#also just something i really like: riku is a smart guy. he points out that those videos just show how everyone saw their own crimes but | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

casliveblog · 1 year ago

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Custom Toonami Block Week 143 Rundown

Spy X Family: So despite being Bluey-level involved parents, apparently the neighbors are now suspicious of Loid because he’s out working late every night on Spy shit which it’s kinda funny because the show never shows us Loid or Yor doing their jobs all that much and somehow neither really gets in the way of their family façade but apparently Loid’s been out doing Spy shit this whole time and it’s one of those Fairly Oddparents retcons of ‘oh yeah it’s always been this way because that’s how it has to be for the plot/joke to work’. So yeah, despite being a walking zombie Loid plans an Aquarium trip for some fatherly-enforced family fun, honestly planning a trip and putting a lot of pressure on the family to ‘have fun or else’ is probably the most normal dad thing Loid’s done so far. I mean not that Loid can’t be a cheating husband with a double life AND take his family to the aquarium but people seem stupid so it’s probably fine. Loid gets another mission while at the aquarium and he has to… get info out of a penguin, that seems like the dumbest way to exchange info like can’t you just stick it in one of the statues or tanks or something holy shit why stick it inside an animal? Apparently Anya can read penguin minds too so that’s fucking dope but because they’re penguins it’s not much to read. Still Loid’s able to break in and get to the penguin she finds that looks suspicious and is it just me or does the Forger family seem kinda like Team Rocket in that they feel like they have an excellent set of skills to do several other jobs than the one they’re doing, like Loid could definitely retire and become a penguin wrangler. Anyway after some hiccups, Loid gets the penguin and Anya reverse-kidnaps herself to have Yor beat the shit out of the enemy spy so mission accomplished. There’s also a little skit of Anya giving her review of the house before being stopped before going in Loid or Yor’s rooms which is pretty cute, nice way to end off the first half of the season.

Inuyasha: With last week’s revelation that the literal last jewel shard is at Inuyasha’s dad’s grave we spend a good portion of the episode going ‘wait how did that work again?’ given it was like, episode five we’re over a hundred episodes in at this point and unlike Naruto, Inuyasha doesn’t flash back to the same few key scenes every couple episodes despite being as absurdly long and filler-ridden. Inuyasha goes to find Myoga and Totosai to get him to yank the death portal out of his eye but they’re like ‘sorry bro, one way trip, gotta take it up with the guy who made it’ and it’s really funny because they really abuse the pearl in Yashahime and kinda plaster over it by throwing New Hosenki from this episode in there to be like ‘yeah I fixed it and made it better’ despite him saying in this episode it’d take him a hundred years to do it but I also vaguely recall Riku having some shenanigans on that front. Anyway Hakudoshi’s basically stringing Inuyasha along this whole episode and making it clear he has no fucking clue how to get into the afterlife and is teasing Inuyasha so he can do it first and Hakudoshi can pull an Ocarina of Time and be like ‘well since you opened the door for me’ and it’s really silly because Hakudoshi appears to Inuyasha and ONLY Inuyasha just to ‘neener neener neener, I’ll get to the grave first’ and then like two hours later sends Kagura to deliver a message about how to actually get there so Inuyasha does all the life-risking grunt work but like BITCH YOU JUST TALKED TO HIM AN HOUR AGO AND SAID NOTHING OF VALUE, YOU COULDN’T HAVE TOLD HIM THEN!? Like they don’t even play it smart and make it look like Kagura’s rebelling again and telling them something they shouldn’t know, she straight up says Hakudoshi told her to tell them this, so Hakudoshi’s just being an extra little albino bitch but he’s like eight days old at this point so I guess I have to cut him some slack.

Yu Yu Hakusho: Well Yusuke is definitely 100% dead forever and Hiei, Kurama and Kuwabara immediately power up to follow Sensui through the tunnel. Hiei blasts a Dragon of the Darkness Flame and it really just pushes Sensui into demon world but it does fucking obliterate every minor demon that was on its way so the tunnel is clear for the moment, also Kurama is apparently able to turn into Yoko as like a Super Saiyan form while keeping his own personality now so it just goes to show those two have not been taking a single fight in this arc seriously up until now. Meanwhile we catch up with the Koenmas, our usual Koenma basically spelling out Sensui’s plan to enrage everyone to chase him into demon world and have Kuwabara slice through the mosquito net barrier stopping the eldritch demons from coming out meanwhile King Yamma is mobilizing the Law & Order Special Demons Unit to go take care of some shit but he’s vague about what he means exactly. Meanwhile in the limbo world that proves Bleach really did steal everything from YYH, Kuwabara jokes about the grid pattern basically being a video game and Hiei who was just literally in a video game where they had to murder a child to get out tells him to shut the fuck up. They get to the big barrier and Sensui’s not a demon so he can run right through but because Hiei and Kurama are now Super Saiyan demons they got blocked, now Kuwbara either has to fight Sensui alone or slice up the barrier to let them through. Now there’s a couple things I like about this exchange: 1. They absolutely don’t have to continue the fight, they can actually just fucking walk away right now and Sensui’s kinda screwed like he can’t chase them or cut the barrier on his own, but nobody’s willing to just let Sensui go after he killed Yusuke. 2. When Kuwabara does cut through the barrier, unlike usual when he does something stupid, no one tells him to stop and I like to think that Hiei and especially Kurama are smart enough to know Sensui’s playing them but they’re not willing to back down at this point, even if it means making things on Earth a whole lot worse. 3. Kuwabara does have the option of being headstrong and self-sacrificing as usual and throw himself at Sensui and die senselessly while claiming he doesn’t need anybody’s help but he admits he can’t beat Sensui on his own and needs help from his friends and does the (relatively) more level-headed thing. So yeah, Sensui gets through to Demon World and checks ‘see the world of the creatures you thoughtlessly murdered’ off his bucket list and goes into his super ultimate armor form which is basically just ‘no’ the ability, you can’t be stronger than it, can’t break through it, just no. Like Hiei swallows the dragon and does his DBZ shit, Kurama does some kinda hell plant thing, notably Sensui does still have to dodge Kuwabara’s dimension sword so if they were able to pin him down and force that to hit him that might have worked but yeah everyone’s just kinda fucked at this point.

Jujutsu Kaisen: We get brief flashbacks of the adults making vague attempts to stop Yuji from charging in and of Junpei getting his Jellyfish Shikikami powers and then the fight is on. Yuji’s double punch shit does about as much to the jellyfish as Flats punching Spongebob but he’s able to maneuver around enough to be able to hit Junpei directly and for some reason the jellyfish’s poison doesn’t seem to affect him at all. After a round of beating the shit out of each other, Yuji gets Junpei calm enough to just fucking tell him what happened with his mom and shit and how Junpei’s basically like ‘people don’t have feelings because the alternative is the people who killed my mom are sociopaths and that’s harder to reconcile’ and Yuji gets the idea to recruit Junpei to be the late stage starter pack but before we can change the opening song too much Mahito jumps in and turns Junpei into a soul gremlin like a few seconds after he has the revelation that MAYBE the dude doing soul experiments in the sewer might be a bad guy. Yuji asks Sukuna to heal Junpei and Sukuna either can’t or won’t, he plays it off as a ‘oh watching you beg is a lot more fun than helping even for power’ but it’s most likely either he can’t heal other people or making a second pact would override the one he already made with Yuji which kinda flies in the face of Mahito’s plan and the plan further falls apart when Junpei apparently dies and Yuji gets SO fucking pissed that he PUNCHES MAHITO’S SOUL like I don’t quite understand the lingo of this show yet but getting so pissed you punch out someone’s soul is badass no matter how you slice it, it has something to do with the Yami Yugi thing Yuji and Sukuna have going but apparently Yuji can punch you so hard it literally hits your very soul and that’s freaking cool as hell. They fight for a while and it’s pretty neat because Yuji’s pissed/dumb enough to just facetank all of Mahito’s chimera shit and Mahito’s basically human silly putty so any damage doesn’t last too long. He tries to turn Yuji into a soul gremlin so he’ll have to ask Sukuna to reverse it but Sukuna stops him like ‘What the fuck you think you’re doing bro, get your dirty ass hands off my soul you franekstein motherfucker before I ram your soul so far up your ass…’ and before Mahito can properly counterattack Kento shows up and realizes Yuji has soul-punching powers so they’re gonna team up to fight this guy and that’ll be fun.

Chainsaw Man: It’s the finale and this one kinda caught me by surprise, like I thought I had two episodes left but apparently I lost count and this is it. After last week and the Ghost Devil nearly killing Aki, this time it’s decided it wants to play nice and gives him the cigarette Himeno told him he could have when he grew up and because he has no fear of the ghost devil anymore it legit can’t see him (though he also walks on it and presumably it can feel him so maybe it just wanted to die instead of being controlled by snake girl idk) He beheads it and before Snake Girl can get her snake on, Kobeni pops out of nowhere using her Sloppy Blowjob Devil powers and captures her. Denji and Power come up against a room full of zombies and Power charges right in and Denji’s just like ‘nope’ and steps back into the elevator which is probably good because the next floor has Katana Man on it. Katana Fucker is still pissed about Denji killing his grandpa which is like one of the few things Denji was NOT in the wrong about like not only did he not kill him till he was already a zombie but the dude blackmailed him all his life into indentured servitude, we’ve established that Denji’s a heartless asshole and Katana Man not wanting to even kill zombies confirms that’s not part of the Devil Man process but something innate to Denji’s character, but he was well within his rights to fucking murder that guy long before he did. Anyway the two fight and do their Spider-Man 2 train sequence and it’s cool and shit but Denji gets both his arms cut off when Katana Man starts doing his anime katana move because he has the power of god and anime on his side. They do the super awesome run past each other and slash deal where Denji says he’s gonna cut him down with his head blade but since Denji’s a lying sack of shit he pulls out his secret move, LEG CHAINSAWS and completely subverts the whole clash which is fun. Katana Boi wakes up chained to the train and I’m not entirely sure why he can’t just transform again but I guess he ran out of blood like Denji does and Denji and Aki take turns kicking him in the balls for killing Himeno which is insanely satisfying like there’s this weird kind of fusion between the ‘we won’t kill you, justice will be served’ and the sure juvenile joy of the nutshots that makes it very fun like it’s not even severe enough torture to be an ethical dilemma it’s just like ‘eh, it’ll make us feel a bit better’ and it is a nice bonding moment between Aki and Denji, even almost makes me forget that Katana Dude didn’t actually kill Himeno at all and they should be mad at Snake girl since she was the one that ate the Ghost Devil and invalidated the sacrifice in the first place (also did we ever get a reason for why Katana Man wouldn’t stay dead even under Aki’s ‘definitely kill you’ sword or was that just chalked up to ‘Devil Men basically can’t die, do not pass go do not collect $200’?). But yeah, everyone’s good, Makima says that the Gun Devil jewel shards they got from the bust gave them enough to track the Gun Devil, Snake Girl dies horrifically in front of Kobeni for maximum trauma and we get a cool montage of Denji, Power and Aki just enjoying running errands to close off the season. Also Denji has the dream he had from the beginning of the season about talking to Pochita from through a doorway which I’m guessing is his Naruto/Kurama seal place and if he opens it Pochita will take back over and drive Denji out.

So yeah, that’s the end of Season 1 for Chainsaw Man and I had a lot of fun and I want more but that’s it for now, dunno if I’ll figure out a new anime to watch for next week or just cut the block a little shorter, I’ll see how I feel when it gets closer.

Ranking of Kings: So we get a new opening and this opening song is actually how I first heard of this series and it does fucking slap so that’s cool. Bojji and Kage are still on their way to the castle and apparently Despa is on his way too but is a ways behind because, and I shit you not, his horse got too fat. Meanwhile Hilling is assaulting the gate and Sword Guy has trained Kirito Guard to become Crossbow Guy and help him infiltrate the castle to destroy the gate to the Underworld. Meanwhile Miranjo’s busted the Underworld Criminals out of prison and is just like ‘yeah go nuts I don’t give a fuck’ and they just like immediately kill her puppets but luckily she has Koro-sensei’s absolute defense mode so no one can smash her mirror. The majority of the episode is getting a feel for these criminal dudes and there are some that are just generic tough guys, one that seems to be more of a schemer and one that’s a fucking Dark Souls dude who cuts into Big Strong Guy #3 Kingbo’s tendons so he can’t hold his sword or stand and just acupunctures his back a bunch and lets him bleed out. This guy is Ouken and my working theory is that he has the same kind of training Bojji does where his fighting style targets vital points for disabling rather than crushing with strength only he went the dark murdery ‘disable and let your enemies bleed out’ route on his skill tree. They just kinda yeet Kingbo out of the castle and schemer guy takes over, Snake Guy tells the snakes to bury Kingbo but turns out he’s still alive which shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone because I don’t think anyone who’s died during this series has actually stayed dead.

Vinland Saga: Askeladd runs his men fucking ragged to try and outrun Thorkell’s advancing army that outnumbers him five to one, sending for reinforcements while heading up the river with them hot on their trails. Bjorn confronts Askeladd about his uneasiness and Askeladd admits Canute’s kind of a downer considering if they win he’s supposed to be the King of England. However they’re able to get away from Thorkell using the English’s one eternal weakness: forgetting other countries exist. They escape to Wales, the red-headed stepchild of the United Kingdom where Askeladd has some contacts that are willing to escort Canute on the chance that when he becomes King of England he’ll stay the fuck out of their country. Like Canute seems like he’d keep his word but would it really be England if they minded their own business? Negotiations do not go well because Canute is, in clinical terms, a fucking pussy. Still they set off with Thorfinn acting as Canute’s personal bodyguard as they work to reunite with the rest of the army in the nearest fort. On the way Askeladd admits that despite claiming to be a great judge of character, having faith in people like Thors hasn’t really worked out for him so maybe someone he has absolutely no faith in like Canute is the change of pace the world needs. Before they can get too deep into navelgazing they’re immediately ambushed in the next town, some deity out there heard Askeladd reminiscing about Thors and fucking trapped him in the same archer high ground bullshit he used on him.

#ooc #Toonami #Custom Toonami Block #Spy X Family #Inuyasha #Yu Yu Hakusho #Jujutsu Kaisen #Chainsaw Man #Ranking of Kings #Vinland Saga

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minaramen · 3 years ago

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New Year’s special story - Werewolf Idols ~ LIVE or HEAVEN ~ Part 13: Nighttime War Council [Day 5]

*A dark place*

Yamato: You must be kidding me, Riku…! Wooo!

Yamato: All of you….! Be sure to execute Kujo too, at least!!

Yamato: That guy is a wolf…! Trust me..!

*Cut to the game*

Iori/wolf: You’ve been saved by that absurd fine play from Nanase san

Tenn/wolf: It seems so

Iori/wolf: What happened? Is there something you’re worried about?

Tenn/wolf: I feel like Ryuu suspects me

Iori/wolf: Tsunashi san?

Tenn/wolf: Maybe. However, Ryuu is a kind soul. I don’t think he will put the pressure on me before being certain that his suspicions are right

Iori/wolf: He’s not really a suspicious person and there is a little chance he’ll get executed. He would be the perfect target for us, but given the moment we can’t bite him…

Tenn/wolf: Yes. I’ll be executed tomorrow, so let’s just stick to the plan and bite Nanase san

Iori/wolf: Understood. Let’s think about who is better to forecast tomorrow

Iori/wolf: If we get to have that person executed before you, we win

Tenn/wolf: Okay. Let’s see… I’ve already forecasted Ryuu

Iori/wolf: Then, we need to go for somebody else…

Iori/wolf: Say that Inumaru san is a wolf. He’s suspecting me, after all

Iori/wolf: If he keeps on living he’ll make my life difficult at some point

Tenn/wolf: Got it. We need to gain Ryuu, Isumi san and your brother’s trust

Iori/wolf: Not really. If we gain one person’s trust, we have two votes available

Iori/wolf: We can bring it to a tie vote. In case we need to vote again, it will be a mutual fortitude game

Tenn/wolf: In case we can’t reach a decision, we will win even if one single vote is changed

Iori/wolf: Exactly

Tenn/wolf: The majority rule is scary

Iori/wolf: It is

Iori/wolf: The more days pass, the more we become suspicious. If there’s a chance, I'd like to make it end tomorrow

*Cut to the TV studio*

Tamaki: Iorin, Tenten…do your best!

Gaku: Ryuu! And also the older Izumi, Inumaru and Isumi, we’ll be outwitted by these wolves!

Nagi: Uhm…it’s going to be hard

Minami: What do you mean?

Nagi: Without any solid information they became an anxious and doubtful community…

Nagi: They may end up following the wolves easily, since their will is so strong

Momo: Yeah

Torao: Six is the perfect number when it comes to exposing a suspect

Torao: However it’s unexpectedly hard to realize that if you’re part of a circle

Torao: Even if somebody has a good argument, he won’t say out it loud because he’s afraid of becoming suspicious

Minami: As a result, the wolves will take possession of the game while the others remain silent

Momo: We can see that ourselves. Whatever you say, no matter if you’re wrong…

Momo: It’s important to keep those who understand your real nature close

Gaku: You’re right

Sogo: It’s difficult to fight when you’re not trusted. I was executed the very first day…

Tamaki: I’m very sorry…!!

Sogo: I’m not angry. I got very few votes supporting me anyway

Sogo: When you apologized to me, the one saying I was probably a fellow wolf was…

Nagi: Iori

Sogo: Mh…? Wah, how smart…he really got it all worked out…

Nagi: It’s an exciting game! I’d like to play again!

Yuki: Shouldn’t he be almost here, by now?

*Doors open*

Yamato:.........

Audience: Kyaaaaah

Yamato: Ah…

Yamato: Is this Heaven?

Audience: Kyaaaaaah

Yamato: Happy new year!

Audience: Happy new year!!

Yamato: Did you see this old man doing his best?

Audience: Yes!

Audience: So cool!

Audience: Yamato san, I trusted you!!

Yamato: Thank you!

Yamato: You made me feel a bit refreshed!

Audience: Kyaaaaah..!

Tamaki: Hello, Yama san

Nagi: Yamato! Welcome!

Yamato: I can see beer, right among the new year dishes! You’re having a good time here, uh?

Sogo: Fufu, yes

Yamato: Damn, I wish I had come here earlier

Momo: Hey, you were the real deal! You couldn’t have come earlier, don’t you think?? Here, have some beer! Divinator is a rough job!

Yamato: Too much of a rough job, honestly. Momo san, you were pretty good…

Yuki: Too good, actually. I’d say he was scary

Yamato: Ah, here you are! The partner he sold out!

Yuki: Yes, here I am

Sogo: Tamaki kun and Momo san have joined a new unit! It’s called “The circle of hell for those who sold out their partners”

Yamato: The hell from the unit’s name is…

Minami: Oh…? So, is there a chance for the game to end tomorrow?

Torao: 1,2… yeah, there is. If they don’t execute a wolf tomorrow they will reach the same numbers as wolves the day after, and it’ll be over

Yamato: I wonder if they will become aware of it on time…

Gaku: Ryuu understood how the game works…maybe

Minami: Inumaru san and Isumi san leave any detailed calculations to Izumi Iori san

Minami: If they keep on being so silent, they’ll end up losing

Yuki: I still don’t understand this whole numbers thing…

Momo: If Riku gets bitten tonight we have six people left, including wolves. Are you with me so far?

Yuki: I am

Momo: If tomorrow the wolves have one villager executed and another one bitten, they’ll become the same number as them by the day after tomorrow

Momo: And so the villagers will lose

Yuki: How terrible

Nagi: Oh! Fight, Mitsuki! Count the wolves!

Tamaki: Iorin, Tenten! Do your best, it’s almost done!

Momo: Stay strong, besties…!

Gaku: Hey, Natsume. Who does the fox spirit cheer for?

Minami: Let’s see… being an intruder myself, shall I cheer for the wolves?

Torao: You’re a fellow enemy, after all. Touma, Haruka…do your best!

Sogo: Mitsuki san! Please, suspect Iori kun once more!

Yamato: Has he ever suspected Ichi? Whose forecasting did he trust?

Sogo: Yours, I think…?

Yamato: Mitsu..! Trust me!

Gaku: Ryuu! Avenge me and strike them down!

*Cut to the game*

Ryunosuke/villager: Maybe…Tenn is a wolf…?

Ryunosuke/villager: He said that he announced the forecasting result for the fox spirit in advance due to enthusiasm, but…

Ryunosuke/villager: This is not something that Tenn would normally do…he always has strong self control

Ryunosuke/villager: Even when he gets hurt in the middle of work, he doesn't let the smallest moan come out. There's no way he could just…

Ryunosuke/villager:.....dunno. Maybe he just had a strong reaction to increase the viewers’ excitement?

Ryunosuke/villager: No��.

Ryunosuke/villager: I don’t think so

Ryunosuke/villager: Everybody has always waited for the countdown to announce their forecastings

Ryunosuke/villager: Nobody ever broke this rule. You can't just change it yourself, just because you want to

Ryunosuke/villager: If he did such a thing, he probably wanted to achieve something. In other words…

Ryunsouke/villager:.......

Ryunosuke/villager:...Tenn is a wolf?

Ryunsouke/villager: What do you think, Gaku!?

*Shade in and out*

Mitsuki/villager:...and so we executed Yamato san. I wonder who the real divinator is…

Mitsuki/villager: I want to believe it was Yamato san, but Kujo acted so calmly, just like he knew he had nothing to worry about because he was the real divinator

Mitsuki/villager: We’ll execute Kujo tomorrow. Then we need to discuss about who the wolf who’s not hiding among the divinators could be

Mitsuki/villager: Looking at his reactions, I don’t feel like Tsunashi san is lying. So, maybe it’s Inumaru?

Mitsuki/villager: It can’t be Tsunashi san. It can’t be Iori nor Isumi. There’s only Inumaru left

Mitsuki/villager: I don’t really remember when, but I'm pretty sure there was a moment when I thought it was weird he hadn't been bitten yet

Mitsuki/villager: Maybe it’s better to execute Inumaru right after Kujo…

*Shade in and out*

Haruka/villager: I'm super shocked! I really trusted Minami…

Haruka/villager: Minami, Kujo and Nanase definitely were the village’s very favorites! Uhm…maybe I’m wrong…

Haruka/villager: So, is Kujo the real divinator? Today he was like “Hooray!”

Haruka/villager: “The fox is gone! Hooray!” He’s acting like the real deal

Haruka/villager: There’s no way it’s Izumi. The little brother.

Haruka/villager: When we were discussing Yotsuba's situation he was like “yeah, let’s execute him, let’s execute him” . He wouldn't have said that if Yotsuba was a buddy of his

Haruka/villager: Then… Touma?

Haruka/villager: But when I said I suspected him, today, he was kinda shocked. Was he also acting or something?

Haruka/villager: Maybe, he was. Yes…...aah, I'm so pessimistic!

Haruka/villager: I cannot help thinking that it would really suck

Haruka/villager: The more I think I don't want to be fooled by Touma, the more I'm convinced this is exactly what he's doing!

Haruka/villager: That’s the reason why I cannot see the wolf inside him! Is it okay for me to trust him? What do you think, Torao?!

Haruka/villager: Regarding Tsunashi, well..everybody says he's a good person. The same goes for the older Izumi

Haruka/villager: So, maybe they're not so good at lying. But they all act in dramas. It's the same thing as Minami, basically…

Haruka/villager:......

Haruka/villager: Ah, enough of all this! I want to die eaten by a wolf before taking on too much responsibility!

*Shade in and out*

Touma/villager: So, Mina was the fox..

Touma/villager: I don’t have a clue about the divinator's identity, but apparently we're gonna execute Kujo tomorrow

Touma/villager: So another person will definitely die

Touma/villager: After Kujo's execution there'll be five of us left, including one wolf

Touma/villager: We have two more days, so we can afford another mistake

Touma/villager: Seems like I'm becoming the suspicious guy here. Even Haru suspects me. Is it due to my wolfy face..?

Touma/villager: For some reasons, I can’t trust the little Izumi. However he's got such a resolution that, if a wolf, he's a pretty scary one!

Touma/villager: If I were a wolf, I would have bitten him at the very beginning

Touma/villager: Of course, maybe they needed to worry about the hunter and the medium first and didn’t really have the chance to bite him

Touma/villager: Yes…

Touma/villager: Right after Kujo, we should execute the younger Izumi

*Cut to the TV studio*

Torao: Tomorrow's the decisive battle day and nobody has noticed yet

Nagi: Oh! I hope the village’s peace will be protected

Momo: Besties! Keep fighting!

Yuki: What about me?

Momo: You too, Yuki, you too! Of course!

End of part 13

#Idolish7 #ainana #ainanatranslation #idolish7translation #zool #trigger #re:vale

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themadauthorshatter · 3 years ago

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... I think you guys are going to like this.

358/2 Days REWRITE Part 2

Riku is around, but he's all over the place, and he has a mission: Find and capture either Roxas or Xion, unless he CAN manage both, so DiZ can use them to help Sora recover. He's on a time limit, though, because Sora's heart is damaged and the longer Roxas and Xion are around, the less likely Sora is to waking up or even sleeping; I mean, he'll BE sleeping, but it'll be much quieter and it will be absolutely pointless to try waking him up.

For the first few days or months, he keeps his distance, trying to decide who he's picking, sadly.

Pros of bringing Roxas to DiZ: He has the closest connection to Sora, being his nobody, he's got the keyblade, Riku can probably take him one v. one, if there are any problems, he just needs to get a reaction out of 'Sora.'

CONS of bringing to Roxas to DiZ: Have fun trying to run from the remaining Organization members, he'll have to avoid Non-form or he'll get beaten all to Hell, he runs the risk of hurting his friend for reals, Roxas is rarely alone, Roxas is one hell of a runner and fighter, he'll just feel bad.

Pros of bringing Xion to DiZ: She has more 'keyblade' potential, maybe her voice will help wake up Sora(?), she looks and sounds like Kairi, Naminé gets a new friend(as long as DiZ doesn't decide to throw her away).

CONS of bringing Xion to DiZ: She looks and sounds like Kairi, she's crazy skilled, she hits hard, she's laughable when she's mad, but it's gut wrenching to see her cry or be hurt, she looks and sounds like Kairi, Naminé is probably getting Thanosed when DiZ is done with her because he's a dick right now, so giving Xion to her as a friend will mean nothing, the connection to Kairi, he'll feel bad.

As you can tell, Riku is great at making decisions(sarcasm)

While he's too caught up to do anything, let's check on the sea salt trio, who are getting closer as friends, i.e. seeing Hayner, Pence, and Olette do stupid stuff a KH equivalent of TikTok, which the trio repeats on their own without a phone recording them, eating ice cream, talking, and exploring the Disney worlds for fun, both old ones and new ones that will appear in future games.

In this time, Xion becomes a mix of Kairi and Naminé, outspoken, but careful with who she runs her mouth to, smart, but still open to learn, protective and still needs something if a protector, etc. She is also a wickedly fast learner.

We also get organization shenanigans like Demyx being lazy on missions, Roxas getting annoyed at Xigbar for calling him tiger, dealing with Saïx, trying not to annoy Xaldin, even getting head pats from Xemnas, and, for fluff, Roxas and Xion finding Axel asleep on the floor of the clock tower and the two scaring him away for shits and giggles.

Yes, a lot of time passes, about 9-11 months, give or take.

Roxas and Xion also become closer as well with Axel being something like their chaperone, only he reports to Xemnas and Saïx.

Speaking of Saïx, he meets up with Axel one day and expresses disdain with the fact Axel would rather be friends with an unstable Roxas and a literal puppet that doesn't even exist.

Axel, on edge already with Xemnas on his back, tells Saïx to put a cork in it. Saïx only pushes back, asking if Roxas even KNOWS what Xion is, even what HE is. To both their credit, the two are wonderful at playing make believe and Axel, being the child he is, is a great at being their playmate.

Axel shoves Saïx back, snapping for him to shut his mouth before he says something he'll regret. Saïx, losing his composure, shoves back, asking if he should because Axel can't handle the truth; he never has been good at it, so it's not surprising.

Ring a bell, someone, please, because Axel throws a punch into Saïx's cheekbone. Saïx returns with a left hook directly to the side of the neck and knees Axel, who grabs his leg under his knee and rolls, making them both fall and throw more punches on the ground, bruising and bloodying each other in full view of the remaining organization members. Maybe we get a gag of Xigbar and Luxord placing bets on who will win, Demyx worrying because they should probably be stopped, Xaldin scoffing at the immature display, and then Roxas and Xion walking in and instantly getting worried because Axel is not winning this fight, as evidenced by Saïx slamming his head into the floor.

When the two stand up to keep fighting, Roxas and Xion race between them, the boy in front of Saïx and a very nervous Xion in front of Axel, who tells her and Roxas to stay out of this or they'll get hurt.

Roxas obviously refuses, but Xion leads Axel away from Saïx, who asks if Axel really needs children to protect him.

No, he needs to protect these two idiots, especially Roxas, who hasn't moved and his eyes have gone Non-form-y, like he's about to transform.

Saïx returns with berserker eyes and smashes Roxas into the wall by his neck, daring him to try it.

It draws a gasp from EVRYONE, even Xaldin, but Saïx scoffs that they shouldn't try pretending to be worried, what with how unstable and how much of a nuisance Roxas is, not too mention weak, which he says while watching Roxas try to break free. He kicks at Saïx, and misses, but Saïx smirks and summons his claymore, wanting to see how tough Roxas really is.

There's a reason Xion pulled Axel away and is so nervous, because said reason puts a hand on Saïx's shoulder and asks him if he enjoys this façade of a life and would rather not disappear.

Yep. Xemnas is here, and everyone backs down, including the the bet making Xigbar and Luxord, who so they can have deniability.

Saïx snaps out of berserk mode in the blink of an eye and begrudgingly lets go of Roxas, i.e. lets him drop down.

Axel and Xion start toward him, but freeze when Xemnas eyes them, like scary eyes.

He has an announcement: There's an imposter and he could be anywhere. He's in a coat just like everyone else's, but his hood's usually up. When he's not wearing it, he's a silver haired teen. Oh, yeah, and his name is Riku.

Axel, Roxas, and Xion all gasp, Axel because Riku was in Castle Oblivion and probably knows where Sora is and Roxas and Xion because it brings back memories from Sora.

Xemnas sees the reaction, but only focuses on Roxas, asking softly if he's okay and if he was hurt.

He's fine and he wasn't and he shakes his head to chase away Non-form.

Xemnas still helps him up and orders everyone to keep their eyes open and report ANYTHING on this imposter because the sooner they catch and... well, just catch him, the better, that part being Xemnas not wanting to upset Roxas, make him go into Non-form, and have everyone need to knock him out to calm him down.

Xemnas takes Roxas away to be checked on, in case he was really hurt and doesn't know it, and Roxas asks what will happen to Saïx and Axel for fighting. He didn't see a lot of it, so he’s not even sure who started it.

They’ll be 'interviewed' and reprimanded accordingly, but they won't die, so relax.

What about the imposter? Who's Riku? And who's Sora??

Xemnas stops checking on Roxas and puts a hand on his head, which he doesn't need to worry about because the organization can deal with it. All he needs to do is keep doing missions and giving his 100%. Roxas sighs that he IS, hell he's giving 150% because Non-form's acting up, but he's kept it calm, even with the hallucinations of Sora, Ven, and now Non-form.

Xemnas finishes checking for any wounds and commends Roxas, saying that is why he chose him. Before Roxas can ask, Xemnas tells him to go in the lobby because he has a mission with Xaldin.

Roxas does so and passes by and reassuring Axel and glaring Saïx, though Roxas glares back.

Xemnas has the two sit down and that warmth he had with Roxas is GONE IN A SECOND, asking both of them what they were thinking, picking a fight in front of everyone and endangering the two most vital components to the plan. Saïx jabs that Axel is letting himself be distracted while Axel states he's doing his job and doesn't want either of them to get upset or angry to the point of dysfunctionality. Besides, He did not start that fight, which he didn't even WANT to partake in.

Does Axel have legs? For now he does, yes. Can he stand? Yes. Can he DEMONSTRATE that he can stand? This is getting tedious, but sure, and Axel stands. Now can he walk from where he is to the far wall? Again, this is tedious, but yes.

If he did ALL OF THAT, why didn't he actually do it?

With no words, Xemnas dismisses Axel, telling him to accompany Xion on their mission.

Axel nods and leaves Saïx to be scolded.

We cut to Riku as he watches Roxas and Xaldin fight of heartless and some knights in Beast's Castle, maybe even go toe to toe with Beast himself, who manages to catch Roxas off guard and momentarily confuses him with Sora.

Xaldin knocks him away and the two leave, Riku coming out and asking if that smaller nobody really was Sora.

Beast admits it was a spur of the moment, but he could have sworn it was Sora.

Meanwhile, Xion and Axel fight hard in Hollow Bastion, squaring off against Squall, Yuffie, Tifa, and Cloud, where we see both more of Axel's gymnastics and Xion's ability with a keyblade.

The fight ends when Xion stops who she believes is Riku the imposter and chases after him, Axel following her in case shit hits the fan.

Xion follows Riku to a cliffside and he gives her an offer and a warning: either give him Roxas or hope that they never meet face to face again. Xion arms herself and demands to know what that means, but Riku also arms himself right as Axel throws a chakram between them and tells Riku to fuck off before he gets hurt.

Riku gives Xion one last glance before falling off the edge and leaving through a dark corridor, making it look like he just disappeared like a badass. They’re both confused, but still call it a day, Xion asking if Axel is okay after that fight with Saïx, because he’s still a little banged up. He expresses he’s fine(he’s a big boy!!) and tells Xion not to worry.

She’s going to anyway because Riku is after Roxas, and threatened her with a fight if she didn’t bring Roxas to him. Axel, although he’s shook, tells her everything will be fine.

LIES, because Xion is sent on a mission to defeat Riku. All she needs to do is knock him out and they’ll come collect him, no problem.

Xion IS strong, but not strong enough because Riku wipes the floor with her and is about to take her to DiZ when dusks, samurai, and Non-form Roxas, who also gets whooped, but at least fairs a little better.

The two wear Riku out enough for a lance to graze his arm, an arrow/bullet to hit his leg, and a few cards to distract him.

The rest of the organization arrive, even Saïx and Xemnas, the latter using thorn/vine things to bind Riku’s hands behind his back.

He remarks that Riku’s a lot bigger than he thought he would be, stronger too, and we get one of those creepy manga Xemnas moments as he grabs Riku, pulls him close by the jaw, and states he’ll have fun seeing just how strong he is; he knows that Riku is hiding Sora, Kairi, DiZ, and his witch, and will tear him apart with his bare hands to know where they are.

With Riku thoroughly freaked out, Xemnas stands and everyone returns, all tired and ready to find Sora.

Xion, however, isn’t. Because Riku said some very interesting things to her during their fight.

She considers telling Roxas, but he’s too worried making sure she’s okay, because Riku was tough. She goes to Axel instead, knowing he has a key to the dungeons, and he’s instantly skeptical; she asked if he could take her to see Riku. Xion lies through her teeth and says she just wants to rub in Riku’s face that they won and he lost.

Axel agrees, but decides he’s going to follow her, just in case.

They arrive as Xigbar leaves, asking if they’re going to welcome the new arrival and need help in doing so.

Xion counters that she’s actually going to return a favor and would like to do it alone.

Axel’s surprised and Xigbar whistles for her to stand down; he was just asking because she got kicked like a soccer ball, no harm in asking for help.

He leaves and Xion goes toward Riku’s cell, asking Axel to stay by the door until she’s done.

He does so and Xion walks towards Riku’s cell, where she and we the audience see Riku is banged up from being interrogated; looks like Xemnas is taking his time.

Riku asks what she wants and Xion responds with a deal:

Tell her about Sora and she’ll give the organization a good enough lie to let him go so he can help Sora. During their fight, the two had an argument, Xion saying she was going to protect her friend and Riku snapping she had no idea what friends were because she’s a nobody and a replica, and the reason Sora can’t wake up.

Spark Notes of the deal: If Riku tells Xion about Sora, Xion will give the organization an answer that will buy Riku enough time to get back to Sora.

Fair, but he has one condition: If he tells her, she was to decide what she will do; he’s not refusing because she genuinely wants to know more about Sora.

Xion agrees and Riku tells her to take a seat, because they’re going to be here for a while.

#kingdom hearts #kh roxas #kh axel #kh xemnas #kh xion #sea salt trio #kh riku #kh saix #kh 358/2 days #rewrite #there will be a part 3 #violence tw #picking on the little guy

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the-ss-zemyx · 4 years ago

Text

PVP(umpkin Spice Lattes)

Zexion and Arpeggio are Discord friends. They chat in private messages, raid in Verum Rex together, and may or may not have feelings for each other.

Ienzo and Demyx are college roommates. They hate each other, for the most part. At least they can both agree on pumpkin spice lattes.

Happy 2nd Zemyx Day of 2020!!

Specifically for today, the S.S. Zemyx Discord Server hosted a collaborative fic-writing event! Over the course of the past five days, four of our writing members teamed up on a Google Doc in one glorious, inspirational, chaotic, frankenstein-esque fic-writing bonanza! That's right, the fic you're about to read is the product of -four- people's efforts! Enjoy!! :D

(A HUGE thanks to my co-writers: Aliceslantern, Ennarcia, and Carbonpixel. This was a hell of a lot of fun to do and I'm immensely proud of us!! - Mod Arxsia)

Also available on AO3!

__________

Demyx hated his roommate. Okay, no, hate was a strong word, and Demyx did his best to be a friendly, outgoing sort of guy, so ‘hate’ was definitely too strong a word. He liked to make friends. Having friends was nice. Having friends was very nice, and so, he tried to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. But his roommate was a different story, and Demyx did not like his roommate very much at all.

At least he was easy on the eyes, because everything else about him got on Demyx’s last nerve. His name was Ienzo, but his name might as well have been "Jerk," with a capital J. When he wasn't hogging the Internet bandwidth doing God-knows-what on a chunky Alienware laptop, he was lecturing Demyx on the virtues of keeping the floor free from dirty clothes and giving empty soda cans a proper burial in the plastic wastebasket by the door. Lame. Also, he was a little condescending. That jerk .

One day, Ienzo burst into their dorm room with the gusto of a hurricane aiming to speak to a manager about a botched coffee order. He swung his laptop bag onto his mattress. It bounced when it landed. "Out," he commanded.

Demyx looked up from his phone. He sat with his legs crossed on his own bed, his Discord app open to a private message thread on his phone. In a few minutes, one of his server friends, a guy with the display name "The Cloaked Schemer" but going by his Discord handle, Zexion#1309, would be starting a voice call with him. It was kind of a big deal--they had been chatting in their shared server for almost a year, and in private messages for almost as long, but they had yet to actually speak to each other. "I'm actually busy," Demyx said.

"I don't care. Out."

It turned into an argument, of course, neither yielding and probably disturbing their neighbors with the yelling. Yep, Demyx didn’t like his roommate one bit.

He ended up in the lounge by the kitchen, utterly fuming, cursing his idea to “go rando” with a roommate all the while. It’s the best way to make friends, Demyx , his mother had told him. What better friend than a roommate?

Very funny.

At least he’d been able to grab his phone. Of course, Zexion was wondering where the hell he was.

The Cloaked Schemer: Do you need to reschedule?

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: roommate’s being a dick and kicked me out. Sorry!

The Cloaked Schemer: Ah, I too am having roommate troubles. I can sympathize. I know too well what it’s like when one’s privacy is denied.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: he’s driving me NUTS!

The Cloaked Schemer: Have you tried talking to him about it?

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: He didn’t exactly uh seem receptive to talking

The Cloaked Schemer: It’s always a good idea to try for maturity first.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: I did! Not my fault the guy wasn’t having it.

Anyway. Id hate to let that guy take up any more time.

Hru?

The Cloaked Schemer: Doing as well as I can, I suppose. I’m enjoying my classes so far. It seems a little easy, but then again, it is only one of the first weeks. Things should pick up more by midterms.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: ure too smart zexy. And didnt you skip a grade?

The Cloaked Schemer: A year, yes. I don’t think they call them grades in college.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: Considering some of the people ive met, couldve fooled me.

The Cloaked Schemer: If I’m hoping to have a grad degree within five years, I have to fast track it. I’d rather not spend much more time in undergrad than necessary.

Though I am especially resentful that, despite the fact that I am technically a sophomore, I’m considered enough of a freshman to still be required to dorm.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: That blows

But dude, ure here. Might as well try to enjoy the journey, yaknow?

The Cloaked Schemer: Oh, Arpeggio. Your naivete is too obvious sometimes. It’s sweet, I think.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: har har

The Cloaked Schemer: I am disappointed though. I was looking forward to meeting you--in a manner of speaking. You’re probably one of the most sane people from our Verum Rex server.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: Issa game, bro. Some of them, idk, take it a little too seriously

The Cloaked Schemer: Well, aspects of it are worth being taken seriously, but I understand what you mean.

Though the ship wars are grating.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: ha! Yeah.

The Cloaked Schemer: We’ll have to find some other time, then.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: Mann i was hoping to see if you sound as smart as you type

The Cloaked Schemer: You flatter me.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: Do you think if we lived near each other we would hang out?

The Cloaked Schemer: If it’s all the same, I’d prefer to keep my location anonymous.

At least for now.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: I know. Just a hypothetical question

The Cloaked Schemer: I’d like to say yes.

But for all I know, you’re actually a forty year old serial killer who lives in his mother’s basement.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: harsh

You listen to 2 many true crime podcasts

Anyway, I g2g. See if the roomie will let me back in. Got homework.

The Cloaked Schemer: Enjoy your night, Arpeggio.

Hopefully one of us has a good one.

Demyx closed the app and repocketed his phone. He flopped back on the lounge couch, eyes squinting at the fluorescent lights above and his limbs ragdolling in uncomfortable directions. A good night, huh? It’d be better if he could spend time in his own room without having to engage in guerilla combat whenever he wanted to exist in his own space. Wishful thinking, he thought.

__________

Ienzo stared at the chatlog open on his computer screen. The circle next to Arpeggio’s icon turned a dull gray, and the remaining bits of Ienzo’s hope for decent conversation dulled with it. He had finally caught up enough with his classwork to have some free time to spend, finally arranged to voice chat with Arpeggio, finally gotten Demyx to leave the god-forsaken room so he could have the one conversation he’d been looking forward to for weeks , and now… nothing. All that planning, gone to waste. Another wave of irritation hit him, and suddenly he was out of bed and grabbing his keys. He needed some tea.

Ienzo didn’t get tea at the coffee shop, despite his plans. The alluring, hipster scent of pumpkin spice hit his nose instead, and he caved before he could stop himself.

The college employed students as baristas in the campus coffee shop, as part of the work-study financial aid, so it wasn’t uncommon to see one’s peers at the shop. “Hey, Ienzo,” Riku said. It was getting late; chairs were already on top of all the tables. They’d met in Ienzo’s anthropology class.

“I’m not too late, am I?”

“I can bend the rules for you.” He went back behind the counter. “What’ll it be? Your usual?”

He blushed guiltily. “Pumpkin spice. Please.” Curse that glorious, wonderful scent.

He smirked. “Coming right up.”

“I know it’s dreadfully popular.”

“Yeah, cause it’s good ,” Riku said. “As long as you’re not one of those “half-caff, no whip, vanilla and almond, five shots” type of people.”

“Why complicate coffee so much?”

Riku handed him the paper cup. “At that point, just drink coffee-flavored syrup.” There was a pleasant lull for a moment. Riku began cleaning the espresso machine. “So why are you out so late? Don’t you have an early class tomorrow?”

Ienzo grimaced. “My roommate and I got into a fight.”

“...Again?”

“We are not well suited for each other.” A sigh. “I went to the Residence Life office to try and apply for another room, but the period for that is over. I was told, and I quote, “unless he’s hurting you, tough it out.””

Riku chuckled.

“He is simply-- obnoxious ,” Ienzo continued, the pressing need to vent taking over. “Slobby, loud, and always around at precisely the most inopportune times. I was supposed to have a call with a good friend of mine, and it took some doing just to get him out.”

“Right, your Discord friend.”

“You have a good memory.” Ienzo swished the coffee around a little; it was slightly too hot to drink.

“The one you have a crush on,” Riku said with a grin.

Ienzo flushed painfully. “I do not have feelings for him,” he said.

“Dunno. You managed to bring that call up in almost every conversation we’ve had. If he was really just your friend, would you be that excited? Enough to hype about it for weeks?”

Ienzo shrugged. “I do not know where he’s from, I don’t know his real name, I don’t even know what he looks like. For all I know, he only uses he/him pronouns online.”

“And?”

“I just… see no reason to desire something I cannot have.”

Riku wiped at the counter. “Oh, don’t be so doom and gloom,” he said. “If the call matters so much, it’s going to happen eventually.”

“I know.” He smiled. “Well, thanks for the tea and sympathy. Er, coffee and sympathy.”

“Any time.”

“Enjoy the rest of your night.”

“You too. Play nice.”

“Just promise to bail me out if things go awry, will you?”

“Ha, on my salary?” Riku winked.

Ienzo left the coffee shop. He didn’t want to return to the dorms yet, but the fall night was calm and quiet. He checked his phone (maybe Arpeggio was free? Though he did say he had homework…).

As a stroke of luck, he had a message waiting for him.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: I have a room again! \o/

the jerk was gone when I got back!

The Cloaked Schemer: How fortunate for you. I assume you’re flying through your homework now?

Mel0d10us N0cturn3: nope! :p

this science paper is kicking my ass!

Im really no good at this sort of thing

The Cloaked Schemer: Do you have any tutors available? Ordinarily I’d love to help but it might be easier and more private to go there instead.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: \o/

We actually do have one of those tutoring centers I think! Thanks for the idea!

Don't want you to waste your special brain-powers on little ol’ me lol

The Cloaked Schemer: I’d hardly call helping you a waste of my “special brain powers.”

It’s not a bad idea to check your local resources though.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: o7

Don’t think I’m gonna make any progress on this paper tonight tho lol

The Cloaked Schemer: Giving up already? I didn’t have you pegged for a quitter.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: Awww, come on! Don’t guilt meeee

My poor brain!

It’s mush!

;-; will you not spare some mercy for my poor mushy brain?

The Cloaked Schemer: I suppose just this once, provided you use your resources and go to the tutoring center.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: o7 Yes sir !

First thing in the morning!

My mushy brain thanks you for your mercy and endless kindness!

Ienzo’s cheeks grew warm, but whether it was from the message on the screen or the sip of pumpkin spice coffee currently running down his throat, he neither knew nor was willing to explore.

Despite the late hour, there were plenty of students milling about campus, taking up their little spaces. It had taken him some time to find an empty bench to sit on, but one eventually caught his eye and he claimed it immediately, sitting down with his coffee in one hand and phone in the other.

The sky was inky black, dotted with stars, the sun long gone by now. Nights were starting to grow just a tad chilly, the beginnings of autumn seeping into the atmosphere. It was Ienzo’s favorite season and the aroma of pumpkin spice wafting past his nose was just what he needed to make up for the disappointment of having his voice call with Arpeggio abruptly cancelled.

Well, maybe not entirely. He’d been really looking forward to hearing Arpeggio’s voice for the first time, but this did nicely enough, he supposed. It was better than sitting around stewing in annoyance over his damned roommate anyway.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: so what are you up to right now?

The Cloaked Schemer: It’s a lovely night out. I needed some tea. Got coffee instead.

What is it about pumpkin spice that’s so irresistible?

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: Never wouldve pictured YOU as a devotee of the PSL.

The Cloaked Schemer: Guilty pleasure.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: theyre so good. I can’t have that many of them cause caffeine makes me SLEEPY

The Cloaked Schemer: Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me at all.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: whats that supposed to mean?

The Cloaked Schemer: Nothing derogatory, I assure you.

Though the idea of you being hopped up on caffeine amuses me.

You seem like one of those people who has energy all the time.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: i wish

The Cloaked Schemer: I should--begrudgingly--head back to my room.

You should try working on that paper.

I mean it about the tutor.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: yeah, yeah. I hear ya

Hopefully your roommates not being a dick anymore

The Cloaked Schemer: Fat chance. M3l0d10us N0cturn3: enjoy your coffee~~

__________

Demyx sat for a long time looking at that exchange. He could’ve heard Zexion say those words. He was just so painfully smart, but Demyx could listen to him say anything. About anything. For hours.

He showered and got ready for bed, hoping that Ienzo would stay gone. But as it was, he was back. Ienzo scowled in greeting.

“Nice to see you too,” Demyx muttered. He noticed the coffee cup Ienzo had set down. Ienzo seemed to live on caffeine and spite.

“I needed to clear my head, as I do not have the luxury of privacy.”

“Well I gotta sleep somewhere,” Demyx said. He crawled into bed. Ienzo rolled his eyes. Demyx saw him grab his own shower caddy and head out to the communal bathroom. He thought he smelled--he blinked. Slowly, ever so slowly, he got up, crossed over to the cup, and sniffed it.

Of course he likes pumpkin spice lattes, Demyx thought bitterly. Ugh.

He went back to bed and fell asleep listening to music.

__________

The universe thought it was just so funny. Demyx had taken Zexion’s advice and the tutor he’d met with was his jerk of a roommate. At least Ienzo was unhappy too, if the scowl on his insufferably nerdy face was anything to go by.

“What are you doing here?” Demyx blurted before he could stop himself.

“I work here,” his jerk of a roommate answered in response, “as a tutor, for my work study. I take it your procrastinating finally caught up to you and you need some last-minute help?” Did he really have to be so damn condescending though?

Demyx hiked his backpack strap a bit higher on his shoulder and rapped his fingers on the tutoring center's reception desk. Ienzo could glare daggers at him all he wanted from his seat at the computer behind the desk, but the curious eyes of the other tutors and students around meant that he would have to maintain decorum. They both would, lest Ienzo lose his job and Demyx lose his tutoring privileges. He took a deep breath. "I need help with a biology paper."

Ienzo's expression tightened. "Would you like to make an appointment?"

"No? You said it yourself: this is last-minute." Demyx tapped on the desk. "I need to talk to the science tutor on duty, please."

"It seems like we're both out of luck tonight, then," Ienzo replied dryly, absently clicking at something on the computer monitor. "I'm the science tutor on duty at the moment."

"You? Gross."

"I'm not particularly happy about it right now, either."

Demyx considered his options, and cringed at his conclusions. His paper was due in two days, and it was only half-drafted. Without a passing grade on the assignment, he would set himself up to fail the class. Petty squabbles were not worth the hit to his GPA. He sighed. "Well, can you help? I'm kind of desperate, here."

Ienzo returned the sigh. "Fine. Follow me."

Demyx followed Ienzo around the reception desk to a square table in the far corner, a plastic chair on each side. Ienzo alighted onto the seat closest to the wall. "This better not be a waste of time."

Demyx pulled his laptop out of his backpack before sitting down across from Ienzo. "Has anyone ever told you that you have excellent people skills? Because if they did, they lied to you."

Ienzo rolled his eyes. Yep , Demyx thought, amazing people skills. They were off to a great start. Getting through this paper was going to be agony. "I'm paid to tutor, not practice social niceties."

The laptop screen lit up as Demyx swiped one finger over the trackpad. A screenshot from one of his more memorable raids in Verum Rex guarded the rest of his files behind his login password. Demyx typed his password as quickly as he could, shooing the image of his and Zexion's avatars away before Ienzo could ask any unwanted questions. Evidently, he did not type fast enough.

“Verum Rex? You're familiar with it?”

Demyx nearly jumped, shoulders tensing. He knew Ienzo was there; that shouldn’t have startled him as badly as it had.

“Duh? It's only the best MMO on the market right now. Not that you would know, since you're so committed to the whole 'smug asshole' thing,” He snarked on reflex, feeling slightly guilty about it afterwards. Ienzo was being friendly for once, or was at least making something of an attempt at it. Yikes. Demyx wasn't usually one to make low blows like that. He opened the Biology folder on his computer and selected the draft of his paper, making an effort to get along with Ienzo while they were forced to sit together. "Please help me with this? If you would be so kind, please?" Demyx made praying-hands in Ienzo's direction in apology.

Eyebrow rising - was it just one, or both? - Ienzo shot him a look, obviously unamused in the slightest. “If you’re trying to be cute, it’s not going to work.”

Demyx pouted and opened up his biology paper, turning the laptop toward Ienzo. “Fine, fine, just help me?”

Rolling his eyes yet again, Ienzo was just about to lean in to read what Demyx had so far, when the familiar sound of a Discord ping had Demyx scrambling to turn the laptop back toward himself. Shit. He’d forgotten to close his Discord window before showing up at the tutoring center.

While Demyx closed the Discord app, Ienzo watched him carefully, contemplative. “You use Discord?”

Turning the laptop back, Demyx gave him a look, half in disbelief because surely Ienzo was too much of a nerd, but not in the cool way, to know what Discord was, and yet he did. Shit, it would be really awkward to end up in a server together. “Yeah, who doesn’t use Discord these days? I mean, especially if you play games or are into, I dunno, any fan community stuff.”

For a moment, Ienzo said nothing, slowly turning to look at Demyx’s biology paper on the screen. “Alright, let’s see what we have to work with so far, if anything.”

Demyx sighed. Asshole.

__________

Was this some kind of joke? Ienzo was being pranked, wasn’t he? Any moment now Demyx would start laughing about wasting his time and walk out, like the lazy slacker he was. Halfway through, he half collapsed on the table.

“This is impossible,” Demyx whined. “You don’t really understand this stuff, do you? You’ve gotta be lying.”

Ienzo felt his eye twitch. “Not all of us are lazy fools who give up after 15 minutes. Why are you even here?”

“Because my friend said I should, and I trust his advice. He never leads me wrong, so even if I have to spend time with you , I’m gonna do this.”

"Your friend sounds like he has the sense that you very much lack," Ienzo deadpanned, scrolling through Demyx's paper. He took stock of the misformatted section headings, missing in-text citations, and the off-center data table in the middle of the mess. The topic of the paper did not appear in any of Demyx's written work. "Can you tell me what this assignment is supposed to be? I can't tell from what you've given me."

"It's…" Demyx shrank back in his seat. "I don't know what it's supposed to be. My professor gave us all a table of data-results-things and told us to organize and analyze them. I don't know what he wants, exactly."

Ienzo huffed, and almost slammed Demyx's computer closed on the spot. Thankfully, his better faculties kept him from breaking Demyx's laptop. "There's your problem. You can't complete an assignment if you don't know what the assignment is . Email your professor for clarification and request an extension. If you do it early enough, they might grant you leniency."

"Really? That's your advice? Beg my way out of it?"

"Not begging. Requesting. It shows forethought, self-awareness, and emotional maturity, even if you don't actually possess any of those things. The adage of faking proficiency to gain proficiency has some truth to it." Ienzo pushed the laptop over to Demyx. "Is there anything else I can help with?"

Demyx's arms crossed, and his expression took on the quality of a betrayed toddler. "You didn't even help me with what I came in for, asshole."

Ienzo waved away Demyx's indignation with a dismissive hand. "There's only so much I, or any tutor, can do without having a good idea of what your professor expects. Emailing is the best advice I can give right now."

"So if I email my professor, you’ll help me?”

“I give you my word.” A promise made in haste, if only to appease the barest responsibilities of his job. Hopefully Demyx wouldn’t make him live to regret it.

Not long after Demyx was gone, Ienzo checked his Discord app, surreptitiously on his phone behind the reception desk, to find a message from Arpeggio.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: Zexy, this worst thing ever just happened!

My roommate is my tutor!

Save meeeeeee

The Cloaked Schemer: That is peculiar. Though colleges are small worlds, so I hear.

What did he have to say re: the paper?

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: Ugh he couldn’t even help

Because I had licherally no idea what the professor wants

I mean, the dude has an F on ratemyprofessor so

He said to email and beg for clarity and an extension

The Cloaked Schemer: ...That is sound advice, actually.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: Youre taking his side???

The Cloaked Schemer: Not exactly.

But in academic situations, it always looks good on you to take the initiative and seek help when you need it.

I guarantee the professor will work with you, and perhaps be able to refine that same assignment in the future.

If he’s worth his salt, he’s seeking to improve himself the way you are.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: I GUESS

You wanna do a raid tonite?

The Cloaked Schemer: Alas, I, too, am a college student with coursework.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: RUDE

Ienzo leaned back in his chair in the campus library. How coincidental, he thought. He’d just given Demyx the same advice. Then again, college papers--especially in the sciences--were not always diverse on the gen ed level. He recalled Demyx’s paper; he should’ve asked him to see the email, or post, or handout with the assignment on it. Chances are the moron had merely misunderstood.

Demyx liked Verum Rex. Perhaps they could have this to talk about. Ienzo wondered who he mained. Probably Yozora, he thought with a sneer.

The Cloaked Schemer: Actually, I can do one raid.

ONE. Brief. Raid.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: Thats more like it! \o/

One raid turned into two, then Ienzo ended up staying in the library, at the tutoring center, until it closed.

__________

Demyx begrudgingly took Ienzo’s advice. After his marathon raid session with Zexion, he sent a brief email--agonizing over the wording--to his professor, who responded almost instantly with an apology. Several students had already asked him about the assignment, it turned out, so he was going to extend the entire class’s deadline. But if Demyx needed a few days after that, he could have it.

“You were right,” Demyx murmured out loud, as he read the email the next morning.

“Of course I was,” Ienzo said, not looking up from his desk. “See? All it takes is a little maturity.”

The irony. Demyx grimaced. He looked over at him. “So you’ll help me?”

“When--and only when--I am on duty,” he said. “I have a life outside of work, you know.”

Demyx wondered how true that was. Ienzo spent a lot of the time in the room if he were not in class or in the library. Did he have friends? Did he go to societies? He nearly asked. Then he looked at him, really looked at him, for the first time in weeks. He had bags under his eyes, and was washed out, books spread in a circle around him. “Outside of studying, too?”

Ienzo opened his mouth, then shut it. “I am not here to socialize. I am here for a degree.”

“But don’t you… have any friends?”

“Of course I do,” Ienzo said, just a little too quickly.

Like he would honestly tell Demyx. “Sure,” he said, shutting his laptop and tucking it into his bag. “Well. I got class. I’ll see you at the center later?”

“Much to my chagrin,” Ienzo responded evenly.

Demyx’s day was ordinary other than that. After the professor clarified what he wanted in class (and, to Demyx’s immense relief, it was much less daunting than what he’d thought), he stopped by the library to check out some books which might point him in a vague direction. Ienzo could tell him if they were any good. He stopped by the coffee shop to grab a croissant and a coffee, and, on impulse, got one for Ienzo as well. The idea of it made him nervous. Maybe I’ll say they made an extra by mistake, he thought. He already knew Ienzo drank them.

There Ienzo was, sitting in the office. “It’s you,” he said in an unreadable tone.

“It’s me.” He cleared his throat. “Um…” He thrust out the coffee without saying anything else.

“Is this for me?”

“Uh, yeah.” He felt his face heat--though why?

Ienzo took it, looking confused, and sniffed the small hole in the lid. “Oh,” he said softly.

“I wasn’t sure if you liked--”

“No. I do. That was kind of you.” He blinked, his expression odd, slackened; Demyx realized it was without malice. “Let’s get to work, shall we? I don’t want this to take any longer than it has to.”

Ienzo helped him structure the paper, and reviewed proper citations with him. It would take a little work, but seeing it outlined, Demyx felt a lot less overwhelmed. Something he thought was a mammoth project would maybe take an hour or two to write.

“Once you have it written, come back and I can help you with grammar and syntax,” Ienzo said.

“Awesome.” He took a deep breath. “I feel… a lot better now.”

“One typically does when one stops procrastinating,” Ienzo said. He leaned back in his seat. For a second--but just one--he sounded like Zexion, all firm and proper, genteel without being rigid.

__________

"You got your grade back already?"

Demyx beamed as he held his laptop screen-out, his browser logged into the university's online grading system. One score was listed under BIO 101, labelled "Paper 1." The percentage displayed next to the assignment name was higher than Ienzo expected from Demyx. "I didn't completely fail!" he practically cheered.

"So you didn't," Ienzo agreed, nodding slightly at the number from his desk. "It's amazing what a bit of work will do."

Demyx dropped himself onto his bed and turned his laptop. He bounced on the mattress a few times while he looked at the number. "This is the best news I've gotten all semester and it's the best feeling. Is this what it's like to be a genius and get good grades all the time?"

Ienzo returned his attention to his own laptop, where a half-drafted essay mocked him with its blinking text cursor and nonsensical thesis statement. He clacked another line of bullshit into the document. It was for English class, he reminded himself. Any answer was correct if it could be argued well. "No, not really. You get used to it."

"I… I should thank you," Demyx said, after a beat of silence. "For your help. I wouldn't have had anything to turn in at all if you hadn't told me to email my professor."

Another line of bullshit trailed across the screen. Ienzo squinted at it, unsure of what he had typed. "Don't mention it. It's my job."

"But still. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Ienzo could hear Demyx shuffling on his bed. "So… you play Verum Rex?"

"Fairly regularly, yes."

"Do you do raids or multiplayer at all?"

Ienzo shot Demyx a warning glance. "I already have a raiding group. I'm not looking for another one."

Across the room, Demyx had tucked himself into bed, his Star Wars sheets pulled all the way up to his chin. He blinked at Ienzo unceremoniously. "Jeez, forget I asked. No need to be snippy about it."

Demyx's head disappeared under the covers, and Ienzo returned his attention to his essay. At least, he tried. The Discord notifications in the corner of his screen kept distracting him.

Eventually, Ienzo admitted defeat and opened Discord. All of the messages were from Arpeggio.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: hey, do we have an opening on our raiding party?

Zexion?

Oh nvm he said no

What are you up to?

I'm taking a victory nap after getting a good grade on that paper I had to

write a while back

My roommate is typing something and he's so loud

What is he writing that makes him so angy

The Cloaked Schemer: I am also typing angrily at something

It is a universal collegiate experience

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: still so angy tho

Are you angy atm?

The Cloaked Schemer: I am… frustrated

I'm meant to be dissecting the themes in a short story but I feel like I'm only spewing garbage on the page

Perhaps if I present the garbage with enough conviction, I will be able to maneuver through this class

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: if youre writing it, it's definitely not garbage :P

you need to have more confidence in yourself, Zexy

The Cloaked Schemer: Ha. I think my roommate would disagree

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: well then he's a bum

Tell him that

Arpeggio says so

Ienzo looked back at Demyx, cocooned in spaceship bed sheets and doing who-knows-what under the cover of bed linens. He thought he saw the flash of a phone screen through the fabric, but the light disappeared as quickly as he caught it.

The Cloaked Schemer: I'll pass. He seems busy.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: Busy doing what? Bum things?

The Cloaked Schemer: I certainly hope not. We're in the same room right now.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: oh. Awkward

The Cloaked Schemer: I’ll say.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: so you know ive been thinking

The Cloaked Schemer: Have you? What a concept.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: ha ha.

Its been a while since we tried voice chatting

Maybe we could try again?

The Cloaked Schemer: You would want that?

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: I want to hear your voice. To see if youre actually as smart as you write

Maybe youve got, like, a transatlantic accent, or something. Thatd be cool

Ienzo blinked, staring hard at the screen. His heart beat a little faster. It was so hard to determine tone through text.

The Cloaked Schemer: Maybe I’m not as cool as I seem.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: highly, HIGHLY doubt it

Youve kept me sane

I really appreciate our

Ienzo saw him type “thing” and then frenetically edit to “friendship.” He swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry.

The Cloaked Schemer: The feeling is mutual.

A long, long pause. Ienzo did not know what else to say. His face was burning.

The Cloaked Schemer: Normally I’d rather be caught dead than admit this.

But it does get somewhat lonely here.

It’s nice to have someone to talk to.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: I know what u mean

Sometimes i feel like i dont really know who i am

And like college is supposed to be about finding that

But its hard.

The Cloaked Schemer: You don’t have to tell me twice.

Part of why it’s so easy to exist in online spaces, in games. Appearance doesn’t matter. It’s like being a more concentrated version of oneself.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: Do u feel like a more concentrated version of yourself?

The Cloaked Schemer: When I talk to you.

Ienzo’s heart was pounding. He thought he heard Demyx sigh across the room. Was he typing too hard?

Arpeggio started and stopped typing several times, just making Ienzo more nervous. What is he going to say? Did I push it too hard? Was I too forward?

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: Me too, Zexion

I wish we knew each other. Like, irl

Getting to do raids in person

That would be so fun

And i dunno, maybe do other things

Go out to eat. Go to the movies. Maybe go dancing.

Do u like clubs?

The Cloaked Schemer: I’ve never been.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: it takes some getting used to

But the energy of a crowd is electric

Especially with people you know

Oh god oh god oh god , Ienzo thought. His hands were trembling.

The Cloaked Schemer: Where would we go to eat?

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: anywhere you want

Well. on a college students budget anyway

-laughs in poor

The Cloaked Schemer: Ah, so, five star cuisine, then.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: Just dont order the lobster

In all seriousness. We need to vc sometime

The Cloaked Schemer: Yes.

There’s going to be a raid event on Saturday. Perhaps then?

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: Depends on if i have the room :/

Wanna say yes so bad

The Cloaked Schemer: I know the feeling.

I suppose if I get desperate enough I can rent out a study cubicle in the library.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: Awww you’d do that for little ol’ me?

The Cloaked Schemer: Yes, I

His finger slipped, hitting the enter key a moment too soon before he could even finish the thought in his head. His hands felt almost clammy, the inner mechanizations of his mind working on overdrive, as if trying to race against the pitter-patter beat of his heart. Shit. Perhaps… Riku was right after all? Had Ienzo, usually so level-headed, actually developed a crush on Arpeggio? It was utterly nonsensical, and yet he couldn’t deny that he felt a comfort with Arpeggio that he didn’t feel with anyone else he knew, online or offline. Was it possible to fall- ...to develop a smattering of feelings for someone based on typed text alone?

Well, wasn’t that a theme in literature? Two people falling in love over written letters? For all Ienzo knew, there could very well have been instances of it happening in real life, in the days of old, long, long before the age of technology and the internet. A pair of penpals, miles and miles of distance between them, communicating through the written word; it could happen, couldn’t it?

Hold on. When the hell did he turn into a sap ? Frowning, Ienzo ran a hand over his face, feeling like a lovestruck fool.

No. No, this couldn’t be a crush. Just because it was so easy to talk to him, just because they’d been talking for a year or so by now, it didn’t mean-

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: Zexy?

You ok?

Shit, how long had he zoned out for?

The Cloaked Schemer: Sorry. Got distracted.

But regardless, I think we should aim for Saturday.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: Great!

Hoping we don’t get interrupted by our dick roomies

The Cloaked Schemer: Quite. It’s a date, then.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: Yes :3

Ienzo took a deep breath. Regardless as to whether or not this was practical, it seemed that Arpeggio reciprocated his flirting.

Wait. Ienzo looked at the screen, cheeks heating up as he realized he’d typed the word ‘date,’ and Arpeggio said ‘yes .’ He couldn’t deny the little flutter of his stomach in that moment.

__________

Demyx set his phone aside, his heart beating heavily in his chest, his face bright red. He swallowed. There was no way sleep would come easily now, and it probably wouldn’t be until Saturday.

He thought about the nature of crushes. He’d never seen Zexy’s face, or heard his voice, but he was so adept at weaving words in the way Demyx wanted to be with music. He tried to imagine him, what he might be like.

He rolled onto his back. Ienzo’s frenetic, noisy typing had stopped. Demyx sat up, rubbed his eyes, and pretended he’d been napping the whole time. “You good?”

Ienzo shut his computer quickly, like he’d been doing something questionable. “Yes. Fine.” He was a little out of breath. What the hell had he been writing?

Demyx blinked. “I’m gonna go get a coffee,” he said instead. “Want me to bring you one back?”

“Sure,” Ienzo said, his face flushed.

Demyx shook his head. Well. If Ienzo needed to take care of that he had at least a few minutes now. “Cool.”

The whole time he was at the coffee shop, he kept thinking about Zexion, all their little conversations. It was evolving, and evolving fast. Demyx knew from brief experimentation with dating apps that just because a person sent you some flirty words didn’t mean anything would come of it. For all he knew, Zexion lived in New Zealand, or something.

That didn’t stop him from wanting it.

He drew a deep breath, exhaled. Well. Saturday he would find out.

Demyx wasn’t going to let Ienzo ruin his chances of meeting Zexion. He decided to strike preemptively, pausing at the door of their dorm room and sucking in a breath, steeling himself. He could do this. He could ask his roommate for the room for one night, and he wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Hey, so, I have a thing Saturday,” he said vaguely. Okay, so maybe he wasn’t coming off as strongly as he intended, but he could still try. “Mind if I hang here alone for a few hours?”

Ienzo glanced up. The flush was gone, and he seemed much more composed. “Yes, that’s fine. I was going to go study anyway.”

“Study? Don’t you ever have any fun?”

“Perhaps I find studying fun,” Ienzo said.

“Suit yourself.” As he passed on his way back to the bed, he saw out of the corner of his eye that Ienzo had Discord open.

__________

Friday night, Demyx barely slept. He wasn’t sure why he was so nervous. Crushes didn’t usually… hit him this hard. It’s dumb. It’s so dumb. His loneliness was getting to him. Even Saturday morning, there were some hours until the events started. He looked at his DM history with Zexion. They’d spoken briefly, only to confirm a time and place for their characters to meet and chat. He sat at his desk, his hands trembling, as the game booted up.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: You ready?

The Cloaked Schemer: Of course.

M3l0d10us N0cturn3: Cool.

My mic isnt like great

But you can still hear me

He was shaking. He was shaking. “Get it together,” he muttered to himself.

The Cloaked Schemer: You’re a broke college student. I’m not expecting a professional setup here.

Though I will say my booth is pleasantly soundproofed.

Let me connect.

And Demyx thought his heart might stop. I’m so gay, he thought. A second later he heard that familiar call connection. He twitched a little, and his mic clattered loudly on the floor. Shit!

“Arpeggio? Are you alright?”

“I just dropped the--”

A long, long pause.

He knew that voice.

“Zexion?” He picked up the mic and set it down.

“Arpeggio?”

“I dropped the mic.” Demyx swallowed.

“You…” Zexion fumbled for words. “Speak a little more, please.”

“Is that really you?”

“Yes.”

“And you’re in a library right now.”

“And you had an event… Saturday.”

“Ohh my god,” Demyx mumbled. He wasn’t sure what he was feeling, just that he was feeling a lot of it. “Ienzo. You’re Zexion?”

“It’s an anagram,” he said, his tone numb.

“Seriously, this whole time--”

“Evidently.”

He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but at the same time, there was something warm in his chest.

Wait, no. No. This was Ienzo, and they hated each other--

Demyx realized he was panicking. He also, vaguely, in the back of his mind, realized the call had disconnected.

Demyx spent the next few minutes desperately trying to control his breathing, trying to not focus on how Zexion- No, Ienzo- was so disgusted it was him that he’d immediately dropped the call.

Of course. Of fucking course. The universe hated him. The universe had it out for him, surely. Why else would this have happened? He finally meets this sweet, smart, wonderful guy who takes him seriously and actually likes talking to him, on a regular basis , and then… And then… It turns out to be the very same roommate who hates him. That would just be his damned luck, wouldn’t it?

Grabbing his pillow, Demyx face-planted into it, pressing it furiously against his eyes to stop them from burning, to stop the tears that threatened to spill. Of all the people it could’ve been. Why Ienzo ?

Demyx had been nervous enough as it was, afraid the person on the other end would think him annoying - his voice, his tone, the way he just couldn’t fucking shut up sometimes when he got excited about something. Alternatively, the filter between his brain and his mouth was immensely weaker than the filter between his brain and his fingers, and he could’ve said the wrong thing, unable to stop himself in the same way his hand can catch itself on the enter key before hitting it, or quickly delete the message before Zexion could read it.

But this was so much worse, because Ienzo already knew him, already had an impression of him, and that impression was far from good. It’s no wonder he disconnected the call so suddenly. He likely couldn’t stand hearing the truth any longer, stomach churning with disgust, head filled to bursting with regret, and not just regret over the voice call, but everything .

An almost entire year’s worth of conversations, soiled now, because Demyx was, well, Demyx . A slob. A slacker. An idiot. He wasn’t worth Ienzo’s time, and now he knew he wasn’t worth Zexion’s.

A sharp ache spread over his chest, cold and numbing, all of him tense with it. He… liked Zexion. He very genuinely liked him, so excited to get to talk to him, his bristling nerves aside. All week he’d thought about it, daydreaming, wondering what the person on the other end would sound like, if he’d love that voice as much as he loved the text on his Discord screen.

It no longer mattered, not when it was now clear that Zexion - no, Ienzo , was utterly disgusted with him.

It was over. It was all over - their friendship, a year’s worth of personal conversations, these budding feelings he was beginning to have, or that he’s been having for a while now…

On the flipside, was Demyx disappointed that it turned out to be Ienzo? He… didn’t know the answer to that, still reeling in the fact that Zexion, his dear friend and crush, hated him. The pillow was starting to suffocate him and he instinctively pulled it away from his face, eyes still burning. He sucked in some deep breaths and just when he was finally on the cusp of calming down, his door swung open so fast Demyx feared it’d break off the hinges.

Ienzo leveled him with a determined stare. “You.”

__________

Ienzo sat.

And sat.

And stared, and sat some more.

He was dizzy. Slowly, so slowly, all the pieces clicked together. The coffee. The references to Verum Rex. How they were always just missing each other. The whole tutoring scenario. Good god . So this person he’d been harboring feelings for this whole time was--

He pressed a hand to his forehead. And yet, a small part of him… was relieved?

It could be…

No, it couldn’t be anything! They hated each other! They’d complained to each other about each other more times than Ienzo could count. They had--

Ienzo felt the walls of the study booth begin to close in around him, pushing the breathable air out of the room. His ribcage constricted around his lungs, and his heartbeat pounded at his temples. He gathered his laptop and microphone in his arms and burst out of the room, chest heaving.

He braced himself against the outer wall of the study booth and willed himself to breathe normally, his head tilted all the way back to rest on the door. This was real life, and he was fine. He would be fine, anyway, with a bit of finessing. Okay, perhaps a little more than a bit.

Ienzo retrieved his backpack and stowed his equipment inside as he analyzed the situation. Arpeggio and Demyx were the same person. A strange revelation, but not world-ending. He could find another raiding party. He could join another server. There was more than one person with whom to play Verum Rex.

But--

Ienzo caught himself zipping and unzipping the top pocket of his backpack, more forcefully than necessary each time. A new server didn't sound appealing. A new raiding party, even less so. He would have to chat with new people, learn their idiosyncrasies and fighting styles, learn their pseudonyms and remember how they differed from their usernames. It all sounded so… hard, and boring, and unnecessary.

He zipped his backpack closed for the last time and held it at his side by its tiny top handle. Its back straps kicked at his calves as he raced out of the study area, through the main lobby, and into the courtyard. His mind was set. His choice was clear. The only thing to do was follow through.

Ienzo made a beeline back to the room. He found Demyx sitting cross-legged on his own bed, his computer accessorized with a small budget microphone and his face awash with something that looked like guilt. His eyes widened when Ienzo crossed the threshold.

"You." Ienzo's statement rang out like a gong.

Demyx swallowed. "Yeah?"

"We need to talk." Ienzo shut the door behind himself. It slammed closed, though Ienzo had not intended for that.

"...yeah." Demyx turned back to his computer, fiddling at the USB port where his microphone connected to the rest of the machine. "Ienzo, I--"

"Shut up." Ienzo stalked into the room, single-minded. He stopped at the edge of Demyx's bed. "Shut up and listen, for once."

Demyx's shoulders rose to his ears. He stayed quiet.

Ienzo dropped his backpack to the floor. Though his fingers trembled, his resolve held firm. The moment of reckoning was upon him. "Did you know?"

Demyx shook his head.

"Did you want to know?"

He responded in a whisper, pained and hushed. "I wanted to meet Zexion."

Ienzo's hands trembled faster. He balled them into fists to compensate. "And now that you know," he said, "do you regret it? Wanting to know? Learning the truth?"

A tear trailed down Demyx's downcast cheek. "No."

Something deep inside Ienzo wanted to reach out and wipe away the tears that followed, while Demyx's breath caught in gasps over his laptop keyboard. Ienzo steeled himself. "I… don't regret it, either."

"You don't?" Demyx looked up and met Ienzo's gaze with caution. Aside from the red tinge at their edges, his eyes looked almost hopeful.

Ienzo softened, relaxed his fists. "I don't want to find a new server, or a new raiding party."

Sniffling, Demyx nodded. "I don't, either."

"I don't want to stop talking to Arpeggio," Ienzo continued, his heart playing timpanis in his chest. "He is a close friend of mine."

"He's also your lazy roommate." Another tear escaped, this time going down the side of Demyx's nose. Demyx wiped at it with the heel of his hand. "Ienzo, I--"

"We've had differences. We've also had commonalities, albeit in virtual space. There's no reason we cannot bring the two together."

"Ienzo--"

"There's no reason we should be at each other's throats. We--"

"Ienzo!"

He blinked. The drum performance in his chest missed a beat, then started from the top at full speed. "Yes?"

Demyx unplugged the microphone from his computer, sighed, and tossed it to the far edge of his bed. "I don't think that will work."

Ienzo frowned and crossed his arms. He was beginning to remember why he and Demyx didn't get along in meatspace. "Why, pray tell, is that?" he asked.

Demyx swallowed again, more conspicuously than before. "It's just… I…"

Ienzo leaned forward, his head cocked to the side. "You what?"

"I, um, I…"

"Go on. I don't have all night."

Demyx pushed his computer aside and drew his knees into his chest. "I… shit. I had a thing for Zexion." His shoulders hitched with sardonic laughter. "Shit. Fuck. This sucks." He reached behind himself for his pillow and buried his face in it. "This is so embarrassing," he whined, his voice muffled.

Ienzo's budding anger deflated. "You… you did?"

Demyx nodded into his pillow. "Uh-huh. And now you know, too."

Ienzo opened his mouth to respond, but couldn't make the words in his head form coherent phrases. His throat sputtered with half-formed consonants instead. Words. For fuck’s sake, wasn’t he good at words? Why was this suddenly so damn hard?

"This is the worst," Demyx groaned. "Just kill me now. Make it look like an accident. Tell my family I loved them. Don't let my sister take my bedroom at home."

Ienzo's faculties returned in the bumbling, clumsy way that drunkards stumbled home from dank local pubs. "I... don't think that will be necessary," Ienzo managed, through his own confusion.

"No?" Demyx put his pillow back in its place, and faced Ienzo with dried saline clumping in his eyelashes. "What, are you gonna torture me instead? Make me regret being born? Because you're a little late on that front, buddy, I already do."

Ienzo took a deep breath. His crossed arms dropped to his side, then held each other at the elbows. "I may have developed… similar feelings. For Arpeggio." Ienzo's mouth went dry. The drum performance upgraded itself to a full marching band drumline, twenty-five snare drums pounding paradiddles and rolls in synchronized sweeps.

A silence consumed the space between them, interrupted only by Demyx's sniffling and Ienzo's heartbeat. It stretched into the abyss and the stratosphere in equal measure, and stung more acutely than the idea of never speaking to Arpeggio again.

Demyx broke the silence by clearing his throat. "So…"

Ienzo coughed. "So..."

"Are we…" Demyx unfolded his legs and swung them over the side of his bed. His hands grasped at his mattress, and his head hung from his shoulders "Are we, y'know… do we still, like…"

"Do you want to be?" Ienzo shifted his weight from one foot to the other. "Friends, cohorts, party members, server mutuals? Or…"

"Or what?"

"Or…" Ienzo trailed off. Or what, indeed? Friends with benefits? Significant others? Boyfriends? The mere thought made Ienzo's palms sweat. "Or…"

In the moment between Ienzo's efforts to name his emotions and act on them, Demyx had sprung up from the bed and slipped his hands around the sides of Ienzo's face, his thumbs resting just below the apples of Ienzo's cheeks. His breath tickled at Ienzo's nose and lips. "Or… this?"

Heat seared at every inch of Ienzo's face. If he could feel Demyx's breath, Demyx could feel his as well. "...I suppose, yes."

"In that case," Demyx murmured, somehow purring and wavering at the same time, "tell me no." He rested his forehead on Ienzo's. "Tell me no, and we won't. I promise. Things can go back to normal."

A whimper, wholly undignified and unbidden, escaped from Ienzo's higher register. "I can't," he whispered.

Demyx leaned forward, and Ienzo followed. At some point, they met in the middle, and the world's axis shifted two degrees to the left. It was a tentative press of lips, but Demyx’s hands on his face kept him anchored. It didn’t feel like Ienzo thought it would, and self-consciousness invaded. Suddenly Ienzo felt very young and immature; vulnerable .

But… after a moment or so, not so much. Demyx was so warm against him, and Ienzo realized it was a learning curve, one he was picking up with his usual speed. He was shaking a little in disbelief. It was so-- nice.

Demyx pulled away and brushed his fingers across his cheek. "You're trembling."

"Forgive me. I--" He swallowed.

"No, it's cool." Demyx pulled away and smiled, brighter than Ienzo had ever seen someone smile before. "Do you… want to go again?"

Ienzo did, very much so. "I'm not opposed, per se, but I think we should… explore our relationship a bit. Perhaps starting with our mutual interest in pumpkin spice flavors."

“Sounds like a plan to me, Zexy,” Demyx grinned.

__________

Riku set the pair of pumpkin spice lattes down on the little square table in the back corner of the coffeeshop, glancing at Ienzo, then Demyx, then back at Ienzo, one eyebrow shooting up into his hair. “Is the world ending? Did I miss a memo on the corkboard in the back room?”

Ienzo coughed. He was vaguely aware of the heat rising in his cheeks. Damn it all to hell. Of course Riku was here, why would it have been anyone else? Sighing, he gestured to Demyx, bracing himself for the inevitable bit of humiliation, courtesy of the one friend who knew about his very apparent crush on his Discord friend. “Riku, meet Arpeggio.”

Riku’s other eyebrow shot up into his hair. “You’re shitting me.”

Demyx looked across the table at Zexion, clearly trying to fight the incoming of a shit-eating grin. “You talked about me to people?”

"Only the unimportant ones," Ienzo said, picking up his cup and sipping loudly.

“Psh,” Riku spat with a roll of his eyes. “Yeah, and every damn minute of the day. If I had a dollar for every time you made heart eyes at the ceiling while talking about him, I could quit this job and pay off my tuition.”

Ienzo balked at that, nearly choking on his latte. “It was not that often.”

Waving a hand, Riku corrected himself, looking pointedly at Demyx. “Wait, no, he’s right. I’m forgetting that half the time, he’d be complaining about his horrible room-”

“Shouldn’t you be behind the counter?” Ienzo hissed, glaring at Riku. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Demyx’s gaze flicking between him, like he was watching a game of ping-pong. “Or should I text Sora and Kairi about all those little hearts you like to draw around their names on the garbage receipts every time they come in?”

"Go ahead. I'm ninety percent sure they're both into me, anyway."

Ienzo pulled his phone from his pocket and brandished it at Riku. "Are you willing to test that theory?"

"Make sure you write it down," Demyx chirped, blowing into the hole in his drink's lid. "If you write it down, it's science. I learned that in Biology this semester."

"I'll do more than that," Ienzo said, tapping on his phone screen with both hands. After his phone played a short 'whoosh' sound, he placed it face-down on the table. "Images sent. Now we wait for our results."

Riku scoffed, then balked, then turned beet-red. "You're an asshole," he hissed through his teeth.

"Relax. I was just kidding,” Ienzo said with a glint in his eye that Demyx barely caught.

"Forgive me if I’m a bit skeptical." Riku scowled for a moment, but eventually softened into a smirk. "Whatever. Enjoy your Discord date, Casanova." He knocked on the table once before returning to the checkout counter.

"Discord date?" Demyx asked, taking a swig of his pumpkin spice latte. "I thought we were hanging out in real life."

"Let's not split hairs. We're about to see a show." Ienzo jutted his chin in the direction of the cafe's front door. As if on cue, Sora and Kairi burst through it like a duo on a mission.

“Oh Riiiiiiiiku!” they chorused in sing-song at the top of their lungs.

"Sometimes," Ienzo said, turning back to Demyx, "I like to watch the world burn."

“Yeah, I know. That’s actually kind of hot,” Demyx admitted, taking another sip of his latte. "Remind me not to piss you off again, though."

#Zemyx #Demyx #Ienzo #Zexion #Kingdom Hearts #fanfiction #Zemyx Day #Zemyx Day 2020

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atomic-taco-muffin · 4 years ago

Text

The Lost Princess Chapter 40

Warnings: do I even have to tell you?

Rating: SFW

Yui and Roxy had arrived at Hollow Bastion and began searching for you. They looked all over town but could not find you. But they weren’t about to give up. As they were scanning the town, a Dark Corridor opened up.

“I thought that you were searching for the Spirit,” their father said.

“We are. We know that she’s here, we just don’t know where,” Yui said.

“Heh, she’s probably with that boy toy of her’s,” Roxy said.

“Whatever. If she is with the Keyblade wielder, then I’ll take care of it.” Their father walked back into the Dark Corridor and disappeared.

“Tch, does he always have to ruin our fun?” Roxy asked.

“You know that he has good reason to do so,” Yui said. Roxy grumbled something under her breath and the two of them disappeared.

You and the trio had arrived in Hollow Bastion, where the town was bustling with activity. Moogles were flying through the air selling items, and people were at work trying to rebuild the town. You, Sora, Donald, and Goofy ran in and gazed at the castle in the midst of rebuilding.

“It's Hollow Bastion!” Sora said.

“Gawrsh, it looks kinda different now,” Goofy said.

“I hope Leon and the gang are doing okay,” Donald said. Goofy saw some Soldier Heartless on the roof of a nearby building.

“Uh-oh. Looks like we're gonna have to do some fightin',” he said. You and the trio ran over to the building and took care of the Heartless. You, Sora and company walked through the Marketplace and spotted an elderly duck holding some ice cream near a freezer.

“Uncle Scrooge!?” Donald asked.

“Er, who?” you asked.

“He's Donald's uncle---a business typhoon! Before the Heartless showed up, he traveled the worlds on a Gummi Ship with the King. He was helpin' to set up a traffic system,” Goofy said.

“Transit system!” Donald corrected.

“What's all the racket?” Scrooge asked. He turned around and spotted you four.

“Why, if it isn't Donald! And Goofy! Hello, lads! Aye, you all look hale and hearty!” he said.

“So do you, Uncle Scrooge,” Donald said.

“Ah, if only I were... I canna seem to recreate my favorite old-time ice cream. I'd make millions if I just got it right...” Scrooge looked at the ice cream bar in his hand, licked it, and looked disgusted.

“Terrible...!” he said. You, Sora, Donald, and Goofy made your way to the Borough, where some odd light pedestals appeared and disappeared, as if scanning for something.

“Hey, what's going on?” Donald asked.

“That's the town's defense mechanism.” The four of you turned around and saw Yuffie on top of a building.

“Yuffie!” you and Sora said. Yuffie waved slightly, and saw something behind you four.

“Look out!” she said. Sora's Keyblade flashed into his hands as a Dusk swooped in to hit him. The four of you were quickly surrounded by Nobodies. The four of you disposed of them, and the defense mechanism also helped.

“Hey, you guys!” Yuffie said as she hopped down to the four of you.

“I see you're still in top form,” she said.

“What'd you expect?” you smiled.

“Looks like you're doing okay,” Sora said.

“Well, what did YOU expect?”

“How are the others?” Donald asked.

“Great!”

“Hey, Yuffie! Have you seen the King and Riku?” you asked.

“Nope.” She started to walk off toward Merlin's House.

“But I had a feeling I'd see you guys again,” she said.

“‘We may never meet again, but we'll never forget each other,’” Sora said as he imitated Leon.

“Is that supposed to be Leon?” You, Donald, and Goofy laughed.

“Everybody's working on stuff over at Merlin's house. C'mon!” Yuffie said. Yuffie ran around the corner. You and the trio followed her and entered Merlin's House. Cid was typing at a computer, while Aerith and Leon watched.

“Meet the Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee!” Yuffie said.

“We missed you!” Aerith said.

“Well, if you ain't in top shape,” Cid said.

“I knew it,” Leon said.

“Knew what?” you asked.

“A while back, everyone suddenly remembered you guys, all at the same time.”

“You...remembered? Wait! Does that mean you forgot about us!?” Sora said.

“Thanks!” Donald said, annoyed.

“So where've you guys been all this time?” Yuffie asked.

“We were sleepin',’ Goofy said.

“Where? In cold storage?” Cid asked. You and the trio acted nervously.

“It doesn't matter. This is great. Everyone's together again!” Aerith said.

“So, um...we're trying to find Riku and the King. Have you seen 'em?” you said. Leon, Aerith, and Cid shook their heads.

“Right. Um, do you know anything about Spirits and where they come from?” you said. They shook their heads again.

“Sorry. But let us know if there's anything we can do to help. Okay?” Aerith said.

“Okay. Thanks,” Sora said. Cid got up in you and Sora's face.

“Don't go thankin' us just yet,” he said.

“Hollow Bastion's got a problem. A big problem,” Leon said.

“You mean, like Nobodies? And Heartless?” you asked.

“That's right!” Yuffie said.

“Sounds like you could use our help,” Sora said.

“Then let's cut to the chase. (Y/N), Sora, Donald, Goofy. We were hoping the four of you might give us a hand around here,” Leon said. Sora patted his chest proudly.

“Like we're gonna say, no?” he asked.

“...I forgot who I'm dealing with,” Leon said.

“Hey...what do you mean by that?” Donald asked.

“Just think of it as a sort of ‘Leon compliment,’” Aerith said. Leon opened the door.

“Follow me to the bailey---there's something you need to see,” he said as he left and Merlin appeared.

“Oh! I thought it was you. Right on time!” Merlin said.

“It's Merlin!” Donald said.

“Sora and the gang said they're gonna help out!” Yuffie said.

“Splendid! We'll count on you!” Merlin said.

“Right!” you and the trio said.

“Ah, yes. Did you give them the cards, dear?”

“Oh!” Aerith said. She took out four cards from her dress.

“Here...they're presents for you. Leon thought you might like to have them,” she said. You took one of the cards and flipped it so you could read it.

“Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee Honorary Member!” you said.

“Membership cards!” Donald said.

“Sweet!” Sora said.

��Kinda cool, huh?” Goofy asked. You, Donald, and Sora nodded.

“Hey, thanks, Leahhh...huh?” Sora said. He turned around to the door and saw that Leon was gone.

“Oh no! We're supposed to be at the bailey!” you said.

“Just a moment, you two. What about your magic?” Merlin said.

“Huh? Oh, that's right...” Sora said as he crossed his arms.

“Maybe you forgot it while you were asleep!” Yuffie said.

“Now, what am I to do with you? I suppose I'll have to lend you a few spells. But be careful with them!” Merlin said.

“Thanks, Merlin!” Sora said.

“What about you, (Y/N)? Do you need some spells too?”

“Actually, I can summon a guardian when I want to!” you said.

“Oh! Well, it seems that you’re in good hands then.”

“To the bailey, and fast!” Donald said. you, Sora, and company reached the bailey, and saw Leon looking over the edge at the dark castle far in the distance.

“Look at that,” he said. You and Sora gasped.

“We want to restore Hollow Bastion to what it used to be. Who knows---maybe even something better. There's still a lot to do, but I'm sure we can handle everything--- Except...for that...” Leon said as he pointed to the castle, then pointed to two Dusks walking in the direction of the castle.

“...and that,” he said.

“We'll handle 'em!” Sora said.

“Well, that's good to hear. So Sora, (Y/N)---do you know what's going on, then?”

“There's this guy, Pete, who's been going around plotting with the Heartless. But he's not smart enough to tie his own shoes. The ones we need to worry about are the Nobodies. And there’s two Spirits that I need to take care of,” you said.

“Two Spirits? Interesting.”

“And don’t forget about those Organization XIII guys in charge, too!” Goofy said.

“You called?” someone said. All five of you looked around and saw no one. You and Sora ran out into an open area.

“You're doing well,” the person said.

“Who's that!?” Sora asked as he unsheathed his Keyblade.

“See dad? I told you the Spirit will be with the Keyblade wielder,” a girl said.

“This calls for a celebration...” Several Dusks had appeared. Leon readied his Gunblade. You and Sora chased the Dusks through the bailey. The gate to the inside closed. You, Sora, and Leon helped keep the Nobodies away from the gate.

“The Keyblade...a truly marvelous weapon. Were it only in more...capable hands...” the person said. A group of six people laughed including two girls.

“Show yourselves!” you said. Six cloaked figures appeared and the central one raised his arms while two girls sat in front of them, smirking.

“Organization XIII!” Goofy said.

“Good! Now we can settle this!” Sora said.

“What a shame... And here I thought we could be friends. Yui, Roxy. You know what to do,” the central figure said.

“You got it!” Roxy said. The two girls disappeared and reappeared behind you.

“Surprise!” Yui said. You felt them grab your arms, giving you no way to grab your dagger.

“(Y/N)!” Sora yelled.

“Sora, help!” you said. The two girls took you through a Dark Corridor and disappeared. The figures disappeared with a laugh.

“Stop!” Donald said. He ran to a set of stairs and a single cloaked man appeared before them.

“What's the big idea!?” Donald asked.

“Oopsy-daisy!” the man said.

“Move!” Sora said.

“Now, do you think that's polite, shutting me down like that?”

“I said get outta the way!”

“As if! You can talk all you want, but that won't change a thing.”

“Then we're gonna MAKE you move!” Donald said.

“See, that would work---if I were just any old dude. 'Cept I'm not. I'm with the Organization. Nothing ‘any old’ about me.” (really?! how do explain the whole luxu thing then?!)

“Ha! Tough talk for someone who stood on the sidelines while his Nobody flunkeys did the fighting!” Sora said.

“Oh, dear. I think you got the wrong impression.” The hooded man wagged a finger at Sora.

“You gonna cry?” Sora asked.

“As if! Why don't I remind you how tough the crowd you're dealing with really is?”

“Remind me?” Sora snapped out of it, causing the man to laugh.

“That's RIGHT, he used to give me that same exact look,” the man said.

“I guess you think you can psych me out by saying really random stuff!” Sora said.

“Gee... I just don't know.” The man spread his arms open as if challenging them to strike him. He soon gave up.

“Ugh, you guys are boring,” he said.

“What did you do to (Y/N)?” Sora asked.

“Me? Oh, you’re accusing the wrong person here. That was all Yui and Roxy. The Superior’s daughters. They have the power of a spirit as well. So, they needed (Y/N) to help complete their powers.”

“What do you mean by that?” Sora asked.

“Can’t say. But I do know that those girls will take good care of your precious (Y/N). They’re not that mean, you know.” He looked at them and waved.

“Be a good boy now!” he said.

“Wait!” Donald said. The man disappeared as Donald tried to jump on him.

“Nuts! He got away!” Donald said.

“That was weird. WHO gave him the same look? And what did he mean by taking care of (Y/N)’s powers?” Sora said.

“Y'know, I think he was just tryin' to confuse ya,” Goofy said.

“Yeah, you're right. Only one me!” Sora took out his membership card and read it.

“The Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee Honorary Member---” he said. The card began to glow. Sora gasped and let go of it. It floated in the air to everyone's amazement. The Keyblade started to glow as well.

“Huh?” Sora asked.

“What's this?” Leon asked.

“Gawrsh, ya think...?” Goofy asked. Light flashed from the Keyblade and the card. Wind blew through Sora's clothes and hair as a crown symbol appeared on the ground beneath him. The card revealed a Keyhole and Sora locked it, opening a gateway.

“Ohh...now I get it. That must've been the gate Yen Sid talked about,” he said.

“Oh boy!” Donald said.

“Sorry to run, Leon, but other worlds are calling. And I have to save (Y/N) from the Organization,” Sora said. Leon nodded.

“Organization XIII... They look tough. Be careful out there,” he said.

“See ya soon.” Leon saluted them. Sora's group reboarded the Gummi Ship and noticed that their map had changed.

“Hey! What happened to Twilight Town?” Chip said.

“It's gone!” Dale said. Sora piloted the Gummi Ship through the Asteroid Sweep to the Land of Dragons.

“Don’t worry, (Y/N). I’ll save you,” he said.

To be continued...

#kingdom hearts #kingdomhearts #kingdom hearts imagine #kingdom hearts x reader #kingdom+hearts+x+reader #kingdom+hearts+imagines #kingdomhearts x reader #kingdomhearts+x+reader #kingdomhearts imagines #kingdomhearts+imagines

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maximum118 · 4 years ago

Text

Sitcom

Heisu: Aren’t you in school?

Me: Shhh No one will know.

Yin: I think they know.

Me: ...Shush.

?: giggles* I didn’t expect you to be like this Maxi~

Me: Screams* OH DEAR GOD I THOUGHT THE HOLY WATER DOSED CAGE WOULD HOLD YOU!

? 2: Moonwalks in* NOT ON MY WATCH BITCH.

Me: Of Course. Your the reason she’s out. *Silent Crying*

Heisu: Should we..

Yin: Nope. Not at all.

Episode 4- Meeting Karens pt. 2

Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4

~Hato, Zen, And Satori~

Zen looks at one of the many figures of heroes. "Ugh…They don't even have any Red Riot.." she says, crossing her arms.

"Aww, mad they don't have your favorite hero." Says Satori jokingly.

"Satori, I will punch you in the face," says Zen. Satori smirks. "Come at me, pretty girl." She Says.

Zen smirks. "Oh, Hunny, if I did, I think you'd be on the other side of the mall."

Hato sighs. "Girls, can we please not yeet each other? Like a normal family?"

Zen and Satori look at him. "Boi, have we ever been a normal family?" they ask him. Hato shuts up and rethinks.

"Exactly."

A black-haired person walks next to Zen. Zen turns and gasps. "EEEE HANAO!" she shouts.

Hanao jumps and looks at her with shock in his green eyes. "Z-Zen?" asks Hanao.

"Boi, who else? Hug. Now." Says Zen hugging him. Hanao smiles and hugs back, "it's been a while, hasn't it…"

Satori and Hato look at the duo. Satori blinks. "Are you two dating? If so, I'm so telling Yin." She says.

Zen pulls away from Hanao and smacks the back of Satori's head. "No. He's the kind I'd always play within the daycare. Remember Hato?" she asks her twin.

"Oh, the flower guy, right?" asks Hato as he walks up to Hanao.

Hanao blushes and looks away. "N-Nice to see you again…" he stutters out. He looks to Satori, "N-Nice meeting you, I'm Mochizuki Hanao…" introduces Hanao as he has something in his arm.

"I'm Takami Satori. Nice to meet you. Also, how in the fucken-Zen's brash and aggressive, and Your soft-spoken and meek! How did you two become friends?"

"I…really don't know…" answers Hanao. Zen looks and notices a Red Riot figure in Hanao's arms.

"bOI, WHERE DID YOU GET THAT?!" asks Zen as she looks at the figure. Hanao jumps. "I-in the back of the store…this was the last one," he answers. Zen sulks in the corner "curse you, fans…" she mumbles as three lines dropped from her head.

Hanao, Hato, and Satori sweat drop staring at Zen. "Aren't you a fan of his, too?" they ask.

Hanao places the figure box next to Zen. "Here. You're more a fan than me." Says Hanao. Zen's eyes became watery, and she begins to literally cry waterfalls as she hugs the figure box. "HANAO, YOUR TOO SWEET TO MEE!!!" she shouts.

Literal waterfall hits Hanao as he smiles. "Alright, Alright, you're welcome…" says Hanao.

Then a man took the box from Zen. "Girls shouldn't have figures! They're for men," says the man. The trio's mouths drop and turn white as Zen slowly turns to the man. A murderous glint in her teal eyes. "I'm sorry what?" she asks.

Satori and Hanao hide behind Hato. Hato looks at them. "HOLD UP- WHY ME?!" he asks.

"You're the only person she won't unintentionally hurt. Twin powers." Answers Satori.

"THAT'S NOT HOW TWINS WORK!!"

The man looks at Zen. "In fact, women shouldn't be in this store. This store has an aisle for men with sexual wants for their women and figures for themselves," He says, then he smirks. "For a woman with your curvy body must look good. I think I'm taking you home," he says

Satori and Hanao hear glass break. Hanao sweat drops. "And that's the sound of broken mental health and big brother instincts."

The man looks at Zen with hungry eyes. "I bet you good in bed…a slut like you must be."

Hanao hears more glass breaking ". . . Welp this guy is dead." He says, turning from the scene.

"Like that red-eyed blonde, I tried to fuck. He was pretty," adds the man. Hanao slowly turns, "Oh, this bitch dead." He says, growing roses and thorns.

~Later~

The group leaves the currently bloodied store.

"man, the cashier, and manager sure were nice in giving us free shit," says Zen as he unboxes the Red Riot Figure.

"True, Should we tell our siblings about what we did??" asks Satori.

"Leave me out of it…I rather not want more teasing from everyone just to snap into my big brother's senses." Says Hato as he flipped the bag.

"I think we killed him." Says Hanao as he unboxes a Dynamite figure. "Oh damn, this is his winter outfit." Adds Hanao.

"Where to next?" asks Satori looking at the group.

"Starbucks??" asks Zen.

Hato and Hanao shrug. "Sure, why not?" says Hato.

~Heisu, Riku, and surprise~

By Riku's request, they went to one of the many bookstores. The two were in the mystery aisle.

Heisu pulls out a random book "Hey Riku, how is this author 'Sho'?"

Riku leans over. "Sho? Oh, his books are amazing. Mostly focused on drama, crime, and mystery."

"Cool. Sho. Wait a minute, isn't Sai's full name Saisho?"

Riku processes, "We need to ask him this."

"I'll wave this book in his face and see what he says."

Riku looks to the side. "How about we don't do that…"

Heisu smiles. "Would it kill you to smile a bit?"

"I'm not obliged too…some of us don't have dad's cheery outlook Hei…" says Riku, Heisu sweat drops, "but both our dads keep a good mask on"

A child walks up to the brothers looking at the book in Heisu's hand. "I wanna read that one!!" says the child.

Riku and Heisu jump back, scared. "A CHILD" shouts Heisu hiding behind his little brother. Riku looks at him "… What's with you and not liking kids??" asks Riku. Heisu looks at him. "Children are demons.".

The child walks up to Riku. "I wanna read that one!" he says. The boys both look at Sho's book in Heisu's hand.

"I-I don't think that's appropriate for your age…" stutters Riku looking at the child. The child growls, "Give it to me!".

Heisu and Riku whimper and shake their heads. The mother walks to her child and looks at the boys. "Why didn't you give my kid the book?!" says the woman.

Riku, at this point, hides behind Heisu, who's holding the book to his chest. "I-It's not appropriate for your kid…" answers Heisu.

"SO?! THE AUTHOR IS HER FATHER!! WHY WON'T YOU LET HER HAVE SOMETHING OF HER DEAD FATHER'S?!" shouts the Karen, Heisu, and Riku whimper more.

"Th-the author would've stopped making books if they were dead! Th-this is their most recent one!!" says Riku as he uses his wings to hide himself and Heisu.

"W-WELL, THEY DITCHED US. NOW GIVE IT HERE!! AND GET RID OF THAT RIDICULOUS COSPLAY!" shouts Karen. Grabbing and pulling on Riku's wing. Riku winces, and Heisu tries to get the woman off his little brother and tries not to give the kid the book.

Steps were heard from behind as she kept pulling. A yellowed-eyed light auburn-haired male walking through the mystery aisle. Pulling books out from the selves and a repeating "boring." As he pulls and throws books into selves or the ground. Pulling two books out, "oh hey. I think they'll like these". Rereading the titles, he throws them on the ground. "Nope, never mind. They both have these Ones already."

The Karen looks behind her, finally losing her grip on Riku's wing. Noticing the male and gasps, "Hey! Don't do that kid that's bad!" she says.

The yellow-eyed male raise his eyebrow ". . .And I should fucken care because. . .?" he asks.

"Did your parents teach you manners?" She demands.

"pfft. No. I'm a problem child. My dad barely interacts with me. My 2nd dad, though, interacts. I'm basically a disappointment," Says the male freely.

Riku looks at the male recognizes him as his boyfriend, Chisaki Meiro. The woman gasps. "HOW WERE YOU BORN WITH TWO FATHERS?!" she shouts.

"Fucken magic. Now leave ya bitch and demon spawn." Says Meiro. The woman gasps. Grabbing her child's hand, they quickly left the aisle.

Meiro sighs. "Stupid-" he cuts himself off as he sees Riku and Heisu. He immediately runs up to Riku. "Riku!~ I didn't even know you'd be here!" he says, hugging Riku.

Riku blushes. "Hey Meiro…" he says. Heisu blinks and stares at them.

"Uh…huh, Who?" Says Heisu, Meiro looks to him, "Who are you? Why are you with Riku?".

Heisu looks down. "I-I'm…Heisu… Riku's brother…" He says softly.

Meiro looks to Riku. "How many siblings do you have??"

"Seven…Zen and Heisu were in America for their middle school and high school life plus the beginning of college for Zen because they were learning English." Explains Riku.

Meiro blinks. "Zen? Like the fashion Designer? Her clothes are inspired by underground punkish (My cousin and one of my closest friends love to create clothes like these. He's fine with me using his designs in my stories) types," says Meiro.

"Oh, yup, that's her…" says Heisu as he laughs nervously.

Meiro snaps his head to Riku. "Ok. A model brother and a fashion designer sister? Boi. What else?" he says.

Riku shrugs and looks on the ground. "We should pick those up…" Pointing to the books.

Meiro blinks. "No the fuck we ain't," he says. Heisu sweat drops and looks at Riku, giving him a look. 'What in the world do you see in him?'

Riku looks back. 'He's funny sometimes! Plus, he actually likes me…'. Heisu sighs. Why am I even asking? Zen is with a Triad boss! He thinks.

Riku uses his feathers to put the fallen books away "why are you even here, Meiro?"

"Looking for gifts for my half brothers. It's the new year soon, which comes their birthday."

"When is their birthday day?" asks Heisu

"The 13th of January." Says Meiro looking towards him, "They're turning 24 this year, I believe." Says Meiro.

Riku looks at him "they're? So you have more than one?" asks Riku.

"Twins. Both are smart. I don't really know what to get them."

Heisu blinks. "Why not a fancy chessboard?" he asks.

"but they can get expensive…" explains Meiro.

"We can help pay, you know…" says Riku. Meiro smiles. "Oh hell, Yea!!" he says.

Heisu sweatdrops. "Your too Nice, Ri."

~Haruki~

Oh, the child made them run. Remember the kid from the first part of Sai's encounter? I don't think Zen should hang around him anymore….

In GameStop, Haruki was excitedly looking through the games. Grabbing one he found interesting, he squeals adorably. Then a child grabs it from him. "Cool!~ I was looking for this!" Says the kid.

Haruki pouts, "Hey! Give it back! I found it first."

The kid sticks his tongue out. "Uh uh! I did!" he says.

What would Hato do? Oh! I know he'd ask for it back! Thinks Haruki, then a mini Zen with horns and a flame trident appeared on his right shoulder.

"Hmm, Nah. Threaten him." Says the devil Zen.

Then a mini hato with a halo appeared on his left shoulder. "No! Ask for it back!" Says the angel Hato.

Devil Zen glares at him. "No! Cause that's boring! Fight for it!"

Angel Hato growls at her and attacks her, "ASK FOR IT." "THREATEN." "ASK." "THREATEN" "ASK."

Haruki holds his head as swirls appear in his eyes. The kid begins going to the cashier. Haruki panics and runs over to the kid.

"Hey! Wait! Asshole!" says Haruki. The angel Hato and devil Zen stop fighting and gasp.

The kid turns to him. "What? Too bad! It's mine!" says the kid.

"Bitch! I found it fucking before you! Hell, I've played all the games before that one! What the fuck do you know about it?!"

"Uh. It's about a lame swordsman trying to protect a damn shield."

Haruki gasps, "NOT ONLY ARE YOU FUCKEN WRONG. THAT'S NOT EVEN THE RIGHT GAME!"

The kid looks away in embarrassment.

"Now if you don't fucken mind. May I have the game before I get someone to slaughter your entire family. Making you wish you were never born." Says Haruki with a smile.

The kid hands him the game and runs out crying. Angel Hato and Devil Zen have their mouths open "Where in the world…." Says Devil Zen. The angel and demon puff.

Haruki innocently smiles and pays for the game. Skipping out to where Sai was. Who was talking with a green hair male and a blonde with purple and green streaks in their hair. The two-wave the blonde bye and left.

"HEEEEEYYY HARUKI!!" Sai shouts out of character.

Haruki skips over. "Hello!~ who's that?" he asks.

"This is my lover. Kaoru. Kaoru meet Haruki…" introduces Sai.

Kaoru smiles. "Nice to meet-HEY DON'T CHANGE THE SUBJECT SAI!" they shout, looking to Sai, whistling, looking anywhere but at Kaoru. Haruki tilts his head in confusion.

Haruki, Sai, and Kaoru walk from the game stop to the next shop talking.

~Later~

The whole family decided to ride in the car. It was very squished in the back.

Sai was driving, Kouten was in the passenger seat with his new puppy. In the Second row were Hato, Zen, and Satori. In the third row was Riku, Heisu, and Haruki.

Sai looks at Kouten. "What in the…did you get a puppy?" asks Sai blinking at his brother. Kouten sweatdrops. "Kind of? A friend adopted her for me…" answers Kouten.

Zen perks up from her seat. "HOLD UP. YOU HAVE FRIENDS?!" asks/shouts Zen.

A tick appears on his head. "I have more than you. You just have Hato, Satori, me, any of our siblings, and what's his name…Yin. Who I still disapprove of." Says Kouten.

A tick appears on Zen's head. "You aren't the boss of me bitch." Says Zen. Hato sweat drops "Language Zen." He says.

Zen grumbles and glares at him. Satori perks up and looks at the puppy. "Aww, what's her name??" asks Satori.

"Her name is Zodiac," answers Kouten looking at the puppy. Zodiac barks and pants, Satori rolls her eyes. "That's boring. Should've named her Princess Mononoke or Princess kicky bity your ass," says Satori.

Riku from the back "Why not name her Crow?" he says quietly.

Heisu looks at Riku "that's nice, Though I just like Princess…"

Haruki looks up from his switch "OOO! WHAT ABOUT BUTTERFLY!" he shouts, Heisu sweatdrops. "Should we tell him that papillon means butterfly?" asks Heisu to Riku, who shakes his head.

"How about Mrs. Bitch." Says Zen with a snicker, Sai holds a snicker in. Hato hits Zen with his wing. "No. She's Kouten's pupper, so he can name her what he wants. Why are you obsessed with the word bitch anyways?"

Kouten smiles. "Thank you, pigeon.". Hato waves him off with a smile.

Sai remembers something "Oh, before I forget, I booked resort rooms for us."

His younger siblings look at him. "You did what now??" asks Kouten.

"Resort rooms. The resort has a waterpark, spa, restaurants, cafes, ballroom where a party is being held. Which we have to attend, being Hawks' kids have down parts. Around the area are tourist attractions. The resort has a fitness area, rides, bars, and more." Explains Sai, his younger siblings' mouths drop shocked.

"THE HECK DO YOU DO FOR A GOD DANG LIVING SAI?!" shouts his siblings as they check their phones for their accounts to see no money missing from their accounts.

Sai sighs, "I didn't steal your money." sighs of relief echoed throughout the car. Sai "But I did check your browsing histories." He says. His siblings stare at him, Sai blinks. "What? I only looked through Satori's, Haruki's, Riku's, and Heisu's," says Sai.

Sai then rolls his eyes. "I already know what the elders have. Plus, it was too well locked.". Hato, Zen, and Kouten laugh nervously.

"So, when are we heading to the resort??" asks Heisu from the back

"About…

Two months from

Now"

Saisho/Sai belongs to @ulti-mal

Kouten belongs to @hairuko

Hato belongs to @juniperarts

Satori belongs to @fioresacros

Haruki belongs to @/_falyy on twitter

Riku, Meiro & Hotaru to @diizaren

#random #bnha fanfiction #bnhaoc #dabihawks lovechild #karens #steryotypes #Orginal OC #my ocs #others ocs #relationship

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sourcherrybomb · 4 years ago

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SoKai Week 2020 - Day 2 - For ____ Eyes Only

Synopsis: During the time period Kairi was within Sora’s heart, she kept a handy mental diary of all the places and people she encountered. Let’s take a peek at it, shall we?

Sneak Peek: I’ve been in Sora’s heart for a little bit as of now. It’s a nice kind of… warm, if that makes sense. Like a perfect sunny day on the Islands. Knowing what kind of person Sora is, it’s unsurprising.

Tags: Light Romance, Adventure, Comedy, All Ages, F/M

Prompt for the Day: First Meeting / Unseen Adventures

Words: 3.5k

Fanart By: @softpinkbee

Entry 1: Welcome to Sora’s Heart. Population: 1 (I think)

Sooo… This is a thing that’s happening. All because of a stupid, literal world ending storm.

Oh wait, aren’t I supposed to start with “Dear Diary”? Not like I’m physically writing in a journal since I don’t have a body anymore… Ugh, Sora and Riku would probably poke fun at me if they found out that I kept one. Well sorry that I like to be sentimental and have a way of remembering and planning our future adventures, lazy bums.

I’m getting ahead of myself, aren’t I? I’ll do this once to get it over with.

Hello there (mental) diary, my name is Kairi! I’m 14 years old and I lived on the Destiny Islands before I somehow ended up in Sora’s (my BFF and lazy bum #1) heart. That little mishap took place right after I met this weird old guy in brown robes in our Secret Place. I don’t know where Riku (my other BFF and lazy bum #2) ended up, but somehow Sora got sucked into a black hole that sent him… Or is it us? To another world called Traverse Town.

I mean the boys and I always planned to travel to other worlds, just not like this. We were supposed to travel by raft, I was supposed to have a body, and it was going to be all three of us… Okay maybe I asked Sora if he wanted to go alone with me, only to end up chickening out at the last moment, but this current situation is not what I had in mind!

Apparently these monsters called the Heartless destroyed our world, sending us to Traverse Town. I feel bad.

Sora was lost and alone. I knew because I felt it in his heart.

Luckily, Sora has met a lot of new people since arriving. There were these two girls, Aerith and Yuffie, that I would have loved to talk and meet with. Selphie definitely would have loved to meet Aerith, she was so pretty! Besides them, Sora also met this edgy guy named Leon (who kicked his butt) and a cranky old mechanic named Cid. More importantly, Sora met this talking duck and dog named Donald and Goofy. They’re pretty entertaining, so I hope they can keep Sora company since I can’t speak to him and we lost Riku.

I’ve been in Sora’s heart for a little bit as of now. It’s a nice kind of… warm, if that makes sense. Like a perfect sunny day on the Islands. Knowing what kind of person Sora is, it's unsurprising.

I just can’t shake off the feeling that there’s something… no, someone else in here.

Entry 2: Topsy? Turvy? Definitely Crazy.

Is it possible to have an out-of-body experience and a fever dream at the same time? Because that’s what Wonderland feels like.

Geez, where do I even start with this one? I guess with the talking rabbit entering the talking doorknob? Granted that rabbit was kind of cute, if not panicky. I could get used to that. Sora shrinking and entering a place full of playing card soldiers and a cat with a decapitated head (I think? He reattached it) are things that are going to take a bit to get used to.

Gosh, that feels like the understatement of the century.

I knew other worlds would be different than the islands. It’s just that going from a quiet city to a place where gravity is bonkers and playing cards can kill a person makes a girl really question what’s out there.

I wish I could take pictures so people would believe my words. Luckily this cricket named Jiminy has a journal where he keeps track of Sora’s journey. He stays safe inside Sora’s hood, so it’s sort of like we’re neighbors and journal buddies! I’d love to give him my point of view on things once I get my body back.

Oh one other thing before I forget, there was this one girl named Alice. I don’t know why, but she was giving off this really familiar aura. I couldn’t help but feel oddly drawn to her.

I feel like this won’t be the first time we come into contact with her.

Entry 3: Anyone else hear horns?

Like seriously, Sora and I both hear horns coming from this world, but neither of us have any idea as to where they’re coming from. This (extremely small) world is the Olympus Coliseum.

Sora, Donald, and Goofy got thrown into some challenges and ended up fighting waves of Heartless. Really makes me think about how I should have tried sword fighting with Sora and Riku. Sure, I’ve picked up some things by just watching them, but I think actually practicing with them would have helped me in the long run. I mean, I totally could have fought off that weird guy in the brown robes.

Ugh, just thinking about him gives me bad vibes.

Going back to the challenges, Sora totally got his butt handed to him by this guy, Cloud. It was way worse than the loss Sora took against Leon, I don’t think Cloud was holding back.

I’m thankful he didn’t finish Sora off. Partly because he’s my best friend, but also because if Sora bites the dust, then I’m also gone. It was rough seeing Sora lose again, but watching him take out a giant three-headed dog right after certainly was a sight. Although I swear I heard Hercules whisper to his little red friend, Phil, next to him that he weakened the monster.

Maybe. But since it felt like I was fighting alongside him, I’m not ready to count Sora out just yet. He’s grown so much stronger day after day.

Entry 4: Note to Self, Never Let Sora Drive

You know, if the three of us did leave on that raft as planned, I always had a feeling that Sora might fight with Riku over where to take us. Sora’s never been one for his directional skills, that was always more Riku’s forte. Because of this, I always mentally prepared myself for the event where Sora would get us super lost.

WHAT I DIDN’T MENTALLY PREPARE MYSELF WAS FOR SORA TO CAUSE A GIANT SPACESHIP TO CRASH BECAUSE HE ARGUED WITH A TALKING DUCK!!!

That’s not even where it ends! This Deep Jungle is nuts! There’s a leopard that’ll attack you like every five steps, there was a giant Heartless that turned invisible, and Sora even got a gun fired at it! Granted that last one was because of some hunter jerk with a stupid mustache, but if he’s from this world, he’s part of the problem.

The only saving grace was the fact that there are giant tree trunks that act like slides and as many vines to swing on as I wanted to. Tarzan has got to give me some tips when I have the chance to meet him, it was like he was flying through the trees! I’d honestly enjoy the chance to talk to Jane myself as well. She seems so smart and would have so much to talk about. I think she’d make pleasant conversation. That being said, when she showed Sora a picture of a castle in the slideshow, I couldn’t shake this sense of… familiarity. Like I had seen it or something like it before. But where…?

Even though this world and I got off on the wrong foot, once I get my body back, I’m definitely making Sora bring me here so I can do all that!

Although I still have no idea how that’s gonna happen.

Entry 5: I don’t know why, but this place feels oddly familiar

Today may have just been one of the best days I’ve had since I’ve been living in Hotel Sora’s Heart, over here!

For starters, dogs. Sooooo many dogs! Leon told Sora about all of these Dalmatian puppies that got scattered across the various worlds. They’ve been taking the time to rescue all 101 of them, and they’re absolutely adorable! Ahhhhhh, I can only imagine playing with everyone one of them.

Secondly, I’m finding Traverse Town a lot more comforting than I originally did. Something about the tall building walls makes me feel nostalgic. I never was from the Islands to begin with, but where I originally came from is a mystery to me. I don’t think it was Traverse Town, but maybe it was another city. I’m sure that in travelling to other worlds, I might be able to remember more!

Today I even got to talk to Sora a little bit, albeit by accident, when he and his friends wandered into this old tower. I looked around and said to myself that it reminds me of the Secret Place, all dark and surrounded by stone. I never expected Sora to hear or see me! I had so much more to say, but when this wizard guy showed up, Sora couldn’t hear me anymore.

But that’s not even the best news: Right after, Sora ended up running into Riku! He’s safe! It was brief, Riku ended up disappearing moments after, but now we know he’s out there and can protect himself. Sora was even able to protect Riku from one of the Heartless!

Never thought I’d see that day where the roles were switched. It suits Sora.

Entry 6: I hate sand.

I may find not having a body to be a major inconvenience, but for once I’m quite pleased at the fact considering Agrabah, the world Sora and his friends just left, was full of sand.

At its worst, sand was rough, coarse, and irritating. It already got into my clothes back on the Islands, but around here I’d imagine it gets everywhere.

That being said, this world has got to be one of the most adventurous we’ve been to so far! Desert temples filled with treasure, magical genies, all in a faraway kingdom? It’s like all the games Sora, Riku, and I used to play when we were younger. If only Riku joined with Sora back in Traverse Town, he would have loved this!

One odd thing though, we ran into another woman, Princess Jasmine, who gave me the same vibes as Alice! Turns out she’s more than just a regular old princess, but one with special powers. I wonder what it could all mean...

Entry 7: Did you know that the stomach would eat itself without the mucus lining its walls?

Back on the Islands when Sora, Riku, and I made plans to leave on the raft, we always wondered what kind of animals we’d see. The one that would always pop into our minds was a whale since they might be big enough to swallow us whole.

We always laughed it off and went back to working or playing, so actually getting swallowed whole by one feels very ironic. It’s a lot grosser than I thought it would be. Smells like fish everywhere you go, so I really hope Sora, Donald, and Goofy take some showers once they leave.

This whale named Monstro even swallowed this old man and his son, Gepetto and Pinnochio. The latter is somehow a walking, talking puppet!

But what’s even crazier is that out of all the worlds, Riku shows up here, only to kidnap Pinnochio! And not just that, I think he knows where my body is. Geez, Riku was being a real jerk about it, though. Said that Sora was fooling around and not helping, when I know for a fact that he’s doing more that Riku has! I mean, I’m in the guy’s heart, that’s gotta count for something!

I wish I could tell Riku that all this time, Sora has been protecting me. I know I give him a hard time every now and then, but out of all the people in the world, I’m really glad I ended up in his heart.

Entry 8: Rival Redhead Acquired

I know that my last entries make me seem like a jealous person, but mental diary, trust me when I say that I’m not usually one to be envious of others.

Until now.

Being in Sora’s heart, I sort of get a feel for his emotions. By all means, even without being inside him, Sora is pretty much an open book to begin with. It’s just that in being directly connected to his heart, I can feel almost every emotion he has. That includes the mess of emotions he felt when he came into contact with this mermaid named Ariel.

Yup, a mermaid. Atlantica is full of them.

It’s a pretty cool world! There are sunken pirate ships, an underwater kingdom, even a giant sea witch that Sora defeated! But nope, the thing that makes Sora’s heart flutter is another red head when he already has one right here! Ughhh, I’m really glad this diary isn’t physical, I might die if Sora or Riku ever found out I think stuff like this.

Still, Ariel isn’t a bad person so it’s not that I dislike her. She also loves adventure and wants to see other worlds. Moving past my jealousy, I think I’d love to be friends with her some day. Ariel and I are similar, but I think I at least have something over her.

Sometimes when Sora talks about me, he gets this squeezing feeling in his heart. Now I’m not gonna let Sora or Riku tease me over my feelings, I’m sure gonna tease Sora about his once I get my body back.

Entry 9: A lot more tricks than treats!

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. I enjoy going around to houses and getting candy, but I enjoy scaring Sora even more so. I mean, I definitely did that outside of Halloween, it’s just that the holiday made it feel special.

Needless to say, Sora finding a world exclusively dedicated to it is probably one of the best things I’ve ever found out! When Sora, Donald, and Goofy arrived, they even got special outfits to blend in! With Sora being a vampire, I could see Riku being a werewolf, but when it comes to me, I can’t choose between being a witch or a scarecrow.

There are even monsters! There was a talking skeleton who was surprisingly nice, a mad doctor, and a giant living sack of bugs! (It was super gross when he was defeated.) Sora got a bit squirmy when he died, so I really wish I was there to double down and make Sora sora yell out loud!

I definitely want to go to Halloween Town when all of this is said and done.

Entry 10: I miss candy…

So Halloween Town was fun for the thrills and chills, but felt severely lacking in candy. I may be a disembodied heart without a body, but my heart aches for something sweet! Which is why the 100 Acre Wood was torture for me.

Pooh Bear and I would get along. He loves honey, I love candy, it’s like we’re two peas in a pod. I too would probably get myself stuck inside a tree if I was desperate enough for a sweet snack.

Pooh’s other animal friends are all so cuddly and adorable! Out of the cutest, I’d have trouble choosing between Piglet or Roo. Tigger reminds me of the stuffed animals I keep in my room. Part of me really wants to hold onto him and see if he can bounce around with me on it, like a pogo stick! When it comes to Eeyore, in all honesty I kind of just want to give him a hug...

Honestly this place is a nice change of pace. No Heartless to be found, it’s always a clear and sunny day out. When it’s night time there aren’t any clouds so you can see all the stars in the sky. I remember all the stories that Sora used to tell me about the constellations instead of learning how to find his way with them. That was more Riku’s job.

I’m glad to know that what I’m feeling when I look up at the sky, Sora is feeling the same. Take your time and relax, you’ve earned it.

Entry 11: It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s Sora, Donald, and Goofy!

Forget swinging through trees, forget playing with countless puppies, and forget scaring Sora, when I get my body back, I’m making Sora take me to Neverland so I can fly up high in the skies!

Wait no Kairi, focus, there are more pressing things at matter. Mainly, Riku has become a full on jerk, has sided with the Heartless, and is dragging my lifeless body around with him! I mean, my eyes were open, but my body was basically a ragdoll without me in it. I mean on the brightside, Sora was absolutely brimming with joy when he realized my body was safe.

That may or may not have made me feel an indescribable amount of joy and embarrassment, mind you.

I mentioned having an out of body experience in Wonderland, but having a literal one felt even weirder. When Sora got close enough it was possible for me to twitch my hand a little, sort of like I was reconnecting with my body. Sucks that it ended up being dragged away, I was this close to getting it back. What sucks even more is that Riku ended up fleeing to this Hollow Bastion place with it.

Still it wasn’t all bad. Body or not, I was still able to fly around with Sora. He doubted that I’d believe him if he told me.

I don’t think he’d believe me if I told him what I’ve been up to in his heart.

Entry 12: Riku…

I’m back in my body. I wish it was as simple as Sora making contact with it, but things took a turn for the worse this time around.

I need to start from the beginning.

Right before we reached Hollow Bastion, Sora was able to connect with me. He awoke a memory of mine that I’d long forgotten since I came to the island: my favorite story that my grandmother would always tell me. Remembering it gave me this warm feeling, one that intensified when we arrived at Hollow Bastion.

Only to have that feeling crushed when Riku took the Keyblade from Sora.

I’m glad Sora was able to get it back and knock some sense into Riku, but for a moment Sora really felt at his lowest. Sora was able to become his old self again, but deep in his heart was so much hurt at the fact that he lost Riku to the darkness. Not just any darkness, but from this man named Ansem. He was the one who revealed I was inside Sora’s heart. Sora was able to beat the possessed Riku, but in the end he made a sacrifice I don’t think I could ever pay him back for.

Losing Sora in my arms made me feel even more useless than I did while I was inside his heart. Interestingly enough, when my heart left Sora’s body, I felt another leave as well. It wasn’t like Sora’s heart, but certainly had similar vibes to it.

Regardless, somehow I was able to bring him back from being a Heartless, but the feeling of losing him in my arms like that is something I don’t want to experience again.

We ended up leaving Hollow Bastion shortly after that. When Sora and I were alone, I was finally able to tell Sora that I was with him the entire time. I had so much I wanted to tell him, but there wasn’t enough time in the world. Not to mention all the unfinished business we had back at Hollow Bastion. I wanted to come with Sora, but he was right. It is dangerous, and as much as I didn’t want to admit it, I didn’t really have any ways to protect myself...

I gave Sora my lucky charm. Wherever he goes, I’ll be there with him.

At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.

Entry 13: For Our Eyes Only

Hi there diary, this might be the last time I update this formerly mental journal.

Sora’s gone off on another adventure to save Riku. He saved all of the worlds, but wasn’t able to save his best friend. If I was in Sora’s shoes, which I might as well have been, I would have done the same thing for either of them. As for me, I’m back on the islands safe and sound. Part of me wanted to jump across the darkness and into Sora’s arms once more. But after fighting for so long to keep me safe, I think the best I can do for Sora is to let this one wish come true.

I know he’ll come back for me. After all, he still needs to give me back my lucky charm. And when he does, I’ll make sure to give him this handwritten diary to help him understand just exactly what I went through on this adventure. No…

Our adventure.

---

When I started this fic, I was honestly thinking about dropping it and starting from scratch with a new idea. Quite frankly, I’m glad I decided to keep at it. I’m pretty proud of the result and feel that I’ve made a somewhat creative little oneshot!

Once again, thank you to the Sokai: Destined Oath Discord server for introducing me to SoKai Week 2020! Special thanks to the server member Gee for acting as my Beta Reader.

Thanks for Reading!

#sokai #sokaiweek #sokaiweek2020 #day 2 #kingdom hearts fanfiction #sora #kairi #fanfiction #oneshot #F/M #sourcherrybomb

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talinexa · 5 years ago

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Picture - One-Shot

Prompt from Here! (There are actually two prompts from that list in this piece ;-P Happy hunting.) I need some softness right now. Also I have an actual design for Stardrop if anyone ever wants to see

I sat in the bay window of one of the several playhouses on the play island, one leg dangling toward the floor, the other up so I could rest my elbow on my knee. The sun was setting, casting its beautiful colors and subdued light over the Destiny Islands. I’d cast off my elbow-length jacket and left it in a heap on the floor, but kept my fingerless gloves on. It had been a while since I’d been back home.

The wood creaked somewhere behind me.

I turned.

“Thought I’d find you up here,” Riku said. “This was always your favorite spot.”

I smiled. “Well, people don’t change much. The sunset is beautiful tonight.”

“Mm. Yeah,” Riku remarked, not looking away from me to see the sunset.

“Here. Let me move so you can sit and watch with me.” I moved to adjust my seat, but Riku raised a hand to stop me.

“Wait, let me get a picture of you there.”

“What?”

He pulled out his Gummiphone. “Look back out the window and sit how you were.”

I put my elbow back on my knee and gazed out the window. I heard Riku’s camera shutter snap. Then the creaking of the floorboard again and another shutter. I turned. “Happy now?” I asked.

“Of course. The lighting was really nice and you looked so photogenic in that position.” He crossed the room and sat next to me in the bay window, giving me a moment to make room for him. “Been a while since we watched a sunset together from here,” he commented casually.

A while translated to a couple years, at this point. “Yeah,” I agreed. “I’ve missed it. Remember when we used to hide from Sora and Kairi in here, waiting for them to finally admit they liked each other?”

Riku started laughing. “Oh yeah,” he said.

We went quiet for a moment. “I miss those days,” I muttered. “Before all the crazy and the Keyblades happened.”

“Me too. Life seemed so simple then. We just wanted to explore the worlds.”

“Yeah... but with that raft... we would have been dead within a week.”

“I never said we were smart kids.”

I started laughing. “Fair enough.”

The sun made its last dip to the horizon and vanished. Beams of scarlet shot through the deep blue sky that was slowly turning black.

“C’mon,” Riku said, getting up and offering me a hand. “Let’s get down to the boats before it gets too much darker. If you want, I’ll tie yours to mine and row you back.”

I chuckled and let him help me up. “Always the gentleman,” I teased.

He scooped up my jacket and threw it at me.

We strolled down the hill of the play island to the docks. Riku helped me into my boat before hopping into his. He ran a hand through his short, spiked hair and took up his oars. I grabbed mine too and we worked our way away from the dock toward the main island. Once we made it past the strongest waves of low tide, Riku threw a little rope to my boat. “I can row myself back,” I protested.

“Just tie it to the spike on your bow,” Riku said with a smile. I rolled my eyes and tied the rope.

“Let me---” I began.

“No, no. Let me. I like doing this. It’s honestly not much harder. Water is really good for reducing overall weight of something and momentum makes it so I can barely feel that I’m rowing with more.”

“Nerd,” I teased.

“Just take some time to relax, okay?”

“Okay. For now.”

I let Riku row me across the water between the play island and the main island, sitting so I was facing him. He smiled at me.

“Y’know,” I said after several moments of conversational silence, “I like your hair short.”

He grinned. “Thanks,” he replied. “Takes some, uh... takes some getting used to. I had it longer for so... well, long, that the short feels bizarre. Like, light, I mean. There’s not as much weight on my neck.”

I shook my hair---longer than his ever got---off my shoulder. “I know exactly what you mean,” I said. “Back when we were ten and I cut my hair short, I felt so weird until it started getting longer and heavier again. Like my head would detach from my neck and float away.”

“Yes! That’s exactly how it felt.” Riku beamed at me.

When we were younger, before everything adventurous, Riku’s smiles had always been full of mischief. Genuine ones were rare. It was like seeing a meteor shower---beautiful but uncommon.

I glanced up at the sky. The last rays of sunlight had faded. The moon was rising, reflecting off the surface of the waves in a huge patch of glistening white. The stars were out, glittering on the blanket of blackness that was the night sky. I smiled. “The stars are beautiful tonight. Really bright.”

“The stars wish they were as bright as you.”

“Huh?”

“Nothing. Sorry. Talking to myself,” Riku said.

We were quiet for most of the rest of the way to the main island. When we got near enough to ride the waves to the beach, Riku pulled in his oars. Once his boat slid into the sand, he jumped out and pulled it out of the way to help me. As the waves pushed my boat up the sand, he grabbed it---ignoring the fact that I was still in it---and pulled it out of reach of the tides. Once it was safe, he helped me out of it.

“Let me walk you home. It’s dark,” he said.

“Thanks,” I replied. “While we’re walking, show me that picture you took of me back at the playhouse.”

Riku just smiled. It was the smile full of mischief from our younger days. “Later, I promise,” he said. “Don’t wanna get distracted when it’s dark. Darkness is dangerous.”

I scoffed. “There’s, like, no crime on the islands and we could handle any stray Heartless that happen to manifest,” I remarked.

“Still. Better not to get taken by surprise.”

“Fine. That’s a good point.”

We moved to head up the hill toward the town. The hill wasn’t terribly steep, but it was always an irritating hike. I wondered if it was old habit or chivalry that had Riku putting his hand on the small of my back and pushing me up the hill. He’d done it many times before when we were younger and Sora and I would complain about the hike.

Back then he wasn’t as gentle though. It used to be a more playful shove up the hill.

When we got to my house, the porch light was off. I glanced up at the moon and back to Riku. “Thanks for walking me back,” I said. “And thanks for the push up the hill.” I giggled.

Riku smiled. “Well, it’s my job as the strong one of the group to push you guys when you feel like you can’t keep going.”

“Oh come on---we all know the strong one is Kairi.”

That made Riku snort. “True,” he conceded playfully. “Goodnight. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He waved. I waved back as he headed off. “Night!” I called quietly.

***

I barely stepped out of the shower, hair bound up in a towel, when I got a notification on my phone that Riku had tagged me in a post.

Upon opening it, I saw that it was the picture he’d taken of me in the playhouse. Looking out over the island and the ocean, dark orange rays of sunset bathing my face and bringing out the tiniest sheen of orange in my hair. The subdued light washed out most of the harsh lines shadow left on my face, giving me a soft look. It was, in fact, an incredibly photogenic picture.

Destiny Islands’ sunsets are beautiful, but even those pale in comparison to her. #LifelongFriend #Aesthetic #Beautiful #DestinyIslands #Sunset #MyBestGirl

I felt my ears grow warm and texted him.

Me: Charmer.

Riku: ???

Me: The post?

Riku: Oh. Well. I meant every word. G’night.

Me: Night. Sleep well. Talk tomorrow.

Riku: Definitely.

Smiling, I put my Gummiphone on my bedside table and snuggled down for the night.

If I dreamt, I don’t remember anything from it. Sometimes, after all the adventures, I woke up in a cold sweat after nightmares in the middle of the night. Usually I was okay, but occasionally I saw Riku getting possessed by Ansem in the Hollow Bastion Keyhole room. Other times I saw Kairi getting slashed across the back by Xehanort. And yet other times, I saw Sora getting killed hundreds of times over by all the enemies we faced on a day-to-day basis.

But that night, my sleep was dreamless. Hours upon hours of empty void.

I woke up the next morning to a text from Kairi.

Kairi: SINCE WHEN ARE YOU AND RIKU A THING?

Me: ??? We’re not???

Kairi: I SAW HIS POST!

Me: Kairi, he’s just being silly. A bit dramatic for the sake of entertaining.

Kairi: -_- That’s not true. I bet he likes you.

Me: 50 munny says you’re wrong.

Kairi: I’m training with him later today on the beach of the play island. I’ll ask him then. You’re so on. I’m going to be 50 munny richer by sunset.

Me: Haha. We’ll see.

Kairi: See you later to pick up my winnings.

Me: Bye Kairi.

I put my Gummiphone down on my bedside table again and got out of bed. Quickly, I changed out of my pajamas and into some normal clothes. I was still a bit tired but there was stuff that I needed to do. After several years of adventuring, business at home was crazy. Sora, Riku, and I all had nearly two years of school to catch up on. Kairi had missed less than one and had caught up fairly quickly.

Once I was ready, with my hair brushed and clothes on, I had a quick breakfast, brushed my teeth, and went running out the door, slinging my backpack on. “Bye Mom! Love you!” I shouted as I yanked the front door open.

“Bye sweetheart!” Mom called. “Have fun at school!”

“I will!” I shut the door behind me and whirled to go jogging down my street.

And ran right into someone. “Oof! Morning.”

“Riku! Morning!” I exclaimed. “What are you doing here?”

“Just thought we could walk to school together.”

“Oh. That’s a great idea,” I said with a smile. Riku offered me his arm. I looped my arm through his and we headed off for school. I fidgeted with my tie with my free hand. I’d never been particularly good at tying them, even after years of practice, and my two-year break to go save the worlds hadn’t helped my fingers’ inability to tie a tie.

We were quiet as we walked down my street. Riku’s family didn’t live far, and neither did Sora’s. We were all pretty close.

“It’s weird to be back at school,” Riku said. “It feels so...”

“Boring? Unimportant?” I suggested.

“I guess. Kinda. We’ve had the safety of the worlds riding on us for so long now that sitting in a classroom just feels almost too easy. Too relaxing. Like, I’m constantly on-edge just waiting for a massive Heartless to tear the door down and attack the classroom.”

“I feel the same. I’ve already broken two pencils from clenching them as hard as I do my Keyblade’s hilt. I keep waiting for my pencil to transform into my Keyblade because there’s a threat in the hallway.”

Riku nodded in agreement. “That’s why you and I sit so close to the door, huh? To protect everyone else,” he said.

“Yeah,” I replied. “Because if something happened, we’d be the only ones who could in our class.”

Riku nodded. We rounded the corner closer to the school building. I half-expected Riku to let me go. We weren’t an item and being seen walking together arm-in-arm would start rumors that we were.

But he didn’t. We just kept walking. Other kids---there weren’t that many on the island---were making their way to the school too.

Riku didn’t let me go until we sat down---next to the door---in our first class of the day. We sat next to each other and didn’t really talk to anyone. These were kids, in the class with us, who’d been two grades below us growing up. But since we’d missed so much, we were catching up with them. We didn’t know the others particularly well and so we kept to ourselves in the back of the room.

Riku and I shared a look of understanding and settled in for class.

I twirled my pencil between my fingers. Riku bounced his leg. We were both nervous and restless. Had been for a few months while we waited. Neither of us were even sure what we were waiting for. The next crisis, I supposed.

When I caught a glare from a classmate, I set my pencil down and started drumming my fingers on my leg to keep it quieter. I’d spent two years or so wired and ready to jump into battle at any moment that sitting in a classroom was getting monotonous and, frankly, somewhat terrifying.

Because the longer nothing happened, the bigger the something that would eventually happen.

Riku reached under our desks and grabbed my hand to stop my drumming. “It’s okay,” he whispered, so quietly he was basically mouthing it.

“I know,” I replied. “Just waiting for it all to go wrong.”

“Me too.” He gave my hand a reassuring squeeze and a nod. I nodded back, taut and terse.

***

Riku peeked at her out of the corner of his eye. She had gone back to paying attention to the teacher’s lesson. Since she’d been glared at for twirling her pencil and he’d taken her hand to calm her drumming, he could see her toe tapping in her shoe.

Part of him didn’t want to look away. She looked the same now as she had bathed in the light of the sunset. Absolutely stunning, even if her expression was tense and worried.

She glanced over. Before she could turn to face him, he went back to looking at the teacher.

She let go of his hand under the desk in order to take up her pencil and take notes. She bumped her knee to his to reassure him she was still there and scratched away in her notebook.

***

I sunk my Keyblade into the sand, leaned on it, and looked out to the horizon where the water met the sky. A few stray hairs were stuck to my face from sweat, but that was what happened when I ran drills in the late afternoon on a tropical island. I’d grown up on the islands and, let me just say, visiting Arendelle was torture for me if I didn’t have at least two coats on.

“Well, we survived another day of school,” Riku remarked. I jumped and whirled to see him approaching. Braveheart, his new Keyblade, was nowhere to be seen. He wasn’t planning to spar with me just yet, then.

“Yeah,” I grunted, looking back to the sea and leaning even more heavily on my Keyblade. It sunk further into the soft, dry sand.

I heard Riku’s camera shutter go off again. I peeked at him to see his Gummiphone turned toward me. When he realized I caught him, he gave me a somewhat smug smile and put the Gummiphone back in his pocket. He shrugged. “Can’t help it. You look so nice today.”

I snorted. “Sweaty and nervous. Got it. My best look.”

“C’mon,” he enticed, mildly irritated. “You know that’s not what I meant.”

I met his eyes. “Maybe not; but you certainly have odd timing for taking pictures.”

He shrugged, a small smirk playing on his face. “Candid pictures always look the best. It’s just... natural, I guess,” he said. He patted the Gummiphone in his jacket pocket and slid it off. With a flick of his elbow, the jacket got thrown to the side, draping itself over a ramshackle fence that kids long before us had built at the back of the beach. Leaving Riku in just the white, sleeveless V-neck shirt he usually wore after school. Revealing exactly how muscular he was.

With a bright flare of light, Braveheart appeared in Riku’s hand and he bent into his fighting stance.

I twitched, remembering Vanitas dropping into an extremely similar pose.

Shaking my head to clear it, I pulled my Keyblade from the sand and struck my stance.

Riku smirked. “Gonna fight me?” he teased.

“Gonna beat you,” I retorted with a grin.

That made both of us laugh. We both knew Riku was stronger than I was---and a much more skilled Keyblade wielder. I wasn’t going to beat him. Not in this lifetime anyway. No matter how hard I worked, he always beat me.

But... there was a reason he was a Keyblade Master and I wasn’t yet.

“Show me what you got,” Riku prodded. I smiled.

Feinting right, I attacked left. Managing to give Riku a good whack in the back.

The visceral reaction that caused made me desummon my weapon. He cried out and fell to his knees in the sand, Braveheart disappearing in a flash of light.

I desummoned my Keyblade and dropped to my knees next to him. “Riku? Are you okay? What was that about?” I demanded, grabbing his upper arm gently to keep him from faceplanting. The hot sand burned at the exposed skin on my legs, but I ignored it.

He shook his head, pushing his hand through his hair. “It’s fine. It’s just---” He cut himself off and reached back.

With a few tugs, he untucked the white shirt from his blue trousers, revealing a long scar over his lower back---almost exactly where I hit him, but angled slightly off.

I gasped. “Riku... I’m sorry---I didn’t know---”

“It’s fine,” he said through gritted teeth.

“Is that...?”

“Xemnas hit me with one of his ethereal blades. In the nothingness. It was just me and Sora. Sora was down and I---well. You know me. I would gladly give my life for Sora’s a hundred times over if it meant he could save everyone and everything.”

I reached out but stopped short of touching Riku’s skin. “I’m so sorry, Riku. I wouldn’t have---”

“I know. You didn’t mean to. It just gave me a... a flashback I guess,” Riku said.

“Let’s not spar today,” I said. “Let’s just go sit on the paopu tree and watch the tides and not think on what’s happened to us for the last two years. How about that?”

Riku clenched his jaw. Braveheart reappeared. He drove it into the sand and used it to stand up. “No. If I can’t work through it in training, there’s no way I’ll be able to work through it in actual combat. Just try not to hit me there again, okay?”

“I’ll try, really hard,” I said.

Riku nodded. “’Kay.”

I stepped back a few steps and summoned my Keyblade. Stardrop was a beautiful weapon. A star-shaped hilt and blue-fire as the “teeth” of the key. The keychain was a shooting star. I loved my Keyblade. It fit me perfectly.

Riku nodded. “Let’s do this,” he said.

We sparred, laughing at each other and ourselves as we did so. We liked to tease and goad each other. It was mutually consensual.

After a few minutes, Riku knocked me to the sand, landing on top of me and leveling Braveheart at my throat. “Noble effort, but not quite there yet,” he said. Panting, I nodded and shoved him off.

“I know. I’m working on it,” I said.

Riku laughed and offered me his hand. I took it and let him help me stand up. “You are doing better.”

“Thanks.” I shook my head. “Gonna be washing sand out of my hair for the next week,” I muttered.

Riku grimaced. “Sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it. Occupational hazard.”

We made our way to the paopu tree and climbed up to sit on it. Riku generally tended to lean against the bend in the trunk, but this time he climbed up next to me.

We watched the waves for a while. The sea breeze was pleasant and the afternoon cooled off to evening.

Riku set his hand on my knee. “Thank you for understanding.”

“Well... we all have bad feelings relating to what’s happened in the past.”

“Yeah... I appreciate it though,” Riku said. “I... it means a lot to me that you’re always here for me.”

“Thanks, Riku,” I said. I set my hand on top of his on my knee. “I appreciate you always keeping an eye on me and making sure I’m safe.” I glanced over at him. His eyes were turquoise in the deepening light.

I pulled out my Gummiphone and took a picture of him looking out to the sunset.

He glanced over at me, raising his eyebrows.

“What? I had to take a picture of you there,” I said playfully.

Riku just chuckled and shook his head. “Fair enough. Just don’t post it.”

Biting my lip, I slid my Gummiphone into my pocket. I leaned over to him, kissed his cheek, said, “No promises,” jumped off the tree, and ran for the docks.

I heard Riku shouting my name, but I surprised him and had a head-start.

#Picture #Riku #Riku Imagine #Riku FanFiction #Kingdom Hearts #KH #Tal writes #KH Imagine #KH FanFiction #Kingdom Hearts Imagine #Kingdom Hearts FanFiction #might do a part 2 where a Heartless attacks class

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oveliagirlhaditright · 4 years ago

Text

RokuShi Week Day 7: Free Day/Superhero AU

Trauma Induced

Xion was... so cute as a superhero, in her baby purple catsuit and cape, that was kept close and tight to her shoulder-blades so it wouldn’t get caught on anything.

…But Roxas of course knew she wouldn't want to be seen in this way at all. She would want to be seen for her heroism, like she so rightfully deserved.

So he tried to keep a stern look, while he watched her fly up a building now… and perhaps he was even somewhat worried for her safety at this point. With how long he’d known her, why wouldn’t he be?

…Yeah, it was dumb that he was objectifying her a bit… and Roxas hated himself for it- for not being more focused on the amazing power that she’d found in herself… in so many ways.

And instantly, all of those thoughts of his were put to the side as the “mysterious” Strong Girl dove back down the building and punched an attempted robber hard in the face, so that he fell through the store window that way and quickly gave up the fight.

Xion bowed and smiled sweetly then, as everyone applauded her.

And Roxas had never been more in love, as he came towards her with gauze and sterilizing agents, in case she needed them. Even though she had no idea that he knew about her, so he probably wouldn’t show her to them at all. She was tough and probably didn’t need them, anyway.

...

Who was Roxas Shojo? A normal guy in love with his super friend. Nothing more, nothing less.

...Well, as he now sat in class with Xion and tapped his pencil against his chin once, he supposed he may have had a hard childhood. Xion, too, for that matter.

The two of them had grown up in the same orphanage. And to say that it had been abusive, would've been an understatement. And it had taken Roxas and Xion a long time to believe in love—that it existed at all, and that they could be loved—let alone show it... but Xion had found her way. And maybe Roxas had, too. Maybe…

But even though he was still somewhat unsure, Roxas would have liked to believe that he could move forward... that he was healed, and that perhaps his and Xion's shared background meant they could be something together. But who knew? Was he too damaged to be much of anything?

But he was trying for her, anyway... Roxas was so very much attempting to be a light person these days. And to also be smart, and take all of her classes with her... so that whatever had seen fit to bless her with super speed and strength might do the same for him.

Right now, it was three days after the attempted robbery. And coincidentally, while in class, the topic of stealing had come up... and Xion was lamenting how she couldn't understand why anyone would ever do such a thing.

And she was so good, that she didn't even understand why someone might be driven to try and get money for their kid dying of cancer or anything like that.

That was the difference between him and Xion, Roxas thought now—as he prepared to protect her from the angry mob that was about to set in on her. Because of the trauma in their lives, Roxas had somewhat taken it in and had achieved an understanding of those bad tendencies, but Xion had become the opposite of them... and probably too much so believed in the good of the law and authorities.

Aaaaand, because of Xion's views, things were literally getting violent now, as some kids tried to punch her in face and their teacher tried fruitlessly to reign them in... which Xion could totally handle, but the kids weren't supposed to know that.

So… in an awkward way now, and despising himself for it, Roxas muttered, "Err, maybe you wanna stop, Xion? You kinda sound unsympathetic towards people’s plights."

And Xion agreed… but with a reluctant cast to her face, that Roxas could see because he’d long ago memorized this most beautiful face in the world.

And it was with that kind of love that he felt for her, that Roxas couldn't believe it when later—in science class—Xion secretly pulled him into the broom closet there, to have a conversation with him.

Roxas' heart began speeding up, as he wondered if she wanted to do unseemly things with him—he was a guy, after all—or maybe she'd finally listened to his and Sora's idea of going on "The Price Is Right", and was in here to try and figure out the price of paper towels.

But her intentions ended up being none of those things.

Xion put a reassuring hand on Roxas' shoulder, and looked at him with the sweetest expression he'd ever seen from anyone… even her when she was smiling at Riku.

"Roxas, I know that you're aware I’m Strong Girl. And how couldn’t you, I guess, when we know each other so well?" And it was here that Roxas tried to splutter an explanation—and put a hand up to silence her “theory”—but she was having none of it.

"And I know that deep down… you want to be my sidekick... but Roxas… you already are. And so much more than that. You're my best friend. And without you, I wouldn't have the strength to go o-

“You're also my standpoint when it comes to morality. What we went through, made me long for only purity… but I find the balance for what’s right in you. …And I never want that to change. So just know that when I'm out there… and not decimating the villains for what they're doing, because of you." And Xion’s lips danced with Roxas’ in a special rhythm, and it had to be the most wonderful feeling in all the world.

Tears were streaming down Roxas’ face at this, because how could they not be? He’d been so hurt… and had truly believed that no one had ever really loved him, or ever would… and that everything he’d done had gone unseen. But here Xion was, saying the most beautiful things to him he ever could have imagined… so he had to be silent for a moment to let it all soak in.

But before Roxas could respond like he so wanted to, she super sped away onto the next mission.

But Roxas held a hand over his lips while she was gone, and smiled towards the sky

Never had he felt so loved.

So clearly, Xion was wrong about herself here.

And maybe, just maybe, he'd been wrong about his lacking anything, too.

Author’s Note: This was the first time I’ve ever tried to write a superhero story, and I really enjoyed it and am glad to end RokuShi Week with this (I’d also maybe love to do more with this someday)… even if the editing is really rushed. Sorry. Like, when I was writing this at three in the morning one time--or whatever--I thought this was one of my favorite stories I’ve ever written and now I don’t even know if it makes sense... but hopefully it does.

Happy RokuShi Day/Week, everyone!:)

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bluerosesburnblue · 5 years ago

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Yeah. I just like to give a benefit of a doubt (and like you said. KH doesn't always have the best writing). But I'd also say you're probably not wrong. There's a surprising amount of old people who have caused a lot of problems or have questionable worldviews (Yensid. Eraqus. Xehanort. Mickey. Ansem. MOM ect. Adults are shifty in KH. Except you Donald, Goofy, Leon, Cid, Tifa, Aerith, Sully and Mike ect. You guys are cool). What you said got me thinking. The MoM was really the one who created-

entire system for Keyblade weilders: Bequethings. Rigid traditions. Strict views. No questioning what has been passed down. This system has had quite the impact on Keyblade wielders. Not a lot of it good. Eraqus got easily manipulated into letting Xehanort rig the test to fail Terra. Then later tried to murder Ven and hurt Terra. All because of his inability to confront darkness in other people w/o resorting to violence. Aqua was also guilty of this when she was going to go after the evil -

family in Cinderella all because she sensed darkness in them. For all she knew they could have been good people struggling w/something like Terra (they weren’t but that’s not the point). She wasn’t trying to be malicious but I definitely believe she was acting in a way she thought Eraqus would. I also think they all relied so much on the system (instead of critical thinking and their hearts) that when it didn’t provide a good answer they failed each other and themselves until it was too late.-

the Keyblade wielders from the past don’t seem to be doing any better. They keep repeating the same mistakes over and over. Instead of forging their own path and trying to figure out what’s right, the Foretellers keep clinging to the MoM who abandoned them after giving them separate jobs in secrecy. Their devotion and inability to think for themselves or for the children who looked up to them caused so much death and destruction. I doubt the Dandelion leaders will even be able to fix things -

as much as they hope to (I guess nobody really learned my your heart be your guiding key back then except for the rare few). Basically we’ve seen how the MoM created system has either always been detrimental or got warped (not that he cared). Masters Mickey, Aqua and Riku aren’t anymore capable then Sora is. In fact I think they still have a lot of issues. Mickey’s guilt. Riku’s blindness. Aqua’s ptsd and loner streak. The only time the day has been completely saved was when the dull ordinary-

Keyblade weilder unlike any other (aka Sora) came rushing in to break all expectations and traditions of how things should go and instead does what needs to be done. Sora is the one big Keyblade players who doesn’t fall into the need to conform to the MoM system. Even Riku got a bit influence by it when he received the Master title. The Foretellers represent the old broken ways that have no mercy w/shallow views of worth. Sora represents the merciful loving way that can lead all into the light

Just to be clear, I don’t think that Yen Sid is actively malevolent at all. I just think that he’s not as smart or wise as everyone makes him out to be, is a horrible teacher, and is honestly kinda lazy. He’s not sitting there going “Haha! How can I ruin this child’s life!” but he is overestimated by pretty much all of the major protagonists because he’s an old, mysterious wizard who used to be pretty good with a key-sword

And yeah, that’s what I’ve been getting at with the MoM vs. Sora stuff! How MoM made the traditions that people have been using for at least a century but almost must be longer, and how Sora flies in the face of all of them

The Master set up a system designed for him to manipulate. A strict Light-Good-Darkness-Bad dogma, a chain of command where the apprentice must be completely subservient to the master, and a no-questions mentality. Now, maybe he just did it to make his plan for his own six apprentices work, but given how we see him talking to YMX in Re:Mind I get the sense that the longevity of these traditions is exactly what he intended. It would make manipulating further and further down the chain that much easier. He passed these ideas on to his apprentices, who passed it on to the millions of theirs, who would continue passing it on even when almost all of them were wiped out. The Union Leaders have a strict rulebook for crying out loud!

And I think even the mantra of “may your heart be your guiding key” could be designed to manipulate. After all, wouldn’t most people’s hearts tell them to do what their master asked of them? If you truly loved your master, wouldn’t your heart guide you into acting in a way that you believe would make them proud and please them? It certainly seemed that way with the Foretellers

And that’s where Sora gets interesting. He’s self-taught. He has no notion of any kind of structure among Keyblade Wielders because for a while he thought he was the last one left and even once he’s proven wrong… the last known people enforcing the structure are dead (Eraqus), literally trying to destroy the world (Xehanort), retired and scooting around the universe avoiding all human contact (Yen Sid), and zipping around the universe trying to find other ways to help (Mickey). When Sora hears “may your heart be your guiding key” he has no real master to impress. His desires are simple: protect those he loves. So that’s exactly where his heart leads

And you would expect Riku to break it as well given his Dark streak… until you remember that Riku’s been traveling in close contact with Mickey since Chain of Memories. Mickey’s practically Riku’s Master, even though it was Mickey’s Master who did their Mark of Mastery. Yen Sid passed the tradition onto Mickey, and Riku would probably be getting them from him. The only thing that they ever did was come to the joint conclusion that Actually Darkness Can Be Good Sometimes, but they never reevaluated the rest of the tradition

And I love His Royal Highness Michael Theodore Mouse as much as the next person, but he’s not immune to slipping back into the old ways. I mean, how could he with such a strict teacher anyway?

The tradition vs. innovation theme is one that I really hope they explore in the next arc and really treat with respect. Because the first seven Keyblade Wielders returning to face off against the Universe’s Biggest Unchosen One is just too good of a thread to ignore

#anon you are sending me these way faster than i can reasonably reply to them #yen sid would be such a mood if he wasn't so incompetent #like i'd retire to the mysterious tower but also if an old friend was starting shit then i'd get up and fix it #and then go right back to my tower in the middle of fucking space #anon asks #liz answers

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neverwatchedonepiece · 6 years ago

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652-654: "The Last - and Bloodiest - Block! Block D Battle Begins!", "A Decisive Battle! Giolla vs the Straw Hats!" and "Beautiful Sword! Cavendish of the White Horse!"

“Complication?”

YOU ARE A CELESTIAL DRAGON!!

Or is he...?

Shins of Steel

Usually leave the huge reveals to the end but I can’t wait to talk about this major plot point, since it’s knocked a dent into my immovable “All Celestial Dragons Are Wet Lettuces” viewpoint. It’s like I smugly posted a “Change My Mind” meme and Doflamingo cracked his knuckles and proved me wrong.

Or did he?

After opening with Rebecca and Cavendish in the Colosseum (more on that later), the story veered back to Law, Doflamingo and Fujitora. I thought, “This is nice. Haven’t seen Law in a while. Let’s see what the rascal is up to.”

He was pretty much where Oda had left him: running like hell from a chuckling Doflamingo. And he was still reeling from Doflamingo’s deception.

“I have no interest in your past!” Law proclaimed. Which was totally unfair because I was definitely interested. “The only people who can use the World Government to deceive us are Celestial Dragons!”

“So what?” Doflamingo answered.

At this point I figured Doflamingo somehow had them in his pocket. That Doflamingo was so wealthy and well-connected he could even manipulate them.

There was a flurry of attacks. Doflamingo pulled a Sasuke vs Orochimaru in the chuunin exams: wired up Law and pinned him to a tree. He was like, “You can’t buy any more time, Law.”

“You said it’s complicated before,” Law said, (buying time). What do you mean?”

But Doflamingo is not so easily led into talking.

“If you wanna chat, hand over Caesar and his heart first.”

“Caesar... no, those SMILEs are that important to you? I guess they are,” Law laughed. “Without the SMILEs, Kaidou’s gonna kill you and it’s all over for you.”

A different sort of attempt at buying time, as Law’s shit-talking made Doflamingo lose his temper and attack. Law shambled his way out of the literal bind but Doflamingo was too quick. It was lucky Fujitora was there because Doflamingo was ready to kill and loot for Caesar’s heart.

Boom went the gravity. Law was pinned to the ground beneath crushing force. (I think I’ve said this before but Fujitora’s power is... it’s just great.)

Doflamingo was like, “Wtf, Fujitora? I almost had him, you party pooper!”

Fujitora, who has played this entire situation suspiciously by-the-book, just said, “Gotta stop you right there, Heavenly Yaksha. I am here to arrest, not execute. Soz.”

Doflamingo had a quiet seethe to himself, then said, “FINE! But I need Caesar’s heart back.” Once Doflamingo stringed the heart into his hands, he cheered up a bit. The odds seemingly in his favour, he was more willing to talk. “By the way, you seem quite curious about that complication I mentioned. You wanna hear about it?”

At this point, I was thinking, “Law, if you do not say yes, I will start flipping tables.”

Luckily, Doflamingo was now in a talkative mood.

“A long time ago - it goes back eight-hundred years, Law - twenty kings from twenty countries came together at the centre of the world and formed one giant organisation. The World Government. The kings who created it decided to move to Mariejois and live there with their families. The Nefertari family of Alabasta refused, so there were nineteen, to be exact. The descendants of those creators who still live there and reign over the world are known as the Celestial Dragons. It means, however, that those nineteen countries lost their royal families eight-hundred years ago. In those countries, they elected new kings out of necessity and new royal families arose. In the case of my country, Dressrosa, the new royalty was the Riku Family. And the old family who moved to Mariejois as the creators of the world was the Donquixote family.”

THE DONQUIXOTE FAMILY.

“But, but, but....” I thought. “Weren’t all Celestial Dragons useless, dangerous spoiled brats like St Charloss and What’s-His-Face who washed up on Fishman Island?” Doflamingo is hyper-competent. How could this be?? Muh prejudices!

I guess that explained the Heavenly Yaksha nickname. Heavenly is similar to celestial, right? I suppose Vergo’s warning to Law, re. lack of knowledge on Doflamingo’s past also makes sense now. Law was technically pitting himself against a Celestial Dragon who can pull World Government-level strings.

Not only that, but it seems the situation really is complicated.

Because Doflamingo had a bit more to say.

“So you’re called a Celestial Dragon, Doflamingo!” Law raged.

“I was. But not anymore. What is bloodline? What is destiny? I don’t think there are many people who have lived such a chequered life as mine. I wish I could tell the story of my life before I met you, over drinks. But I don’t have time for that. I’ve got to do something about the Strawhats in Dressrosa. I know there are quite a few people who underestimated them and got hurt.”

THANK YOU, ODA!

The plot gods have answered my plea. But these answers have raised only more questions.

1. Doflamingo used to be a Celestial Dragon. Not anymore. What happened? Did he abandon the rank willingly or was it taken from him? The whole “What is bloodline? What is destiny?” stuff is highly suspicious. Makes me think Doflamingo is not a fan of the Celestial Dragons.

2. The Riku Family. They were the ones who took over. They were elected fair and square. Everything seemed to be fine. Until Doflamingo came back to claim the territory his family abandoned eight-hundred years ago. Why return to Dressrosa? The answer to this question is probably tied up with point one.

3. The Nefertari were Originals. Even back then, the future Celestials must have been total moonfruits because the Nefertaris were like, “Ehhhh, nah, you guys go and have a good time on your island.” Imagine being stuck with those losers for eight-hundred years? No thanks.

4. Not underestimating the Strawhats. Doflamingo is smart. He has seen these new whippersnapper pirates topple too many Big Names and institutions to ignore the threat they pose to his territory. I actually cheered when he said this. A villain who can lay aside ego for the sake of the task at hand. I suppose Doflamingo does have the benefit of hindsight. Crocodile never had that luxury.

After that, there was a funny scene with Caesar and a heart-swap (Law still has his heart! Those heat-seeking Karma missiles are locked on Caesar. (LOCK ONNNNN!)) Fujitora also heard a KABOOM of thunder from the direction of the sea, even though the weather was perfectly calm. Law knew that would be Nami. The Strawhats were heading his way.

This was not a good thing.

Amid the chaos, Law made a desperate bid for freedom. Doflamingo pursued. He tried to lure him away but unfortunately, Doflamingo is smart.

Which leads us nicely to...

Debatable, But Okay...

(Side note: I loved how Toei segued seamlessly from Doflamingo’s sinister villain reveal laughter to Brook’s cheerful deceit laughter in 653. Did me a big lol there.)

And at first it seemed like Brook had found a new pal on Sunny. Not only that... he had betrayed the Strawhats? Surely not?

Had Soul King placed his art above his solid gold friendships with Nami and Chopper? Why was he hanging with Giolla? This was an outrage!

Giolla wanted to surprise Law (and gain Donquixote points) by picking up Caesar in Sunny instead of the Strawhats. Oh, what an excellent day it had turned out to be. Her latest art transformation depicted the tragedy of Dressrosa so perfectly! And it would only take ten more minutes for Nami, Chopper and Momonosuke to become part of her art and suffocate.

Like a total rookie, she babbled her plan to Brook, who smiled (if he could smile) and nodded and played the perfect gentleman. In the background, the others wailed and lamented Brook deserting them for art.

“May I play a song to celebrate?” he asked.

“Of course!”

“Then could you turn my violin and bow back to normal, please?”

Oh, Brook, you absolute legend. As soon as Giolla made that fatal error, Brook said, “You see this violin? There’s a cane sword inside. I already cut you.”

Suddenly, Brook was the hero! (Brook is always the hero.) Imagine doubting him, Nami and Chopper, you silly sausages!

There was a bit I didn’t like much that followed when they bickered over who would cuff Giolla. Nami demanded that Brook or Chopper did it, which was ridiculous because they are Devil Fruit eaters. If they touched those cuffs, their strength would sap and Giolla could overpower them. Nami, you should have done it. Doesn’t matter if you think you’re a coward or you view yourself as weak, you should have taken one for the team there. Not cool.

They spent so much time bickering, Giolla woke up and they missed the opportunity to restrain her. They were forced into fighting. Which was actually kind of good, in the end. Nami, Chopper and Brook used their heads to outsmart Giolla’s Giant Picasso Form and fire a Gaon Cannon bolt. Then Momonosuke shanked her from behind when she was down. Nami finished her off with a thunderbolt.

Teamwork, amirite?

Unfortunately, Fujitora heard the thunderbolt and told Doflamingo. So when they sailed round to Green Bit to collect Law and Caesar, Chopper saw the horrendous sight of Doflamingo approaching at speed through his binoculars.

I hope he recovers soon.

Who Says Zoro Can’t Compromise?

Once again, the Strawhats have split up. Usopp and Robin have reunited with Franky at the King Riku Army HQ beneath Flower Field. Zoro originally left with Wicka to check in on Sunny and rescue the others from Giolla, but met Sanji and Foxfire on the way.

Wick was like, “Who dat?”

In keeping with the Legendary Heroes names, Zoro introduced Sanji and Foxfire as Spiral-Brows-land and Topknot-Land (lmao)

Zoro updated Sanji on the dire situation on Sunny. Of course, Sanji was intent on rescuing Nami and the others, so Zoro stayed behind with Foxfire to find Luffy.

Then Violet appeared like a ninja from the shadows to tell him Giolla had hijacked Sunny. How did she know this?

Turns out she has a Very Useful Power.

Clairvoyance. It usually means seeing into the future, but it can also mean gaining information about a person, including their location, through extra-sensory perception. Nice. For Violet, this means she can see things within a 4000km radius, top-down, as a bird would. She is a walking surveillance satellite and can see everything going on in Dressrosa. She guided Sanji to Sunny and updated him on what was going on in Sunny.

Like I said, a Very Useful Power.

But, since it is a Very Useful Power, the Donquixote Crew are not pleased that she’s betrayed them. Back at the palace, a new character called Gladius is Very Upset. Since he despises and wishes death upon people who cannot follow plans and are not punctual, I’m guessing Violet has used up her two strikes already and is dead to this hilarious weirdo.

(Why does his hair explode?)

Violet eventually picked up Sunny and informed Sanji the dreadfully bad news that Sunny had been struck by lightning. She was puzzled when Sanji did not react as expected. Instead, he boosted with fury to the ship, where, I expect, he was surprised to find Doflamingo doing the exact same thing.

“Watch this, Law!” Doflamingo laughed. “I will viciously slay your allies right before your eyes!”

Doflamingo sure knows how to turn the thumb screws and punish people, doesn’t he?

But Sanji was like, “NOT TODAY, SATAN!”

He smashed shins with Doflamingo.

And I cheered.

Sanji, you have just gained all your cool points back. I forgive you for being distracted by Violet.

(Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that Bartolomeo recognised Zoro and totally splooshed on sight.)

Rebecca and Cavendish: You Beautiful Legends!

Now Doflamingo has spilled some of the beans on his past, his treatment of Rebecca is odd. If he wanted to get rid of the Riku Family, he could have easily killed her years ago. It’s almost like he wants to drag their memory and reputation thoroughly through the mud. If it’s a propaganda campaign, it makes sense. Keep the people blind to what’s been going on by dangling the scapegoat in front of them. But this is a cruel and unusual punishment. It’s almost like he actually *hates* the Riku family. Or am I reading way too much into this?

In the first scene of 652, Rebecca walked out into the ring. The way Oda had the crowd behave - reduced to shadows, red-eyed, shrieking, inhumane shapes - might be a dig at the sorts of people who love blood sports. Animals and humans risking their lives to entertain uncaring humans and prop up gambling industries.

The insults they hurled at Rebecca were harsh. “Drop dead, Rebecca!” “Foul blooded!” “Today’s your execution day!” “The shame of Dressrosa!” And the worst one, for some reason, “Set her on fire! That’ll make her pyro grandfather happy.”

Ooft.

Well, it was pretty disgusting, and I wasn’t the only one who thought so.

Enter Cavendish on his Farul, his white horse.

Ohhhhhh, he was not happy. Not happy at all. He heaped abuse on the crowd and called out their rank hypocrisy.

“ENOUGH! I don’t care why you hate her so much but she’s a young woman who stands in the ring putting her life on the line. You guys are not risking yoru lives so you have no right to jeer at her. If you really want to kill her, take a weapon and come down to the ring yourself! The voices of people who have no guts are nothing but irritating noise! I have my reasons for entering this competition, but even so, I cannot stomach it. The lives and deaths of warriors are not a show!”

Well, Cabbage just earned himself some major cool points there. I was like, “YOU TELL ‘EM, CABBAGE! NO MERCY!”

Even Luffy agreed. “Oh, Cabbage spoke up and said the right thing. I’m impressed!”

Well.. sort of.

“Still don’t like him, though.” (Lmao, Luffy.)

Cavendish’s impromptu speech had an interesting effect on the crowd. They still hate Rebecca but instead of focusing their abuse on her, they decided they would use all that energy to support Cavendish, instead.

It’s a win-win situation. Rebecca can kick-ass in peace and Cavendish, well, since the crowd started chanting his name, he had a tear-filled, “YOU LOVE ME! YOU REALLY LOVE ME!” moment.

He’s already contemplating his media strategy.

Classic Cavendish.

When Doflamingo’s here, and you feel the end is near.

Diarrhea. Diarrhea.

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khtrinityftw · 5 years ago

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The Good, The Bad, and the Cards - A Brief Look Back at KH: Chain of Memories

It’s been 15 years since Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories was released, and while I adore this game, I want to look back and highlight 7 specific elements worthy of praise that still hold up to this day and 7 specific elements that aren’t so good and helped derail the KH franchise going forward, the “Franchise Original Sins” as it were. So without further ado, here they are:

Positive: The Card Map System - I really love the usage of cards when it comes to exploring each world. Through the different cards, you get to create your own customized dungeon to crawl through, and the incentive to battle in order to collect cards you need to progress further in the level is a good one.

Negative: The Card Battle System - Unfortunately, using cards in combat isn’t done nearly as smoothly, and they complicate battles way more than they should. This is especially bad in the original GBA version of the game, where the cards are hard to make out on the small screen and the tiny, cramped arenas that you fight in make it all too easy to get backed into a corner while trying to shuffle through or reload your deck. This game could’ve done better.

Positive: Sora’s Story - The main scenario of the game is superbly written by Daisuke Watanabe. Like I said in my video review, he took what he was given, which was virtually nothing, and turned it into something. Sora’s character has never been explored in as much depth as it is here, with all of his raw strengths and weaknesses on full display. His bond of friendship with Donald and Goofy, his strong romantic interest in Kairi, his tortured clashing with “Riku”, his animosity toward Organization XIII, and the interactions he has with Namine toward the end are all handled perfectly. It really reminds you of just why you love this guy.

Negative: Riku’s Story - Reverse/Rebirth, otoh, doesn’t hold up so well. It tries its best to give Riku good character development, but too much of it is focused on practically everyone but Riku, the lack of anything occurring in the Disney worlds means that the story feels too light on content, and the conclusion Riku’s character is ultimately brought to contradicts what was established in the original KH and only creates further problems down the line. What’s more, this was the start of forcing Riku down our throats as the deuteragonist of the series, which is a role he was never suited for and that he only gets worse in overtime. So yeah, not a fan.

Positive: Organization XIII - Primarily the members introduced in Sora’s story; Lexaeus and Zexion are more useful as plot devices than as characters. Not only are Axel, Larxene, Vexen and Marluxia all excellent villains in their own ways, but the villainous arc they are part of is the best-written one in any KH game. Watching them work off each other and against each other in this dark but easy to follow political intrigue plot is one of the game’s highest points.

Negative: The Riku Replica - Don’t get me wrong, this was a decent character with a decent arc, but the execution was way too over-the-top and overstayed its welcome. Between Sora and Riku’s story, you have to fight this asshole six times! That’s just ridiculous for any boss in any game! And then there’s what the whole “replica” concept he introduced was used for in subsequent games, since Nomura just loves taking the simple and making it convoluted.

Positive: The GBA Graphics - This is one of the best-looking GBA games ever, hands-down. The fact that full cutscenes with PS2-style graphics were actually able to fit on the cartridge is simply incredible, and Square should really be commended for pushing the system to its absolute limits.

Negative: Console Spread - COM marked the first time that a KH game was put on an entirely different console than before, being a GBA game released and set in between two PS2 games. This wasn’t too much of a problem back then, since COM was only needed to fully understand the purposefully confusing prologue of KH2 and it ended up getting a PS2 remake anyway. But after a while, the sheer amount of consoles that KH spin-off games that are necessary to understand KH3′s story with became ridiculous. At this point, the only way you can actually get the full KH series is to own a PS4. If you don’t, then you’re out of luck.

Positive: Disney Expansion - Because this game re-uses Disney characters and worlds from the original KH, Daisuke Watanabe got to expand on things that weren’t really delved into in that game. We get more on Aladdin’s character, more on Alice’s character, more on Peter Pan and Wendy’s characters, more on Belle and the Beast’s characters and relationship…and perhaps most notable of all, more on Jiminy Cricket’s character. The Disney worlds and characters that we saw in KH are all enriched by their memory-based appearances.

Negative: An Influx of OCs - The original KH only had four original characters: Sora, Riku, Kairi and Ansem (five if you are counting Xemnas from Final Mix). COM introduced nine new ones: Namine, Axel, Larxene, Marluxia, Vexen, Lexaeus, Zexion, Riku Replica, and DiZ. Again, this wasn’t a problem with the game back then, especially seeing as two-thirds of those characters get axed before the game is through. But it started the trend of Nomura introducing way too much OCs that come to overshadow all the Disney and FF characters. Worse still, he refuses to truly let any of them go, as all six of those dead characters end up coming back to life later on, as do the two who went on to perish in KH2. This results in an overly cluttered canvas by KH3, to the point where no FF characters can appear.

Positive: Set-up for KH2 - This game’s existence did for KH2 what the later Dream Drop Distance should have done for KH3 but didn’t: it effectively set the stage for the following game. It gave all of the necessary foreshadowing for things like Nobodies, the Organization’s true goal, Xemnas, Roxas, Twilight Town, Namine being Kairi’s Nobody, and DiZ being the true Ansem while the Ansem we knew being an impostor. It also removed five members of the Organization from the board, with the sixth slated for removal in KH2′s prologue, which left the villain roster at a much more manageable number for the game’s main scenario. COM truly feels like the middle installment of a trilogy: the shit that happens in it actually matters.

Negative: Too Much Rehash from KH1 - There is so much from the original KH that is on repeat in COM. Beyond the same Disney worlds and characters being re-used, the stories in those worlds and with those characters match the original KH’s beat for beat, except with themes of memory inserted in and all context to the larger narrative removed so that they feel like filler. Both recycling from the first KH and Disney world visits being filler were not so bad in this game, but when it kept happening throughout the rest of the series, players grew sick of it. Furthermore, beats from the first KH still transpire in the main storyline of the game: Namine is in a role like Kairi’s, the Riku Replica is in a role like Riku’s, Marlxuia is in a role like both Maleficent and Ansem while Ansem himself comes back for more fun darkness times in Riku’s story, and we get sequences of Sora being separated from Donald and Goofy (this time it’s flipped and he’s the one who turns on them), the trio making an “All for One, One for All” promise as they put their hands on one another, and Sora making a promise with Namine that has Kairi’s good luck charm at the center of it. It’s all a little too much familiarity.

Positive: Atmosphere - As much as this game rehashes the previous one, it has a markedly different tone. It’s darker, more foreboding, more eerie, more psychological and uncertain. The white walls of Castle Oblivion and the creepy music playing as you go through them floor by floor really helps to sell this, as does a lot of the dialogue, memory-based insights into the characters’ hearts, and twisted machinations of the villains. It makes COM, well, memorable.

Negative: Convoluted Writing - That’s right, it all starts here. The writing for the original KH was smart enough to not actively dwell on the more ponderous elements of its story, keeping the narrative to a simple presentation while leaving the deeper lore as stuff for the player to think and speculate about it on their own. But in this game, it starts getting pushed to the forefront. Memory and darkness are the central themes of Sora and Riku’s story respectively, and yet neither of them quite make sense the way they’re explored. Memory is repeatedly said to be an aspect of the heart, to the point where removing it altogether would shatter a person’s heart completely. Except that this is not only confusing to basic logic that says memory is an aspect of the mind, but it gets contradicted by the following game, KH2, where it states that Nobodies that have no hearts act upon the memories of when they had hearts. Then we have Namine’s powers and how it relates to memories, which is nebulously defined here and ends up ballooning to ludicrous godlike degrees in order to make certain plot turns happen in later games, and you end up retroactively questioning why she didn’t just fuck with the Organization’s memories and shatter them in order to escape captivity all by herself.

Meanwhile, darkness is completely rewritten so that it can be a good thing if Riku isn’t afraid of it and uses it for a good cause...except that this is literally what he did in the first KH and it corrupted him. Darkness was unambiguously bad and something that should not be used in that game, but now it’s being revamped just to make Riku into a special snowflake with uber-awesome darkness powers. Future games continue going back and forth on darkness on whether it’s good, bad or neutral, whether it’s a natural force that needs to co-exist with light or whether it’s the source of all evil in the universe. And I again must remind you that this is only the start of how convoluted the series gets with its stories! By KH3, the series has become an absolute clusterfuck where nothing really makes sense or amounts to anything. There’s no real depth anymore, just pretentious nonsense that Nomura confuses for depth.

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nadziejastar · 5 years ago

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“Axel this, Axel that… Sounds like you’re thick as thieves.” Xigbar restlessly jiggled his crossed legs. “Makes me wonder what you two are up to.”

“I might wonder the same about you,” Saïx retorted, and the tension was so thick it was hard to breathe.

“We have but one objective,” said Xemnas. “Be sure to keep that in mind.”

Yeah, what was all that about how Saïx is one of the “chosen” so his hands are tied? What do you mean his hands are tied!? He just showed up on the clock tower like, yo what up, can I get some of that ice cream? And you know what makes it even more ridiculous? Xemnas KNEW that Saïx was conspiring with Axel. He just never cared.

Xigbar turned to the other remaining member. “What’s happening with Axel?”

“I can’t find him,” Saïx replied, his scarred brow darkening with a frown.

“Were you looking?”

Xigbar had doubts that Saïx was even trying to find Axel in KH2. Everyone knew that he was more loyal to Axel than Xemnas. Why would Xemnas be surprised that he sided with Lea? Especially after Lea came to find Isa in KH3D? I mean, come on. Xehanort is supposed to be smart. Why would Saïx---a known traitor---be chosen unless Xemnas knew that once the final battle began, he'd be fully possessed and a total puppet (which is exactly what he looked like). Xemnas thought he could murder Lea right in front of him and he wouldn’t do anything. Do vessels have free will or not? They shouldn’t because Xehanort is supposed to be able to see their experiences in real time. They share a mind and heart with him, after all. Norts are a hive mind.

Xemnas: However--through weakness of body...weakness of will...or weakness of trust--most of the original members we had chosen for the Organization were inadequate.

Doesn’t it defeat the entire purpose of a vessel, if they could betray him? Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of needing to complete the artificial Kingdom Hearts, turning all the members of the original organization into Xehanort? Why would Master Xehanort bother to try and make Sora or Axel into a vessel if they were capable of ANY free will? Xehanort of all people would know that Sora would be the last people who would willingly help him cause the apocalypse. He would be the worst person you could possibly pick to be a Seeker of Darkness, unless they were just empty puppets.

“But—!” Saïx jumped to his feet again. At that, Xemnas’s smile disappeared.

“Silence,” he growled, returning his attention to Axel. “Where are Naminé and the boy?”

“The haunted mansion in Twilight Town.” Axel stuck the last of the ice cream pop in his mouth.

Xemnas narrowed his eyes. “Oh…?”

“I’ll go.” Saïx started walking as if he couldn’t wait to leave the scene.

And ya know, it’s also funny because although Saïx was definitely not loyal to Xemnas, he was also the member that seemed the most terrified of him. Saïx rose so high in the organization’s ranks because he’s really good at being submissive. Nomura said they had a master-servant relationship. I’m sure this is due to having Isa’s memories. During the scene where Xigbar doubted Saïx was looking for Axel, Xemnas “growled” at him. He couldn’t wait to get away from Xemnas.

Saïx: We don’t accept resignations.

It was common knowledge that Saïx would betray Xemnas if given the opportunity, but I definitely don’t think he’d be so nonchalant about it like he was in KH3.

Axel: You can’t just throw orders to the wind, Xion.

Xion: Or else what? They’ll turn me into a Dusk?

Axel: Not even a Dusk. They’ll skip right past that and destroy you outright.

Axel was terrified of Xemnas, too. Lea casually telling Saïx he should “wise up already and just quit” made me laugh so hard. But it also REALLY pissed me off.

Axel: You can’t turn on the Organization! You get on their bad side, and they’ll destroy you!

Since when was THAT an option? It’s a cult. They couldn’t just leave! That’s why Xehanort brands people with the “Mark of Heresy”. To keep an eye on them and to mark them as his property. You know the story was butchered beyond repair if the characters are acting like you can just casually QUIT the organization, like it’s a job at Starbucks! Are we seriously expected to believe that Axel and Saïx only stayed in Organization XIII and followed Xemnas’s orders to find information about Subject X? Really? It shows how disastrous the game’s development was, if something that bad could even get approved. I could tell nobody really gave a shit about KH3′s story by the end of its development. They were just desperate to get the game released ASAP so they could rake in that $$$.

What are the “seeds” that Xehanort has planted?

Nomura: In the secret event, Master Xehanort tells Terra that he has already laid many plans, and that the seeds have been sown. Telling Braig and Maleficent about “Kingdom Hearts” was one part of his plans, but what other plans have Braig and Master Xehanort laid? What other measures have been taken?

KH3 blatantly contradicted everything that had been established about Seekers of Darkness and the end result was ridiculous. It didn’t even affect just Isa’s character. It made the whole plot of the Dark Seeker Saga into nonsense. And it ruined Organization XIII. What made Saïx such a compelling character was that he started off as Isa.

Saïx: I passed on the message as you so desired. I told the young Sora to keep defeating the Heartless.

Xemnas: Good. Not only have you the power to inflict pain, you also have the power to plant seeds of doubt in one's receptive heart.

After he got possessed he gradually changed, and DID become more like Xehanort. Which is…actually very disturbing and sad. He started off as such a cute and innocent kid. Then by the time we play Days and KH2, he is supposed to be creepy and Xehanort-like. Lea never wanted to be friends with Xehanort 2.0, he wanted to be friends with Isa. Axel was extremely upset that his friend’s personality changed. That is what made his story so compelling in Days. KH3 RUINED Lea’s beautifully tragic backstory.

Saïx: There’s something I’ve meant to ask.

Xemnas: About Axel? The poor fool. How long will he keep chasing the illusion of friendship, when he himself lacks emotion? Trying so hard to retrieve what he has lost, when it may never have existed in the first place. He deserves nothing more than our pity.

After saving Sora, Lea didn’t look like he was thinking, “Gee, I guess Isa decided to join Team Xehanort! Derp.” No. It seemed like he finally realized he spent the last decade chasing after an illusion. Suddenly everything made sense. Isa never changed. He was simply a vessel the whole time. Saïx was an imposter. Smoke and mirrors. Of course he would know this because he just found out how vessels are created. That’s the fate he JUST rescued Sora from.

Day 150: Too Precious to Lose

Axel and I talked for a while about the things we can’t bear to lose. Axel thinks that for Nobodies, it’s our pasts, because that’s all we have to remember the pain of losing something.

Why would he then assume Isa joined Xehanort of his own volition? Lea looked like his mind was racing 1000 miles per hour while he was brooding in the corner. He only looked up when Riku asked Yen Sid if there was a way to cure Sora’s affliction. That piqued his interest. He wanted to know if there was a way to cure Isa, too! After Riku brought Sora back, Lea summoned his Keyblade. I guess that renewed his hope and gave him the strength of heart to awaken it.

Master Xehanort: Yes. They were all my doing. I used the evil fairy to find seven pure lights for me, just as I prepared thirteen vessels to fill with pure darkness.

Why does Saïx suddenly want to atone NOW anyways? Isn’t the point of being Norted that you lose your humanity? How are you supposed to be a vessel for Xehanort’s heart if you are not totally consumed in darkness, evil, wickedness, malevolence? What did being Norted actually DO in KH3? I have no idea, honestly. The whole point was that Seekers of Darkness are filled with PURE DARKNESS!!! It’s the clash of extreme opposite polarities that forges the X-Blade. PURE light vs. PURE darkness. How are they going behind Xehanort’s back and doing good deeds while at the same time being a vessel for pure darkness?

Here’s the reason I think Saïx was able to betray Xehanort: Axel and Saïx had an established canon relationship, so Nomura couldn’t just throw that away entirely and leave him as a villain. So, he thought that he’d just write poor Isa out of the story entirely, pretend that he wasn’t Norted, and give Saïx a lazy, half-assed, pathetic excuse for a “redemption”. Then they’d rewrite his personality to be “just” a douchebag instead of a murderous psycho. Because making him an actual nice and kind person would be going a little too far, lol. If Saïx brought back two fan favorite characters, they thought the fandom would consider him “worthy” to be on the good side.

Not because Isa showed that he cared about Lea so much he broke free of Xemnas’s control. Not because the audience got to see HIS tragic backstory of how he was Norted as a teenage lab rat. Not because the story was written to create sympathy for HIM. Not because rescuing HIM and ending HIS pain was considered a priority. Not because Lea actually considered Isa his best friend, couldn’t bear to lose HIM, and whose main goal was to bring HIM home. No, nothing like that. He gets to be an honorary good guy because he gave Lea back his REAL “best friends”.

#kh saix #kh isa #kh axel #kh lea #kh #KH3 #kh xehanort

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yenrz1314 · 6 years ago

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Is Xion Necessary In Kingdom Hearts?(Roxas character analysis)

Yeah weird title, I know. A title focused on Xion about a blog that's pretty much 95% about Roxas :v

So let's dive right into the question.

Some claim that if she wasn’t created (in the story, not as a character in the narrative) Sora would have never woken up. Others say that her presence is entirely superficial and twisted something that already worked. Regardless, the answer to this question is tied to the answering of another question:

Would Roxas have left the organization on his own?

The answer is surprisingly ambiguous in nature. Also keep in mind that this is just my interpretation of Roxas’s character. You can go believe he’s a gay, pretty boy that’s into dabbing and ping pong for all I care.

Not to mention this has been really bugging me slightly for years to get this out about Roxas and how he isn’t just some edgelord that went through an existential crisis.

The only way to answer the former question is to analyze Roxas’s character as well as his motivations. So let’s break down the character into two pieces:

Pre-Days Roxas

and Post-Days Roxas

Also this gif is so wholesome I cri 。ﾟ(ﾟﾉД｀ﾟ)ﾟ｡

To clarify, please don’t get this mixed up. Mind you, we’re talking about Roxas before and after the release of the game 358/2 Days respectively. Not Roxas before and after the events of 358/2 days. I guess one could also call it KH2 Roxas and 358/2 days Roxas but not quite and nnnnngggaahhh this is getting confusing let's move on.

So let's start with Pre-Days Roxas. His past was definitely mysterious, and his personality was semi-hidden behind a curtain since we didn't have all that much access to said mysteeeerious past. All we know is that he had Axel as a pal and that he betrayed the organization.

That asides, we also know he's a big fan of friendship since we also see him tearing up in front of his pals inside Sora. And seeing him go through the tragic struggle of trying to exist, but knowing how futile that fight is, is definitely a relatable one and its presentation is executed rather well. He's different from Sora in that when he hits his low points, he can really lash out. He's less reverent for sure.

You would be definitely correct to say that Pre-Days Roxas already had an explanation for abandoning the Organization, that being that he was fed up with the mystery and was questioning his own existence. So in this case, Xion has no necessity in this paradigm.

However, let's look at Post-Days Roxas. Under the magnifying glass, you'll find that Pre-Days and Post-Days Roxas are subtly different in character. Post-Days Roxas really came across as more docile and less rowdy, which makes sense since most of the game he isn't going through a tumultuous existential crisis like we see in in KH2.

He’s definitely also shown to have the patience of a gosh darned saint, with his friends exclusively of course. Also, to the very end, he always seemed to be more of the type of guy that just wanted to be with his friends and didn’t care much about anything else. He can be smart and hotheaded like Pre-Days Roxas with the same amount of agency, but when given the choice he would rather keep the peace as long as he had his friends. His personal matters come second to his friends. Well, that’s at least how I interpreted that.

Post-Days Roxas’s differences in character subtly, but wholly change the paradigm. There are scenes in Days when he watched the Twilight town trio, where he voiced his opinion saying that he would much rather live a mundane, peaceful life with friends. That alone really makes me believe that if Xion wasn’t in the equation, Roxas would have dealt with whatever shade that the Org. threw his way for the sake of keeping the peace and keeping the only happiness he would had ever known: his friendship with Axel. Riku would probably eventually intervene if that were to happen, but that’s another story.

At this point, the only explanation for Post-Days Roxas’s desertion of and eventual attempt to eliminate the organization could only be, in fact, Xion. His friendgroup was already falling apart, but her death was the last straw. He had no more stability or source of happiness to cling to, and the mystery behind his existence was just more fuel to the fire.

Either way, he says it himself when battling Riku.

“I'll set Kingdom Hearts free, then everything will be back the way it was! She'll come back... and the three of us can be together again!"

"I want Xion back! I want my life back!"

No mention about his identity or existence. The closest one we get is:

“Why did the Keyblade choose me? I have to know”

Which doesn’t undermine my point here, as this can definitely still be one of his motives for leaving alongside the ones I've just stated/established. Just not the main one.

He was just a guy that wanted to be with his friends and didn’t care much about anything else, but due to circumstance he was torn from his happiness and forced to play a role he didn’t want.

All the more tragic, don’t you think?

Something about this kind of Roxas, compared to Pre-Days Roxas, a simple story of a deserter with a devil may care attitude becoming self aware of the futility of his existence, is more appealing and complex to me. It might be the nostalgia goggles talking, but I definitely prefer Post-Days over Pre-Days Roxas. He seems more personable, more human. And this ties into the fact that he was a nobody that was able to grow a heart.

You can like what you like, however, because my preferences don't invalidate yours. This is especially apparent because of the following:

He is definitely congruous with Pre-Days Roxas, so there are no retcons here. All of these ‘changes’ do not contradict what was established with Pre-Days Roxas, as his character was written with open ends for future games to work with. These are more like additions to his character, rather than changes. The presentation of Days, although neglecting to put him in the spotlight narratively, develops his character quite well from the fragments of what we got in KH2 if you take into account my interpretation. It’s nothing major, but it’s something that has substance. Basically Roxas’ character was developed in Days. Like adding some needed salt to an already pretty tasty dish.

I’m sorry

Not to mention Xion's death and the following wipe of everyone's memory helps these additions fit in nicely. I have to also say, however, that this memory wipe could never excuse retcons. And I'm grateful that the writers didn’t do this, which is a pleasant surprise considering that most of the time they don’t pull off this smooth of a job.

Now let's go back to answering the question: Is Xion necessary?

We can now say that she definitely is, when taking into account Post-Days Roxas’s character. Meanwhile, she isn't when only considering Pre-Days Roxas. However, these two points are not contradictory to one another because of the nature of Xion's death.

With all that in mind, Days was written pretty well in this aspect, as this new recontextualization of Roxas's character is actually really satisfying to see pulled off. And because of that, I have to give props to the writing team.

Also another reason to check off my list as to why Roxas is the best character in Kingdom Hearts ever.

But everything changed when DDD attacked, recontextualizing everything in the worst way possible, turning things into a “Xehanort planned ALL of this ALL ALONG” sort of thing.

Narratively, I can’t help but find that sort of boring, and I think most of the KH fandom didn’t really like how time travel went and pseudo-retconned everything.

But once again, that’s another story.

#roxas is and always will be the best boy #roxas #xion #axel #akurokushion #akurokushi #rucksack #our precious rucksack #kingdom hearts #kh #kh3 #kh days #kh 358/2 days #kingdom hearts 358/2 days #kingdom hearts 3 #organization 13 #xehanort #blog

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soaringlanddormitory · 6 years ago

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🔎 (Mi and Tatsuya), 🔮 (Riku and Yuriko), 👑 (Michiko and Toshio), 🔪 (Masae and Kuga)

Thank you for sending these in!! I��m going to have fun while writing all of this omg!

Also this got pretty long so I’ll place it on read more!!

🔎 - Detective AU

It heavily irritated the male every time he was called for an interview by the detectives, but what annoyed him most was him suddenly getting arrested and questioned for a crime he didn’t do. Yes, it’s understandable why he was always the suspect. But the process was getting to his nerves. He was currently handcuffed outside a room.

“Please tell me it;s not Detective Kaoru. The last time I saw him, he made me sing a song of the Backstreet Boys.” He hissed at the cop who was currently removing his handcuffs. “If it were him, I’m going to fucking snap.” He may have known Kaoru before he became a criminal, but he was getting very tired of everything.

“It’s not.” The cop who covered his eyes with his hair replied. “It’s someone else. I am not sure if you’ve seen her before.” He opens the door and he gestures for him to get inside. “If you want to see who it is, you should enter the room.”

“Whatever, Ibusaki.” Those were the last words he was able to say before the door was shut behind him. “You’re just going to waste my time interviewing me.” He spat.

“Now that’s not really a nice way to greet your girlfriend, Tatsuya!”

The detective he had to face was his childhood friend, but also his current girlfriend. They dated before he got arrested, and to his surprise they were still together once he went out of jail. “Che. Make it quick. I hate this process.” He went to the chair and sat down.

“Actually, I know you didn’t do it. But people say that it could be you.” She shrugged before she brought out some files. “Since some evidence leans to you. You have a similar knife that you’ve said you lost in the murder case.”

“Okay yeah. It’s not me. I’m not that fucking stupid to leave a weapon. Added to that, I never did the crime and people got the wrong guy.” He began looking at the papers that was set before him. “But of course I can’t talk shit now, at least I’m free and now I have a fucking chance of going back to that hell hole.”

Mi sighed before she brought her hand to his face. “You have to know that you’re one of the reasons why I wanted to do what I’m currently doing. I want to be a better detective so people like you wouldn’t be caught in messes like this. Especially if they didn’t do it.”

Tatsuya suddenly became quiet and a small blush appeared on his face. “You’re fucking stupid, you know that? Trusting me so easily. I could be lying to you and yet you’re treating me like this. Job before love, you brat.”

“Alright then! Let’s do this quick.” She laughed before she placed her hand away. “But of course I trust you. I’m a detective. I can read your gestures. I know you’ve always been telling the truth. Always.”

🔮 - Fantasy AU [Moe belongs to @polar-stars !! Keiko belongs to @polar-star-dorks!!]

Yuriko always disliked that she fell in love with a mage. He was much smarter than her and he was so clever that she could never reach his level. She only fell in love with him after he used magic to protect her while he had to remain damaged. If he didn’t protect her that day, she wouldn’t be feeling this way.

“God, I hate this man so much.” Yuriko leaned on the wall of the guilt and her friend only stared at her. “He’s so ridiculously smart and he will probably end up rejecting a mere fighter like me, I’d rather not feel this way if I already know the outcome! This is so stupid to talk about! Ugh! I’m so sorry, Moe…”

“You can tell me anything even if you think it’s stupid.” The girl who was listening her began talking. “I wouldn’t want you to keep it all in.” Moe sounded blunt but Yuriko was terribly happy to hear that from her.

“Moe, I love you so much. You’re the best.” Yuriko began carrying the female, and she instantly cheered up. “I’m so happy that you’re my friend! Now, we should go to our quest with Keiko and Takashi.”

Moe was currently being carried by Yuriko, but she gave a tiny nod, agreeing with the female. The two went out of the guild and they saw two of their companions squealing.

“Takashi! Did you see that?! They kissed!”

“Yes! I totally saw that!! I wish I had the ability to freeze time!”

Yuriko placed Moe down and it actually confused her on why her two other friends were acting this way. “Wait… who kissed?”

Moe raised her arm and pointed at one direction. “They kissed again.”

Following the direction of Moe’s fingers, she glanced up to see Tamotsu and Himari together and Yuriko twitched slightly just seeing them. If they were together at this moment, that would mean that the person who she was talking about just some minutes ago will probably be here too…

“Yuriko, is that you?”

Fuck. He was there.

Keiko suddenly had her soul going out of her body once again because the day was truly a blessing. First, HibiTori partnered up for a quest, then one of Takashi’s main ships kissed and now one of her NGM pals was having a conversation with her crush.

Moe only watched everything go down. Her expression didn’t change but she did know that her other current members would probably be feeling very happy seeing this. However, her day wouldn’t be completely perfect until she saw one of her OTPs together for who-knows-what reason.

“Riku?” Yuriko felt her heart beat faster but she chose to act completely like herself. “My, my~! I didn’t expect you to be here!” She playfully punched his chest and he grabbed her hand. “Awww! Aren’t you being sweet holding my hand like that?” She began teasing him a bit to hider her current feelings.

“Being sweet? What? No. It’s a little warning because your fist grew tense and it actually did hurt when you punched me.” He sighed but he used his magic to heal herself. “I wanted to tell you something, but I do believe you and your current party is planning to do something important.” He places his hand down before turning around. “Maybe another time.”

“Be sure to tell me soon!” She went forward to slide her finger on his back to surprise him. “You might forget it.”

“… Alright.” Honestly, he wished that he could forget it. “Next time then.”

Forget that he might have gained feelings for her. But she didn’t know that.

👑 - Royalty AU [They were mentioned so!! Suzume and Akio belong to @polar-stars and Tamaki and Yoko belong to @polar-star-dorks!!]

There were several people who were in the princess’ place. There were a bunch of suitors who wanted to win her heart and be the next king of the throne. Honestly, even if people may think she might be dense because of her appearance- they were wrong. She could totally read their intentions, and most of the time, it gave a bitter taste in her mouth.

She never really liked any of her suitors. They all acted so polite and loving, but once they talked… it changed. She felt all the dishonesty in their voice, and knew that they’d never keep their promises to her. Of course, she should have expected that because she’s going to be the next queen. But she actually wanted to feel genuine love from one of her suitors.

“Princess Suzume is lucky she was able to get someone like Prince Akio in her life.” Michiko began talking to herself. “I wonder how she was able to find such a great suitor like Akio… I wish I could get someone like that…” She placed her hands together. “Or maybe marry someone who isn’t in a noble background… Prince Tamaki was able to meet someone so loving. Yoko had a bad reputation but that was proven wrong… Not much expected that but their relationship is so sweet…”

The door suddenly opened and Michiko fixed her posture, and began bring in a fake smile on her face. “Good Evening.” She instantly did a curtsy bow and the person in front of her only began laughing at her reaction. That laugh… it was someone who she wished was one of her suitors… but she’d never say that out loud. “Toshio?!” She lifted her head and spotted a man in armor.

“Yes, princess. It’s me.” Toshio responded but quickly removed his helmet. “It’s your favorite knight. Toshio Nakiri.” She was able to see his ginger hair and his purple eyes and admittedly, those two colors became her favorite because of him. He could have been one of her suitors if it weren’t for him being a knight.

“What brings you here?” She asked. It was not because she was against his visit, but currently it was time for him to do his job. He shouldn’t be talking to her at this time, he should be guarding the gates. “My father might be mad at you if he knew about this… You know how protective he is, and knowing our best knight isn’t doing his job-”

“Don’t need to worry about that, princess. The current guards are great too! We only changed our shifts recently because I requested it!” He went closer to her and began ruffling her hair. “I only wanted to talk to you… because it’s your almost your birthday and I can’t afford to miss it.”

“And that is?”

“Happy Birthday and be careful with whoever you pick, Michiko.” He brings her hand to his lips to give a soft kiss. “Because if it isn’t me, they better treat you right.”

🔪 - Yakuza AU [Canción AKA Emile belongs to @polar-star-dorks and Lotus AKA Hanako belongs to @polar-stars!!]

Kuga placed his hands in his pocket as he walked around the area of the gang of Aroon, Gaia, Canción, Lotus and Sukiru. They were a gang that only consisted of 5 people, but according to several people- they all did their job well despite being at a small number compared to other gangs. Their place looked totally normal and they even acted as if they had nothing to do with a gang.

Canción was currently playing with a guitar and Aroon was swooning over the music he was playing. “You’re doing great, Guitar Hero! Damn you’re so great at this!” He leaned at the couch before gesturing for other people to come. “Daddy Wolverine, Flower! Come over here! Let’s listen to the Guitar Hero do his thing!” He patted the empty spaces near him. “Let’s all sit together!”

“It still surprises me that you’re all happy despite how dark our real job is.” Lotus was the only female present at the moment, but she decided to sit down next to her gang leader while Sukiru refused to move anywhere close to them.

“I don’t want to be called that.”

“Wolverine?”

“The “D” word, Aroon.”

“Daddy?”

“Yes.”

Kuga really didn’t know how this gang worked. Canción seemed so innocent, he was playing his guitar and it gave a calm atmosphere. Lotus was looking at papers and managing the plans, Sukiru was preparing dinner for the rest while Aroon was only messing around, while declaring his love for the gang… But… Gaia was nowhere to be found.

Kuga began looking around and Canción noticed him. “Oh! If you’re looking for Gaia, she’s in the basement.” He started playing the guitar again after he told her about one of his closest friends’ whereabouts. “She goes back up again once any of our amigos or amigas call her!”

“Thanks, Guitar Hero.”

“Hey? How dare you? Only I and the gang can call him that name. Be original, you runt.”

“Fuck you!”

“Please be quiet. I’m trying to organize these plans.” Lotus sighed before Aroon wrapped an arm around her and looking over at the papers she was holding.

“Okay. I’ll shut up now so you can do your managing skills. Canción, please play the song again. Sukiru continue making dinner. Damn I love my gang.”

Their voices faded as soon as Kuga decided to take some steps down to the basement. He was so lucky that he knew the secret pathway so he wouldn’t need to ask them anymore. Their basement had some targets and weapons, and even a couple of boards where there were a bunch of writings. He spotted the girl with brown hair and grey eyes.

The moment he took his last step, she turned around and pointed the gun she was currently holding at him. “Woah- Woah- Woah! It’s just me!” Kuga almost yelled but even if she shot him by accident, he could have dodged the bullet. She placed her gun in the holster before looking away.

“Sorry.” She doesn’t say a word besides that but she did walk to him and touch the right side of his cheek. Until now, Kuga didn’t understand every gesture she did, but he knew what this one meant.

“Yeah. I know. At most you’d only damage my cheeks.” He holds her hand and places it away. “It’s fine though! The greatest man in the whole yakuza would be able to dodge that kind of hit.” He always praised himself and she only smiled a tiny bit when he said those words.

“I don’t expect anything less from you, Terunori.” She smiled at him before squeezing his hands. “… Wait, I meant Kuga.”

“Actually, I prefer you calling me Terunori.” He allowed her to grip his hands. He was always told by her fellow members that only meant that she cared for you. “Masae.” It was only recently where he heard her real name, but he would only call her that when they’re alone.

“Still… not used to it.” There was a blush on her cheeks and he only laughed at her reaction.

“To be honest, I’m not used to seeing you with your real hair color and eye color either. But I don’t really mind it! Seeing your real self makes me think that you might like me.” He winked at her and he noticed that her grip only became softer and she pulled her hands away to cover her face.

“… Please don’t say that.” She mutters softly before she started walking away. “I’m going back to practice.”

“Aw! Did my charm make you fluster?” He tried to joke around but her steps only got faster. “I was kidding! At least let me practice with you before it’s time for dinner!”

They may have never really told each other’s feelings for one another yet, but they already knew each other’s answers.

#writing #mi tanaka #tatsuya sato #yuriko #riku #michiko #toshio #masae milas #takashi #kuga terunori #tetsuji kabutoyama #other people's ocs #moe #keiko #hanako #emile

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