Current Location: Traverse Town
Neku stepped out of the dark portal, temporarily blinded by the fluorescent lights of Traverse Town. Neku had read about Traverse Town in various books, the Town itself was actually rather expansive with multiple districts, each with it's own separate yet familiar design. Apparently, this was a place where great things could be born; friendships and adventures, hopes and dreams. The calm, tranquil serenity of Traverse Town could have actually lulled Neku to sleep if it wasn't for the bright, overbearing lights next to him on either side. After recovering, Neku took a quick scan around him, he remembered this area in one of the many geographical books he had read. It already had looked lovely in books, but it looked so much nicer in person. To his left was a cafe with an outdoor seating area where couples sat drinking an assortment of beverages while they admired the scenery.
Next to the cafe was a shop with a clear, bold sign which read "Item." To it's right was an oddly shaped box but somehow, it's odd structure made it fit perfectly into the overall look of the town. In front of Neku was a small flight of stairs. People meandered up and down these flights of stairs. They were in no rush to arrive at their destination. To the right of of the staircase Neku spotted a strange postbox sporting a large top hat with it's... tongue... hanging out of it's... mouth.
He'd never seen a post box like that before! This place was so strange yet so... comfortable. There was no feeling of contempt, or loss, or rage, or fear within this district. If Neku had never lived here and never left, he never would have guessed there was a war being raged across worlds.
From where he stood, he saw no resemblance of any military institution, so he guessed it must either be behind the accessory shop or in another district. Neku wondered what Jayden's superiors were like. Were they super strict? Or were they at least a little lax? He had heard different stories from those who ventured outside of the academy and Neku didn't quite know who to believe. Neku continued to stare wide-eyed at his surroundings as his friends appeared through the portal.
"This place is awwwwweeeeeessssooooooome!" He exclaimed in a somewhat hushed tone, fearful of disrupting the peace. The ambiance, the atmosphere and overall mood of this place just put Neku in a good place. After absorbing and cataloging the area in his mind for future reference, Neku turned to his friends with a wide grin on his face.
"This place is awwwwwwweeeeessssooooooome!" He proclaimed once more. "I've read a lot about this world, and I've always wanted to visit! I'm glad I finally have the opportunity to!" As if remembering something important, he stood up straight, an almost shocked look on his face. "Oh, Jayden." He began, addressing the soldier. "There's a synthesis shop in Traverse Town, right? Do you think you could show me where it is or at least point me in the general direction or... something?" He said, removing the empty leather holster from his hip. The holster itself was rather barebones, barely more than a few straps and the holster itself would only really hold the blade up just before the blade, being supported by the guard. A few more straps would wrap around the grip, securing it in place but still leaving the weapon itself immediately available. With a simple tug the straps would fall out of place, allowing him to strike quick and accurate.
"I've gone too long without my gunblade, I kinda miss it." He said rather sheepishly. When he didn't have anyone to talk to, Neku focused on his weapons and tools, arranging them, cleaning them, working them, and because of this, he had become rather adept at DIY construction and some forms of weapons smithing.
For now, Neku felt happy, until he had to depart again to fight a war, not only on a universal scale, but personal, too.
--
Current Location: Moonlit Bayou
Kataki returned to the hut of earth he made with the girls inside with a few more sticks of fire wood. He tossed them into a pile that was already currently amassed on the floor. Unfortunately it had begun raining outside and the sticks were slightly damp, but he had a cure for that. He crouched next to the sticks and made a couple hand signs. A small ball of fire was conjured in his hands and he applied it to the wood. This fire was made through forcing his chakra into the physical manifestation of a fireball and as of such, by pouring more of his energy into into it, the flame grew hotter, drying the sticks at an incredible rate.
With this, he dimmed the power of the fireball and applied it directly to the sticks. It took a moment, but the sticks caught and soon a small campfire was available for the three of them. As he stood up, he carefully applied one of his palms to the ground. By surging more chakra through his system, Kataki creating a small opening at the top of the dome to let the smoke out. Of course, this would let water into the hut, and Kataki prepared for this. A sort of bucket made of dirt hung from the ceiling, catching any of the light raindrops that found their way inside. On the side of this dirt bucket was another little hole that led to a slide for the water that channeled out the side of the hut. Now they were warm and dry.
They probably would have begun moving earlier but Kataki was still in pain from earlier (though not in enough pain to prevent him from stepping outside and gathering a few sticks) and in addition to that, none of them were familiar with the area, and if the rain potentially got worse, and with night creeping up on them, who knows what might happen to them.
"Sorry we're stuck here for a while, I didn't really have enough time to pick a destination." He said somberly. Water dripped from his hair, and his clothes were damp. He was cold too, shivering on occasion. He never got to retrieve his cloak so he's stuck in a shirt and long shorts for now.
Still, all Kataki could think about was Neku. Kataki hated what he had to do to the poor kid but if he didn't, Neku probably wouldn't have toughened up like he has now. And somehow he still manages a cheery, almost naive disposition. Sometimes Kataki wondered if Neku would have responded as well with positive reinforcement than negative, but by the way he acted when they were younger- arrogant, cocky, self-entitled -that probably wouldn't have happened.
But it would work now, right?
"We'll just stay here til morning, take a quick look around and make sure this world is still safe. Then we can go to where ever you two need to be." He paused momentarily. "If you don't mind, that is. I'd like to at least make sure this world isn't infested with Heartless like others are, once I can start moving again properly."
In the heat of the moment in Olympus, Kataki had forgotten all about his pain, but as soon as the adrenaline wore off, the aches came back in droves. He was capable of moving short distances and careful movement, but prolonged travel, even through portals would cause too much of a strain on his body.
"I hope you're ready for what's to come."
"There you are. I missed you."
"Oh cut the crap. Just heed my warning, you're not as safe as you think you are."
Kataki listened to the soft pitter-patter of the rain drops hitting their little shelter as Voideus spoke to him. Still, he had been silent for a while, maybe it would be best to heed his warnings.
Kataki stepped near the entrance of the dome and placed his gunblades and pouches by the door. With another hand sign, the earth rose up, sealing off the entrance. At least now there wouldn't be a draft.
Thankfully, the spot they chose was actually rather well vegetated for this swampy area, and the grass was smooth and full. At least they wouldn't be sleeping in mud tonight. Kataki removed his large scroll from behind his back and then took a liquid-ink pen from one of his pouches. He sat near the fire again and unrolled the scroll. He continued to draw various intricate symbols and images. Soon it'd be finished.
"You two can rest if you want, I'll keep an eye and an ear out for you two, just in case." And as if preemptively, he added, "Don't worry, I'll be fine. I need to finish this scroll anyway." He looked up at the two of them and smiled. Their faces were illuminated by the fire, and it only prolonged his smile. Looking back down at his scroll, still with that pleasant look on his face, Kataki continued to work on his scroll.
As his hair sagged over his eyes, his smile turned to a frown and his heart grew heavy. He didn't want to leave them. They were both very sweet girls, and they had helped him tremendously back at Olympus, not only by helping him after his fight, but they helped him see himself for what he really is. Although they judged him to begin with and were very wary of his presence, he won them over. But he didn't tell them the truth to do so. They didn't know what he had done before meeting them, they didn't know what he was really like. Or was this the real him? Was the Kataki who put himself before others the real him, or was the bitter killer the real him? Kataki didn't know anymore. He had been the stone-cold assassin for so long he had forgotten which personality was the real Kataki.
Still, if ever decided to accompany them further, he'd have to tell them, he wouldn't be able to live with himself if he didn't tell them. They'd probably start questioning him too; about Darien, about Voideus, about how he met Darien. Would he be able to tell them the truth or would he just continue to dig an even deeper hole? On top of that, would Neku be able to believe him? Would Neku believe that Kataki was only pushing him to grow and adapt as a person, or would he see past a ruse that wasn't even there?
That's a problem for another day. Right now, Kataki just wants to heal, and he just wants to make sure these girls get to where they need to go to. He didn't know why he felt such a strong urge to help them. He was, admittedly, rather worried about Lumie after her episode in Olympus. He glanced back up at the girl at this thought to check for any indication it might happen again. What happened to her? He'd have to ask when he got the chance. But then again, they're Keybladers! They're supposed to be strong and their hearts' must be far superior to his in strength and purity, because he's never been contacted by a Keyblade once despite how confident in was in his skills, and it's not like Keyblades are a rarity in this day and age either. So why did he feel like he needed to be with them? And why did they choose to stay with him and even invite him along to where they were going? What had he done to garner such blinding trust? Or were they just playing a ruse, luring him into a Light Wielder trap where they would try to extort for information he was willing to give up because he's really on their side. Or was he?
Kataki's mind and heart was horrific, jumbled mess, continually toying with his emotions. He didn't know why he suddenly felt a strong flux of emotion, all he knew was that he hated it. All this confusion and doubt wrought within his mind, all because he had been living a double... no triple... quadruple life? No, he was just a fake. He wasn't even really a person. He was a mold that fit into whatever position would make things easiest for him.
God. What was the matter with him? At this point, Kataki was ready to simply breakdown and cry, but his will managed to remain steadfast. Now was not the time nor the place to act in such a way. He needed to keep his cool.
Just get through the night, and face your problems come morning.
Neku stepped out of the dark portal, temporarily blinded by the fluorescent lights of Traverse Town. Neku had read about Traverse Town in various books, the Town itself was actually rather expansive with multiple districts, each with it's own separate yet familiar design. Apparently, this was a place where great things could be born; friendships and adventures, hopes and dreams. The calm, tranquil serenity of Traverse Town could have actually lulled Neku to sleep if it wasn't for the bright, overbearing lights next to him on either side. After recovering, Neku took a quick scan around him, he remembered this area in one of the many geographical books he had read. It already had looked lovely in books, but it looked so much nicer in person. To his left was a cafe with an outdoor seating area where couples sat drinking an assortment of beverages while they admired the scenery.
Next to the cafe was a shop with a clear, bold sign which read "Item." To it's right was an oddly shaped box but somehow, it's odd structure made it fit perfectly into the overall look of the town. In front of Neku was a small flight of stairs. People meandered up and down these flights of stairs. They were in no rush to arrive at their destination. To the right of of the staircase Neku spotted a strange postbox sporting a large top hat with it's... tongue... hanging out of it's... mouth.
He'd never seen a post box like that before! This place was so strange yet so... comfortable. There was no feeling of contempt, or loss, or rage, or fear within this district. If Neku had never lived here and never left, he never would have guessed there was a war being raged across worlds.
From where he stood, he saw no resemblance of any military institution, so he guessed it must either be behind the accessory shop or in another district. Neku wondered what Jayden's superiors were like. Were they super strict? Or were they at least a little lax? He had heard different stories from those who ventured outside of the academy and Neku didn't quite know who to believe. Neku continued to stare wide-eyed at his surroundings as his friends appeared through the portal.
"This place is awwwwweeeeeessssooooooome!" He exclaimed in a somewhat hushed tone, fearful of disrupting the peace. The ambiance, the atmosphere and overall mood of this place just put Neku in a good place. After absorbing and cataloging the area in his mind for future reference, Neku turned to his friends with a wide grin on his face.
"This place is awwwwwwweeeeessssooooooome!" He proclaimed once more. "I've read a lot about this world, and I've always wanted to visit! I'm glad I finally have the opportunity to!" As if remembering something important, he stood up straight, an almost shocked look on his face. "Oh, Jayden." He began, addressing the soldier. "There's a synthesis shop in Traverse Town, right? Do you think you could show me where it is or at least point me in the general direction or... something?" He said, removing the empty leather holster from his hip. The holster itself was rather barebones, barely more than a few straps and the holster itself would only really hold the blade up just before the blade, being supported by the guard. A few more straps would wrap around the grip, securing it in place but still leaving the weapon itself immediately available. With a simple tug the straps would fall out of place, allowing him to strike quick and accurate.
"I've gone too long without my gunblade, I kinda miss it." He said rather sheepishly. When he didn't have anyone to talk to, Neku focused on his weapons and tools, arranging them, cleaning them, working them, and because of this, he had become rather adept at DIY construction and some forms of weapons smithing.
For now, Neku felt happy, until he had to depart again to fight a war, not only on a universal scale, but personal, too.
--
Current Location: Moonlit Bayou
Kataki returned to the hut of earth he made with the girls inside with a few more sticks of fire wood. He tossed them into a pile that was already currently amassed on the floor. Unfortunately it had begun raining outside and the sticks were slightly damp, but he had a cure for that. He crouched next to the sticks and made a couple hand signs. A small ball of fire was conjured in his hands and he applied it to the wood. This fire was made through forcing his chakra into the physical manifestation of a fireball and as of such, by pouring more of his energy into into it, the flame grew hotter, drying the sticks at an incredible rate.
With this, he dimmed the power of the fireball and applied it directly to the sticks. It took a moment, but the sticks caught and soon a small campfire was available for the three of them. As he stood up, he carefully applied one of his palms to the ground. By surging more chakra through his system, Kataki creating a small opening at the top of the dome to let the smoke out. Of course, this would let water into the hut, and Kataki prepared for this. A sort of bucket made of dirt hung from the ceiling, catching any of the light raindrops that found their way inside. On the side of this dirt bucket was another little hole that led to a slide for the water that channeled out the side of the hut. Now they were warm and dry.
They probably would have begun moving earlier but Kataki was still in pain from earlier (though not in enough pain to prevent him from stepping outside and gathering a few sticks) and in addition to that, none of them were familiar with the area, and if the rain potentially got worse, and with night creeping up on them, who knows what might happen to them.
"Sorry we're stuck here for a while, I didn't really have enough time to pick a destination." He said somberly. Water dripped from his hair, and his clothes were damp. He was cold too, shivering on occasion. He never got to retrieve his cloak so he's stuck in a shirt and long shorts for now.
Still, all Kataki could think about was Neku. Kataki hated what he had to do to the poor kid but if he didn't, Neku probably wouldn't have toughened up like he has now. And somehow he still manages a cheery, almost naive disposition. Sometimes Kataki wondered if Neku would have responded as well with positive reinforcement than negative, but by the way he acted when they were younger- arrogant, cocky, self-entitled -that probably wouldn't have happened.
But it would work now, right?
"We'll just stay here til morning, take a quick look around and make sure this world is still safe. Then we can go to where ever you two need to be." He paused momentarily. "If you don't mind, that is. I'd like to at least make sure this world isn't infested with Heartless like others are, once I can start moving again properly."
In the heat of the moment in Olympus, Kataki had forgotten all about his pain, but as soon as the adrenaline wore off, the aches came back in droves. He was capable of moving short distances and careful movement, but prolonged travel, even through portals would cause too much of a strain on his body.
"I hope you're ready for what's to come."
"There you are. I missed you."
"Oh cut the crap. Just heed my warning, you're not as safe as you think you are."
Kataki listened to the soft pitter-patter of the rain drops hitting their little shelter as Voideus spoke to him. Still, he had been silent for a while, maybe it would be best to heed his warnings.
Kataki stepped near the entrance of the dome and placed his gunblades and pouches by the door. With another hand sign, the earth rose up, sealing off the entrance. At least now there wouldn't be a draft.
Thankfully, the spot they chose was actually rather well vegetated for this swampy area, and the grass was smooth and full. At least they wouldn't be sleeping in mud tonight. Kataki removed his large scroll from behind his back and then took a liquid-ink pen from one of his pouches. He sat near the fire again and unrolled the scroll. He continued to draw various intricate symbols and images. Soon it'd be finished.
"You two can rest if you want, I'll keep an eye and an ear out for you two, just in case." And as if preemptively, he added, "Don't worry, I'll be fine. I need to finish this scroll anyway." He looked up at the two of them and smiled. Their faces were illuminated by the fire, and it only prolonged his smile. Looking back down at his scroll, still with that pleasant look on his face, Kataki continued to work on his scroll.
As his hair sagged over his eyes, his smile turned to a frown and his heart grew heavy. He didn't want to leave them. They were both very sweet girls, and they had helped him tremendously back at Olympus, not only by helping him after his fight, but they helped him see himself for what he really is. Although they judged him to begin with and were very wary of his presence, he won them over. But he didn't tell them the truth to do so. They didn't know what he had done before meeting them, they didn't know what he was really like. Or was this the real him? Was the Kataki who put himself before others the real him, or was the bitter killer the real him? Kataki didn't know anymore. He had been the stone-cold assassin for so long he had forgotten which personality was the real Kataki.
Still, if ever decided to accompany them further, he'd have to tell them, he wouldn't be able to live with himself if he didn't tell them. They'd probably start questioning him too; about Darien, about Voideus, about how he met Darien. Would he be able to tell them the truth or would he just continue to dig an even deeper hole? On top of that, would Neku be able to believe him? Would Neku believe that Kataki was only pushing him to grow and adapt as a person, or would he see past a ruse that wasn't even there?
That's a problem for another day. Right now, Kataki just wants to heal, and he just wants to make sure these girls get to where they need to go to. He didn't know why he felt such a strong urge to help them. He was, admittedly, rather worried about Lumie after her episode in Olympus. He glanced back up at the girl at this thought to check for any indication it might happen again. What happened to her? He'd have to ask when he got the chance. But then again, they're Keybladers! They're supposed to be strong and their hearts' must be far superior to his in strength and purity, because he's never been contacted by a Keyblade once despite how confident in was in his skills, and it's not like Keyblades are a rarity in this day and age either. So why did he feel like he needed to be with them? And why did they choose to stay with him and even invite him along to where they were going? What had he done to garner such blinding trust? Or were they just playing a ruse, luring him into a Light Wielder trap where they would try to extort for information he was willing to give up because he's really on their side. Or was he?
Kataki's mind and heart was horrific, jumbled mess, continually toying with his emotions. He didn't know why he suddenly felt a strong flux of emotion, all he knew was that he hated it. All this confusion and doubt wrought within his mind, all because he had been living a double... no triple... quadruple life? No, he was just a fake. He wasn't even really a person. He was a mold that fit into whatever position would make things easiest for him.
God. What was the matter with him? At this point, Kataki was ready to simply breakdown and cry, but his will managed to remain steadfast. Now was not the time nor the place to act in such a way. He needed to keep his cool.
Just get through the night, and face your problems come morning.
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