XX9: Escape Plan v.1.5 [Video]

[stupidgenes]

[Asch is near the fountain--sitting, thinking, finishing up lunch.]

I know this doesn't last for very long, but that's why I'm waiting here. That's all.

[/end video]

[OOC: Feel free to jump in with whoever, whenever, and whatever part of the City actually. Doubles, AUs, genderbent characters are go. Replies may be slow or delayed until later this evening, backtagging encouraged.]

Comments

[fononfailure]

I'm not wasting my time explaining if all you're going to do is yell! And how should I know?! I was just trying to get back home!

[stupidgenes.livejournal.com]

You think you're wasting time!? [Asch points at his drenched self.] And whose fault do you think this is!?

[fononfailure]

...

... [ Snerk. It was still hilarious. ] You should be more careful!

[stupidgenes.livejournal.com]

I am careful! You're being stupid!

[fononfailure]

If that's how I always am, you ought to be used to it. [ Sloooowly edging away, just in case. ] And, uh, I guess you should dry off.

[stupidgenes.livejournal.com]

It's pretty clear you're nothing like the replica who's been here for almost a year. [Which is only half a year when converted into Auldrant time.

Asch glances down as he sifts through soggy pockets for his communicator. As expected, it looks perfectly fine. His gaze returns to the replica.]

I don't know what kind of world or Auldrant you came from, but you're not going to be here for long.

[fononfailure]

That's probably because he -and you- are only seventeen, right? You both need to lighten up. No point in living if you're going to be miserable or angry all the time.

[ As Jade might say, "Ah, children." The strange piece of fontech gets a curious look while Luke taps one foot, thinking. So thankfully this wasn't Auldrant either. ]

Not that it hasn't been fun, but how long is 'not long'? And how do you know that? I really should be getting back...

[stupidgenes.livejournal.com]

Who said anything about being miserable!?

[He's perfectly fine. In fact, Asch has absolutely no intention of returning to Auldrant--as far as he knows, he's already done everything he could there. His life there is complete, and he's been given some kind of bizarre second chance by being taken to the City. The only reason he needs to find an escape is for the sake of the people.

But Asch is like he is, meaning he's hung up on the first part of what the replica said.]

[fononfailure]

[ Luke wasn't about to insist on bringing up whatever Asch had been doing back home (once was enough) but ignoring the rest of what she said was really annoying. ]

You're always scowling like you've got a sword up your ass! So answer my questions, dammit! I'll be in serious trouble if Asch thinks I just wandered off for kicks!

[stupidgenes.livejournal.com]

[All the wrong buttons have been pushed.]

If I knew how to leave, I would've already sent the replica back home.

[He glares.] Do you have any idea what we went through, breaking through the barrier to find a way back home!?

If you want a way out, find it yourself!

[fononfailure]

Argh! Why do you have to be a jerk about everything?! I don't even know where the hell I'm at, so how could I know what barrier you're talking about?!

[ This is why they can never have a normal conversation, isn't it. Despite the temptation to either shove Asch back into the water or deck him, she just growls and unconsciously doublechecks that the Key is fastened to her belt. ]

Look, I'm sorry for earlier. I just... need to get back. It's important!

[stupidgenes.livejournal.com]

[He exhales an exasperated puff.] Right now, you're in the City. There are people from all different worlds here, too. But you're probably another one of the visitors who show up every few months--they only stay about one or two days before going back home.

[That is, if home is where they actually disappear to. Asch can't really be certain, but it seems to be the case based on observation.]

[fononfailure]

[ As is par for the course, Luke fails to realize "City" is a proper noun and, thinking Asch is being a prat as usual, rolls her eyes. ]

Doesn't sound all that different from home except everyone tends to hang around longer. ...but wait, does that mean you're stuck here? And your Luke, too?

[ She edges around to get a better look at Asch now, eyebrows knitted together in concern. ]

[stupidgenes.livejournal.com]

[Asch thinks the City is a stupid name for a place anyway. It's not very specific or distinct at all.]

Yeah. [His clothes are starting to dry a little and aren't as bogged down with water anymore, so Asch starts moving on toward the replica's apartment.]

He recently headed an expedition to break through the City's barrier and find ways for people to return home, but it was completely useless.

[As expected, Asch sounds particularly bitter about it.]

[fononfailure]

[ It is a rather pointless name. Even if it sounds like something Luke herself would come up with. ]

Ah... Sorry. I thought this was just another part of where I've been living. They sound similar, so I doubt it's your fault you couldn't figure out how to get back home...

[ Though when Asch begins to leave, she makes a noise of protest and hurries after him to grab at his sleeve. The last thing Luke wants is for Asch to run off like usual and leave her behind. ]

H-hey! Where are you going? You can't go around all wet- you'll get sick!

[stupidgenes.livejournal.com]

[Asch freezes the moment this replica catches his arm. He tries to shake himself free of her grip while turning to face her.]

I'm going back to the apartment. I can change there.

[He'd expected to just leave the replica to his her devices, but he hadn't expected such a clingy-desperate reaction if he she wanted to tag along.]

I can't show you how to get back to where you're from. You probably can do whatever you want until you're sent back.

[fononfailure]

[ Luke had only wanted to make sure he wasn't about to be stupid, and so lets his arm go with an embarrassed shrug. ]

Then I'll go with you. It's my fault you're drenched, so the least I can do is make up for it.

[ Not like she has anywhere else to go, whether her presence is wanted or not. It might be good for Asch, too. Knowing him, he probably doesn't spend much time around people in the first place. ]