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Entry tags:
❪ test drive #6 ❫
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YOUR STORY BEGINS  The Storm came. You remember darkness, but you don't remember much after that. You don't know how long you slept, but the dreams were short. You remember the expanse of stars and galaxies in your direct view. Every world and solar system ever known to man was present in your dreams in careful, pristine detail. You also witnessed the Storm, which has devoured a fair portion of these galaxies. Your Earth and similar planets were assimilated by the Storm. Somehow, you knew it would be the last you'd see of your world. That was when she told you what happened. You knew that you'd be living somewhere new. The details weren't clear, but you knew it was a part of a deal with the entity known as Darma. Not long after, you'll wake at Thesa Station. Your body is still cold; it all felt like a dream, but somehow, you knew it wasn't —
CLEAN-UP CREW  While everything has wound down significantly from the strife and destruction of battle, the frozen image of Ysverai, the massive, rotten dragon, and the hole he tore in El Nysa's sky, on several screens of the station is a constant reminder of what took place. New and old refugees alike will notice that prolonged exposure to these images will leave them with a disquiet that gradually builds to actual pain. The discomfort starts from a crawling sensation, insects over skin, and gradually becomes unbearable. They will begin to hear the cries of Ysverai’s pain and suffering, first whispers, then echoes, then wails. Even after Refugees tear their eyes away from this footage, a strange itching sensation remains beneath their skin for several minutes. The dragon isn’t a matter for them to deal with, however. Darma made it clear that the Natha will find a solution. For now, everyone is encouraged to assist in the clean-up of the cities currently frozen in time. However, in interest of the current events and the fact that the refugees still have much to prepare for, they will be offering this help remotely. Several stations are set up where refugees can remote control drones to map out areas and pick up some of the lighter weight debris. Those more well versed technology are encouraged to assist those who may be having trouble getting started with the unfamiliar Natha tech. It seems like it’ll definitely take some getting used to, though. On the bright side, they’re pretty durable drones so if at first you don’t succeed, press the next button? To keep morale high during the clean-up efforts, one of the Natha have set up large hoops around dumpsites and a scoreboard program in the control room, though there's no sign of any directions or rules to be found. That's right, you can play a mechanized version of… some sort of game while you're helping clean up El Nysa. Just make sure you don't get too carried away with competitive spirit! For those looking to pilot something more heavy-duty, there are also cockpits set up for remote control piloting of basic mecha. These are very similar to the VR simulations offered on the station. However, they will not work without a partner. To be able to successfully move one of these, two refugees will be required to connect their minds and pilot in tandem. This may be a daunting task, but with the extensive structural damage to the cities, it's a necessary one. Piloting will require trust and cooperation to make it through. The more connected the pilots are, the more agile and powerful their mecha will be. For those who can’t seem to get on the same page, coordination will be a pipe dream. PROBLEMS WITH THE SHIP  By now it’s likely clear to all refugees, new and old, that for all that they may appear to be infinitely powerful, the Natha Orbiters have been shaken by the recent events on El Nysa. The details of Ysverai’s revival were somehow obscured from their view, and while they’re focusing their efforts on the planet, certain… abnormalities again begin to arise on Thesa Station. The most prevalent of the problems plaguing the Station are the malfunctioning doors. Walking through a door that should lead to a bedroom or kitchen (or, for the truly unfortunate, a toilet) will suddenly take refugees somewhere entirely different and possibly even new. And while this may lead to some accusations of breaking and entering, at least these mishaps can be quickly rectified by an apology and a hasty exit. That is, unless the door refuses to open again — the locks also seem to be malfunctioning. Still, those that find themselves transported somewhere familiar, though off-limits, should consider themselves lucky. Thesa Station is far more vast than most refugees are aware, and some of them might find themselves wandering into a uniquely sticky laboratory. This area appears to serve no purpose other than to house dozens of slimes. These slimes appear not only in a variety of fun colours, but with a variety of not-so-fun abilities ranging from harmless (spitting bubbles) to deadly (spitting fire). Regardless of what abilities a slime possesses however, they are all relentlessly friendly, and characters will need to be careful not to accidentally bringing one out with them once they manage to escape. Unfortunately, that’s not the only situation to escape from. Whether it’s in the mess hall or the bathroom, many will find themselves suddenly rising off the ground. … with everything else in the room, too! It seems like gravity control is also on the fritz. Fortunately, most open spaces aboard the station have a small control panel that can correct these effects. The only problem is getting there. Hopefully at least one of you refugees took that anti-gravity safety course. SUMMER TURNS TO WINTER  The news that the refugees should begin preparations for a return to El Nysa may come as a surprise given that the planet still remains frozen, but it appears there is one community that has somehow withstood Darma’s intervention: an area known as Nadril where time continues to flow freely. Not much information is available regarding this destination, other than the fact that it is isolated, and, more importantly, that it is cold. (Maybe characters should consider the malfunctioning thermostat plunging the temperature to below zero in certain areas on the station as preparation for their upcoming journey!) There are other resources available for those itching to take action, of course. There will be a new supply pack delivered to each room containing gear meant to withstand freezing temperatures — both clothing and storage gear to keep water rations from freezing. Characters will also be alerted to new training programs available in the VR room that are designed to assist with survival in the snowy regions of Nadril. The training programs will consist of a variety of tutorials that will assist in winter survival. Naturally, there will be courses on how to start fires, find food, and build igloos to withstand the frigid temperatures, but that’s not all. Due to the Natha testing their systems, there will occasionally be strange occurrences. For example, refugees may experience a snowball or two pelting them from out of nowhere, or they may suddenly find themselves being cloaked by a snow yeti costume, amongst many other inconveniences. Hopefully that doesn’t detract from the lessons to be learned here, as some of the training programs can include extreme weather survival, including the perils of snow storms or avalanches. SOCIAL-LINKED(in) By some miracle, there are still some quieter parts of the hall. This may be an appropriate time to check out your smartphone. Aside from the expected "Omage" app, there seems to be a new one called Social-Linked. There, you may find a profile waiting to be posted. The app allows for the user to fill it in, but there is also an auto-function! upon pressing it, it will generate a shockingly-honest answer based on the Natha's observation of your history. Roman will be your only friend in this app, with his very own profile: STASIS UNITS  During this time of crisis, the Natha have done their utmost to ensure the safety of those in cryosleep. However, due to the nature of recent events, they will be asking some refugees to do a quick check on some of the pods in the stasis unit. While they are definitely looking for any damage that may have occurred over these past few weeks, they also seem interested in getting a deeper insight into some of the occupants. On each control panel for the pods, there's a new application, asking observers to add notes and commentary — the Natha are looking for a more personal understanding of their sleeping occupants. Refugees are tasked with providing evaluations of the sleepers, based on both their knowledge of those from their homes and on what they can observe just by examining them in their repose. The application asks for how useful you think the pod's occupant would be in a crisis, what their skills are, what their best feature is, if you'd take them with you for a long walk on the beach, and so on… And, of course, all answers must be recorded out loud. Anyone passing by could overhear these evaluations, flattering or less than. FINAL OOC NOTES
As always, feel free to wildcard prompts within Thesa Station!
These threads may be carried over as game canon if players choose. Players are encouraged to submit TDM threads as application samples, but they are not required. Please direct any OOC questions to the questions thread below. New players may submit an AC-length thread HERE from this TDM for 2 Natha REP. In addition, old players who have not submitted rep for the Hour of Ruin log may also submit a TDM thread for 2 Natha REP. The due date for submission is July 15 11:59 PM EST. For this application cycle, there will be a cap of 60 and no reserves. Applications will be open on July 9 12:01 AM EST and end on July 13 11:59 PM EST. Thank you! |
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Terra and Aqua...
[He gives it some thought. Even if neither name sounds immediately familiar, he's lost memories twice now, if the memories of his original self, the ones that would have been his if Sora had remained a Heartless, count as lost. Roxas has to at least consider it, even if he's not and has never been known as Ventus.
But there's nothing.]
No.
[It feels like he should maybe add a 'sorry', but he doesn't.]
How did you know I'm a Nobody?
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Terra considers taking a seat on his bed, but... it's probably better he stay standing, just in case Ven does start to get wobbly. If he's on his feet, he might be able to dive and grab Ven in time to keep him from hitting his head on anything.]
There was a guy named Demyx here for a while. He woke up at the same time I did. He told me about Nobodies, about the 'x' in your names. And about the Superior? Xemnas?
[What else had Demyx said...?]
He mentioned someone with an 'x'-shaped scar on their face, too. Soix? I think the name was. [Close enough.] He said there are thirteen of you.
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Demyx was here?
[A lot about the waking-up-in-a-space-pod thing has seemed impossible, but this seems even more impossible. He didn't realize it could happen on a scale.]
Xemnas isn't superior to anyone. And Saix... [He scowls and shakes his head.] Yeah. There were. I was Number Thirteen.
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Yes? He's still here, just back in a pod. Sometimes people wake up only to fall back asleep a few months later.
[He shrugs. Incomprehensible Natha science/magic business.
Also, duly noted: Xemnas isn't superior to anyone and 'X-Face', as Demyx had called the man with the scars, is Saix. He's going to have to review his notes later.]
Number Thirteen. I... take it you're not friends with these other Nobodies?
[A reassuring idea, frankly, given how Demyx described them as 'pretty much all jerks' and Riku said Xemnas has caused havoc for the worlds.]
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But Demyx wasn't awful, even if he could be a pain. It's not terrible to think that he could have another chance, if he wakes up again. Unlike Xemnas or Saix, some of his former comrades had been okay. They just fell in with a bad crowd, the same as he had.
He shakes his head.]
Only one of them. I left the Organization a while ago.
[And he hasn't been in a position to return even if he wanted to.]
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Only one? Who was that?
[Friends are important, after all. More important than anything else.
... Please just don't let it be Quaxa or something like that.]
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[The only one who'd shown any sign that he deserved a heart, even remembering the times he'd let Roxas down. He'd tried to make up for it and now they've got a fresh start.
It occurs to him that he's answering a lot of questions but not getting to ask many in returns.]
Why does that matter?
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[Ah, so Ven must have been the kid with the crazy bedhead hair Axel told him he was looking for in Stasis. Along with some girl with short, dark hair, if he remembers right.]
I was just curious. If it had been someone I'd never heard of before, I would have asked what they look like so I could keep an eye out for them.
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You know Axel?
[Since Roxas first blundered into Terra's space, he's worn a lot of expressions. Awkwardness, shock, confusion, wariness. But for the first time, he smiles.]
Why didn't you say so before? Axel is my best friend.
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[Faced with that sudden smile and those awful, awful words, Terra quickly adopts Ven's previous expressions as his own. Like all of those previous expressions. All of them simultaneously.
With the awkwardness and shock and confusion and the hint of wariness (or maybe that's hurt), he mostly looks like he just heard the strangest, most baffling statement ever and is desperately trying to wrap his head around it.
Axel is Ven's best friend. Axel.
No, he's not! Part of him wants to argue, to heck with the consequences-- but no. No, he can't let his emotions get the best of him right now. He can't risk breaking or overwhelming Ven's... mind or soul or whatever.]
How... [He stops, starts again, and stumbles through a question:] How long have you known him?
[And where is he now? Terra can probably take him.]
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(Except, why does he look so surprised to hear that they're best friends? Was he feeling more than just surprise? It's like Roxas is still missing some important pieces of this puzzle.)]
A long time now. Sometimes it feels like forever.
[My whole life, he doesn't say. It wouldn't be so bad to tell Terra that they met on Roxas' very first day, the day he got his new name. If he already knows about Nobodies, that probably wouldn't sound so strange to him.
It's just that if he goes into how he was born and how he didn't have any memories, then he has to explain about him and Sora, too, and how they were separate and then they weren't and now they are again. And maybe it's not a secret, but starting off his time in this new world by defining himself as half of someone else isn't something he wants to do.]
How long have you known him? He didn't mention you earlier. Sora, either. I guess we had other stuff to talk about, though.
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I've only known Axel for a few months now. We met here. [He rubs at the back of his neck absently. Oh, and-] Same with Sora. If you're talking about a Sora with brown hair and blue eyes... About yea tall?
[He indicates the approximate height with his hand, only to pause and compare where his hand is hovering to where the top of Ven's head is.]
About your height.
[Ven does seem a bit taller than Terra remembers him being? So, possibly a year or two into the future? Except that doesn't add up with what he said about how long he's known Axel or with what little Terra knows about the future of their World...]
Bright heart, positive attitude?
[He mumbles this last part of his vague description of Sora, distracted by the mystery that is Ven's age and timeline.]
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Right...that makes sense.
[He says it more to himself than to Terra. Roxas is only two years older than when he first met Axel, maybe, but he feels a hundred times wiser. Back then, it had felt easy to slip into being friends with Axel. Knowing what he knows now, about Axel and about their very nature as Nobodies, he understands that it takes longer to become someone important. Another way he was special, he guesses.
He gives his head a little shake and looks back up at Terra.]
Yeah, that's Sora all right. He was the first person I found after I woke up, but we've met before. Actually, I've known him even longer than I've known Axel. [Kiiiiiind of.] But we haven't spent as much time together.
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... Or maybe Sora only knew Ven as 'Roxas'? Something to ask the younger Keybearer later. And afterwards, he can explain to Sora who 'Roxas' really is, since it seems like he must not know.]
Would you say he's a friend of yours, too?
[He's a little hesitant in asking that but only a little.]
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He hesitates for a moment before answering, but then nods.]
I think he will be now. He wasn't always, but...it's complicated. [Really, really, really complicated.] He's a good guy, though. And important.
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Although, come to think of it, if Ven no longer has his heart, is he even still susceptible to that kind of breakdown? Maybe not. Then again, maybe as a Nobody he's even more vulnerable and fragile? Just in different, non-heart-related ways?
It's probably best to just avoid 'complicated' for a while, either way.
Besides, Sora can't possibly be that important.]
He is a good kid.
[Terra speaks up suddenly, realizing he lapsed into silence for a few seconds there. Then another thought occurs to him.]
What about Riku? Have you ever met someone named Riku?
[Maybe even Master Riku?]
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Roxas kind of wishes this piece had stayed missing.]
Yeah. [He shifts in place, not moving away but like he wants to, and his gaze flickers off to the side.] We've met.
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Fortunately, it doesn't take too long for a small light bulb to flicker on over Terra's head.
Ah. Ven and Riku... aren't friends, are they? That's... uh... odd.
But all right, he'll add Riku to the growing list of subjects to avoid for now and treat with serious care in the future.
(Maybe he could ask Riku what happened...)
There's something else they need to talk about, anyway. Terra stretches his right hand out in front of him. With the usual twirling of sparks and light gears, he summons Ends of the Earth forth.]
You must know what this is then, right?
[He must know what it is, but does he still wield one himself? Terra sort of doubts it, sad as the idea is. Losing your heart must surely break your connection to the Keyblade?]
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The worst thing that ever happened to him had been done for the best reason, and if he can't imagine ever making that specific choice, if he considers how far he'd go for his friends, it's not as unfathomable. And he knows Riku now, not completely but enough, through pieces of someone else's memory and visions of a lifetime of friendship that had come rushing through him, back to Sora.
It would be a lot easier if he could hate Riku. Or if he even wanted to.
There's a few seconds of silence, and he's half-braced for further questions, and then grateful when they don't come. Not the ones he's expecting.]
Whoa!
[Roxas knows the telltale shimmers of magic that immediately precede the summoning of the Keyblade, but he's still surprised a half-second later when it actually appears. He moves forward again, eyes alert and focused on this weapon that's so different from his own.]
I knew it—you're from the same worlds as us, aren't you? But I never heard of anyone who could use the Keyblade besides me and Sora...and Riku later, I guess.
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You...? You can wield your Keyblade without your heart?
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Yes?
[It sounds like that's a question too, but a second later he extends his hand and calls Oathkeeper in a bright flash.]
Am I not supposed to?
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I don't know. We're supposed to be connected to our Keyblades through our hearts. At least, I think we are.
[But you sure did just summon a Keyblade right here and now, Ven. Hmm.
He almost asks if Ven's certain he lost his heart, but it strikes him as a dumb question. Of course you'd know whether or not you had your heart.]
That's a new keychain, too. What's it called?
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Oathkeeper.
[He lowers his hand then as his eyes narrow, just a little. With the 'enthusiastic greeter' theory quashed, he'd thought, assumed that Terra's misidentification was some kind of mistake, and working out who they both knew and were connected to had cleared it up.
But Terra's talking with that unnerving familiarity again. A new keychain? When would he have ever been in a position to see an older one?]
Why are you talking like you've seen my Keyblade before? And why did you think I was someone else at first?
[Does he just have one of those faces? Except his looks a lot like Sora's.]
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It's neat. [He murmurs, glancing down at Oathkeeper. He lets his own Keyblade swing down to his side. He'd dismiss it altogether but the weight of it in his hand is something comforting and grounding right now. He chooses his next words carefully.]
You're not someone else. You're you. You just... don't remember who you really are.
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He waits for a moment before replying, but there's no hesitance in his voice.]
No. I know exactly who I am. I didn't always, but I do now.
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