⚔ //001;

[discutio]

[He awoke in darkness in the coffee shop, of all places.]

[Abruptly aware of a dozen and more sounds and scents, someone was calmly pensive as if sudden self-awareness of one's postmortem existence was an everyday occurrence. It certainly seemed nothing that panicking would help with, and nothing that wouldn't await examination until after he'd finished his coffee.]

[Which he did, of course. Later on he would be found exploring the city in very cautious and deliberate steps, hand occasionally on a wall for guidance. He found he didn't have much difficulty maneuvering despite the chaotic layout--a strange problem not to have, and perhaps one warranting consideration as to what kind of person he was. An interesting quandary to examine, and more so if he wasn't the only such person.]

[...One thing he did already know for certain, however.]

[His name, if indeed that was what he was called, was almost comically ironic.]

Comments

[discutio]

Yes?

[He tilted his head slightly to hear the speaker better, with the added effect of making considerable scars behind mirrored lenses a little more immediately visible.]

Was there something you needed?

[crypddyd]

[The scaring is shocking but not unfamiliar- he thinks 'those look like burns' without really knowing WHY he recognizes what that kind of damage would look like- they are certainly different from the scaring around his own eye]

Ah, no, not exactly. I do have a question: do you... know your name?

[discutio]

[Did he? In a sense, yes--he knew something that felt distinctly like his name, at the very least. That was a good start.]

...Phoenix.

[Which probably didn't help with the assessment of those scars as burns, or perhaps it did.]

[crypddyd]

[Lion's smile is clear in his voice]

So, you 'woke up' today?

[discutio]

If that is what we're to call it, yes. And you are...?

[crypddyd]

Oh, my apologies- I got a bit carried away. I go by Lion- Myself and some others went through a similar experience a few days ago. I honestly didn't expect more to become aware, so I got... over-excited.

[discutio]

[He smiled slightly, even with a short and quiet laugh.]

No harm done, certainly. I've heard there to be a fair number of us at present.

[crypddyd]

A few over a dozen, I'd say. Not exactly a large party, but big enough to not feel lonely.

[discutio]

A reassuring enough number, I might say. Though I would wonder as to why we've awakened in such a manner.

[crypddyd]

Something must have caused it... but we're not sure what. Even Rei doesn't- ah! I should introduce you do her... she is, well, I suppose you call her our Commander. She knows this place better than anyone.

[discutio]

Is that so? It would help me if you could introduce us, in that case.

[crypddyd]

Indeed. We could go now, if you're agreeable to it.

[discutio]

I would dare presume I have little else of importance requiring my attention.

[crypddyd]

Very well. Oh... hm... would you like assistance?

[discutio]

You've no cause for concern. Lead the way, and I can manage well enough on my own.

[crypddyd]

Understood.

[His footfalls, even without his armor, are heavy and easy to track. The distinctive clack of riding boots]

It isn't far, assuming she is at the Hotel. That is where many of us tend to linger. Even if she isn't there currently we can procure a room for you?

[discutio]

A reasonable place to start. I confess I hadn't quite gotten to the point of wondering where we were all meant to stay for however long this entire affair might prove to last.

[crypddyd]

No, I understand. I spent quite a bit of time wandering aimlessly before I found the others. It's all... a lot to take in.

[phantasmagorial]

[ Hotel seems to be a good place to start, because look who's just on her way out. She's mid-quadruple checking her pockets in the ancient "DID I FORGET MY KEYS" ritual when she spots them approach and starts with a smile. ]

Oh, hello– [ Then she realizes Lion isn't being tailed by a familiar face and looks a bit startled. ] Oh, did– did someone else...?

[discutio]

I don't suppose 'good morning' would be the appropriate greeting for a time such as this?

[hell if he knows what time it is but he did, in fact, just wake up.]

[crypddyd]

Lady Rei! And yes, this is Phoenix- I met him on the way here. It seemed prudent to bring him to you as soon as possible.

[He did good???]

[phantasmagorial]

That's the second person I've heard about after the rest of you... it's so strange.

[ But instead of mulling on that too much, she gives them both a smile. ]

Um, thank you, though. Maybe we can go and find somewhere to sit and talk about things? We could use one of the hotel rooms?

[discutio]

That sounds like a reasonable plan. I think I have a fair grasp by now of our ostensible purpose at present, but a more well-versed opinion would be far from unwelcome.

[crypddyd]

I can step out, if you'd rather do this on your own, Phoenix, Lady Rei?

[He doesn't want to be in the way...]

[phantasmagorial]

Um– well, I don't mind either way? I don't think there'll be anything new that you don't know, but if Phoenix would prefer you to come along as well then that's fine.

[ The dude literally just woke up in the afterlife, maybe he imprinted on Lion like a duckling or something. Who knows! ]