Intro Log.

[awashmods]

It's raining, it's pouring. The old man is snoring. He bumped his head and went to bed And he couldn't get up in the morning.

ou wake in knee-deep water, cold as ice and stagnant, in a space that is far too echoey and spacious. It feels like a massive cave, but looking up... there's only one small, circular opening that shows grey sky and shines any sort of light. It looks like a long trip upwards, a small cylinder with walls of brick that's just a little too high to reach, even when jumping. Getting out is probably going to be a bit of a task, especially considering the water is more than cold enough to make limbs go numb. The dark makes it impossible to see much further, but the space seems large, all filled with water, but with no other way out, stone walls the only thing for an intrepid explorer to find. Oh, and to make things even better, it's raining today. Water from below (though thankfully only like, knee-deep), and water from above... how fun. But most importantly of all... you're not alone. Welcome to Awash's second intro log, everyone! Please review the FAQ and rules before playing. New characters have all woken at the bottom of the well in the middle of the town (which seems a lot bigger on the inside, somehow), and it looks like they'll have to put in some work to get out. Thankfully, they have some friends on the outside, this time. Once out, they'll be free to explore the various locations the Town has to offer at will. Just try not to die on any of the far-too-rickety walkways. Please feel free to ask any questions here and don't forget to greet your fellow players here!

Comments

[lonered]

[Hunk it'll just upset you. Leave the kitchen. Keith stops to glance at his wall too, following Hunk's gaze.]

Kind of is. You know.. last time I had one, you showed up and figured it out. So... by all means, do it again.

[Drop some science, Hunk! Keith moves to plant himself on the bed, one leg tucked under himself.]

[atomicals]

No pressure or anything, though.

[Hunk says it dryly... but with humour as he promptly rises to scrutinise the wall. Hm.]

This is a little tougher when I don't have Pidge's diary to read.

[lonered]

[Keith exhales a laugh at that, nodding.] I guess that's a point. You're still pretty lucky she didn't kill you right then.

[Pidge is a small creature. But extremely dangerous.

Keith watches though and hesitates a moment before speaking up.] Hey... what's the last thing you remember happening back home?

[atomicals]

[Hunk's eyes are scrutinising the wall closely, taking account of all of the notes that Keith has made as well, the map...]

Oh, yeah. I got to tell you.

We went to, like, this magical Altean planet. Or Allura and Lotor did. It did not want us or Voltron there at all.

[lonered]

[Lotor. So definitely after the battle where Lotor had intervened. So after the point Keith originally came here. Closer to the last thing Keith remembers now? After his weird unexpected trip into the woods/visit home?

He glances down at his hands. Without thinking he draws his dagger, turning it over in his hands absently, a nervous habit, some comfort in the familiar shape and weight of the blades.

But what Hunk is saying...] Magical Altean planet? I thought all the Alteans were gone?

[atomicals]

Yeah, there weren't any others there... they thought Oriande was a legend, it's like the birthplace of their alchemy from stories.

[Hunk turns around, pausing a moment as he sees what Keith is doing with his dagger, before he plants his hands on his hips and continues:]

Anyway, we couldn't actually get in with Voltron so we had to turn around. Then, the marks on Lotor and Allura's faces got all glowy and they were the "Chosen Ones" or something so only they could actually go in.

[lonered]

...is Lotor part Altean?

[He's so out of the loop when did this happen. God he doesn't know anything. ...he misses his paladin family. But honestly he doesn't exactly deserve to be back with them yet. Not after how badly he let everyone down. Maybe someday though.]

But... everyone is okay, right?

[atomicals]

Apparently?

[Keith he has as much a clue as you, honestly. He shrugs helplessly and moves back to the chair because no patterns are making themselves evident to him on the conspiracy wall yet.]

We're all okay. We had a second where the oxygen turned off but it came back on in the end! So, all good there.

[He pauses to look closely at Keith.] How are you doing?

[lonered]

Huh.

[And that's what he has to say to that.] ...oxygen is kind of important. I'm glad you're all okay though.

[But. All right. That question.]

I'm...

[HOW TO BEGIN.] It's complicated. To start with... I've been here for a couple months now.

[atomicals]

... months?

[The confusion is, well, obvious. Complicated is right.

He'll let Keith continue though, waving one of his hands in encouragement.]

[lonered]

It's... this place is weird. And not always safe. But there are some real good people here.

[That's the only bright side.] When I first showed up here, the last thing I remembered back home was the battle at Naxzela. Right before Lotor intervened, and I was--

[No you know what none of the paladins know that so he's just going to leave it at that.] But then a couple weeks ago I guess I went missing for a few days, and I think I went home? For a few months at least. And then wound up back here like I'd never left, like I'd just wandered off for three days. I still don't understand it.

[atomicals]

[I was? Keith was what? What was Keith doing around then anyway? The way he dodges it makes Hunk a little suspicious but he'll let it be. But he's not gonna forget it!]

...That sounds super weird. Like, on par with alternate realities weird.

[Remember Sven? Yeah.]

[lonered]

Right? Definitely weird. Then you have the whole no color thing. But some colors are coming back. But there are other things going on too. Our shadows tried to attack us last month. Before that it was furniture.

[He almost misses Sven in comparison, honestly. That was almost quaint. Except no that universe was horrifying and he'll never forget that.]

It's... it's been a lot to get used to.

[atomicals]

...Oh, man. One thing at a time.

[Hunk groans, slumping back more in the seat, pushing it back to balance as he stares up at the ceiling... But then he lets the chair fall back into place to straighten up. So he's lots of jokes but sometimes he's also serious! Now's one of those time.]

I got here a little late to help you get used to it, huh? [He's not oblivious to the fact that Keith's been here alone. I mean, yeah, there are people here but they would've been strangers!] And now you're helping me get used to it. I promise I won't drag you down, buddy.

[lonered]

[Keith looks surprised at Hunk putting it that way. It's... he's used to being on his own! Really! But he's made friends here. And that's helped. A lot. But. Wow he missed home and he missed Hunk and it is so good to see him and--

He used to be better at being a loner. Or maybe he was just in deeper denial.

There's a moment where he sort of just stares at him before well, he smiles, a tired little smile, but still a smile.]

I really missed you, Hunk. [He missed him back home too! He's been away from the Castle too long in general.]

[atomicals]

[He's got to admit to a little worry seeing that tired smile on Keith's face, but... he's gonna be there for backup now! He's no Shiro, but they're still fellow paladins who have been through thick and thin. He's gonna make up for lost time, from when Keith left the castle.

He's struck with emotion, as Hunk tends to be, and sniffs as he rubs his knuckle against one corner of his eye. He still smiles back.]

Yeah. Missed you too. We all miss you. [Like, legit. Even Lance. Shut up Lance.] But c'mon, you're gonna make me cry.

[he's kind of already there but whatever Hunk]

[lonered]

[Keith would be surprised to know that Hunk still considers him a fellow Paladin after he made such a mess of things and left. He's equally surprised by the "we all miss you" but will tell himself it's because Hunk is exceptionally nice. Either way it softens his expression and he ducks his head.]

Heh. Well it'd be the first time I've made someone cry without shouting at them.

[Haha...ha.]

We've still got a lot to catch up on. Kolivan keeps me updated on Voltron's missions and movements but that's not exactly the same as knowing how you guys are doing.

[atomicals]

[Please, like Hunk would hold a grudge. Of all people! Hunk! Plus, he picked up on the tension there, the clashing of leadership, though... though he wishes that Keith stuck around nevertheless.]

Oh, yeah, for sure. I'll update you on everything. Bad news, no new food discoveries recently. Though I made milkshakes for Pidge's brother...

...Aw, man, Kaltenecker's totally not even here now.

[HE CAN'T MAKE KEITH A MILKSHAKE...]

[lonered]

Good. I have some things to tell you too.

[About this place. About back home. He smiles though as Hunk starts talking about milkshakes. IT's... Hunk is still Hunk and it's the most comforting thing that he can possibly imagine in the world.]

Yeah the food situation here is... well it's getting better? Bit by bit. So there's that.

[atomicals]

[Keith, he has his priorities in order.]

Bit by bit. We're gonna have to buckle down, then.

Speaking of, how've you been eating? I feel like you're tinier than last time I saw you. [SQUINTING and holding up both of his hands like he's measuring Keith between them... Hunk that's not how that works but whatever.]

[lonered]

...I eat.

[Sometimes when he remembers. Look, Hunk! He's not tinier. Why does everyone want to make sure he knows how small they think he is. He knows. He hangs around with giant Galra all day everyday.

Though really, he's probably a bit leaner than he was the last time they saw each other in person. Stronger though too, after all his training.]

[atomicals]

[SQUINTS]

Three square meals? Plus snacks?

[Snacks are important, Keith. Though the selection is probably far more lacking here but...]

[lonered]

...uh. I mean... meals.

[Sometimes more than one a day. Sometimes. He eats enough to keep his strength up, keep himself in fighting shape. Because he keeps up his training here, as best he can.]

Maybe not so many snacks.

[Hunk you're sweet to worry though.]

[atomicals]

Oh, man, Keith.

[He reaches over to gamely thump him on the shoulder.]

Don't worry. Your buddy Hunk's here to save you. The options are limited, but we'll figure this snack business out.

[lonered]

[Yup. It's Hunk. Keith smiles faintly and shakes his head.]

I'll trust you to have my back. For snacks.

[His snack back if you will. But a little shake of his head.] We need to figure out what the hell is going on here too. There hasn't exactly been a lot in the way of answers. Just more and more bullshit.