re_alignment | Number I : The First Day [video]

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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.

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Ah yeah, the robots I keep seeing around everywhere. Makes sense, I guess; the place does look like it was made with them in mind, if the huge room they gave me was any indication. Just glad there's not more than one of me around; not eager to find out first hand what it's like to be a pain in your own ass.

[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.

Ah! Luxord, that's the guy that I spoke to before- I think he was here some time before me. He's been gone for a while now...

...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?

[So Luxord wasn't around any more. Good. Less chance of things getting messy that way.]

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.

[A nod in response to the first question.]

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?

It's a card game. Everybody bets munny while they're playing, and at the end, the winner gets to keep it all. And if you're either very good or very dumb, you bet a lot of munny. I was the latter, Luxord was the former. Guess who walked away with the pot?

[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.

Oh, I see. [He smiles lopsidedly, somehow not too surprised by that outcome.]

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.))

[Axel gives a ruefully amused smirk of his own. It was funny, even if the incident had been all his own fault.]

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))

Uh-huh! Someone found them around the Junk Pile some months ago, and they had a tag with my name on it.

[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))

Huh... Well, guess if I'm in the mood for an omelette, I know who to talk to.

And yeah, that's definitely convenient. Wasn't looking forward to having to walk.

See you there then?

((OOC: Pffft... I can already hear his comment on that that when he finds out. XD 'So nice to know that you think I'm a chicken, Ven.' X3 Also, feel free to timeskip to them meeting up at the Hub in your next tag, if you want. If not, I'll probly do it in Axel's. :3))

Heh! Sure, although you can always check the pantry first- we should have some eggs stocked there too.

[Grinning, Ventus gives the other a nod.]

Yeah, see you there!

[He'll close off his end of the Link so he can make his way over towards Alpha Trion's. As soon as he's done feeding the chickens, he zips over to the Hub with his glider to wait.]

Later, then.

[Once his ride arrives, it doesn't take nearly as long as expected for him to get to the Hub, given that the ride happens to be Blurr. After bidding the blue robot goodbye, Axel makes his way inside, and it's not long before he spots a very familiar face.

Waves as he approaches.]

Yo, Ventus! Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long.

[Ventus smiles brightly once he sees Axel step inside. He practically bounds over towards him. It's one thing to talk to someone you know over the Link, but it's so much more reassuring to see them in person.]

Not too long, no. It's good to see you, Lea!

[Axel can't help but smile at Ven's enthusiasm.]

Good to see you too. After all, twelve years is a long time to wait for the chance at a rematch.

[The smirky grin shows that he's mostly kidding, though he certainly wouldn't be opposed to some friendly sparring at some point. Probably not today though.

The grin fades into a softer smile.]

Almost as long as it's been since the last time anyone called me Lea.

[Kinda nice, to hear his human name again, even if it didn't really belong to him any more.]

[He laughs.]

Maybe you'll have a chance this time.

[The boy tilts his head. It's a story he's still curious about, but he won't force it from the Nobody. Besides, he'd just got here.]

Really? ...which name do you want me to call you?

Heh, maybe. Either way, I think you'll like my new 'toys'. And I'd like a chance to see what your real keyblade can do sometime.

[Axel knows he'll have to explain things to Ventus at some point. He'd briefly considered trying to evade the subject indefinitely on the way over, but had discarded the idea fairly quickly. For one thing, Ventus was smart enough to eventually notice that something was up all on his own. And for another, he remembered clearly what trouble trying to hide the truth from Roxas had caused.

No. Clearly Ventus would have to be told about who and what he was now. Best to attend to practical concerns first, though.]

I've been Axel for over a decade now, so I guess that that's the name I'm used to. [slight pause] I don't mid if you still want to call me Lea, though. Kinda nice to be called that, even if it doesn't really fit any more.

[Slightly longer pause] ...Which is something that kinda needs explaining, I guess. But first, how about we secure me a room and some food? Because even without counting being randomly dropped into a world populated by giant robots that turn into cars and things, things have been kind of crazy for me for the past week or so, and it's reaching the point where I'd cheerfully kill for a comfortable bed and a sea-salt ice cream. Or hell, whatever kind of food is around; I'm not about to be picky.

[Because while whatever had brought him here had restored him from his near-death state, it hadn't done all that much to erase the general exhaustion brought on by being on the run from the Organization for several days straight, among other things, and some of that probably showed, now that they were seeing each other face to face.

...how do you know about my Keyblade...?

[He's pretty sure he'd never said anything specific about it.

Did something happen in those years between their first meeting and the point Lea was from now? But according to him, they hadn't cross paths again since...]

If you're sure... I guess it'd be easier calling you Lea anyway.

[They're still friends, right? Ventus blinks, then smiles sheepishly, giving him a nod.]

Oh- got it. That's why we came over here, right? Let's go get you set then.

Honestly? I didn't, until you just said so. But I've had some... experience with Keyblade wielders since we last met, and I figured it was a pretty safe bet that anybody who knew enough about them to be able to fight with a toy one like you did either had one or wanted one.

Besides, if you didn't have a real one, I'd probably have to rethink the whole rematch idea. Somehow, I doubt that wooden one would stand up too well against my chakrams this time around, and I wouldn't wanna break the thing.

[Still friends indeed, if Ventus would still have him after he'd heard everything. But for the moment, there were more immediate concerns.]

Alright, then. So... how do I go about staking a claim to a room? Do I just find one that's unoccupied and put my name up on the door, or what?

You did? Was it Aqua and Terra, by any chance? Or Mickey?

[They were the only other ones that had gone through Radiant Gardens, after all. He hopes he doesn't sound too eager.]

Chakrams? Now I'm curious, but I guess the rematch can wait.

[Along with explanations. Ventus looks around, nodding.]

Pretty much. There should be enough open rooms- there aren't many people around.

Hmm... Mickey I've heard of, though we've never really met. The other two don't ring any bells, though, sorry.

The two I'm referring two are a couple kids named Roxas and Sora. They're a long story all their own, though it ties in with mine, as you'll see.

And yeah, 'fraid I wouldn't be all the much of a challenge at the moment, but I could show you one of my chakrams at least, if you want.

[Axel looks around himself.]

Right then. Let's get to that. You have a room here, by any chance?

[If so, maybe he could find one close by.]

Oh...

[He's a little disappointed to hear it. Where have Terra and Aqua gone, then? He knows they can take care of themselves, but he really wants to know how they're doing...and if he'd really be able to be there when they needed.]

So...there are more keyblade wielders out there? I always thought it was just us...aside from the masters, anyway. [And that guy with the helmet...]

Can you show me? If it's not any trouble, anyway.

[A smile tugs at his face again as he nods in response to Axel's question.]

I do- it's not much, but it's cozier than the room I have at Prima's temple.

Not for awhile, apparently. Until Roxas came along, Sora was the only one we knew about. At least the only active one. Didn't find out til later that King Mickey had one too; apparently he kept it pretty quiet for whatever reason.

As for 'Masters'... well, I've heard of some guy named Yen Sid who's supposedly a retired one, but no others. We called Sora 'Keyblade master' sometimes, but that was more referring to the fact that he was the only one around who could control a Keyblade which made him the Keyblade master by default. Don't think he's a capitol-M Master, though, if there's a distinction.

[Axel shrugs. He knows alot more about what Keyblades can do than about how their wielders like to organize themselves.

At Ven's request, though, Axel smirks a bit and reaches one arm out to the side. There is a brief swirl of gray energy tendrils around his arm before they coalesce into one of the Eternal Flames. Far from the toy throwing discs Ven likely remembers, this is clearly a real weapon, meant to deal real damage. Axel holds it so Ven can get a good look at it.]

Viola. One of the Eternal Flames; I always wield them as a pair. Quite a step up from my old discs, huh?

[When Ven has seen enough, Axel dismisses the chakram and it vanishes back to whence it came.]

...Any of the rooms near yours happen to be free? I mean, I wouldn't mind being close by, but I'm not about to kick anybody out to do it.

[Blink.] Wait, King Mickey?

[Sounds like that's news to him.]

I don't know a Sora... The only keyblade masters I know are Master Eraqus and Master Xehanort, and now Aqua...

[It hurts to think about what had happened during their test for their mark of mastery. Everything started then, didn't it?

The appearance of Axel's chakram serves as a good distraction. Ventus hadn't expected it to appear like that. It's almost like summoning a keyblade!]

-whoa!

[Yeah, that looks like it could really hurt. No wonder Axel wouldn't want to spar against a wooden keyblade with it.]

Heh, I'll say. If you had two of those back then, you might have had a better chance when we sparred!

[Straightening up, he nods towards the direction where his room is.]

Plenty. Like I said, there aren't many people around, so there are more than a few rooms open.

I know, right? When you think 'king' an anthropomorphic mouse probly isn't the first image that pops into your head. But it true. And given that his top knight is a dog with big buck-teeth and his court wizard is duck with anger issues and a speech impediment, it kinda fits.

And yeah, not surprised you don't know Sora. He'd have been about 4 when you and I met last.

[Axel chuckles at Ven's assessment of his chakram.]

If I'd had these back then, I'd have probably poked my eye out screwing around with them before we ever met. These are really not meant to be handled by a 13 year old wise-ass with delusions of granduer, which is exactly what I was back then.

[Axel nods as Ven indicates where his room is and starts in that direction.]

Alright then, let's see here...

[It doesn't take long to locate Ven's room, and then an empty one nearby. Axel pokes his head inside. It doesn't look much more furnished than his room back at the Castle That Never Was, but that can be fixed later if he wants. Right now, all he cares about is that it has a human-style bed in it.]

This one'll do.

[Axel steps back out and closes the door... before generating a small but fairly intense (if the blue-ish color is any indication) tongue of fire at the end of one finger, which he then proceeds to use to scorch his name onto the door. That accomplished, the fire fades out.]

There. Not exactly the best handwriting, but it's legible at least.

I wonder what a king was doing out there...

[Ventus laughs. It isn't too difficult to picture Lea doing something like that, even if he hadn't known him all that long back then.] Yeah, probably.

[He stands by as he watches Axel inspect his prospective room, and then subsequently defaces the door. Well, that's one way to let people know it's been claimed.]

You can do magic too? Although I don't think I've seen it used quite that way before.

No idea. He tends to do his own thing from what little I know of him, so he probly had some kind of reason.

[And hey, when Axel suggested putting his name up on the door, he was being serious. At least it'll let everybody know the room is claimed.]

Yep. Only fire-related magic though. As for not having seen it used that way before, well, when you're kind of a one trick pony magic-wise, it encourages you to get creative. You oughta see me juggle fireballs or make fire-animals sometime. Not much good for anything besides entertainment, but it's good practice for getting proper control down.

And control is the most important thing about dealing with fire magic, as I found out the hard way. I was why the Organization couldn't have nice things back when I was still getting used to my abilities. Not to mention, I went through at least half a dozen sets of scorched bedsheets from doing accidental magic in my sleep before I found some that were fire-resistant. Good thing a talent for fire-magic comes with being immune to it yourself, or I'd have given myself some very rude awakenings.

Number I : The First Day [video]

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