⚔ //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

[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! ]

[discutio]

That's hardly my choice to make. If you would prefer to accompany us, I have no objection. If not, I can look after myself well enough without issue.

[crypddyd]

Well, I certainly wouldn't want to imply that you can't handle it yourself.

[Him OR Rei]

But it does seem abrupt to leave right after showing up. Hmm... well, if you wish, I could make some tea? I have been learning how to use an 'electric kettle' I discovered in one of the shops- and while I wouldn't call it amazing, I can manage something pleasant enough?

[phantasmagorial]

That's fine by me. I have some snacks in my room, too, so we can have something to eat as well while we talk.

[ Food makes Uncomfortable Information go down easier, so she's starting to find. ]

[discutio]

I would be grateful if you went to the trouble. Shall we, then?

[let's do this shit]

[crypddyd]

Very well.

[He stops by the room he's claimed- Rei might be able to see a collection of items Lion is curious about already growing in there- to get his kettle and a few other things in a shopping bag before following to her room]

[phantasmagorial]

[ Now That's What I Call Moe!

Rei's room isn't particularly fancy – it's about as bog-standard as hotel suites come, but there's plenty of room for the three of them to sit and talk, which is the important part. ]

You can sit wherever you like. [ She gestures to the two armchairs blocking basically all the natural light in front of the window. ] Or, feel free to take the chairs for now.

[discutio]

[That was a little easier said than done, though Phoenix was finding it less difficult to get around than it likely should have been. Did something like that qualify as muscle memory? He wasn’t too certain, but filed it away for later consideration as he found his way to a chair with minimal stumbling or walking into anything.]

My apologies for the inconvenience—Rei, correct? As Lion said, I suppose you can call me Phoenix for lack of any other options. I’ve some moderate grasp on what purpose we’re to serve here, but I’m slightly lost as to the ‘how’ of the matter.

[The concept of fighting didn’t sound difficult for reasons he wasn’t certain of, but doing so unarmed seemed a little much.]

[crypddyd]

[Lion doesn't sit and instead goes to the restroom to fill the kettle and then out to find a plug. Thankfully the rooms seem set up about the same. But he's listening carefully]

[phantasmagorial]

Well... has anyone explained "Executors" to you?

[ She asks mostly as a formality, because his confusion suggests that no one has said much of anything. ]

Since you've awakened now, if you're willing to fight then I can help you become one. It'll give you the strength you need to fight here in Purgatory and help protect yourself at the very least.