002 - Growing Pains

[tabularasa_mods]

Growing Pains State of the World ▲ Locations ▼ Bestiary
OOC ▲ Comments A Light In The Darkness
Light seems to have been especially tricky for the world to comprehend, but it finally, finally seems to have figured things out. Light comes from more than just the sky, and now signs and lamps that were once dark have begun to glow brightly. From the Wall Market's dazzling exhibition of color to the dimmed street lamps of the City of Tears, the whole world has been made bright and lively once more without losing the comfort and tranquility that darkness brings. Even the broken screens of the Hammerlocke Stadium give off a pleasant glow, and the world doesn't seem to care that some lights need electricity to stay on - lights are simply lights, as far as the world seems concerned.

Unfortunately, these new lights are a little too simple. Without any need for a power source, there's no way to turn the lights off - if something is deemed a light source, it will always function as a light source. The only way to stop it is to destroy the object beyond recognition, but that might not be the most practical solution. Covering up the lights is the next best thing, but it's a task that's easier with some sources than others. At least no one needs to sleep yet.

Difficulties aside, now seems like the perfect time to start exploring all those new corners of the world that were previously too dark to navigate. Fire is an easy, safe and portable light source that anyone can use, and it even puts itself out after awhile. Just be careful not to get stuck in the dark by a stray breeze.

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Who's Hungry?
Animals need to eat. People need to eat. These are simple facts that people lost in the strange, changing landscape all seem to be well aware of, yet appear to not apply to this world. That is not to say that people can’t eat or drink, for many people do, but there is no actual need. Eating provides nothing but the knowledge that one has eaten, and anyone might go without food entirely. Lately, some might have found eating has become more satisfying and fulfilling an act, as though food is providing them with a vaguely-defined something they didn’t get before. It doesn’t seem to mean much in the grand scheme of things, but perhaps it allows them some sense of normality.

When hunger sets in, it’s sudden. Every person, whether or not they ever needed to eat in their homeland, is hit with a powerful, overwhelming sense of hunger, to the point it feels that if they do not eat they will soon starve. Those who have never eaten in all their time here might easily find themselves so hungry they can barely even move, and have little choice but to eat. Fortunately, food is plentiful. If it can be put in the mouth, chewed and swallowed, it is food, and thus will give a person temporary relief from their hunger. What goes in does not appear to come out, instead simply becoming part of that person and revitalizing them. How long it takes to feel hungry again seems entirely random, and each time there is no lead up - someone is either fine, or they are starving, without any in-between.

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Starving Mad Beasts
When people suddenly remember hunger, so too do the animals of the world. For some creatures this isn't an issue - the tall-necked beasts continue to graze on the treetops like they always have, and the smaller creatures seem content with snacking on whatever small scraps they can find. Not all creatures are so easily satisfied, however, and the more aggressive ones have turned to attacking other species for food.

The vicious water dragons are quick to clamp their mouths on anything within reach... but, lacking teeth, this doesn't amount to much. Still, they're as persistent as ever, and in a way their inability to viciously devour their prey only makes them more dangerous. These beasts are starving, and for all their skill in chasing down prey they can do little to actually eat their catch, which means they're constantly on the hunt and out to get anything that moves. Perhaps it might even be a good idea to help them out, if feeding the fish might make them a little less aggressive.

The machines are far better equipped for hunting, and all the more dangerous now that they're hungry enough to take a bite out of someone. Death is not a concept the world understands, so it's not like they're doing any permanent harm, but it's still a bit unnerving to see animals limping by with bite-sized chunks taken out of them. They haven't had a taste of people yet, but it doesn't seem like it'll be long before they try.

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Mushroom Hunting
Mushrooms are a new sight within the world, and a perfect snack to satisfy that sudden debilitating hunger! Harvesting them can be a bit of a problem, however. For one, they are massive, and the task of cutting one down and breaking it into edible chunks is made much easier with a group of people than one person working alone. Finding the mushrooms in their dark habitats may also be difficult... although, it is much easier to spot a mushroom the size of an entire person compared to something much smaller.

The real problem with mushroom hunting is where they can grow, which is nearly anywhere indoors. Though light now comes from other sources besides the sky, there are still buildings with dark corners that might suddenly acquire a giant mushroom or two (or three, or four) if left alone. And if those mushrooms are allowed to remain, they may just continue to grow, and grow, and grow...

So, if you don't want giant mushrooms bursting through your roof, it might be a good idea to keep an eye out for them before that happens.

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code bases by tricklet

Comments

Seto Kaiba | Yu-Gi-Oh! | OTA

[blue_eyed_obsession]

I. A Light in the Darkness (Takoma Beach)

What in the..... [The words trail off as Kaiba temporarily abandoned his search for spare parts. Drawing up his left arm he inspected the hardware attached there. Initially thinking it might have been a trick of the light he is pleasantly surprised when he assumes incorrectly that his duel disk is receiving power again. The display screen intended to keep track of a person's life points is lit up and there's also a faint glow around all the slots on field. Instinctively, he has to test this phenomenon further. Reaching over with his free hand, he made an exaggerated motion to draw one of his cards, merely sparing the face of the card a brief glance he socketed the monster onto the field.

............. And absolutely nothing happened.

Expelling a huff, and not saying anything additional he returned the card to his deck. Whatever is going on it's obvious that the equipment isn't fully functioning. A second look clues him in that he should have realized it immediately. There were no numbers being displayed, only the backlight. In an attempt to conserve whatever power left, he tries to deactivate the device, but nothing works. Eventually he's forced to abandon the task.]

Now that that little diversion is out of the wa- [Once again he abruptly stopped talking. A scan of the horizon had clued him in that there were other new sources of light. They were at a distance from here, but still visible.] I'll just bet that those lights aren't any more controllable than these. [Still, it would be better than sitting in the dark when one was inside]

II. Who's Hungry (Wall Market)

[Navigating the caves had become considerably easier now that he had not one source for light but two easily at his disposal. With his phone in hand he was using it as a flashlight substitute as he navigated the winding passages. This still seemed like a fool's errand, but once again impatience got the better of him. It was better to know what was in here, and where it led in case it ever became a significant location. I mean, plenty of RPGs like to hide the key items in peculiar locations. He just wasn't expecting the dimly lit central business district. When he first stepped onto one of the concrete walkways, he had to pause letting the sights sink in.]

I know I said this place was too rural, but even this is a little much. [Resuming his search, he continued forward mildly glancing at the food stands and locating the bathhouse- which mind you he decided never to enter. Somehow there was no appeal to getting undressed and hanging out with strangers in the same state.

There was just one teensy weensy problem with this whole thing. Kaiba, had never been much of an eater. Sure, he had some dishes he enjoyed but he often went for long periods of time without indulging. There was just too much work to do in a day- and he was thinking of this more or less like work. So it didn't matter that there was plenty of food here, when that feeling of hunger struck it was swiftly letting him know that he'd waited too long between meals. It was actually physically unnerving enough that he let out a gasp of surprise, his eyes widened and he had to reach out to the nearest structure for support so his knees wouldn't completely give way beneath him. Honestly, he'd never seen the point in partaking of the local fair when it had no effects, but this.... this was something entirely different. As stubborn as the brunette was he tried to start walking once more, keeping one hand in contact with the wall but it did him no good.

Dropping to one knee he groaned, annoyed with himself for not being able to have better control over what was happening. You could 100% tell that he wasn't going to be moving anytime soon and he wasn't thrilled about it.]

III. Starving Mad Beasts (Takoma Beach)

[Having metaphorically rolled-up his sleeves, and literally temporarily removed his long white coat, Kaiba had taken to using the beach as a sort of work shop. There were portions of it that were less traveled, it had some of the most even ground not interrupted by trees, plus it's proximity to a water source might come in handy. Having used some of the paper from the apartments he'd mapped out a schematic of an object he was trying to create from the items he'd collected earlier. He had the plans propped up on some driftwood as he took it upon himself to try to make anything that might be capable of sparking an electric charge. The tools he had were rudimentary but functional. The object he was making had taken some form and looked to be about 35% completed. Not having a steady supply of nails, screws, bolts, etc was making this more arduous than it should be.

Somehow, he just knew that this was all going to be for nothing but that didn't mean he wasn't going to try.

There was just something he hadn't counted on.

On the beach he had a fairly decent vantage point. He could see if anything or anyone was approaching long before they got near... unless they hitched a ride in the parts he'd collected. What made it worse was that he didn't even realize this species existed to be on the alert for it in the first place. During the course of his multiple trips to and fro the animal had made it's self quite at home. It took a nibble on the would be generator, then decided it needed something meatier to sate it's hunger with. When Kaiba shifted to reach for some paneling, the beast lunged out of the incomplete project and went straight for Kaiba's shoulder.]

Wildcard! Seriously, I want to do all the things

iv. wildcard

[abeautifulgame]

[at some point, Kaiba is going to have to come 'home,' and when he does, he'll find Damien sitting outside, perched on one of the planters, head turned to one side, lost in thought]

[this place was a Godsend, at the start -- an escape from his ultimate fate, a chance to refresh, recharge, regain himself, because he went a little off the rails at the end there, didn't he? -- but now it's getting a little stale. the fact that he can't sleep to pass time is one thing. the fact that there's a few dozen fucking computers, inside, from the cheap laptops in every room to one of the nicer computers he lifted from the lobby, and he can't do anything with any of them is another. the 'power', such as it is, now, is a nice change, but god, what he wouldn't give for this place to figure out actual power, any day now. he's getting impatient. he also would sell -- well, someone here to Satan, for one corn chip, if this place could figure out how to put in an accessibility ramp or two. Chicago was a lot of things, but at least he could go do something, if and when he wanted to, instead of having to be fucking Aiden, with all his parkour, just to go shopping. and -- ]

[ -- and movement catches the corner of his eye, derailing his train of thought. he looks over, soured by that, then relaxes a little when he sees who it is. he and Seto got off to a rocky start, but they also found their common ground, and maybe, he has something for him, information-wise. that'd be an improvement on this miserable not-day]

Enjoying what passes for power, these days?

[small talk, get!]

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[What a miserably unproductive 'day' it had been for the impatient young inventor. By the time he decided he needed a break from his self-assigned tasks he felt mentally exhausted if not physically so. As he approached the apartments there was no liveliness to his steps, it was as if he was being dragged the whole way rather than moving of his own volition. What little progress he had achieved had been negated when one of the new creatures had decided to eat it. An object made primarily of metal.. and it ate it. To top it off, he had his own struggles with sating his hunger, and it was humiliating. He just wanted to go somewhere where he could be out of sight for at least a little while...

When he noticed the figure up ahead, Kaiba straightened his posture, and dusted off his jacket while he was still at some distance. Appearance was everything, and he didn't want everyone else zeroing in on his defeatist attitude. This was a setback- that's all.

Now with his head held high he neared the entrance to the building]

...... [For a moment he debated whether Damien had prior knowledge of his experiences and was being a snarky bastard- but it didn't really fit. It wasn't the new light sources that were tasking him. So after some effort not to infuse his words with his negative emotions he stopped, crossed his arms and responded] At least we aren't living like moles any longer... [Or, yes] I won't try to pretend that I'm not disappointed with what a small concession it was. [His duel disk was still lit up, faintly glowing on his arm] I haven't found a way to harness this power for anything else...

[abeautifulgame]

[no, he has no idea what Kaiba's day has been like, so he appreciates him not snapping at him. he does, however, make a face, though his sourness isn't directed at Kaiba. it's more:]

So am I. [he fishes his phone of his pocket and waves at Seto] I'd thought for a minute ... [he'd hoped, but no. he blows out a breath, frustrated, and puts his phone back in his pocket] It's irritating.

[a beat]

It also makes me wonder if it's actually putting out power. [is this true electrical power as they understand it, or is this just an extension of light, which this place seems to keep getting wrong? he's inclined towards the latter, but] ... what I wouldn't give for a multimeter.

[blue_eyed_obsession]

It's a joke. At our expense. [Practically snarling as he spoke the words. How he positively loathed being toyed with, and this smacked of mal intent. It was like dangling a piece of meat before a caged carnivore- eh bad example considering that hunger was now a thing. Or the most apt, take your pick.] ... and it's beyond irritating.

[Perhaps he shouldn't have been preaching to the choir. If anyone could understand his frustration with the lack of functionality in the tech it was Damien]

Have you noticed- these objects are producing light, but not heat. [Pointing that detail out like he had mentioned the absence of wind in their previous conversation. Maybe he shouldn't have because not long after wind had come into being and it also wasn't working correctly. They should watch what they say.] If there's any weight to the conscious thought theory- good luck on ever seeing a multimeter. Those who would even know what that is [Like us] are in short supply.

If this isn't energy as we know it, imagine just how much could be saved on the electrical bill.

[abeautifulgame]

[he nods]

I had. [he may not have noticed the wind, or lack thereof, before Seto pointed that out, but the lack of heat, he has noticed. normally, if his phone's screen was active, on for this long, it'd heat it up. it's a pretty good indicator that this isn't true power, but still. he'd still like the multimeter. unfortunately, Seto's probably right about not getting to see one, here, and for more than just the idea of conscious thought. has he mentioned not being able to go shopping?]

[he makes a little face at the thought, then:] Still, it might be worth keeping an eye out for the multimeter, next time you're in the market I hear exists, now. [if not to check for power, now, then for use later] Even if it is as likely as stumbling on the power bill for this place. [or lack thereof]

[... god, when was the last time he actually paid for an electric bill? it's been ages. hacking for fun and profit and all that]

ii.

[bachagain]

[ oh no, dead body! better leave it.

just kidding. leo's also the type to shove eating aside when particularly engulfed in a task, but fortunately not eating felt weird enough that he'd indulged now and again.

it's what he had been doing now, actually, judging from the plate of sushi in his hands as he scrambles on over to mr. rich dragon man, collapsed and groaning on one knee. everyone sure is having a time, huh...

don't mind the plate being shoved in your direction, kaiba. ]

Here, here! We got back something pretty inconvenient, so you gotta take care of yourself...!

[ he's assuming this is what the groaning mess is about, anyway. ]

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[Or poke it with a stick.

Thankfully for Kaiba- Leo doesn't do either of those things or he would remain in dire straights. These were literally the worst hunger pains that Seto had ever experienced in his entire eighteen years and that included the times he'd been denied proper sustenance by his adopted father who deemed it a suitable punishment for increasing one's focus on their studies.

In fact, when the sensation first struck him he was more concerned that he'd contracted some spontaneous illness, or a new creature was trying to claw it's way out from inside of him. But no, it was just starvation of the worst caliber setting in.

Initially he has to force himself to look up enough to even attempt to focus on the sushi. He started to reach out to shove it away, and tell this busybody what he can go do with himself but as some point his survival instincts kick in. He doesn't know whether you can die from this or not- so he had better not balk at what could be his only salvation.

Without getting words past his lips he swiftly grabbed one of the sushi and risked ingesting it. Being reduced to this and eating like an animal was appalling. After a few more have a chance to settle into his stomach, he feels as if he can try to stand back up.] Tell noone what you saw. [Stressing the words as firmly as he can muster. thanks or something]

[bachagain]

[ this is where leo takes back his plate and lets kaiba choke on his sushi.

... except he won't. honestly, if the lack of gratitude bothers him, leo doesn't. show it. it's a matter of pride, yeah? and it isn't like he did what he did for thanks, anyway.

at least this prickly guy's okay enough to be hilarious! that's what matters. ]

What'd I see?

[ lucky kaiba, he'll play along. leo's not gonna use anyone's weaknesses like that.

he's also not gonna help kaiba stand up because. he knows that's not gonna go well. he can at least stay crouched on the ground until kaiba gets on his two feet on his own, just in case. ]

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[He honestly might have deserved that, but his benefactor was more conscientious than he was.

The answer he receives actually gets him to quirk up one side of his lips]

You catch on quick.

[It's a compliment, really. Not a lot of people would have been willing to let this slide.]

I don't remember seeing you before....

[Possibly the boy had been at the party, but it currently defied recollection. The brief small talk was more to distract himself as things normalized. More or less. Kaiba still felt shaky, from what must have been malnutrition. What did this do for his simulation theory? The feeling of starvation had been overwhelming, so was he in need of sustenance in the real world or was this place actually a reality all it's own?

He didn't accept the offer of help standing up, because he was far too prideful for that. Having a general aversion to being touched didn't hurt either. When he thought he was ready, he forced himself to stand, still leaning heavily on the building.]

[bachagain]

[ look at that, leo went through ten seconds of not making seto kaiba want to smack him. let's see how long that lasts.

he moves to stand just as seto does. considering the lack of medical facilities and his own medical training standing at a simple zero (0) training, leo's silently relieved that the solution to this stranger's predicament was as simple as shoving a single sushi in his mouth.

leo's still not moving to help him at all, but he'll linger between near enough to help, and not near enough to invade on kaiba's personal space. just in case. ]

I dunno what there is to catch on to, but, [ he's still playing along like an idiot ] the world's big enough for us to just miss each other coincidentally, you know? I haven't seen you either!

[ which was probably a good thing for kaiba, but alas.

all good things must come to an end. ]

iii.

[pinwheels]

[ She's still not entirely sure how food works in this place, but after the hunger struck and she ate enough for at least three people her size, Rinoa feels the urge to go for a walk. It's probably unnecessary, but the beach is kind of nice anyway, if she ignores the ever-present piles of trash. Felix is with her, full of energy as always as he dashes ahead several paces at a time before turning to run back to her; the sand crunches under her boots and she thinks not for the first time that it would be nice if they could work out how to clean the place up, and keep it clean...

She spots Kaiba some distance away, and approaches him with the idea of saying hi, perhaps pestering him a little, but as they get nearer, Felix makes a sound unlike any she's ever heard him make before: a chirp that sound suspiciously like one of alarm. She stops in her tracks, frowning. Whatever Kaiba's working on seems to be... moving?

Sand kicks up behind her as she sprints toward the unsuspecting man, Rinoa readying her Shooting Star on her arm. ]

Look out!

[ A lot of things happen within just a few moments: a creature lunges out of the scraps; Rinoa fires the bladed wings off her arm, hitting the beast square in its head and causing it to stagger back; she skids to a halt, sand flying, between Kaiba and the creature as the weapon boomerangs back into its place; Felix settles by her side, the soft fur of his back standing erect as he makes a sound somewhere between a growl and an unhappy squawk.

Rinoa glances back over her shoulder, eyes narrowed in concern. ]

Hey. Are you okay?

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[Inefficiently; that's how Kaiba would have answered her quandary about how food works here. The sporadic hunger pangs were not only detrimental to maintaining an unflappable image, they could also be quite serious in terms of severity, debilitating even. For someone who was used to skipping regular meals, let's just say that he was less than pleased with the addition. He was planning on finding an efficient method to keep snacks handy, and also planning on maintaining a regular exercise schedule. Sure, some of the regular processes were still not in effect, but he would not allow himself to be blindsided again. He would ensure that he maintained his trim figure.

So much for being able to survey the beach for any approaching beasts or persons. Kaiba had failed to do this on multiple accounts all because he had thrown himself so thoroughly into his work. It wasn't until she called out to him that he realized his error. Whipping back towards the unfinished machinery, he only just caught sight of the furry-horned blur as it dashed for him.

Sure, he instinctively raised an arm to shield himself, his other hand reaching for the nearest object that could be used as a weapon but even his reflexes were not quite enough to be the instrument of his own salvation.]

You've got to be kid-

[Was about all he managed to get out. When the claws and fangs should have reached their prey, the pain was not forthcoming. Kaiba had heard the impact, and the accompanying howl of the monster, and he just managed to find his feet by the time the whirlwind of sand and turquoise fabric got between him his wouldbe attacker. What a pair had come to the rescue.Could Kaiba ever live this down?]

I'm in better condition than that thing.

[Speaking of which, it wasn't one of the species he recognized, and he wasn't sure just how dazed it had gotten when she klunked it with her boomerang-like device]

Apparently that impulsive nature isn't reserved only for introductions.. [Hearkening back to their first encounter] Is it incapacitated?

[pinwheels]

[ Whatever the "that thing" is, it's nothing that she's ever seen before, even here. It looks in some way almost like a Behemoth, black instead of purple, with a metal face at the end of its tail; some sort of twisted abomination of the same kind as all the others here, without the cuteness that some of the others - like Felix or the trash can plants - possess. It's down for the count for now, but Rinoa doesn't know how long now will last for, and so even as she meets Kaiba's eyes, shaking her head at what seems to be a particularly unhappy tone of voice, she keeps her Shooting Star readied on her arm, prepared to fire it again at a moment's notice. ]

For now. But I can take it out again if I need to. [ A smile curves her lips, and Rinoa turns back to face the creature that's slumped on the ground, keeping herself between it and the man it tried to attack. Just in case. ] You're welcome, Kaiba. [ Assuming the comment on her impulsivity was his way of thanking her, anyway.

Felix seems to be calming down, and if there's anyone whose instincts she can trust here, it's her companion's. She nods at him, lowering her arm, although she keeps a cautious watch on the creature as she turns partway toward Kaiba. ]

I've never seen this one before, though. Do you think it came out because it was hungry?

[ It stands to reason after all that if she was hungry enough to be in physical pain, and if Felix could be driven to try and eat the plant on her windowsill, that the other creatures of this world may also need to eat. And those driven by instinct may be more volatile about it, too. Right?

She has a little of the meat from her feast left over, and she moves forward now, careful steps, to put it in front of the unconscious creature. Felix makes an alarmed sound, but she just gives him a smile before she steps back, joining him, and Kaiba, a few steps away. ]

If you're going to be out here alone, you probably need some kind of weapon.

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[That made two of them, and if there's one thing this world didn't need it was more monsters. Unless- it wanted to suddenly start allowing him to summon his dragons, of course. The beast was an odd amalgamation of parts almost like a chimera in that regard, and it easily could have passed for a new prototype for a duel monsters card.]

Mm. [Nodding to that statement, though now that he was aware of it's presence he might be able to chip in in regards to that effort as well. Kaiba didn't have to see her smile to know that it was there, her tone was giving it away.] ... [Normally, he might have followed up with a 'you'll be compensated for your trouble', since he didn't like the idea of being indebted to anyone, but with the state of currency being non-existent all he could do was fill out a check she couldn't cash.] You must have struck it in precisely the right point. It's not even twitching. [Though he still had to peer around her to determine as much since she was insisting on playing bodyguard, his height helped]

Neither have I. Either that or it's got a vendetta against progress. [Not being serious about the latter but he had lost a considerable amount of his work thanks to that animal] I spotted tooth impressions around the edge of some of the metal components. Or... in other words, it was gnawing off chunks of solid metal. [Just let that sink in]

What are you- you're going to feed it now?

[Shaking his head disapprovingly]

GREEEAAAT, now it's going to associate us with providing free meal tickets. [Apparently forgetting that he should be showing more gratitude than sassitude] Sure, let me get right on that. There's so many arms dealers here, I won't know which to choose form. [Rolling his eyes.] It was a mistake- it isn't going to happen again. [Until it does]

[pinwheels]

[ She can't tell if Kaiba is impressed or irritated, which is something pretty impressive all on its own, she thinks. She's pretty good at seeing straight through to how people are feeling, but in this moment she can't help but wonder if he hasn't quite decided on what his feelings about the situation even are.

Perhaps something to ask him about later. For now, she just shoots him an amused smile as he starts sassing her about her choice to feed the creature and his lack of a weapon. ]

Are you always this grumpy towards people who help you?

[ The creature still isn't moving, but she leaves the piece of meat there for it anyway, ignoring his words. Considering it just tried to take a chunk out of him, she has a feeling it will be appreciated in the long run, when it wakes up. Instead, she looks around them - a quick glance draws her attention to a metal pipe lodged in one of the trash piles, and she points at it, shrugging her shoulders. ]

I'm not saying it has to be something special. Even a pipe like that one would work, right? You just have to be able to defend yourself.

[ Her smile broadens, the girl folding her arms over her shoulders. ]

Unless, you know, you'd just prefer for me to hang out here with you and protect you when they come.

[ Rinoa already knows what his answer is going to be, of course. Her words aren't even a serious offer, not really - she just wants to see his reaction. ]

I

[yinception]

[You know what you always need for embarrassing displays like that? An audience! And luckily for Kaiba, Wuxian is here to provide just that. (Actual luck not guaranteed; past performance is no guarantee of future results; etc.)

On the bright(ish) side: Wuxian is not actually laughing when he walks up to Kaiba. Exaggerated motions aside, the action reminded him a lot of certain uses of "magic" from his own world.]

A talisman? What was that supposed to do? [A gives a very deliberate judging look.] You weren't trying to set the place on fire, were you?

[He doesn't actually believe that, but the mental image is funny to him.]

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[In a way, Wuxian's timing couldn't have been better. Sure, this wasn't Kaiba's finest moment but putting in perspective it wasn't his worst either. Either way that still didn't mean that company was welcome.

Not realizing that his actions bore some similarity to a form of casting... Suited him just fine. They less he heard about magic, the better.]

[The voice interrupting his thoughts was familiar to him, and he bit back a groan. It likely came as no surprise when he answered sarcastically] Don't tempt me. [Not that he would but there was a certain appeal to the notion]

[Kaiba might have answered the previous question had he thought it to be a serious one, or if he had a higher opinion of Wuxian] Isn't there anyone else you could be tormenting?

[yinception]

[Whether Kaiba was looking at him or not, Wuxian made a face as if he was seriously contemplating whether tempting the guy to set the place on fire was worth it, whether just to be contrary or for his own amusement. But no, no... Fire bad, tree pretty. Of course.]

I'm sure there is! But with you right here, why should I try my luck elsewhere?

[He wasn't even trying to torment all that much, but hey, if that was how Kaiba wanted to see it, Wuxian could play along with the image of himself as an evil practical joker. It was at least half right, after all.]

C'mon, tell me. What were you trying to do?

i

[forethinking]

(The main reason why Ren was at the beach was to find scraps to take back to his room – mostly so that he can create his tools, keep himself ready so when the time comes… Whenever that is. The world doesn’t quite pose a threat aside from its existence, but from experience, that might as well change in an instant.

He hadn’t spent too much time with Kaiba, so he watched the exchange between his weird bracelet and a bunch of trading cards with a frown and a tilted head. His words were accepted with a nod. It felt like the world was adapting to them somehow, but still on the trying side with what was functional and what wasn’t… The evolution of it was intriguing, from the wind, the hunger and now the lights… What’s next?)

What’s that?

(He perks up from his seat in the sand, patting his hands to rid them of the specks while he tries to get a better look at the whole equipment Kaiba sports.)

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[They had both been drawn to the beach for similar reasons. This wasteland of refuse that most considered an eyesore was also a valuable resource in the absence of infrastructure. Some of the wreckage included items that had clearly been manufactured but they currently had no means to recreate the same level of intricacy and precision of a factory-made parts. That being said it was random lot trying to find anything that would actually serve for the specific purpose you needed it for.

Interesting wouldn't have been the word Kaiba would have used. The progression was slow and tedious, and while he did wondered what the end result would be he didn't like waiting for it. He was stuck playing this game until he either learned how to control the situation, or escape it. At Ren's words he looked down to the figure seated on the beach.

Just how long had the other guy been there?]

It's the height of holographic technology. [Not to put to fine a point on it. He held his arm aloft to show off his creation] More specifically, it's a Duel Disk. [Debating briefly if he should mention Duel Monsters specifically, given the earlier ridicule.

You know what.

Screw it. What did it matter what anyone else thought?] It's primary function is to enhance the game of duel monsters, taking a collectible card game and transforming it into an immersive experience.

[forethinking]

( Long enough, Kaiba. Long enough. )

... Never heard of it.

( Unsurprisingly so, but at least is some information about Kaiba's own world. The more he knows about everyone, the better, and Kaiba simply didn't strike him for a talkative, open person who would just spill details out in the open like that.

At least, it comes with no ridicule from Ren, just a normal statement that indeed, it wasn't a part of his own world, or at least, experience. )

iii

[rotomphone]

[ isn't it convenient then, that Raihan and Duraludon are taking a pleasant stroll across the beach? from his first visit here, he'd gotten acquainted enough with the mechanical fauna to know to avoid them - he's here now to see if any of the scrap littering the sand can be repurposed for something, but doesn't plan to stay for long once he's done a once-over. that goes especially when he spots Kaiba in the vicinity in front of him, but his distaste turns to action when he sees the creature begin to peek out and stare at the unsuspecting man. ]

Duraludon!

[ the command is yelled out, but Duraludon is already on it in a split second. being faster than he looks, he lunges into a tackle that rolls and wrestles the sharp-toothed creature away. simultaneously, Raihan grabs the collar of his shirt to grab his attention. ]

Are you mad? You need to watch yourself out here!

[ he doesn't keep his hold on him for long, dropping him to return his focus to Duraludon. though the Pokemon can't use any of his attacks, he has enough stature and strength on the creature to get the upper hand on it with his teeth, tearing an arm off and prying its jaws open to the point of cracking it apart.

hey, a Steel-type's gotta eat. ]

[blue_eyed_obsession]

[The irony of this whole scenario is that Seto had prided himself on being one of the first to realize the aggressive potential of the very monster he was about to be assaulted by. How he had looked down upon others for deluding themselves into false senses of security around such creatures, and now...

well.. someone wasn't being as careful. It was difficult for even an observant person to split their attention in so many directions, especially when focused on a primary objective. Not that the excuse would have acted as any sort of cure all for his wounded ego or his pending lacerations. Had the worst happened, he ultimately would have deserved it.

From the shouting Kaiba was prompted to look up, catching sight of his attacker in the process. There isn't time to do much of anything other than manage to get out an undignified yelp of surprise. Instinctively he drew back, but he was flanked by the gathered spare parts. If it hadn't been for Duraludon's expedient efforts injury would have been forthcoming.] Gyah!

[After the monster is knocked off it's feet and out of the way, Kaiba finds himself briefly being manhandled. The sheer audacity of it all. He reached up to free himself, but it wasn't necessary.]

Heh- you wouldn't be the first person to ask me that.

[Somehow despite the initial shock, he's able to gather himself together enough to resort to his old standby of clever remarks. It's not easy to tell, but Kaiba was sufficiently rattled from the experience having never imagined that he could have let anything sneak up that close to his position. The large crunching of metal, actually gets a wince out of him.]

It worked out alright, didn't it?

[Trying to sound nonchalant]

[rotomphone]

[ if there's anything that Pokémon Trainers know, it's to never assume you're completely safe when you're out in the wild. it's why parents drill the lesson of never going out into the tall grass with their children at the earliest age that they can understand it; without a Pokémon partner to protect you, you're almost guaranteed to get hurt. even in a world like this, where the creatures roaming about might not be Pokémon at all, the rule still applies.

as awful as Kaiba had been to him, no one deserves to have a chunk of flesh taken out of them in an ambush. Duraludon lunges fast - almost too fast, considering his blocky stature - but he easily overwhelms the piranha stubby, clawing and tearing at it until it's stopped moving altogether. he's gotten a few good tears of metal to chew on before Raihan calls out to him. ] That's enough, buddy. Leave it.

[ the flippant comments from the guy he literally just saved aren't exactly appreciated, but Raihan doesn't grace them with much more than a chuckle of disbelief. ] Yeah, thanks to us. A little gratitude would be nice!

[ he sighs, the momentary adrenaline spike starting to subside. he gives Duraludon a grateful rub on the side of his head as he looks Kaiba up and down, unamused. reluctant as he is... he offers a hand to help him to his feet. ]

It didn't nick you, did it?