kingdomdressing | (no subject)

[When Roxas finally turned back to the Sorized Xion, it was made apparent that she had taken that time for other means rather than chasing after him. And by other means... She had simply vanished. No hint or trace of her. Nothing. It was almost as if she had never been there in the first place with the silence that veiled them.

And as it did, Xion herself seemed to have gain some senses. Weak but there. Eyes still bearing a glazed look. And her voice all but lost. But the fighting within the nobody ranks had roused her at least. She looked to him wearily. Watching. All she could do was watch. And it was definitely... definitely the worst circumstance she had ever felt herself in. There was something to all this... Something very wrong.]

[It was quiet, too quiet. Roxas scanned the area, keeping on the move as his Samurai stood sentry over the downed Xion, neither of them acknowledging that she'd come around.

He didn't trust this at all. His opponent was powerful -more so than anything he'd fought previously. But he'd seen Sora take a stand against Xemnas who easily held the same degree of power in comparison. The only thing making the difference to him between this encounter and that was that back then, Sora had Riku. Here, Roxas stood alone and through the perceived belief that his friends held in him, he believed he had a chance.

That chance felt as if it was growing slimmer by the moment. She'd been toying with him and he'd been pushing with everything he had. There was no telling if he'd be able to stand against her when things got serious... but that same uncertainty told him that he could win if he just stayed alert and kept his thoughts fluid.]

[For a while longer, nothing happened. No movement. Not a blink of sound. Just static. But then there was something across the platform that they stood upon. What at first appeared to be a thunder spell. But that conviction would soon change. For, no, it was brighter and wider. And then another hit closer. And another not even seconds after that. Then silence.

But just as things grew quiet once more, a row of them suddenly came at him and Xion. Large and merciless. And if he thought he had seen the worst of it, he probably didn't anticipate that it was all but a distraction- as just when those pillars drew close, the one itself began to split off randomly in all directions. And to make things worse, pillars began to hit the ground all around them with one big one at coming right down on them.]

[For a moment, Roxas stood there, frozen like a deer in headlights as he tried to comprehend what exactly he was up against. Thankfully, the Samurai was at least somewhat brighter than the normal run; the bonus to being genuinely emotionless was that fear and uncertainty meant absolutely nothing to it. However, it recognized its master and with a prompt shove, moves him out of immediate harm's way as a destructive pillar literally erases it without a trace.

The shove jarred his nerves into working again.

He hastily snatched up the semi-conscious Xion, hefting her across his shoulders before leaping as far up as he could and Gliding again. Deftly, he maneuvered amidst the pillars swerving to the sides and doing his best to keep his passenger with him.

It made him sick to think he was at his opponent's mercy, but he wouldn't yield.

And then a thought game back to mind. He couldn't turn to look at her, but he remembered that he was in the inner world of what he hoped was the Xion on his back. It suddenly made sense why his foe was so strong; she was either some really repressed feelings of dislike she held for Roxas or amidst the memories she recently absorbed, she let in this Xion that was now basically trying to hijack this world... and to his dismay, if that were the case, she was succeeding.]

[As the pillars continued to rain down upon them a while longer, the noise of their impacts became practically deafening. And not only did the sound provide cover but the pillars themselves, too. Which might have explained how the Sorized Xion quickly and easily found herself a way right behind him. She attempted to grab him by the back of the head- and Roxas might have had a slip of the memories, a time when the same had happened to him- no, to someone else. Clad in armor. Frozen. But this was different. Because instead of a blizzaga spell, an electric surge made to tear through him. And Xion, too, if he were still holding her by that time.

Even if he escaped though, he was just in for another vanishing act.]

[The last thought to race through his mind was that it wasn't fair. Selfless as he tended to be, the instant he felt that hand seize on his head, he hurled the Xion on his back clear of him -hoping that perhaps she might come to and find a way to escape.

The electrical shock wasn't as bad as the animosity he was feeling by the time he was ~~well-~~done. He was barely staying conscious, wishing now more than anything that he could just wipe that smirk he knew was on her face. He wasn't fighting it now, he was too tired to fight the pure hatred that certainly must've warped this Xion. At this point, if it meant that somehow she would suffer a thousand times what he did, he didn't care if he was consumed in the process.

Consume?

It dawned on him. She was going to consume him and he had no intent to let his power be used by a monster like her.

His body resisted, but his will drove it to move. In a flash Aubade heeded his call, his hand gripping the weapon by it's blade. Even in the face of death, his expression was a mask of anger and defiance. And then unable to even speak, he plunged the business end into his chest, forcing his body to ensure that the weapon destroyed him.]

[Xion could only gasp, the only sound she could will herself to make as Roxas suddenly threw her from him. She hit the ground roughly as the pillars finally died off, landing on her back facing them to be given a full show, her breath shallow but her eyes wide in panic as she saw the electricity course through him without mercy. And just when she thought it couldn't get any worse, Roxas was attempting to remove himself. Permanently. She raised a hand weakly out to him although it barely lifted off the ground.

But things weren't always as they seemed. And if there was ever a crueler time for fate to be unfair as he would call it... At that point? This would be it. Because one moment Aubade was in his hands. But just as he bore it down upon himself, it flickered away in a flash of brilliant light. Another flash signaled its reappearance behind him. In her hand.

She took a fistful of his hair, threateningly close to tearing it out. And then she whispered coolly in his ear:] Until we meet again in the next life. [And then a feeling would grab him. It felt inviting at first... Warm. But then he would start to realize that he was beginning to feel sluggish. His mind, memories and all, becoming almost nauseous. Weakness overtaking him. An endless spiral that was consumption.]

Edited 2011-01-13 11:00 (UTC)

[A flicker of another one of those fleeting memories past before his eyes as they drifted shut. He saw himself standing somewhere, he wasn't sure. But he knew that despite doing everything he could and saving countless people, the him he saw in that vision had let one person perish and none of the people with him would forgive him.

And he saw in that vision, the mob lynching him to the point where the trauma inflicted actually terminated him. And then, like now, he had no choice as he felt himself vanish -only his lingering resentment being the last thing he felt.

And then in defiance, in having been denied even his chance to take his own life. He hoped his last thought would reach his assailant, because he'd at least have the last word with her.

I hope you see everything I did... and then you'll realize just how worthless you are. Because you threw everything that meant anything to you away. And power won't ease the despair from being alone.

At least he could savor that. Because now? He just stopped caring.]

[Just as the world was going dark for him, just as everything seemed like it would end right there. To some sort of nightmare. Whether a fleeting memory or reality. Just when the end seemed ensured.]

Worthless? But isn't she still your friend?

[And then there was a light. A brilliant glowing light that flickered in his mind's eye. And when it finally gave way, he was standing in nothingness. At first, it seemed that he was at his end. Perhaps this was what it was to be absorbed. But then the voice continued.]

They say even in the deepest darkness, there's a light. It might be weak. But it's there. And no matter who she becomes, it's always there. Inside her. As long as you believe in it, that light will never go out.

[And then he was there. His appearance might be shocking to Roxas. But if the boy seemed to notice this, he didn't act like it. Or maybe he simply already knew. Knew he looked near exactly like the nobody. His clothing was slightly different. And the armored piece on his shoulder was a definite addition. But otherwise, it was the same blond hair and blue eyes. With a bold smile that would mirror his own had he held one, too.]

So what I'm trying to say is, don't give up on her. She needs you. She just forgot, so let's go remind her.

[And he was reaching out his hand to Roxas.]

Come on.

Edited 2011-01-14 06:10 (UTC)

[This wasn't anything new. When he'd been merged with Sora, he just didn't let himself relax and that seemed to ensure that his will persisted. Just as long as he maintained his sense of self.

He almost snorted in disgust when that voice spoke to him. Roxas still felt indescribably furious, hurt and betrayed all at once -he was in no mood to dignify it with any kind of response.

The Nobody remained silent among the nothingness, listening, but truthfully, not believing the voice's statement in the least. For awhile he continued to ignore the voice, but eventually turned to look at the source. Somehow, he didn't feel the least surprised when it revealed itself to look so much like him. He shook his head, a bitter smile on his face.]

No wonder she absorbed you... you trusted her just like I did. But at least it was just you on the line. My friend, the one our resident monster almost killed, is out there still.

Soon though, I expect she'll join us here.

[He made no attempt to hide the bitterness in his words or tone, his mannerisms reflecting his completely broken beliefs. A gust blew through the nowhere, the setting suddenly shifting as the familiar scene of Twilight Town sprawled out below him.

He sat there, his legs dangling over the edge of his usual place to sit as he looked at the city below -a city that lay consumed in flame and ruin. Thick, black smoke rolled up in huge clouds to the afternoon sky as this inner world of his he'd manifested reflected the damage to the varied aspects that defined him. Even the clock tower they conversed upon looked in terrible shape, though it at least didn't seem to be a blaze like everything below it.

If a Nobody at least had a soul, this was what was left of his.]

Edited 2011-01-14 07:48 (UTC)

Just me? [He couldn't help but look perplexed at that statement. No. It wasn't. And he knew. But for the time being, he didn't elaborate. Instead, he found himself a seat on the clock tower beside Roxas. Just sitting there. Quiet. Letting him brood as he pleased for just a while longer. Although he definitely wasn't lost to the destruction that Twilight Town seemed to showcase and that made his eyes wince. Finally though. With careful words.]

She might join us. But even if she does, she's still out there, too.

[He's quiet for awhile as he sighs, watching his world burn. If it was one thing that his new prison was making him appreciate, it was that his return to Sora had at least some degree of acceptance. His Other hadn't made it a point to crush his beliefs and hopes -hadn't actually made him hate him. It was a terrible feeling and one that right now, he was willingly letting consume him like the fires down below.

He had nothing else left after all now. Just his resentment and the strange version of himself that she'd devoured. Honestly, it was absolutely mind-boggling how he could be so cheerful. But after awhile, he wondered if even he'd just accept things like that.]

If she joins us, she won't be out there.

I'm not sure how much attention you pay to things, but we're here because that thing, that puppet that's parading around as a twisted doll with my Other's face and my friend's voice ate us!

[There's venom in his voice as he speaks, his animosity clearly audible on his more emphasized words. Especially because he referred to his assailant as a puppet, a term he'd vowed would never be said in reference to his friend.

But then he figures, if he was here like this, then there was nothing left of his friend in his assailant any way.]

But... [He pinched his nose a little in frustration. Trying to think of the right words to say. It was hard to find them, especially with Roxas in the state he was in. He found them leaving him before he could even pull them together to make a tangible sentence. And it aggravated him... but probably not nearly as much as the situation Roxas found himself currently in. Finally, he pulled something out from his pocket, a green star-shaped charm of sorts. And focusing on its structure, his thoughts seemed to fall more fluid.]

I guess... Look at it this way. Don't you think... part of her would still really want to exist? Yeah, I know she doesn't say it, but... [He had seen her. Her hesitance. Her unease. Through his eyes. But even still. He knew that whim all too well. That danger. But yet, underneath, that silent cry. That wish of being, regardless.]

Edited 2011-01-14 09:03 (UTC)

[Some part of him was really getting tired of this. Clearly, this guy must have been around here for quite some time, because he's guessing that either their captor hadn't been nearly as brutal with him as she'd been with Roxas or she'd devoured him under some better circumstance -maybe he was being terminated as she did so or something. Whatever the circumstance, he was really beyond caring at this point.

Right now, he just wanted to sit there and hope that somehow, setting up shop like this -like how he did in Sora, would cause her some degree of suffering. Though he'd admit that when he did this in his Other, the world actually looked a great deal nicer.

Finally, the stranger's words raised his frustration enough that he leaned back slightly and craned his neck around to at least half-face him. There was a momentary pause as he eyed the trinket -it looked like a Paopao fruit or one of Kairi's charm, so what?]

Yeah, she really wants to exist. And so far she's devoured you, the Sora of your world, me and I have few doubts that the Xion I was protecting out there will be joining us here fairly soon.

So yeah. She wants to exist. And she does so at the expense of whoever most conveniently is around to be consumed. She's no better than Xemnas!

[There was a pause as he caught his breath, the expression of his animosity taking some toll on him.]

No, I can't say that. At least Xemnas just terminated people.

I wouldn't have gotten stuck in a place like this if he'd dealt with me instead.

[He clutched his fingers around the charm and let out a soft exhale as he listened to Roxas go on. There was just so much bitterness... So much anger. It was expected. And his right, really. But in his frustration, he was just being... Things just weren't... This wasn't the Roxas he knew. The Roxas that just idled away and let things go. No, the one he had known would have pushed forward even beyond this. But then... Roxas also could be a little dense. But then... perhaps that was why he was there. Ducking his head, the other boy sat in silence a moment before shaking his head and muttering.]

Look at yourself. Acting like everything's all over with. I never thought you would be one to just give up like this. I mean you tried to stop Kingdom Hearts. And now, when your friend needs you, you're going to just forget about her and let things happen?

[And then there he was, standing. Perhaps to alleviate some of the energy that felt like it would overwhelm him otherwise by sitting there.] You said Xion's Xion before, right? Well... That's a part of her, too. And if you can't accept that, then this really is the end.

Like I said before, right now she's forgotten. But that's not lost. But it will be if you just give up here.

[For what it was worth, the visitor should keep in mind that every last one of Roxas' beliefs about himself, his friends and everything had just been more or less torn to shreds by not only his last assailant, but the manifestation of Riku prior. He was bearing wounds reflecting two engagements that weren't only physically punishing, but if his appearance could reflect the state of his spirit; it would very much be black and blue with an ample side of third-degree burns, stitches trying desperately to hold several large gashes closed and likely missing a limb.

In a nutshell, the Nobody wasn't showing his usual defiance because there wasn't much of him left to show that defiance.

And being lectured by whatever version of himself this way was just stirring up one of the few things he still felt able to feel: anger and lots off it.

His ire wasn't the only thing raised as he clamored to his feet on the ledge, his hands closing around the air and summoning his Keyblade in hopes of threatening this annoyance away.]

Yes. I am going to let that happen because of several facts.

First thing is that I'm here, already consumed by that thing that's weaseled its way into my friend's mind or whatever we have in place of a heart!

Second, even if I somehow magically could be thrown-up like a bad lunch, do you think she'd listen to me? Do you think she'd show the least hesitance in just beating me further and devouring me again?!

I wasn't strong enough to protect her. And now that thing is going to take her body. Even more frustrating is that now I can only do what everyone else seems to do and hope that there's a Sora out there strong enough to defeat what's about to be turned loose.

[Of course in his anger, there were probably a few things he didn't pick up in his acquaintance's speech. There was also the matter that if things were reflecting any kind of darker change in Roxas' outlook, it's that the weapon he was brandishing was Void Gear.

Not that he'd recognize it.]

[Oh, he was very well aware the trials he had faced. And there was undoubtedly pity set in his eyes as he watched Roxas shout out in such an enraged state as he was in. He was frustrated. Frustrated and lost and torn. Everything in between. And everything he, himself, knew and understood. He had watched his friend become something he would have never wanted to see just as he had watched his own, feeling so helpless. Useless. Wanting to be there. To protect them, even if in the end his power did nil. Backing out wasn't an option. Not at the cost of his friends.

Never at the cost of his friends. No matter what they became.

His eyes narrowed on Roxas... only to became wide at the sight of the keyblade he suddenly summoned. And then they were scorning it as he summoned his own, Lost Memory, swinging it to the side in his own boiling frustration. But otherwise held fast and ready if only needed to defend himself.]

That thing is her! That one you call a puppet. Her and the other one are all in the same. Both pieces of her!

[It seemed to be the first thing that the stranger said that got through that skull of his. For a moment Roxas seemed to be in utter disbelief at at great deal of what all of that meant.

The first thing was the disappointment in himself for doing just what he'd told himself he'd never do. Secondly was the shock that she had that kind of cruelty streak in her... but then, Saix's abuses combined with her insecurities, all of that creating such a monster made sense in that fashion.

And while he was trying to figure out the whole power variance, even that made sense. It would be the same reason he'd been hoping to cause her enough trouble to come to where he stood now -that he knew in a person's inner world, absolutely mind-blowing levels of crushing willpower would be necessary to defeat the owner. While he didn't forget who he'd been inside this entire time, he'd been assuming that the nature of this Xion was of some rogue memory she'd absorbed that decided to take over.

It changed a surprising lot -more than enough for him to lower the weapon and release his grip on it as he took a step off the ledge and slumping against it once his feet were on the more solid ground behind it.]

That changes everything but the facts that at least that part of her doesn't want to listen; that it'll just beat me to a pulp and send me back here.

And also the whole thing that I'm stuck here to begin with.

[Finally.

Finally, something had clicked. He could tell by the way the anger drained suddenly from Roxas' face. How that stricken defensiveness left him to the sudden realization. It was a painful one he had to go through- but one he had to see to or else it really would be the end right there and then and perhaps they both would have been lost in Xion's core for the rest of their existence. His own expression turned into a grim reflection of Roxas' as he lowered his own weapon, not really thrilled to be the bearer of bad news. But all the same.]

No, she doesn't want to listen. And she probably won't the way things are. If you can't best her, why would she? But that's why you're not going to face her alone this time. [And this time, instead of his hand, he was holding out his keyblade. And with his other, he was hitting the armor plate on his shoulder. With a burst of light, a full body suit covered him.] I can get us out of here. And I can lend you my power. But the rest is up to you.

[And then with a small smile.] I know it's weird. [The situation. How they looked so much the same.] But trust me on this.

[There was some hesitance when he watched the armor materialize -like his body recognized it, almost feeling his stance shift slightly as if he was the one donning it. It was strange to say the least.

And really, with all that was one the line now, such a notion was the least of his concerns. However, he'd been getting a number of crash courses in recognizing an opportunity when it came up, so he waited a moment, wanting to say something before he took that Keyblade -before he'd be fighting again.]

I know we don't have much time, but before we go, will I see you again after this?

Seeing that Keyblade and that armor...

[He trails off, gesturing at the stranger as a whole.]

I get this weird feeling that I've felt the weight of that before. Just this sad, familiar feeling. Like when I first reappeared and started talking to Xion.

I know now isn't the time, but I have so many questions I want answers to.

It's funny. So did I. [So many questions left unanswered. And so many things left unsaid. Too little time for too many words. He found himself smiling sadly as he looked at Roxas. And then he was shaking his head, his expression growing a bit mysterious.] But I probably have about as many answers as you.

[He shrugged mildly. Resolve finding itself in his next words.] It doesn't change things either way. My time's over, but I'll still exist right here. [Holding a hand to his heart. The memories. They would probably be locked away forever more. But they would still be there.]

[He carefully pointed his keyblade up to the sky then and a streak of light shot forth towards it, ripping open up a portal.] That's the lanes in between. And this. [Returning to hold out his weapon.] Is your ticket out of here. You'll know what to do.

[Well, it had been a long shot. But while he still couldn't understand why the stranger bore such an air of familiarity about him, he got the impression that there would be a chance to find answers later. Then again, maybe it was for the better for now. He had purpose again. His body still ached from both previous encounters, yet he willed it to prepare to skirmish again... and again, and however many times it took for him to save his friend.

Right now he needed to focus on that task.

With a sigh, he watched skyward as the portal opened, some part of him musing that it looked like the opposite of a Corridor of Darkness. It was almost pretty as he observed the little flickers of light drifting to and fro around it like fireflies, that virtual sense of nostalgia weighing on his spirit.

His glance met the stranger's, Roxas' eyes narrowing as they settled on Lost Memory. For a moment, he debated on merely asking the weapon's name, but decided that he couldn't afford to get side-tracked now.

Gratefully, he took the weapon and nodded, some part of him in the back of his own head marveling at how natural the weapon felt in his hand -even as he experimentally flipped it into a reverse-grip.

It was strange.]

Thank you. I'll make sure to fix things.

[He shot the other blond a grin.]

I've got some crazy promises to hold up, after all.

[With that said, instinct took over as he hurled the weapon up into the sky. Beyond the line of sight, it vanished in a brilliant flare as it returned; it's shape and size changed considerably, but many aspects of the form still identifying it. As it swooped down for him, he leaped neatly into the air, flipping once before finding solid footing on the platform of the Keyblade Glider.

Giving one last glance to the stranger, he crouched low to keep his balance on the vehicle as it angled upward and rocketed with him into the light.]

[Crazy promises. Somehow, that sounded familiar. But if there anything more to say, it was left as it was. For the moment that Roxas had taken up Lost Memory, the other boy began to glimmer and fade off. Although if he was bothered by it, he didn't seem to show it. Grinning in turn. Bright as the sun. A very Sora expression.]

I'm sure you will. [And he chuckled as he faded off although his voice continued.] After all, it's our friends that make our existence meaningful. Seems that still hasn't changed after all these years.

[And as the other faded, Roxas might have realized that the armor he had dawned... was now upon him as he shot off into that brilliant light.]

[And through that light he would travel. The time it took would seem to stretch on forever, even if it really might have all been a minute's worth. But then, an end finally gave way- and he found himself high in the air above the platform from before. And on it, there she was again, knelt before the Xion laying on the floor with her hand stretched out to grip the one in her weakened state by the scalp and take her, too.]

[By the time his senses readjusted to everything, he'd about realized that he really just needed to get used to having the world turn topsy-turvy on him without warning. Really, it seemed like the only thing he'd really be able to count on.

The armor was something... he wanted to say it was different, but the way it fit him so well and the way his body seemed to know on its own, how to adjust for the added weight just made it seem like another forgotten memory. And for now, he'd just have to let this underlying auto-pilot handle the adjustments for him.

He'd have time to think later.

When he emerged from the Lanes In Between, his eyes immediately took stock of his surroundings. The same room where not more than what must have been only moments ago, he'd met a defeat most bitter. And below him, he could see things unfolding as he'd expected. A great deal of realization had changed his understanding of how this was going to unfold; he may have the stranger's aid, but it didn't change the fact that what he was looking at was Xion's inner world. Even with this edge, he'd need to stay sharp if he was going to somehow stall out her inner demon until he could get through to her.

In this arena, his opponent was still just a little shy of being god.

Rather than announcing his presence, he just accelerated. His fight path was almost a direct drop as he came in at full speed. Somehow, he knew how the Glider performed and how it could handle. His plan had two points to it. The first was that he'd be coming in literally on top of his foe and with her proximity to Xion, he knew the Glider could shift its momentum almost instantly. This would allow him to both snatch up the girl in his arms while using the prow of the vehicle to ram his opponent.]

True that, I suppose.

It's just not in his nature to throw in the towel when he has reason to keep pushing

He can be pretty damned stubborn, I'll give you that.

But it's one of the reasons that make him a great muse to have.

In some ways, yes.

One of the reasons I'm fond of him anyway.

MAKES IT HARD TO GET PAST A PLOT THOUGH. DFOUDSFH F-FFFF.

Maybe you should structure your plots a little more openly. Just suggesting.

Perhaps. But usually when I can actually think of a plot for once, I feel compelled to follow it.

Talking tiemz

And confusion times apparently.

Time to see how this resolves itself.

Pretty much.

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1/2

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Ah good, I can make my own entrance.