Kingdom Hearts : Heartfelt Adventure {Day 8 ; Invite Only}

[Quiet Daydreamer]

Sayrike: razz ort Royale::Clearing

Sayrike's mind was already planning when the man put his hand on her shoulder. Well, that's a little forwar--urk! Suddenly, everything around her turned into jumble of colors, and she felt as if she was thrown forward or on one of those simulation rides, like the Star Tours one at Disneyland as they jumped into hyperspace. She blinked, mouth agape. They were in the clearing! So that must be how they got to the gallows area so fast. Or, at least that's how this man did it. But he hardly gave Sayrike a moment to think about what had just happened before continuing speaking. Sheesh, he acts like I'm supposed to know what's going on, she thought, a little hurt because he seemed to be reprimanding her. Sayrike was always trying to be the best she could be for someone, to live up to and beyond their expectations. So, when people criticized her or were unnecessarily harsh, she took it to heart. Immediately she withdrew emotionally and detached herself from the situation, almost like a mental safety precaution, and adopted a more polite (albeit aloof) demeanor. However, this was all so she could focus more on getting things done according to the way the man wanted it. There was no fight, no outburst to defy his apparent distaste for her; was was the point of sowing animosity?

Although, I don't see what the rush is; it's not like they couldn't take care of anyone who comes their way. Plus, it would take a bit for the soldiers to work up some nerve again after that display, she said to herself as she gathered her dress and looked for the familiar gleam of her surfer. This didn't seem to be the type of man where words were required--only action. Sayrike forewent her usual apology that she might ordinarily use in this situation, clamped up, and cleared her mind so that she only focused on gathering her stuff as soon as possible. Luckily the man had taken her to the other side of the train right by the surfer's hiding spot, so she couldn't see much of the group on the other side of the train. Good, less interaction while she jogged over to the thicket, carefully gathered up the bits of metal and the ripped solar sail and made sure not to leave anything, and walked back over to the waiting man. Sayrike smiled courteously, "That's it. I wasn't going to take very long."

Soooo...now what? It's not like they had invited her on board the train, and it would be really, really rude of her to just jump over there and say, "Hi, how's it going, I'll be joining you today to wherever you're going and whatever you're doing, don't mind me, I'll just butt in, knowing nothing about anyone here!" Instead, she just stood at attention a respectful distance away from the man and awaited a signal from him.  

[fractalJester]

[ Zexion ; Sora ; Kyle : Port Royal : Gallows -> Train's Clearing ]

"Thank you," he responded, bowing his head and no longer bearing any sort of displeasure on his features. Indeed, he seemed entirely apathetic. "Now, I apologize for my earlier rudeness- there was simply no time for proper etiquette."

It was as if the person in front of her had done a complete reversal of attitude. However, this was Zexion's modus operandi. Business came first and foremost above all things; however, one should never forego manners unless it can't be avoided.

"My name is Zexion, once member of the Organization XIII, now aid to Sora, Riku, and King Mickey, the Keyblade Masters," he said, bowing as he did so. He twisted to the side to allow her to pass toward the group. "The others from your lost homeworld are this way."

"Hey Zex, you got her to come back after all!" Sora shouted, waving her over with a smile just as Joe, Louis, and Quistis arrived.

At that point, two Zexion clones exited the Corridor that everyone had come through, the Darkness vanishing moments later. Suddenly, the Zexion next to Sayrike vanished, as did the one not holding Quistis' whip. The only one left was holding her whip, looking down at her.

"I... remember her," Zexion said, a look of slight interest and confusion on his face- the first instance of this is quite some time. "Quistis Trepe... she was a teacher in Radiant Garden."  

[fractalJester]

[ Ivan Ooze : Angel Grove : Volcanic Lair ]

"Well, that's just faaantastic!" he said, spreading his arms with joy as a giant grin enveloped his face. "Just imagine what this means! We could get those annoying Power Rangers in here, too! I'm just oozing to test it out!"

Turning around to face the working slaves, Ooze sneered somewhat. "BREAK TIME. Back to work in 5 minutes!"

The humans all sluggishly dropped their equipment and left their spots, heading to the tents to... do nothing, from the looks of it.

"Anyway~ Now, these two can cause some distracting havoc in the city, yes?" he turned to ask Lugae, rubbing his goatee-like-growth on his chin as he thought. "I've been meaning to make a personal visit with a friend, and I can't have those pesky brats interfering, capiche?"  

[AldrickZearse]

[Quistis: PR: Clearing]

Quistis thought she was going to die, her body left to hang in the gallows for this town to see. And when she dropped, she didn't shed a tear like she thought she would've.

When she kept dropping, and landed in someone's arms, she was more than shocked, and wasn't too keen when she heard the male speak to her.

"Oi, don't worry, just getting you out of here A.S.A.P. Don't have time to deal with your bindings just yet, but you'll get to see the sky soon. Promise."

As she was carried she could feel a dark presence for a moment amongst the wind rushing past her from the running the male seemed to be doing, but being masked and shackled left her little options.

Of course, once the girl was set down on the ground, her mind already trying to figure out just what was going on.

"I did promise you this."

And suddenly, the woman was wincing as light flooded her eyes, the mask coming off and letting her face breathe. Oh, that was definitely nice.

"Uh...guys? We got another...uh...um...look?"

She stared at the male that apparently carried her, who was looking at her like she had five heads. Of course, she knew she didn't look that great. Jail doesn't exactly mean showers every day.

"I... remember her. Quistis Trepe... she was a teacher in Radiant Garden."

The woman looked at the male that knew her position, and blinked at him. Looked him up and down. Nope, not a clue who he was.

"I am. And who are you and how do you know who I am?" Mind you, this would seem more...something, if she wasn't shackled.  

[Sousei Tatsu]

[Cory .:. Hook's Ship .:. Deck]

Cory sighed, snapping his fingers as the portal he summoned blinked out for a moment before returning. "I'll answer your questions elsewhere, Alan. I prefer not to be in the presence of that genocidal guado, as I fear he might snap at any moment and decide NOW is a good time to start 'freeing everyone of their agony' by burning them alive." the rogue couldn't help but inwardly smile at his own words. Cory knew that everyone knew what kind of person Seymour was, but they were all bottling it inside, hoping he really was a good guy. He turned and made his way for the portal, hands in his pockets as he looked back over his shoulder from the threshold of the portal. "You two coming? Or have you lost your nerve to speak with a madman? Either way, you'll be in the presence of a monster, as I wouldn't trust that spiky-fingered walking death bomb as far as I could throw a house. Which isn't very far."  

[Kaegoe]

[Dawn : Port Royal : Train Clearing]

Dawn watched as the group made it back to the train. She sighed not realizing she had been holding her breathe. Everyone was safe and sound. Her eyes went over to where Zexion was standing and she noticed another person with him. It took her a couple of moments recognize her.

"Oh, its you," Dawn said as she walked over to Sayrike with a small welcoming smile, "I don't know where Zexion managed to find you. But glad to have you on board. I didn't get a chance to introduce myself before. My name is Dawn. Whats your name?"  

[Bard of Lore]

{Kyle : Angel Grove : Hook's Ship}

"It's fine Dani. I didn't expect you to follow me. This...could be dangerous. You just joined us. Don't want to expose you to too much danger just yet. You might get the wrong idea that we just attract danger." He said, grinning at the thought. "Kichi will take care of you. Besides, got the whole big group back there. They could do a much better job of getting you what you need and getting you up to speed than I could." Finishing, he looked back to Cory, watching him open up the portal.

"I wouldn't say we've lost our nerve. Just curious to know where we might be going. I doubt you'd open a portal that would lead us to instant danger, but one can never know." Kyle said as he stepped forward, looking into the portal, seeming to try to peer into the very heart of the darkness. It was so...intriguing. To be able to manipulate the darkness in ones heart, use it, twist it to connect to corridors of darkness...leading anywhere. And he didn't seem to have trouble doing it. Which was indeed interesting. He'd expected at least some trouble.

Pondering Cory's ability to manipulate the darkness, without any effort, or so it seemed, Kyle took a step forward towards the darkness. Then another, and another. Finally, he stood just off to Cory's side, yet again looking into the darkness. Turning his head back to Alan, he smiled a bit. "Into the lair of the beast, neh?" He said, no mocking tone to his voice, just excitement, a small way to attempt to lighten the mood.  

[Quiet Daydreamer]

Sayrike: razz ort Royale::Clearing

Sayrike wasn't entirely surprised when the man lost his sharp edge. People usually did that when they saw that you were willing to comply and do your best. It was still nice for him to apologize, though Sayrike, like a hurt dog, would always be wary before acting any way other than cordial toward him. It wasn't dislike; she had simply learned a lesson that he was all about business and professionalism.

Even though Sayrike had resolved to take everything in stride, what the long-haired man said next made her raise an eyebrow in incredulity. "Zexion? A member of Organization XIII?" The corner of her mouth twitched. "A-a-ah, well, it is nice to meet you. And thank you very much again for your help earlier." Sayrike returned the bow. And that's when someone else who was very familiar showed up from around the other side of the train. She smiled at the spiky-haired adolescent, and once the smile was up, she almost couldn't take it back down (but she managed somehow). This did little to betray her inside self, which was jumping up and down, squealing: Oh my GOD, you've got to be KIDDING ME...

...these guys are the most hardcore cosplayers EVER!

~~~~~~~~~~

Well, at least that was her first thought. Sayrike was beginning to question her theories about where she was and who exactly she was with. Wait, the Heartless invasion, the battle in the darkness... She hadn't made any Kingdom Hearts connections before because there hadn't been any other evidence of it, just another seemingly random bit of fantasy and imagination stuck in the rest of this adventure story. If anything, it had been pirates after more pirates for her, but..this was new. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sudden disappearance of Zexion. Jesus, doesn't this guy do anything normal? she mentally yelped in surprise, and she saw that there was only one remaining triplet. Well, I guess they aren't triplets. Sayrike turned her attention back as the girl from before walked over to her. She was still in polite-mode, but now it was more of the way how she'd act at a dinner party or something--nice, friendly, even chatty, but still reserved to some degree. "Hello, Dawn. My name is...Sayrike. It's nice to meet you. I'm sorry, I would hold out my hand to shake, but I'm afraid it's rather occupied right now," she apologized, half laughing in a ladylike manner. "Haha. Although, I'm not really sure what I'm getting myself into right now." The fillet began to slip off of the top of her head, and Sayrike awkwardly juggled the pieces of metal to release one hand from its burden and realign the headpiece, but she quickly had to return the appendage to its task in order to avoid dropping everything. She wondered how she looked in the maid outfit, apron and all, but it was fun to be in and she didn't mind. Unfortunately, she had to return to the small talk. "I mean, I hope I'm not intruding or anything. But, you just seem to go around picking people up and all...I'm not quite sure what's going on." She added a hint of embarrassment to her smiling words, fulfilling the proper amount of humility. It wasn't the first time she marveled at the complex workings of the conversation. Gee, thanks, Erving Goffman, she scoffed internally. "So, if I may ask, who is everyone else here...?"  

[Raziel Hotokashi]

Jacob ║ Port Royal ║ Train Clearing

A lady, who later introduced herself as Dawn, came through the portal that sent him into the clearing and stood next to him. He gave her a quick smile before turning his attention to the tall, dirty blonde teen next to Sora. Wow...he looks just like me. Jacob thought. "Weezy, huh? I'm from Indiana. Yeah well, I didn't expect to end up there. Some soldier pissed me off and I spat on him. Didn't realize that man Mercer was watching. The both pissed me off. So..."

Jacob cut his sentence off short as a hairy man that stood about 5' and a head popped out the corridor of darkness carrying a body was quite recognizable. "Quistis!" Jacob rushed over to her side. "So, we've been rescued huh?" Jacob was curious as to who everyone was still. There was Sora, Kyle, Dawn, and Quistis, but as for the hairy blonde man, the man in all black, and the woman fumbling around with her bonnet, Jacob had no clue. "Hmmmm," he said aloud, not paying attention to what anyone was saying. "I believe a full set of introductions are in order!"  

[Sable Argent]

[Alan :: Angel Grove :: Hook's Ship Deck]

Alan smirked beneath his mask at Cory's comment on Seymour. This berserker was certainly blunt. He turned his head to face the Guado. "You certainly seem to have no shortage of detractors, Maester," he said, a hint of amusement creeping into the edge of his voice. "You've got your work cut out for you, don't you?"

Anyway, there was a very good chance that the corridor was a trap. When they went through, they would be totally isolated from the others. The chances of a lifeline being forthcoming were minimal, and Cory didn't seem likely to let them leave peacefully if they refused to take his side. But, it was probably their only option if they wanted to talk to Cory. And, he was confident in his newfound powers. He stepped up to the edge of the portal. The last one had been an . . . unpleasant experience. Alan wondered if he'd get used to this method of travel.

She was still trying to convince Alan not to go through with this. "Don't do this. Please! He's crazy and dangerous . . ."

"I appreciate your concern, but I really have to. Besides, we can take him, right?"

"I 'spose. . . and I can't really stop you. Just be careful, okay?"

"I will."

Alan was glad for her concern. It was nice to know someone was looking out for you, even if they did live in your heart.

Then, Kyle spoke up. Alan couldn't help himself:

"'Come into my parlor', said the spider to the fly/
'It's the loveliest little parlor you ever did espy.'"  

[Enji_Chou]

[Kyla: Hooks Ship >Corridor of Darkness]

Safe.

That's what she should be feeling, and for the most part she did.

The pain in her chest was getting duller and duller with every second. The Regen was working amazingly well, and Kichi, Nick, Axel and this girl were going to take her back for now.

But the lingering truth that she would be talked over like a sack of goods, soon to be returned to the custody of the Revblade user, left a cold and uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Danger would soon come to claim her again, and perhaps she deserved it. She owed him her life like it or not, and one day that debt had to be repaid. For now, Kyla turned her head, looking over to where Kyle, Alan and Cory who approached the portal to wherever they were to go 'Talk-things'over', and whispered.

'Please be careful.'

This was all for her sake, they were walking into the unknown for her sake. Guilt and conern over thier own safety tugged at her heart till she had to shut her eyes and buried her face into the closet thing she could find. Blood would smeer the front of Kichi's robes when she did this, but it wasn't a problem, both dresspheres would clean themselves once the bleeding stopped.

"They must come back." she said quietly. "They have to. Or I'll not forgive myself."
Both Kyle and Alan had shwn themselves to be brave and true people, with a keen intellegence to copmpliment those qualities.
It would be a shame to loose them so quickly, before they even got to talk. Become friends as well as fellow travelers on this unsettling and unpredictable journey.

They had to come back.
 

[Sousei Tatsu]

[Cory .:. Hook's Ship .:. Deck]

Cory grinned before he made his way through the darkness, flipping off Seymour over his shoulder. As soon as Alan and Kyle entered the portal, it would vanish and prevent Seymour from following...

[Halloween Town .:. Graveyard]

Cory came through the other side of the portal into the familiar graveyard. It was the same place he'd first spotted Zeba, and a place he was certain he would not be followed to. He sat upon a tombstone and waited for his guests to arrive through the portal. "Screw that guado. If he won't let me speak to them in private at a known location, then I'll do so at an unknown location."  

[fractalJester]

[ Seymour ; Hook : Angel Grove : Hook's Flying Ship ]

As Cory continued to taunt the Maester, he remained quiet, simply remaining in place with the air of confidence refusing to leave his presence. What did it matter to him, if a madman proclaimed what may or may not be his intentions?

With the final disappearance of Kyle, Alan, and Cory, that merely left the people who'd yet to enter through, as well as Hook.

Interesting. He believes I cannot feel the presence of Darkness, or lack there of. I wonder where he's headed...

No matter. For Hook's sake, I certainly hope the ronin doesn't keep them too long.  

[Kichi Kuronagi]

[Kichi :: Hooks ship :: Deck -> Angel Grove :: Outside Red Rose]

Kichi looked at Alan. More like shot him a look, filled with expectation, and hope. Whether he interpreted that hope as towards making peace, or just hope for his return, was up to him.

Kichi looked down at Kyla as she buried her face in his chest. Normally he'd be a little squeamish about having someone else's blood on him, but his clothes would clean themselves, and now wasn't the time to complain. He picked his words carefully. "They'll be okay. Alan has a good sense of right and wrong, and they're both capable. I'm sure they are both able to handle whatever happens." He held her firmly, and went through Axel's portal, arriving back outside the Red Rose before long.

He looked around for a second, and found a small part of the ground that he could set her down on where she could lead against the Red Rose. He put her down there carefully, and kneeled next to her, inspecting the wound. "It looks mostly healed by now...You'll be okay soon." He looked her in the eye, with a look of concern in his own eye. "If there's anything i can do...please, let me know. Whether I could have prevented this or not..." He paused. 'No, that's not it is it. It's not that I feel responsible. It's because...' "You're my friend."  

[Kaegoe]

[Dawn : Port Royal : Clearing]

Dawn smiled more as the girl finally introduced herself. She seemed rather shy of them. Though Dawn could hardly blame Sayrike. She was surrounded by a group of strangers. Dawn knew she was lucky to met with two people she knew when she joined. This girl knew no one.

"Don't worry, maybe I can help you with some of that," she said reaching out with a friendly hand to take a couple of her items to lighten her load, before she proceeded to answer her questions the best way she figured how, in a more sober voice, "Trust me I didn't know at first when I got her. I am not sure all of us know what we are doing anyway. Though one thing that you can say binds us, we have all lost something. Our friends, our family... our home..."

Dawn finished the last of her explanation while looking away towards the train and the group of Earthlings outside. She didn't know very many of them, but she was certain that they were all in the same boat as here. A feeling Dawn couldn't explain, just knew.... Maybe it was that dream they all had the night before, she couldn't say.

After several moments, Dawn shook her head turning towards Sayrike once more, smiling slightly as she linked her arm with the girl's.

"Come on, lets get you settled in. And talk to Kyle about getting you some new clothes," Dawn said with a slight wink, noting the state of the girl's clothes. Ignoring any protest the girl might give as she started to pull her by her arm towards the group outside the train.