Torrin smiled as he listened to Aria, picturing the quiet and peaceful life Aria had when not dealing with strange monsters. "Must've been great...so calm. Being able to go out and take a stroll through the trees...Riding Dubble around..." He leaned his head back and sighed out. "Bet you were really good with that flute." Torrin commented, shifting his gaze over towards the girl. When she asked him her own questions his heart sank a little and he straightened himself out to sit up properly. "Well this coat and shirt were just things I found in storage. They were a bit dusty and I guess they belonged to someone else who once stayed in the castle. Though I didn't see a name tag so..." He shrugged. "You know the coat I had before? The shredded one? My mom gave me that when I was still a kid way before I had a chance to grow into it. It's...one of the last things I have left from her." "Um...anyway...not to be a downer but there wasn't much to do in terms of fun. As a kid I read a lot...I'd listen to people tell me their stories." He chewed on his lip for a moment as he thought about what he could add without bringing Aria down. "Things are complicated back home. I'd say...right about now the war's been going on for nearly 24 years. There's a civil war going on about...well I suppose the most basic reason is that there are people who are fed up with living there with all the Heartless and there are those who want to keep them there for several very good reasons for everyone's protection. Ironic that protecting people led to a war...as far as I know, no one really knows what exactly sparked it." Torrin held up his left hand and summoned his keyblade in it. "A lot of my time at home revolved around me having this. Studying, training, learning new skills, and more studying. Everything to prepare me for taking over my uncle's job when he inevitably bit the dust during the war. That's...the thing with my family. Just about everything is geared towards the line of succession. First kid in the royal family to get their keyblade is the next in line. Are you royal blood and having a kid? Better perform that keyblade inheritance ceremony as soon as they're born to maximize their chances of wielding a keyblade someday. The worst part is, the system works great. Keyblades don't choose weak people. The keyblade wielders in my family are definitely proof of that. So when out of all my cousins I was the only one to have one...well... Let's just say, until this whole Light Chaser business happened, there wasn't a day where I felt like this thing chose the right person." His blade disappeared from his hand and he chuckled. "Sorry. Home had some good memories but even after 6 years in the Realm of Light sometimes all that comes to mind are the bad ones. I know leaving the way I did hurt a lot of people but if I didn't there are people here I wouldn't have met." He glanced over at Aria. "Like you." Fost smirked. "You've got some spunk, kid. Maybe you're not all that bad but I'm still gonna need you to answer the question. I'd rather not resort to unpleasant methods of digging through your memories for answers. I will if I feel like I have to and I'm sure you've got some embarrassing personal secrets of yours that you don't want me digging through." He pointed to his temple as he spoke. He leaned back and folded his arms. "You see, knowing what kinds of promises he's made you gives me insight into what he's got in mind. So it very much is my business and the business of everyone in this castle. And, while you're at it, you might as well tell me why you were wandering the space between worlds alone. What kind of mission you were on, kid?"
Torrin smiled as he listened to Aria, picturing the quiet and peaceful life Aria had when not dealing with strange monsters. "Must've been great...so calm. Being able to go out and take a stroll through the trees...Riding Dubble around..." He leaned his head back and sighed out. "Bet you were really good with that flute." Torrin commented, shifting his gaze over towards the girl. When she asked him her own questions his heart sank a little and he straightened himself out to sit up properly. "Well this coat and shirt were just things I found in storage. They were a bit dusty and I guess they belonged to someone else who once stayed in the castle. Though I didn't see a name tag so..." He shrugged. "You know the coat I had before? The shredded one? My mom gave me that when I was still a kid way before I had a chance to grow into it. It's...one of the last things I have left from her." "Um...anyway...not to be a downer but there wasn't much to do in terms of fun. As a kid I read a lot...I'd listen to people tell me their stories." He chewed on his lip for a moment as he thought about what he could add without bringing Aria down. "Things are complicated back home. I'd say...right about now the war's been going on for nearly 24 years. There's a civil war going on about...well I suppose the most basic reason is that there are people who are fed up with living there with all the Heartless and there are those who want to keep them there for several very good reasons for everyone's protection. Ironic that protecting people led to a war...as far as I know, no one really knows what exactly sparked it." Torrin held up his left hand and summoned his keyblade in it. "A lot of my time at home revolved around me having this. Studying, training, learning new skills, and more studying. Everything to prepare me for taking over my uncle's job when he inevitably bit the dust during the war. That's...the thing with my family. Just about everything is geared towards the line of succession. First kid in the royal family to get their keyblade is the next in line. Are you royal blood and having a kid? Better perform that keyblade inheritance ceremony as soon as they're born to maximize their chances of wielding a keyblade someday. The worst part is, the system works great. Keyblades don't choose weak people. The keyblade wielders in my family are definitely proof of that. So when out of all my cousins I was the only one to have one...well... Let's just say, until this whole Light Chaser business happened, there wasn't a day where I felt like this thing chose the right person." His blade disappeared from his hand and he chuckled. "Sorry. Home had some good memories but even after 6 years in the Realm of Light sometimes all that comes to mind are the bad ones. I know leaving the way I did hurt a lot of people but if I didn't there are people here I wouldn't have met." He glanced over at Aria. "Like you."
Fost smirked. "You've got some spunk, kid. Maybe you're not all that bad but I'm still gonna need you to answer the question. I'd rather not resort to unpleasant methods of digging through your memories for answers. I will if I feel like I have to and I'm sure you've got some embarrassing personal secrets of yours that you don't want me digging through." He pointed to his temple as he spoke. He leaned back and folded his arms. "You see, knowing what kinds of promises he's made you gives me insight into what he's got in mind. So it very much is my business and the business of everyone in this castle. And, while you're at it, you might as well tell me why you were wandering the space between worlds alone. What kind of mission you were on, kid?"
"Training. A lot of it." He answered simply. "That thing will just use you as a shield if I fight it but if you do? Then you have a shot of destroying it. We just need to make sure that when you take your shot, it counts." Torrin looked over at Aria, giving her a reaffirming nod as he smiled faintly. "I even know the perfect place." He added, thinking back to short conversation he had earlier with Kidemonas. "You don't need to keep being scared. We can handle this. You can handle this." He assured her. "Hm..." He leaned back and rubbed his cheek. Torrin shifted a bit in place as he wondered what more there was to say now that they had a plan...or at least some semblance of a plan. "So..." He exhaled. "Back before all of this...what exactly was life like for you? What'd you do for fun?"
"Oomph!" He grunted when she quickly hugged him and pulled back. Torrin looked at his hands after Aria healed them and lowered them to the floor. "Don't mention it. I'm just glad I helped." He rubbed the back of his neck and took in a deep breath. Once Aria was done with her explanation with what had happened while Kaio "dealt with the situation" Torrin scooted in closer and placed a hand on Aria's shoulder. "Maybe...back there Kaio was right. You're really not that bright. Are you?" Torrin shook his head. "You're no burden. You're just not. There's no one here who would even think that you are. Now...I might not be able to get rid of those nightmares for you but I can help you help yourself. Just trust me on that, alright? We'll get you through this I promise." "But there is something I think you should know..." He shifted and moved over from in front of her to sit beside Aria. "Remember back when we got the stuffings kicked out of us by Quietus and I sort of accidentally dropped in on your nightmare?" In truth, he had almost forgotten about this detail himself but Aria wondering why it came after her reminded him of it. "Well that nightmare showed me some stuff that I'm pretty sure actually happened to you. I...I think I saw your parents. It was fuzzy but your homeworld was being ravaged by darkness and your mother was hit pretty bad." He paused as he tried to remember anything else about it. There wasn't much to go off on and there were only a few details he was sure on. "The thing seemed to imply that it found its way to you when that happened. It's been with you since you were born. I know that doesn't make you feel better but I'd rather tell you what I know that keep you in the dark. But...this might actually be a good thing. The fact that it took so long for it start manifesting like this proves that it's not as powerful as it wants you to believe. And you know what that means? It means it can be beaten."
When Torrin entered the room his eyes flashed gold before he pulled the curtains open to let in the light. "You're shivering." He commented, noticing Aria rubbing her arms to warm herself up. He turned towards her as he opened the window to let some fresh air in. "You didn't have that nightmare the last time you slept. Hm...I suppose it just kicks you when you're down." He stated bluntly. "I'm sorry." He spoke softly. Torrin scratched the back of his head as he looked at Aria. "I don't know how to help you get rid of that but..." Torrin began to step closer towards Aria and knelt beside her, reaching for her hand. He lifted it up to look at her wrist where the bracelet that the Light Chaser had given her still remained. Where once it served to protect her from harm it now just remained as a stubborn piece of jewelry that would not come off and reacted strongly to darkness. With its defensive charm gone Torrin now believed he actually stood a chance of removing it. "Just don't freak out, alright?" Once more his eyes shone as darkness swirled around his hands. "And don't squirm around. Take a deep breath and that bracelet will be off in a flash. Er...inverse flash? Whatever the opposite of a flash is." He shrugged slightly and gave the bracelet a tug. As expected it began to glow and heat up as he touched it. Torrin took in a deep breath and looked up at Aria for a moment before gazing back down at the bracelet. "Don't fail me now." He muttered under his breath. Black tendrils circled around his fingers as he drew upon more of his power. On reaction the bracelet continued to grow ever hotter and brighter in an effort to repel Torrin yet even as he felt the bracelet begin to burn him he gritted his teeth and pressed on. The light from the bracelet began to engulf the room until the bracelet itself was no longer visible. Snap! The bracelet broke open and fell to the ground, cracked at where Torrin had pried it open. The darkness disappeared from his hands and Torrin fell back to sit on the floor. Though his hands and fingers bore new burns they were superficial. Torrin chuckled and stared at the broken bracelet. "Ha! Take that! I told you I could do it!" He exclaimed. "Finally...a small step in the right direction."
"You're welcome." Kaio responded, turning towards the door now that Aria looked to be doing better. "Try not to have anymore nightmares. At least not until after we have gotten rid of your little infection." The man offered Aria a short bow of his head before unsealing the door and making his way out of her room. Torrin entered the castle and looked over in the direction of the kitchen, hearing Qamar's voice ring out about showing respect to the masters. He blinked and tilted his head, wondering who she could be talking to. He shrugged it off and decided against going to the kitchen for now. After some conversation between Take and Illiana, and recovering his coat from Enzo, he wasn't keen on going to the kitchen just yet to be surrounded by so many people. Torrin continued to walk, intending to return his coat to his room. His pace slowed down when he saw one of the Council members, Kaio, exit Aria's room. Torrin's eyes narrowed at the man as he approached the other master. "What happened? What were you doing?" "There was a situation. I dealt with said situation. You may thank me at your earliest convenience." Kaio spoke simply. "Or how about you be the first member of the Council to talk straight with me?" Torrin glared. "Go ahead and speak with her yourself if you're so curious. Whatever you do, don't waste my time." Kaio kept walking without so much as looking at Torrin. "Arrogant prick." Torrin spoke just loud enough for Kaio to hear but it did not cause the man to react. Kaio had not been the first Council member to give him a bad vibe and he was starting to wonder if that feeling was beginning to worsen. Torrin shook his head and looked over towards Aria's open door, wondering if she had been assaulted by yet another nightmare. He hadn't heard anything from her room all night and had assumed she had slept peacefully and left to the kitchen by now but given what Kaio had said... After putting his coat away in his room he headed over towards Aria's and knocked on the door without taking a look inside in case she wanted privacy. He waited a moment before speaking up with concern. "You in there? What was that about? I saw Kaio leave and...well...is everything alright? Are you alright?"
"You're welcome." Kaio responded, turning towards the door now that Aria looked to be doing better. "Try not to have anymore nightmares. At least not until after we have gotten rid of your little infection." The man offered Aria a short bow of his head before unsealing the door and making his way out of her room.
Torrin entered the castle and looked over in the direction of the kitchen, hearing Qamar's voice ring out about showing respect to the masters. He blinked and tilted his head, wondering who she could be talking to. He shrugged it off and decided against going to the kitchen for now. After some conversation between Take and Illiana, and recovering his coat from Enzo, he wasn't keen on going to the kitchen just yet to be surrounded by so many people. Torrin continued to walk, intending to return his coat to his room. His pace slowed down when he saw one of the Council members, Kaio, exit Aria's room. Torrin's eyes narrowed at the man as he approached the other master. "What happened? What were you doing?" "There was a situation. I dealt with said situation. You may thank me at your earliest convenience." Kaio spoke simply. "Or how about you be the first member of the Council to talk straight with me?" Torrin glared. "Go ahead and speak with her yourself if you're so curious. Whatever you do, don't waste my time." Kaio kept walking without so much as looking at Torrin. "Arrogant prick." Torrin spoke just loud enough for Kaio to hear but it did not cause the man to react. Kaio had not been the first Council member to give him a bad vibe and he was starting to wonder if that feeling was beginning to worsen. Torrin shook his head and looked over towards Aria's open door, wondering if she had been assaulted by yet another nightmare. He hadn't heard anything from her room all night and had assumed she had slept peacefully and left to the kitchen by now but given what Kaio had said... After putting his coat away in his room he headed over towards Aria's and knocked on the door without taking a look inside in case she wanted privacy. He waited a moment before speaking up with concern. "You in there? What was that about? I saw Kaio leave and...well...is everything alright? Are you alright?"
Torrin tilted his head at Illiana who had just arrived. "Just found these "threads" last night. Not sure who they belonged to but they're in better shape than my old clothes." He held up the torn coat Enzo had returned to him. "Thanks for giving that back, Enzo." Torrin scratched his cheek as he looked at Illiana. "Um...and I'd rather not be called Torri. Kind of ruins the whole point of dressing in black." He half-joked. "I slept fine." Torrin lied not wanting anyone to worry about him for avoiding it. "Not sure I'll have breakfast just yet. I was planning on giving Enzo a quick rundown of our situation though. So where do I start?" Torrin crossed his arms and mulled over his words for a bit before beginning. "Worlds, keybladers, keyblade masters...they've all been vanishing for some time now to the point where the Light Chaser, his students, and the people on this world might be the only keybladers left in this realm. Give or take a few people keeping their heads low." Torrin took a deep breath. "The Light Chaser is an extremely powerful keyblade master I've had the misfortune of crossing paths with. He and his students believe that gathering seven pure hearts of light will help them rid the realms and everyone's hearts of darkness will create a Heartless-free paradise. There are some in this realm who wouldn't survive losing their darkness and, obviously, nearly everyone from the Realm of Darkness like myself would definitely not survive that." He felt that the severity of the situation was probably understated but it was still accurate. "We've lost a few people fighting the Heartless and looking for the Seven...but here we are now. The world of the Council of Lights, the masters who oversee other masters in this realm. I...I think that's about it. Anyway...what's up Illiana? Got a reason you wandered this way?" Kaio's eyes narrowed at Aria when she mentioned seeing a light in her nightmares. "I see... Perhaps you only thought you saw someone else in your distress. I seriously doubt there'd be more than that entity lurking within you." The man spoke dismissively. "You've begun to see strange lights right about the time the nightmares have worsened. After the examinations done to that bracelet it is highly unlikely that the bracelet caused your nightmares to worsen so I must believe that them worsening must be causing some hallucinogenic effects..." He paused. "Hallucinogenic means to see things that aren't there." Kaio explained in a condescending tone. "When Master Gero has some free time I shall speak to him about doing more to help with those nightmares of yours." Choma nodded at Tinarah. "Of course. I don't mind you training with him." He smiled a bit more when she asked if he could continue with her combat training with him. "Well I'm glad you're taking an interest in it. I'll have a lesson prepared for you for your next lesson with me. It will be good to train you again and see how much you've grown." Fost gave a slight nod when the girl spoke her name. "Alright Chrysanthemum, I am Master Fost. I assume your master has mentioned the Council of Lights to you before. Though I am not a part of the Council, the majority of masters in these walls are. The world we're on is known as Illusia." Fost explained simply. "Your master was once a member of the Council and through a series of tragic events, he has found himself a new identity. His goals may have terrible outcomes for both realms but I do not believe you are aware of the kind of damage he could inflict to countless innocents." The man leaned closer. "So tell me, Chrysanthemum, what has my former student been telling you? What kinds of lofty promises has he made to make you side with him?"
Torrin tilted his head at Illiana who had just arrived. "Just found these "threads" last night. Not sure who they belonged to but they're in better shape than my old clothes." He held up the torn coat Enzo had returned to him. "Thanks for giving that back, Enzo." Torrin scratched his cheek as he looked at Illiana. "Um...and I'd rather not be called Torri. Kind of ruins the whole point of dressing in black." He half-joked. "I slept fine." Torrin lied not wanting anyone to worry about him for avoiding it. "Not sure I'll have breakfast just yet. I was planning on giving Enzo a quick rundown of our situation though. So where do I start?" Torrin crossed his arms and mulled over his words for a bit before beginning. "Worlds, keybladers, keyblade masters...they've all been vanishing for some time now to the point where the Light Chaser, his students, and the people on this world might be the only keybladers left in this realm. Give or take a few people keeping their heads low." Torrin took a deep breath. "The Light Chaser is an extremely powerful keyblade master I've had the misfortune of crossing paths with. He and his students believe that gathering seven pure hearts of light will help them rid the realms and everyone's hearts of darkness will create a Heartless-free paradise. There are some in this realm who wouldn't survive losing their darkness and, obviously, nearly everyone from the Realm of Darkness like myself would definitely not survive that." He felt that the severity of the situation was probably understated but it was still accurate. "We've lost a few people fighting the Heartless and looking for the Seven...but here we are now. The world of the Council of Lights, the masters who oversee other masters in this realm. I...I think that's about it. Anyway...what's up Illiana? Got a reason you wandered this way?"
Kaio's eyes narrowed at Aria when she mentioned seeing a light in her nightmares. "I see... Perhaps you only thought you saw someone else in your distress. I seriously doubt there'd be more than that entity lurking within you." The man spoke dismissively. "You've begun to see strange lights right about the time the nightmares have worsened. After the examinations done to that bracelet it is highly unlikely that the bracelet caused your nightmares to worsen so I must believe that them worsening must be causing some hallucinogenic effects..." He paused. "Hallucinogenic means to see things that aren't there." Kaio explained in a condescending tone. "When Master Gero has some free time I shall speak to him about doing more to help with those nightmares of yours."
Choma nodded at Tinarah. "Of course. I don't mind you training with him." He smiled a bit more when she asked if he could continue with her combat training with him. "Well I'm glad you're taking an interest in it. I'll have a lesson prepared for you for your next lesson with me. It will be good to train you again and see how much you've grown."
Fost gave a slight nod when the girl spoke her name. "Alright Chrysanthemum, I am Master Fost. I assume your master has mentioned the Council of Lights to you before. Though I am not a part of the Council, the majority of masters in these walls are. The world we're on is known as Illusia." Fost explained simply. "Your master was once a member of the Council and through a series of tragic events, he has found himself a new identity. His goals may have terrible outcomes for both realms but I do not believe you are aware of the kind of damage he could inflict to countless innocents." The man leaned closer. "So tell me, Chrysanthemum, what has my former student been telling you? What kinds of lofty promises has he made to make you side with him?"
"Ouch. Way to insult your own team's observational ability, Red." Castur mused, unfazed by the girl's poor choice of words. He glanced over at Kida and Milo just as Ananta did and looked back at the keybladers. "Well of course the two not dressed like average grunts would be the interesting ones." Another soldier overheard Castur's words and turned towards him calling out, "Hey!" in a hurt tone. "You heard me, number eighty-six." He spoke callously. "M-my name's John though." "Yeah you and half the rest of us faceless goons." The soldier stormed off in response much to Castur's amusement. He even expected it to play out that way. It was either that or start a sudden fight. Thankfully it played out in his favor. "Anyway. If you guys want to go sneaking about prying into everyone's business, I'm going to keep forcing my unwelcome company upon you. You're too cool to care about that inconvenience anyway, huh Red? Yes? Excellent."
"Ouch. Way to insult your own team's observational ability, Red." Castur mused, unfazed by the girl's poor choice of words. He glanced over at Kida and Milo just as Ananta did and looked back at the keybladers. "Well of course the two not dressed like average grunts would be the interesting ones." Another soldier overheard Castur's words and turned towards him calling out, "Hey!" in a hurt tone. "You heard me, number eighty-six." He spoke callously. "M-my name's John though." "Yeah you and half the rest of us faceless goons." The soldier stormed off in response much to Castur's amusement. He even expected it to play out that way. It was either that or start a sudden fight. Thankfully it played out in his favor. "Anyway. If you guys want to go sneaking about prying into everyone's business, I'm going to keep forcing my unwelcome company upon you. You're too cool to care about that inconvenience anyway, huh Red? Yes? Excellent."
Torrin waved at Take as the boy left and turned towards Enzo who had just given him a short hug that had caused Torrin to freeze in place until it was over. "Yeah...sure..." He responded towards Enzo thanking him for unwittingly using Torrin's room. Torrin stood up and looked Enzo over and sighed, shaking his head in disapproval. "Enzo...Enzo you're wearing my coat." Torrin stated simply, trying not to upset the so obviously eager man. "Look I'm glad you seem to be happy to be part of the team but, torn and messed up as that thing is, that's one of the last things I have from my mother so could you hand that back?" "You slept in my room last night but I guess that's more my fault than yours for not showing you around." Torrin scratched the back of his head. "Speaking of explaining...I suppose I need to give you a rundown of what's going on here if you're planning on sticking around. I hope you don't get bored with a lot of talking." "Hm...I see. It would make sense that's where you learned." Choma commented with a solemn nod. "I am sorry that it wasn't me to help you through that." The man's face softened up when Tinarah asked for help preparing breakfast and nodded at her request. "Yes. I would be happy to help." He spoke happily as he moved beside the girl to help. "I've found myself with an abundance of time, of late, and have read an abundance of books while everyone was away, not all of them useful to our current situation." The man shrugged. "But I did find a few old music books stored away. They were quite old and I suppose they belonged to someone from even before Master Gero's time. I picked out a few that might interest you. My tastes in the fine arts aren't quite...sophisticated but I hope you enjoy what I found." "That bracelet was fashioned back when I was a student." Kaio started. "The main you know as the Light Chaser and I had both trained here years ago. Whereas I had come alone he had come with another." Kaio scratched his chin as he nodded slowly upon sinking deeper into his recollection. "They had come from Stamatis's castle. At the time he had taken leave of his duties on the Council to be a teacher of young keyblade wielders. Under his care had been a girl who had a particular detail in common with you." He pointed at Aria. "Her heart. She too was a Princess of Heart. A....The Light Chaser had been tasked with keeping her safe not long after he had arrived to train under Stamatis. In time both of them became keyblade masters and traveled here where I met them. We were friends once, even if his genius and talent far outshone mine, even if the Council saw him as their pride and joy, I harbored no jealousy towards him." "Hm..." Kaio paused as he folded his arms across his chest and took a deep breath to collect his thoughts. "She lit up the room whenever she entered. Without fail her laughter always managed to cheer everyone up. Like you, she was bright but not too bright. She wasn't naturally gifted with the blade, nor was she a particularly exceptional mage, but her compassion was unmatched. It was no surprise when I learned that he was smitten with her. A young man with unlimited potential from a town lost to darkness and the girl with a pure heart from Eventide." He showed the slightest hint of a smile but it quickly disappeared. "They might as well have been polar opposites." He then pointed at Aria's bracelet. "The Light Chaser created that bracelet for her. Only back then it didn't have that strange charm hanging off of it. He had given it to her as a gift to protect her from the darkness when he could not. He had been so anxious about it that he had even asked for my input in its design to ensure that it would not fail." Kaio let out a sigh. "And yet, in the end, its protective spells were overwhelmed and Chryssa lost her life." Kaio took in a pained breath. "For him to allow you to wear that...you must have reminded him of her. And I think I'm beginning to see why."
Torrin waved at Take as the boy left and turned towards Enzo who had just given him a short hug that had caused Torrin to freeze in place until it was over. "Yeah...sure..." He responded towards Enzo thanking him for unwittingly using Torrin's room. Torrin stood up and looked Enzo over and sighed, shaking his head in disapproval. "Enzo...Enzo you're wearing my coat." Torrin stated simply, trying not to upset the so obviously eager man. "Look I'm glad you seem to be happy to be part of the team but, torn and messed up as that thing is, that's one of the last things I have from my mother so could you hand that back?" "You slept in my room last night but I guess that's more my fault than yours for not showing you around." Torrin scratched the back of his head. "Speaking of explaining...I suppose I need to give you a rundown of what's going on here if you're planning on sticking around. I hope you don't get bored with a lot of talking."
"Hm...I see. It would make sense that's where you learned." Choma commented with a solemn nod. "I am sorry that it wasn't me to help you through that." The man's face softened up when Tinarah asked for help preparing breakfast and nodded at her request. "Yes. I would be happy to help." He spoke happily as he moved beside the girl to help. "I've found myself with an abundance of time, of late, and have read an abundance of books while everyone was away, not all of them useful to our current situation." The man shrugged. "But I did find a few old music books stored away. They were quite old and I suppose they belonged to someone from even before Master Gero's time. I picked out a few that might interest you. My tastes in the fine arts aren't quite...sophisticated but I hope you enjoy what I found."
"That bracelet was fashioned back when I was a student." Kaio started. "The main you know as the Light Chaser and I had both trained here years ago. Whereas I had come alone he had come with another." Kaio scratched his chin as he nodded slowly upon sinking deeper into his recollection. "They had come from Stamatis's castle. At the time he had taken leave of his duties on the Council to be a teacher of young keyblade wielders. Under his care had been a girl who had a particular detail in common with you." He pointed at Aria. "Her heart. She too was a Princess of Heart. A....The Light Chaser had been tasked with keeping her safe not long after he had arrived to train under Stamatis. In time both of them became keyblade masters and traveled here where I met them. We were friends once, even if his genius and talent far outshone mine, even if the Council saw him as their pride and joy, I harbored no jealousy towards him." "Hm..." Kaio paused as he folded his arms across his chest and took a deep breath to collect his thoughts. "She lit up the room whenever she entered. Without fail her laughter always managed to cheer everyone up. Like you, she was bright but not too bright. She wasn't naturally gifted with the blade, nor was she a particularly exceptional mage, but her compassion was unmatched. It was no surprise when I learned that he was smitten with her. A young man with unlimited potential from a town lost to darkness and the girl with a pure heart from Eventide." He showed the slightest hint of a smile but it quickly disappeared. "They might as well have been polar opposites." He then pointed at Aria's bracelet. "The Light Chaser created that bracelet for her. Only back then it didn't have that strange charm hanging off of it. He had given it to her as a gift to protect her from the darkness when he could not. He had been so anxious about it that he had even asked for my input in its design to ensure that it would not fail." Kaio let out a sigh. "And yet, in the end, its protective spells were overwhelmed and Chryssa lost her life." Kaio took in a pained breath. "For him to allow you to wear that...you must have reminded him of her. And I think I'm beginning to see why."
Haven't posted here in a while so... That Staff TWEWY theme a while back? That was me. Spoiler: A Sample of Pins I've Done Spoiler: Role Play Graphics Illiana was drawn by LadyAzura aka "Joce" but the banner is all me (and some Prince of Persia font) DARK KEFKA (mostly a recolor to make him look more like a Heartless)
"I'm not really worried about like... prince of heart duties or anything in the aftermath. The problem is I can't stop seeing the Light Chaser running towards me with his hands and inch from getting me... there's a completely different feeling to worrying someone's coming after your friend.... and worrying someone's coming after you." Take looked up where the Flammie would have been and said, "I'm glad the Fluff is around, if only because you seem genuinely less stressed and happy when its around. I'm... trying everything in my power not to try and take a swing at it." "Hm. Guess I'm just used to that kind of thing by now. Well, less used to and more adapted to." Torrin shrugged. "Honestly I don't have much in the way of comforting advice. The best we can do is keep fighting, keep training, and hope that's enough to keep everyone who's left safe. Including the giant dragon. Flammies have immense power and we should be glad to have it on our side. Or at least...I think she's on our side. She could be siding with us just out of instinct. In either case, it doesn't really matter. We've got a Flammie. Light Chaser doesn't. I like our odds." "Yeah look at that strategic advantage we have with a darkside on our side. We shouls be grateful to have it." Take murmered under his breath before saying louder for Torrin to hear, "I do appreciate it though... and um. Thanks for saving me back there. I was a little too overwhelmed to say it and there was a lot to juggle at the time." He shifted a bit to grab one of the chicken tenders this time and ate it and was silent for a second before asking, "What do... Flammies eat?" "No problem. Looking out for you guys has turned into a full time job and it...well it's got its perks." He smirked and glanced down at Take's food as the boy asked what Flammies eat. "Well the stories my mother told me were never too detailed about that bit. The only thing about their diet I remember came from a nursery rhyme..." Torrin paused and hummed it out in his head as he tried to recall the words. "Mm...I honestly don't know if they eat meat other than fish. Supposedly they like faerie walnuts, something I don't think actually exists, and honey...and berries. My cousin once told me that they love chocolate but I've never found a reference for that." He spoke as he scratched his chin. "I mean, you could always have a firsthand experience with the chocolate test. Worst... she? She'd do is not eat it." Take looked at his platter of fruits and picked up the berries that were on the platter and said, "Its got a sweet tooth it seems with all these sweet foods..." Take moved the book off his lap and stood up and pulled a chocolate bar from out of his bag, "I hope its not like a dog or something..." he walked a bit closer to a wider space and said, "What was it... wow I haven't done this in like... 3 years... alright." Take brought his fingers up to his mouth and whistled a 3 note rhythm. Cause it was quiet and morning it kind of echoed as he said, "I'll see if this one's true." He looked a bit tense. Torrin watched curiously as Take stepped away to the open space in front of the castle and whistled to call out for Flammie. "How does he know...ah...guess I'm not the only one who's heard about that." Torrin looked to the skies, waiting for a sign that Flammie would return. Nothing. Nothing but the clouds could be seen overhead. "Well that's a little disappointing. I was hoping that'd...oh...Oh..." The air roared above them as Flammie dive bombed and smashed into the ground with a powerful landing that even Torrin could feel from where he was standing. "Well that gives me a few ideas." He muttered to himself with a grin as he watched Flammie close the gap between herself and Take in a single small leap, her big bright eyes staring at the chocolate bar he held. Takehiko was pretty sure he was gonna be alright and remain calm, but the way that Flammie ran up gave him a near heart attack. He took a moment to take deep breaths and calm down before he noticed her looking at the chocolate bar he held and he unwrapped the rest of the wrapper and held it up and whispered, "Please don't eat my hand...." Flammie stared at the chocolate for a long moment then looked over at Torrin. "Go ahead. We're not gonna hurt you." She blinked at him and returned her gaze towards the chocolate, inching closer to it before biting down and pulling the whole bar from Take's grasp. The white dragon swallowed the whole thing in a single gulp and held still for a moment, twitching its tail as she looked at the two. Before either of them could do anything else the Flammie took of with a single flap of its four wings. Torrin stepped over towards Take and looked up to the sky. "That...was...amazing! For such a powerful creature she sure is shy. Ooo...the idea of all this just gives me goosebumps. Calling for her won't be so easy if we're not around here but I think I have an idea to fix that..." "Oh, well the way we'd do that is somehow let her know we're leaving when we do." Take finally responded after standing in a bit of shock and it was clear even in his voice he still had a bit of fear in it, "The reason they respond to things like that is cause they have an ear on a place. If they don't it won't work but... you know." he rubbed his nose and was starting to calm down a lot more as he said, "My brother told me that people on that world would use that whistle to let Fluffs know we were leaving the world. Since... well, Fluffs didn't like it when we tried to leave our world and go to others. So they used that whistle to let them know they were leaving, and there was another whistle I think for when they came back. But I don't know that one. I don't even know if it's true since even the oldest woman in our village wasn't around the last time there was a Fluff." he got real quiet for a bit before adding, "My brothers and I used that whistle back and forth to each other to let them know where we were. And to whistle it if we got lost. Iwao always said hey, if you're lucky one of them will show up and help you." Take giggled a bit to himself at the silliness of the statement before finishing, "Ignoring how colorful she is... she looks similar to the dragon that-" he stopped the sentence and finished, "Well, similar to one that terrifies me. A dragon on my world we could never defeat cause of how strong it is." he looked at Torrin and said, "So this may sound odd but... she scares me... a lot..." "Hm...well that's an interesting story." Torrin folded his arms. "Seems like a happy memory though." He commented. Though he was still excited to have a real live Flammie around that feeling was quickly going away as he thought back to his mother and the memories around her final days that he did not wish to repeat to anyone. "Hm..." He took a deep breath and calmed himself down. "So she scares you, huh? I guess that makes sense. She may be cute, friendly, and fluffy but she's still a dragon." "She'll win you over though with time, I'm sure. And when she does, I'm sure you'll be ready to handle things back home. You'll get there, Take. I know you will." Torrin spoke with confidence as he assured the boy. Take didn't feel so certain with that last sentence, he didn't want to mention how he wasn't normally scared of dragons, but he didn't really feel comfortable with telling Torrin that much. He already told him a lot more than he usually told someone he'd personally consider an acquaintance at most. But he did smile slightly for a moment before he went back to his usual blank expression and said, "Thanks..." he looked a little out of it talking about this topic so he tried to transition it back, "Ya know... I have actually tried to read a book before. But it was one of those like... abc books. Atmos grabbed it for me and it's like, that's great but what am I supposed to do with the words "G is for Giraffe." Also why is the word xylophone spelled with an "x" when it makes a "z" sound?" he looked a bit bothered by this and said, "Wouldn't a better example of the letter "x" be... well, example?" "Rules for spellings are strange." Torrin admitted. "...Buuuuut example starts with an e. E. X. A. M. P. L. E. I'm not really a spelling teacher but that letter always makes that sound at the start of a word as far a I know. Kind of makes the letter redundant, doesn't it?" He shrugged. "I don't make the rules though. If I did, they'd make a lot more sense." Take stared at him and asked, "Wait... example doesn't start with an x?" he suddenly broke his usual calm and screamed out intentionally over-dramatic, "My life has been a lie!" he lowered his head in mock disappointment before looking up straight back with his normal demeanor, "I barely understand language. On top of it barely being taught I wasn't very good at it... I was better at math..." he thought for a moment and admitted, "I mean maybe if I had gone to school longer than 4 years, maybe I would have gotten something... I can't tell you how to spell the word calamity but I can tell you that I certainly want to avoid one. I can also tell you that falling off the cliff at home, the closest surface for you to catch is 30 meters down. And if you don't catch it you're going to hit terminal velocity before you hit the ground. I know what terminal velocity is and I can't spell the word "went". Like... is it W H E N T? I just don't get it..." "W E N T." Torrin corrected with a slight grin over the boy's exaggerated frustration. "I used to spell "when" as W E N as a kid. Those silent letters got me every time. Why are they even there if they're silent? Who hurt the people who made up these words?" "But hey, at least if you know the important stuff it doesn't matter. While you were learning about heights and cliffs I was probably learning how to use this weird-looking weapon I could summon since my earliest memories." His keyblade appeared in his hand. "In my family the standard tradition is to perform a ceremony after a child is born to increase their likelihood of wielding a keyblade. No other family does it since it's not important for anyone else...though it's not like a baby-version of me used my keyblade as a toy. That would be a funny image though." "They give you the keyblade when you're a baby?" Take was a little confused before he said, "And why would a very specific family have you- oh wait, the Light Chaser mentioned something about you being a prince didn't he..." he placed his hand under his chin and said teasingly, "I still think putting your family crest on munny is weird and compensating for something by the way. Ignoring that, I would think having a keyblade would be very useful in the Realm of Darkness, what with all the fighting you seem to have, but I don't exactly feel comfortable talking about people's world politics since I don't know much about them, and I know how frustrating it is to hear outworlders try to describe homeworld stuff and just not quite get it..." Take stopped a second and asked, "What brought you to the Realm of Light anyway?" he paused and said, "Actually um... you don't have to tell me at all... I realized that was a little too personal a topic. But uh, I hope you at least like it here? I mean, when you're not all cut up and bloody and I don't know how to unawkward this conversation." Torrin chuckled and waved his hand dismissively. "I've had worse days here." He scratched the back of his head. "The Gil thing is just something I grew up with so I never thought much of it." Torrin wasn't sure if he'd agree if it was weird considering that the royal line was supposed to protect the Realm but explaining the details behind that would have taken too long to be worth it. "I came here because I wasn't sure I belonged over there. I'll have to return someday but not until we settle things here. The Light Chaser is a direct threat to my people and I can't let him go through with his plans." Take looked confused and said, "Do you.... know what his plans are?" he got kind of quiet and said, "I'm like... I know he wants something with the Seven. But other than that, I have no idea what he's even doing.... no one has... told us anything... and it's becoming increasingly more frustrating."
Though Choma had not responded to Tinarah he shut his book and rose from his seat. His heart rested easier knowing that his two remaining students had returned and now Tinarah had reached out to him. Setting the book down on his desk he left his room to head towards the kitchen. "Good morning, Tinarah. I hope you slept well." The man smiled faintly at her. "Boreas, Qamar." He nodded in acknowledgement towards the two. "It's good to see you both back in one piece. Though don't expect to begin taking it easy just yet. Kidemonas assured me that after a trial run of some project of his, everyone's training should become more productive." He sniffed the air. "With that out of the way, it seems like you're making a hefty breakfast. Seems like you've learned to cook better than me, Tinarah." "Hm...I see..." Kaio folded his arms and nodded. "Unfortunately there is little I can do for that. I am sorry." He scratched his chin and looked at Aria's arm for a moment, spotting the gold bracelet hanging from her wrist. "It seems fitting that you should be the one to wear that. Back when it had its protective charm it was by far one of the most powerful items I had ever seen. Not that I was surprised by that fact given how everything he worked on was the best of whatever niche it filled." The man continued to speak. "Would you like to know of the original owner of that bracelet?"
Though Choma had not responded to Tinarah he shut his book and rose from his seat. His heart rested easier knowing that his two remaining students had returned and now Tinarah had reached out to him. Setting the book down on his desk he left his room to head towards the kitchen. "Good morning, Tinarah. I hope you slept well." The man smiled faintly at her. "Boreas, Qamar." He nodded in acknowledgement towards the two. "It's good to see you both back in one piece. Though don't expect to begin taking it easy just yet. Kidemonas assured me that after a trial run of some project of his, everyone's training should become more productive." He sniffed the air. "With that out of the way, it seems like you're making a hefty breakfast. Seems like you've learned to cook better than me, Tinarah."
"Hm...I see..." Kaio folded his arms and nodded. "Unfortunately there is little I can do for that. I am sorry." He scratched his chin and looked at Aria's arm for a moment, spotting the gold bracelet hanging from her wrist. "It seems fitting that you should be the one to wear that. Back when it had its protective charm it was by far one of the most powerful items I had ever seen. Not that I was surprised by that fact given how everything he worked on was the best of whatever niche it filled." The man continued to speak. "Would you like to know of the original owner of that bracelet?"
Torrin raised an eyebrow at Qamar who too was sporting a new look. Unsure of how to take the compliment he gave a slight nod towards her. "Um. Thanks. Uh...you too?" He spoke, giving the girl a wave as she passed. "Suffix. The word you were looking for is suffix. And yeah, for the most part that's true. Za spells are the most powerful spells that someone can typically cast. Usually that kind of stuff is reserved for masters." Torrin remained standing as he looked up to the skies. "I suppose your people prioritized survival over everything else then, right? Not sure I'd choose differently if I was forced to pick between teaching someone how to survive and teaching someone how to read. Still...you've missed out on a lot by not being able to. Good on you for trying to learn anyway but maybe you should start with something a little less complex." Torrin folded his arms and squinted, seeing a four-winged shadow pass overhead. He smiled knowing that the Flammie was still around even if she didn't come down to land. "My mom would have loved to have seen her." Torrin spoke quietly. "Such a magnificent creature. Majestic. I'd trade my glider for one ride on that dragon any day." He turned his head as he continued to watch the white dragon soar high above and vanish out of sight once more. He held up his hand to wave at the dragon as it left again before returning his attention towards Takehiko. "You're not the only one who's been burdened by what they are and you won't be the last. I know that doesn't make it easier but once this is all over you being one of the Seven won't really make a difference anymore. You'd get to live out your life however you please without it getting in your way or without worrying about any kind of Prince of Heart duties because there are none." "You're welcome." Kaio spoke bluntly. He began to turn towards the door and reached out for the handle but paused before he grasped it. "Hm..." The man turned over to look at Aria and watched her with some curiosity. "Tell me, Princess of Heart," Kaio began, "these attacks...they haven't happened before you started this journey, have they?"
Torrin raised an eyebrow at Qamar who too was sporting a new look. Unsure of how to take the compliment he gave a slight nod towards her. "Um. Thanks. Uh...you too?" He spoke, giving the girl a wave as she passed. "Suffix. The word you were looking for is suffix. And yeah, for the most part that's true. Za spells are the most powerful spells that someone can typically cast. Usually that kind of stuff is reserved for masters." Torrin remained standing as he looked up to the skies. "I suppose your people prioritized survival over everything else then, right? Not sure I'd choose differently if I was forced to pick between teaching someone how to survive and teaching someone how to read. Still...you've missed out on a lot by not being able to. Good on you for trying to learn anyway but maybe you should start with something a little less complex." Torrin folded his arms and squinted, seeing a four-winged shadow pass overhead. He smiled knowing that the Flammie was still around even if she didn't come down to land. "My mom would have loved to have seen her." Torrin spoke quietly. "Such a magnificent creature. Majestic. I'd trade my glider for one ride on that dragon any day." He turned his head as he continued to watch the white dragon soar high above and vanish out of sight once more. He held up his hand to wave at the dragon as it left again before returning his attention towards Takehiko. "You're not the only one who's been burdened by what they are and you won't be the last. I know that doesn't make it easier but once this is all over you being one of the Seven won't really make a difference anymore. You'd get to live out your life however you please without it getting in your way or without worrying about any kind of Prince of Heart duties because there are none."
"You're welcome." Kaio spoke bluntly. He began to turn towards the door and reached out for the handle but paused before he grasped it. "Hm..." The man turned over to look at Aria and watched her with some curiosity. "Tell me, Princess of Heart," Kaio began, "these attacks...they haven't happened before you started this journey, have they?"
"Basement? Yeah. I can go there later. Though...why call me?" There was a pause. Torrin nodded. "Ah. That makes sense. Smart move. Though I feel I should be a little insulted you're putting me in the danger zone first. What? Why? ...Oh. Hm...Alright. I'll keep that in mind. And next time, don't call me through the communicator while I'm in the castle. It's easier for you to just walk here." Once the conversation was over he tucked the communicator away. Torrin placed his hands in his pockets and furrowed his brow as he heard the sound of paper wrinkling in his coat pockets. He drew out in each of his hands two scraps of paper. "These...these weren't here yesterday. Huh...more reading material for Tinarah?" As he unfolded the scraps he scanned through the words, finding a second author's writing as well scribbled in between some of the lines in gold ink. "Hm...alright...this story is getting strange." He walked out of his room and glanced over at Aria's door. It was closed and, though he was a little concerned, it was still too early to knock on her door since she hadn't gotten up as far as he could tell and she hadn't called out for him at night. Giving a slight wave at the door Torrin left for the entrance hall planning to head out to get some fresh air. What he didn't expect was to find Take sitting at the front of the castle reading or, rather, struggling to read. "Magic books? Curious about the subject?" "Hm...fighting back, are we?" Kaio commented on the icy reaction that failed to hit him. "And it seems that you're finally awake, Aria. Good." The temperature of the room died down but remained hotter than normal to keep the girl warm. "In case you've forgotten, I am Master Kaio." He stepped closer. "I'd tell you to be more careful but unfortunately this isn't your fault. It would be easier if it was." The man sighed and brushed his hair back sounding impatient. "Are you injured?" He asked in an obviously forced polite tone. "And she's up. You can go ahead and get back to your own business if you wish, Old Man. I've got it from here, she's not leaving my sight." In response Gero nodded and left the room, shutting the door behind him. "Alright kid, so are we doing this the easy way or the hard way? We know you're one of the Light Chaser's students so if you want to avoid any unpleasantness I suggest you cooperate. Oh and you'll find that you won't be able to summon your keyblade so don't bother. You'll only embarrass yourself. So let's start with something simple, kid. Test those cognitive functions of yours to make sure I didn't hit you too hard. What's your name?"
"Basement? Yeah. I can go there later. Though...why call me?" There was a pause. Torrin nodded. "Ah. That makes sense. Smart move. Though I feel I should be a little insulted you're putting me in the danger zone first. What? Why? ...Oh. Hm...Alright. I'll keep that in mind. And next time, don't call me through the communicator while I'm in the castle. It's easier for you to just walk here." Once the conversation was over he tucked the communicator away. Torrin placed his hands in his pockets and furrowed his brow as he heard the sound of paper wrinkling in his coat pockets. He drew out in each of his hands two scraps of paper. "These...these weren't here yesterday. Huh...more reading material for Tinarah?" As he unfolded the scraps he scanned through the words, finding a second author's writing as well scribbled in between some of the lines in gold ink. "Hm...alright...this story is getting strange." He walked out of his room and glanced over at Aria's door. It was closed and, though he was a little concerned, it was still too early to knock on her door since she hadn't gotten up as far as he could tell and she hadn't called out for him at night. Giving a slight wave at the door Torrin left for the entrance hall planning to head out to get some fresh air. What he didn't expect was to find Take sitting at the front of the castle reading or, rather, struggling to read. "Magic books? Curious about the subject?"
"Hm...fighting back, are we?" Kaio commented on the icy reaction that failed to hit him. "And it seems that you're finally awake, Aria. Good." The temperature of the room died down but remained hotter than normal to keep the girl warm. "In case you've forgotten, I am Master Kaio." He stepped closer. "I'd tell you to be more careful but unfortunately this isn't your fault. It would be easier if it was." The man sighed and brushed his hair back sounding impatient. "Are you injured?" He asked in an obviously forced polite tone.
"And she's up. You can go ahead and get back to your own business if you wish, Old Man. I've got it from here, she's not leaving my sight." In response Gero nodded and left the room, shutting the door behind him. "Alright kid, so are we doing this the easy way or the hard way? We know you're one of the Light Chaser's students so if you want to avoid any unpleasantness I suggest you cooperate. Oh and you'll find that you won't be able to summon your keyblade so don't bother. You'll only embarrass yourself. So let's start with something simple, kid. Test those cognitive functions of yours to make sure I didn't hit you too hard. What's your name?"
"Oh child, this really isn't your day is it?" Kaio stepped into Aria's room quietly, opening the door with an effortless wave of his finger. "You're lucky we've decided to keep a much closer eye on you and that Kidemonas has done some questionable modifications to these rooms." He sighed, shaking his head at the girl who was clearly in distress. "Ah...right. Sorry, child. Gero's a bit too busy to be distracted by you and you'll just have to deal with my bedside manner." "No distractions, sorry." He snapped his fingers and the door sealed itself shut behind him, magically locking so that even a keyblade would not have been able to open the door. "Someone might get the wrong idea if they barge in and I'm quite tired of educating imbeciles." A fire burned in his eyes as he held out his hand and aimed his palm at Aria. In seconds the room began to heat up until the air itself began to ripple. "Come on." He spoke gravely. "If you don't wake up I'm going to have to try burning that thing out of you. And that would not be pleasant at all. You're not dying today, Princess. Not on my watch."
"Oh child, this really isn't your day is it?" Kaio stepped into Aria's room quietly, opening the door with an effortless wave of his finger. "You're lucky we've decided to keep a much closer eye on you and that Kidemonas has done some questionable modifications to these rooms." He sighed, shaking his head at the girl who was clearly in distress. "Ah...right. Sorry, child. Gero's a bit too busy to be distracted by you and you'll just have to deal with my bedside manner." "No distractions, sorry." He snapped his fingers and the door sealed itself shut behind him, magically locking so that even a keyblade would not have been able to open the door. "Someone might get the wrong idea if they barge in and I'm quite tired of educating imbeciles." A fire burned in his eyes as he held out his hand and aimed his palm at Aria. In seconds the room began to heat up until the air itself began to ripple. "Come on." He spoke gravely. "If you don't wake up I'm going to have to try burning that thing out of you. And that would not be pleasant at all. You're not dying today, Princess. Not on my watch."
"Not my first idea of a replacement...but it's the only thing that looks like it fits." He wondered if the set of clothes belonged to a master that once lived in the castle or if it belonged to one that still did. Aside from some dust, the coat and shirt were pristine. Torrin made sure to pat them down and as he did so he noticed that he could feel magic woven into the fibers. Nothing strong, and certainly nothing that would make them more effective than armor, but something was definitely there. "Maybe some kind of durability enchantment." He said under his breath. "Could be handy. Or it could be a tracking spell because the Council is really particular about where their junk is. Not too sure about that shirt though..." He looked down at the state of the one he was currently wearing and relented. By the time Torrin was ready to return to his room he noticed a few things wrong with this picture. Both his door and Aria's doors were cracked open ever so slightly. He went over to peek into Aria's, muttering an apology for intruding only to find that girl was fast asleep and likely had just opened the door to keep from letting the room get too stuffy. Then he checked on his own room and found Enzo of all people sleeping on his bed. Torrin rolled his eyes, annoyed but not angry, and closed Enzo's door gently to let him sleep. Pushing Enzo out was an option but Torrin was not feeling particularly vindictive today. "Beds are overrated I guess." Torrin folded his arms, unsure of how to spend the rest of the night. He had spent nearly a year using magic and meditation to replace sleep and while the former was still an option, he wanted to occupy his mind with something else instead. The Next Morning. . . "She's a little worse for wear but when she wakes up she'll be fine." "That's not what I'm concerned about. I'm concerned that you acted too rashly. You brought her here, Fost." Gero spoke. Laying on the couch at the corner of Gero's room was Chrysanthemum and both men were standing in the center of the room discussing what to do with her. "I couldn't just leave her on her own. This was too good of an opportunity to pass up and you know it, Old Man." Fost folded his arms and looked over at the girl. "A...him, the Light Chaser, has made far too much progress in gathering the Seven. Maybe she can tell us something of use." "You're wasting our time with this. You should have let her be. Why would he allow anyone who knows too much go free?" "No clue. But we can find out." Spoiler After pulling on the new coat Torrin held up his hand, trails of darkness swirling around it. "Back already, huh?" He mused, knowing that his darkness never left him for long. It had not been the first time he had spent so much of it before and he knew it would not be the last. Torrin had decided to go into an adjacent room to not go too far from Aria as he reviewed the basics of his training that his father had instilled in him many years ago. It was not intensive but as a warm up it relaxed him. He scratched the back of his head and glanced over at himself in the mirror, feeling strange in the new set of clothes. Still, they fit him just fine and they were comfortable so it would do for now. His body was still sore but his power had returned. All things considered, it was a net gain. Torrin called for his keyblade and turned it over in his hand as he took some extra time to take a few practice swings to test if the new clothes would slow him down. To no surprise, they didn't. Just as he was ready to leave the room he heard a beep come from his communicator. Torrin raised an eyebrow, unsure of who would possibly want to speak with him over the communicator this early in the morning. If it had been Aria he was certain she would have at least left her room to look for him first and if it had been Gero, he had no doubt the man would have sought him out. Curious and wanting to make the beeping to stop, he picked up the communicator. "Torrin here. Who's this?"
"Not my first idea of a replacement...but it's the only thing that looks like it fits." He wondered if the set of clothes belonged to a master that once lived in the castle or if it belonged to one that still did. Aside from some dust, the coat and shirt were pristine. Torrin made sure to pat them down and as he did so he noticed that he could feel magic woven into the fibers. Nothing strong, and certainly nothing that would make them more effective than armor, but something was definitely there. "Maybe some kind of durability enchantment." He said under his breath. "Could be handy. Or it could be a tracking spell because the Council is really particular about where their junk is. Not too sure about that shirt though..." He looked down at the state of the one he was currently wearing and relented. By the time Torrin was ready to return to his room he noticed a few things wrong with this picture. Both his door and Aria's doors were cracked open ever so slightly. He went over to peek into Aria's, muttering an apology for intruding only to find that girl was fast asleep and likely had just opened the door to keep from letting the room get too stuffy. Then he checked on his own room and found Enzo of all people sleeping on his bed. Torrin rolled his eyes, annoyed but not angry, and closed Enzo's door gently to let him sleep. Pushing Enzo out was an option but Torrin was not feeling particularly vindictive today. "Beds are overrated I guess." Torrin folded his arms, unsure of how to spend the rest of the night. He had spent nearly a year using magic and meditation to replace sleep and while the former was still an option, he wanted to occupy his mind with something else instead.
"She's a little worse for wear but when she wakes up she'll be fine." "That's not what I'm concerned about. I'm concerned that you acted too rashly. You brought her here, Fost." Gero spoke. Laying on the couch at the corner of Gero's room was Chrysanthemum and both men were standing in the center of the room discussing what to do with her. "I couldn't just leave her on her own. This was too good of an opportunity to pass up and you know it, Old Man." Fost folded his arms and looked over at the girl. "A...him, the Light Chaser, has made far too much progress in gathering the Seven. Maybe she can tell us something of use." "You're wasting our time with this. You should have let her be. Why would he allow anyone who knows too much go free?" "No clue. But we can find out."
After pulling on the new coat Torrin held up his hand, trails of darkness swirling around it. "Back already, huh?" He mused, knowing that his darkness never left him for long. It had not been the first time he had spent so much of it before and he knew it would not be the last. Torrin had decided to go into an adjacent room to not go too far from Aria as he reviewed the basics of his training that his father had instilled in him many years ago. It was not intensive but as a warm up it relaxed him. He scratched the back of his head and glanced over at himself in the mirror, feeling strange in the new set of clothes. Still, they fit him just fine and they were comfortable so it would do for now. His body was still sore but his power had returned. All things considered, it was a net gain. Torrin called for his keyblade and turned it over in his hand as he took some extra time to take a few practice swings to test if the new clothes would slow him down. To no surprise, they didn't. Just as he was ready to leave the room he heard a beep come from his communicator. Torrin raised an eyebrow, unsure of who would possibly want to speak with him over the communicator this early in the morning. If it had been Aria he was certain she would have at least left her room to look for him first and if it had been Gero, he had no doubt the man would have sought him out. Curious and wanting to make the beeping to stop, he picked up the communicator. "Torrin here. Who's this?"
Castur continued to put on the gruff uncaring grunt attitude as he responded towards Ananta. "Nothin' but a peaceful group of explorers. Don't know what you're on about, doll face." He didn't like the sound of the nickname but he was certain it was appropriate for the setting. He hadn't even flinched when she said his voice almost sounded familiar. Changing the tone would only give her the satisfaction of figuring him out and he was just thankful that they had only met once before quite some time ago. Placing a voice to a face would be too far a stretch for anyone to make but that was exactly why he had not shown his face. Even if it meant making things awkward after revealing who he truly was. "Mhmmm..." He grumbled dismissively at Ignis. 'She must be fun at parties. At least the new guy seems to be alright.' Castur thought to himself as he looked over towards the other guards who seemed to not be looking over at the current moment then at the others. In an attempt to make a gesture of good will, Castur decided to test the waters with this group and stepped to the side, keeping his back to the other guards. "You guys could've made a real mess of things but you didn't." Very slowly and discretely he turned his rifle over in his hands but did not point it at anyone. "I appreciate that. Good to know you have tact. Or at least some notion of it." Quietly he began to unload it, moving his foot carefully so that the unspent rounds would fall and make the softest possible thud upon hitting his boot and rolling off to the ground. "Not the most efficient way to deal with a problem. But hey," he paused noticing the rile was now empty before he slung it over to hang on his shoulder by its strap, "being one of the good guys isn't always easy."
Castur continued to put on the gruff uncaring grunt attitude as he responded towards Ananta. "Nothin' but a peaceful group of explorers. Don't know what you're on about, doll face." He didn't like the sound of the nickname but he was certain it was appropriate for the setting. He hadn't even flinched when she said his voice almost sounded familiar. Changing the tone would only give her the satisfaction of figuring him out and he was just thankful that they had only met once before quite some time ago. Placing a voice to a face would be too far a stretch for anyone to make but that was exactly why he had not shown his face. Even if it meant making things awkward after revealing who he truly was. "Mhmmm..." He grumbled dismissively at Ignis. 'She must be fun at parties. At least the new guy seems to be alright.' Castur thought to himself as he looked over towards the other guards who seemed to not be looking over at the current moment then at the others. In an attempt to make a gesture of good will, Castur decided to test the waters with this group and stepped to the side, keeping his back to the other guards. "You guys could've made a real mess of things but you didn't." Very slowly and discretely he turned his rifle over in his hands but did not point it at anyone. "I appreciate that. Good to know you have tact. Or at least some notion of it." Quietly he began to unload it, moving his foot carefully so that the unspent rounds would fall and make the softest possible thud upon hitting his boot and rolling off to the ground. "Not the most efficient way to deal with a problem. But hey," he paused noticing the rile was now empty before he slung it over to hang on his shoulder by its strap, "being one of the good guys isn't always easy."
She pointed at Boreas when he was hit by a fish. "Hah! ...Well that wasn't as funny as I thought it'd be. Hm. Must not be in a laughing mood." Skia folded her arms and frowned. "Ah well." She took a deep breath and looked at the sky. "Mm...well unless you're some kind of divine entity of thunder and lightning, I don't think you anyone can learn how to do it. If anyone could I would've heard about one of use practicing it by now. So you're out of luck with that." She reached out for the fishing rod and motioned for Boreas to hand it back. "Well I think I've had my fun for the day. Thanks for the help. I only wish your reaction had been funnier to me."
She pointed at Boreas when he was hit by a fish. "Hah! ...Well that wasn't as funny as I thought it'd be. Hm. Must not be in a laughing mood." Skia folded her arms and frowned. "Ah well." She took a deep breath and looked at the sky. "Mm...well unless you're some kind of divine entity of thunder and lightning, I don't think you anyone can learn how to do it. If anyone could I would've heard about one of use practicing it by now. So you're out of luck with that." She reached out for the fishing rod and motioned for Boreas to hand it back. "Well I think I've had my fun for the day. Thanks for the help. I only wish your reaction had been funnier to me."
"Good catch." The woman commented, eyeing the space where the fish clearly was even if she could not actually see it. "As much as I might complain about it, I understand the decision. Our leader was taken from us and, at the time, we had no idea what was coming next. He...the Light Chaser I mean, is just..." She trailed off as she struggled to find the words to describe it. She hummed to herself while picking out her next words careful, her eyes set on the line Boreas had cast. "There's no rhyme or reason to it..." She spoke slowly after a moment of silence. "He's scary strong, both physically and magically. Usually a person has to make a trade off since there are only so many hours someone can possibly train or study yet he's a better swordsman than the best of us and he's by far the most powerful mage I've ever seen. Tougher than Varos too and that guy once tanked a Judgment Bolt! Er...you don't know what a Judgment Bolt is. Don't worry about it." She sighed and shook her head. "To top it all off, I don't feel like there's anyway we can beat him at this game of chess we're playing at. Sooner or later brute force is going to have to be an option and we're gonna need all hands on the deck of cards if we're gonna stand a chance." Skia spoke grimly, lowering her head. "But hey." Her voice brightened as she forced a smile. "Fishing's a great way to take your mind off all that doom and gloom, right?"
"Good catch." The woman commented, eyeing the space where the fish clearly was even if she could not actually see it. "As much as I might complain about it, I understand the decision. Our leader was taken from us and, at the time, we had no idea what was coming next. He...the Light Chaser I mean, is just..." She trailed off as she struggled to find the words to describe it. She hummed to herself while picking out her next words careful, her eyes set on the line Boreas had cast. "There's no rhyme or reason to it..." She spoke slowly after a moment of silence. "He's scary strong, both physically and magically. Usually a person has to make a trade off since there are only so many hours someone can possibly train or study yet he's a better swordsman than the best of us and he's by far the most powerful mage I've ever seen. Tougher than Varos too and that guy once tanked a Judgment Bolt! Er...you don't know what a Judgment Bolt is. Don't worry about it." She sighed and shook her head. "To top it all off, I don't feel like there's anyway we can beat him at this game of chess we're playing at. Sooner or later brute force is going to have to be an option and we're gonna need all hands on the deck of cards if we're gonna stand a chance." Skia spoke grimly, lowering her head. "But hey." Her voice brightened as she forced a smile. "Fishing's a great way to take your mind off all that doom and gloom, right?"
