INTRO ♚ FEBRUARY

[boardmaster]

WELCOME TO CAISSA

We’ve all had those dreams: you wake up on a table, to blurry, ominous images and the certainty that you are absolutely buck-naked in a room full of strangers. This is not quite it.

Instead, you come awake to the sun on your face. The soft burble of water nearby. The hustle and bustle of a busy street and the faint, fortifying smell of bread. You open your eyes and there’s no one there at your bedside, but there is what appears to be the end of the world happening just beyond your window.

There’s a crack in the world across the sky, the “sun” is the totally unnatural light spilling from that crack straight into your eyes, and someone’s left a neatly pressed and folded uniform at the foot of the bed that isn’t yours. Somewhere in the room, there’s a strange clatter like beads, the click of claws on the floor.

Something’s in here with you.

Also, you are naked.

ONE ♟ Settling In

Welcome to Blanc! You wake up on one of the beds inside the Hall of Glory. You might still be feeling a little light-headed, but sudden dimensional travel will do that to a body. You could have sworn visions of a fantastic world flashed before your eyes not long ago: monsters, magic, and a mission to save the world. You can't quite recall much beyond the basics, but could this be it?

Save your questions for later! The room nannies are quick to urge Heroes into their uniforms (with their beaks if necessary) and to point them to the pick-up locations for their Blanc-issued Weapons and Carriers. Hopefully, nobody but the pigeon’s watching you change. On the other hand, maybe you're the type to turn every roommate into a new friend before you even step foot outside the room.

As you make your way down the halls, you might notice strangely familiar faces around you. But don’t linger too long to chat—the people in charge of the armory and the menagerie have gone through many Heroes before you, and still have many more to go after you. NPCs need meal breaks, too! If you don’t make a decision in time, the random Weapons and/or Carriers they pick for you can be just a little odd.

And if you’re hungry? No matter how rich you were in your homeworld, you’re penniless now until you earn some colle. Thankfully, the Hall of Glory provides free meals to Heroes and those associated with them! Sunday’s breakfast and lunch are bananalicious and seafood pasta. A friendly visiting scholar may have a word of advice for you: “Beware the dining hall on Mondays.”

But you’ll barely have time for lunch before guards come and round you up. “For the parade,” is the only reason they’ll give you.

TWO ♟ Welcome Celebrations

Trumpets sound, cymbals clang and the crowd roars as the parade gets underway! What’s all the fuss about? Well, you Heroes were sent by the gods to save Blanc, right? Of course they’d celebrate! Smiling and waving at the citizens of Caissa from your uniquely crafted float might be a chore, but hey, they love you. Are you really going to let them down, or lose the spotlight to the fellow Heroes sharing your float?

The reception after the Prime Minister’s speech is like some kind of idol session, with Caissa citizens coming up to shake hands and welcome the Heroes warmly. Some are even asking for autographs!

There’s a lot of things to do in festive and lively Caissa, even late into the night under a light fall of snow. Sparrow Town is all lit up, ready for another festival next week.

While some shops are closed for the holiday, others have buffet tables or are giving out free samples to the Heroes. The food stalls here are way better than the bizarre cafeteria menu at the Hall of Glory! Why waste the opportunity to finally gorge on real food? The shop owners have done their best to impress, showing off their local cuisines proudly along the city streets: from the local hamburger joint to the exotic L'adderan curries, you'll find a little of everything to whet your palate. Your growling stomach will likely thank you for the food. … Oh, wait. That wasn’t you? You think the fish sandwich on your plate just sang? Nonsense. That just means you had a marvelous piece of fish bread. Please remember to visit them again sometime when you have the colle, okay?

Various stalls with games and activities have also been set up. Maybe you can impress the crowd by nailing an apple with an arrow or by sacrificing your friend(s) at the water tanks! An unusual Go-style stall offers something like fish scooping, but be careful: touching the fish with your bare hands will leave you feeling funny… Wow, you’ve never seen that color before! But whatever it takes to impress the children, right?

Said children might try and get you to dance in the falling snow. Better not mess up, though, because everyone in Caissa seems to be watching.

THREE ♟ The Day After

Hopefully, you didn’t sleep too late after yesterday’s celebrations! Or maybe you slept badly, since it felt like something was watching you…

The free breakfast that awaits you at the dining hall is… something special. Please enjoy it to your heart’s content! Remember: no food fights, and leave no leftovers! Nothing will save you from the chef’s disapproving mustache swirl if you do!

If you want to make money (to get away from Monday’s Horrors), there are now jobs up for taking at the Hall of Glory and the Poisoned Pawn! If there’s nothing to your taste, check back again every so often. Something new might pop up!

Heroes not in the mood to be errand-runners (it’s understandable, you’re Heroes after all!) can hang out in the parlor, read in the library, or express yourself in one of the Hall’s many studios or other rooms.

If lying back and taking it slow isn’t your thing, you could train or spar! Being summoned to a new world takes a toll on the body, and some Heroes have lost abilities familiar to them. Besides, it’ll take a while to get used to your weapons. Some of them might even be disobedient, backfiring at worst and unresponsive at best. Try not to hit your fellow Heroes (including yourself), or you’ll either have to find enough Heroes to cast weak healing spells or carry the wounded to the infirmary. While the snow has been cleared overnight, it’s still very cold!

INFO ♟ Welcome!

Welcome to Crosscheck's grand opening log! For any further questions, please see the FAQ or reach us at the Contact Us page. Have fun!

Comments

[oneirism]

[Seeing that guilty look causes her to frown for a second, wondering what was wrong. Mulling over what could be wrong, before she turns her focus back to him again, nodding in response. That does sound like a good idea, especially since it seems like they're stuck here for.... a while. Ugh.]

... Good plan. Though did you want me to walk alongside your bike, or...?

[Well, she could walk alongside if he doesn't go speeding away or something! Though she's fine with hitching a ride too, as long as he doesn't cause them both to go flying...]

[quaria]

[ That frown. Lapis just frowned at him! Clearly Setsuna should've thought over his decision more, but he didn't think it would matter that much. Apparently it does. No, it doesn't. Stop worrying, Setsuna. Now his guilt rises again. It's not too late at least! He can still reassure her. ]

If you are all right with it... I was offering a ride with you. But do not feel compelled, I was merely offering if you are interested.

[ #ACCIDENTALLY SMOOTH. OKAY, he tried!! [goldstar] Maybe he sounds too stiff, but how does one socialize!? ]

[oneirism]

[But he doesn't need to reassure her! She's just more worried about what he might be guilty over, still thinking over that as she tilts her head.

His words get another blink of surprise, but she actually perks up when he says he was offering a ride. A+ smoothness skills, Setsu!!

And while it's not her bike and she won't exactly be driving it, it's still something familiar, which is great since she's still adapting to the whole 'can't see or hear ghosts' thing.]

... I am interested! I'll try not to backseat drive, since I used to have a motorbike back home.

[quaria]

[ Everyone in Celestial Being apologizes for Setsuna's stupidity... See, he doesn't even realize what he proposed. There's nothing wrong with offering a ride to a girl, right? That's all it is! Helping a girl! . . . ]

I do not mind. If you wish to tell me something, I will hear it out.

[ Maybe she can figure out why his bike isn't listening to him... Anyway, he straightens up said bike then holds out his hand for her. ]

[oneirism]

[Setsu please... Not that Lapis sees anything wrong with it either - it's a totally normal thing to do, right? Right!]

... Alright. Hopefully it'll all go smoothly, though.

[Please be a nice bike and don't launch them both into the air... And when he holds his hand out, there's no hesitation as she moves to place her hand in his with another soft, but brief, smile.]

[quaria]

[ "Hopefully it'll go all smoothly..." Yes, he hopes so as well. He lets out a tired sigh for a moment, a little annoyed with his bike with the thought.

Setsuna aids Lapis then, assisting her to seat herself properly before he gets on the bike afterwards. He looks back at her to ensure that he's comfortable first before anything else. ]

Are you ready?

[oneirism]

[Hearing his tired sigh prompts her to give him a vaguely sympathetic look for a moment, her free hand moving to gently pat his arm in an attempt to be comforting. It's okay, she knows how annoying the weapons can be!

Once she's on the bike, she takes a moment to make sure she's seated comfortably, giving Setsuna a nod when he looks back at her.]

... Yep, ready! [So onwards, Setsu!]

[quaria]

[ The gentle pat is unquestionably appreciated. Setsuna feels slightly better after that... But it's going to be okay. He won't let something like this take him down. He's more resilient than he looks!

At her signal, he starts up the engine again and allows the mana emissions to calibrate before he heads out. He doesn't step on it, wanting to take her advise in mind, as well as to be considerate of her presence. Without a destination in mind, he aimlessly wander; following the streets at random. ]

This world... is too different from my own.

[oneirism]

[Yes, you can do this, Setsuna! Don't be beaten by a bike!

Once he gets going, Lapis feels herself relax as she watches the passing scenery, not really minding that he's wandering aimlessly. It'll be a good way to map things out, and it's an easier way to get around compared to walking.]

... It's different from mine too. This place is like something out of a fantasy novel... Some part of me still thinks this is all some weird dream.

[quaria]

[ H-He will do his best. ;A;

As they continue to wander, it's noticeable that Setsuna happens to have nice luck with encountering important locations. Or maybe he's just good with following his instinct! They've already passed by a couple of useful markets and busy buildings. They're only in the Commercial District, yet there's so much to see already. ]

I feel the same.

[ From working hours at the orphanage earlier, Setsuna has already earned his first bag of colle. This is really happening... He's beginning to slowly adjust to this world's pace. He does wonder how long he needs to stay here, but he doesn't want to think about it too much. There's going to be a grueling war soon... He needs to be prepared for a long, long and painful stay. Though he worries... Why is it that innocent people like Lapis is getting dragged here, too?

Don't tell him... Is she a soldier, too? ]

... Have you fought before?

[oneirism]

[She believes in you, Setsu!

And he's a pretty good guide too! Already she's taking mental notes of where everything is, peering over at the markets and buildings, noting any places that she might want to look at more closely later.

There's a soft hum in response to his words, her eyes glancing down at the uniform, then to the bike. It's all so strange... Really, this all wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't what they were brought here for. The thought of having to fight in a war causes her stomach to twist, and she tries to hide her discomfort when he asks that question.]

... I've been in fights, but I've never actually fought. I'm more of the dodging type. [Her encounters with ghosts or her self-proclaimed rival always resulted in her defending herself. It was only her ghost friends who did any fighting.]

[quaria]

[ If only Setsuna's natural senses are still working right... If they were still active now, he would've been able to catch her discomfort. But right now, he's no different from an ordinary human. Perhaps sharper than most, but nevertheless not that different. Especially as he's not facing her due to their current positions, it's easy for him to miss her feelings. ]

It is fine if you stay that way.

[ If he can help it... He wouldn't let her kill anyone. She, and the rest of the innocent Heroes like her, doesn't have to. He'll... take over, should the necessary situations arise. He doesn't tell her this, but it's what he's silently decided on. ]

Staying alive... That is more important, more than anything.

[oneirism]

[In a way, she's glad he can't pick up on her discomfort. She still clings to the idea that showing feelings like this is showing weakness, which is why she keeps herself so flat most of the time.

But hearing that... It's a relief. She's hurt people before, even if she wasn't exactly herself at the time, and has sworn never to do it again. Even if it might be impossible, in a place like this.]

... Thank you.

[She still needs to do something though, and if she can act as a distraction or decoy during battles, that will hopefully be enough.]

I know... But I'll still do my best to protect others, I can do that much. [Though she has a bit of a... lack of self-preservation, so protecting people usually means taking hits meant for them.]

[quaria]

[ Good... Hearing her reply earns his respect. He would've nodded, but he's too concentrated on maneuvering the motorbike and paying attention to what's around them. ]

You are strong.

[ Not many are willing to involve themselves with war. If they have an excuse to stay out of it, they will. Many choose to run away or turn a blind eye to reality. But she's strong... Instead choosing to accept what's real and trying to do what she can within it. ]

However, do not forget to take care of yourself as well.

[oneirism]

[Strong? She never really considered herself strong before, just stubborn. Plus, while she could just act like the war is none of her busy, that just... Wouldn't be fair. And Lapis isn't exactly one to ignore when people need help, either.

Though his next statement causes her to freeze, glancing away in an almost sheepish manner, even though he can't see it. Taking care of herself isn't something she's the best at - she knows her limits, but she has a habit of pushing herself almost past them.]

... I'll do my best. I can't make any promises though. [Especially since her sister and ghost friends aren't here to rein her in. At least she's honest about it, though.]

[quaria]

[ It's unfortunate that Lapis is seated behind him. He couldn't even catch her gestures and expressions... So he can't tell how she reacts to his words. It's noisy around them too, due to Caissa being such a lively city. Gauging by voice is rather challenging among such a distracting environment. ]

If you forget, I will remind you.

[ He's here, after all... She didn't have to worry much about it. He'll definitely look out for her sake. ]

[oneirism]

[It's rather nice, how noisy and lively Caissa is - it helps to ease the loneliness that lingers from being separated from her sister and ghosts. And she's always glad for things that help to hide how she feels too. Maybe one day she'll try to be more open about her feelings...

But she pauses for longer than usual at his words, almost unsure what to say. It sounds like he's saying he'll look out for her, but she can't understand why. So she simply decides to ask;]

... Why? Wouldn't that be annoying to do? [Having to remind someone to not be stupidly reckless who knows how many times? Since Lapis isn't really the type to listen.]

[quaria]

[ The girl's pause doesn't bother him at all. Whether she wanted it or not, Setsuna will still go through it regardless. Someone like her... She doesn't belong in the middle of a battlefield. Although he's someone who lost his innocence long ago, he's still capable of protecting others. That's what he's decided to become for a while now...

So at her question, he already knew why he's doing it. He doesn't outright tell her why, however. It's good enough that she's aware what he'll do. It doesn't matter how many times. ]

I will remind you... Without fail.

[ And that's all he has to say about that. He changes his speed a little, wanting to see how fast he can go without the bike rebelling against his directions. It's been behaving so far. ]

[oneirism]

[You can't is what she wants to say. He can't always be there, can't always make sure that she doesn't end up pushing herself or worst. But she doesn't say that, or anything for a few moments, instead just turning her focus to the passing scenery.

She doesn't understand him - he's a stranger still, so what happens to her shouldn't be of any concern to him. Though she soon sighs quietly, watching as the bike starts to speed up.]

... Should I call you then, whenever I need reminding and you aren't around? [It's a question to gauge just how serious he actually is about this.]

[quaria]

[ Not once, did Setsuna expect others to understand. It didn't matter what they thought, what's more important is that he never forgets either. His sense of himself... his feelings to protect what he's decided. And he knew, he will never do such a thing. He will never make a dreadful mistake ever again.

That's why... he knows it, it'll be fine. All he has to do is continue as he's always done. And on her next question, he nods without hesitation. ]

Gundam... That is my registered ID.

[oneirism]

[It's nice to know that he's okay with her calling him, but that... ID.

It sounds eerily like something from one of those animes that her sister really likes to watch.]

... Gundam? What's a Gundam? [It sounds like a robot, she swears if it's some kind of robot...]

[quaria]

[ It's a fair question. Even if Lapis is from his world, she still wouldn't know if she's from an earlier timeline. Not even a decade ago, Gundams weren't public knowledge yet in his world. Only in recent years were they known and recognized... So the question isn't too surprising to him. ]

It is... mobile weaponry. They are from my world.

[oneirism]

[... Mobile weaponry.

So it is a robot. It's probably a good thing that he can't see her face right now, since she is linefacing so hard. Let the quiet judging commence...]

... I see, I've never heard of anything like that before. [EXCEPT IN HER SISTERS ANIMES - ] Did you pilot one of those back home, then?

[Please say yes, it would so much more sense if he said yes.... Except not really, because then she would think he's a giant Gundam fanboy.]

[quaria]

[ Even without his senses... Somehow, he feels like he's being judged... c': But it's not a new sensation either way. What's new, right. ]

Yes.

[ He's piloted quite a decent number, but he doesn't specify that anymore. ]

[oneirism]

[Ah.... So he is a fanboy. At least it gives her an idea of something she could do to thank him for offering to help her later.

But for now, judging commences.]

... Were you the only one to pilot that sort of thing?