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{Demyx, Zell, Nanaki .:. Disney Castle Town .:. Parade Grounds}

The Melodious Nocturne shrugged at Axel’s suggestion of a drink. He was right; there really wasn’t much else to do besides explore.

"Sure, we'll join you," Zell said, grinning at the flame-haired Nobody. "Name's Zell. Got anywhere in mind, or wouldja like a quick tour?"

Nanaki shook his head at Zell, rolling his eyes a little, but didn't argue about joining the Nobodies. He had some questions he would like to ask them, and if he knew two-legs, they'd probably imbibe some sort of revolting concoction that would loosen their tongues. He padded along behind Zell as the other joined the Nobodies, and looked around at the people left behind. Some were familiar to him from before the time that the party had split. He wondered if any others would join them for "drinks," if one could justify calling the things Zell quaffs a "drink." Nanaki would have gone for "poison," personally.



{Janex .:. Forbidden Mountain .:. Maleficent's Castle}

Echoes of her footsteps were the only things showing life in this dismal place. For now, anyway. Janex was disappointed at the respawn rate of Maleficent's little minions; she could shoot them all down before any more decided to stick their pig-snouts in, the cowards. Then again, she was disappointed in a lot of things. Not that there was anything in her life to be happy about; no, she was designed to never, ever be happy again. The mere thought made her want to kill things.

She'd picked the perfect little hide-out for that, though. Thankfully, Maleficent had left quite some time ago on whatever business the evil fairy had. Janex wasn't about to complain about an enormous castle with living target practice free for the taking.

As she walked, Janex brooded. It was amazing how easily she could understand the Nobodies now; all that occupied her thoughts (when her head was clear, anyway) was finding a way to restore the missing pieces of her heart. Sure, it was "stable," if you could call it that. Some might even argue that her heart was whole, if pitch-black. But she had all of Bobbi's memories, and she remembered being happy. The loss of that happiness was a constant pain, like acid, and it ate at her constantly. Sometimes it felt like her entire being was centered around that loss. Maybe it was; she never had gotten around to asking her "sisters" in Paris about the state they all were in. And she had certainly been in no mood to listen when she had first awakened.

Just as she passed by one of the rooms, Janex heard an unfamiliar voice proclaiming itself to be "the lead character." The sheer arrogance in that voice would have made her snort in derision any other time, except for one minor detail: some jackass was invading her sanctuary. In a flash she'd gone from her too-rare deathly calm to an even more lethal but infinitely more familiar rage. Her bow was in her hands in an instant, and the door to the room she'd heard the voice in shattered under the force of a black Blizzard spell. One arrow trained on the intruder almost immediately, though she was distracted for a brief moment by the sight of his stark naked body. Not bad, but not to her tastes. And anyway, he was an interloper, and he had to die. But first, some answers.

"Who are you and what the f*ck d'you think you're doing here?" Janex snarled.

[ Daniel ~ Shinra Headquarters ~ Shinra's Office ]

The Turk took a quiet, deep breath. As Rufus began his interogation debriefing, Daniel reviewed his memories again, for the zillionth time. The Atlantians, the mercenary crew, Helga, the Heart... and---

"Tseng informs me you encountered others like yourself... as an earthling, what can you tell us about them?"

He glanced up, watching the faces of Earthlings appear one by one on the wall behind the President. The new fearless leader, Joe. The Earth mage and healer, Noelle. The Witch... The Dragoon and original Ajora, Kyle. The Turk knew these individuals were going to be a hot topic, so he had prepared.

" They are exactly like me---" crossing his arms, Daniel continued, " Lived a simple peaceful life, thinking your world was nothing but a made up story. A game. And now they are here, and they are playing heroes."

The Turk's gaze drifted down from the earthlings, locking eyes with Rufus.

"It's hard to relay the sort mentality we have-- There is, or was, some level of ... privilege. We know a great deal about each world, and we learned about them as a childish pass time. But all Earthlings learned about the different stories and worlds from a brief perspective of a hero, an antagonist. Alladin in Agrabah, for example. Actually, Cloud is a much better example. We 'played' as him in visual, interactive games." Daniel posed his fingers as if he were holding a controller, twiddling the joysticks. "To come into these stories like we have, and to be given such generous powers--", The Turk briefly summoned his blades sheathed, "--- We essentially are thrust into our own childhood fantasies as the MVPs of the story."

He leaned back in his chair and looked up at the display, briefly considering which Survivor was most likely to think this way. He had to admit that kyle was likely the least, as long as a Ajora was any indication.

"They are in what seems like direct contact with the forces of light, and they are pretty much playing a role like Cloud or Alladin. On some grand quest with the 'light' backing them. But that notion of 'difference' between themselves and the rest of this world gives them a huge weakness."

Daniel looked back at Rufus, still relaxed.

"They think they are invincible. They think they can take on anything if they just try. Running headlong into danger, leaving their partners behind, quick to give away their advantages..." He rubbed the back of his head, " I tried to depend on them in battle, and it was a mess"

[ Kyle, Sora, Riku : Disney : Parade Route --> Hall of the Cornerstone ]

After the fireworks ended and everyone began to move around, Kyle stood still, watching everyone. The small town was bustling with city-sized activity, with celebration. There were all sorts of carnival games going on, and restaurant specials, and booths, and--you name it, Disney seemed to have it. Still, Yen Sid called, and Kyle knew time was up. All the same, he stuck around for a couple moments--just long enough to get a strong look at "Master Aqua".

Shrugging, figuring he'd get some answers from the wizards, he followed the group in, Sora and Riku having gone in first. Just as he crossed through, he felt his lowered hood billow for a moment--odd, since there had been no actual interaction. Was it heavier?

After everyone passed through, the portal closed, leaving Mickey, the wizards, Kairi, Sora, Riku, and the survivors alone in the Hall of the Cornerstone.

Here, more than anywhere else, the Light's power could be felt. It was almost tangible, but no overwhelming, nor suffocating.

"Still no luck with her?" Sora chimed in, sounding a bit disappointed.

"No, we are still having trouble peering through the veil of darkness," Yen Sid replied, sighing as he strolled over to the Cornerstone, staring into its depths as if seeking for something. "If the stories of what happened in Atlantis are true, however, I am no longer confused as to why. These are dark times, indeed."

"Speaking of, what happened to the Cornerstone?" Riku asked, analyzing it with a curious gaze. "It certainly wasn't this powerful when we stopped by here a few days ago."

"By gathering the Princesses of Heart, we were able to amplify the stone's strength. It resonates with their purity," he explained, never glancing away from the massive crystal. "A fortunate surprise, if I am to be honest. With the growing forces of Darkness, we sought to gather the princesses, as well as the many peoples, within our fortified defenses. Of course, that made your quest all the more vital."

"Uh... why?" Sora asked, confused, as Riku gave a raised brow.

Yen Sid heaved a sigh, his entire body seeming to move with the breath, as if he was constrained by some heavy weight.

"We discovered too late that Mickey was not the only person to go missing in the Darkness," he finally said. He seemed uncharacteristically hesitant. "Kairi was abducted as well."

There was a brief, half second pause in which Sora and Riku both looked at Kairi, not believing him, but all it took was a sheepish glance from her--

--and the two exploded in a rage that only the closest of friends could understand or muster.

"EXCUSE ME?!"
"WHY WEREN'T WE INFORMED?!"
"YOU SHOULD HAVE TOLD US--"
"--WE SHOULD HAVE KNOWN--"

Both were silenced by Yen Sid raising his hands and turning his gaze, and for the first time since they'd met him, he didn't look angry. They held their tongue, but still simmered with anger.

"It was my decision not to inform you, and I did so because there was nothing you could have done," he said, turning now to face them completely. "You had your missions, as I had given, and while you were busy, I used what resources we had to search. When she didn't turn up any more than Mickey or Aqua, I knew that she was in Darkness... and that's when a stranger arrived to bring the king and Kairi back."

"We're fine now, fellas," Mickey said, giving them an encouraging smile. "That's what matters. Master Yen Sid knew you'd just beat yourselves up either way."

Kairi walked up between the two as Mickey spoke, taking both their hands in hers. When they turned to look at her, she simply gave them a reassuring smile. "I'm okay, guys. No point in being angry about it."

Sora grumbled under his breath. Riku sighed, releasing his tension--no doubt with the help of the Cornerstone--before shrugging.

"Alright then. What's done is done, and we can talk it out more later," he said, looking back to Yen Sid with a simple nod. "But that can't be why you brought them all here with us. What's going on, Master?"

Yen Sid's expression grew tight again as he gazed over the Earthlings. Even Merlin seemed apprehensive--even a bit melancholy, by the look on his face.

"Many of you were told, when you first started this journey, that by gathering the wise, learned individuals of the world, we might accumulate enough knowledge to understand what happened to your home," he said, and his words even managed to perk Sora's interest above his earlier frustration. "You have done well in your task, without failure. You deserve the accolades I spoke of earlier. We, however... have not been so fortunate. And for your efforts, you deserve to know the truth."

"Of those gathered so far, not one of us has read or heard word of any world matching your description," he explained, sighing as he bowed his head with closed eyes. "A few of us have been world travelers for as long as we can remember. Merlin and I in particular have traveled the cosmos extensively throughout the years. And yet, all knowledge of a world called Earth eludes us."

"We shall not stop searching for answers. We cannot stand idly by as you lose your home any more than we could those of other worlds. Furthermore, we are in your debt for your efforts. We will continue on," he said, opening his eyes once more to gaze at them. "But sadly, as many of you may now understand, the search cannot be our top priority. What happened in Atlantis is only the beginning. If we are to help you, then we must first save ourselves."

"And therein lies why we have gathered you all here in the city today. We cannot, in good conscience, expect you to keep helping us when we cannot yet return the favor. This battle is no longer for you, but for us," the wizard went on. "You have fought hard, travelers. Some on the field, some here, with our people, some just surviving to arrive here today. You have earned that æthecite gemstone. But now that you know the truth, know that you have no obligation to us. No more battles. No more fighting for survival. You may live your lives here, or wherever, peacefully, and should the time come, we will do what we can to restore your world for you. If you so wish, you are free to go."

[[ Note: I half expect this post to have errors or, in some other way, be misunderstood. If I contact you after your response to make you fix something, let this be a disclaimer that pretty much 100% of the issues are my fault. ]]

{James : Disney : Parade Route -> Hall of the Cornerstone}

James remained silent throughout the entire ceremony, he would catch up with Michelle soon enough and simply gave her a small kiss when she joined his side. He was glad that Mickey was back, the Kingdom of Disney was surely all grateful for his safe return and would surely need his help from now on to keep it safe. As James took his æthecite stone, he clipped it onto the pirate medallion necklace that he wore and as he did it took on a crimson red color laced with black, his two favorite colors. It was at that time that Yen Sid then requested that he speak with all of them and opened up a portal to take them some place else. As Kyle unleashed his magnificent display of light and fireworks the corsair couldn't help but unleash a few blasts of Lunar Energy into the sky, the blasts from his hexagun taking on the form of a crescent moon and stars briefly before vanishing. His focus turned briefly to the large screen that Genie had transformed into, displaying a daily reminder regarding a woman the corsair had never seen before. A name that the corsair committed to memory.

'Master Aqua... Never heard of her before,' The gunner thought as he walked into the portal.

When he stepped out on the other side he was in the vast white hall that was the Hall of the Cornerstone right as Sora and Riku were both freaking out at Yen Sid because apparently Kairi had been captured just like Mickey had and no one had informed them. However, they seemed to calm down regarding it fairly quickly. The wizard then turned his focus to the Earthlings and began to explain that they had not discovered anything regarding Earth or what had happened to it. The corsair hadn't had that part explained to him when he had started his journey after reaching Disney Castle, but it didn't matter. He was sure those answers would become apparent eventually. The wizard then continued to explain that they wouldn't stop searching. However, it would be put on the back burner until they could save themselves, which was fair enough. The entire realm of light was at war against the darkness.

The last thing the wizard said though completely surprised the corsair, that they had no obligation to help them any further. That the Earthlings could walk away from the fighting and the war and all of the problems that they were facing if they so chose to. The gunner was admittedly hurt a bit. Though he knew Yen Sid didn't mean they weren't still useful, he just meant they had the choice to stop now. The corsair in good consciousness could not do that.

"I'm with Joe, I'll keep fighting. We weren't given these weapons and summons just to sit by idly and do nothing with them. Plus, the replicas are basically our darkest selves, as such, we are somewhat responsible for their creation, as well as the chaos that I am sure they are causing right now," the corsair stated, not even needing to give the issue a seconds thought.

{{James has gained immunities to stun and silence}}

[ Noelle ~ Red Rose ~ Hall of the Cornerstone ]

Despite the serious undertones to Yen Sid's speech, Noelle couldn't help but feel joy, and even pride, standing with her comrades on that pedestal. Despite all that had happened that morning, and feeling as if things were futile and worse than ever, the blonde was now recharged by the spirit of the crowd. She smiled widely as she was presented the crystal heart along with all the other Earthlings, picking it up and watching as it turned a light green. As things transitioned into the celebration's festivities, she slipped it on to her wrist. The gem was a small token, but represented so much.

As the others began moving through the portal, Noelle glanced around for Prote. He was lingering behind, trying to appear as inconspicuous as possible. The girl waved to him, motioning for him to follow. He took that as permission granted and followed her in, taking place behind her. From there, the conversation turned a lot more serious. Noelle couldn't help but frown at the news about Earth. If it hadn't been for the Cornerstone, the news might have been more devastating. As of the current moment however, Noelle was only disheartened. Though what really turned her thoughts was Yen Sid's release of their service. They were no longer under request to fight. That meant so much for them, and in so many different ways. As the others stepped up to decline, Noelle pondered.

"I think . . ." She began tentatively, appearing to be turning things over in her mind, "We can do it. Which isn't to be overly presumptuous. What we're up against is . . . well, impossible. But we can't stop fighting now, not because of that. Not even because we're at a standstill in our attempts to get back home. That should be even more reason to keep going--who's to say Earth will ever be recovered? I mean, of course we hope and pray and want nothing more than to be able to bring it back but . . . there's always that possibility that we can't. In which case, we definitely can't stop fighting. Because we have a second home now. Here. We have to defend that."

((Noelle has gained immunity to Silence and Berserk))

[Kyla: Disney/Streets> Hall of the Cornerstone]

Cue: Kaine
The cornerstone would have its work cut out for it.


While she knew Yen Sid’s word were an act of kindness, a gesture of good will- and honest empathizing offer to let those unable to go any farther a reprieved with no guilt attach or scorn or judgment. To those who needed it she understood the relief it would bring.

But for her, such a simple gesture caused a storm of clashing elements inside her already sick and sore heart that all she could do was stare in silence.

Stop? Stop fighting? But what about everything else? How was there any other choice???
Even replicas aside, there was still- as Noelle pointed out- everything else!
What about the Darkness? That thing they all saw- what were they supposed to do? Play house somewhere and pretend it never happened? Sometimes there were certain levels of denial were just impossible!
What about the Earth? Oh- they just wait and see if they found out a way to fix it??

No, she had to fight to bring it back- what other reason did she have these powers? These powers… how they would have changed her life if she had them back then.

What about her family. This was more than just bringing back some planet- it was more than just a world- Earth was.. special somehow- and while she didn’t quite understand why it was more than a hunch of gut feeling she just knew- in the end Earth’s continued absence, it’s loss was at the center of this- or at least connected to it.
And what about ‘her’? She was still out there, and there was no way Kyla could just ignore her-
And Kai.
Even if Kyla was crazy and stupid enough to drop everything and run, Kai would NEVER- EVER…EVER leave her alone forever. If Kyla knew enough about herself then, no.. Kai would not let it end. Eventually that dark mage would come for her.

Was this a joke?

Some cruel, horrible, mean spirited joke?

No, the wise wizard was not cruel- he couldn’t be could he?
As he described the horror they would be facing should they choose to stay- a tight heartbreaking pain erupted inside her and the cornerstone was the only thing strong enough to put a cap on it. It made her eyes mist and remembering Kyle she tried to calm herself and let the cornerstone do it’s thing but , it just kept bubbling up.Everything. It was so frustrating how she kept falling to pieces all over the place-!

Maybe it was because the cornerstone was there- it allowed her emotions to flow freely, the good and the bad- or sad. Instead of her usual self-inflicting constriction over her feelings, the cornerstone created an aura of calm- like it was OK to react in whatever way you were supposed to. Kyla wanted nothing more then to fight it this time, this was the LAST place she wanted to lose it.


This wasn't fair- it was just down right unfair! How dare he!
It wasn't anger, just hurt- like he thoughtlessly pointed out the elephant in the room. To dangle a fruitless useless dream of running away in her face like that.

No- it wasn't meant to be mean spirited, she reminded herself again.
It was an earnest offer- and she kept that in mind, but of all the things, this- this was the one thing she felt so helpless over. If there was one thing this journey had taught her was just how shackled she was to fate.

If she struck out on her own it only made things worse. Surely if she ran- that would only play into the hands of the enemy- and besides…
Glancing from each person in the room-
How could Kyla even think of abandoning those who chose to fight. She had so much yet to apologize for.
She couldn’t live a lie, she couldn’t live with herself accepting such a shallow dream.

Her chest hurt, her face felt hot, and the world was getting foggy from the water pooling behind her glasses. She could feel Maggie noticing the change in her composure, and fearing she’d cause a scene and disrupt the talk Kyla summoned her book back and stuck her nose in it- like she was suddenly taking down notes.

Actually that wasn't such a bad idea. So pressing pen to paper- she began to free draw whatever came to mind, and found it remarkably calming.

[Anthony ~.~ Disney ~.~ Hall of the Cornerstone]

"I agree with Noelle," Anthony said. "I mean, look at what we've accomplished these past few days. Not that long ago, we were average people living average lives. I went to college and had a crappy job checking in the shadiest people on the planet into crumby motel rooms. But now... now I could do this."

The young man lifted the nearest Earthling, Zeba, over his head with one hand without breaking a sweat. "A few days ago, I could barely lift a chair over my head with both of my hands." He put the girl down and dusted his hands.

"We've acquired superpowers and not to be cliche, but with great power comes great responsibility. Whether it's outside or inside the castle. We may not have chosen the hero life, but the hero life chose us, and I think that means something."

The knight stopped and turned to Noelle. "Though I do disagree with one thing. What we're facing isn't impossible." Anthony turned back to face the rest of the group. "Facing the darkness is as impossible as shooting lighting from my fingertips--and you know what? I can totally do that now. Maybe it was impossible a few days ago, but today... today it's a walk in the park."

[Nick :: ???? :: ????]

...Noelle?

Hey, I know we just spoke recently and you're already over talking to me, I'd imagine, buuuuuut, I need a favor. Y'see, you're staff-wielding friend? You know, the one with the forever Grumpy Cat disposition? Yeah...you know who. Anyway, pretty sure he broke my ribs. Sooo...can I get a heal?

...Oi, are you here?

Nick remained silent for a moment, eyes closed. Every time he tried to connect to the seal, the connection went dead. Every word he said seemed to echo back to him. Did she die? No, he would have felt her life slip away. Then where was she? Dammit, he needed that heal and where was she? Not there. He frowned, tapping his chin in thought. One option popped into his head, and Nick felt his stomach tie into a knot.

Oh man, I really don't want to ask her for help, but...

He looked skywards, and let out a sigh before focusing on the charm around his wrist.

Oh, Miss Elleon, as much as it kills me inside, I need your...assistance.