Kingdom Hearts: Heartfelt Adventure, Volume Two {Day 11}

[fractalJester]

[ Kyle : Thebes : Coliseum Entrance ]

Once everything had settled down, Kyle took a moment to look over the list of activities and the list of gods, chewing his cheek in thought. Extroverted though he was, large crowds and massive activities still made him mentally seclude himself rather than trying to keep up with every little thread of conversation or events--hypersensitivity was one of the more annoying flaws to have. Still, he set upon a plan of action before looking for Noelle.

"I'm off to the temple, I think," he said, lightly kissing her forehead. "Need to check in on some things. You're welcome to come if you'd like."

Then he set off for the party-house of the gods.  

[AldrickZearse]

[Joseph: Thebes: Coliseum Entrance]

Distracted, and mildly uncomfortable by the attention, Joseph was off to the side, mostly contemplating what god to choose. Still. He still was so unsure...but he had a feeling he might have chosen one.

And once he felt comfortable in that, he started to wander. He let a few people know, and the charms were always an option if they needed him. But he was wandering, getting somewhat lost in the magic of the world, learning it as he wandered. Where he'd wander, he wasn't sure, but he was definitely learning something for his geomancy practices as he walked.  

[phoenixianCrystallist]

{Bobbi, Demyx, Zell, Nanaki, Yuffie .:. Thebes .:. Coliseum Entrance}

Bobbi was jostled a bit in the hustle and bustle of the Coliseum. Not like there were twenty plus people currently milling about in her group alone, or anything. Plus, she was short. And a klutz, condensed time training aside. As the group did their things, she stood on tip-toe and craned her head in a vain effort to see past anyone's shoulders.

"Need help, midget?" Demyx asked, sly grin on his face. Bobbi glared at him for roughly one twenty-fourth of a heartbeat, then considered him. She pursed her lips, eying the Nobody up and down, and then smirked her wicked little smirk.

"I could climb you," she said, hint of a snicker in her voice, "but what kind of an impression would that make? The Great Heroes have to give one of their own piggy-backs just so her miniature a** can see s**t. Thanks, but no thanks." She softened her words with a laugh, because she truly hadn't meant any insult by it and always invited jokes at her height's expense. Demyx shrugged as if it didn't matter—which hey, it really didn't—and looked around himself. Bobbi ignored him for the most part, as a gap in the crowd had let her see some of the market stalls. One of those stalls seemed to carry shiny things. And, being the naturally curious little kitty-cat that she was, Bobbi's interest was piqued. Without a word—unless someone accosted her, of course—she wound her way through the people towards the market, and noticed Joseph heading in the same general direction. She sidled up and nudged him a little to get his attention.

"Well hey there, handsome," she said in her worst southern accent (because she didn't have a best one)."Goin' my way?"

Demyx, meanwhile, found himself a relatively out-of-the-way spot that was still near enough to the group to not get separated, and pulled out Arpeggio. He took a second to tune it, mostly just to give his fingers something to do since the instrument never really needed tuning anyway. After that second he simply let his fingers wander over the sitar's strings, letting one note feed into the other in whatever order sounded good.

Zell studied the board with the list of events and gods, foot a-tapping as he considered. And considered. He was joining the tournament, of course. He wasn't about to pass up a chance to show off his moves, and it had been far too long since the last time he had a friendly fight. It'd be nice to use his moves for fun instead of saving the world for once. No pressure except winning the match. No one died if he didn't. It sounded great!

But which god? That was the real question. So he stood there, one hand on his chin, frowning in concentration as he pondered.

Nanaki sniffed the air, sampling the aromas of the various foods available. He briefly considered exploring, but decided instead to pad into the Coliseum proper to see if he could get an idea of the kinds of people they would be facing.

"I thiiiiiink I'll go… Hm. Somewhere?" Yuffie mused to herself. She wandered in an ever-widening circle, not sure where she wanted to explore first. But she also didn't want to wander too far from the Coliseum just in case she got lost. Not that she could get lost! She was the Great Ninja Yuffie, the Single White Rose of Radiant Garden, there was no way she could get lost.  

[Enji_Chou]

[ Kyla /Feather: Thebes: Coliseum Entrance]


Kyla was immediately enthused by the offer, but was hard pressed in deciding which one of the deities she’d want a blessing from. The first initial reaction made her think a magically inclined one would be a good idea, but as she mulled it over- something else occurred to her.

She needed a second opinion on this and that’s wheeen-
“ Hey…heeeeey-“ she turned to notice Feather standing a arm stretch away looking at her with that look, the ‘ I know your stuck with something’ look. “So? What is it?”

The artist crossed her arms and voiced her concern; “Well... as tempting as it could be to have a god or goddess proficient in magic to boost my powers or something of that ilk …I think it may not be the most prudent choice. It occurred to me, that the most likely area I might request divine intervention- may be in an avenue I’m not good at? Perhaps a god of war something of that area which I’m not so great- might be an option to choose to cover my weakness in a moment of peril.”

Feather nods, following that line of thought but something was being tip toes around.

“So what’s the problem?”

“Weeeellll…. That seems like a HUGE assumption of my own capabilities to begin with. Am I really so pig headed to think I won’t NEED any help to further my reach? Am I really that sure I WON’T need help with my magic sometime in the future? Sure I trained a full year, but what if this tournament reveals I’m not as skilled as I think I am? I mean what if I hit a road block an-nyaaaaa-!” By this time Feather had reached up and firmly yet carefully pat her head- the soft spot where her horn used to be- that got her attention, and it was less cruel than say a pinch or pulling ones ear.

“ Cut that out! S what even if that does turn out to be true? There can only be ONE champion- everyone else is going to get their arse kicked one way or another, but that’s not necessarily an indicator you SUCK at your job. It just means you have a weakness that can be exploited. Everyone has one! Even the tank over there-“ she thumb pointed towards Joe and Bobbi in the distance, but Kyla could figure Feather was mostly referring to Joe due to the lock down plethora of abilities she’ had the awe- and terror- of getting to see pile up. That guy was a nexus of skills and ‘gotcha!-powers that would surely draw a battle out for agonizing hours if need be.

“ugh…your right..” Kyla shuddered, praying Joseph was NOT one of those guys she got matched up with. Otherwise that fight was going to be excruciating. "Still- I'm almost positive finding the right mixture of smaller weaknesses to get something substantial enough to take him out is going to be like pulling teeth..." In unison the two warriors nod, looking on before absently starting to walk in that general direction as well.
"oiii!" Kyla called out towards Bobbi and Joseph.

 

[LevDa]

[Dani :~: Thebes :~: Coliseum Entrance]

Dani immediately put her hood up as their identities were revealed. She was still not used to being recognized in such a way. Besides, being noticed is not good for someone like her on multiple levels.

As for the crowded areas, Dani was reminded of those times that she went traveling with her parents. All the cities blurring together as people walked with a purpose and in excitement. This time however, she was not with her parents or her friends back home. She was alone.

Dani for a few minutes decided to observe how the rest of the group before looking over at Jos- her “brother” now. He seemed to be wandering as Bobbi joined him as well as Kyla and possibly Feather. Dani immediately ran pass Kyla and Feather before going up to Joseph. She quietly reached out for Joseph’s hand with her own and just quietly walked with him. She had no destination in mind either but was happy to let him lead while she was looking around the area. Everything seeming new to her and just trying to take in as much as she could for enjoyment and information purposes.  

[AldrickZearse]

[Joseph: Thebes: Path to Marketplace]

"Hrm?" The white mage looked over at the person nudging and talking to him. It was Bobbi, and he looked forward towards the path he was wandering down. "I guess so?" He shrugged.

Then he turned as he heard an 'oi', seeing Kyla and Feather coming up to them, and watching as Dani darted around them and sliding next to him, grabbing his hand. He held her's, giving her a small smile, and turned forward. His smile was still there, but he was honestly slightly confused. He was semi-to-really close with these people, but he was just wandering. He didn't expect people to come with him.

Well, at least he'd be around people he knew, so he wouldn't get lost in the crowd. Hopefully. Or get anxious, but he was getting a lot better about that.  

[Enji_Chou]

[Kyla: Thebes: Path to the Market]

Kyla brightened seeing Joseph turn around and was about to say something when Dani darted passed her and Feather. The spritely brunet took the guys hand- and he just turned back ahead again leaving the black mage walking along behind them with a dumfounded look on her face.

She honestly didn’t know what to do with Dani’s unintentional ‘c**k blocking’ - for lack of a better term to explain the misdirection/interruption/distraction that just happened. For all her new rekindled friendliness, Kyla was awkward in a new way – it was a milder version of the old, when her actions fumble and she’d turtle back into herself to save embarrassment. Now standing there with her hands cupped over her mouth for volume, she sighed and let them fall to her sides again. Giving it up right then and there for now. That was the difference, She’d try again later if possible instead of giving it up all together.
Besides, Kyla could tell Dani was just happy to spend time outside now with her semi-adopted-brother. It was a new experience for her and the mage couldn’t help but indulge the other. Kyla just sighed and decided if she had a chance she’d ask the trio later.
Joe thought so differently from her sometimes it helped to probe his mind for a completely different perspective that might illuminate an angle she hadn’t considered. Dani might also have something to add, a detail she may have missed, Bobbi might just point out what Feather just said, but also shed some light on something Kyla might have missed simply because it was ‘too-obvious’.

For the longest time she felt the only introspection she needed was her own, but a lot had changed in the past-micro-year. It was while she continued to walk slowly behind them, observing quietly did something occur to her and it made Kyla look about as if just realizing the crowds existed again.

Cracking her summoned grimoire open as the artist thought it over-‘would the enchantments inhibit my chronicling as well?’ Might as well check, perhaps if it wasn’t used to copy information on targets- but rather just record the events visually..? It be a shame if she couldn’t sketch something for posterity sake? Especially if she got benched early, sitting in the bleachers she’d LOVE to draw what battle came to follow.  

[Faerdhinen]

[Feather: Thebes: Path to Marketplace]

Feather shrugged and walked over to Bobbi making sure Kyla was still making progress.

"I'm here for the shopping yes. Let's go!"
 

[Enji_Chou]

[Kyla: Thebes: Path to the Market]

" ...." she had been trailing behind the little group for a moment, still slightly disillusioned, it was odd how quickly she suddenly lost her mojo- maybe it was the jitters from the upcoming fight?

But just as soon as she began to over thinking everything all over again ... the previous Kyla would have just stayed behind and watched the group of friends longingly. She'd follow like a lost puppy perhaps, unsure of whether to close the distance- this time.

alrighty then- lets do it

She stopped a second, took her hands and slapped her cheeks- did a little gesture to pump herself up-
Took a deep breath aaand-
"HEY! Bobbi! Joe! Dani! Feather! I'm coming too please?!" she called out over the sounds of the crowd around them before rushing to join their little group. Remember- dun split the party too much!  

[Faerdhinen]

[Feather: Thebes: Path to Marketplace]

"Keep up will ya!" Feather laughed before speaking loudly.

"Yo anyone got good ideas for dog treats?"  

[phoenixianCrystallist]

{Bobbi .:. Thebes .:. Path to Marketplace}

"Peanut butter," Bobbi said. She glanced over her shoulder at Feather, and offered a grin. "You ever seen a dog eat peanut butter? It's hilarious. Also, pretty much any meat. I don't recommend jerky, it's too salty. If you can find dried pig ears or cow thigh bones, though, those are good. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand..." Bobbi wracked her brain as she stretched out the word, trying to think of all the treats her parents had ever gotten their dogs, and eliminating the ones that you probably couldn't find outside of, say, Walmart. "I mean, dogs will eat anything."

~:Tell them about the lava rocks,:~ Phoenix insisted, her faint laughter a warm tickle in the back of Bobbi's mind.

I tell everyone about the lava rocks, Bobbi laughed back. Besides, we're pretty sure Molly was part goat, so she doesn't count. I miss my Yucky Ducky...  

[Faerdhinen]

[Feather: Thebes: Path to Marketplace]

"Oh man, did they invent peanut butter yet? Or are even peanuts native to this area? I think the cow bones make the most sense here, speaking of the setting of course." Feather gave Bobbi a pair of finger guns as thanks.

"What are you guys buying though?"  

[Enji_Chou]

[Kyla:Thebes razz ath to the Marketplace]

At last the artist said caught up with their little group, just in time to hear the tail end of their conversation about butter and .... hmmm seemed they were simply thinking about buying food then.
"Ooh! Greek food is delicious- and I wonder if its made here will it be kinda traditional in that sense? Either way... mmmm I'm on the look put for something meaty! Gotta get enough energy." cause she'll be burning ALL OF IT in the fight.

As they walked together Kyla had some of her old hanits... like sketching their suroundings as always. Keeping her visual recird up to date. With her improved control, she utalized some of her observant skills to hasten her renditions of structures, people, ect.
"Was Thebes known for economics in the sense of travel or trade? Im asking because it seems we don't attract too many eyes. A relief if you ask me. So I wonder what other crazy lookin things these people have seen."  

[phoenixianCrystallist]

{Bobbi .:. Thebes .:. Path to Marketplace}

Bobbi returned Feather's finger guns with one of her own (preceded by a snap because that's how she finger gunned) and a wink. "I mean, this is the Olympics," she pointed out to Kyla, a faint chuckle to her voice. "I doubt we're the weirdest folks around. Not to mention how Donald and Goofy never really caused any double-takes in the... Um... In the uh... Can we really call them games? I mean, we played them, obviously, but man the more I think about it the more 'interactive trans-dimensional chronicles' makes sense as an actual descriptor rather than just a cover story. I mean, that all happened. For realsies." She tucked her hands into her jeans pockets, and pursed her lips as she let that reality sink in. ... Again. Eventually she'd stop having periodic existential crises about all this, but apparently that day was not today. It probably wouldn't be happening any time soon, either, considering she'd had, what, a year in hypercompressed spacetime to get used to it.

And all that happened, too, she thought, and clenched her right hand into a fist within its pocket. She felt the skin around her scar—the one she'd gotten in Narnia—stretch, not painful but there. A reminder of everything they had gone through. Her nails pressed into it, the pads of her fingers beneath the nails felt the texture of the scar tissue.

She shook off her contemplative mood, and flexed her shoulders to pop her neck a little.

"Anyway, I saw shiny things, that's why I'm heading this way. What about you, Jojo?"