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[firstnothing]

[Twilight marks a new resident in town. Is there a New Feather season anylonger? Xemnas' arrival to Luceti's town center is remarkably unobtrusive save the sense of Darkness that clings to him like a second skin. He'd already determined that leaving will be difficult, if not impossible, so finding out what information he can becomes a priority. And what's one more black cloaked, hooded person walking about? Not even the black and white almost striped little wings stand out much.

He has a few destinations, easily found at any of them on accident or on purpose. The welcome center and the promise of something useful there, then one by one each shop, to mark what's there that might be useful. And then gradually anywhere else in the village, one location at a time. He has all night, it seems, and is in no particular hurry. Rushing about made the joint between skin and feathers on his back ache, and there was no point in causing unnecessary hurt to himself. He already felt a little unwell thanks to pulling out one of the scattered white feathers, still held in one gloved hand. It was his, he was going to keep it.]

Comments

[risingwinds]

[Trips to the plaza fall into Ven's daily routine. There's not a day that goes by where he doesn't slip into the bakery for treats, lounge by the fountain, or scope out the item shop for cool new goodies.

It's on one such trip to the plaza that he spots Xemnas. From behind, it's tough to really discent anything about him. He's tall, built like an ox, with long, silver hair. A feather in his hand...

Well, that doesn't bode well, thus Ven zips closer to him.]

Yikes! Were you trying to get rid of the wings?

[Xemnas wouldn't be the first to try it...]

[firstnothing]

[It wasn't one of the long flight feathers, but it's still sharply, distinctly white and that shows up fairly well against black leather. An afterthought, almost - not something he'd expect someone to pick up on first of all things. As he suddenly acquires company and is spoken to, Xemnas doesn't immediately respond.

Instead he lifts his hand and studies the feather again, twirling it a bit between his fingers. What sort of world was this, that required wings too small to carry a person? When he finally speaks, it's at the sort of delay that would either suggest he seriously over thinks things or simply hadn't been paying attention.]

No. A world that dictates change is not so easily foiled. I was merely .... curious.

[Only then does he turn, to regard Ven directly. The voice had been a touch familiar, and now he could see why ... but it left him with other questions. Again there's that unsettling silence, his gaze measuring, weighing.]

You've grown, Roxas. How did you come about such a thing so quickly?

[Now, Xemnas didn't have the best of memories before ten years ago, but he's almost certain that puberty took longer than a month or two.]

[risingwinds]

[The moment Ven sees Xemnas' face, he flinches, as if he's been hit head-on with an onrushing train. The voice is unfamiliar. Deeper and huskier than Terra's, but that face... Even with the darker skin, there's something distinctly familiar about his appearance.

Lea's words echo in the back of his head. Something happened to Terra. Terra could've lost himself...

What's he supposed to do? He can't jump to conclusions now. That this guy called him Roxas only serves to confirm that something is amiss.

When Ven finally speaks up again, his voice is softer than before.]

...I'm not Roxas. And as for how I've grown, that's 'cause I've been here for the past three years now.

[firstnothing]

Is that so.

[It has, almost, the sound of a question instead of a statement, but not quite. It was possible, he supposed, that there could be more than one person who looks the same somewhere out there in the countless worlds. Certainly he and 'Ansem' bore a certain striking resemblance but that was for Reasons, not mere multi-world coincidence.

Xemnas did not believe in coincidences. After a moment he slips the feather into some unseen pocket on his person.]

Then who are you? For you bear a ... certain striking resemblance to the one whom I had named. Older perhaps...

[Besides which, that flinch suggested more than coincidence.]

[risingwinds]

...Ventus.

[He avoids eye contact when he says this, trying to shove aside the similarities. It's gotta be a coincidence. At most, it's gotta be like him and Roxas or Riku and Kohan-- similar looks, but different people.

And yet questions start swarming Ven. Who is this man? Why does he look like Terra? He has the black coat. Does that mean he's a Nobody? If so, whose Nobody?

Much as he wants to voice all these questions, he withholds that urge for now.]

It's... kinda funny. You look a lot like somebody I know, too. Not identical, but close.

[firstnothing]

... 'Ventus'.

[The name is tested for familiarity, though for all appearances it rings no bells. There's no sudden flash of recognition. Nothing at all, really; had Ven not encountered other Nobodies before, the lack of anything much like emotion would probably be creepy. At least most of them TRIED to fake it. Xemnas isn't bothering.

After a moment, he inclines his head slightly.]

Very well.

[As if it was somehow a decision he was going to make and nothing Ven himself had a choice in. Silvery brows rise a little at mention of him looking like someone else.]

I have heard similar things before. Perhaps it is the worlds' idea of a ... bit of a lark at our expense. You have been here for three years. Where must one go to acquire information on this world, in detail?

[risingwinds]

[Well, he doesn't seem hostile. That's gotta count for something, right? And the last thing Ven wants is to come across as rude, so after a few seconds, he blows out a soft sigh, straightens his posture slightly, and taps his chin.]

Well, there's the Welcome Center-- they're a pretty good place to start out.

[He turns around, gesturing in its general location.]

But if you want really detailed info, I'd check out the guide. It should be somewhere in the journals...

[Give him a second while he flips through the pages of his journal. Been a while since Ven looked at it.]

[firstnothing]

[Hostility required more effort than Xemnas was generally willing to apply to life. His head tilts slightly as Ven's bearing changes, measuring it against what he knows of Roxas' own actions and body language. It wasn't ... quite the same. But it was still eerily similar.

It might not exactly be comfortable, being watched like that. At least his gaze shifts, when the Welcome Center is pointed out. He'll have to visit. The more he could find out the better.

As Ven pulls out a journal, however! Xemnas is reminded that he'd had one of his own. Much like the feather had disappeared into a pocket, in short order his own is withdrawn from some other unseen spot. Printed on the cover is his name.]

I see, I should have paid more attention to this odd little book then. Perhaps it is more useful than I assumed. Are you and I unique in having one or is it ... commonplace to this world?

[Well if Ven's going to answer questions..]

[risingwinds]

It's definitely common. Everybody gets one the second they show up, and believe it or not, they're really useful. I'd hold onto it if I were you.

[He continues flipping through the pages until, finally, he stumbles upon this guide. Now that he's spotted it, he'll hold it up so that Xemnas can see it.]

Anyway, you might wanna read through this when you've got time. It's pretty long, but it covers just about everything you oughta know about this place.

[In fact, it's so detailed that it took Ven a bit of effort to plow through it all.]

[firstnothing]

[Far be it from Xemnas to discard something useful. As Ven holds up the book, he scrutinizes the page offered, and then thumbs through his own journal, seeing if there's a similar one to be found.

He was not unfond of books. They were reliable sources of knowledge, usually. Eventually he seems to find what he's looking for, and deliberately takes a moment to confirm he has the same thing the young blond had shown him.]

It should be useful then.

[He should say thank you, it was just polite. It doesn't seem to occur to him to bother. Instead he withdraws that white feather again and uses it as a bookmark, so he can find the page next time. What odd little books. It seemed not thick enough to contain the information it should.]

Tell me. [It's said almost as an afterthought.] Whom do I remind you of?

[risingwinds]

[Whom do I remind you of?

Ven flinches again. Not that he blames Xemnas for asking; he's the one who opened the floodgates, after all. He should've known this would come up sooner or later... and in this case, it just came a whole lot sooner than he had anticipated.

Well, there's no point in lying. What would that even accomplish? Thus far, this guy hasn't done anything bad. What could knowing really do to hurt anybody?]

...It's my friend, Terra. If you were a little younger, and if you hair was a different color, you'd look just like him.

[firstnothing]

[That's an interesting reaction. Painful memories, perhaps. Xemnas gives no sign of noticing it, though it's certain he has. Weakness had a way of catching his attention.

What he's told draws a low thoughtful noise instead of a word. And then he turns and heads for the Welcome Center, gesturing slightly with one gloved hand, clearly intending Ven to follow. It's not exactly far, but it's still going to take several minutes to arrive there. What harm, surely, is there in a little company? Xemnas doesn't SEEM to be causing any problems..]

That's interesting. What is he like, this friend of yours? Where might he be now?

[Such innocent questions.]

[risingwinds]

[Ven has no reason to turn away. To leave this guy now would just be rude, and so after a moment's hesitation, he starts trailing after Xemnas.

However, he stays silent for at least thirty seconds, torn on how to answer. Does he reiterate what Lea told him? Stick with what he knows?

All he can really say is:]

...I don't know. A friend of mine said he disappeared-- same with me and my friend Aqua, but the last time I checked, both of 'em were just fine. I couldn't tell you what happened to change that.

[firstnothing]

Do you have many absent friends?

[It seems like simple mild curiosity, and truly it might be something like that. A fish for information. Knowing more never hurt, surely.

The delays suggested other things. Discomfort, or perhaps not wanting to tell all. Well, that was fine. Xemnas was after all a stranger, and only a fool would trust someone they just met with everything.]

How terrible it must be, not knowing. When did you last check? Perhaps they wait for you somewhere else.

[risingwinds]

I...

[He nods, slowly, eyes dropping to his feet. He slips his hands behind his back and digs the toe of one of his boots into the dirt.]

I'd check if I could, but there's no way to get outta here except to wait and hope for the best. And by then, I'd lose all my memories of this place.

[The thought fills Ven with dread. To lose all the knowledge he's gained and forget all the friendships is a pain he can't bear to face. And yet the alternative's dealing with the fact that his few remaining friends could disappear at the drop of a hat.]

[firstnothing]

[All memories of this place, not all places. That's an interesting difference. It's easy to get attached to a world, he supposed, but it seemed this one was somehow more important than even those lost friends, to the boy.

Why? How did he know he'd lose his memories, anyhow? That seemed a peculiar thing to Xemnas, and there were of course possibilities.. but might as well simply.. ask.]

How do you know you will forget this world?

[risingwinds]

Because I've seen people come and go, and most of the time, they don't remember a thing if they come back.

[Terra, Aqua, Minako...

Ven brings a hand over his heart, wincing.]

And even the people who do remember say they only got their memories back once they came back.

[firstnothing]

I see.

[How peculiar. That suggested this world actively removed memories of those who left. Was it the first he'd ever encountered? Would he recall, if it wasn't?]

... Do you find your memories and friendships in this place more precious than the ones you had before arriving here?

[risingwinds]

Huh?

[He steps back, eyes wide and mouth agape. After a couple of seconds, he shuts his eyes and shakes his head frantically.]

I can't just put one set of friends over the other! I mean, Terra and Aqua will always be my best friends, but that doesn't mean I don't care about all the other friends I've made.

[firstnothing]

[Xemnas clasps his hands behind his back, expression thoughtful. It seems the boy never even considered it that way.]

But aren't you already putting one set before the other? Your expression betrayed how much you feared losing your memories of this place.. moreso than the concern over your absent companions.

[One black gloved hand makes a brief negating gesture.]

Which is not to say that you do not care about all your companions. Simply that for those like you, there is an internal scale of which ones are more cherished than others. Which would hurt to lose, and which would be crushing to lose. Acknowledging it does not suddenly render your relationships invalid, does it? What is most precious to your heart? Which would be painful to lose, and which would leave you devastated? What could you not live without?

It is worth thinking about, now and again, to see how one's priorities change.

[There's something carefully deliberate in his words, but chances are good Ven, too unfamiliar with the Nobody, may not even notice it.]

[risingwinds]

[He tries to speak, but all he manages is a short squeak before averting his eyes. His hands clench and unclench, and he gulps. How's he supposed to even explain himself? This man's words pierce him like bullets one by one. And to think that this is all coming from a guy who looks so much like Terra...]

That's not it!

[He finally manages, turning his eyes back on Xemnas. His face starts to twist into a scowl, and he tips his head back, trying to look more confident than he truly feels inside.]

If I lose all my memories I've made, then how'll I be able to help Terra and Aqua? I'd go back just the way I was, and everything would play out exactly the way Lea said. Terra would...

[He stops himself before even entertaining the thought. It's just too much to bear.]

[firstnothing]

One's ability to assist, or move forward, is not rooted in memory. Do you ... truly ... believe if you lacked memory of this place, you would not feel compelled to offer a hand to those precious to you? Surely the heart is stronger than that.

[Such a mild tone. It's easy to see the play of doubt and worry, buried briefly by what seems to be indignation .. but likely not genuine. Xemnas' smile is faint and humorless.]

Who is Lea? Doe she or he speak of the future, or of the present?

[risingwinds]

I... No! 'Course not! I'd help no matter what, but if I don't know what'll happen, then how am I supposed to know how to help?

It's not just about Terra, it's about Aqua, too. And the worlds...

[Ven hangs his head, his posture growing slack.]

It was the past for Lea, but the future for me. And he said that Radiant Garden got destroyed, along with a whole bunch of other worlds.

[firstnothing]

I am told the best course is to ... mm, trust your heart. But the matter of the future.. or the past. That is a more difficult thing.

[Xemnas stops his purposeful trek to the welcome center, head tilted back to study the sky, bemused.]

The past can't be changed. You are aware of this. Although it is your future.. as soon as it is someone else's past, it becomes a fixed point in time. Unchangeable. Once it is known, it can't be undone. One would have to ... move beyond the fixed point in time. If your friends and your worlds have been brought to ruination than nothing at all can be done now about what has already been.

[Time travel is a thing however.]

While I am sure it is cold comfort. The best you can hope for is to reach the point beyond their pasts, and create your own unchanging past. Live long enough to be the change you wish to see. This may not actually save anything, of course, but what's done is done. You can only do what isn't yet done.

[risingwinds]

...then it really can't be changed?

[He gulps, wrapping his arms around his chest. If Xemnas pays close attention, he might even notice some slight trembling.

It's a small blessing that Xemnas adds that last bit-- that he can create his own 'unchanging past'. Could that really happen?]

Well, if there is a chance I ever wake up, I guess I've got no choice but to try it. My friends deserve better than to be possessed or... missing. I wanna make sure there's a future for all three of us, one where we can all gaze at the stars like we used to.

[firstnothing]

It cannot.

[Would he offer any comfort if he were capable of it?

... Probably not. There is something interesting in observing Ven's reactions and weighing them against how Roxas might have behaved as well. In some ways it wasn't dissimilar - were they really different people?]

Only one sleep lasts forever. The dreamworld of everlasting oblivion is not one ever wakes from.

[Death.]

If you are not dead, then it would be something worth pursuing... if you leave this place behind. An interesting conundrum. But it seems to me if the future you fear is at the time Lea is from ... and you are unfamiliar with the ruination of the worlds, then there is time yet to ... enjoy this place.

[risingwinds]

Dreamworld? Hey, is that where Dream Eaters come from?

[Totally random tangent on his part, but it's enough to pluck him out of his slump for a split-second.]

And I'm pretty sure I'm not dead! Aqua said something about sleep once, but I dunno the whole story. Just that apparently something happens, and I'm still missing in the future. Oh, and Sora's Nobody looks like me for some reason.

[firstnothing]

[There's that low chuckle, though somehow it doesn't seem to have actual humor in it.]

That world and the one we visit in our dreams are very close, but they are not the same. Dream Eaters are from the sleep we wake from, sooner or later.

[Though Xemnas supposed perhaps in death they remained dreaming. He didn't remember, and could think of no way to query Hades about it. But the God of the Dead might not necessarily understand what it is like to BE dead..]

Mm, well. That's one less difficulty to overcome. But yes you do indeed bear a remarkable resemblance to Sora's Nobody. It is he whom I had mistaken you for. His name is Roxas.

[risingwinds]

Yeah, I know! He and I were friends before he left.

[And at that, he breathes a soft sigh.]

...Truth is, lots of people have left now. Terra, Aqua, Sora and Kairi, Roxas, Xion, Lea... There's only a handful of us left now.

[firstnothing]

Did you find it odd, interacting with someone who resembles you so closely?

[Like twins, Xemnas supposed, save not being raised together. Oh the trouble that would have led to in the Castle, he knows it. Roxas had been dedicated, but he still seemed to have the occasional boyish habits.. which Axel never helped.

Identical boys running about.. well, that would have been Saix's headache to deal with, not his own.]

Were all of them here at once? Truly a mighty gathering. Who remains?

[risingwinds]

Well, it was sorta weird at first. I mean, here was this guy who looked and sounded just like me, but he's from the future and had been here for years before I ever popped up.

[He lets out a soft, wistful sort of laugh.]

Right now it's just me, Riku, Riku's Replica, and Mickey. Lea was here for a little while, but he disappeared a few months back.

[firstnothing]

[And now Roxas is gone. How had the two existed side by side? What was the connection?

It would have to be tested at length. In the future, once he had his own bearings. A new world had its own rules, and Xemnas wanted to know what they were. Afterwards..]

The replica as well? Interesting. I had not known that one had survived.

[The exact opposite in fact.]

So few remain indeed. I will have to ... pay my respects, soon.

[risingwinds]

Oh, are you friends with 'em?

[Hmm... given the coat, this guy might be a Nobody like Axel. But is he good or bad? At this rate, it's just too hard to say. He's been a bit heavy handed with some of his words, but he hasn't done anything wrong.

For now, he'll keep cool and run with it.]

[firstnothing]

I have no friends. Merely allies, on occasion.

[It's simple enough an explanation, without malice or even interest. Save that it's a bit misleading; one might assume that he considers them allies when nothing's further from the truth. He did have allies now and again ... but not them.]

But we have encountered each other more than a few times. It would be rude of me to not greet them appropriately.

[risingwinds]

No friends?

[Ven gasps, eyes popping. He lurches forward, placing a hand over his chest.]

But doesn't that get lonely?

[firstnothing]

[Why it was such a shock he didn't quite grasp. Some people had many friends. Other people had absolutely no use for them, no interest in having them, and avoided the complicated issue of trying to guess what someone else's heart is up to long enough to make 'friendships' to begin with.

Xemnas has better things to do with his time, like clean his coat. He stops, turning to regard Ven with steady yellow eyes, as if the blond had said he was about to sprout a second head and Xemnas better watch closely.]

There is a vast and important difference between being alone and being lonely. I never feel lonely.

[Because he can't. Which was convenient. All he needed was Kingdom Hearts, the rest of reality could go jump in a hole.]

[risingwinds]

Never? But that can't be right. Being alone means you don't have anybody else to talk to. Nobody to have fun with, nobody to turn to when you're feeling down...

[He shakes his head.]

I don't understand. Even if you're one of those guys who doesn't like people, wouldn't it get boring after a while?

[firstnothing]

I am talking to someone right now, am I not?

[Again that not-smile; it's just an expression but it does return.]

Friendship is not required to speak to someone, or to visit, or to put an individual to work. I have no use for fun, and I experience neither feeling down nor boredom. They are afflictions for ... others. Your concern is ... touching, but misplaced. Some find great solace in solitude.

[takesyoubytheheart]

[Y'know, someone like Mickey has a very difficult time actually hating people. Maleficent and the original Xehanort make him come awfully close. And so do you, pal.

Which is why, as the Heartless man looks forward, he'll see the king glaring at him with burning eyes, and his keyblade held out in his hand, pointing directly at him. No, he's not attacking or fighting. He's waiting to see what you'll do. Safety first, when it comes to madmen.]

[firstnothing]

[It is very deliberate and very obviously done that Xemnas doesn't deign to notice the small King. There's absolutely no way he's NOT aware Mickey is there, he's just choosing to 'not notice' at first, as if the rest of the world is so fascinating that he can't be bothered to look away from it at first.

But eventually he does turn to regard the mouse directly. And then he surveys the area quite deliberately again.]

If you insist. But I would have chosen somewhere less populated to pursue my grudges, if I were you.

[takesyoubytheheart]

[That almost makes him shake, to call those past transgressions 'grudges'. But he keeps himself steady.]

I won't pursue anything. I'm here to warn you.

[Not a trace of his hick accent here. Not for something this important.]

Your powers are limited here, and your army is gone. There's no reason for you to hurt anyone, and your twisted goals can't be accomplished here. Your only choice is to live here peacefully as one of the people.

... But if you even think you can try to change any of that, I have no problem showing you how wrong you are.

[firstnothing]

Do you really think I need an army?

[He sounds bemused, thoughtful. Maybe he is. Certainly he doesn't seem concerned or afraid of the threats being leveled at him, but that's no surprise. Xemnas is incapable of fear.]

Did such ominous words ever help you before, I wonder? Somehow I doubt it. There is a certain saying about trying the same thing over and over and expecting different results..

[It seems, thankfully, that Xemnas isn't interested in testing whether or not he has less power here than he had before. Whether or not he isn't as strong as he used to be, probably there would still be a lot of damage.]

(ooc: delay, store time!)

[takesyoubytheheart]

[It's a struggle to not apply emotion to the argument, but he knows it won't work. Only logic will.]

This is a world that can take people from different timelines, and from the brink of death. And it'll send them back to those places eventually. Your future is already set in stone.

Nothing you do here will give your the answers you want. As long as you understand that, I've got no reason to go after you.

[firstnothing]

Is that so.

[It would probably be easier to have these conversations with a version of Xehanort that COULD feel. It would reveal more than this mild neutrality did. But odds are pretty good Xemnas was going to do exactly as he pleased, warning or no. It was the way of things.]

Multiple times coexisting is such an ... interesting concept, don't you think? So many possibilities. Or perhaps, opportunities.

[The smile that crosses his face isn't genuine, it can't be. He's simply incapable. But he remembers the expression, and the choice is deliberate, slow and falsely amused.]

And if your word can be trusted, little king, then you too are likely ... not as strong as you were. And if nothing I do here matters, then there is no reason to not further my experiments, for it will have no lasting consequences.

[Wait, that's not the conclusion he's supposed to be getting here!]

[takesyoubytheheart]

[His teeth grind. He can assume Xemnas is just provoking Mickey, but he won't be led into a useless fight.]

My powers may not be what they used to be, but I've more got more than enough allies here to back me up. That's something you were never able to accomplish or understand... the real power of our bonds.

But if you only want to hear what sounds good to you... I guess I can't change that. But I won't give up on protecting the people here from whatever you might try. I can be just as stubborn as you.

[firstnothing]

[How easy it was to lead a heart in the direction he wanted it to go. Had he ever been so easily manipulated, his own strings tugged on to make him dance to someone else's tune? Xemnas wasn't sure, but it did nothing to mitigate the usefulness of the moment.

So the smile widens by degrees. Almost immeasurable, but he seems pleased. It is surely false too.

He turns slightly, hands rising in a brief sweeping gesture.]

Would you prefer I wallow in a misery I am incapable of feeling? [Fingers curl briefly.] Give way to despair I can't touch? You have provided useful information, on the assumption it is truth ... where others may surrender in the certainty all is lost, such discouragement is not mine to enjoy. You should know this. You know what I am, surely, else you would not have confronted me now. Why would you imagine I might suddenly turn aside, based only on the impossible fear of a loss of subordinates and power?

[He can go on about this at length. It might not be a good idea to let him.]

[takesyoubytheheart]

I was hoping you might look around at the situation you're in, and come to the smartest answer. You're supposed to be an intelligent guy... but if you really think you can accomplish whatever's going on in the back of that funny head of yours, you must be the dumbest guy across all the worlds.

[... That was needlessly petty, yet, but he figures insulting a scientist's brain is the closest thing he'll get to actually making Xemnas mad. Or as mad as one without emotion can get.]

As long as you don't hurt anyone, I couldn't care less what you do.

[firstnothing]

[Angry is difficult. Instead it draws something like laughter, dry and thoroughly ungenuinely amused.]

Ahh, I see. Not knowing what I wish to accomplish, you choose to assume that since I intend to achieve it, it must be a foolish idea.

[What WERE his plans? Did Xemnas even know he can't leave this world yet? Had he tested it? Had he checked to see if even the Darkness would respond to his command if he called it?]

How terribly narrow-minded. But not unexpected. You, who can only listen to the anger and hatred resonating in your own heart, are incapable of thinking free of its distorting clouds, and accuse instead of question. How truly piteous, the uncontrolled heart.

[He lowers his arms, gaze turning back to the town proper, thoughtful.]

Far be it from me to not live up to your expectations, Your Majesty. I will do my best to do as you expect, and harm and destroy and further waste my time needlessly. If I must play the villain, I will endeavor to perform as you desire. After all, nothing I do here will have impact elsewhere, is it not so?