring because whaaaaaat the heck. But--]

That...that sounds pretty damn awesome. Way more fun than what I was thinking. [...] Hey. You know where to find any of these? I gotta keep my training in while I'm here.

[It sounds like the perfect opportunity. He doesn't get the glow jewelry bits. But maybe that's to see in the dark like the glowing crystal lanterns they made back home. It's just a more personalized hands-free application. ...Hey. That's pretty smart.

Ryoga you're blowing his mind here.]

Edited (And then I realized I've been mispelling his name wow GOMEN) 2016-08-09 04:08 (UTC)

I have no idea, but if you stick to the music scene, I'm sure you'll eventually get an invite.

[Look, LOGICALLY SPEAKING, there had to be martial arts raving. It was just common sense! ...Wait, did someone mention training?]

So you're a martial artist? I was wondering how I'd keep my skills honed -- I heard there were dojos in the States, but I've never been to one out here. I guess I could take out some muggers.

[ooc: no worries!]

Muggers? Like vigilantism? Didn't they say not to do that at the headquarters place?

[If you're stopping a crime does that really count as vigilantism? Hmm...]

And no. I'm a soldier. [He points at the insignia on the shoulder of his jacket.] In the Sur... ... ...

[Oh now he's depressed.]

You've probably never even heard of it. Anyway. I have to keep in shape! There could be a fight at any moment!

[THIS IS SERIOUS BUSINESS. Even if he doesn't really think a fight is actually going to happen right now it pays to be prepared.]

So you're saying if a little old lady was getting robbed, you'd just let it happen? I won't stand for it!

[They said a lot of things at the ol' military HQ, and frankly Ryoga hadn't been doing a very good job of listening. But in any case it was the DUTY OF A MARTIAL ARTIST to beat people up every once in a while, particularly if they were doing something wrong!!]

Oh. Well. I like your symbol.

[Ryoga looked a little awkward. How did you comfort another dude?]

You're right to want to be prepared, though. There's --

[frysquint.gif]

Are you an American...?

Hey, hey. Calm down. Nobody's saying to let old ladies get-- ...Am I a what? What the hell's an American?

[ARE YOU INSULTING HIM PAL]

I just told you! I'm a soldier! A veteran of the Survey Corps!

[You know. By like. An handful of months and nearly all his predecessors being dead, but. Details.]

You want to make something of it, big eyes?

What?

[What the hell was the Survey Corps? Did they aggressively ring doorbells and demand you rate pizza]

I'm trying to warn you, fool! People in America get mugged all the time. And there are gangs! And ne'er-do-wells with headbands and boomboxes!

[also those guys from the cobra kai were jerks]

[And suddenly the background music is changing. Because. Shit's intense!]

Okay. But. WE'RE IN HEROPA! Are you lost or something?!

[He definitely got the name of the town! In fact it's on a bank right across the street so he's just going to point to that. HEROPA SAVINGS all in big, readable, official looking letters.

When you have barely any concept of a country. Whoops...]

[Ryoga looked around wildly]

Where is that music coming from? Anyway, it is Heropa....

[Wait what state were they in again, oh right the one with the oranges]

...Heropa, Florida! It's a state in America. I don't actually know that much about it, but they have oranges and alligators.

[Somehwere a Floridian was crying.]

[You know he doesn't know well enough to dispute this so--]

I don't know what either of those things are. But you seem to know more about this place than me. [...] You're not from around here either, are you? How'd you adapt?

[He's struggling a bit. Give him your tips Teacher Ryoga.]

I guess I've just learned to take things in stride -- be quick on your feet. Improvise. Otherwise, when you find yourself facing down death in, say, a disintegrating ice rink, you might freeze up.

[and then you'd really be left out in the

cold

Ryoga spoke with a straight face; he was being absolutely serious here.]

Besides, I've traveled a lot, so I'm used to all kinds of bizarre customs. Did you know there's an Amazon village in China where a woman will kill you if you dare best her in martial combat?

What? That doesn't make any sense. Shouldn't she just get better?

[If someone shows you're lacking in your training then you just have to train more! There is a large amount of density in this general vicinity...]

I imagine she would've, if she succeeded in offing the offending party.

[Oh wait he forgot one part]

Of course, that's if her opponent was a woman. If she lost to a man, they have to get married.

[He's thinking about this really hard. Because he completely doesn't get it.]

...? So they form a gang?

[IS THAT WHAT YOU ARE SAYING STRANGER?]

Sounds illegal.

A... a gang? No, they just get married.

A-anyway, I'm sure killing someone is far more illegal than marrying them.

[hope...fully...?]

Personally, I think both reactions are going way overboard.

[WHERE WAS THE ROMANCE]

I'm sorry, the what now?

[Why Connie pointed at the tiny person in robes is a mystery, but Malms is turning to speak with this stranger when he hears it. Those chords that always start one of the wandering minstrel's songs, the ones that took his already frankly insane life and make it sound even more dangerous and dramatic than it was.

That being said, it would be someone from Eorzea! He looks around frantically, it's not like the minstrel would be hard to miss...]

Edited 2016-08-09 12:55 (UTC)

[No ministrels in sight, talk about your mysteries. But--]

Music. Like instruments and singing? Everyone's into that kind of stuff in this world, aren't they? You dance to it. Probably at the harvest festival or something.

[Is he showing his medievalness? Excuse.]

How do you feel about...uh... [Just going to consult a list of genres the boss man gave him.] Juggolos?

I like music quite a bit, though the music played here baffles me. In particular, though, I like what's being played right now - help me find who's playing it? They're likely to be from my home!

[ It's been a little over two years and many of these diner employees and their owners know Sasha's name and face by now. She's stopped stealing from a lot of them a long time ago, so they greet her with a smile when she comes in for brunch or lunch, always getting a side extra of something for a discount just for being an imPort. Sasha never argues, of course; why would she argue against discounted food?

And it works in their favour, because at some point during the week Sasha always drops in for something to eat. She's too preoccupied with thoughts of what her side order will be today that she nearly collides into someone passing by. She stumbles and manages to catch herself, raising both arms apologetically and offering a sheepish expression at first. ]

I am sorry! I did... I didn't...

[ She can't find her voice in that moment as she stares into a old, familiar face with wide eyes and shock overtaking her own face. It's humid out, but she doesn't believe she's imagining things in this heat, not when Connie is apparently standing mere inches from her. Her heart leaps and her throat is dry, hoarse at first as she cries out to confirm: ]

Y-you're... it's you, Connie! Connie?!

[Connie wasn't really paying attention. Sometimes you bumped into people. What of it! Except when his name was spoken--]

Yeah, that's my name. Are you trying to wear it out? [Wait.] ...Sasha?! [Definitely not how he remembered her from just a short while ago. But-- Just ignore the tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. Just some dirt in them!] What're you... --Did you get taller?!

[The important facts right here.]

Connie!

[ Sasha's arms flail, unsure what to do other than stare the boy down with an intensity, eyes unblinking as if one blink or two and Connie will vanish from that spot before her. Her face heats up and her head feels light as blood rushes to her head in all this excitement and confusion, her hands and underarms starting to feel a tad sweaty.

And it's more than that — it's the way her chest swells and tightens at once and how the tears welling up in Connie's eyes evokes a similar reaction in her eyes. She's ready to burst into tears, too, relieved and excited to see someone from her home here after all this time she's been here by herself. It hasn't been easy, feeling partly like an outsider among good friends, or envious sometimes of the friends they had from their worlds. ]

Is this a mirage? Am I dreaming? Somebody pinch me! [ She grabs at Connie's shoulders, shaking him to reaffirm his form is corporeal after all. ] Why are you so short— oh, I am taller! Yeah! Wait, when did you get here?!

[ She has grown these past couple of years, about 5'8" and every part of her filled out a little more now that she's had all kinds of foods and drink in this world, and her hair's gotten much longer, but she's still unmistakably Sasha. ]

I can't believe it!

[SASHA DON'T SHAKE HIM!? He flops around a bit before reaching up to grind a fist into her cheek. You know. Like friends do and all that. Sure.]

Calm down, potato girl!

[How's he going to explain anything if she shakes him to pieces?! Not that he's not happy back. Things had looked so bad... But. But she's okay now! Yeah! He'll just focus on that!]

Potato...?!

[ It's enough to snap her out of the flurry of emotions she's experiencing, but quickly is her joy replaced with irritation at the name calling. She grips his shoulders, though she stops shaking him. ]

I thought after all this time people would have forgotten that... Connieeeeeeeeee!!

[ However, in the face of everything, it's impossible to stay mad at her best friend. His very presence soothes her to the point of tears again and she grips at him tighter, terrified to let him go. ]

I thought I would never see anyone again!

[ Her voice cracks halfway, an admission that isn't easy to say, but tumbles from her mouth anyway. She's overwhelmed, but she doesn't care; Connie's here and that's all that matters. ]

I am so happy to see you!

Open mingle for musical shenanigans

Connie Springer

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C

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C!

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( wildcard / a diner! )

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