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Post by hoodwink on Mar 12, 2023 2:38:01 GMT -5
"Not gonna die, I'm way too good for that." Vasch face was skeptical, seeing as how he had saved Machiko from having her heart stolen earlier, but he chose to say nothing. The comment about her using his Keyblade actually almost made him bark out a laugh. Instead, a grin sufficed.
"Trust me, you'll be better off sticking with magic and that knife..." Rubbing at his neck, the Odd-Jobber couldn't help but feel annoyance towards the weapon that had abandoned him once again. Going to grab the parcel off of the couch arm, Vasch paused as Machiko stood up and yawned. Rocker sprawled out on their shoulder, looking pretty tired themselves, too.
"I kind of want to take a nap though." He staggered as Machiko proposed a race only to backtrack and nap before giving a toothy grin. Looks like we'll want her to train up her stamina, too... In the skater's defense, she'd been through a lot. Shaking his head, Vasch glanced around the room. Despite its luxurious comforts and crackling fireplace, other than the couch and a chair, there wasn't much furniture to sleep or rest on.
All of the pups would make it hard to sleep, too.
"It is dangerous to fight or train while exhausted..." Snapping his fingers, Vasch seemed to get an idea. "There's a hotel in this District. It's closer than my place and will help us avoid the Heartless until we get to Merlin's." Grabbing the parcel, Vasch draped it over his shoulder and waved to the adult Dalmatians.
"Thanks for the breather, you two." Both dogs barked and wagged tails in response. Leaping up and chasing after Vasch as he made his way back to the Den and to the exit leading back to the Second District, they bid farewell to the visitors with countless other puppies barking and yipping beside them...
[BREAK]
Opening a red door with a '2' on it in the long Hotel hallway, Vasch was greeted with the familiar Red Room they'd used many times. We got lucky, this time... They'd made it across the plaza without issue. The hotel room the older man had rented had a comfy canopy bed with red drapes, a chandelier shining soft orange lighting and a small table with Merlin's parcel placed safely on it. There was a back balcony that could be accessed with red curtains overseeing the alleyway behind the Hotel, as well as a door connecting the second room.
"This should do, yeah?" The wavy haired man leaned against the wall, crossing his arms and taking in the familiar hotel room. Vasch had used the Red and Green rooms many times, the Hotel being a reliable option outside of the Inn in the First District. "You should be able to get some rest here. Heartless used to work their way in, but things have improved over the years. They sometimes get into the Hallway, but so long as you keep the doors locked they shouldn't be able to get into the rooms..."
He tossed a brass key with a large red label towards Machiko. "I'll grab us some food from downstairs. I'm sure you could eat too, yeah?" He'd been so hungover when the triplets came in to make the job request, all he had in his system was some coffee. Surely after the battle, he figured Machiko and Rocker could use some fuel as well as rest. Besides, the restaurant in the plaza served some of his favorite tempura...
Once Machiko had made her request and settled in, he'd set out. "Front desk knows the drill. If anything pops up, I'll be the first to know, so rest easy."
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Post by Machiko Tetsu on Mar 12, 2023 15:33:58 GMT -5
Machiko plopped onto the bed within the room with a loud sigh. All of the stamina she had expended finally catching up with her as she bounced on the comfortable cushioning. Staring up at the ceiling as he spoke, her mind wandered to what he referred the keyblade; why did he have so much disdain for it? As the door opened her mind suddenly snapped to attention, catching the key all the while. Suddenly she had the craving for stirfry, but she had wanted pizza earlier; what was up with that?
"If they got stirfry I'll have some of that. Or whatever you're getting I guess. And you better be back when I wake up or I'll chase you down."
She'd respond quickly afterward, why did it constantly feel like she wasn't saying things? Why did it feel like she was maybe channeling someone else? Her brows furrowed, Rocker pulled her hat down as she began to fall into a deep sleep. In the mean time Rocker leapt up and onto Vasch's shoulder all the while Machiko snoozed.
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Post by hoodwink on Mar 12, 2023 18:01:57 GMT -5
Vasch took note of the stir-fry order on his way out, smirking faintly at Machiko's comment about 'chasing him down'. Acting like I can ditch her when she's hardly strong enough to last on her own... Rocker leapt onto his shoulder as he went to make his way out the door—only adding to the fact that there was no way the Odd-Jobber would abandon the skater now. "Yeah, yeah...just rest, alright?"
As he exited the Red Room, he'd lock it behind him with a key identical to the one he'd given Machiko. "Just what're you, anyway? Can you even eat food for humans?" Giving Rocker a wary look as he walked down the hallway, Vasch passed the front desk and out of the Hotel.
Despite the Second District's dangers, it still housed a handful of businesses run by locals. Many knew not to stray too far, though for the most part the bell above the Gizmo Shop worked as a signal to warn townsfolk of dangers beyond stray Heartless. Down the stairs leading into the heart of the plaza past the fountain sat a bright and vibrant restaurant.
"They shouldn't mind me bringing you in with me..." Vasch mumbled to Rocker somewhat absentmindedly as they neared the establishment. It sat on the corner of an alleyway in the middle of the plaza, shining warm light from within its cross-hatched windows. Pushing open the red-brown door, the smells wafting the armored man's nose out him at ease instantly.
Tables and booths housed a few stray patrons, though the place was quiet overall. Walking up to the bar-style counter inside that handled to-go orders, Vasch's thoughts wandered to Machiko. Where did she come from, to get so reckless? Even those familiar with the Heartless didn't charge in so easily...but despite her lack of skill, the skater had fallen into the fray almost naturally.
Maybe she's got some sort of power, sleeping. He sighed, ordering a shrimp tempura for himself, a beef stir fry for Machiko and a basic cutlet for Rocker. Getting a small drink while he waited for the food, the Odd-Jobber was relying on their old trainings as a prior Master to stay aware of the balances in the world around them. Without the Keyblade, enemies were less active...but if any stirred, he would sense it.
He hoped Machiko was resting well, considering the training he was planning for them at Merlin's...
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Post by Machiko Tetsu on Mar 12, 2023 18:33:34 GMT -5
Into slumber she went, out like a light as the door closed. Falling, falling, she seemed to be submerged in a sea of nothingness as she fell into the waters. The bubbles rising from her maw seeming to be of a bright silver, indicating her light more than likely. A tall and opulent city towered beyond her being, the light cascading it in a curious energy that seemed almost false. Words echoed all around her, murmurs of the Light, who had sole property of it, clashes of steel and outraged cries followed in her wake. A shuddered breath took her, eyes suddenly parting to find herself standing on pavement.
Rain, she could feel it pelting her head in droves, soaking her body in a thick shadowy fluid. Words began again, but they came from her own lips, a different voice.
"I̵̧̲̹̩͖̤̫̾͂̾̔͜͜'̷̡̧̨͍̲̻̄͛̄͌v̶̛͙͉̮̂͐̀ȩ̴͎͚̞̻̀̒̏͌̚͠͝ ̷̖̆́̕̚͝b̴̛̥̤͇̀̈́̈̓̽̈́́̕ę̶̧̦̤̲̜̻͋̉͛̏́͊e̶̖̞̜̰̫̝̫͊n̴̨̠͈̯͙͆̊̀̀̓̕͘ ̸̬̹͍̘̗̜̰̯̱͔͊̄h̴̹̳͎͕̩̄͛̓͠a̶͚̣͖̪͇̬̅̾̔̐̈́̾ͅv̷̠͚̲̪̥͈̗̀͑̑͊͂i̸̲͕̣̙̥͕̱̘͗̀͌̃̈́̇̑͠n̸̗͓͊́̈́̈̀̿̚g̸̨̤͉͕̗̲̬̔̇͑̐͑̚͝ ̸̧̺̦̮͓͎̻̮́͛͂̑́̒͋̓̉̇s̶̢̳̬̙̼̱̼̟̟͊̔͒̽̂̋͒̂̍͠ṯ̶̾̌̐͒r̴̡̙͇͖͂̑͜a̷̝̙̘͈̩̤̭͋͐͌̌̑̾̽̚͜͜n̴͚̣̝̠̖̥̑͛ġ̷͍̀̽̋́̾̕é̵̢̜͇͉̔̈́̓̏̃ ̶̧͉̪̲͕̣̲̼̳̄̄͗̐̂̈́̃̐͘t̵̯̜̦͙̙̤̞̲͋́͛̈́̌̿̽͊̚h̵̢̛̝̭̤̹̏̉͝o̷̤̟̤̳̤̲̲͉̎̑̔ư̸̢͙̄͒́̊̾͗͋̕ğ̵̻͖̼̒̀͌͛̎̎h̴̥͔̪͖̳̽͝t̴̫̖̬͇̮̊̕͜s̸̡̭̹̪̗̩͂͐̀̌̇̔͌̋͘͜͠ ̴̲̪͕̤̓̿̃̈́̚l̵̝͍̓̂́͐́̓͂͝ã̷̛̲̮̣͔̻̳͍̄̀́͑̚͝͠͠ṭ̷̗͚̋̋͌e̷̤̅͐̐͛͑́͘͠l̷̦͔͍̅͛̇̏͌̓̈́̿̍̚ỵ̴͎͗͑̍̈͒̀̒̃̈́.̴̲̖̟̣̹̾̆́̅́̿͛͑͘.̶͙͈̙̖̙̇͒̈̀̋.̶̹̉͊́̓̀̀͝l̵̡̨̺̰͚̑̑́͌̍͑͑̆͆i̴͕̰̲̎̃ķ̷̬̲͖͚̓̐͊̀̍̈́̆̐̚͠e̴͍̣̰͖̳͐̿͊ ̷̧̘̙̰̝͉̹͊̎̑́̐̌́i̸̢̙̻̤͔͔̤͆̋̌͗̓͜s̷̡̧̡̛̝̜̝̳͙͔̩̀̔̑̈́͛̍͊̈́ ̴̧̯̲̘̝̲̭̟͊ͅa̶̧͇͕̮͚̣̟̙͊̍̃̎̊͊̀̏̎̋͜͜n̴̡̛͚̽̓̀̍͗̏ÿ̶̡͈̀ ̷̧̼̣̰̞̤̔́́̇͐̽͑͜ő̴̖͔͑̓́͒͌̐f̸̡̱͊̓̏͌̆͘ ̴̧̛̬̲̬̦͉̗̇͂͑̑̎͌̋͑ť̷̩̺̭͙̜͋͆͌̍̕h̶̰͚̟̙̀̑̾̑̀̕͜i̴͎̝̞͛̍͠ͅͅs̶̗̩͇̳̮̪͙̮̻̳̽̈́̅͋̀͗̚ ̸͖͉̙̫̰̝̎̄̊̀͠f̶͈̠̗̄̉̾̿́͘ó̴͚̮̝͍̟͙̈́̆͆̐̚͜͝r̴̨̠̹̼͇͓̅̉͆̀͋̚̚ ̷̥͖̫̱̓̈́͊̂̀̅r̴͈̓̇̿̊̎̕̕̕͝ę̷̹̤̹̅̓̽̀͑̕a̷̡͍͕̠̱͈͚͎͛̌̒̇͒͝͝ľ̵̪͚̹͉͇͕̅͊͌,̸̨͖̠̊̓̈́͝ͅͅ ̵͔͇̗͚͓̳̞̼͋̏͆ơ̵̙̎̇́̂̕r̴̞̩͉̆̈̌͑̇̆̎͘ ̸̧͉͇̯̞̣̝͑̊̑͝n̴͈̠̞̣̄̑͋ö̵̢̥͎̰͓́͛̕t̵̜̯̜̱͍̀͑̓̊̍̃͑̈́͘͝?̸̯̠̟̻̭̦̯̗̈́̎̏̚"
This only served to confuse her further as the rain eventually engulfed her in a pool of shadow, reaching out only to be consumed as she stared at a figure in a black robe walking toward her.
----------------- Rocker settled onto Vasch's shoulder, just staring into his eyes as they headed off. Stretching its legs, it yawned as they got closer to the food joint they were going to hit up. A voice flowed into Vasch's head, presumably from rocker that sounded young, soft.
"Thank you for looking after her."
it would pause, dipping its head in thanks. Was it a familiar?
"She has been running for a long time."
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Post by hoodwink on Mar 12, 2023 20:53:29 GMT -5
"Thank you for looking after her." Rocker's voice caused Vasch to pause and choke on his drink. Huh?! Turning to look at the small red panda perched on his shoulder, the Odd-Jobber raised a brow. No way they pour 'em this strong these days... He'd heard that just now, right? "She has been running for a long time." It even bowed its head!? Was the fuzzy creature seriously talking to him through some esp or something!?
"Wait—running...?" Before he could get too much of his new questions out, a worker called out for his ticket. Not wanting to draw attention to himself by talking to an animal in a restaurant, Vasch downed the rest of his drink and grabbed the to-go bag. Running, huh? Heartless were everywhere, so for some reason he didn't get a feeling that it was about them. Hell, he'd done a lot of running, himself, to wind up here of all places. Wondering about Machiko as he exited the restaurant, Vasch was debating talking to the red panda on his shoulder while fumbling for the smokes in his pockets.
Lighting the vice as he walked into the eternal night of Traverse Town, the ex-Master was reminded of his past. Those who ran from something were usually in a bind of sorts. It was usually a touchy subject. Painful, even. He wasn't sure if he should ask or not. He was bad at reading situations like this, after all. "So...who, or what, is she running from?" Well, there it was, coming out anyway. He didn't look at Rocker, but only him and the red panda were out in the Second District. It was obvious the question was meant for them.
"Or I guess...what are you both trying to escape?" Walking towards the Hotel, Vasch would take his time in order to smoke and talk with Rocker...though he couldn't linger too long. Heartless could arrive at any moment, even without the Keyblade.
Besides, he wouldn't want the food getting too cold.
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Post by Machiko Tetsu on Mar 12, 2023 23:03:21 GMT -5
"Herself. The memories locked within her heart are beginning to spill out, the truth of her existence manifesting. She seeks the next escape, the next world, something to keep the intrusive thoughts out. But they remain. You have heard their effects on her, when she first uttered a name unintelligible. When she looks off to nothing as if she is interacting with a shift in conversation."
Rocker's voice was serene yet it held a held a tinge of masculinity in it, from his tone it was clear to tell he was being represented as more of a young boy. Content to lay against Vasch's head, staring forward as their tail swayed back and forth.
"Their heart is a jigsaw puzzle, all the pieces that lace it together are not originally her own."
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Again she appeared but this time on stained glass, she was able to see it from a bird's eye view; currently it was her in the centerpiece with Rocker in one piece, a young boy in another, an older gentleman, and Vasch. Landing on both feet she looked around at the void of a place, a sword, a shield, and a stave all surrounded her. Machiko silently approached the blade, holding it until it vanished. She waited, maybe it wanted her to choose another? Picking up the shield next, it would disperse only to have shadows appear all around her; conjuring the broadsword she'd make quick work of them with strength she didn't know she had. But as she did so flashes of memories erupted within her mind, each slashing and stabbing resulting in her target being an actual person, a different one each time.
Hearing anguished cries as she dispatched each one, eyes wide as their bodies collapsed with their hearts rising into the air, corpses diminishing into thin air as she held out a sickly looking keyblade with jagged edges, its keychain seemed to be a snake that kept devouring itself. Then she was back in the void, a lone door stood in front of her, biting at her lower lip she'd approach and push it open.
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Post by hoodwink on Mar 13, 2023 0:05:10 GMT -5
Walking outside and smoking his vice, Vasch was oddly reminded of an old friend long forgotten as he spoke with Rocker. "Herself." The answer surprised the Odd-Jobber, solely for the fact that it resonated with his own heart deeply. Seeking escape, running from world to world...it was similar to what he'd been doing before settling down in Traverse Town. Memories were indeed cruel things... "Their heart is a jigsaw puzzle,"
Sighing a bit as he rounded the corner near the Hotel, Vasch felt Rocker settle in against his head. "Not her own, huh...?" He wasn't quite sure what to make of that. The ex-Master was familiar with running from memories, but his were ones he'd tried to bury, not ones resurfacing that came from elsewhere... "Sounds like the universe is mocking me or something." It was all too nostalgic.
Machiko had wound up at his doorstep, her personality drudging up his own memories and past. Something about the skater had made it impossible for him to simply abandon her in the moment, too... How was he supposed to keep an eye out for someone struggling with something he had never overcome himself? I'll just focus on what I can do, for now. He was going to help her at least stay alive long enough to keep running, for now.
"Well, here goes nothing..." Mumbling as he flicked out and stomped on the end of his smoke, Vasch headed into the Hotel with Rocker.
[BREAK]
Quietly opening the Red Room door, Vasch entered to find Machiko asleep. Looks like some rough dreams... Placing the to-go bag on the table, the Odd-Jobber saw that she looked troubled but remained quiet. Better to have nightmares than no sleep. He knew from experience. Giving Rocker a look, he'd shrug. It was clear he wouldn't stop the panda from waking Machiko if they felt the need.
Sitting in the chair at the table, Vasch chose to instead lean back and relax himself. He'd let Machiko sleep for as long as she could. It wasn't like the triplets could complain about when the package got to Merlin, anyway. They didn't have many options, considering he had it already. Wonder if the old coot is even home right now...
The wizard was constantly back and forth between their hut and the Committee on another world. Vasch had been there a few times, back when he was a Merc...it was less depressing, but bad for the odd-job business with the Committee there. Rocking on the chairs back legs, the ex-Master figured if Merlin was out, the Fairy Godmother would be there, at the least.
She could always call the wizard back.
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Post by Machiko Tetsu on Mar 13, 2023 0:24:36 GMT -5
As she opened the door an overwhelming amount of sound came down upon her. Cries, screams, blades clashing, whispers, murmurs, all the while a being shrouded in darkness reached out to her. Eyes wide, dropping her blade as the eyes between the tendrils around her head glowered down into her own. She felt like she was suffocating, grasped by the hand as it slowly began to push her into the ground. Sinking into the shadows, enveloped by it as she watched the dark skies blacken, the lone yellow eyes staring into hers.
B̴͖̝̫̫̞͙̻̦̙͖̘̑̈́̈́̈͊̀͝͝ư̷̟̜̼͙͐̀̓͌̌̒̄͑̃̎͘͠t̷̡̡͚̫̠̽͗ ̴̨̟̱͉̼̱̗͖̍̽̂̽d̵̙̹̈̿̿͆͗͋̌̅̓͘o̷̹̘̗̪̦̖̥̘̅̌̔̐̐͐̑̾̉́͗̈́̇͌͜͜͠n̷̼̦̪̞̳̫̭̺̹͖̹̭͖̠̋'̴̲͖̯̱̟̙̱̺͓͚͔̖̖́̔̑͑̽̾̔͆̿ẗ̴̨̛͈̹̰́́̀͒̿̉̈̆̀͗̓͒͂͠ ̴̘͎̣͚̓̈̎̕b̷̮̰̯̮͍͙̓͐͑́͊̀ḙ̵̛̺͙̤̦͐̀̋́̍̚ ̶̧̟̠͉̣̩̖̯̃̃͘̕ͅͅa̷͇̣͍͙͎̠̘̤̺̬̱͐̓͑͂̽̊̍́͊͆̉͗͘ͅf̵̡̜̹̫͓̣̗̫͓͔̖̤́̇͑̕ṙ̸̹̿̈́̌͊͒̾̑̕â̷̛͔̟̼̻̎̓̑́̓̀̅̓̔̾̑͠͝i̷͈̠̳̞͈͂ͅd̶̨̛͇͉͔̹̙͐̀͑̒̊̈́̚.̵̘͊ ̶̛̰̟̞́̍̎͒̔̏͋͒͝͝Y̶̨̭̝̫̤͓͎͍̤͊̓͑̄̾̕͜o̵͖̩͙̠̪̱̊̈͠u̴͈̱̤͊̑r̶̢̢̧̭̪͉͋͊̊̈́̕ ̵̼͔̬͖̪̙̻̻͙̗͎̫̇́̉̉͛̊̂́́͘͘̕͝h̷̡̡̨͈̥͙̯̘̞̀̾͗͌̉̀̾̋̒͑͜ę̷̲̭̠̳͉̳̘̙̐͜͠a̵̧̧͈̻̭̞̠̰͉̜͖̜̝͇̓r̵̨͎̘̫̯̦̳̹̝̈̾͐̾̇͑̅͌̉t̶̡̨̪̪͇̱͖͚̩̬̪͗͌̎͐͋̏̈́́̉̔͐͑́͝͝ ̴̛̫͍͎͙͕̑͛̀͛̃̾͊̾̎̿͂͘͠͠i̵̡̡̥͚̳̮̰̠͉͇̤̹̾ͅs̸̫͉̗̋͂̊̒̒͊̎̄͒̆̈̈́ ̴̢͕͖̣̑̌͗́̓̏͗͂̃̓t̴͉̬̹͈̥̰̰̯̜̀̏͛͛̑̈́h̴̛̛̰̭͎͇̖͓̻͇͔̮̼̥͎̅̒͐͊̾͆̊̌̎̍̒̚͝ẻ̶͉̠̟̭̲̝̩̘͍̞͙̹̰̀͛̊͐̀́͂̅̐̓͘͠ ̵͔̬̳̊͑̾̋̽̓̆͆́̈́̈́̐̋͠m̷͍͈̈́͌͗̀̈́͊͒̈̇i̸̛̛͉̤͚̮̤̤̻̙̐̍̀͂̇̀͂̕̕̚͝ĝ̵̛͙̥̼͇͍̳̓́͐̓̓̄͜͠h̴̺̗͇̬͙̱̳̹͖̜̆͋̓̒́̕ẗ̷̢͙̪̼̰͖̞̥̤́̉̕̕ͅi̷͎̻̯̱͎͉̠̞̒̍̄̇͛́̉̋̾͠e̶̡̪͍͚͕̣̪̬̤͙̫͈̻̒̋͐͛̍͑͜͠s̷͇̗̖̬͆͂͐̓̀̌͆̐́̅̕͘͝t̸͍̻͓̽̓̆̄͑͠ ̴̢͉̞̱̮͍̼̦̖̿̆̔͘ͅw̸̧̢̭͖̬͉͖͍̫̺̝̟̳͔̔̎̍͗͆̈́̈́̅͋̂̈́͂͂e̴̻͎͈̜̥̞͔̾̇̎̌̈̒̓̒̅̅̿̋̎́a̶͎͙͆̈̀͐͌̂̃̃́̚p̴̮̥͆͛͌̃̾̎̿̀̋̉́̇̚ơ̷̯̭̈̍̑̄̔͗̓́̆̚͝͝n̶̨̡̗̘̲̯̼̺̫̖̻͍̔̔̄ͅ ̵͓͍͎̊̊͛̊̉́̾̑͘͘ǫ̷̧͙̳͕̜̞͖̰̣̳͙͒̈́̆̊͋̌̓͋̕f̷̧̰̗̘̭͍̦̥̒͛̈ ̶͇̗̠͇̄͜a̶̫̥̞͍̼̫̩̱̩̋l̶̨̢̛͚͖̭̺̣̱̳̹̼͐͜͜l̷̡̢̨̧̲̦̻̹͈̰͎̩̅̉̃̏͌̈́̚̚͠.̷̹̺̻̺͛̍̇͛̑̈̕ ̷̢͓̤̱͇̬̳͐̒̽̏͜
̷̭̦̤̺̟͕̹͍͔͚̖̊̊͋͑͆͗̚̕̚͜
̶̢͔̣̯̝̤̜̤̹͚̣̰̣̰͈̎͒̆̾͒̓͒͆̌̈R̴̭͈̰̳͓̍͋͌̎̊̇̾̇͘̚̕͠e̸̺̤͋̾̏m̶͉̹̳̤̀̈́̇͐̐̃́̄͐͂͜͝e̴͔͔̫͉̰̭̭̱̖̊͛̃̉̏̓͛̕͝ͅm̷̧̛̮̤̤̦̹̺̦͍̹̅͌̈̋̌́̀̍b̸̧̡̫̲͚̦͉̙̤̫̜͕͉̾̈́̊́͆̿̓͂͛̽ͅę̵̢̜̥̘̜̺̺͓̖͇̬͆͐̋̆͜ͅr̸̖̺͔̉̒̒,̸̤͔̜͙͙̞̖͍̱͖̟̬̥̄̓́̍̅̾ ̷͎̤̱̻͇̝͙̲̘̙̞̙̭́͆̑͌̂̈̈́͛̐͆̽̉̕̚͜ͅy̶̡̛̰͓̣͎̤͙͎̱̣͓̗͂͂́̾̀̓͂̈́o̸̮͙͛̾̔̂̿͌̅̅͌͘ư̴̠̝͕̩̟̗͖̳̠̽́̌̇̆̇͐͂̾̈́͊ ̴̱̦̗͔͖͇̼̑̃̆̔̋̀̃̋́͜͠͠a̶̳͚͗̑͗̈́͊̑͌̓̔̑̂̈̈́͝͝r̵̢̧̠͇̫͖̠̝̞̯̖̟͕̆̈̃͜͝ͅe̶̤̘͉̅̓̾̓̈́̇̉̉̔̓̋̚ ̷̛͒̋̌̎̋͑̓̈́̏̔̿̽͌͛͜ẗ̵̨̺͓̥̫͈̦̰̹̲͔̭͈̤́͑̇̈̓͊̊̂͗̌̅̒̓͜͝h̶̨̩̖̮͖̝̰̲̦̟̗̮͔͎͒̒͗̃̇́̋͂̐̏͠͝ẹ̴̡̧̨̮̫̝̝̖͙̟͎͔̼͍̕ ̵̳̱͕̮̓͜o̶̥̰̼̻̰̜͚̙̤̰̫͑̉́̽̃̏͗͒̄̌̚͠n̸͇̞̯̙͔̯͕̳̙͔͙̝̋͂̾̿̈́͆̄͂̈̋̉͠͠ͅę̵̛̣̼͙̣͓͈͚̯̫̼̮̐͂͑̑͋̀̑͛͗͂̋̇͐͘͜ ̴̧̖̝̫̳̗̺̰̓͑̓̂̀̃͊̈ẉ̴̮̟͉̟͚͍͆h̴̨̹̼͙͙͖̗̃̃̒̍̾̒́̀͜ờ̸̡͕̲͔̤̪̃̈́́͆̎ ̵̡͙̮͖̞̮̬̝̟͇͉̀̒̍̀͒̊̀͂͆̎̕ͅw̴͕̳̠͆͌i̶̘̜̩̠̜͔̟͊̀̊̇͂̄̈̊͗̏͘͘͜͜ļ̵̲̟͙̞̘̫͓͉͉̘͙̖̈́͂͋͜l̵̨̤̗̤͚̤͐̃͂͗̈́̐ ̶̡̛̛̱͈͖̐̅̈͑̈̔̈͂̆̆̄ͅỏ̴̼͎̞͉̞̺͚̖̰̗͓͎̑̓̀̔̌̃͠p̵̠̤̥̝͇̘̩̍̾̚̚e̸̡̛̦̘̲̥͇̪̞̮̳̮͊̆̆̐̎͂͌̀̊̉̓̈͝ͅń̵̛͎̗̄̾̂̀͑͛̄̐͛̆̈́͘͝ ̸̠̣̖̹́͌ţ̷͖͓̯̞̖̘̝̙͙̥͙͊͑h̶̢̥̲̹̯̰͓̓̄̄̃̾̊̓̅̄̈́̔̓̕͠e̶͙̾̓̂́̿͒̾̓͋̽͗̉̓̏͘ ̶̠̪̄͒̓̋̈̔̅̊͌̀̃̑̀̔͋d̵̡̛̈́̈́͐̒̃̒͊́̔͝͝͠ō̸͈͕͕̰̳͉͓̰̻̖̮͔̪͍̘͑̎̈́̆o̸̢̪̪̗͖̝̯̞͒̒̊͜r̴̡̛͍̬͔̪͚̅́̂̄͘ ̵̛̦͚̳̦̭͖͉͔̜͈̘̥̯̩̀̂̍̿͘̚̕͜͝͝ţ̸̧̦̜̞͙̺͇̜́̂͑̒̅̅̃̌͜ͅo̴̞̟͈̣̰͘ ̶̨̣̹̮̺͊̑̽̔ţ̷̪̪̜͉̰̠̬̺̝̪̬͊͋͌̇̾͂̍h̴̛͇͎̮͐̄̾̾̇̄̽̓̏̔̅͌͝ē̴̯͉̠̞̣͔̦̥̹̪̎͑̌̉̾̋̄͛̆͂͘ ̸͍̐̓͂͗̔̓̇͂̽͂̈́̅̎͐͝l̴̢͉̟̝̯̠͓̹̤̳͈̥͍͆̽̓̆̉̄̄̄̅̕i̵͍̹͛̊̏̇̂̂̋́̎̍͜͝ǵ̴͎̺̺͑̅̃͝ḩ̴͕̠̮̹̰͚̫̞͍̳͗̂̈́̓͐͗̚ẗ̶͇̤̬̝́̅.̶̻͎̹̊̈́̍̊̾͝
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Machiko suddenly shot up, gasping and panting, Rocker sat on her chest, pushing at her until she woke up. Groaning as she felt the light crash into her eyes, she looked left to right, a bit panicked until she finally realized she was in the room. Sweat sliding down her cheeks, hair damp, shuddering as she glanced down to her hands. She had never had a dream like that before. It was so...surreal.
"Thanks."
She'd state as she rose up to grab her food, rustling the bag about.
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Post by hoodwink on Mar 13, 2023 1:05:54 GMT -5
Machiko jolted awake with a gasp as Rocker pushed on their chest. Vasch watched with a grimace from the table, feeling something akin to déjà vu. Seeing her whip her head back and forth, the wavy haired man waved a hand, signaling where he sat. "You're good. Food's here." He glanced at Rocker briefly, thinking back to what the red panda had told him outside.
"Thanks." Machiko came to the table and began rummaging through the to-go bag. For a moment Vasch simply watched, giving her a second to recollect herself and breathe. Once she's gotten settled with her own food, he'd gather up his own tempura and slide the cutlet Rocker's way.
"It gets easier, you know...sometimes, at least." He really didn't know why he was bothering. Vasch wasn't looking at Machiko, instead focusing on the shrimp tempura in the takeout box in front of him. His expression and tone sounded blasé, but there was a hesitancy to his words that made it clear he was trying to be mindful. "Bad dreams, I mean." He still struggled with them every now and then, hence the nights where he drank a lot.
But all in all, they were less than they used to be.
Clearing his throat somewhat awkwardly, he looked up. "Anyway...both of you eat up. Merlin's isn't far from here, but the way there is more dangerous than this District is."
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Post by Machiko Tetsu on Mar 13, 2023 1:13:34 GMT -5
Machiko looked up to Vasch for a moment, giving him a weak smile; finally showing him a crack in the mask she had been wearing. It was a bitter-sweet expression, one that appreciated his words and also resented them not for what they were, but how they reflected what she thought to herself day-to-day. Opening her Stir Fry she'd use some chop-sticks provided to begin digging in, plopping some pieces into the red panda's maw each time they opened it. The memories kept coming back, but where they even actually hers? What was that voice even, who were they and what did they want from her?
"Sometimes they don't even feel like dreams. But I appreciate the sentiment."
She'd munch and munch, it seemed she hadn't eaten in several days and slowly stood with a groan and stretch. And back to her happy go-lucky charms, which was clearly just something of a front.
"Right, we gotta go see that wizard, yeah? Gotta learn how to become a bad ass."
All the while Rocker would make a crane stance pose, pretending to be combat ready.
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Post by hoodwink on Mar 13, 2023 2:23:11 GMT -5
Vasch nodded quietly, chewing thoughtfully as Machiko mentioned the dreams not feeling like dreams at times. Why does that sound familiar? Nothing immediately came to mind, so he was quick to shrug it off and remain focused on the person in front of him. The skater seemed sullen for a bit, though once they started eating it was clear that they started channeling their focus into their hunger.
After his comment about Merlin, Machiko seemed to quicken back to their usual front. "Gotta learn how to become a badass." How serious was she about all this, anyway? The older man wasn't great with people, but he knew enough to figure the troubles plaguing the woman weren't gone...just dormant. Focus on what can be done. He still had a job to do. There wasn't any time to pry or press boundaries. That wasn't his role here, anyway.
"Right...there's actually a shortcut we can take from here, too." Getting up from the table, Vasch had just finished his own food. Tossing the garbage away into the trash can by the door, the wavy haired man clapped his hands together with a tired expression and sighed. "Leave the room key on the table. We're back on the clock."
It felt weird, saying 'we'. He'd gotten so used to working solo... Holding out a hand, Vasch tried once more to summon the White Dwarf. Again, his hand remained empty. Gritting his teeth and clenching his fists, the armored man took a deep breath and swallowed the simmering resentment he felt before grabbing Merlin's parcel and heading to the sliding glass door to the Balcony.
"The Alleyway will lead us right to Merlin's place...but stay on guard." Pulling open the door, he'd lead Machiko and Rocker outside onto the small grey balcony that overlooked the long alley behind the Hotel. Lights hung from strings dangled across the buildings of each side, illuminating the otherwise dark and deserted street. More balconies from the Hotel and other buildings stretched along the second story level they stood at, while below a waterway could be seen, built into the street.
At the end of the Alleyway, the street cut off at a turn leading out of sight while the waterway led to a large tunnel entrance where the water level rose to swimming levels. "Come on. Stay sharp..." Motioning for Machiko to follow him, Vasch leapt over the side of the balcony and down onto the street below...
Whoosh! The moment he did, he felt the balance shifting. Shadows began to pool and form from the edges of the buildings, darkness forming and yellow eyes emerging in the night. Heartless...! Of course, even without the Keyblade—this area was too empty and cramped for them to ignore the hearts they sensed. Skoooom! The Alleyway lit up as a fireball crackled and sizzled through the night, zooming past Vasch as he leapt out of the way and rolled for shelter against the wall of the Hotel building.
"Watch out! Those Heartless can cast magic!" A Red Nocturne and a Blue Rhapsody had entered the fray, along with Air Soldiers, Soldiers and Shadows. Considering the fact Vasch was about to be fighting unarmed, he didn't like the numbers... "Make sure not to use their own element against them..." He shouted out a warning to Machiko, his eyes darting between her and the Heartless.
He'd have to make sure nothing like last time happened again. All at once, the enemies moved. Spells were thrown and claws slashed out! Vasch focused on keeping most at an arms length, leaping in with wide kicks and lunging punches while rolling between swooping enemies. The fight was on!
((ENEMIES: 3 Shadows, 2 Air Soldiers, 1 Soldier, 1 Red Nocturne, 1 Blue Rhapsody))
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Post by Machiko Tetsu on Mar 13, 2023 12:29:05 GMT -5
Machiko grinned and suddenly threw Rocker up into the air who squeaked and suddenly landed on one of the flying heartless. It'd grab onto its head, almost directing it via holding onto its cranium and whirling about in zig-zags. All the while the skater got on her skateboard and began to skid about the area, skirting the edge of where the sewer drain began. Flames and patches of ice being pelted at the zig-zagging daredevil. Hitting the wall she'd ride up it and make a loop to hit the ground again, avoiding a soldier's cyclone kick and eventually leaping up between the Nocturne and Rhapsdy, taking her hat off and giving a wink as the two of them fired their volleyed of fire and ice at her only for her to blink forward and past them. Both the magical creatures slamming their opposite elements into one another and bursting into magical mist.
All the while Rocker with their newfound vehicle made a squeaking dive as they crashed into the other flying soldier, causing them also to disperse. Shaking their head they'd run to Vasch for further support as Machiko lifted her blade as the soldier returned with another cyclone kick, wincing at the sudden impact and nearly falling over but managing to dig her heels in enough to remain stable.
"How's that, old man?!"
((ENEMIES: 3 Shadows, 1 Soldier))
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Post by hoodwink on Mar 13, 2023 13:17:36 GMT -5
Vasch sighed in annoyance as he leapt over a Shadows feeble attempt to attack him, landing on it with a stomp! with both armored feet as it exploded into a dark mist. Seeing Rocker control the Air Soldier as though a vehicle was a surprise—more impressive was Machiko's quick thinking regarding the magical Heartless. Watching the unlikely pair make quick work of the enemies, the Odd-Jobber had to admit they were resourceful.
Watching the skater take a Soldier's cyclone attack head-on, Vasch noticed that it seemed her defenses were really where she had the most openings. She's quick on her feet and has good coordination with that board...but her output outweighs what she can take, huh? He took note of it for when they would train with Merlin soon. "How's that, old man?!" Though he kept watch, he was also keeping an eye on the enemies as he spoke...
"You're doing better...but don't get cocky. These are weaklings, after all." As the red panda scurried across the brick towards the Odd-Jobber, a Shadow melded into the ground, darting towards the creature with menacing speed! Thankfully, Vasch's own strengths back in his day didn't rely on brute strength, either... A blur of blue and silver, the middle aged man moved with speed that seemed impossible for someone with his years and the armor he wore.
Within the blink of an eye, he'd managed to close the distance between himself and Rocker, scooping up the fuzzy critter and holding out his left hand to protect them from the lunging Heartless... Blllling! A burst of light exploded in the Alleyway as finally, the White Dwarf appeared. Rusted and tarnished, it still seemed to sparkle against the string lights illuminating the alley in the night, blocking the Shadow's claws as Vasch instinctively slashed out with a counter attack and released the trapped heart within the enemy.
"What the—?" He blinked in surprise, straightening himself as he placed Rocker safely onto his shoulder. Now? It had abandoned him when he was trying to save Machiko, earlier...so what was different now? He still couldn't figure out the fickle weapon's whims, after its relationship with him had been ruined. Unfortunately, the Keyblade's presence wasn't always a good thing, calling out to the Heartless with its unique power.
Whoosh... More dark portals emerged in the Alleyway as reinforcements arrived, hearing the weapon that called to them. "Damn it. Something really is out to get me, isn't it?" Wearing an expression of annoyance, Vasch gripped the blade he disdained and readied himself—shouting out a warning to Machiko. "Don't do more than you can handle! That tunnel will take us underneath Merlin's...make a run for it the moment you find an opening."
The tunnel entrance had water that would easily be waist-high, but other than that was unblocked by anything other than Heartless. Whether Machiko wanted to fight her way through, or utilize her skateboard, Vasch would have to provide support and work his way there from further back. He stood beneath the Hotel balcony still, near the beginning of the Alleyway that led to the First District, though its way was blocked by a mountain of crates.
Bzzzzzt! Snap! Electricity danced across the brick as a Yellow Opera summoned a lightning spell, forcing Vasch to cover Rocker with their gauntlet as they focused on their footwork. Though a stray bolt grazed him, the ex-Master was swift on their feet. I should focus on the ranged enemies, first... The Soldiers and Shadows were hardly a threat for him, now that he had his weapon back.
Using his Vortex ability, Vasch was a spinning blur of blue and silver as he streaked across the battlefield. Covering the distance while attacking at the same time, the Odd-Jobber's attack gave him offense and defense all at once as he destroyed a Soldier, Shadow and finally landed on the Yellow Opera! There were still more enemies to go, but he kept his eyes out for Machiko, ready to use his speed and his returned weapon to swoop in if needed...
((ENEMIES: 4 Shadows, 2 Soldiers, 1 Yellow Opera, 1 Green Requiem))
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Post by Machiko Tetsu on Mar 13, 2023 13:38:16 GMT -5
Crap. There were so many more now, what gives? Weaving past the four heartless that seemed keen on following her, she'd make way for the tunnel as they all began to follow her. Surprisingly they were quick swimmers, peppered by balls of lightning and the occasional gusts, she almost fell off of her skateboard as she closed in on the tunnel. As soon as she got to it she'd take out yellow beads that seemed to hum with magic, curiously as soon as the wheels hit the tunnel wall they'd become almost magnetic. Skidding upside down as her hair hung upside down, skating backwards to look over the heartless in the water and before they could follow her she dropped each of the beads.
An electric current surged through the waters, zapping and destroying all of the shadows along with the soldier, grinning as she'd cry out excitedly.
"Haha! Race ya, old guy!"
She'd call out, it echoed throughout the tunnel and back to him and Rocker. Rocker glanced between the two magical beings and puffed up, he couldn't do much here but he did try to intimidate them, which amounted to just about nothing.
((ENEMIES:1 Yellow Opera, 1 Green Requiem))
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Post by hoodwink on Mar 13, 2023 14:11:03 GMT -5
Vasch sighed in relief as Machiko seemed to listen to his warning, darting towards the tunnel on her skateboard. "What—?!" He hadn't planned on most of the Heartless following the woman, though! Just what's going on here...? Grimacing as he began to chase after her, the ex-Master felt a knot forming in the pit of his stomach. Something wasn't right, lately. Heartless were usually mindless, chasing after hearts until the Keyblade drew most of their attention away. Why are they so focused on her? It had been the same in the plaza, too.
Just who was this woman?
Was it really about her, or was something happening with the Heartless on this world that Vasch wasn't aware of? Thankfully, Machiko was soon escaping into the tunnel as the Heartless tried to give chase. Just as the Odd-Jobber was readying a ranged attack to take care of the pursuers, lightning bolts erupted down around him once more. "Urgh...!" He'd been so focused on protecting Machiko's back that he'd ignored the remaining straggling enemies!
Protecting Rocker once more from the attack with his armored hand, Vasch staggered as he took the brunt of the spell directly. "Annoying." Another Yellow Opera had remained after his last attack, getting him by surprise. Ironically, Machiko had erupted the tunnel into a sparking field of electricity herself, destroying the pursuing Heartless and freeing up the tunnel all by herself—he'd really worried for nothing.
It just went to show that people were nothing but burdensome. He was too weak for something like allies and teammates, after all. "Race ya, old guy!" Machiko's taunt echoed throughout the tunnel as Rocker puffed themselves up and tried to scare the magical Heartless remaining. Sighing a bit, Vasch shook his head, staring at the tunnel and back at the remaining enemies.
"Just what did I get myself into, here?" At least she listened, this time... Shouldering his Keyblade, Vasch turned and dashed away. It wouldn't do any good to linger in the Alleyway, as most likely he'd just end up gathering more Heartless. Chasing after Machiko, the wavy haired man would clang! in his armored boots as he leapt from wall to wall, avoiding the tunnel water completely as he escaped into the Waterway...
[BREAK]
"Well, that went a lot better than the plaza..." Walking onto the mossy and damp rocks that created a shore of sorts, Vasch was as dry as a bone as he made his way with Rocker into the Secret Waterway. They seemed to be underground, a large pool of water forming from the river-like Waterway gathered beneath a painted mural of a moon.
Across from the larger body of water and the mural was where they stood now, on a shore of mossy rock that led to a large and empty cavern of brick, with a chimney-like vertical tunnel leading somewhere above and out of view. None of the enemies had been able to follow them here...apparently, it was safe. Vasch looked Machiko over before giving a small nod. Was that a faint look of approval!?
"You think quick and move faster...your spells are decent and the way you use your environment is impressive. I'd say your speed is your greatest strength, whereas your defenses are your greatest weakness." He hated to admit it, but it actually did make her a great candidate to train under him. His old Union had had a knack for fighters that relied on agility and speed, after all... He'd even tried to focus those trainings on his old apprent—
"Merlin's is up ahead. Are you ready to train?" He shook the thought off, otherwise he'd get too wrapped up in the past again. He couldn't afford for the Keyblade to abandon him here, when they were so close! Rummaging in his haori, the ex-Master pulled out the parcel, tossing it to Machiko. "Don't forget, though—we're here for a job, first and foremost."
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Post by Machiko Tetsu on Mar 13, 2023 14:28:59 GMT -5
Machiko managed to get there before the old man, grinning ear to ear as she stood on a platform. It seemed the way to get there had several crates in the middle of the water. Turning she'd catch the parcel and gave a two finger salute before leaping onto each box. Righting her balance on one of them as she almost fell off, but managed to push herself upright once more. She'd leap onto the next one, hey, she was getting the hang of this.
All the while Rocker looked up to Vasch.
"Normally, a keyblade would draw heartless more than a single person. But if you remember what I said prior, her heart is a jigsaw. Meaning her heart is made of many parts, thus would draw more heartless based on it seeming like there are more hearts than there are in one place."
Rocker spoke within his mind again, attempting to elaborate on the thoughts he was having concerning the Heartless and earlier. Staring over at Machiko as she leapt from box to box until she got to Merlin's doorstep, which seemed like just to be a hole in the all she walked into.
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Post by hoodwink on Mar 13, 2023 16:49:51 GMT -5
Sighing a bit as he watched Machiko salute and hop onto the crates, Vasch couldn't help but stiffen a bit as Rocker's voice invaded his mind again. It would take some time for him to get used to that... Listening quietly to the panda's explanation, the ex-Master watched as the skater leapt up and out of view into Merlin's abode. So, basically what you're saying is I got saddled with a really troublesome employee, huh? That was just his luck, really.
He always did get stuck with troublemakers, when it came to who he had to supervise...
It was useful information, though. Having once been a Keyblade Master in his prime, Vasch knew about multiple hearts residing within one vessel, as well as slumbering hearts. Was this the case with his latest acquaintance? Looking down at the Keyblade in his hands, the Odd-Jobber couldn't help but feel like there were parts of this mystery that would naturally drudge up his own history, too...
"Oh well...let's just focus on getting paid, right now." Shaking his head a bit, the man followed after Machiko, bringing up the rear with Rocker as he leapt up the crates and into Merlin's Hut...
He forced away thoughts of releasing hearts and the battles of his past, for now.
Merlin's Hut was a cluttered and dim place, seemingly abandoned at first glance. A circular building in shape, the room was cramped with a raised circular platform in the center, housing a clothed table and chair. All around the outer ring of the room were piles of unorganized books, an unmade bed, a large and dusty wardrobe as well as other desks and tables with random assortments of items.
A gaping hole in the wall was covered by a faded green curtain, acting as the entrance. Next to it was a tiny yet fanciful carriage, odd and out of place, far too small to fit anyone or be carried by anything other than mice. Walking into the cramped space following after Machiko, Vasch looked around the room and wondered the last time Merlin had been around. "Oi, Godmother!"
Speaking out to seemingly no one, the Odd-Jobber gestured to the table on the raised platform, motioning for Machiko to place the parcel down. "We got a package for Merlin! Where is he?" Suddenly the tiny carriage rattled, a bright blue and pink mist seeping from it as sparkles and a sing-song voice echoed out.
"Oh, my! Is that you, Vasch? It's been some time...!" Appearing from the mist was an older woman (even compared to Vasch) dressed in a blue/purple gown and hood, glasses shining and a red bow tied at their neck. In her hands was a long and sleek wooden wand, the ends still sparkling with a blue and pink mist as their form took hold near the tiny carriage. "Oh, you have other guests with you, too!" This seemed to surprise the older magical woman greatly, blinking and squinting at Machiko and Rocker in turn before giving them a friendly and warm smile. “Pleasure to meet you both. I’m the Fairy Godmother!” Clambering over a mountain of unorganized books, Vasch had made his way to a desk on the outskirts of the room, taking a seat and resting the White Dwarf against the table unceremoniously. Crossing his arms as he leaned back and got comfortable, the man in the dark haori seemed to have expected a greeting like this. ”The Godmother's another stray who holed up with the wizard when her world was lost. She’s pretty powerful herself, though…” He hardly glanced at Machiko from his spot in the chair, his explanation short and lazy. The mystical woman scrunched her nose up as the man spoke, seemingly taking some offense to his comments. “I really wish you’d work on those manners of yours, young man!” Her calling him ‘young’ caused Vasch to sneer coyly, though he didn’t make any remarks other than to wave a hand as though shooing her away. “I’ll gather Merlin in just a moment. He’s away in Radiant Garden, assisting the Committee again…” Just as the man had expected. “Now, who might you be, dearies?” Turning back towards Machiko and Rocker, the Fairy Godmother’s face resumed a pleasant smile. It seemed that they preferred introductions themselves, though perhaps that was due to the company they kept at the moment…
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Post by Machiko Tetsu on Mar 13, 2023 16:58:42 GMT -5
The place was somewhat musty from what she could tell, old cloth, junk laying around; was this really a place a renown wizard would reside in? She had her doubt, bumping into a particularly dusty cloth the stuff would get thrown into the air and unlucky for Machiko; her nose was sensitive. Inhaling once, twice, then...ACHOO! Sniffled she'd take a handkerchief from her pouch and wiped at her nose, blinking and staring at it. It was a white cloth embroidered with gold and silver; when the hell did she get this? Another voice came out along with sparkles and magics, stuffing the cloth away and observing as the old woman appeared.
Ah, so Merlin was away; that explained why things looked so downtrodden.
"Oh, uh, I'm Machiko Tetsu. My red panda's name is Rocker. We're from...from..."
Machiko blinked, scratching at her cheek.
"I don't remember actually...but yeah, we're kind of a team. The old man's gonna help us, same with Merlin. Well, gotta ask him actually."
Placing both of her hands behind her head she'd lean back, only to find there was a podium tipped over and placed directly behind her. Arms waving as she lost her footing and fell on her ass with an 'oof', about three books clocking her in the head afterward, luckily they were soft-cover.
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Post by hoodwink on Mar 13, 2023 18:07:03 GMT -5
The Godmother beamed as Machiko introduced herself and Rocker, pleased to meet new friendly faces. “We’re from…I don’t remember actually…” Holding a hand to her mouth, the older woman seemed saddened to hear this news, but didn’t interrupt. Vasch remained quiet as well, sitting at the desk with his eyes closed as he listened. It was only for a moment though, as Machiko was quick to elude to getting aid from the ex-Master and Merlin alike, which appeared to lighten the Fairy Godmother’s mood.
“It’s quite nice to meet you bo—oh! Watch out!” As Machiko stumbled back towards the podium filled with books, the Fairy Godmother waved her magic wand. Blue and pink stars sparked out as a faint mist seemed to fog through the room. Though it had all happened too quick for the mystical woman to stop the books from falling, they’d begin to float with the podium as everything was put back in place. Machiko would be pulled back to her feet as well, a soft green hue washing over her form as healing magic worked its wonders.
Vasch had jumped up from his spot at the desk, wondering what had happened. Seeing that it was his ‘employee’ fumbling over herself and making a mess, he slapped a hand to his face. How in the world… She could skate on that board of hers upside-down and do tricks that out-maneuvered the Heartless, but couldn’t watch where she was going on her own two feet?! For some reason, a doomed feeling washed over the ex-Master for half a second…
“I do try and tell Merlin to keep his home tidy while he’s away. Please don’t think too poorly of him. He’s very powerful in many ways, but only human in others…” Sighing a bit as she looked over Machiko to make sure there were no further damage, the Godmother gave a small apology on the wizard’s behalf. “But Merlin’s always willing to help those in need!” The mystical woman eyed the armored man standing by desk. “Vasch is too, despite his initial appearances. He’s done his part for this world and many others…”
The Odd-Jobber in question flashed a look of annoyance before barking out his demands once more. ”Don’t you have a wizard to fetch?” He hated how freely she always spoke. Heart on her sleeve, that old woman. Giving a light-hearted laugh and rolling her eyes, the Godmother shook her head before waving her wand. The end sparked and came alive with blue and pink stars and mist at once.
“Yes, yes—don’t you worry, dear! I’ll be back before you know it. Make yourselves at home!” As the Fairy Godmother disappeared in a flash of light, a teapot and set of cups appeared in a puff of clouds on the center table, steaming hot. Grimacing as he sat back down at the desk, Vasch rubbed at the bridge of his nose. I hate coming here. It was always so…exhausting. It was a necessary evil, though—what with the job and the training. What could he do? For a moment, the wavy haired man stared blankly towards the tiled ceiling, thinking back to how Machiko had introduced herself.
”Hey—about before…” He felt pretty foolish, looking back on it. What he’d said at the Dalmatian’s house was supposed to be helpful, but… ”I didn’t know you couldn’t remember—your home, I mean.” The words felt awkward. Of course he wouldn’t have known at that time, but still he’d been too rash. In his earnestness to inform Machiko about the nature of Traverse Town, he’d most likely done more harm than good. ”Not everyone here came from a loss…some end up here just because they're lost. Get it?” Shit, was he even making sense? Vasch shut up, figuring he was putting his foot in his mouth more than he’d intended.
Why wasn’t Merlin back yet?
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Post by Machiko Tetsu on Mar 13, 2023 19:19:35 GMT -5
Machiko giggled as she was pulled up and onto her feet, the magic tickled a bit and felt pleasant overall. It smelled of fruits and sweets and lingered to the rest of her coat. She didn't know why, but this old lady was just so pleasant; it almost reminded her of someone or maybe she had met this person before? She'd glance over to Vasch as the godmother mentioned him, something told her he only acted as some kind of hardass to push people away. His snap caused another chuckle to rise from her lips, for some reason, this guy had also been familiar to her.
Machiko decided to be playful, moving up to the table and sitting down onto a chair to put her finger around one of the handles. Rocker came up beside her, sitting onto the table and looking over and into his cup.
"Ah, how quaint of you to join me for tea this evening, Sir Rockington. I do say, your coat is looking absolutely -fabulous- today."
She'd glance over to Vasch as he spoke, she lowered her cup breaking character as she looked off to the side.
"I get it, I think. Someone else told me that I didn't remember because it was consumed by darkness. But they were a bit shady in a black robe so I didn't pay it much mind."
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