intro ♚ july

[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 ♟ Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo

Your Carriers and the floor nannies in your rooms relay, in unison and in the curt voice of Secretary Alexandre Verdoni, a public service announcement informing all Heroes of the Delphine Grand Ball, a masquerade hosted by the Gammonian Embassy to celebrate the Heroes’ successful defeat of Noir in the Lasker Incident and the safe arrival of international foccer superstar, Ryder Wreckham. It will be held tonight at 6 PM at the White Rose Multipurpose Function Building. There will be dancing, a live orchestra, a buffet and flowing drinks, and plenty of Blanc’s finest to schmooze with, so don’t miss it! The abrupt and lavish invitation might rattle the new arrivals, but those who’ve been here longer don’t seem surprised, and many don’t look very pleased, either.

Masks and formal wear are both said to be an absolute must, but if you’re strapped for cash or festive spirit, you could get away with wearing a clean Hero uniform. But why would you when Gammon’s elites are willing to provide Heroes with complementary masks, suits and dresses precisely for the occasion? And if you need any help with your clothes, hair, makeup, or date, don’t hesitate to ask your friends or the Hall of Glory’s maids and butlers for help.

As you get ready for the ball, your floor nannies may flip through a few radio stations to set the mood; one of them just so happens to be airing Voices from the Other Tide, a popular radio show based in Lasker’s The Shield. Its target audience is comprised of international refugees and immigrant communities, so you may have caught the show before during your stay in Lasker or your visits to Sparrow Towns all over the country.

Rocco Ricci: You are listening to Voices from the Other Tide! This fine Delphine evening, the suns are shining, the moons are just about to change color, and do YOU know where your trains are? I’m your host, Rocco Ricci, coming to you live from the center of The Shield! We’ve been looking at the fallout of the latest chapter in the war with Noir, the railway attacks that happened a few weeks ago right here in the heart of our very own city. I have with me today Nokoru Nokozaki, and it’s about that time. Time to let the survivors have their say, eh? What do you say, Nokozaki?

Nokoru Nokozaki: Ah, I’d like to say thank you for inviting me, and thank you very much for doing this show. I apologize if I am not able to give many clear answers, it was a very confusing time. A very confusing trip. I still don’t know how I survived, to be honest.

Ricci: Don’t sweat it, no sweat, eh? I’ll be asking all the questions and giving you half the answers, all you need to do is work with me and give our listeners a taste of what it was like, getting trapped in the middle of all that. Explosions and magic fireworks and what was that I heard, the Blanc military running around like chickens with their heads up their—

Nokozaki: Yes, thank you very much. It was a normal trip, to visit family in the— in The Shield, I believe you call this? I am not a refugee, but I know many who tried to settle in what we call the Blackest Empire, and tried to start again in the Lawless Lands, and failed. They came here, looking for something. I came here to see how they lived.

Ricci: Right, right, that’s how it always goes, isn’t it? Better bacon, better wallpaper, it’s what we’re all here for. Why, back when I was a— [ a sudden whine of feedback ] … Thank you, thank you, I’ll have that mic back. A recap for our listeners, a train with some 800 refugees was attacked and destroyed by Noir infiltrators just a couple weeks ago! Nokozaki here is one of the very few survivors. My condolences. Condolences.

Nokozaki: Thank you… It was lucky for me, I was in the mines in Shatranj. I have endurance, you know, I can walk very long distances without food, without water. No shelter. In the mountains we passed through, there is only bad weather. And when they blew up the train cars, we had to walk home on our own. Ah, but not home, you understand.

Ricci: I sure do. What was it, there was a rumor you came back with Commander de Lisbrand of the Blanc brass? There’s a firecracker if I’ve ever seen one — not that I’ve clapped my own eyes on her yet, may I be blessed — word has it she was stranded up in the mountains all on her lonesome for a while when Noir blew the whole army off the map, and she walked her fine self back to civilization! Why, we could do a whole segment on that alone!

Nokozaki: Is that not what we are doing? I assumed… I was to talk about my experiences marching with the Lady de Lisbrand, they are calling it the Iron March, I hear? She was not alone, but trapped in the mountain with a very small number of soldiers. And us, we were in the car with them when the bomb went off, but we did not know what had happened then. Only after we returned to Lasker…

Ricci: Oh, we know all about the Iron March! Is it true you all had to survive on rock moss and wild mountain cat?! Our listeners have gone wild with speculation! [ some rustling and clearing of throat ] But of course, of course you’re quite traumatized, I’m sure. A very difficult time. This is just one of many, many stories we’ve heard coming out of the Sorokina Mountains in recent days, and many more of them feature our Lady de Lisbrand. Stay tuned for some important upcoming guests, several of whom are still searching for family members gone missing in the chaos…

Despite the flurry of preparations and rumors flying about the ball in every alleyway, not everyone is interested in Delphine’s most prestigious event. Many of Caissa’s most eligible maidens have never danced at something so public! Some otherwise upstanding citizens just can’t be bothered to go, especially since they’re not the ones getting sponsored for free clothes. What’s the point in dropping half a year’s worth in wages on a fancy suit and tie or a ball gown?

For those who don’t wish to have anything to do with Blanc’s upper echelon or its martial celebrations, Uptown Caissa is abuzz with the biggest civilian event of the month: Festivale de la Ceinturonne, named after the sparkling, silver galaxy you can see on clear, summer night skies.

How about you, Hero? Which celebration will you choose? Or perhaps you'd like to double dip?

TWO ♟ Delphine Grand Ball

As two men in dapper suits greet you with synchronized bows and throw open the doors to the grand ballroom, the mellow strains of a live orchestral waltz flow out, filling the extravagant hall with the sound of soulful strings and whimsical woodwinds. Beautifully-dressed dancers move in pairs on the marble floor, swaying and gliding under a brilliant, crystal sky of chandeliers. The large, open arches that line the west side of the hall are decorated with massive velvet curtains that billow gently in the night breeze and hide both shyer dancers and small tables of finger foods. Young, passionate couples and colleagues in cahoots alike—sometimes it’s hard to distinguish the two—throng the balconies outside, enjoying the clear starred sky and the glow of Oubliette close at hand.

The crown jewel of the evening is, of course, the exquisitely bedecked and room-length tables laden with high-class food and drink the likes of which neither you nor the vast majority of ordinary Caissans have ever seen or heard. And they keep bringing out more! No spot on the table is to be left bare for the remainder of the evening! (Gerald, Hall of Glory Head Butler, highly recommends the champagne!) Some tables, however, might hold familiar dishes from French and British—er, Blanc and Gammonian cuisine. Most eye-catching are the tiered displays of pastel marshmallow cups and the tall and ornate fondue fountains of cascading chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. They’re a homage to the mallow-colored moon of Delphine, the goddess of love, and tradition suggests you share a mallow with someone you care about.

Blanc’s richest and most influential are all present and accounted for. If they’re not waltzing or eating caviar, then they will be conversing among themselves over exquisite wine. Some try to catch the attention of Ryder, whose giant and suspiciously realistic fur coat and suit look wholly inappropriate for the weather. He smokes an expensive-looking pipe encrusted with diamonds while a small, diligent bodyguard serves as his very own footrest. Prime Minister Thierry Toussaint mingles with the noblest of families, his mask adorned with feathers that fall nearly to the floor. Both individuals are as sought after as they are difficult to approach… You’d have better luck simply mingling with other VIPs and soliciting their opinions.

Most are full of hot air and idle gossip, but some express open discontent with Ryder’s views; must be that speech he made a while ago. Others take issue with the Prime Minister’s handling of affairs; still others have whispered doubts of Secretary Verdoni’s loyalties to share with you; Commander de Lisbrand does not escape scrutiny either, despite not being present. There’s also talk of the new wave of Blanc leadership, though you can never quite get a name to go with the ambitious rumors. However, you will notice that, despite their poisonous tongues, Blanc’s best and brightest seem to be quite taken with you!

This is your chance. What you say to the VIPs can influence their opinions of Blanc’s leadership, the Lasker incident, and Blanc’s course of action from here on out, for better or for worse. (You are allowed to control the unnamed VIP NPCs. What did you tell them?)

THREE ♟ Wish Upon A Star

Maybe you looked at the people around you, the ones you’d be dancing and schmoozing and seen with in the papers the morning after, and thought, ”Not happening.” Perhaps the ballroom is too grand, the people too snazzy, or the music too classy; it makes your head spin right round. Some fresh air and eavesdropping on the veranda may just clear your head.

On the way out, you may notice a certain someone sitting at one of the veranda tables, surrounded by paperwork and a delicately stacked pile of beignets. Shouldn’t Secretary Verdoni allow himself to celebrate for once in his life? Upon closer (and discreet) inspection, it looks as if the paperwork is exclusively composed of reports on the Lasker incident. Does Verdoni look increasingly unhappy the deeper he digs into the stack? It’s also possible his face is just stuck that way.

It may be best to leave him to his work; though trying to engage him in conversation will lead to:

Verdoni Do I look like I have the time to speak with you? [ he says briskly, but relents quickly ] Perhaps just a moment. The situation in Lasker is improving, thanks to your efforts. Well done. Your work in reaching out to residents of The Shield has eased tensions, though it’s still a long ways away from what I’d consider good. Of course, our work is never done. [ his gaze flicks back to the paperwork before him; it’s clear by ‘our’ he means ‘my’ ] That’s not even getting into the reports I’ve been hearing from Petrosian. People disappearing, strange things in the river… it may be nothing, but keep your eyes open.

Should you leave the premises entirely and walk on through Uptown Caissa, you’ll find the chance to experience an entirely different aspect of Blanc culture. Around this time of the year, the week-long Festivale de la Ceinturonne is taking place in the streets and skies of the capital: the people of Caissa are heavily encouraged to write poetry about their dreams and desires so as to receive blessings from Delphine, goddess of love and the arts. These small wishes are folded and tied to trees around the Oubliette Temple Shrine.

Many commoners appear cheerful as they gather and offer their wishes to Delphine. The bright, star-shaped lanterns hanging from buildings and trees create a mellow atmosphere and attract crowds of lovey-dovey couples around who seem too happy to have wishes at all. Maybe you feel up to taking a peek at some of the local merchandise: colored cookies and good luck charms lovingly made in bird and mermaid shapes, or well-coveted couple bracelets with two parts that make one whole. But be careful! Losing your bracelet is said to bring bad luck!

The streets are also absolutely bustling with errant performers of all kinds, many of whom tell their own versions of the story of la Ceinturonne: said to be the sash of Delphine herself stretched across the sky in a river of stars, it separates the famous doomed couple of legend. The bluebird Ilatar and the mermaid weaver Geva are said to have been cursed by Delphine for their carelessness, and may only meet once a year at the mouth of the great river. Some performers may be looking for helping hands to play roles in the story! Let your inner thespian shine!

But not everyone can be happy, even once a year: the rumblings of civil unrest in Lasker have increased in volume ever since the train attacks. Many of the aforementioned street performers this year seem to have added a political or darker bend to our annual tale of great romance: in some versions, Ilatar and Geva backstab Delphine outright, while in others, the river itself turns against the lovers, and so on and so forth. A great deal of graffiti has been smeared over the pristine walls behind the temple, lambasting the Prime Minister for selling his country to the Gammonian and Noir old money.

If you wish to quell the unrest, you may put on counter performances, clean the graffiti, or invent your own, more creative means of quieting the people. Be advised, though: Blanc’s masses have had their eyes opened, and it will take some fancy footwork to close them again.

INFO ♟ Welcome!

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

Comments

[sediments]

You threw it away?!

[ For his part, Bolin doesn't care if Naruto is good at following the steps or not. He appreciates that Naruto wouldn't judge him about his own lack of finesse, and he has no intention of not returning the favour. (Though it would be boring if Naruto was staring at their feet the whole time, Bolin would rather just be stepped on.) ]

Why didn't you just bring it along and get a pretty girl to tie it for you? [ He waggles his eyebrows here before laughing a little. ] You look good without the tie anyway. Way more rogue.

[ The kind of look he could see his brother adopting, though Mako had become considerably more clean cut the further he progressed in his career.

He takes the compliment with a happy noise as well, hands warm where they're resting on the younger boy, relaxed as they turn along with all the other couples, though a step slower. ]

Mine didn't even come with a tie, but I wanted something that reminded me a bit of home. [ He cocks his head to the side, casting a glance around them. ] Maybe I should've gotten something fancier though.

[ Frankly, he kind of looks more like Rin's butler than her date. ]

[acknowledges]

Because I'm not some big ladies man like you!

[It's said good-naturedly and punctuated by an exchange of weight as Naruto leans into him pointedly. If they weren't on a dance floor and if Naruto's hands weren't already occupied, it's the place where his elbow would find Bolin's ribs. Somehow this is a topic they always manage to come back to, though it's certainly become more lighthearted in the months they've known one another.

After a few minutes of studying, he feels like he has at least a general idea of the pattern their feet are supposed to move in. It's always been easier for him to learn through his body than through anything else, and sure enough with Bolin providing the framework for him to move in, Naruto's slow steps start to even out. They become less fumbling and more sure of themselves as they go on. Or maybe that's just because he isn't as preoccupied by the formalities anymore.]

This kind of look suits you a lot better. [There's a pause just long enough for Naruto to give him a solid once over, as if he's making sure his reply will be completely honest. It ends in a nod.] Yeah.

It'd be too stuffy with a bunch of fancy stuff on it. This feels like you.

And anyway what do you need a tie for, I bet you came with a date anyway, right?

[sediments]

[ "Ladies man" is definitely not a term Bolin would use to describe himself, but all right Naruto, he's not going to challenge you here. At least, despite having made the suggestion to the blonde, it's not something that he would ever try for himself. He's just not smooth or cool enough for it to work.

Besides, he doesn't really care about chatting up ladies when he's having fun enough with Naruto! There's a noticeable shift as the other boy grows more comfortable with their movements, and Bolin draws him a bit closer, trusting that Naruto doesn't need the added space as a handicap anymore. ]

Yeah, I did. [ Sort of. After standing up for the better part of an hour. He has the decency to look a little sheepish as he answers anyway. ] But I think she just thought it would be lame to show up alone. What about you?

[ He looks more curiously at Naruto, still remembering what he'd said about "Sakura" never ending up with him despite his feelings for her. ]

Who's your date?

[acknowledges]

[Look, they've had at least three conversations where Bolin has either mentioned his love life or has been giving Naruto advice about girls. There are only so many ways that can be interpreted.

Naruto's arm is relaxed, not the taut, formal line that so many of their dancing peers are modeling. Instead, his forearm rests on the place between Bolin's shoulder and neck- it leaves his thumb grazing the dip between his shoulder blades, swaying in time with their feet.] Eh? Does that mean she just used you to get in? Man that's cold...

[The tone should maybe be judgmental, but Naruto can think of at least three girls back home who wouldn't hesitate to do the same thing. Girls are tough, he decides, no matter where you are.]

Mn, I came with Sakura-hime. [His expression brightens in this beat of enthusiasm. Naruto, as always, wears his heart on his sleeve.] Have you seen her yet? She looks so pretty I thought I was gonna die.

[His gaze flickers out around them, as if looking for someone who might give him away, and then he leans in to whisper conspiratorially.] I'm tryin' real hard not to do anything weird and make her look bad'attebayo.

[sediments]

[ It's more cold that you wouldn't say something more encouraging, Naruto?! And Bolin gives the blonde a sulky look briefly, before it switches to keen interest. He remembers Sakura saying that Naruto had helped her greatly while they were on the train, so he's not surprised to hear that they've grown close. If he had to make a list of guys that he would approve for Sakura, Naruto would definitely make the cut.

(It feels nice, the touch on his shoulder, but it's so far from being intrusive that he doesn't even stop to notice it.) ]

Sakura, huh? I haven't seen her tonight, but I'll definitely find her later. She's really cute. [ He nods in approval, chuckling a little when Naruto leans in, bumping their foreheads together playfully as if to admonish the younger boy saying something so dumb. ] And she's also really kindhearted, I doubt she wants anything from you other than for you to have fun.

[ Don't worry about being weird, Naruto. There are creeps walking around in monster masks, and others Charming people into making out with them. ]

[acknowledges]

What- what're you tryin' to say'attebayo. [Something about the way you say that Bolin... it's like you have ideas. Some part of this combination of suspicion and confusion must show on his face, because Naruto has never been very good at hiding his feelings. He hadn't intended to ask Hime-chan as a date because if he had, he probably would have tripped all over the words in the first place. Instead he'd just understood that she was as interested in checking it out as he was, and as they were friends- why shouldn't they go together? They'd have a good time, and they'd have someone to look out for one another as well as talk to when they inevitably became bored.

It wasn't until he'd seen her that it really struck him.
Even now, dancing with Bolin, the memory makes him flush. Naruto- master of blustering through his feelings, turns his face out of sight while his fingers curl in the fabric of Bolin's jacket.]

And don't make that weird face. I just want her to have fun too.

don't judge my priorities

[sediments]

[ Ohoho.

Bolin's eyebrows shoot up, and he's always been someone that enjoys gossip, especially when Naruto is so adorably embarrassed, fingers curling in distress. ]

What? You mean you want her to have fun with you, right? [ He grins a little, hoping that Naruto is actually a little thrilled to have a pretty girl as a date. Bolin knows all too well how pathetic guys can get, and how happy it makes them to get a little bit of attention from a pretty girl.

It's really simple, but it's happiness still. ]

oh i'm judging

[acknowledges]

[Ever easy to rile up, Naruto bristles. Perhaps the only point in Bolin's favor is how often they've had exchanges like this, because while his blond companion is certainly prickly about it, he doesn't resort to outright shouting.]

What kinda guy do you think I am'attebayo.

[The thing is, Naruto isn't thrilled about having a pretty girl on a date, but that's because he just doesn't think in generalizations. He'd only ever known one girl to be really preoccupied by her appearance and even then, back in Konoha, being a shinobi meant that there just wasn't enough value placed on it. Being with a pretty girl or even a pretty boy wasn't a status symbol- if anything, it was probably strength, or potential. Yeah the girls all went a little crazy over Sasuke because he was good-looking, but he was also the last member of an infamously talented clan. Whatever that's not even the point! Forget about Sasuke.

Naruto is happy because he likes Hime-chan, and because they were able to rely on each other and make one another laugh. She's nice, and he enjoys being around her. Yeah she's pretty, but she's a lot more than that.]

I'm havin' just as much fun with you too yanno.

i'm being a good friend

[sediments]

[ There's a moment of surprise that nearly halts Bolin's movements (and he does actually jerk a bit because of the delay, not yet familiar enough with the steps to dance without thinking about it), and he just stares at the younger boy, not sure what to say. He's not exactly sure if Naruto's response is a commentary on what he thinks about Sakura, or what he thinks about Bolin, but—

Wait a second?! ]

What? Just a moment ago you were getting all excited and embarrassed talking about how beautiful she is?! [ Bolin's eyes narrow into a sulky squint, expression a response to Naruto acting like Bolin is the crazy one when Naruto's being considerably more confusing.

Regardless, how is he supposed to know that Naruto's tastes swing closer to Cool and Strong. ]

source???

[acknowledges]

[Here they are, getting progressively more lost in the the conversation between them. Naruto's brows scrunch together. He feels lost, but he also feels like maybe Bolin started making this confusing in the first place. Why is it suddenly weird?]

That's 'cause she is really beautiful!

But I'm not tryin' to do anything creepy'attebayo. I want her to have fun because I like her, not 'cause I want her to like me.

Fighting was real hard for her. She did her best even though she didn't want to hurt anybody. So she should be able to do something fun too, even if it's just for a little while.

britt

[sediments]

[ It's a miracle that they haven't actually just come to a stand in the middle of the dance floor with how focused they both are, though they might as well have. Bolin has long since stopped actually dancing the steps, and now he's just swaying back and forth while taking micro steps as he focuses on this conversation.

Naruto is definitely the one that made it weird, and Bolin isn't pouting - because he's an adult - but there's something fairly close on his face. ]

I never said you were doing something creepy—why would I suggest that you're doing something creepy if I'm your friend? And besides, there's nothing creepy about trying to see if someone might like you!

[acknowledges]

[Naruto hasn't actually noticed that they're just holding one another and swaying back and forth, but this could be owed to the distraction of the conversation just as much as it could be owed to his comfort around Bolin.

The corner of his mouth turns down.]

But it's not like that.

[sediments]

[ At that, Bolin's expression lightens and he seems to be appeased. ]

Well, that's cool too.

[ And he lets it go that easily, becoming aware that they've come to something of a stop now that he's no longer thinking about the potential romance between Naruto and Sakura. He tights his grip on Naruto's hand as if to bring attention back to the subject, before pulling the younger man along, taking to the steps a little more energetically this time. ]

Anyway, let's keep dancing. Even if this slow stuff isn't as fun as the kind we have at parties back home.

[ Anything can be fun with the right company. ]

[acknowledges]

[The thing is- Naruto has only ever really chased after one girl. He'd had a crush on Sakura-chan since before he could remember and as a kid had chased her in the hope she would agree to go on a date, or to make himself better looking than Sasuke in her eyes. And then their team had splintered apart and he'd watched her, standing at that gate, as tears streamed down her face. The tremor of her voice- please bring Sasuke back.

And then there just hadn't been time for ideas like that. Or maybe it was that there had been too much truth in that moment- when Naruto realized that there would only ever be Sasuke in her heart.

There was too much to do. Trying to track down Orochimaru and find Sasuke. Almost losing Gaara. Fighting Akatsuki. Becoming a sage. Jiraiya's death. Pein's attack on Konoha. The war.

He hadn't thought about something as simple as a crush in years. There was no way to know how anything would end- the war, or his fight with Sasuke. How could he get sidetracked with stakes that high all around him? How could he hold a girl's hand and take her on a date knowing that he might die before it was all over?

He likes Hime-chan, but they're still very new to one another. Naruto doesn't know her as a person, he just likes being around her. She's sweet, if a little shy, and that quality has never really bothered him. Bolin's suggestion- that her happiness with him here is a motive, just goes over his head. He honestly just wants to help remind her that there are good things in the world too, and reuniting with old friends has always helped him. It wasn't until they'd been face to face with one another and he'd been confronted by just how pretty she was that he felt out of his depth. She's a real princess. She's timid, but the way she interacts with other people and the things she says and does make him think of a character in a story. Naruto, by comparison, is a bull in a china shop. He's completely outclassed.

Bolin squeezes his hand and they begin moving again. Naruto is momentarily distracted by how close they come to another dancing couple. And then a lightbulb moment. His hand splays over Bolin's shoulder, stabilizing himself as they go.]

Ah ha! I should have known you've gone to stuff like this back home. You didn't look weird at all standing over there.

Ano- well, you did look a little sad. But not like you didn't know what to do. Like why are there so many forks? Why are some of them so small?

[sediments]

[ It takes a while for Bolin to catch up, because for a second his mind does start to wander with thoughts of forks and fancy cutlery. He remembers some explanations from when he would have dinners at Opal's house, but can't remember them now.

Different forks for different purposes, or something logical like that.

But cutlery aside, he's a little surprised to hear Naruto say that he looked sad, and he gives the other boy a puzzled look. ]

Sad? I wasn't... [ A little out of his depth maybe, but not explicitly sad. No more sad than usual, whenever he remembers to feel the weight of all those lives lost, stubbornly and not yet gone. It's probably his naivety that's keeping him from pushing forward. ]

I guess I was a little lost because this official guy asked me how I thought the government handled the train attack, and I didn't know what to say.

[acknowledges]

[The vip's- the people Naruto hasn't been close enough to talk to. There's a bead of curiosity in him, but there's also a sharp surge of anger that still lives inside him as well. What happened on the train feels personal, even though they didn't know those people intimately. The experience is something that can't really be described. The thought of it alone has his grip tightening on Bolin's hand- a reassuring steadiness.]

I wouldn't know what to say either.

-Why're they asking us? Cause they can't ask anybody in charge?

[sediments]

Because we saw it ourselves, I guess. I mean, the orders might've come from the Prime Minister, but we were the ones that were there.

[ Of course, even then they only had half of the story. They had no idea that there was another train being targeted, people being slaughtered—wouldn't find out for days to come. The question would be a good way to vent some frustrations at least, even if that isn't exactly what the VIPs are looking for.

And while Bolin is mostly confused and at a loss as to explain the events that occurred, he is frustrated. ]

Plus, we're outsiders? [ He furrows his brows, making wild stabs at what might be running through the minds of the VIPs. His mind isn't really geared for politics. ] I mean, the officials are probably going to say whatever they want to make the country look good, but we don't care about any of that.

[acknowledges]

But wouldn't it be bad to start fights right now?

[Naruto's understanding of the world of politics and by extension, political motives, is small. He'd always been at the forefront of a fight- leagues away from the people that had to make the decisions that carried him into missions. In this way, he's almost black and white.]

I thought the whole reason we were here was 'cause Blanc's in a war.

[sediments]

[ Naruto is 100% asking the wrong person, and Bolin's expression dies a little more at the question. He has no idea. It would be dangerous to create fragmentation in Blanc's institutions now when Noir is taking such aggressive methods to incite war and conflict. At the same time however, is the war reason enough to stand for bad decision making from officials?

He's not decisive enough to be able to weigh one option against the other. ]

I don't know if there's a specific reason why we're here... I mean, the people here aren't the ones that brought us here? Apparently we're sent by their "God" and they're assuming it's to fight the war.

[acknowledges]

That's not-

[His own expression squints, tight with confusion. This is the first time Naruto's heard anything even resembling a detail about how they got here. All this while he'd assumed that the people in charge were the ones that did it.]

What?

So they weren't just lyin' about not being able to send us back?

[sediments]

I don't think so.

[ It's something that Bolin had learned very shortly after first arriving, and the revelation was incredibly disheartening. ]

Some other Heroes cornered the Prime Minister and asked him, but he said that he had no idea how we ended up here. No one does. We're kind of like gifts? Saviours? I don't know, but I guess that's why they treat us so well. [ His gaze drops a little. ] That's why they don't know how to send us back either.

I mean, that's what they said.

[ Who knows how much of it is true. ]

[acknowledges]

[Somewhere in this dance, the distribution of their weight has shifted. Naruto begins to lead, despite the way their hands and arms rest around one another.]

Is that why you didn't know what to say?

[sediments]

Huh? [ Bolin just shoots the younger boy a puzzled stare, not sure what the circumstances of their mysterious arrivals had to do with the train attack. ] What do you mean?

[acknowledges]

[Naruto has always seen things in circles- the places where one thing connects to another and another and another. For him, life in Caissa is an extension of his life back home, even if they are literal worlds apart.]

Like since we're not from here, we don't really belong answering questions like that.

[sediments]

[ Ah, well. ]

No. [ He honestly hadn't even thought of it that way. Native or not, they'd been tangled into the affairs of the war enough that they should be allowed an opinion. ] We're not from here, but we're still fighting the war. We should get some say in what the outcome of our effort should be, right?

[ He sighs a little, feeling frustration bubbling in his chest from not knowing what to do; not knowing what the right thing to say is. Right and wrong always seemed simpler when he had Korra to depend on. ]