#v: so you wanna pretend you're not a manipulative bodysnatcher

[cryptidsncurios]

@kumoofthemaken sent: It was said in some tales that a sudden drop in temperature at night and the rolling in of fog signaled the arrival of a ghost. A pair of boots just barely brushed against the ground as a silhouette materialized out of the haze, a thickening veil of white heralding the swordsman's approach. Incorporeal becoming corporeal once again, accompanied by a distinct, frosty chill. Teleportation required heavy use of the Mist. Which also meant that he could now feel every vibration as far as his breath covered. He did not need to see the man behind the tree with his eyes to know he was there. Arms crossed upon his chest, the Cloud appeared rather nonchalant, even if an innate air of dignity betrayed his once-high standing.

"And just what are you doing in this location? I would rather not jump to conclusions, but this is Gaudian territory. And I just so happen to be tracking a notorious informant." ...Xigbar seemed to have a penchant for being caught in suspicious places, at equally suspicious times.

Oh well, he’d at least tried to give his concealment a go.

Not that he was exactly upset he’d been sniffed out; Xigbar had learned quite quickly that a good chunk of the natives of this place had some pretty impressive powers---some of which he didn’t get to experience on a regular basis, aside all that annoying Keyblade crap---which, in his book, was actually pretty damn cool.

Thus, he willingly emerged from his hiding place with his usual swagger---not at all like a man who had been shamefully caught, but one who had purposefully allowed himself to be caught.

“Aw gee, looks like we got another psychic over this way, huh,” this, accompanied by an unconcerned shrug. “One that comes with a built-in fog machine, too,” he added as he cast his vision about, hands now planted on his hips.

As this particular guy didn’t seem like he was set to pounce, Xigbar felt confident enough to stride just a tad closer, to better examine his latest acquaintance. He didn’t look too threatening, whippet-thin and snooty to boot---but appearances were always deceiving, judging by his knowledgeable greeting.

“As for all that Gaudium garbage or whatever," a wave of his hand, as though swatting away a troublesome fly, "I’ve got no bets on any chocobo in that race. I’m just here to watch all the chocobos run---wherever it is they might be goin’.”

[thefatalmarksman]

@litoredeem sent: Whenever Xigbar is being annoying just keep standing in his blindspot.

he doesn't need to see you to know exactly where you are

[cryptidsncurios]

The regular bullets didn’t particularly phase Xigbar---as a Nobody, some sorts of weaponry did not leave a particularly bothersome mark upon his inhuman person---but that Thundaga?

Xigbar jerked from the impact---then plummeted.

It was odd, unexpected, that abrupt disconnect from his gravitational disobedience, and the open air was greeted with a clipped gasp---not very extended, but erupting from so deep within his chest its surprise was apparent.

And hitting the ground was even more jarring than the initial shock itself. Ungraceful, rather embarrassing in the overall scheme of his combative performance. It didn’t necessarily hurt, to be fair---and thus, after a few moments of collecting himself, he was able to rise to his feet.

A few seconds of pause, then---

A laugh.

An actual, real laugh---head thrown back, without fronting his boastful confidence and lacking in the condescension of his ageless experience. His opposition was real---skilled, talented, truly capable of going against him without him holding back and pretending he was ripe for the defeat.

“This!” he pronounced the word from the pit of his empty chest, “---This is some damn fun! Ya got me this time, fella---ya actually, truly got me!”

Then, taking a moment to swipe the dust off of his coat, “Man oh man, I came into all this thinkin’ you were just gonna be another average joe lookin’ for a wimpy tussle---but, oof, was I fortunately wrong.”

Then, after a pointed crack of his neck, he gazed upon his opponent with a teasing bite of his lip, and nods of his head to express how utterly impressed he was.

“So, ya wanna see me goin’ for real? ‘Cuz I got no doubt that's what you're expectin'---and I actually wanna show such a cool dude what I really got to offer.”

Where his Sharpshooter would typically appear within both of his hands to resume battle---only a single palm rose.

A swirl of Eldritch sparkle surrounded that extended hand, Light and Darkness crackling and flashing into existence with a power beyond comprehension emanating: an ancient fury of the Worlds, combining into the form of a jagged blade, adorned with threatening metallic points of otherworldly origin, and, upon the very end of its length, an embedded eye of unsettling hue---ever-watching, all-knowing.

"C'mon, bro---" and he slashed the air, to rest the blade at his side, "I want you to gimme your best shot."

This was shaping up to be an... interesting evening.

With a click, he finished inserting bullets, ready once again for combat. An involuntary hiss snaked past his teeth when a stray laser exploded a part of his cower in splinters, cutting shallow into the exposed flesh of his arm. It seemed his enemy was firing blindly, unable to determine his exact location - however, the sheer amount of projectiles made even that a perfectly valid strategy.

No doubt just waiting for his onslaught to smoke the fellow gunslinger right out of his spot.

And then - oh? Had he ceased..?

The Black Wind waited, listening - crimson Orthrus at the ready, crosshairs of his eyes eager to once again lock onto their target. But for now, patience. The roars and howls of his summons raged in unison, and he focused deeply upon the connection to take Hati's sight.

Through the wolf's optics, he could see that their opponent had deftly dodged the lupine assault, perched in thin air in defiance of gravity itself. Almost like a Misterian, kin to the sky - and yet, where White Cloud floated so lightly, so weightlessly - the gunslinger robed in black pushed off invisible spaces, ran and leapt along some curves of reality that even the Gun Beast's eyes could not fathom.

Spatial magic. Advanced, very much so.

Another series of beams shot out like vicious downpour, this time targeting the Espers below. Rending the ground not unlike his own Valefor's Arbalest - some shots missing, some glancing, and then some striking the metallic beasts head-on, piercing the weaker segments of their armor. Pained whines and howls erupting out of mechanical creatures that, by every mortal's judgement, should not be able to feel such things.

But they did. And they fell, leaving only Sköll and Hati barely functional.

The Demon Gunman did not wait for the other when eldritch weaponry joined to form a mighty bow; Relinquishing Hati's glitching sight and focusing upon the Soil to whisk his form away and warp behind Xigbar with a flash of golden sand.

As black daggers fanned out and decimated the very spot he was hiding in just moments prior, the Black Wind seemed unable to resist paying the other back in kind.

A volley of bullets headed straight for the Nobody's back; An umbral cape lifting over the summoner's right side to reveal a fully primed, golden Magun. One azure bullet already pre-loaded into his heart's chamber.

What? He wasn't slacking back there.

BANG! It was not another summoning, there was hardly the time - but a powerful Thundaga spell, exploding in violent arcs of lightning that swallowed up the immediate area. He landed softly like a cat, a blazing gun in each hand.

"Boo." Came a completely unamused deadpan. Now they were momentarily even - momentarily, because he was very much planning on turning up the heat.

[cryptidsncurios]

YEEHAW | Accepting! @perditos sent: YEEHAW (Xion but canon verse because….. reasons)

Xigbar knew he certainly wasn’t the most trusted amongst those that had outlived that whole “Ridiculous-Crazy-Xehanort-Darkness-Thingy,” but he’d wiggled himself in proper enough with evidence of his "true" alliance, and every so often, he’d catch sight of someone familiar, and manage to engage them in conversation.

Didn’t matter to him if they did that whole averting-eyes-and-keeping-the-head-down deal, of course. It had never mattered to him before---why would he care now?

And somehow he’d managed to snare Xion into a chat---little Poppet, all grown up, decked out in garb other than that old dusty Coat, and actually sporting a smile or two… sort of. Admittedly, despite Xigbar’s continuous detachment from most of the other Org folk he'd had to tolerate, he’d actually had a bit of a soft spot for her---if it could be counted as “soft,” really. It was more like… if he was like a brick, and that brick had a slight chip in it, but then the chip got filled in with cement, but there’s that slight separation? Like, maybe a crack in-between the brick and the cement? Definitely there, but very, very tiny?

Yeah, that makes sense.

“So, now that you’re as free as a lil chickadee, what’s on the agenda? I’m sure ya got a lot to catch up on---stuff to see, fun to be had. You are a kid, after all.”

He would have ruffled her hair to punctuate the sentiment, but she just might bite him if he did, and keeping his fingers intact was kind of important, thank you.

[thefatalmarksman]

anonymous sent: A Dream Eater briefly appeared in Xigbar's dreams to say "Hi Mr. Xigbar! I wish you good fortune!"

In-between the distressing amount of sleepless nights and---when he actually can drift off---the intense, soul-crushing nightmares? Yeah, he'll take it. And hopefully it was one of those cool dinosaur ones.

[cryptidsncurios]

Troubled Birds; a sentence meme ( part 1 ) | Accepting! @k3ytoheart sent: "I'm looking for trouble and if I cannot find it, I will create it."

"Wow-how-ee, I’d never expect such a sweet boy to say something so very chaotic.”

He’d wondered if the little key-kid had even noticed his presence at all: his perch atop the building directly nearby, overlooking the goings-on of the town, all while positioned on his belly, hands under his chin and legs kicking teasingly behind him. Or, perhaps the kid had known---hence such a bold statement.

Whatever the case, Xigbar was all about trouble.

[cryptidsncurios]

send in a 🎧 & i’ll pick a song along with which lyrics i think symbolize my muses the most! please specify muse & verse/au! | Accepting!

@soldierunderfire sent: 🎧 also Xiggy

I am the goat that got away But I know there will come a day When I'll be punished for my mind 'Cause I led myself astray I am a work of art, I know I was created but down below And if it's evil that you're planting Then it's evil that will grow

--- "What's A Devil To Do" - Harley Poe

[cryptidsncurios]

send in a 🎧 & i’ll pick a song along with which lyrics i think symbolize my muses the most! please specify muse & verse/au! | Accepting!

@perditos sent: 🎧 For the nasty stink man Xigbar :3

I wasn't always a monster I was a saint Now forgotten, so Addicted to bad ideas and The blood that runs from my arms And my eyes and my throat

--- "Addicted to Bad Ideas" - The World/Inferno Friendship Society

[cryptidsncurios]

YEEHAW Generated Word Starters | Accepting! @secxndchance sent a YEEHAW

| worker |

“Sooo, ya just hit a ball, people watch you, and then they throw munny at'cha?”

To be honest, some of the more random goings-on during that whole First (or should he call it Fake, perhaps?) Organization stint had actually flown under Xigbar’s radar---but this one in particular, he’d sort of wished he would have glimpsed, simply because of how damn ridiculous it was.

Good thing he was around now for a front row seat.

“I mean, I guess if that makes ya a hard worker or whatever, have at it, kiddo---" and he experimentally kicked the ball with the toe of his boot, the motion accompanied by a half shrug. "I’ve seen folks do weirder.”

[cryptidsncurios]

“Oof, still as much of a smart-aleck as ya ever been, huh?”

Admittedly, Xigbar had attempted to deck himself out today in the Radiant Guard garb as a test run, Xaldin and Lexaeus---er, Dilan and Aeleus these days, rather---willing to provide the wardrobe. Albeit hesitantly, given his participation in the whole “New-Keyblade-War-with-Xehanort-Doing-His-Weird-Darkness-or-Whatever-Thing” event---but, once he had a bit to explain his actual involvement, the begrudging execution behind their orders had lessened.

However, just as years before, the uniform feels so very ill-fitted to his entire… aesthetic.

“Look, don’t get me wrong, I did some hard work gettin’ that whole coup underway with the replicas 'n' whatnot---but I ain’t really into bein’ another one a’ ‘the Wise’s lil soldier fellas anymore. I was just doin’ a fashion show, outta respect for former coworkers.”

Then he begins to examine his outfit in an exaggerated manner, then looking to Axel---Lea, whatever, who cares---he squished his mouth initially as a disappointed line---but then couldn't prevent himself from cracking into an amused grin.

“It really look that bad, bud? Maybe if ya gimme an opportunity to change into somethin' more comfy, ya won’t be such a downer.”

starter from x | @cryptidsncurios

radiant garden had seen better days, for sure. where there had once been elaborate and ever expanding gardens - rose bushes, flowerbeds and peach trees that lea vividly remembers climbing ( usually only because isa had dared him ) to pluck fruit for later, only to be chased off by ansem's apprentices, now stood ruins and scaffolding.

radiant garden was slowly being rebuilt, sure, but it would never be restored to it's former glory. there was some sort of bittersweet nostalgia there, lea could feel it.

but, home was home. and regardless of how radiant garden looked now, lea was still happy to be back. once xehanort had been dealt with and the dust had settled, lea was finally given time to breathe, to really get used to life after the organization and make something of himself.

only thing, lea had noticed, was that a lot of the people he had once associated with weren't here anymore - whether they'd moved on or passed on, lea wasn't sure - but they sure as hell weren't here and that had given him something else to deal with -- getting comfortable in his own company.

walking through the streets that had once been so empty, now showing the beginnings of the bustling town that it once was, lea notices a familiar uniform - ansem's apprentices. huh, didn't think there was much use for 'em now.

was ansem even still around?

lea walks a bit closer, trying to see just who it is, and it's only a few steps in that he realizes who he's looking at. there's a brief thought 'turn around, walk the other way - you don't have to talk to him' but it's like his legs are working against him as he finds himself in front of someone he didn't think he'd ever have the displeasure pleasure of seeing again.

" geez, apprentices were really scraping the bottom of the barrel when they let you back in, huh? "

[cryptidsncurios]

* 𝙸𝙽𝙳𝙸𝙴 𝚂𝙾𝙽𝙶𝚂 𝚁𝙿 𝙼𝙴𝙼𝙴 | Accepting! @mundmutter sent: ❝   i gave you my heart, my dear.   ❞ for kh xig >:)

If he’d had allowed himself to listen to what little heart he had, it would likely be breaking right now.

But Xigbar was capable of steeling himself against all odds---no matter the pain, the cruelty, the way that, if he’d taken even a single moment to spare her a glance, he would understand just how desperate she was.

He was determined: it would not sway him.

And so his back turned to her---fully, coldly. It was something he should have done a long time ago, back when he’d first come to inhabit Braig’s body. He should have cut every tie, disposed of every emotion. It was something that Luxu had become so very excellent at doing---but he’d been foolish this time around, and was now reaping what seeds he had sewn.

Never again.

His voice was low, but it pierced the lingering silence like the sharpest knife:

“Bad decision, babe.”

[cryptidsncurios]

@voidedgear sent: Vanitas's Unversed, the manifestations of his emotions and negativity. Most of them are angry beasts, lashing out at all who come close like they're nothing more than cornered animals. But some...seem sad. Like, right now, one of his Hareraisers is trotting by Xigbar on it's tiny, nubbed legs. Its red eyes are slanted upward—as if it's extremely anxious, or sad, or worried. It's holding a single muffin in its little hands. Alas, it tripped; it was running too fast. The muffin flies from its hands and lands on Xigbar's shoe, then rolls off and hits the ground. It stares from its fallen position on the ground.

Xigbar had seen plenty of monsters in his time---Heartless and Nobodies, of course, but every world had its share of nasty little creepy-crawlies that squealed and squirmed within the nooks and crannies the Darkness provided---but these Unversed guys certainly were… unique. Such discontent blobs, these feral blotches of ink, constantly flitting about with uncontrollable anxiety and rage, and dragging around melodramatically, leaving trails of negativity in their wake.

Though Xigbar considered himself a professional when it came to keeping a leash on his emotions, he really couldn’t help but just... pity the poor things, honestly.

And this very display, right here? Really didn’t help anything.

Bending forward, he snatched up the abandoned treat, then stood up from his perch upon the mossy log smack dab in the center of the Kingdom of Corona. He tossed the muffin from hand to hand a couple times as he approached the fallen Hareraiser, then, stopping short, knelt down and set the sweet down at the tip of what he could only assume was its “nose.”

“Looks like ya dropped this, lil fella.”

[cryptidsncurios]

@worldly-diversity sent: "I've beaten you before, I can do it again." || Sora! X3

The statement made Xigbar snort---a sound he didn’t even bother to disguise, couple with shooting an exaggeratedly condescending expression towards the kid. In all honesty, it wasn’t like Xigbar wasn’t entirely capable of mopping the floor with that scrawny twerp---and then some.

If he if was within the realm of possibility to give it his all.

Alas, his Role as observer meant that any untoward actions that might skew the preplanned status quo were big no-nos in the grand scheme of things, including showcasing the full extent of his abilities.

However, he could still brush off the ridiculous statement like dust from his shoulder.

“Listen, kiddo, I know we’ve had beef in the past, but right now, I ain’t interested in doin’ a weapon-measuring contest, ‘kay? I got more pressin’ matters to attend to, thanks.”

Such as gearing up for whatever chaos was in store for the next phase of this whole mess for which the Master had meticulously plotted---with the whole lot of them, Xigbar imagined, simply along for the ride.

[cryptidsncurios]

Even after all this time, it was quite rare for Xigbar to meet someone that was willing to match him lighthearted flirtation-for-flirtation and actually keep it up after one or two exchanges. Most of the time, people were quick to drop it due to getting far too flustered, or became exasperated or annoyed at his shameless extroversion. Therefore, he had to give this lady at least a little reward for her efforts---maybe spice it up with an attempt at a proper greeting.

Leaning in just a little closer to get a better look at her features---youthful, delicate, the very definition of “cute,” he put on a far more charming smirk than the usual one he donned in the presence of his horde of enemies, so saying:

“’Fore we go on much further, gotta say, it’d be nice to know the name of this lovely gal who’s been willin’ to entertain an ol’ critter like myself," then, a lift of his eyebrow as he continued: "---Say, maybe we could solve this lil issue of ours over a drink or two?”

" mmm, mmhm, mhm, totally, " she studies him as she hums, lifting a fist to rest her chin on, looking very focused and thoughtful (for a change). " like— I see all of those, to be sure! I'd bet you also get some 'roguish' and a bit of 'charm' to go with it— but they're, like, not mutually exclusive, y'know?

and there are definitely angles which hit the 'pretty' mark. no question."

That she preens at his praise in turn is obvious, glowing a little brighter and shrugging (cutely) into her shoulders; sparing a giggle on the way.

" ehe– there's the charm, just as I suspected. which only makes the whole thing, like, more criminal; it's one of my core beliefs in life that people aren't celebrated for their super-gorgeous qualities nearly enough, and the fact that you 'rarely receive' praise proves that point SO clearly. "

and it was her life's mission to change that fact, in whatever little way she could; hence how flagrant she was with her compliments... and how sincerely she hypes up (read as: flirts with) a not-insignificant portion of the people she meets. case in point:

" —well, you can consider that a thing of the past, pretty-handsome-dashing-man: I'll have that admiration average up in no time, just you wait and see. "

[cryptidsncurios]

@soldierunderfire sent: "You better be glad you're pretty, old man." ((Me, who hasnt heard maria's voice in months just absolutely being possessed by her to send this to Xig. I'm so sorry.))

“And you better be glad you got the type’s’a proportions that I prefer,” with a snarky grin to accompany the statement, jagged fangs shamelessly showcased for her to, no doubt, ogle for his amusement.

"But c'mon Lil Miss Rossy-Wossy, ya know ya missed me."

[cryptidsncurios]

@shiroi---kumo continued from [ X ]

Well that certainly made this whole ordeal a lot simpler.

Though Xigbar had seen plenty of crazy sights in his time, he must admit, this one certainly had to top a good majority of all the others. Well, maybe not an anthropomorphic mouse king swinging around a giant key, but nonetheless, it had been an impressive scene to behold.

Thus, with that nuisance efficiently obliterated, Xigbar shifts his companion once more in his arms and picks back up the pace---but it isn’t too far along that his sharp ear yet again captures that telltale hiss and skitter of otherworldly critters, unfazed by the destruction of one of their brethren, and intent on closing the distance---

Light.

At last, with one final push, Xigbar breaches that doorway between the endlessness of the Void, and the sweet taste of fresh air---and abruptly, the threatening noises that had been swirling behind him closed off, in exchange for the silent breeze flittering through one of Radiant Garden’s many flower patches. The pastel hues and floral fragrance serve as a brief assault upon Xigbar’s senses after being so cooped up in the pitch, soundless Darkness, but after a few moments of adjusting, he allows relief to settle in.

Yet he knows that he can’t fully relax yet---he still has a delicate package in the crook of his arms, in need of delivery to… somewhere. His first instinct is some sort of medical facility, as Radiant Garden is top of the line when it comes to its curative equipment---but he’s quick to douse that thought. No doubt, from all of the unique attributes the kid had that Xigbar himself had observed, the poor thing would likely be poked and prodded to no end, all in the name of “science” or whatever. And there is definitely no way he’d let Even get his hands on him.

No, for now, glancing up to the right---up towards the brilliant yet imposing spires of the Radiant Garden Palace---Xigbar would have the little fella bunk with him. At least until he comes around to give him some information on who---maybe even what---he is exactly.

And he knows just the route to take to circumvent prying eyes---years of living here, both in the dreadful slums and amongst the posh upper echelons, had taught him all of the ins and outs of the land’s many secret tunnels and waterways---and soon enough, despite some extra effort given his extra baggage, he has successfully resurfaced within the very Palace’s walls. His private quarters aren’t too far from here, and orienting himself---

“What are you doing here, Braig? And who is that?”

Oh great. Just the guy he had been looking to avoid.

“Look, Frosty, I ain’t exactly in the mood t’deal with ya right now, ‘kay?” Xigbar turns on his heel and addresses Even with his typical nonchalant drawl. “And like, don’tcha remember I have a room here now? Can I not take my passed-out buddies there to help ‘em recuperate?”

Despite his explanation, Even still regards Xigbar with that icy stare of his. Certainly Xigbar had proven that he is at least somewhat trustworthy enough to allow within the confines of Radiant Garden---but an inkling of suspicion still plagues the scientist. Braig---Xigbar, by extension, or whatever he wishes to currently identify as these days---had always been a sneaky snake and a slippery fish, and simply because he had aided in the dismantling of the True Organization, it did not mean he was to be fully trusted.

The upward tilt of his chin indicated this lack of trust, Xigbar could easily read, and his response is cold, “See to it that you behave whilst within these walls, Braig. I would not wish to---”

“Yeah yeah, blah blah blah,” and, unwilling to stand around any longer, Xigbar brushes past---causing Even to stumble aside, “look, I can be a good lil boy, just you watch.”

He doesn’t bother offering a single further retort---merely strolls down the remainder of the corridor, accesses his chamber, and, after gently depositing his newest guest on his bed, locks the door behind him. Then, hands on his hips, an exhale through his nose---

“I’m just too damn nice for my own good.”