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firstnothing[Video!]
[The video clicks on to focus not on Xemnas, but a rather sedate looking kadabra carefully picking burrs out of a blitzle's fur, the ever-present kadabra-spoon held in its teeth. Both have rather new looking and fairly loose black collars studded with small silvery ...studs, and a single bright silver charm a little too distant to make out clearly. Neither seem to mind said collars, possibly because they'd be able to get them off very easily if they wanted to. When Xemnas speaks, likely the one holding the camera, he sounds bemused.]
I have finally seen evolution in this world for myself, but not with one of the pokemon I have had the longest. Is it odd, that the abra I captured not so long ago, evolved so quickly into its next form? Or is this common for wild-caught pokemon? I have high hopes of seeing the second stage of Regret's own evolution soon.
[The blitzle notices the camera first and perks up visibly. Then begins making faces at it, no small fete for a horselike face. Aside from a slow flick of its rather fluffy tail, the kadabra doesn't bother to divert from its goal of burrs.]
Additionally the growlithe that had chosen to accompany me is still present. If anyone is desirous of having a free growlithe, alert me and I will bring it somewhere you can capture it. To the young man I purchased the gastly egg from: it is a remarkable creature, and one I suspect I will keep for some time. You must be very pleased with its parents.
[The video clicks on to focus not on Xemnas, but a rather sedate looking kadabra carefully picking burrs out of a blitzle's fur, the ever-present kadabra-spoon held in its teeth. Both have rather new looking and fairly loose black collars studded with small silvery ...studs, and a single bright silver charm a little too distant to make out clearly. Neither seem to mind said collars, possibly because they'd be able to get them off very easily if they wanted to. When Xemnas speaks, likely the one holding the camera, he sounds bemused.]
I have finally seen evolution in this world for myself, but not with one of the pokemon I have had the longest. Is it odd, that the abra I captured not so long ago, evolved so quickly into its next form? Or is this common for wild-caught pokemon? I have high hopes of seeing the second stage of Regret's own evolution soon.
[The blitzle notices the camera first and perks up visibly. Then begins making faces at it, no small fete for a horselike face. Aside from a slow flick of its rather fluffy tail, the kadabra doesn't bother to divert from its goal of burrs.]
Additionally the growlithe that had chosen to accompany me is still present. If anyone is desirous of having a free growlithe, alert me and I will bring it somewhere you can capture it. To the young man I purchased the gastly egg from: it is a remarkable creature, and one I suspect I will keep for some time. You must be very pleased with its parents.
[words]
Date: 2013-09-01 12:04 am (UTC)[A pause. How could someone know of his presence already? It was likely someone from before his transcendence into Terra's body, if Xemnas had no recollection of him. That narrowed it down significantly... it was just a matter of who.]
A boy? Describe him to me.
Are we not all here by design rather than will? The laws of this world have snared me, but it is of no concern. The strands of a net may hold the body, but ambition will see itself through. One does not need to break through the net to function when auxiliary tools exist, compliant and willing, to do one's wishes.
[various noises in a wordlike shape]
Date: 2013-09-01 12:13 am (UTC)[There is a brief rustle, and slightly in the background, an inquisitive whinny.]
Black hair. Yellow eyes, pale skin. An adolescent boy. 'Vanitas' is the name he spoke. He looks familiar to me though it is not him I know, but another very similar in appearance.
[A pause, and something that sounds suspiciously like a sigh, a sound edged in displeasure.]
Where one wishes to go and where one is sent are not always one and the same. Troublesome. It was too much to expect this world to allow a keyblade through I suppose. If you have lost all but ambition then concessions will have to be made until the barriers between this place and the next are properly riven.
[emphatic hand gestures]
Date: 2013-09-01 12:40 am (UTC)[Vanitas... of course. Having seen the boy face to face at last, the similarities were uncanny... something riven from Ventus having the appearance of Sora was a curious thing indeed.]
I know of both the children you speak. Vanitas came long before, a construct of darkness riven from a heart burgeoning with light, the action of one playing a hand too soon. A curious experiment. His connection to Sora may run deeper than appearance alone, although such an avenue has not yet been explored.
Troublesome, perhaps, but only if one lets it be so. Kingdom Hearts is in all worlds, it is simply a matter of learning to play the rules of this world against themselves. The path ahead may be obscured, but it is still entirely viable... detours are a necessity in the execution of plans such as these. Here, or anywhere else, my desires are not curbed even as my power is bound.
[more sounds]
Date: 2013-09-01 12:53 am (UTC)[It was very troublesome, though Xemnas doesn't voice the extent of his displeasure. Xehanort in this world and powerless was something that would have to be guarded, protected. If he dies then all comes undone, and Xemnas was dubious about the unkillability of people in this world. Would it prevent old age's death as well if they were trapped here for years?
It isn't a consideration that Xehanort himself might weigh, but Xemnas was going to have to. And take steps to make certain the old man was well-defended.
Very, very annoying. He had things to do.]
If you believe so, then I will bow to your greater experience and wisdom.
[A concession that's easy to make; he's not folding against an opponent. Xehanort is himself.]
However the longer we are here the more likely it is I myself may become a liability to that eventual goal. Be advised of its almost certain inevitability. Until then I will see to it that you have a proper defender, as it is unlikely your plaything will submit to your will as he has in the past, and this world is harsh in its own way. You are not as young as you used to be.
[Efficient, that. There's benefits to being nigh emotionless. Nevermind with hangups of the heart, getting down to business was more important.]
[blip blop]
Date: 2013-09-01 01:28 am (UTC)I'm certain that his version of events was quite amusing. In the end, he was simply a failure. Anything else is just his putting on airs to escape that label.
There is no need for such formalities. We are of the same stock, are we not? I have no reason to consider you lower than I. Through your travails the plan continued. It is through you that I have returned.
[Perhaps it's trite to state such things, but affirmations are essential in the forging of a proper alliance.]
There is little doubt that whatever has transpired here has changed Vanitas. Without the driving goal of the X-Blade and Ventus he would have had to make himself anew. In a kinder [and he laughs there] time perhaps with the proper pressures he could have presented a fertile vessel indeed. Now he is simply a trifling.
[Though Xemnas' words ring true. His reforming was in his true form rather than the body he had taken from Terra. Through careful use of magic and darkness he had staved off many of the side effects of aging, but now without such things he could feel the toll of a long life more easily.]
I presume such a defense would be in the nature of one of these Pokemon.
[beep]
Date: 2013-09-01 01:36 am (UTC)[They weren't exactly the same right now but if all went well in the near future they would be. Xemnas was content with that. They didn't spend decades working on a plan just to drop the ball now.]
Would that the X-Blade have been successful, none of this would have been required. Still, what is done is done. If this world remains stable there is a far more suitable vessel to be found than even Sora.
[A moment's pause.] .. It would, yes. There is a species I can acquire with reasonable ease called 'growlithe', a sort of fire breathing canine. In their unevolved state they are as small as a dog, but their evolved form is larger than most horses. They are known for their defensiveness and absolute loyalty. One such creature would serve as both guardian and steed, against any threat that rose up.
It is not a station I myself can take. I do not know how long I will be able to rule the heart I have been given, and I would prefer not to become an active threat to you myself. This creature would defend yourself as actively against me as against a hostile creature. It seems ideal for your immediate needs.
[Admitting weakness. It's never fun. But he hadn't expected to have a heart and Xehanort didn't have his keyblade to get rid of the thing, so he'd have to plan for his own possible defection.
... It's not overplanning. Not in their line of work.]
[weeoo weeoo]
Date: 2013-09-01 02:01 am (UTC)[Without his consent. Just like all the others.]
If you desire to make use of him, he is yours. Just know that should I have use for him I may borrow him for a time.
Had I perhaps not been so hasty in my measures... but I did not want those efforts to go to waste. In the end, it was Ventus who was the stronger... the blade could never be forged properly without an equal balance.
[Irony. All of this was for balance... why did the light rail against such things so?]
Oh? And who have you found? [Even without the power to split his heart, the notion of potential vessels is still pleasing.]
This creature sounds highly desirable. If one could be obtained I would be most grateful. Transportation is something of a difficulty...
[And he falls silent for a moment. A Nobody given the full sway of a heart... one regrown would be eased into, but the full measure of the thing at once would be overwhelming.]
Your position is understood. If need requires then I will deal with you as necessary. I would not underestimate the measure of my - and thus your - will, however... nor your continued dedication to our cause.
[The strength of will that could create both a Nobody and a human-form Heartless was something to be reckoned with, indeed.]
[womwomwom]
Date: 2013-09-01 02:22 am (UTC)[Very useful. Xemnas actually appreciated the pale youth's assistance and knowledge, as much as he could appreciate something. Vanitas' open willingness to be of assistance might be due to Xemnas being partly his master or not, but it made for a very refreshing experience.
Not having active competition is better yet, and if Xehanort needed Vanitas now and again, well, so be it.]
I have found it unusual, over the years of my own sampling of worlds, that the worlds do not balance themselves in respect to light and dark. In all other things they seek to stabilize themselves, from the land to the sky and everything on it or in it. It should be so, and yet it is not. Is it some sort of collective subconscious scar from the last war?
[There's the sense that his musing is just that, idle musing and nothing with a solid foundation or serious, extended thought. It's shaken off quickly, and he refocuses.]
I will describe this potentiality to you in person, as I do not know how secure these networks are. As I deliver the growlithe and the stone to force its evolution that too will be given.
[Just in case.] It may take me a handful of days to arrive at your location, should you be willing to supply it. There are other measures I can take to make this world a little less troublesome for you.
[Xemnas was thoroughly devoted to himself and his goals. As Xehanort was himself, and their goals are the same, such self-focus inevitably extended. For the time being; who knew if his heart would eventually interfere. Which is probably why he wanted to get things straightened out as quickly as possible.]
It is best to be certain there are preparations made in case I fail, nonetheless. I will see to such things myself, inasmuch as I can. Once I have provided what I can it may be wise for us to continue on our seperate ways. There are those in this world who recognize me and see fit to cause me trouble. Though they cannot know of you, 'guilt by association' would be an easy banner for these problematic individuals to take up.
[fwooosh]
Date: 2013-09-01 02:59 am (UTC)[Ah, his favourite subject of discussion. He pauses to gather his thoughts before continuing.]
The war has had more ripples and effects on things than can be counted. The universe is stilted, the scales are tipped, but yet the so-called defenders who espouse balance cannot see past their own shadows to understand the truth. They concern themselves with the predations of darkness on light without understanding that without the supremacy of light there would be no need for such things.
[Sigh. Lightbearers are so predictable in that way. It's something he's given much thought to over the years.]
It is a wise consideration. I have not yet left the starting location as I have been availing of it all that I can before I move on. As mentioned before, mobility is something of an issue. I must make the most of everything I do in a given location for the time being.
[He does not consider it a deference or personal favour. It's simply the actions of those working in conjunction on a similar goal. Facilitating each other is natural as long as that relationship pans out.]
Do as you wish in that regard. There is a good deal to learn before the first steps in a new direction can be taken. It may be some time before we may make even the slightest headway. Separation is useful in that it gives us a broader coverage of people and places. We can communicate easily enough through this device or planned meeting for more sensitive information if necessary.
[He knows the people who would know of Xemnas, and thus it's easy to extrapolate that there are some of those number present.]
Who is it that you would advise avoiding, then?
[pewpewpew]
Date: 2013-09-01 03:30 am (UTC)Perhaps he is helpful because I am just different enough. Similar enough to feel a sense of obligation, different enough where he believes it is a choice. It matters not, either way.
[Inevitably they'd get what they wanted, and Xemnas found it useful to have Vanitas as a semi-ally. If it meant feigning anything like actual interest beyond what was useful, then that was a small price to pay and good practice besides.
Listening to Xehanort unroll his own thoughts and ideas on the matter is almost but not quite hearing his own ideas aloud. Perhaps time and being so long without a heart had led to too much distance from the original concept; he would have to start paying more attention.]
Eventually, in time, they will see the error of their decisions. Or they will be consumed by them. New Bark Town will take... mm, several days, yes. Even with Regret's new size and not having to travel on foot there is Ilex Forest to contend with.
[Acquiring Xehanort a higher level fire-type is definitely a good idea, with the preponderance of insects to deal with. Insects were amazingly, gloriously flammable.]
In time, we will be able to make use of the telepathic pokemon this world possesses. It is best if you find your own in that regard, so its bond will be strongest to you. Then communication with these devices, which may not always be secure, will prove irrelevant.
Until your situation is more secure, the champions of light are best avoided in any physical meeting, they may through means unknown grasp who you are and what you intend. Sora seems displaced from my time, knowing things I have not yet bothered to mention to anyone at all, it may be he is from the future. His allies are also a risk for the time being. You may know the silver-haired boy who travels with him. I have a sneaking suspicion there's more than one.
[But it's only a suspicion, as it's quite possible Riku just suffers from multiple personalities.]
Likewise there is a young girl, black haired and blue eyed, who wears the coat of my Organization now and again. Tread cautiously, though I do not think she is an active danger. There is a loud, brash man who may contact you, who seems to be some form of enforcement in his world. He is also to be wary of. One of my own is proving foolish enough to levy threats against me, he may choose to do the same to you if he grasps any connection between us, though I don't put much faith in his ability to line up the dots. These are likely to be the only ones who may trouble you, but I trust you will be cautious enough to avoid undue problems. Few are likely to go out of their way to harass a 'fragile old man'.
[Because Xehanort is old hat at being cautious. Really old hat. Attached are sound clips of each one; Sora. Riku. Riku2, who is probably the replica. Xion. Carter Blake, and Demyx.]
[oh no look out it's a ray gun]
Date: 2013-09-01 03:55 am (UTC)It will not be difficult to keep occupied for several days. There are many Pokemon in the vicinity with which to train my own, and with this device it is simple enough to gather information from others. I have weathered worse prisons than this.
[At least it's not an island...]
Telepathic... quite a handy feat. These creatures run the gamut of ability... a veritable living, loyal toolbox for those willing to use them. When the opportunity presents itself, I will attempt to obtain one.
[If what Xemnas says is true, it may be that Sora is the Sora that he knew, the one he attempted to seed after reconstitution. That poses a bit of trouble. He listens to the voice samples a couple times, matching names with faces carefully.]
This Sora may hail from the same time as I, then... though he would not be a threat. He is as he always is, a dull child who relies overly on others. He would not know of the plan were he not informed by those who actively attempted to interfere... Riku, the silver-haired boy you spoke of, may be more of a concern if he is similarly temporally disposed. That there is two is intriguing...
There is doubtful little reason for me to speak with them, as I have little desire to deal with them until a more secure footing in this place has been established.
[Though indirectly prodding them to gather information is still a possibility.]
Of course, this is a part I use well to my advantage. Even if these children do ascertain my location, to move against me would be foolish. Why, I am a powerless old man in a world and out of time, with only words to my name. Have they no shame?
[space lasors]
Date: 2013-09-01 04:39 am (UTC)[But it's still an island. Oops.]
I have heard rumors of pokemon far above and beyond even the might of the ones we can ordinarily catch. These 'legendaries' may be a venue worth pursuing, eventually.
[It's a casual addition, but given Xemnas planned on taking over the world if he was stuck here very long, it was a good one to be aware of. He might well need them. And if he's going to conquer the world, it's good to let his other self in on it sooner or later in case they have similar ideas.]
Riku seems to be of similar age as Sora, but unlike Sora did not recognize me. We have had a fairly cordial relationship since in spite of what must have been his friend's warnings. It may be that he has no memory of the past handful of years. It's a puzzle I've been picking at, though I have had no reason to antagonize him and he is sensible enough to not cause trouble where trouble does not need to be caused. He may be a lesser concern because of it.
[There is in the background another brief rustle, and a low word to someone or something off-mic. By the rapid sound of small hoofbeats, and following sounds, he might be packing up wherever he is with intention of leaving. There's much work to do and there's no reason he can't get started and finish his conversation.]
Some do have no shame, but others will if lucky berate them for you should they act up. What could an old man possibly do, even in this place?
[What indeed. Those who would inevitably overlook Xehanort were going to regret it sooner or later.]
[breaking the speed of liiiight]
Date: 2013-09-01 05:12 am (UTC)If it is an island, it is bigger than the ones I knew. Far more tolerable with so much to do.
To command the loyalty and respect of such a beast would be no mean feat. These Pokemon...
[He has an idea in passing, but he holds onto it without voicing it for a moment. There is still much more to learn before he will deliver any possible conclusions.]
If he did not recognize you, then he is of no later than the Seeker's time. Perhaps before, if he is more amicable and less withdrawn. The Seeker had a rather profound influence on him... [though his tone turns slightly sour. Lost avenues, effort chased down paths that were blocked off before they could even branch.] If he does not know you then there is even less possibility of him recognizing me. There is little reason for things to not continue as they are now, then.
[He does not comment on the sounds. Xemnas knows what he is doing. There is little need to call attention to such things.]
There is little concern for the time being. We will speak more when you arrive.
[surrender now or-- no. wrong script]
Date: 2013-09-01 09:25 pm (UTC)[After that, who knows.]
Indeed. I have sought to maintain at least politeness, as it seems he is the keeper of many strong creatures and frequently offers their offspring for sale. He is not yet an enemy and I see no reason to make one of him.
[What goes unsaid is exactly how useful Riku could be to them if he were more amicable to the presence of any Xehanort, be it Xehanort himself, or Xemnas, or even the Heartless that caused so many headaches not long ago. If the boy had no built up immunity to darkness.. well. Sora wouldn't be needed.]
I will endeavor to reach New Bark Town as swiftly as possible, once I have acquired an appropriate growlithe. The species by and large is fairly rambunctious, I should be able to find something less likely to bark and constantly run in circles with a few hours' work.
[whoops XD]
Date: 2013-09-02 10:05 am (UTC)[But let's not get into that, shall we?]
He is not yet who he will become, and that is all that is necessary. There is little need to antagonize him. Cultivating him seems to be a far better option...
[Even if that's not possible anymore, it's still nice to think along those lines.]
Perhaps even I can find equal footing with him. Only time will tell.
I trust in your judgment in that regard. I will be here waiting. There is much we must speak of when we have a more secure means.
[Having the right script is important. Plus a much smaller post.]
Date: 2013-09-02 09:07 pm (UTC)If his pokemon foundered, he would see they're well healed afterwards.]
Very well. I will contact you again when I am near the city.