kaisou | Intro Log

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horse

Intro Log

WHO: Horse and You!
WHERE: The Labyrinth and then the City
WHEN: Jan. 28th
WHAT: A talking horse arrives!
WARNINGS: Talking horses

[Labyrinth]

[She didn't understand it. It was some kind of battlefield... was this another one of Wammawink's memories?

... No, it looked different. It felt like home. But it wasn't? There were little differences that seemed like they should be familiar, but it wasn't. It all felt just a little off.]

Wammawink? Guys?

... Rider?

[She sounds a bit hopeful, like she'll get an answer. But it's just a very eerie silence that follows. No Centaurs, no colorful world, no humans... nothing. Just broken weapons and a scarred land.]

Okay, Tree Shamans! You win! You can stop... whatever this is! I just need the next key piece, okay?!

[The City]

[The sight of the city startles her more than the Labyrinth. She's never seen anything so... alive, in her life. All the bright lights and noises are disorienting, and she wanders around the city in a lost daze for what feels like forever.

After a while, she just... lets herself into a building. She doesn't know it yet, but it's a cafe. Not that she knows what a cafe is anyway.]

Oh! Humans! That's great, I need to find a human. Can you help me?

[IT'S JUST A TALKING HORSE EVERYTHING IS FINE.]

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[It has been a very long, very weird month for Rean Schwarzer. So he's just here at the café to treat himself a little— maybe getting something a little pricier for once, something out of the ordinary, will help him unwind?

...Well, there's certainly something out of the ordinary, as just as the barista is handing him his drink, an entire horse just walks right in and starts talking.

The barista just... freezes, completely unsure what to do with this turn of events. And for a second, Rean is right there alongside him, because for all the weird things that have happened to and at him this month, a talking horse is not something he ever anticipated.

There's a little something at the back of his mind, looking at this horse, hearing her speak like it's totally normal. Like there's something— someone?— just out of reach in his memory. ...But there's no time to deal with that right now, is there?

This poor horse needs help, and he can already see the barista quietly reaching for a phone. Rean needs to do something before this creature gets swept up by Animal Control or something.]

Ah— hey, there. [He takes his drink, making his way over to the horse with a hand held up— in greeting? To say he means no harm? It's not clear, he doesn't really have the time to parse exactly how he's coming across here and he knows it.] Let's get back outside, okay? We can get you some help out there...

[That's probably vague enough to convince fellow patrons he's just talking like anyone would talk to an animal that stands no chance of understanding them. He hopes so, anyway, the last thing he wants is for everyone in this place to think he's lost it, besides.

If Horse will let him close enough to whisper, he will:]

Humans don't really expect horses in a place like this, okay? We can talk once we get you someplace safe.

Oh uh, okay.

[Horse kind of remembers that most humans don't really like it when horses just kind of bust into their buildings. She wasn't really allowed into tents or buildings back home either, but...

Well, she's not in a position to argue. She turns around, knocking some chairs over and bumping into tables - because a cafe isn't really built to fit a horse in the first place.]

Opps, sorry!

[Thankfully, outside of a couple of yelps and people backing away, it doesn't seem like leading her out causes too much more chaos. Rean holds the door open for Horse, partially to help out and partially to keep from causing any more potential property damage.

Once they're outside, he racks his brain. Where on earth can he possibly take a horse in a city? No matter what, he's bound to earn more than a few concerned stares, but he needs to avoid causing any more panic.

The park, maybe? Sure, that could work. It'll still be odd to have a horse there, but in the way that most people should dismiss it as a pleasant oddity rather than one worth calling the cops over.]

Okay. Um, we're gonna head to the park, okay? I don't really know if there's a good place for horses in this city, but at least there people shouldn't be so freaked out about you.

[He looks back at Horse, nodding his head in the direction they need to go to indicate she should follow. Once they're on their way, he'll start talking again.]

I'm Rean, by the way.

[It feels weird, offering his name to a horse, but it's not like he really has any idea how to handle the whole Talking Animal thing.]

[Horse walks out - feeling the frigid air for a moment before walking alongside Rean. She's honestly not sure where to start with her questions, but she'll let him guide her.]

Aren't there other horses here? How do you humans get around?

[Ugh, not an important question, Horse!]

Oh um, I'm Horse. [Just Horse.] I'm looking for my Rider. You wouldn't happen to see a human that looks like... [Horse will give a description of a girl who looks like this.]

[That's fair, Rean has no idea where to even begin either. They're both on the same page, here.]

Mm... in this world, horses aren't as commonly used for transportation anymore. [While he's obviously keeping her out of the road, it's going to be impossible to avoid seeing any cars at all, so it's not hard to find one to motion to.] If we're not walking, usually we take vehicles like cars from place to place. Horse riding is more for sport, at least around here.

[Maybe it's not an important question, but it's one he can answer! Still, the second part is what's more clearly pressing as far as Horse is concerned, so.]

...Well, that'll make your name easy to remember. I... can't say I'm familiar with anyone matching that description, but... well, if I'm right in assuming you aren't from this world, then you're not the only one. Maybe your Rider will show up here, too?

[Thankfully, it's not too hard to get to the park from where they were, so Rean will stop them there.]

Cars...? [Horse shakes her head.] Nevermind! I can't wait around for Rider for show up! I gotta get back to Centaurworld - no, I mean my world!

Wait - what do you mean I'm not the only one who's not from this world?

[Rean wishes he had an answer for her, and it shows on his face.]

I'm sorry... right now, I don't know if we know of any ways back to the worlds people come from.

I don't know too much about all of them, unfortunately. I only just got clued into some of this... let's go with "supernatural" stuff, myself. But I know there are some people around here who claim to be from another world. But I don't think many of them have claimed to be from the same world, yet?

I haven't seen any that look like your Rider, though.

[Bruno was just minding his own damn business and now he has a talking horse coming up to him and talking to him. He kind of stares at her for a moment, wondering if he's maybe having a stroke. ]

Uhhhhhhh.

[Great going, great start. He slowly points at Horse.]

Sorry. Did you...talk? With the people words?

[Oh god is this what it feels like to be Antonio? ]

Yep. Yeah, I did. Don't worry about it too much - it freaked me out when I could do it too. Long story.

[Just don't worry about it Bruno. It's fine. Just. Don't worry.]

Sooooo.... anyway, you look like a guy who can help me! You being all... human. And all. I'm looking for my Rider - she's about this tall [She motions with her hoof and it looks SUPER UNNATURAL], short brown hair, tied up in a bun, looks like she was in a war because uh... we were...

Well - what can I do? I can't just stand around and hope she gets here!

For all I know, she could be... could be...

[Dead. But Horse doesn't want to say it.]

[Rean's eyes widen at the implication, and without thinking he immediately reaches out a hand, resting it against Horse's neck to gently pet.]

Hey, hey...

I'm sure she's okay. She's probably just as worried about you as you are about her.

I might not know what you can do, but I imagine the people who also got brought here are probably looking for a way home. If we get you in contact with them, maybe you can all work together? It's better than searching alone, at least.

[She appreciates the reassurance, she really does. She lowers her head a bit.]

We were... in a pretty bad situation, before I got to Centaurworld. And then here. I guess. I gotta get back home to her, to know she's okay.

I guess I'll go looking for them. Maybe we if all put our heads together, we can figure something out. Better than just... wandering.

Yeah... if you're this worried, I can only imagine it was dire. You don't have to tell me any more than that if you don't want to.

[He stops mid-pet as she mentions going looking for them, and quickly digs into his pocket with his off hand.]

Wait, no, don't go off on your own. I can get in contact with at least one of them, hopefully we'll be able to get someone to come here and pick you up. If you wander the city all alone, you might wind up in trouble.

[Time to type out the most awkward text he's ever sent with one hand.]

[Amal is very familiar with this park by now, as it's one of his favorite spots in the city. He can only hope they're on the main path. For his part, he is running like hell-- barely wearing his jacket (unzipped) on top of what can only be described as a bellydancer's outfit, with some straps for tights (?!) and flip flops. Very decent winter wear, really. He's giving Narsus a frantic, terse phone call-- at least until he sees the VERY OBVIOUS HORSE and a smaller Rean standing next to her. He says a quick goodbye and hangs up as he jogs within hearing distance.]

Oh... good, I made it. [He's huffing, but he also seems like he could probably run another few miles.] I take it this is our newest arrival? [He straightens up and greets Horse and Rean with a fangy grin.] I'm Amal. Welcome to Kaisou. It's chaotic like this all the time.

Edited 2022-02-01 04:23 (UTC)

Oh good. Good. Glad the people words are weird for you too.

[Is he having a stroke? Is this what having a stroke feels like? He's just staring at Horse as she goes into a description of Rider, wide-eyed and confused. ]

...I don't see a lot of people. I'm not- not so good with the...human thing. [Bruno please, you are a human.] I've only been here for like...two weeks, so I don't anyone here, really. Minimal people.

Oh, everything about it is weird all right.

[Ah that's... disappointing, but at least she got a real answer and not "oh my god! A horse!".]

I see. Doesn't seem like anyone's seen her. This is the second world I've gotten whisked away to and I'm just getting further away from her. Can you at least tell me where I am?

Oh, you don't have to do that... if I can handle Centaurworld and a war, how bad could this place be?

[Ah so this is the person that Rean called? Horse gives him a nodding glance.]

I'm Horse. Uh... so... what exactly are you planning to do with me?

Nice to meet you, Horse!

[He was kind of expecting a fancy Doman name or something but Horse is... apt, at least. That... sure is a horse.]

My thought is that, for the night at least, we can put you up in a space my friend is renting. I'll make sure it's not too cold for you. Then when you're rested, we can go down to the Zodiac headquarters ourselves tomorrow and get you a proper place to stay. [He speaks warmly, trying to be comforting, with something vaguely resembling an Indian accent.] They'll provide one if you ask... and, comfort notwithstanding, I don't think we can hide you for long with the accommodations most of us have.

I'm sure someone around here has a house with a big enough yard for a horse. It might be on the edge of the city, but it would work. [He folds his arms.] It just isn't right to stuff you away indoors or have your hooves on bare cement for long. You deserve room to run, like anyone.

[Rean sighs. Amal's thankfully quick to respond.]

People here might try to lock you up. We're not used to animals just roaming around like this. And if you fight, they might try to hurt you or worse.

Amal— the otherworlder I know— is on his way. I don't mind standing out here for a little longer until he gets here.

[ there is a horse walking into a cafe and ezekiel is just about to walk out. oh, my god. the worst part is, a talking horse isn’t even a problem for him— it’s everyday life. he can understand animals since he was a wee. although, this encounter seems a little different. horses aren’t so elaborate with their words; he usually gets what they’re trying to express, but it hardly comes out sounding so intelligent.

how peculiar. with a coffee in hand and trying not to stumble around with his actions (or spit it out, because horse in a cafe), he does as any cautious person understanding a horse would do: ]

How did you get out here, hah, I think someone lost their horse? [ he waves it off and chuckles to anyone actually in the cafe, ] I’ve got it.

[ with a slow approach and a pat against the slab of her neck, zeke begins to lead her body out the door and affirm in some way that he’s understood: ]

Let’s go find your human.

[ though he won’t hold a conversation with her until they’re out. ]

Well, I mean, they sort of did - oh, you mean...

[Horse doesn't catch onto things easily, but she does finally see the vibe in here is now kind of awkward. She lets herself be guided out, waiting to speak again once they're outside.]

Do you know where she is?

Whoa, whoa, hold on...

[Horse lifts one of her hooves up.]

I don't mind staying somewhere tonight, but I can't just stay cooped up in someone's yard when I need to get out there and find Rider!

I wouldn't let 'em.

[She's confident that she could defend herself against a bunch of humans - maybe a little too confident.]

Amal? I mean, you don't have to stay. I don't think there's enough people around to get freaked out by a horse?

[Amal reaches out to gently place his hand on Horse's neck, but if she looks like she'll draw back he'll stop.]

I know. I don't exactly want to be here either, but I've looked. I got here six moons ago, and I spent so many damn hours just wandering the city limits trying to find something, anything, that might point me home. I even tried to look for a gate I could jump through... But if you go outside, it's just more roads and cities like this one. Rean confirmed as much.

Zodiac is the organization in charge of all this, and whether they're being honest or not, they're the ones holding all the cards. We'll have to play along for now.

This whole place is weird. Everything about it is weird.

[He's just...commiserating with a horse. An actual horse. ]

Oh...wow, you've had this happen to you twice? That... seems like a lot of times to be kidnapped to another world. I mean, once is a lot, but twice is excessive.

Kaisou. Well...that's what the city is called, anyway.

[It's okay, Bruno. She finds commiserating with a human just a strange. But here they are.]

And it doesn't stop being weird! Do you know they have these things called "cars" instead of horses? Cars! What can a car do that a horse can't? And that's not even including the whole getting sucked into a whole other world thing - okay, maybe getting off-topic here.

And yeah! Twice is excessive! I just... need to get back to my Rider. I don't care how many worlds it takes, I have to get back to her.

Okay... Kaisou. That's something to work with.

[She doesn't like this. At least in Centaurworld, she had pieces of a key to find. Some clear goal that would get her home. But now?]

So we're at the mercy of this Zodiac thing?

[ he's used to this and doesn't make a huge fuss of a talking horse, at least; zeke keeps his voice low, to a mutter— to make it look like he's just casually sharing words to the horse instead of exchanging an actual conversation. ]

I'm afraid not, but I'll make an effort. [ first comes first: ] Do you know where you are?

[Here they are. This is the life they lead now.]

I...can't answer that question, sorry. I don't have a lot of experience with...uh. Either of those things.

[She would be disgusted with his non-equestrian skills.]

W-well, I'm trying to figure out a way back to my world too? Not...been so lucky with that so far. Kind of failed a whole lot at it honestly, but you know- I've only been here like two weeks. Still working on it. Maybe we can figure a way out collectively?

[What is it with people in this world and their lack of horse skills man.]

Well, just know. Cars are the worst.

[Worse than Becky Apples? Probably not. ... Not that she knows who that is yet.]

... I see. Then that would make us allies. Look, I'm not really used to working with humans outside of Rider, but if there's anything I can do to help get us home, I'm in.

Name's Horse, by the way.

[Yep. Just Horse.]

R...right. Duly noted. Cars Bad.

[NOTHING is worse than Becky Apples. ]

Oh...uh thanks. I appreciate that...Horse? So like. Just. What you are. That's your name. Okay. I'm- well, I'm Bruno.

Just Horse. That's my name and what I am. Easy to remember, right?

[She's happy with her name. She doesn't need anything fancy.]

I think Bruno is pretty easy to remember too.

I... don't? This place doesn't look anything like my world. Or Centaurworld.

I- I guess so, yeah? Are... all horses in your world just called Horse?

[He doesn't call any of his rats Rat, after all, this is weird.]

I'd take credit for it but I didn't think of it. Hah.

No, just me. That's what my Rider calls me.

Oh you mean - your parents. Right.

Huh. Guess it's...uh. [He shifts his feet.] Well. Descriptive?

[Maybe not INVENTIVE but there you go. ]

Yup. Them. Those people.

More or less.

[He knows that's not what she wants to hear, so he gives her neck another comforting rub. He doesn't smell like chocobo anymore but he has often preferred the company of animals to people.]

I don't have any evidence saying they didn't cause all of this to happen. Still, we don't exactly have any alternatives at the moment. And to their credit, they haven't done anything obviously hostile.

The moment they do, though... [He punches his other palm.]

...That might make it worse. [💧]

It's all right. [They might go in circles if he keeps saying that, though, so...] I know I don't have to, but I'd like to for my own peace of mind, if that's okay.

Besides, I could use the break between jobs and actually drink this tea. [Speaking of. Don't mind if he does take a sip.]

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Intro Log

city

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The city

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after the thread with rean - the park;

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city!

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