|
Post by hoodwink on Dec 3, 2020 14:32:03 GMT -5
Flounder made his way back to the palace, welcoming the sight of calm normalcy slowly returning to all within. ”Tori!” Swimming through the palace entryway, the fish’s speed increased as he found the slumbering girl, now covered by an ornate blanket of undersea flora and green, a soft sea sponge beneath her head as a pillow. ”Shhh!” The Healer was quick to shush Flounder as he swam up, a look of mild exasperation on her face. ”She needs to rest.” Elane smiled at seeing the fish’s return, giving a small wave. ”Don’t worry! She seems to be doing alright, for the most part…” Though the white cracks were still visible, the look of pain across the sleeping girl’s face had begun to wane. It seemed that whatever was going on, the rest was doing her good.
Quieting himself, the fish nodded, settling in next to Tori as he silently comforted her. "Hey, where'd Sebastian go?" Keeping his voice low, Flounder glanced between Elane and the Healer, noting the lobster's absence finally. The two mermaids chuckled quietly, rolling their eyes a bit before gesturing towards the large stairs that led to the Throne Room. "He's freaking out about the trident piece, like half of the Vanguard." Elane explained with a smile on her lips, clearly used to the Royal Advisor's nervousness and anxiety by now.
CLANG! Keyblade met jagged black metal as the armored Heartless blocked his attack with its serrated forked trident. SHIIIING! Staggering from the piercing wail, Henoke blinked in surprise as multiple shards of ice whizzed through the water, colliding with the Heartless and narrowly avoiding the teen, though barely. A thin slice had emerged on his cheek and ear, from where one of the lancing projectiles had nearly taken out his head. ”Oi, watch where you’re shootin’!” Thankfully, the collision from the magic knocked the Heartless back, it’s suctioned tentacles releasing from the clam shell as it toppled backwards. Huh?! It was then that the teen noticed something in the Heartless’ free hand—a glinting sliver of gold that flashed as it fell. ”It’s the trident piece!” What was this Heartless doing with it, and why here? Following up the bizarre serpent’s magical spell, the teen’s Keyblade crackled and sparked with a golden energy as he swung with all his might.
CRACK! Unleashing his Blitz attack, Henoke succeeded in striking the prone enemy directly in its armored visor—the blow causing the armor to crack as its helm was partly broken, pure darkness exposed within. Crumpling against the seafloor for a moment, the Heartless lashed out with its tentacles at the teen, wrapping around the large tail he now had. ”Ack!” Yanked and slammed into the large clam shell, Henoke shouted out as he was twirled around and thrashed about for a moment, slammed and sliding against one of the many shelves, demolishing what little organization was left as countless baubles and knickknacks spilled and tumbled throughout the Grotto. ”Urgh…you bastard!” Recovering from the sheer dizziness and pain from the attack, Henoke shook his head and focused his vision as he glared at the Heartless. Having sent the teen crashing against the opposite wall, the armored enemy swam with surprising speed, aided by its many tentacles, as darkness began to glow around the tip of its trident.
Lashing out towards the large pink serpent, it began to lunge and stab, swiping at it with its serrated blades with a mindless fury.
[[ENEMIES: Cephalodiver]]
|
|
|
Post by therunawaygirl on Dec 3, 2020 15:59:58 GMT -5
Not moving from its spot, the snake didn’t take Henoke’s comment seriously —apparently unable to, and instead minded its own business. The black and lifeless eyes of the beast looked at the piece the Heartless held in its hand —it was most likely something it was aware of.
“What a pain, indeed…” the voice sighed, “All of this trouble, just for a piece of power? …How dull can you Heartless get?”
The snake did nothing as Henoke was tossed around and hit the large clam, not wanting to lend a hand when it came to actually supporting the teen, and instead locking gazes with the Cephalodiver. Seeing it dive towards it didn’t faze it, as it welcomed the assault in open arms.
It was bound to end at its loss, anyways.
“How futile…”
The orange tendrils —4 in total, two near the snake’s bright pink mane and the other two near the end of its body— all greeted the Cephalodiver’s attack without care. Acting as a net to block the attack, the snake didn’t seem to mind the serrated blades that attacked it. Breaking the guard, it would then try to ensnare the Heartless with all 4 of the extensions, to then pin it down in the spot, threatening to tear its limbs off.
“Do me a favor and make this quick, before I do it…” the voice asked coldly to Henoke, unamused, “Quite honestly, I don’t want to lose any more time in this hassle…”
Tori found herself giggling quietly as the fox just continued to tease and snuggle, yet never moving of their laying down position —remaining sprawled on the golden sand of the Shore in the girl’s dreams. The fox continued to tease the small girl with its snout, or play with its tails and patting Tori and causing her tickles —which made the girl continuously laugh aloud.
Just like old times.
Eventually, Tori tired out —falling asleep in her dreams as it slowly faded away. Once the horsing around was done with, the fox sighed, standing up but never once leaving the girl’s side, instead sitting close to her. Looking at the horizon, it seemed to smile, yet a faint unease crept through it.
“You two’ve been waiting just way too long… Due to something that perhaps you should’ve never been a part of” it sighed, looking at Tori and giving her the soft paw on the cheek, “Even so, you shouldn’t worry him… The same way he shouldn’t worry you…”
“So, stay safe, okay? So that you can meet him again.”
The dream faded —and with that, Tori’s wounds. Slowly, they had begun to seal themselves, yet some faintly remained. It seemed that even in dreams there was so much that could be hastened —while most damage was already healed, some still remained, taking its time to properly disappear.
Groaning a bit, Tori opened her eyes again. The dream had been sweet, unlike the last one —it was warm and fuzzy. Bringing a hand to her head as she sat upright, she tried to wake herself up properly. It had been a while since she’d fallen asleep, but she couldn’t tell straight away.
“…How long was I out…?” she asked, with a faint smile, looking for Elane and the healer. That’s when she noticed Flounder, “…You came back… Then you told Henoke, right?” she asked, with a smile, “Thank you, Flounder.”
Lowering the hand at her forehead, Tori opened her arms a bit —wanting to give the fish the reward he wanted. After all, didn’t he want to snuggle Tori, back when she’d first woken up from creating the Illusion?
The least she could to was grant it to him now, before she got the full picture of what was now going on.
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Dec 4, 2020 13:37:27 GMT -5
While the large serpent defended and countered the Heartless’ attack, Henoke had finally regained his composure. Despite having been thrown around rather viciously, it seemed the hard-headed teen wasn’t about to be out of the fight just from a few bruises and scrapes! Woah! Seeing the snake’s odd tendrils lash out and ensnare the armored creature, who’s tentacles thrashed and writhed, trying to grab and twist at the tendrils, Henoke couldn’t help but be impressed. It had all happened so fast. "Do me a favor and make this quick, before I do it…” With a cocky sneer on his face, the teen swam over with his Keyblade in hand, glaring down at the armored Heartless that struggled in futility against the serpents power. ”Heh—don’t gotta tell me twice!” Eager to enact his revenge, Henoke lifted the large weapon above his head before bringing it down with a powerful slicing arc, aimed directly at the armored Heartless’ neck. Whoosh! As the heart released and the creature dissolved, the teen bent over and lifted the shard of trident-head from the ground.
”So…it took it from the palace, huh?” Holding the piece, the teen felt a power brimming from within—the shard itself almost looking as though it had a faint glow to itself…though perhaps that was just the light pouring in from the exposed Grotto, which lacked a roof of any kind. ”Hm…” Looking down at his large whale tail, the teen frowned, swishing it in thought as he glanced at his exposed torso. Shit…where am I gonna put this? This world’s ‘camouflage’ had totally taken all of his pockets!
”How long was I out…?” As Tori groaned out in a slow awakening, Flounder shouted out in cheer as Elane perked up, resting a hand to her chest in relief. The Healer had noticed the girl’s wounds sealing slowly as she slept, noting how by the time she awoke, it appeared the worst ones had healed. ”It’s still the same day, if that’s what you’re wondering~” Giggling a bit in a lightened mood, Elane watched as Flounder swam over and gave the girl a ‘hug’ (his fins were rather short, so it was more like a nuzzling? Idk…fish stuff?). ”Tori! I’m so glad you’re okay!” Beaming, Flounder was a ball of energy, clearly beyond ecstatic that she had recovered alright. Others in the palace noticed as well, the girl wakening, as many cheered out or yelled out a word of thanks—the once quiet palace was soon much more lively. ”Don’t crowd!” Stern as ever, the Healer had straightened herself and shot daggers to those trying to swim over immediately. "You can all thank her from where you are!” It seemed none were willing to go toe-to-toe with the Healer when it came to her patients.
Though some had surely learned the hard way…
”Ah! What the—?!” Just as Henoke had turned to thank the odd snake for its help and open the clamshell to free Doris, the trident shard in his hand and begun to glow vibrantly, reacting to the Keyblade in the teens hands. For a moment, it was almost like the world around him faded as the shard floated out of his hand and above him in the water, twirling slowly as it placed itself in a faint sigil in the rock wall of the Grotto. This feeling…! It was one familiar to him as his Keyblade began to glow, the world washing away as the Keyhole exposed itself to him in a blinding light. ”It’s time!” Grabbing his weapon with both hands as it shimmered, Henoke raised it and aimed directly at the large opening above him, a ray of light shooting forth and finding its target as a loud CLICK! resounded through his ears.
As quick as it happened, it faded, the quiet Grotto returning to him as the trident shard ceased its glow, falling from the Sigil above and back into the teen’s hands as his Keyblade disappeared. ”Huh…so it was this, the whole time?” Raising an eyebrow at the piece of trident, the teen heard a faint blubblublblublblublub! as the clamshell in the center of the room opened, bubbles cascading out as Doris swam free, stretching and twirling through the water after having been so cramped up. ”Oh, Henoke! Thank you!” Swimming up to the teen, the dolphin beamed, though upon noticing the large serpent, they regained their composure swiftly. ”Oh, pardon me. I’m Doris—nice to meet you.” Blinking in mild astonishment, the teen scratched at his cheek a bit sheepishly. ”Oh, yeah! Er—sorry…I never introduced myself, either, with everythin’ goin’ on…I’m Henoke!” Turning to Doris, the teen gave her a broad smile.
”They helped me out with fightin’ that Hear—er—monster, that was here!” Bowing her head in thanks, the dolphin gave the serpent an appreciative look. ”Thank you kindly, both of you. It came out of nowhere! Tell me, is Flounder and everyone else okay?” Her face was quick to flash into one of concern. ”Yeah, everyone’s fine…they’re at that palace.” It was then his face fell a bit, thinking of Tori. ”Except…” Gripping the trident shard with a clenched fist, Henoke sighed a bit, glancing back at the alcove exit. ”The monster’s should be dealt with, I think…let’s head back…” Glancing over at the large serpent, the teen raised an eyebrow. ”How ‘bout you? Are you comin’ to the palace, too?”
|
|
|
Post by therunawaygirl on Dec 4, 2020 14:13:47 GMT -5
Tori found herself giggling once Flounder returned the hug —er, snuggle? Focused as she was with giving Flounder the reassurance he’d wanted from before, the sudden liveliness of the Palace’s people caught her off-guard —immediately looking away from it all. It didn’t matter how much the Healer shunned everyone away to give her some space.
It was overwhelming regardless.
“One of the reasons I don’t like crowds that much…” Tori thought with an uneasy smirk, looking away.
With a sigh, she let go of Flounder, before taking off towards the Palace doors —ignoring any words against it. She’d been out for too long, and right now she had to see what was happening. Where Henoke was and what was now the issue.
So long as she didn’t know those answers, resting wouldn’t be easy.
Scoffing, the snake let go of the Heartless just as Henoke delivered the final blow —not caring about whatever came after. While its eyes, lifeless and black, were looking at the teen, they weren’t paying him any attention, and instead were waiting on orders to follow.
Not from the Keyblade Wielder, though.
Turning around as Henoke closed the world’s Keyhole, the creature paid him and Doris no mind as it left the alcove. Its aim now elsewhere, it wasn’t going to stay there for long. Without a word it left swiftly, its long body serpenting through the sea without issue and avoiding whatever obstacle came its way.
“Once we meet again, maybe I’ll be in the mood for a fight… Right now, though, it’s not worth the trouble…” the voice told itself as it swam through the sea.
Making her way to the Gardens, Tori stopped dead on her tracks. Even though there were people there, still searching for the stolen trident piece and the culprit, there was someone who seemed to waltz around without care, and without anyone knowing —using an Illusion inside Tori’s own.
It was a girl around Tori’s age, with her reddish-orange hair tied in a braid by her side, covered by a short white veil. She wore a strapless red dress over a white undergarment, with a separate orange sleeve to her right, while her left arm was covered in ornate pink ribbons. Unlike Tori or Henoke, the girl had her legs perfectly intact, walking through the seafloor without as much as batting an eye, gracefully with her black shoes tied with pink lace.
“You’re…” Tori found herself mumbling. “…So, you were here after all?” the girl asked, looking at Tori’s way with a smirk, “I thought as much —this Illusion’s your handywork, isn’t it?” “…What’s a Traitor doing here?” “Don’t worry —I’m not after you for the time being. In fact, I consider it a waste of time as it is” the girl shrugged, uninterested, “If anything, I helped that pet of yours clear this threat —so shouldn’t you be grateful I offered a truce?” “P-Pet?!” Tori flinched, offended, “Henoke’s a friend —I don’t care if he’s a Replica or not!” “Heh… Always one for caring for others, and yet you can’t save a single soul… How pitiful.”
Tori groaned, her face reddened with anger, yet the girl paid it no mind —her face cold as stone and uninterested. Ignoring whatever came after, the girl walked away, leaving Tori with a bitter taste in her mouth.
It seemed enemies were closer than she thought —both Heartless and Spirits would remain restless no matter what she did.
Ignoring what was left, Tori continued to swim, hoping to find Henoke soon enough, and figure out what had happened while she remained back at the Palace…
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Dec 4, 2020 14:34:16 GMT -5
[[OOC: Lmao whoops, guess I shouldn’t have tried to do the intro xD I won’t bother to edit the old post and will just act like they didn’t get to do that…since…y’know lol]]
Frowning a bit as the teen had turned to introduce the serpent to Doris and found it absent, Henoke shrugged before turning the dolphin’s appreciative smile with one of his own. ”C’mon! It should be safe, now...” Still low-key worried about Tori, he was eager to leave the Grotto and return to the Palace. I wonder where they went, though…? The serpent had been odd—but anyone that helped him fight the Heartless couldn’t be that bad, right? Shrugging the thought off, Henoke and Doris would make their way out of the small Grotto and back into the vast open gorge. Once riddled with Heartless, the vast and spired area was now quiet and calm. Not a single enemy seemed to linger…at least, of the Heartless kind.
After the run-in with the Traitor, Tori’s presence in the Garden wouldn’t go unnoticed. Many Vanguard members still swam and searched for any sign of the weird monsters or the trident piece, finding neither despite the amount of time they’d spent. ”Hey! It’s you! From the palace!” One of the very guards who had spurned the search for the trident piece had swam over, an impressed look on their face. ”I don’t know what you did, but it worked! We haven’t spotted any of those monsters since the Palace! You really helped us out!” Shortly his smile faded though, replaced with a faint frown as his brow furrowed a bit. ”Though, we can’t find the Trident Piece anywhere…” It was then that a familiar voice would ring out throughout the Gardens, causing the guards in the area to jolt and hover their hands on their weapons in alertness.
”Yo! Tori! You’re up!” Shouting out and waving at his friend, Henoke emerged into the Undersea Garden gripped onto Doris’s dorsal fin. With the dolphins natural speed, they had seen it fit to give the teen a hand, since they were still a slower swimmer. Relieved at seeing a friendly face rather than more monsters, the guards in the area relaxed, though the one talking to Tori shouted out, as he noticed what the teen held. ”The Trident Piece! You found it?!” Finally reaching where Tori and the guard floated, Henoke let go of Doris’s fin, giving a cocky grin to the merman as he held up the golden piece of trident. ”Yeah! Actually, Doris kinda helped me find it…” The dolphin shook her head sheepishly, though Henoke knew better. He would’ve just been pummeling Heartless at random if it hadn’t been for Doris’s cries for help. Without that, there would’ve been no reason for him to go into that Grotto…who knows what the Heartless had been hoping to do with the trident piece, but Henoke was sure it hadn’t been anything good. ”Looks like the ‘monster’ problem’s cleared up, too.” Grinning at Tori, the teen gave a knowing wink, not saying too much due to the locals present. It seemed the surprise of seeing her up and about (albeit, still with minor wounds, but talk about improvement) had distracted him from his frustration towards her for her recklessness. In that sense, the girl lucked out, avoiding either a headlock or a noogie that had been bound to be just punishment.
”Yes! Your friend here is the reason behind it all!” The teen blinked in mild surprise, raising an eyebrow as the guard gestured at Tori. Turning to the girl, he bowed his head slightly. ”Thank you, for protecting our people with your power. I’m sorry that so many of us left right away, but understand, the Trident Piece isn’t something we regard lightly…” Handing the piece over to the guard, Henoke had an amused expression. It seemed that Tori was going to be held in pretty high regard by the locals from now on—as they all believed her Illusion to be the cause of the Heartless’s disappearance, not knowing anything about ‘Keyholes’ or ‘Darkness versus the Light’.
|
|
|
Post by therunawaygirl on Dec 4, 2020 16:13:54 GMT -5
”Hey! It’s you! From the palace!”
Stopping in her tracks by a sudden voice, Tori turned around —only to find a guard of the Vanguard. The look on their face was worrisome —for Tori, at the very least. Not one to appreciate much attention, she averted her look as he began to praise and thank her for what she’d done.
It wasn’t that big of a deal, really, so why were they so impressed?
“Come on —just leave me alone already…?” she thought to herself, looking away with a red creep in her cheeks.
The shouting of Henoke helped distract her, as he arrived in the Garden helped by Doris’ speed. He seemed to have done a lot of work, by the looks of it —evidenced both by the small wounds littering his body and the Trident piece that had been stolen. The small shard, although incredibly lackluster on its own, was brimming with power —one Tori could sense immediately.
Was that what the Heartless were after?
As Henoke mentioned how the “monster” issue was cleared up, the guard immediately perked up and told him how Tori was the one behind it —which wasn’t completely wrong, but her solution had been temporary. Then again, it wasn’t like Henoke would explain that he’d closed the Keyblade, and therefore, he was the real person behind the reason why the Heartless would now be gone forever. All of that just forced Tori to dig her face on her hands. How much flustered could she get?
“God, just kill me already…” she mumbled, “Had I known this was coming after, I wouldn’t have done anything…”
The last comment was an obvious lie —she’s just blurted it out in hopes to get some attention off her, but there was no intention behind those words. In truth, she was geniunely happy to see that she'd helped so many people, and saved them from a fate perhaps worse than death, yet it was still embarrassing. Ignoring the guard in front of her, the girl couldn’t think on anything for a moment as her face turned tomato red with embarrassment.
That’s when it came to her —didn’t they have something else to check on, before leaving? Remembering what she’d mentioned about people “being in a frenzy”, perhaps even though Henoke had closed the Keyhole, there were still mysteries remaining.
Asking about it would help a bit.
“Right… Elane never got to take me to those people she mentioned…” she told herself, to then look at Henoke, “Fill me in while we go back there —I wanna see something for myself. Do you mind tagging along?”
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Dec 4, 2020 20:49:34 GMT -5
Grinning widely as the teen noticed Tori’s reddening face, Henoke stifled a chuckle and rested his hands behind his head with a devious look. ”It’s what you get~” Hearing her low mumble only caused him to finally open laugh aloud a bit, shaking his head and swishing his tail. This type of thing worked just as well as hitting her upside the head, in terms of getting back at her for her recklessness. ”Hehe, yeah, she reallllyyyy saved you guys, huh?” The guard gave Henoke a mildly confused look, as the boy snickered and sneered at his friend. Giving the girl a slight bow, the guard cradled the triton piece with care as he bid them goodbye. ”Thank you, again! I’ll be returning this to the Throne Room. You’re both more than welcome to come and go as you please! Especially you, you’re a hero!” The last comment specifically was place at the red-faced Tori, as the guard swam away and headed towards the palace. ”Right…Elane never got to take me to those people she mentioned…” Raising an eyebrow, Henoke tilted his head, as he wasn’t aware of the ‘deal’ Elane and Tori had struck. ”People…?” Regardless, it seemed Tori was willing and wanting to return to the palace.
”Fill me in while we go back there—I wanna see something for myself.” With a teasing tone, the boy nodded, swimming along with her through the Garden and towards the palace gates. ”Fine—but you better not pass out again…” It seemed he wasn’t going to let her live it down anytime soon, despite her reasons and the outcome working out alright. Together, the two would make their way back to the Palace, as Henoke filled Tori in about the countless Heartless that had littered the Gorge, the captured Doris, the crazy Heartless—as well as the bizarre pink snake that had showed up to help him and then just disappeared…
Having swam down the lengthy path towards the palace, the two would arrive at the open doors, guarded by a familiar face. ”I heard you found the Triton Piece, as well as got rid of those monsters once and for all.” Jed’s typical stoic face showed little emotion, though perhaps that was the barest hint of a smile on the edge of his mouth? ”Good job.” Grinning at the praise he hadn’t expected, Henoke gave the merman a ‘thumbs up’. ”Hehe~ Thanks. Still think I’m cut out for the Vanguard?” With a slightly teasing tone, the teen puffed himself up, resting his fists on his hips as he smirked at the guard. ”Perhaps. If you think you can make it through the training…” Jed surprised the boy by raising his own brow and finally giving a faint grin. ”But you still swim like a seahorse.” The dig went over Henoke’s head, as he gave Jed a confused look and blinked in surprise. ”Woah, f’real?!” Wait, were horses good swimmers? What were horses again? Something with horns, right? Shrugging, the teen took it as a compliment, while Jed merely rolled his eyes and resumed his post.
”Henoke! You’re back!” Flounder rush over through the doorway, nearly barreling the teen over as he came up. "Woah, watch it!” Laughing while swimming around the teen who tried to swipe at him, the fish seemed in high spirits as they twirled through the water. ”Where’s Elane?” Flounder gestured inside the palace at Henoke’s question, still in high spirits upon his new friends return. ”C’mon! She’s still inside…” Leading the way, the fish would guide the two back into the large palace room, of which things had begun to return to normalcy. ”Henoke, Tori! Welcome back!” Greeting them with a bright smile, Elane swam up, though it seemed the Healer was gone. Whatever the business, surely she was doing important work. ”Yo! See? Told ya we’d handle it!” Grinning at the mermaid, the teen wore a confidant and cocky grin, to which the guard merely chuckled at. ”Indeed, both of you did so much! I know the whole Kingdom appreciates it!” Rubbing a finger under his nose, the boy grinned wide before remembering why they’d come back to the palace at all.
”Oh yeah! Tori had somethin’ she wanted ta ask ya…” Gesturing to his friend, Henoke would let Tori take the stage. He still wasn’t totally sure what she was looking for, anyway…
|
|
|
Post by therunawaygirl on Dec 5, 2020 5:38:45 GMT -5
“Huh, so that’s how it went…”
Hearing what had happened after she’d passed out and remained at the Palace was enlightening, in a sense, allowing Tori to understand most of what had happened. The “pink snake” was intriguing, although the girl had an idea of what —or rather, who— it was.
A Spirit’s Familiar —most likely the Traitor’s she encountered as she left the Palace. But what was it doing there, and what was its goal? Without an answer, Tori was skeptical.
“…I guess it’s a good thing I did the Illusion back when I did” Tori muttered aloud, after hearing the story, “I can’t imagine how many people would’ve…”
She cut the thought short, knowing it would sour her mood. Instead focusing on going to the Palace, Tori looked up front. Even if the Keyhole had been sealed and the Heartless were no more, she had something else to look into…
Was the “frenzy” caused by the darkness, or by the Spirit that roamed the world?
Meeting with Jed by the open doors of the Palace, Tori noticed how his mood seemed to shift if only so slightly from before. It seemed the merman was willing to give credit where it was due, offering a short amount of praise to Henoke, who sheepishly accepted it. ”But you still swim like a seahorse.” The comment didn’t go unnoticed —although Henoke seemed to take it as a compliment. The expression alone caused her to laugh a bit.
“That’s an insult, y’know that…?” she asked, whispering to herself.
Quickly getting intel on where Elane was, the duo was stopped by Flounder greeting Henoke back and tackling him, in a sense —happy to see him again. Tori also smiled, as the fish looked much more upbeat than before. They followed after him to find Elane, in the same room Tori had left her and the rest. With now a room for respite, they could tackle other things.
“Elane, do you remember what I asked you?” Tori asked, calmly, “About meeting those people you noticed a sudden change in… I’m more than aware that, due to what happened, you couldn’t guide me to them, but… Maybe now it would be a good time?” she asked.
So long as she didn’t have answers to her own doubts, Tori wasn’t willing to leave —knowing something else crept underneath. Even though she trusted the people in that world to be capable and able to handle whatever happened after the Heartless left, it was in her nature to figure out something regardless.
How people had acted reminded her a lot of Illusions —she wanted to know if that still remained the same, or not.
“I understand if you’re busy right now, but there’s something I want to see for myself with this topic” the girl continued, “If you’re unable to guide us, at least directions would be appreciated —Henoke and I can take it from here.”
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Dec 6, 2020 12:15:04 GMT -5
”Elane, do you remember what I asked you?” As Tori clarified what it was she wanted to know, the mermaid smiled and gave a knowing nod. ”Actually, I was just about to prepare to head below to check on that very situation myself. I’d be more than fine with you accompanying me! It was our deal, after all~” Henoke blinked and raised a brow, tilting his head a bit. ”Below…?” Truthfully, the teen had forgotten about the ‘frenzied’ citizens, though it seemed Tori had remained on track. Henoke’s question caused Elane’s smile to waver slightly. ”Er…it’s where the Palace Dungeons are…some of the citizens had gotten pretty out of hand, you see…” The clear look of distress in her eyes made it obvious that this had been a task that had pushed the mermaid to her limit. With such a kind and caring personality, it was no wonder that the guard didn’t enjoy the means to the end. ”Oh…I get it…”
Flounder grimaced as well, glancing towards the Throne Room. ”I’m gonna go check on Sebastian, while you check that out…” It seemed the fish was nervous about heading into the dungeons. Then again, he had been brave enough for one day, already. ”This way.” Slowly recovering herself, Elane ushered the two after her, heading towards the large open archway in the center of the wall the joined staircase crafted, which led to the Throne Room. A long staircase extended beyond, lit with faint glowing rocks that lined the bottom of the walls. Swimming down, Elane led Henoke and Tori to the bottom, which took a moment, with how far the spiraling staircase went. Finally emerging into a dimly lit room, the only light source being the same rocks that had lined the path, the group entered the Dungeons. Ornate golden bars signified cells, lining the walls on each side with little else in the room. It was a straight-shot, large and cavernous, with countless cells on each side. ”Oh yeah! I forgot about them…” Swimming to the first cell on the left, Henoke looked between the bars to see Flotsam and Jetsam, now untangled and separated, yet jailed together.
”Hsss…meddling child…begone!” Still speaking in unison, the eels were less intimidating now that they were of normal size and not all dark and eerie. Sticking his tongue out at them, the teen swam away from the cell, ushered by Elane to ‘not bother the prisoners’. A lone guard greeted them, standing by the cell on the right, glaring at Henoke’s prodding and teasing towards Flotsam and Jetsam. ”Indeed. Don’t antagonize them.” Solemn and good-postured, the merman’s face was shrouded by a helm (it seemed he was one of the few who actually bothered to protect their head), the light ornate golden armor on his shoulders and torso glinting in the darkness. ”Oh! Sythiod…I didn’t even see you there! Don’t startle me like that!” Elane had gasped at the man’s sudden words, though it seemed this was a typical teasing joke on the mermaids behalf as she laughed. Turning back to Henoke and Tori, she gestured at the brooding looking guard. ”This’s Sythiod! He’s a scary looking guy, but don’t worry, he’s an honorable Vanguard Squadron Leader!”
Raising an eyebrow, Henoke didn’t look too impressed. ”What’re you doin’ just standin' in the dark down here?” It seemed beyond boring. ”Incorrect. I’m not ‘standing’ here, but watching the prisoners, to make sure they don’t escape.” With a doubtful look, the teen glanced at the thick and ornate golden bars that encaged Flotsam and Jetsam. ”I dunno…they seem pretty locked up…” Shrugging, it seemed the lackadaisical teen wasn’t really aware of the concept of a ‘prison break’. ”Anyways, Sythiod, we came down here to see if some of the citizens are still…’out of sorts’…?” Elane seemed nervous and slightly worried, clearly not having entered the dungeon since having to assist the others in rallying frenzied people up. Thankfully, the merman shook his helmed head, though the rest of him didn’t seem to move an inch, almost as though he were a statue. ”Incorrect. What citizens remained that we were able to gather have seemed to revert to their usual states.” The way this guard spoke bored Henoke to death—so monotone and bland…it was like a robot, but with less fun sound effects (or no sound effects).
”Oh! That’s so great! Have they already been released?” Elane was elated, practically spinning in place as her tail swished with joy. Nodding, Sythiod remained upright and in position, seemingly having little else to add. ”So…it worked itself out?” With a slightly confused look, Henoke glanced between Tori and Elane. Truthfully, he was glad for the mermaids reaction, as he hadn’t been able to focus on the guard’s words with his attention span and their lackluster personality. ”It looks like it!” Relieved and elated, Elane giggled and clapped her hands together. ”Sounds like everyone made it out safe and sound! Though, for those that left the kingdom…” Sighing a bit, the mermaid seemed to have gotten herself down, having thought too much of others once again. Henoke couldn’t help but smile a bit, resting his hands behind his head with a slightly exasperated look. ”Geez, Elane…worry ‘bout yourself for once, will ya?” Despite her concern, the teen seemed rather unbothered, himself.
”I’m sure if they snapped outta it, they’ll come back, eventually.”
|
|
|
Post by therunawaygirl on Dec 6, 2020 13:00:32 GMT -5
Thankful, the girl nodded back as Elane mentioned she was about to head there herself —two birds with one stone, right? Remembering the deal was enough to ascertain that they wouldn’t be bothered on their way there, wherever it was. Hearing it was the “Palace Dungeons” didn’t bother Tori —although Henoke seemed a bit down. And so did Elane.
“Well, they’re dungeons after all…” Tori sighed at the thought.
Following calmly after the mermaid’s pace, after having waved Flounder goodbye, Tori remained silent. Although it was eerily silent, the girl didn’t find it odd. The path spiraled and was dark, faintly illuminated by glowing stone etched at the bottom of the walls.
They were dungeons for more than one reason —and not just the lighting.
”Hsss…meddling child…begone!” The sudden hissing was faintly familiar, immediately peeking Tori’s curiosity. Turning towards Floatsam and Jetsam, the girl only then remembered who they were. Chuckling at Henoke’s childish demeanor towards them, Tori headed forwards instead of remaining near them.
“Sore losers, I guess…” she muttered, amused.
”Indeed. Don’t antagonize them.” Much like the rest, Tori was caught off-guard by the sudden presence. The monotone-speaking merman standing guard seemed to do that more often than not —or at least Elane’s reaction gave off that much. Then again, calling someone “scary-looking” wasn’t much of a statement to help, despite whatever followed.
Henoke asking what he was doing there caused Tori to muffle a giggle. Given how little he remembered of his own world —and most if not all of the common knowledge needed to live a normal life, perhaps—, Henoke’s curiosity or intrigue knew no bounds or restraints.
Almost like a little kid.
“Never change…” she muttered.
The conversation proceeded normally, taken care of between Elane and Sythiod. The responde from the guarding merman came as a slight surprise —the people locked down, who were “out of sorts”, had already left, returning to a more “normal” state.
That cleared one thing, at least —whatever it was that caused them to go “in a frenzy” had, in fact, been caused by the darkness, now gone after having closed the Keyhole.
“It didn’t work itself out” Tori shook her head as she whispered to Henoke, turning his way, “It’s ‘cause you closed the Keyhole, right? I was worried it was something else, though… Good thing that wasn’t the case.”
Elane’s further concerned was relieved by Henoke’s words —ones Tori couldn’t help but nod with. Now finally knowing what had happened, and how things had been solved, it seemed things would handle themselves on their own. The two Keyblade Wielders had done their part —it was now all up to the world’s locals.
“And with that… Our part’s done” the girl nodded, before turning towards Elane, “Sorry I bothered you —but I’m glad things worked themselves out. I’m just as sure as Henoke that the people who left will find themselves swimming back —confident, really.”
Her pose calm, she placed one hand on her chest —glad to see things finally solved. Her heart had hurt when knowing about what had happened, but it was now at peace. In the end, it had been a job well done from everyone.
“Since things have calmed down enough… We should probably leave” Tori said, looking at Henoke, “Right? Or…” a teasing smirk remained on her lips as she came across a thought, “Do you wanna stay here a little longer? We’ve got time, in the end —so why not hang out a little longer? You were just talking about how you love these waters when we first came by…”
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Dec 6, 2020 14:19:28 GMT -5
”It didn’t work itself out,” Tori’s whispered retort caused the teen to blink in mild surprise as he scratched at the back of his head. ”Oh, yeah…” Truthfully, Henoke still wasn’t used to his Keyblade having an effect on things other than Heartless and the Keyhole itself. The fact that closing that led to other domino effects was something the hotheaded youth hardly understood or bothered to think much of. In that way—the Replica was a perfect soldier. Whether it was due to their creation, or the personality embedded into them, was another question, though… ”With that…our part’s done.” With everything seemingly wrapped up, Tori was quick to reassure Elane alongside Henoke, something that relieved the mermaid, who now wore a visible smile. ”Since things have calmed down enough…we should probably leave.” Typically the teen was thrown around from world to world after closing the Keyhole, due to the Keyblade and his lack of mastery with it. It seemed since Tori had full control over the odd portals she created, they could come and go as they pleased.
Used to rushed goodbyes and quick departures, it was kind of weird for Henoke. ”Do you wanna stay here a little longer? We’ve got time, in the end—“ Tori’s tease caused the boy to grimace, though Elane’s face lit up as she clapped her hands together. ”Oh, yes! Please stay! Some of us were already talking of throwing a celebration in your honor, for all that you’ve done!” Though Henoke had gotten familiar enough with the odd whale tail he now and was able to swim alright—it didn’t change the fact that he was eager to get his legs back and be somewhere other than literally the bottom of the ocean. ”Er—that sounds fun and all…” Typically one down for a good time, it felt kind of awkward for him to turn down the offer. Looking anywhere but at Elane, he scratched at the back of his head as his tail swished beneath him. ”But, uh…” Shooting a dirty look at Tori for putting him on the spot like that, Henoke suddenly blinked in surprise as he thought of an excuse. ”There’re other waters that might need our help! Never any rest, y’know how it is…” Grinning rather foolishly, the teen began swimming back towards the staircase slowly and steadily while waving a hand and ushering Tori to follow.
”We should really get goin’…don’t want other fi—er, people—to end up in a worse spot!” Elane’s face fell only slightly before she nodded and smiled warmly in understanding. ”Oh, fine…I’ll let the other guards know. Come on, I’ll at least escort you out!” Sighing in relief, Henoke thanked the mermaid as she guided the way back up the stairs and through the palace…
After coming out from the Dungeons, the trio would see Sebastian and Flounder waiting by the Palace Doors, where Jed still remained on guard. ”Hey, you guys! Henoke and Tori are leaving! Come on, say goodbye!” Catching their attention, Elane was waving and hollering as they swam over, causing some others in the palace to turn and notice as well. Many locals shouted out thanks again, or quick goodbyes as they went about their business, trying to maintain the order and make up for the time lost from all the chaos of before. ”Awww! You’re leaving already?!” Flounder frowned, deflating a bit before puffing up his face into a pout. ”Don’t be dat way, Flounder!” Sebastian was quick to scold his friend, wagging a claw his way. ”Dey’ve done more den enough! I’m sure dey got their own homes ta get back to!” Elane snickered a bit as the lobster lectured Flounder, thankful for the familiar dynamic. ”We’ll make sure ta tell King Triton all about how you helped us!” Sebastian gave a gracious bow fitting a Royal Advisor before bidding goodbye. ”Now, I must get back ta work! I’ve been away far too long!” Swimming off after waving farewell, the lobster was quick to paddle his way through the water and make his way back to the Throne Room.
”Thanks again, for everything.” Elane’s beaming smile and gratitude caused Henoke to look away somewhat sheepishly, scratching at the back of his head while chuckling and waving a hand. ”Stop it! It was nothin’!” Jed swam forward, his usual stoic face flickered into one of faint amusement. ”I must agree with Elane. You both went above and beyond what any outsider to the Kingdom should ever have to do. The Crown is eternally grateful to you.” Bowing at the two, Jed waved a hand in farewell himself. ”I must remain at my post. I trust Elane will see you safely out of the Gates.” Henoke rolled his eyes, not understanding these guards obsession with standing in place all day. How’re you gonna guard anythin’, just standin’ around? Expecting little answer, similar to their talk with the grim looking Dungeon guard—the teen decided to not ask a second time. ”Yeah, yeah. Have fun with that! See ya later, Jed. Don’t smile too much!” Giving a parting jab to the merman, Henoke laughed as Elane chuckled and the merman waved a dismissive hand as though to shoo him away.
”I’ll come, too!” Eager to see his new friends off, Flounder was adamant on tagging along—not that any in the group were likely to have an issue with it. Heading away from the Palace and swimming down the long pathway leading to the gates, Flounder would spend most of the quick swim pestering Henoke and Tori with questions about their own ‘waters’ and if he could come and visit. ”Uh…it’s kinda far away…” Henoke chuckled a bit and grinned at the eager local. ”But we’ll see each other again! We travel so much, it’s bound to happen!” The fish seemed reassured, which was good at least, as they finally made it to the Gates. Opening the ornate and decorated barrier, Elane swam out a bit into the Gardens with the three before stopping. ”Well, I guess this is goodbye for a while, huh?” Despite the fact that it made her a little somber, Elane wore a bright smile and seemed genuinely happy for them. ”I’m really glad you came here! I hope next time you can just visit the Kingdom and relax!” Flounder rushed up and ‘hugged’ (fish nuzzle?) Tori, aiming to do the same to Henoke, but the teen held out an arm and blocked the rush with a laugh.
”I liked going on adventures with you! Even if it got kinda scary…” With a smile, the fish waved their bright blue fins as he twirled through the water. ”Thanks for helping Sebastian, and everyone else! You better come back soon!” The idea made Henoke inwardly grimace, though on the outside he waved goodbye and gave a smile. After saying goodbye, Elane and Flounder would turn back to swim to the gates, leaving the two Wielder’s alone in the Undersea Garden. ”Phew…time to bounce!” He was excited to be able to kick, jump and run again! ”Let’s get to it, Tori!” It was then that Henoke staggered for a moment, a lost look coming over his face. ”Er…wait…” For a moment, he scrunched up his face and crossed his arms and thoughts before giving up (rather quickly).
”Where were we tryin' to go, again?” They had originally been trying to go somewhere specific, when Tori's portal had spit them out on this world...but Henoke couldn't recall where they had been trying to go, anymore. It seemed he had gotten too caught up in the events of Atlantica.
|
|
|
Post by therunawaygirl on Dec 6, 2020 15:53:51 GMT -5
Tori found herself laughing aloud after her tease hit the mark —Henoke grimaced immediately at the mention of staying any second longer under the sea. Even though Elane’s offer was nice and considerate, it seemed the teen was more towards leaving the water than accepting the treat. Being honest, it wasn’t like Tori could blame him for it, either. It was his first time having to shape-shift of some sort to blend in —that was already an experience on itself.
The teen was quick to come up with excuses, none of them lies. Well, it was more the wording that helped —after all, they weren’t about to break the World Order and all. It was better to leave it as is, reinforcing what they could while not exactly avoiding the truth.
They followed Elane back to the Palace Doors, after taking her offer to escort them off before one final goodbye…
Tori looked up as Elane called Flounder and Sebastian over, while Jed remained on his spot with barely any hint of a reaction. The locals’ words didn’t go unheard, but the girl had already had enough with the unwanted attention. Still, they were appreciated on their own way, as each person left to resume their routines and business like any other person would.
”Awww! You’re leaving already?!” Flounder seemed disappointed at the fact that Henoke and Tori were already leaving —their stay a bit too short for the fish to appreciate. The girl couldn’t help but draw an uneasy smile, although Sebastian chimed in at the perfect timing, before inevitably leaving to resume his own duties.
Henoke and Tori both still had something to find —whether it was a motive for fighting, or someone they cherished, they still had long ways to go.
Still with praise to share, Elane’s words didn’t only cause Henoke to look away with sheepish expression, but Tori as well —looking away with a faint hint of embarrassment evident in the creeping red on her cheeks. ”I must agree with Elane.” Jed joining in the praise, with his own stoic expression, seemed to be as much of a “thanks” as they’d get from the guard, as he quickly returned back to his post —much for Henoke’s amusement as the teen tossed a jab his way, still ignoring the mission behind a “guard”.
“Seriously —there’s so many things you don’t know about common sense, it’s impressive…” Tori teased back.
”I’ll come, too!” Seeing Flounder not give up in keeping up with the two teens was impressive, but hardly needed. Henoke took his part to explain, although promising to come back —although Tori knew that was a lie. If given the chance, Henoke was bolting out. No doubt.
“I’ll try to come back and pay a visit sometime” Tori nodded, “So… Rest assured, we’ll see each other again.”
Tori giggled as Flounder went along for a hug —although “nuzzle” was indeed a better word to use. Watching as Henoke blocked the attempt, her giggle grew towards laughter. The two locals left after some time, leaving Henoke and Tori to themselves.
It was time to go.
”Where were we tryin' to go, again?” Never one to stick with a goal in mind —aside his current drive, maybe—, Henoke had seemingly forgotten what their original objective was. Shaking her head and rolling her eyes, it was as if Tori had expected something to happen. And yet, she didn’t find it annoying, one bit.
“Radiant Garden” she replied, “That was the world we were trying to get to, but instead we got sent here, despite the fact that I used Illusions” Tori hummed in thought for a bit, “However…” her tone grew a bit somber, “I don’t think it’s a world we should go to yet. If it really has the information we’re after… Then odds are we’ll also find trouble there —trouble I’d rather avoid for the time being.”
“So… Maybe our next world will be left to you” Tori finished with a smirk, “Instead of my Illusions… We use your Power of Waking. Without a focus, I’m useless —whereas you’re not. In a sense, that haphazard way of travelling might help us from time to time.”
With a sly smirk, Tori glanced over at Henoke, ready to gauge the reaction. Surely, she would hit a sour spot —but that was one of her aims. While their way to where the Keyhole had been sealed was hopefully unbothered, the girl was looking forward for some bantering.
She was really starting to grow fond of Henoke in more than one way —a caring, concerned yet still teasing and playful way.
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Dec 6, 2020 16:24:45 GMT -5
Reminding him of where their destination was, the teen nodded and thumped a fist into an open palm. ”Never heard of it!” Hearing how Tori would prefer to avoid that world specifically due to some ‘trouble’ caused Henoke to groan. ”You worry too much! If there’s a fight, we’ll handle it!” Confidant as ever, it seemed the teen was hardly as concerned as his companion in regards to the obstacles they had to face. I’ll make ‘em pay! Hopefully that world had some answers about the whereabouts of this ‘Organization’ he and Tori had learned about… ”Our next world will be left to you. Instead of my Illusions…we use your Power of Waking.” Tori’s comment about its ‘haphazardness’ caused Henoke to stagger a bit in the water, a faint scowl forming on his face. ”Tch—you don’t know how ta use it either…you just use those ripping things…” Rolling his eyes and crossing his arms a bit, his tail swished with a good humored annoyance. ”Fine. I’ve never used it without closin’ a Keyhole, though…”
Summoning his heavy Keyblade in a ray of light, Henoke scrunched his face up in focus. Okay, Keyblade…take us…somewhere? For a moment, the teen floated there with his eyes screwed shut in focus—yet nothing was happening. Opening an eye, Henoke felt his face flush with the faint red of embarrassment as he scrunched them closed yet again. "Oi, stupid thing, listen to me!” Shaking the weapon in his hands for a moment, his face was one of frustration. Grrrr…dumb key! I said LET’S GO! Sparking as though electricity, a faint golden light began to emit from the teen as his eyes stayed screwed shut in frustrated concentration. The Keyblade in his hands began to rumble and glow with the same aura, a blast of light shooting forth and opening a path. ”Yeah! That’s what I’m talkin’ about!” Pumping a fist into the air as he opened his eyes to see the gateway of light he created, Henoke wore a cocky grin as he glanced Tori’s way—almost as if he hadn’t struggled to do the task to begin with.
”Let’s go!” The boy had no idea where the path led…but regardless, he was sure they’d find some sort of answers on another world!
[[END OF THREAD--Thanks for playing/reading ]]
|
|