1; open

[mechspeed]

001;

[Whatever form of dream Metal had will remain a mystery to everyone but him; it's not that he has a particular unwillingness to share it at the moment, it's that there are more pressing matters and he's still a guy who loves to prioritise.

So right now, as he reboots from his "sleep" and rises from the sand - it falling from his body in even streams given the rigid architecture of his body - he stands tall, observes his surroundings and then settles upon that top priority; a single question.

Just who the hell is he, anyhow?

His name comes up at least, the only information he does seem to retain, yet any attempt at diving deeper into his system, any path or file he navigates, he simply can't find anything. It's all gone.

The confusion leaves him stood amidst the empty sands as if he were a statue, yet the light reflecting off his chassis might be enough to catch your attention if you're any further than a few feet away.]

002;

[Whatever the situation may be, Metal figures staying out in the desert is no good. The Makaras pose an obvious threat and, while under normal circumstances he's always ready to throw down, the disorientation from his missing memories has mitigated most of his usual mo of kill first ask questions later. He's fast enough to stay out of their path too, thankful he retained his familiarity with his body at the very least.

If he passes by anyone who could probably use a lift out there in the wastes, they're probably getting ignored, sorry.

But find yourself stood just outside of Sunspire and you'll be in the right place at the right time to see Metal arrive - perhaps even hear him beforehand, considering he's essentially a jet engine in robot hedgehog form - moving at high speed yet stopping just in time to avoid a collision with the practice of someone clearly used to operating at such velocity. Despite his deliberate approach however, he gives the pyramid a brief look before turning to address the nearest person.]

What can you tell me about this place?

003;

[Money seems like a practical pursuit. His claws weren't tailored for delicate work, so the min-mins were out, while the issue with the maahes is way too much for an emotionally stunted robot with amnesia, so that just left exploring the old ruin for coffee. Two kilometers really wasn't that much of a distance as far as he was concerned, even without his speed, but his body seemed like it would benefit his survival in the arid climate he was stuck in.

Outside the town and prepared to depart, the jet on his back starts to ignite and whirr into life. Might be worth asking him for a lift, if you're going the same way.]

open ★

[winepouring]

☆ 1 : Action ~ Baby, it's hot outside

[ It's hot.

Shi Qingxuan has been in the desert before, but no matter where he goes here, there's no relief. His clothing is thin, threadbare, and dirty to boot, and the heat is only adding another layer of sweat to the grime on his skin.

But there's work to be done! And so, Shi Qingxuan is taking a trip through the East Street Bazaar, peering around at everyone and everything curiously like a complete tourist.

As the midday sun bears down, Shi Qingxuan absentmindedly pulls a folding fan with an exquisitely carved guard from the folds of his robes and flicks it open...only to immediately snap it closed again at the sound of its broken spokes splintering and the sight of its torn white paper flaking and shredding further.

It's not a useful folding fan anymore...

...but! Shi Qingxuan is inventive enough! Thus, with the fan folded closed, he twirls it in his right hand—like one of those mechanical fans!—and for a brief, happy moment, it works.

Then it goes flying, landing:

a) on top of a shop display

b) in a chuha nest

c) on you

d) ??? a mystery to everyone

Regardless of where it ends up, Shi Qingxuan will go calling and stumbling after it. ]

No, no, no, no! I'm sorry—!


★ 2 : Action ~ night of the living pillows

[ It's been a few days since the phujis had made their home in the Daybreak District, and most had been driven out by this point. Most people would put doors on their makeshift apartment to keep the creatures out.

Shi Qingxuan, however, does not have luck on his side, and after a hard day of trying to induce pregnancy between two male lions and a quiet evening of simply enjoying some cool air, he comes home to find that a cloud has taken residence inside the meager space.

The cloud being a fluffy, endless mass of phujis covering the floor, the bed, and even the bathing area isn't safe.

At a loss, Shi Qingxuan simply stands in the doorway. ]

Um. Come on, come out. It's nicer outside than inside here, come on out. Do you want some food? There's no food in there, there's nothing good at all, it's no good for you...

[ As if they're dogs, he even tries whistling to them. ]

... You guys are alive in there, right?


☆ 3 : Dream ~ Welcome to your coffee shop AU life

[ Before arriving here, Shi Qingxuan didn't know what coffee was, never mind a coffee shop, but this dream must be inspired by the dive into the ruins the other day, because that's exactly the setting of his dream tonight.

If the coffee shop was whole and complete, at least. The space is peaceful and cozy, with small, two-seat tables are arranged across the floor and potted plants lining the walls. The sweet scent of blossoms perfumes the air, mingling with the aroma of freshly brewed tea (as Shi Qingxuan has no idea what coffee is meant to smell like). It's so hot in real life, but in this dream, the sunlight coming in through the windows is perfectly mild and comfortable.

That's where you are, seated by one of the windows, where the view is whatever you want it to be, the outside wholly outside the realm of Shi Qingxuan's dream imagination.

But Shi Qingxuan is there inside, and the short heels of his shoes clack against the wooden floors as he busily brings you your usual order—whatever that might be. A cup of jasmine tea? A cup of coffee with cream, sugar, and a shot of caramel? An extra large cup of ube and strawberry boba with no extra sugar? It doesn't matter; Shi Qingxuan beams proudly as he sets it out for you. ]

And here it is! Don't tell the boss, but today, this one is on me.

[ So he says, although he's often doing little things like this—giving treats seems to just be the way he shows his friendship.

Of course, Shi Qingxuan himself is also in his usual work uniform: A mint green maid get-up with his hair pulled back in a bun. (One can only guess what he got into that resulted in him dreaming himself into this.)

The only thing that's odd about him today is that he's shuffling awkwardly and restlessly on his feet. The sun is still high in the sky, but eventually, it will be evening, and...

Well!! That's a long way off... ]

[ ooc: brackets/prose both okay! Feel free to make stuff up for the dream and the setup there. Anyone is welcome to contact me on plurk or discord (divineshark on both). 💕 ]

(OTA) network / action

[bloodyrose]

network;
un: kiryuu

Has anyone located somewhere that carries weapons yet? I have a handgun and a hunting knife, but I'd like to see what other options there may be.

. . . I'd also deeply appreciate anywhere I can find a large umbrella. My name is Zero.

[ Vampires and rundown unforgiving desert weather do not match. Moving on to what's more important, however.]

If 'Imeeji', 'Tokyo-F', or 'transfer' mean anything at all to you, I'd like to speak.
_______


Work Like the Rent is Due Tomorrow
[ While traveling the distance to reach the ruined coffeehouse won't be too much of an issue, given his speed, Zero opts to make the trip towards nightfall. It's much easier to move about when the sun is no longer an issue and the temperatures have begun to go down. Regardless, he has on a hooded cloak and is moving with purpose as he salvages what he can, tucking any sugar, tableware, and smaller items into a duffel bag he pilfered elsewhere.

Any assistance is certainly welcome! ]

Anything interesting over there? I think I've grabbed what sugar I'm able to find.
_______


Operation Min-Min
[ Before anything else, it takes Zero some time to contemplate how he wants to go about subduing the Min-Mins he's located. Not that it takes much. Bringing out his gun, Bloody Rose, it isn't long before a mass of metallic, thorny rose vines erupt from it. Zero immediately, silently commands them to bind three Min-Mins down, mindful to secure their mouths shut and quickly coil tightly around their bodies. He then takes out a hunting knife to get to work.

If anyone happens to be around, he'll nod towards a container just off to the side on the ground. ]

Mind grabbing that for me?
_______


wildcard!
[ Zero will be around Sunspire, exploring what stores and vendors have to offer, possibly trying to barter. It's pretty obvious that he's seeking shadier areas. And food/water. I'm up for any plotting, so feel free to shoot this account a PM, PP me @ existentially, or starsongs @ discord, just lmk who you are first! ]