01

[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

[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?