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re_alignment2013-11-08 08:38 pm
nobody_number_8) wrote in re_alignment2013-11-08 08:38 pm
Entry tags:
Number I : The First Day [video]
[Axel wasn't sure what had surprised him more upon first opening his eyes; the fact the he wasn't looking up at Sora's sad-eyed, spikey-haired face silouetted against the backdrop of swirling colors that made up the scenery of Betwixt and Between, or the fact that he was still around to be looking at anything at all. He'd already been fading after that last attack, and he'd used the last of his energy to open the portal to The World That Never Was for Sora. He should be gone, faded back into the Nothingness that had formed him.
Instead, he was laying on something heard, looking up at a dark, metal ceiling and a... robot? What the hell?
The robot (who he noticed seemed sort of out of it, though who knew, maybe that was just how robots were) gave him a basic explanation of his situation and showed him to his room. A room that was obviously meant for robots, or at least beings, of a similar scale to the robot itself. Which left Axel in a bit of a predicament.
It took a bit of fiddling, but eventually he got the small communications device he'd been given to work. So hey there, Haven. Have an unfamiliar face bearing two small, purple, reverse-teardrop-shaped markings on it and framed by very spiky red hair.]
...There, think that's got it. Anyway, hey there. The name's Axel. Got it memorized?
Was just wondering... is there any place around here where a guy could get an actual human-sized bed? Or just a mattress? Or even just a sleeping bag or a hammock or something? Cause you know, nice as it is to get a free room, giant metal beds that I can't actually reach without teleporting or climbing really aren't my thing.
Instead, he was laying on something heard, looking up at a dark, metal ceiling and a... robot? What the hell?
The robot (who he noticed seemed sort of out of it, though who knew, maybe that was just how robots were) gave him a basic explanation of his situation and showed him to his room. A room that was obviously meant for robots, or at least beings, of a similar scale to the robot itself. Which left Axel in a bit of a predicament.
It took a bit of fiddling, but eventually he got the small communications device he'd been given to work. So hey there, Haven. Have an unfamiliar face bearing two small, purple, reverse-teardrop-shaped markings on it and framed by very spiky red hair.]
...There, think that's got it. Anyway, hey there. The name's Axel. Got it memorized?
Was just wondering... is there any place around here where a guy could get an actual human-sized bed? Or just a mattress? Or even just a sleeping bag or a hammock or something? Cause you know, nice as it is to get a free room, giant metal beds that I can't actually reach without teleporting or climbing really aren't my thing.
[Video]
You're the second one to call me that.... Come to think of it, the other guy I talked to before was wearing black like you-
[It's too bad he disappeared a long time ago. Ventus would have continued to say as much, save that his train of thought is effectively derailed when he's correctly identified. He stares at the screen, his eyes widening. Recognition- then this person is from somewhere he's been before! ...could it be? He'd heard that time made as much difference as distance when it came to who all was brought here.]
...how...
You're... Lea? Is that you?
Re: [Video]
You are Ventus! Wow, talk about a blast from the past.
Anyway, yeah, I'm Lea. Or at least I used to be. It's... kind of a long story. For now, let's just say that a lot of things have changed back home since the day you kicked my ass with that wooden keyblade of yours.
What I'm more interested in is what hasn't changed, namely you. How is it you still look... well, like you did then? You should be grown up by now.
[Video]
Of course it's me! I guess it's been a lot longer for you than me....you look a lot different than I remember.
Um... Well I guess it's kind of the same deal with how everyone here comes from other worlds...and other versions of worlds. I don't know how to explain it exactly.
Re: [Video]
Huh... Well, there goes this world's weirdness-meter up another notch or two. Though it's still got a long way to go before it matches Wonderland.
It's been about... [does a little mental figuring] ...wow... Almost twelve years on my end. Never did find out what happened to you after that day.
[Video]
[Blink.]
Wow, that long? [He has to wonder what could happen in that span of time.] I...well, actually it wasn't long after we parted ways that I ended up here. I've been here for a year now.
Re: [Video]
[Also blink.]
...Well, that would certainly explain why I grew up and you didn't. Luxord's tricks aside, time is just as inflexible as it ever was back home, and tends not to wait, even if someone falls behind.
Though given the whole 'other versions' thing you mentioned, who knows whether that's what happened to the Ventus I met at all? Or if it still happened but then you just got back at some point and I never found out?
[Pause, rubs the back of his neck a bit.] ...Or, ya know, maybe I could just quit trying to figure out the mysteries of the universe until after I get a bed I can actually sleep in. It's been a weird day.
[Understatement of the century there.]
I was just heading out to the 'habitation wing'. A lady named Rose mentioned that they had rooms that weren't giant-robot scale there, so I figured it'd be a good place to start. Though its apparently clear on the other side of town from Megatronus' temple, where I am now, so it might take me awhile to get there.
[Video]
...but...I guess that's true. Thinking about it just makes it more confusing. Do people know I'm missing, or do things somehow just keep going?
[It makes him kind of sad to consider. He shakes his head, forcing a smile.]
I know what you mean. The space is nice, but...definitely not made for humans.
You're all the way at Megatronus' temple? That would be a pretty long walk then. You're trying to get to the Hub, right?
Re: [Video]
The one who called you Roxas, right? Yeah, Luxord and I kind used to work together back home, until recently. Word of advice, though; if ever he comes back, don't ever play poker with the guy, especially if you wanna hang onto your munny.
[Axel thinks about that for a second.]
Things always keep going, with or without us there to notice it. But as for people knowing you're missing... I've got no idea. I know I wondered where you'd gotten to for awhile, but eventually I wound up with bigger things to worry about. And I never met anybody else who knew you back home, so... [shrug] Who knows?
[nods] I'm thinking of using mine for storage. One I actually have some stuff to store, that is.
And that's where I'm headed, yeah. Rose said the 'habitation wing' was part of it.
[Video]
What's...poker?
[He considers Axel's words, feeling a little sad that it seemed that was their first and last meeting back in Radiant Garden. Is it because he was brought here? But what about Aqua and Terra..?]
You might, eventually. There's some interesting things in the Junk Pile, and sometimes things even come with your name on them, like some weird surprise gift. But if you do go to the Junk Pile, stay away from the big pillar. I'm not sure what it is or where it came from, but I have a feeling it isn't a good thing.
[He wonders if Perceptor's found out anything about it. Hopefully no one else has had any problems with the robotic wolves like they did, but then Ventus hasn't heard anyone else mention that they'd hit the Pillar with a stick.]
Want me to meet you at the Hub then?
Re: [Video]
[Axel nods. The more he hears about this Junk Pile, the more he thinks he'll have to pay it a visit.]
Junk Pile, good; pillar, bad. Got it.
And sure, that sounds like a plan, if you don't mind waiting around for me.
[Video]
It's not a problem. That will give me time to check on the chickens.
((OOC: ....AHAHA I just remembered what I had Ven name the rooster he got.))
Re: [Video]
Chickens, huh? [For such an unusual world, chickens just seem so mundane.]
Sounds good. Least I won't have to walk, though, since one of the robots offered to give me a ride.
((OOC: Let me guess; he named it Lea? XD))
[Video]
[He shrugs- and pauses a moment. ...oh well, that can wait. The boy smiles.]
Oh, that's good! That's kind of the downside about being in a place made for robots- but at least they're nice enough to help out.
((OOC: Yep! With Flora, Fauna and Meriweather. xD))
Re: [Video]
[Video] - > [Action]
[Video] - > [Action]
[Action foreveeerrr]
[Forever and ever! \o/]
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Moving this back over to prevent text-squish. X3
[Axel's glyph is hidden from view by his Black Coat, but he can almost feel it glowing as well, which is a very strange sensation, to say the least.
Axel follows Ven up the stairs, then nods when he points them towards the kitchen.]
One of those self-service places huh? Alright, I can do that. Anything that can be cooked over an open fire, I'm your man!
[Axel grins at that comment, for a moment looking much more like the Lea that Ven remembers, though it passes fairly quickly as they head back into the kitchen and get down to the business of fixing themselves some food.]
Hmmm... let's see here...
[There were plenty of cans of fruit, veggies, and even canned meat and broth. If he were feeling more ambitious, he might have actually tried to cook something, but as it was, the most promising things looked to to be some cans of heat-and-serve soup. Unless Ven had any objections.]
Soup OK with you, Ventus? Not sure I'm up for fixing anything more complicated.
xD good idea
[He smiles lopsidedly, that grin certainly more the image that he remembers of his friend, short-lived as it is.]
Yeah, pretty much. I don't think anyone's ever volunteered to work here regularly, but I guess it'd be pretty slow business for them otherwise.
[Ventus looks around as well, glancing back at Axel with a laugh.]
Hey, just call me Ven. And soup's fine- although I thought you were the one who was hungry.
Re: xD good idea
And yeah I am, but I figured I should ask, rather than just assume you didn't want any. That'd just be rude, ya know?
[Axel, meanwhile, has selected a can of soup and located a can opener. He opens the can and removes the top before producing a small fireball in his free hand and holding it under the can of soup to heat it. He gives Ven an amused smirk.]
The most interesting way to heat a can of soup ever. Also works great on hot drinks, though for that I usually just go with heat, rather than full-on fire.
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Sure is the first time I've ever seen it done that way. You'll come in handy around here! [He's just kidding.]
Speaking of drinks, water all right?
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You'd be surprised how often it's come in handy.
And sure, water's fine.
[Axel really wouldn't mind something stronger, but decided to worry about exploring that option another time.
When he decides that the soup is hot enough, he pours it out into the two bowls in approximately equal portions. Turns out its homestyle chicken noodle, with hearty chunks of chicken and veggies and curly noodles. Tasty and filling. After locating a place to discard the empty can and doing so, Axel turns back to Ven.]
Ready when you are; don't figure we'll have trouble finding a place to sit.
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All set here! Pick a spot- looks like we'll have the place to ourselves.
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Once they're both settled, Axel sighs slightly. No more excuses to put it off.]
Well... guess it's finally time for that explanation, huh?
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I guess so... Um, you can take your time though.
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I do that, and we'll be here all day.
[Takes a bite of his soup, then begins.]
Anyway, should probably start at the beginning, namely a couple days after we last met. You know those... monster-things that were popping up in odd places during the time you were there? Well, a few days after that they just... vanished. No one had any idea why. Maybe you had something to do with it, or your friends, but whatever the case they just quit appearing as suddenly as they'd started.
Around the same time, there was an... explosion, or something in one of the central courtyards. Nobody really saw what happened, but they did find one guy at he scene, unconscious and injured. Nobody knew who he was, but our King, Ansem the Wise took him back to the castle for treatment. Being a kid at the time, I didn't bother to find out much beyond that, figuring the guy was in good hands. Eventually, everyone kinda forgot about the whole monster thing, and it just became a weird thing that had happened, something to talk about when things were dull.
...Until about a year later, when it started happening again. It started out quietly, with a few people disappearing; the armorer's son, one of the castle maids, a few others. Then the monsters showed up. Just a few, at first. Black things with yellow eyes that jumped out of the shadows to attack people. The castle guards assured everyone that things were under control.
But it wasn't. Things kept getting worse. More disappearances, more monsters. Didn't take much brainpower to figure out that the two were connected, but at the time, nobody knew how. But when there came a point where no one had seen or heard from Ansem in over a week, I decided that it was time Isa and I stopped sitting on our butts and find out.
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The Unversed had disappeared? And only some time after he had last been there. That...was a good sign, right? Maybe they managed to stop them after all.
He sips another spoonful of soup, head tilting.]
The Unversed came back..?
[He can't help but frown a little. A year later, but even so- yet that isn't all that bothers him. He's pretty sure he's never seen any Unversed that were as Axel described. And so far as he knows, no one had disappeared because of them...]
....so did you? Find out, that is.
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No, not the Unversed, if that's what that first bunch of monsters was called. These were something else; Heartless. They come from, and are drawn to, the darkness in people's hearts. They attack people and try to steal their hearts, and if they succeed, those hearts are consumed by darkness, and become more Heartless, which then try to attack more people and steal more hearts, and so on, and so on. Then, usually, the rest of the person just disappears; nothing holding them to the Realm of Light any more.
And a Keyblade is the only way to put them down permanently; no other weapon frees the hearts that make up a Heartless, so they just reform somewhere else later. They one good thing about them is that they're stupid; they act purely on instinct, like wild animals. Unless there's some other force controlling them, that is.
...But I'm getting kinda ahead of myself, there.
[Axel sighs again at the question of whether they found out what had been going on.]
Yeah... we found out. The hard way.
We waited til after dark, then snuck into the castle through a ground level window to a basement storeroom. It wasn't big enough for an adult to get through, but a couple kids like us could fit just fine. We started poking around, looking for evidence. We thought maybe that Ansem had been hurt or something, and the Guards were trying to hush it up so people didn't panic, or that they'd found out something about the monsters that they didn't want getting out. We though we'd find out where the monsters, the Heartless, had been coming from, and be heroes.
That's when we found the laboratory. We did find where the Heartless were coming from, but it wasn't anything like we thought. There were prison cells, and records of experiments being performed on people. Experiments that caused their hearts to collapse, and turn into Heartless, or where people were offered as 'living samples' to captive Heartless. And a machine that was cranking out even more Heartless. The first bunch of people who disappeared? That's what happened to them. Most of the others after were victims of random Heartless attacks, but the first dozen or two...
[Axel trails off there, sighing and shaking his head. Even now, he's not fond of recalling the details of that night, but it's important for Ven to understand in order for what came after to make any sense.]
Needless to say, we decided we had to get the hell out of there and tell somebody. But we didn't make it. The guys who'd been running the whole show caught us before we could get away.
Turns out the castle guards, or at least their high ranking officers, were in on it the whole time. They, and several of Ansem's scientific diciples, had convinced Ansem to build the lab where they could research darkness of the heart. When Ansem found out what they were doing with it, though, and tried to stop them, they turned on him, and banished him to another realm.
That was before they used artificial means to extract their own hearts. Remember when I said that the rest of the person usually vanishes after their heart is taken? That's not always the case. Sometimes, if the person's heart was really strong, the empty shell that left behind starts to act on its own, and forms what's called a Nobody. The very strongest of those Nobodies retain their human form and memories, and that's what they were by the time Isa and I ran into them.
And when they caught us, they decided to get rid of us by putting us through the same process they'd used to remove their own hearts. I guess they figured we'd never survive it, and in a way they were right. But they were also wrong. No one had any idea how strong the hearts of two punk kids could be...
[He trails off again, there, not quite meeting Ventus' eyes, hoping that he can put together what happened without Axel having to actually say it...]
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[His soup is momentarily forgotten as he stares at Axel.]
Princess Aurora had her heart stolen, but she never changed into a Heartless. I helped get her heart back, so she should be okay, right?
[That's not all he's thinking about, though. He remember's Maleficent's words, who she said had been responsible for taking the princess's heart in the first place. And if Axel was saying that Keyblades were the only thing that could free those stolen hearts from the Heartless...
He shakes his head, not wanting to believe it. Besides...]
There's a machine that can do that though? But why would someone want to..?
[It's a lot of information to process, and his head is spinning with questions, but the silence that falls between them once Axel trails off is heavy with that realization of what happened to his friend. Ventus looks intently at the Nobody, hoping that he's wrong but knowing there's no other explanation.]
...so...you and Isa...
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