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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

[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.