FOURTH WALL EVENT [Actions] [Kanto - Celadon City/Route 16]

[firstnothing]

[Things have gotten a little.. odd, as midnight passed. Xemnas hadn't noticed at first, he was asleep and could sleep like the dead if sufficiently - but his Kadabra noticed, and after several minutes of waiting to see if the flash and thundrous crack of sound would repeat itself, went to carefully shake his master awake and relay what he'd seen.

The tent Xemnas had purchased in Goldenrod served well, keeping the late-year chill out (especially with several pokemon taking up residence inside with him), which meant getting on a few layers before venturing outside to watch the sky, and then the surroundings. His own senses were only as good as a human's, but with his pokemon now awake and theirs added to his own it's a little easier to tell that things are going a bit.. weird out here. More than a bit weird, was the landscape different?]

...Let's get moving. Whatever caused that, I don't want to be caught in the open for if it happens again.

[Malice glances at Xemnas, ears flattening back.]

::I have reason to believe we are in a new location, sir. This isn't Route 43.::

[That draws pause from Xemnas, who glances around again, this time looking for more than just shrubs and grass. ... And couldn't find fault with that conclusion. This earns a scowl and a sharp gesture. He didn't recognize the area. He'd never been to Kanto, nevermind being near Celadon City.]

Then whatever's chosen to shift us around like pieces on a chessboard won't find us waiting patiently the next time, will it?

[He sets to disassembling camp; after a moment the pokemon he has with hands begin helping. Time to get the hell out of dodge before anything else weird happened.]

Comments

[firstnothing]

[Xemnas knows that voice. He hasn't heard it in a while, in fact; hadn't Perona been removed from this world? The sound of her agitated complaints is enough of a beacon to follow, with his own team in tow.

That certainly did look like her. But what's this matter of Luceti? He didn't see any wings, either.]

Miss Perona.

[It might be best to leave her to her own devices, but she'd always been cordial to him, and Xemnas saw no real reason not to return the favor.]

This is an unexpected surprise. Do you require breakfast? ..Hm, or given the hour, perhaps a very late dinner. It will be warmer indoors.

[Poor thing. And she didn't have any of her 'cute' little friends along. What in the name of Darkness happened to her?]

[warpsniped]

The latter. Like I'd come to a world I've never heard of without being on recon duty. As if.

[That answers that...right?]

Wasn't planning on showing up here at all. Just sort of...did.

[He can't really explain it, but that's basically what happened.]

[memoryborn]

[ Having been through two of these random surges of power and new people arriving, Xion isn't as fazed by what's happening. But considering that powers are now on... She had to wonder. She has to check. Even if that means her former boss might have his frightening powers back, she has her own as well.

Though maybe having spent time with a heart for a while in Johto might give him more sway towards leniency. Xion hopes, but she doubts it. There's also the matter of exposing more of her true nature to Xemnas, but he'd, thus far, pegged a few things on his own. And he wouldn't want to destroy what's - he thinks, at least - his, right?

So Xion's opened a Corridor of Darkness, feeling out for that old, familiar presence that is her boss. It's almost like being summoned again, but this time, it's of her own volition. She steps out and looks around for Xemnas. Spotting his head of silver, she slowly approaches, hood up. ]

Xemnas.

[firstnothing]

[At least finding him isn't terribly difficult, if one knows what to look for. That he's in the middle of packing up camp really doesn't change much. He's never lived through one of these random bits of insanity before and would vastly rather deal with it from an angle where he has some measure of control.

This is not it!

But there's a sound, a familiar one, of a Corridor of Darkness opening. It's been months. How could anyone here travel by that fashion? It stops him neatly, turning to see who or what it might be, frowning.

There are very few people in this world that wear that coat and are that size. The voice confirms the rest; almost habitually Xemnas glances to see where her two or three favored pokemon were. If there's anything this world has trained in, it's looking for a person's living weapons.]

Xion. This is unexpected. Why are you here?

[The last time they'd parted ways, things had been as amicable as one could hope, and he did say he wished to know more about her but on HIS schedule, not just popping up out of nowhere.

Using powers she shouldn't have anymore.]

[firstnothing]

[It's Xigbar; that answered everything quite clearly. And it seems Xemnas doesn't really expect anything else.

A pack is handed to his kadabra, who shoulders it.]

Then you may not be able to leave when you choose either. If this is so, then on one hand you will be given - or already possess - a heart again, although not the one you lost. But on the other you will be likely subjected to mind numbing boredom as your first real emotion in years.

[All packed up, at least. He's efficient.]

If the former has already happened, I assure you it will be removed when the time comes. Inconvenient things.

[memoryborn]

I wanted to check on you.

[ Being honest, at least in front Xemnas, had almost been habitually hammered into her core, despite her initial resistance to the idea. Besides, being evasive and dishonest did more harm than good in the long run. He's just so... smart. ]

What's happening with this world now... I've been through it twice before.

[firstnothing]

[Silver eyebrows rise sharply.]

I see. Can you explain what is happening to it? I had been just north of Mahogany a few hours past, and now it seems I am just west of ... Celadon. We did not detect any foreign power until the flash of light, and then being in a different location.

[The kadabra, still packing a bag, nods. Malice had been awake for the flash, at least. If she was willing to be helpful, then as ever Xemnas was willing to abuse that helpfulness. If he could get some idea of what all this insanity was..]

[memoryborn]

It's another one of this world's... quirks. It doesn't happen often, but it seems that every year or so, people get transported, powers return, and new people find themselves here. There's no explanation as to why it happens.

[ Again, another thing that can't be properly explained about Johto. Xion watches Xemnas' Pokemon for a moment before moving her gaze back to her former boss. ]

I've already been to The World That Never Was just now.

[firstnothing]

Is it permanent?

[He wasn't willing quite yet to put his own powers to the test, if he even had them. Nothingness and a heart got along poorly, nevermind what the Darkness would do to it unsheltered. His coat was packed away for less bitterly cold weather.

At least most of his pokemon seem preoccupied with aiding in the work of packing as best they can. All but a small purrloin, which surely MUST be a new acquisition, staring at the cloaked and hooded girl with feline suspicion, fur fluffed up either to provide intimidation or protection from the chill.

Oh yes. Kitty is watching. Kitty is always watching.

The rest have better things to do. Mentioning the world that didn't exactly exist draws attention again; confusion from his team and interest from Xemnas himself.]

I am surprised you chose to go there, Xion. Your words and actions have long since given the impression you had no desire to ever return. It is still intact, then?

[His tone is measured.]

[memoryborn]

[ She shakes her head at his first question. The feeling of being openly stared at by that Purrloin doesn't escape her periphery, but she brushes it off. Last she checked, she still has her own Pokemon on her. ]

I didn't go there voluntarily; I found myself there. [ Clarification, yes. ]

[firstnothing]

[A level one purrloin isn't much threat to anyone at all, except perhaps itself. This one seems oblivious to that fact. Still fluffed up, the small pokemon works on creeping closer, extending sharp, hooked claws towards the hem of her coat.

Xemnas ignores it.]

... I see. Much like my sudden arrival here. And?

[memoryborn]

[ Xion gently tries to nudge that off of her coat. She doesn't want to stay for more than necessary with Xemnas. She made... promises. ]

And? It's still there. If you want to go and check yourself, you can do it. I think we only have a few days before coming back to Johto and Kanto... and we might not remember much of what's happening now. [ There's a note in her voice that suggests, no, she doesn't know why that happens either don't bother asking, former boss man. ]

[firstnothing]

[This is a bad move. Jiggly things are far more fun to try to grab onto than stationary things, and the purrloin redoubles its efforts.

It's the kadabra, and not Xemnas, that gives a sigh and moves to detangle the growling little furball quickly and efficiently. It doesn't stop trying to get its claws into Xion's jacket, even as it's lifted away.]

It seems a little odd to me that you would travel here specifically to tell me that my power and demesne are open to me once more, and have no other purpose than that, child. As much as I ... appreciate the information, would it not be more beneficial to you and your friends if you did not..?

[Xemnas' tone has nothing of hostility or rebuke in it, just mildness. She could simply be trying to be helpful, but something strikes him as a little off about this. Why did she still have her hood up?]

[warpsniped]

Great. Boredom. You'd think it'd be something a little less....dull.

[Good thing the heart thing's...not really an issue at this point.]

Can't say I missed that one.

[memoryborn]

[ Xion murmurs a small "thanks" at the Kadabra for helping her as she pulls on her coat. Even if the Purrloin leaves a rip, the coat will somehow mend itself back again. She looks back up at Xemnas as he talks. ]

I don't see how it would be beneficial or harmful if I did this. I wanted to check on you - that's it.

[ Make sure you don't suddenly do anything harmful, either. Unintentional or not. ]

[firstnothing]

Nor did I. Or any of them for that matter.

[A pause, then the thought's simply shaken off as he gets his team in order. Celadon was still a priority, even with Xigbar here.]

If you wind up remaining at the whims of this world, I will bequeath you one of my own pokemon. One must keep up appearances, after all, and a ghost will best suit your own habits of all the types available. I want to be certain your presence is stable before advancing any further.

[If Xigbar's here for long he will be put to work. That's really not going to come as a surprise.]

Until then I suggest finding things to ... amuse yourself with. I would not ordinarily advocate exploration for exploration's sake but it is better than sitting in one place twiddling one's thumbs. With the presence of my other self now being part of the equation, you will defer to him over me if we provide contradicting suggestions.

[That might be a bit stranger. Xemnas willingly giving up command over anything, ever? Then again Xehanort was him, so it's not so much giving up anything as multitasking. The question that follows doesn't seem to be asking permission at all, simply agreement or refusal.]

... Is this acceptable?

[firstnothing]

[The kadabra inclines his head gracefully in acknowledgment, but unsurprisingly says nothing. Talking to Xemnas is one thing, talking to someone else without good reason? Never. The purrloin is not happy to be taken from its new toy and makes this known rather loudly up until one yellow-furred hand closes over its muzzle.

Xemnas' attention remains not on his pokemon, but on Xion, expression unreadable in the flickering firelight. Then he tilts his head slightly.]

Truly?

[The question is quiet, and a little dangerous.]

Had you allowed me to continue in ignorance certainly no harm ever could be done beyond the standard. But revealed that perhaps I have all my strength back.. and can call upon my Organization again as I wish, what would stop me from bringing this world to ruination before your friends mustered their strength? Assuming they have their power back as well.

[The sawsbuck and zoroark give Xemnas distinctly startled looks when he says this, but he ignores them.]

I will not, of course. I owe this world a great debt. But you ... of all people, should know how unwise it is to hand weapons to those you don't trust. And you don't ... trust me. Do you? Why did you come to check on me?

[The silver haired man gestures slightly.]

Why do you wear your hood up? It is cold, yes, but not that cold. Why do you hide from me? What do you hide from me?

[Xemnas doesn't raise his voice. He doesn't bother with accusatory tones when simple calm neutrality will do.]

[memoryborn]

[ Xion stays quiet a long while, even after Xemnas' calm interrogation passes. At least he confirms that he wouldn't do anything to this world or to her friends - at least without her doing anything about it. She trusted him to not be stupid.

His words also confirm he doesn't... remember. Even with powers back - then again, with powers back, wouldn't things go back to how they were supposed to act in their world? Even just for a little while.

She lets out a sigh that almost doubles as a huff before shaking her head. ]

You already know. Or you already guessed what I'm hiding. But...

[ The last time a few days mysteriously passed, she could hardly remember what happened during that time. If so...

She pulls off the head, revealing a face that might be Sora's. Or perhaps Roxas'. Or maybe even the cloak disappears with a blink and it is Ventus staring back. ]

[firstnothing]

[Would things go right back to normal? Xemnas had something he didn't have before. How much would he risk, how close would he get to endangering his new heart in favor of the hope that Kingdom Hearts might provide him an impossible third?

She had her doubts.

Xemnas had his own. He was capable of them now, after all.

As Xion pulls back her hood, there's no change in his expression. He remains where he is for a few moments, gaze measuring and steady, before he steps around his own campfire and approaches. If she doesn't pull away he'll simply reach out to tip her chin lightly and tilt her head a little first one way, then another. That unwavering, weighing gaze never shifts.]

That's very interesting. It seems returning to my city did you little benefit if you were to return to this world.

[What does he see? The face of a friend he couldn't remember having? The boy who unraveled his work so quickly?]

How do you feel? [His tone's still steady, but quiet.] I don't mean emotionally. Are you experiencing any tiredness, or pain?

[memoryborn]

[ She visibly tenses at the contact, but doesn't pull away. Only after he's finished with enough staring and tilting does she jerk back a few steps after his questions are asked. The slight glare on her face, now that her hood is down, is making a very clear alright, that's enough look. ]

I'm fine. Perhaps more than fine, considering how much I drained up to this point.

[firstnothing]

[He doesn't seem bothered that she pulls away. Unwanted physical contact was a problem for most people, but whatever he'd been looking for, he had already found. There was no need for further intrusion.]

I will do as I please.

[It's a not-ungentle reminder, at her glare. But he continues on, whether or not she protests, sounding a little put out.]

If it is so that the mayhem this world goes through is temporary, I strongly suggest staying away from Sora ... or Roxas, for that matter, until you re-stabilize, should they appear or wish to see you. You may not have enough control to resist instinct, and destroying your friendships over something temporary would be foolish.

[She might have the control to stop. But she might also give into her programming, and wouldn't that cause serious side effects later?]

It's unlikely this will affect much otherwise, I am sure your friends will adapt to the ... mm, change in appearance swiftly enough. You have trained a psychic pokemon by now, yes? Something powerful enough to affect one's mind?

[So Vexen's final replica could indeed do exactly as she was meant to, it seemed. That was interesting. It also meant keeping her from getting killed was going to become more important. Sora would never cooperate. Xion, however... he knew which strings to pull with her.]

[warpsniped]

Yeah, got it. Figured that'd be the case once you said he was here anyway.

[Makes sense to him that the chain of command would be the original, then Xehanort, then him. Not exactly fun being the low man on the totem pole, but he'll deal.]

All right then, so I'll take a look around, get in touch with the old man, then report back over here. Unless I don't end up staying here that is.

[hollower]

[Not many people speak to her so formally - only one or two, maybe - but she turns round regardless, wondering just who was asking her name. Somewhere in the back of her mind, recognition blossoms, and it's only when she comes face to face with the individual that the memories of a time long past burst to the forefront of her mind. This place...th-those adorable creatures, and the people she met long ago.]

X-Xemnas...san? [From shocked to just plain joyed, Perona's expression changes instantaneously.] Horohoro, I didn't quite expect to ever come back here... [With her Luceti wings still in tact on her back, under her sweater, no less.] But it's good to see you again! If it's not too much trouble for you, I'd love to have dinner with you. Eheh, will your cute little friends be joining us?

[She indicates his team...which may or may not be as cute as she remembers, but she may as well be polite. Xemnas was one of the few people in this strange world of cute and powerful monster animals that she truly enjoyed talking to. Though looking at his team...she wonders what became of her own...]

How long have I...been away?

Sorry for delay, seriously hurt my shoulder.

[firstnothing]

Good. I've been having to explain the obvious more often than I like, of late.

[And given Xemnas seemed to enjoy the sound of his own voice, that's saying a lot.]

If you are removed from the world I will hardly expect you to report in. If you are not, I will wait in Celadon.

[Which is the nearby city; he won't wait forever. A week or so is more than enough time to find Xehanort, peek around, and return for someone of Xigbar's skill. This world however, seemed ... finicky.]

[firstnothing]

[Thankfully for Perona perhaps, he does have at least one cute pokemon with him, a very young and recently hatched purrloin. And a riolu might be considered cute! The rest not so much. Xemnas stops nearby, just outside of personal bubble space, and waits to see if she recalls him at all. It might be some other Perona, perhaps, or her memories gone or --

No, it seems she remembers him after all. There's a faint smile, and he inclines his head gracefully in acknowledgment.]

It is ... good to see you again. A meal will be no trouble at all. It seems that a little hospitality would do you a measure of good at the moment.

[Which is an understatement, but he doesn't say that. What place was she ranting about, just a minute ago.]

Only two will. The others are .. a bit large for a restaurant. Hm, perhaps ... here. She is still young but she makes an acceptable space heater. You have been missing for oh, some weeks now.

[The purrloin is picked up and offered. As purrloins go, it's fairly fluffy and alert, but hey, any hands to hold are better than none at all as far as the feline is concerned. A cute thing might bring her some measure of comfort.]

Where did you go, Miss Perona? A few of us had taken note of your absence.

[Anyone else might say they missed her. He at least knows where he's headed for a meal of some quality.]