valorxdrive

[valorxdrive]

"Hey Sora! Guess who I met today?! A cute little shark! That walks on land. And ooooh my goooosssh!!!" Oh no. Baby voice. "His little feetsies. And his little jagged smile. And his cute lil voice OH IT'S ALL SO CUTE. We're friends now." Nod nod.

"You should meet him sometime. His name's Jeff."

( Hey marvel is technically disney now so its canon )

"Jeff."

He can't resist some genetic urge to just repeat that word. As if trying to properly let his imagination conceive there really was a shark out there by the name of Jeff. It wasn't if it the act in itself was bizarre either! Rather.

They truly do live in a world that's unfathomably big. Now names like Ariel, Sebastian and Calypso? Those sort of monikers found themselves tied to the seas. It was some branch of mystique carried due to the stylish nature of the vast oceans themselves.

So taking this moment where Gemiya was prepared to bounce off her heels describing Jeff? Watching how she practically was moments away from shimmering, ready to just grab and shake him by the shoulders!? Sora couldn't resist the bubbling pitch of laughter that seizes him.

"Consider that a certain someone I have to meet!" Sora immediately declares, joining up by Gemi's step, side by side as a sparkling sense of motivation strikes the Keybearer.

"Y'know what this means, right?" He adds in, placing a hand amiably upon her back as a tinge of mischief settles in his eye. "Pizza time. What's a better way to make a land debut than to show the lil guy the finer things?"

@starsines

[valorxdrive]

"... I still wonder what made you wanna find me again after... what happened at Hollow-- ergh... Radiant Garden."

He definitely can't read Sora's thoughts, so it's only coincidence that Riku brings this up right as his best friend is thinking about the same thing. He never said anything about it before, but the thoughts of how he was, what he did, the sort of malice he showed to Sora when the other struck him down...

Perhaps the two had unresolved stress and anxiety they should talk out.

"It-- Just felt unfair."

To who exactly?

Sora couldn't begin drawing a more sharpened conclusion towards that. There they were, two youths vested with powers of a cosmic scale, with so much on the line that true professionals of this very craft should be handling in his mind. Yet, it was his drive that needed to be that answer. To allow a lethal blow to burn away the very chaos that was wired with machinations. The Keyblade decided to let the answer deep within his Heart resound through his entire being.

Unshakable courage, but not at the price of a Heart that honestly gives a damn about so much. It leaves Sora silent for a moment after he brings that angle to light. "At the start, we were in over our heads man. If we look back at everything with what we learned now. I just felt that if I jave gave up on you, then I wouldn't be me. That I gave into believing that dangerous things just changed you for good.

The differences diverged akin to Heaven and Earth compared to where they stood now. Learning about the dangerous, malevolent forces that blend and bleed in light and darkness, and just how far tortured emotions can resonate with cataclysmic proportions, it lit a torch of seething radiance in the depths of Sora's being.

"But at that point back then? I just didn't care about what's or why's. I wanted me, you and Kairi to all just get back home in one piece. Figure it out then."

...

"She told me that when Ansem was about to tear open more of his power to attack them, you stopped it. Even with everything that happened to you, you fought." In the end, that was all the relief he truly needed amidst that harbored guilt. If there was a way to make up for that terrorizing day in the castle's bowels, if he could ensure Riku returned after banishment by the keyblade. That would be enough.

@baymaxmuses

[valorxdrive]

At some moments it was hard not to look at it this way. Countless souls found themselves not only coveting the keyblade, but moreso the raw, boundless potential they can drive their ambitions. They've found ways to use them even without tearing away that very might from them.

Yet strength found itself flocking into his veins at the sound of her voice, of seeing that border of emotion worn so adamantly as she expresses herself. It brings a sense of peace to see how that tenacity wasn't stripped away. A fire remains, no matter how pained so many of the events prompted it to be. It leaves him diligent in being quiet, his Heart oh so receptive in what she wants to get across.

In this case, confirmation.

"That's always the tricky thing, isn't it? I know you're right. The proof shows itself each day where things work out just a bit more." That contemplative expression softens, the steps of Yen Sid's tower finding a mild adjustment as he gets a bit more comfortable.

Right now, some time underneath these spinning nebulae and countless stars was more than just a reminder, it was comfort.

A sign not to lose that vigor.

"But having it be heard right here?" That tension ebbs as he gives a soft tap to his chest, to that vessel of timeless might that all beings weild, no matter how hidden.

"I do have to admit I have to get a lot better at that. Much as our brands of trouble love to shake that." It leaves him curious, a certain shine in his eye highlighting that emotion as he looks towards Kairi for council.

"Where do you get the strength to believe like you do?"

@personaei from X.

[valorxdrive]

"To be cut loose from all you know." Sora's voice finds itself tense, the gradual understanding allowing his Heart to see that sheer scale. All encompassing, how in a way, even the spatial boundaries of the material realm itself doesn't fall in line. Akin to a sailor lost at sea, except it's known as reality and oftentimes at a higher point.

Loneliness wouldn't begin describing the level of solitude this can elicit. Yet it doesn't prevent each step from being mad. Sora's pace hadn't ceased for a flickering moment outside instances of rest, very human qualities being drawn in a land made originally for Hearts to flock freely, towards a more peaceful beyond in whatever cosmic cycle this happens to be.

It bothers him. Not the fact of his position, rather, there's the eerie confirmation that even all the way out here, there's a force to be either concerned or worried about.

Who would truly be that willing to put so much of totality into chaos?

[valorxdrive]

❝ You sleeping on your feet or something? Not like you to keep everything to yourself. ❞

Well that wasn't necessarily true. Sora certainly had his moments of earnest attempts to, but it seldom got past his smarmy old pal. Much so that he was easy pickings for Riku to poke and prod, all in good humor right...? If only this time could be more like that.

Thing is, Sora had become a more open person. Earnest and unafraid. Only someone truly strong could bare their hearts to others. Much so that it seemed a bit unfair to stifle it, to avoid whatever it was that they -- all of them, really -- were thinking about but couldn't bring themselves to say. And the more Riku witnesses, the more it's clear why that is.

So, a little less teasing and a little more sincere, Riku fesses up. ❝ ... you don't have to walk on eggshells for my sake, you know. After everything. ❞

[ you brought this on yourself :| ]

He felt guilty that no measure, approach or line of wording felt right for this. In truth this was the sort of secret not even a lot of their friends were privy too, merely Donald, Goofy and the banal arches of that twisted gateway as the haunted images dance across his vision again. "I-- ah, sorry." The apology almost felt mechanical, sincere but too steeped in what's truly affecting him at this moment. It was a rare day when guilt ever had a reason to burn in his vision,.

Nonetheless he welcomes it, in some distant echoes of his Heart, it felt good to know he hadn't just dismantled that instance as the both of them being victims of circumstance. How their friendship, in all of its strengths and weaknesses were being used against each other. Soon, he'd give a steadied breath as those arms unfurl from his chest. That Heart that bore countless trials would keep itself bared in this moment too.

Everything.

Something about that makes Sora thickly swallow as the rare case of nerves danced across his soul. "Riku?" For a moment, they weren't merely just wielders, or youths grown into men from Destiny Islands. This was merely Sora and Riku, and the pain etched into their shared stories. "There was a time I really thought I killed you." Somehow, drawing that dusted, festering thought from the recesses of his chest felt so damned heavy.

Yet so clear. He could remember that strained, stunned expression etched across his friend's face as a fissure of light tore through his chest. How it felt like too much, too many emotions flitted across his face, ultimately leading to the two of them staring at what just transpired. How the Keyblade found itself dropped immediately once Riku balked from the strain of it all.

Then it was that look. There was no anger, none of that vitriol that tore into them at that moment. Amidst the final hour. All he could see was that chilled clarity that shone through those hazed, seafoam eyes. How regret, shame and a sense of wanting it to end briefly flitted across Riku's expression. Time and time again, their raised arms, resolve and twisted manipulations felt like a serrated blade tearing into everything they held worthwhile.

"And how it horrified me, the thought that I'd never see you again, that I was the reason you'd never be able to experience another day." Strength merely sapped from his arms, his shoulders hunched and a sense of frustration brimming underneath the surface. Even if they did meet at the door, somehow, those thoughts twisted it that he banished his best friend there instead. Following how the Organization, knowing and others equally pained painted a new scenario?

That they were the ones responsible for possible taking Riku out?

Sora didn't know how to quite continue this line of thought. It was messy emotion, free and spilling by the second. It was another genuine reminder that the people close to him? He wasn't lying when he said they meant everything.

"I have no idea what to do with this feeling.."

@tenebrave

[valorxdrive]

He doesn't like to reflect on it much at all. That fated day at Hollow Bastion, where it was emotionally charged and a battle to the bitter end. Seeing just how far his best friend spiraled, how he wanted to hold out hope amidst every fear coming to reality. How it led to a point where they've honestly donned killing blows against each other.

Thinking of that reality drew a shudder directly up his spine. Even now, it was an imagine, one of stricken shock and finally those ends of Riku, the real Riku shining through once a mortal blow found itself struck with the keyblade. It was a horror that could never truly be put into words. Even if a miracle shone itself with him being maintained at that door of unquantifiable power.

The day Sora had to kill his best friend, even if it was Ansem's puppet strings goading on that dark tenacity.

[valorxdrive]

He'd knew that Elsa would have that courage tucked within her!

There was a burgeoning sense of wonder through the newest choice made. So many 'finer lines' being crossed and rewired, but all that swam through the Hero's mind was the beauty of such a chance. Thinking back to his own first, how it was during a cataclysmic storm, how there was horror in a home being forever lost...

Sora felt further compelled to turn that sort of nightmare into a once of a lifetime dream. Once those misty eyes faced him as a scintillating snap of light summoned her to his Gummi ship, a cheek to cheek smile settled upon Sora's face, a thumbs up and a wink being drawn her way. "Wasn't a thing to be worried about with how gutsy you are. Heheh! Welcome! He begins, offering a presenting arm towards the metallic and malleable wonders of this dreadnought.

A stylish one made you, he's not trying to inspire fear here!

"This is the sea I get around in. A lot less water and plenty more stars."

That detail of stories holding something similar briefly awes him, if only for a split moment. The bigger priority was acclimating her to it all.

"Let's take it slow while showing it all. ..First n' foremost." He notes, hinting towards her to look back with a point.

"Ever seen your World from this view?"

Elsa gasped when he vanished, her hand clutching her chest in shock. She stared at the shimmering pillar of light and curiously reached her hand out to touch it, letting the light fall between her fingertips like sand. It didn't feel warm or cold but it filled her with an inviting sensation. She smiled and looked up, and she walked inside.

Being transported was like being wrapped in a comforting embrace that took her heart back to those loving hugs from her parents. There were tears in her eyes, she had to blink them away as she opened them and the gummi ship came into view.

"Wow," she whispers, and steps onto the vessel's gangplank where she saw Sora waiting for her on deck. "This is definitely much more amazing than I imagined ...just like the storybooks." It was apparent in her awestruck expression how emotional she felt.

[valorxdrive]

Somehow the whole situation just finds itself silly in hindsight. A harmless kind, and in truth its the sort of interaction he misses. No hellish spellsongs or declarations of chaotic strife being made by higher powers bringing them together.

Simply a case of Sora, simply a case of Hotaru.

"Can't tell if that's a good thing or a bad thing though." He adds with a thoughtful hum, rubbing at his chin for the ~drama~ of it all. "From the few crossings, I can tell you're pretty cool to hang out with."

After drawing back up from the (soon to be discovered) shared bow, the fact they've found themselves in such a position was a touch amusing to the surrounding customers and staff. (Minus the one tired soul behind them.) Sora was a little oblivious to that, seeing the tinge of mirth upon her radiant looks briefly stole his attention.

"Hotaru! ..-san." Ahem. Politeness and all that!

"Got it!" He adds in, giving a clenched hand, as if securing the very spell of recognition into his Heart. At the gentle decline, he hadn't gave it much thought beyond her answer, figuring that it might've been too forward for-- Strangers? Strange-cquitances to be considering? Once the line found itself moving, and that soul in the back glaring daggers at him, it led to the keybearer tensing up as before giving a modest way towards them.

"Oh, in yer way, huh? I ain't trying to get any friend freebies here! Lemme move--"

That said, a quick turn had to be made towards Ms.Mimikyu.

"Say! If you're not too busy, I'll meet'cha out in the front. I love pirates n' all, but lemme not be a spot bandit of all things too." Sora adds in, offering up an idle wave before comically scurrying over towards the front entrance.

A decision was made, no quick run bys this time around, it's about time he explored this Light rich world prim and proper!

What's a better way than with a semi-familiar face? Well that and this convenient vending machine hosting some fruit punch?

sora. not the most common name she’s ever encountered, certainly.  still, hotaru smiles around the syllables when she repeats, ❝ sora-san, ❞ as though hearing the sound in her own voice may help her memorize it. who knows ? maybe this second run-in is an indication that this weirdly optimistic boy will continue to find the strangest moments to cross her path. 

❝ o - oh ! that's very sweet of you to offer, sora-san, but you really don't have to. ❞ she returns his offer ( & bow ) with a nod of her head, a spark of amusement in her chest when she realizes their current predicament. it certainly makes her feel less guilty, knowing that she isn't the only one to have missed out on catching a name in their previous encounter. 

two more customers place their orders ahead. there's only one between hotaru & the counter now, though she tries to maintain a position in line where she can carry on their little conversation while taking another few steps forward.  ❝ while i do think that’s kind of cute, you can also call me ‘ hotaru ’, ❞ she introduces with another nod, bowing slightly. ❝ and thank you, for the birthday wishes ! you seem to have a talent for running into me on some special occasions. ❞

[valorxdrive]

"What do you really feel like putting your heart too?" He wouldn't allow that possibility to taper. Finding out more about herself, the way she can also weave the very Worlds, it feels like a healthy thought for her creativity.

"But from what I've come to learn. Can't really get those kinda ideas unless you see a whole lot more. So!"

Giving a fine twist of that key before letting it diminish in motes of light, Sora pivots upon his heel in order to face her, walking backwards to that very light. Watching that wonder was motivational enough upon her visage.

"You'll just have to see. Got the guts for it?" It was a gentle taunt, one to encourage that soul before he allows the energy to blanket him. Just like that he'd vanish as a spark, heading to the Gummi Ship resting above her world's atmosphere. Technological wonders, the sprawled nebula of space, many surprises would await the courage to take that first step.

Her mouth hung open for a long, almost awkward moment before she closed it and composed herself.

"A ship like... a frigate or a clipper? Maybe one of those new steamships?" Elsa's imagination ran wild with fantastical ideas about flying ships that could sail on a beam of light through the stars. "Never in all those years of isolation did I imagine there was magic like this. Kind of silly of me, I know. It makes me question what I'm capable of if you can do this."

[valorxdrive]

what flavour is your soul?

Salt

ah little kraken, bold are you. restless sailor, dauntless fighter, lower your sword, let me see your shield. ah, of course, they are but the same object. oh wave-tossed ruffian, lend me some of your mettle would you? you have been struck by the sharpest of spears yet you still stand here proudly. but off your guard, elsewhere of the battlefield, you will find your spirit can parch others. your words are but weapons crafted from your soul. little lion, sheathe your claws, or the ones you love the most will suffer. you do not have to be strong all the time love, there's nothing wrong with being soft. vulnerability is not weakness, and if it were, what's wrong with that? strength is not always your greatest tool, your heart is good. put down excalibur, and use your words. you'll find they will carry you much farther. not everything in life is a battle.

tagged by: @avrorean <33

tagging: Any and all! Sweep this up and see what'cha muses get.

[valorxdrive]

That mention of time and its intricacies would be details he'd fold to the back of his mind. Despite his greatest foe by far being a dark master of the mystic art, it felt as if the victory he found was never centered on that, and any attempts to do so would've just led to dancing upon the man known as Xehanort's palm. Breaking those rules had been the risky gambit made to shatter a path to new possibilities. The news focused on Yozora is what earns the main bulk of his attention.

There's a readiness in his eyes, the uncertainties of today never being broad enough to seal him off into uncertainty. It's clear that there was a reason Joshua found himself with a curious eye upon the one known as the Keybearer. "Yeah. Silver hair, pretty tall guy. Biggest detail being how eyes are-- different?" He begins, giving a small wave of the mug. "As in two differing colors if that can paint the picture."

It felt a bit bad not to know more personal characteristics. Keeping things upon the surface level alone had never been Sora's personal style. Yet, what could he do? Thankfully the taste of this good coffee served a warm balm to these uncertainties.

"I hadn't expected him to be so-- Strong? No, rather it's how things came to be that made me more concerned than usual." The compliment couldn't be taken wholeheartedly yet. There's no doubt that a desire for victory, to ensure his path didn't find lethal divergences was more tempered into him now. On the other hand, he's not exactly sure if Hanekona would know any of the details he wanted to share.

Things such as Dives to the Heart, how in a way, Yozora managed to forcefully tap that power, to bring the prismatic spire of his very Heart to the surface and very near altered it. His resolve found itself treating him like a true enemy at the time, to prove a core point that his Destiny is a force he'd fight for.

"I'm not sure what your position is with him, but I'd keep an eye out. He has a way to dragging--" Wait a second. That comfort almost pulled the rug over one essential point. That showdown was actually witnessed!? In a realm beyond mind and matter at that point, blanketing over this reality of Quadratum? That feels like a feat in itself.

Then again, wasn't that easily possible if Joshua was at the helm? That guy's means of getting around rivaled the Keyblade.

"Out your deepest depths. The best way I could put it, is to say that a lacking will can find everything that makes them snatched away."

A soft sigh eased from him as the last of the muffin is chomped down. The growing experiences here were doing wonders for his Heart, keeping it hail and hearty while the vestiges of the Final World were finally drifting off of his very being.

"One more question if ya don't mind?" Those firm eyes gazed proper at those shades.

"As the Guardian here, are there any rules that you have in place? I don't want to go and play risky while being none the wiser."

There was a sort of pride that radiated off the barista being told his coffee was satisfactory. He took pride in it even if the cafe was empty. Hanekoma spent years trying to perfect what he could of it and in this instance, he wanted to at least give Sora a positive association to the location he was in. Wildkat was a special location to those who sought it out, even if it was fairly plain looking. 

❝  Glad t’ hear it, Sora.   ❞    Hanekoma grins, expression more cheshire like than it had been before shifting his weight onto his heel and pouring himself his own cup of coffee to continue their conversation while the Islander from another world ate and drank. Passively, he’d been studying the way Sora’s soul fluctuated to stabilize within Quadratum- it was another reason why he wanted the kid to eat. He was likely running close to empty already. 

❝   Phone’s is right about the world flowin’ on different timeframes. This place tends t’ run a bit slower, compared to other places out there. You'll get adjusted to things here over th' next couple day. That laggin' feelin' is normal.    ❞     Traverse Town was a good middle point; but there was a stillness with how empty that world felt compared to how crowded and busy Shibuya was. Both had a way of being busy in their own ways, with and without people to interact with. He’d spent a lot of time in that particular world once upon a time. He had every means of going back, soon enough but he needed a safe way to make sure this particular traveler got home safely. 

❝    Yozora…      ❞     he says, tilting his head slightly in thought- giving himself a moment to look as if he was trying to recall who it was the other was talking about. He’d know who Yozora was on the surface. Seen him passing through Shibuya and Shinjuku a couple times before Sora’s little encounter up on 104. It was impossible for him and Shibuya’s Composer not to notice that fight with all the energy being put out. They’d observed it from a safe distance and started putting together a plan of sorts- before Joshua decided to act on his own accord (as usual). 

❝   I know of him- but haven’ had th’ pleasure of talkin’ to him in person. Heard you held yer own against him. Real impressive there, Sora.      ❞ hearing Sora's resolve to try and do good, and wanting to help him was a testament to everything he'd observed and heard about the kid. such selflessness was rare in a person- yet for hanekoma, it wasn't surprising with everything he was seeing.

❝ i'll see what i an find out about him for ya. i got some questions for him, myself. ❞

[valorxdrive]

[valorxdrive]

"Heated days messing up everything sacred? Hmph! Not on my watch."

Proceeds to unmelt your ice cream. A teeny bit of Blizzard application making it frosty.

"That will teach one hell of a lesson. Yeah! Stay cold even in that 80 degree weather!"

[valorxdrive]

HC; Duties Of the Keyblade.

Outside of having phenomenal power, and how Keyblades don't exactly care whether its performed or not once connected to its wielder. The functions they carry in terms of cosmic ability reflects a certain responsibility that can be grasped. With powers that can bastardize the framework of their reality, keyblades can either assist or further distort this very goal.

The first being the nature bringing Hearts back from the grasp of not just darkness, but anywhere, even if woven into the tapestry of another's Heart. Hearts that are drawn out of the wider cycle run the risk of being inert from the wheels of Existence/Non-Existence entirely. You'll simply be gone, left unable embrace the totality of Kingdom Hearts.

A fundamental goal of the Keyblade is to tear Hearts from these doomed paths. By defeating the Heartless, the original Heart can return from being used as a battery of darkness, and bring the original holder back to life. Hearts can also be safely extracted from where they rest in another, the goal in itself is to return. Being swept up by either of the primal forces in a more perilous light isn't a true death, it's autonomy being sealed and used against its will.

Following this would be the ability they have to operate any concept of a lock within reality. Another way to view it is the tamper with dimensional boundaries. The core goal of this power is to merely support essential divides (such as keeping life and death from harmfully intersecting), or to remove blockades that would otherwise impede and lead to disastrous effects. (Such as sealing an essential realm of influence from flowing properly in a World.) A lot of these higher realm responsibilities/actions can now be carried upon the material plane.

These are originally functions of the first keyblade, the X-blade. Yet the countless shards that forged keyblades also how this same potential, it merely no longer has to abide by the core functions that protect the totality known as Kingdom Hearts.

[valorxdrive]

You ever start levitating in your sleep?

Sora does.

Either those dreams are that good, or this Heartbound business is starting to making his body lose touch with reality.

He doesn't really mind either of these angles.

[valorxdrive]

[valorxdrive]

A Guardian.

...

It makes so much sense to hear it that way. After his encounters with Joshua, the assumption that anyone within this fold, or at least conscious of the Composer's existence would have their own mantles to carry. The one known as Hanekoma found themselves situated at a crux of the Keybearer's intrigue. A respectful envy briefly pulses due to how in control these complicated matters looked to him. Even with his new chapter of growing belief, that goal of finding his specialized way made him always willing to search.

A low huff escapes Sora once Time in its newest angle of lucidity was mentioned. Something nipped at the front of his thoughts as he watched the barista work, a pleasant scent snapping at his hunger while giving a shake of his head. "Think I'm getting a bit too used to that fact. No one zone being the same, all at their different paces.. It was one of the leading lessons when I met Neku and the others."

At least for cracking that mystery, to have it be a more personal challenge like this felt like a hurdle that refused to leave anytime soon.

Despite the growing excitement that things were changing, it hadn't fully thwarted the tumult within. Sora felt a goal in his grasp, and this very path felt like an advent more than anything else. Purpose, a debt owed also led to his tenacity finding these very streets.

He could easily accept that it was a path he'd need more hands than ever before.

"Given all the things we've come to face? I can't fault a guy for having some rough edges. Sides, seeing how far he'd go for those within his wing? Part of me can't help but bet on that." There's a pause, that laughter being shared as it was one fashioned from respect. That same gumption fueled the vivacious light that stormed through his body. How it turned doubt, worries and dread into fuel for courage, for that fire that tore the boundaries of darkest night.

With the muffin offered and the kindness extended, there's a briefly stunned look made towards Hanekoma before he smiles, heartfelt. "You may already know it, but I want to cement it in this moment myself. Name's Sora, and thank you for all the set up here."

As such, let this moment be christened with the goods set before him. Sugar and Cream would be charms to draw bitter tides to a more sweet note. Only then would he support his anchor with the meal. Needless to say, those shot open eyes hadn't expected this level of flavor striking him.

Nor did he imagine to forget his table manners briefly, practically washing down bites of that muffin with the hot coffee. Even if it burned, tinges of frosted breath (courtesy to gentle blizzard magic) would work it down.

"This is delicious!"

--And now that he thinks about it, so many of his meals were laced with a seasoning of gratitude now days, a mere happiness that he's still in one piece beyond all logic.

A soft sigh eases away while understanding dotes upon his expression.

"But I can't make it a goal to leave in record time either. I'll be frank with you, have you ever heard of someone with the name Yozora? I owe someone quite the favor as they helped me during my worst moments. ..And if I'm being honest, I'm tired of letting haunting stories always have the last laugh."

"I want to help them."

Even after a horrific first encounter he shared with them.

Hanekoma  had  been  keeping  an  eye  on  Sora  since  his  arrival  at  the  scramble.  Sora  wasn’t  exclusively  in  the  Reapers  Game,  so  he  was  off  limits  there,  but  as  a  resident  of  another  world  this  far  out  of  bound  from  Kingdom  Heart’s  light,  it  was  a  judgment  call  he  was  willing  to  make.  There  was  a  fine  line  between  dead  and  the  Underground  and  being  here  in  Quadratum.  Some  of  Hanekoma’s  other  parallel  selves  might  have  some  other  thoughts  against  interfering,  but  this  was  his  place  to  act  on.  This  wayward  visitor  from  another  reality  shouldn’t  be  here-  but  he  was  thankfully  in  the  presence  of  someone  who  knew  where  it  was  he  needed  to  get  back  to.  It  could  have  been  a  lot  worse.  He’d  also  laid  down  the  lines  that  Sora  could  pick  up  that  made  things  familiar  to  him.  By  mentioning  Neku,  Shiki,  Beat,  Rhyme,  Joshua  and  Riku,  Sora  would  find  a  sense  of  comfort  in  an  otherwise  overwhelming  situation.  There  wasn’t  a  need  to  let  the  kid  unravel  when  it  could  be  helped.  

❝      Ahhh….  Bout  that.      ❞            Hanekoma  reached  for  a  red  mug  sitting  on  a  shelf  near  by,  next  to  the  yellow  latte  mugs;  noting  the  colour  match  to  Sora’s  clothes  with  amusement.  Little  alignments  and  foreshadowing.  It  was  kinda  funny,  honestly.          ❝        Time  kinda  works  funny  here.  You  showed  up  a  lil’  earlier  than  I  was  expectin’.          ❞          he  turns  to  the  teen  and  offers  him  a  half  smile  that  doesn’t  quite  meet  his  eyes.  He  had  been  expecting  him.  His  second  sight  was  never  wrong,  but  timing  could  be  skewed  sometimes.  He  was  well  aware  he  would  be  there  to  witness  it-  and  he  had  even  if  the  key  wielder  hadn’t  seen  him.    

❝    But-  yer  buddy  should  be  showin’  up  not  too  long  from  now.  Could  days,  maybe  a  week. Won't be too long an' I'll have'a better idea.           ❞        He  sets  the  mug  down  and  begins  to  go  through  the  steps  of  pulling  a  shot  of  expresso  to  add  to  the  teens  coffee.  He  set  a  cup  under  the  drip  and  went  to  pour  a  small  thing  of  creamer  and  slid  a  container  of  sugar  over  to  where  the  teen  was  sitting;  not  expecting  Sora  to  drink  it  black  if  he  wasn’t  a  coffee  drinker.  Smooth  as  the  blend  was;  it  was  still  bitter  to  the  uninitiated.  When  the  shot  was  pulled,  he  started  to  combined  everything  but  paused  when  he  was  asked  his  name.

❝        You  can  call  me  Hanekoma. I'm somethin' of'va.... guardian in this city. I keep an eye on things that might be outta place.        ❞      he  turned  back  to  Sora  setting  the  coffee  down  on  the  counter  in  front  of  the  kid  and  grinned  widely.          ❝          An' sure,  you  could  say  that  were  companions  a’sorts.  I’ve  been  tryin’  t’  keep  them  outta  trouble  for  a  good  long  while,  but  J  sure  likes  th’  excitement. Gets too bored too quick.   You  did  great  with  Phones, by th' way.  He  can  be  a  bit  brutish,  but  he  means  well  when  he  gets  t’  know  you.            ❞          he  laughs  again, warmer than before. if the kids weren't busy, he'd have texted them to come see their friend, but they were busy (otherwise, neku would have been at the cafe part time with him today). there would be time for reunions later- acclimation was important for now. sora needed to drink and eat something to be considered real in this world- or else, he could fade; and hanekoma didn't want to deal with piecing him back together so immediately.

❝ while yer drinkin' that- ❞ the barista started to grab for a plate and put a muffin down on it. something more dense so sora would have something on his stomach. ❝ eat this. world travel can be'a bit rough on th' body after such'a far distance. don' worry about munny this time round- s'on me this once. ❞