genessia | open log;

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Who: Riku, open to all
What: With Valentine's reminding him how alone in the crowd he is, he starts picking up the pace with his own training
When: February 15th-20th
Where: Fayren; Beach (Feb 15th-20th) | Genessia City; Library (Feb 16th) | Nova City; Holodeck (Feb 17th-20th)
Warnings: None

Fayren Beach
[It had become habit, at this point - finding himself wandering the shoreline instead of simply heading home after work. It was far too quiet in his tiny apartment, and while silence had become a companion for him in recent days... he found himself drawn to the water, despite the seasonal chill.

A chill that still had him in a few layers, despite the black coat. He's honestly surprised he hasn't gotten sick because of it, considering how unacclimated he is to cooler temperatures. Yet, here he is, "gazing" out at the water almost calmly.

And only on the 15th would it be apparent that he was anything but fine, as his usual silver hair turned a shade of cyan. Not that he's aware of it in the first place.]

Library
[It's been bugging him for over a week now, yet unlike the person who'd unwittingly suggested it to him... Riku was slowly realizing that he didn't really have anyone who would help him select one.And considering there was one right next to his apartment complex, he really had only the one excuse.

One that could be easily circumvented, if he felt like giving at least three people heart attacks. Yet even now, he wasn't so sure he could control it, so instead he enters - and the moment he does, he recognizes at least one scent nearby. Frowning, he'll turn to anyone but him (not that it would stop him from approaching him, if Zexion really wanted to) to ask one simple question:]

Hey, could you show me where the audio books are?

[...And whether or not anyone helps him find the area of the library he's looking for, he'll eventually find his way there. Running his gloved fingers across the spines of the cases. The library in Hollow Bastion had been one of the few places he felt himself relax there, but now... He feels like he's completely out of his element.]

Nova City; Holodeck
[Riku didn't need a strong imagination like he did for the vivid memories to materialize, with a little trial and error with the settings - he had always been good with computers, unlike a certain someone he knew. Yet as he stood there, as the room deck slowly transformed to that of what looked almost like a circular chapel, walls covered in black thorns. His attention was solely on the figure before him, as she transfigured into a massive black dragon.

A dragon that the hooded figure didn't even hesitate to jump at and swing at her face, always careful to avoid the retalitory strikes. Attacks he need not see to know were coming.

He'd seen this fight once, in the back of his own mind, and experienced it in a journey through his own memories. As the dragon snaps at him, he jumps back, before vaulting into the air as though temporarily defying gravity. Bringing the tip of his blade into its head thrice and in rapid succession, until he jumps back and pillars of dark energy strike at the fae. Every time he heard a claw raise from the ground, the boy would jump up to the thorny branches above, firing a blast of dark firaga as the dragon turns to face him.

It was almost ironic, considering. Yet he keeps it up, once in a while slipping up and taking a hit whether it be because the hologram spun around and clipped him with her tail as he tried to one-handed backspring out of the way, or a blast of green fire he didn't quite catch in time.

Either way, he has the most satisfied grin on his face by the time the holodeck reverts to normal. Despite being out of breath for a few seconds. Good. He could still manage this much while holding back.]

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To say that Zexion was surprised to see Riku was an understatement. Well, like Riku, he'd smelled him first, but with so many people in this new world he was unfamiliar with, he second-guessed himself until he actually saw the teenager.

Damn. Of course Riku had to come in while he was working. If Zexion hadn't been working, he could've just happily ignored him, but no, it was his job. When Riku passed somewhat nearby for the third time, Zexion sighed. He probably wouldn't get attacked in a library, right? He steeled himself and went over cautiously, making sure not to get too close.

"Can I help you find something?"

To the teen's credit, it isn't as though he had planned for this to happen. In fact, he'd been tempted to simply exit and come back later. Yet, with his own work schedule, that wasn't likely to happen for some time. Time he would rather not spend in complete silence, despite himself.

Riku recognized how he's passed that particular scent at least twice by the time he does a third time, never really close enough to appear remotely threatening - but he is annoyed. At himself, at this situation. A lot of things which means it's only a good idea he kept this blasted thing on his face. Yet when Zexion approached, Riku stopped in his tracks. Turned his head slightly, and did his best to keep his expression schooled to a polite neutral.

He hadn't come for a fight, or any sort of confrontation. In fact, he'd been purposely avoiding the other since he had confirmation from another over what his nose had already told him the day he arrived. It took a fair bit more willpower to bite back an 'I'm fine, thanks' and be honest. If nothing else than because it was the lesser of the two evils.

"The audio books section," he replied curtly, shoving his hands in his coat pockets. A quiet sign that he wasn't planning on doing anything reckless. Today, anyway.

Hmm. Perhaps Riku didn't know who he was? He did have that blindfold, after all. It was entirely possible. Just... not likely, considering how much Zexion had talked to him in previous encounters. If nothing else, the boy probably recognized his voice.

Still, Riku putting his hands in his pockets was good to see. Zexion didn't want to start anything here. For one thing, he worked there. More than that, though, the books might get damaged, and that would be a very bad thing. It was of utmost importance that the books not get damaged.

As he had that thought, immediately Demyx came to mind, rolling his eyes at him and calling him a boring nerd or something. Zexion ignored the thought.

The point, however, was that Zexion wasn't looking for a fight or even an argument. He'd get him what he wanted and return to what he'd been doing. Really, he'd been avoiding coming into contact with Riku just as much as the other had avoided him.

"Of course, this way," he answered and began to lead the way, since it appeared giving directions wouldn't help much.

Oh, he knew who it was alright. It should have been obvious from how he managed to go anywhere but around the other since he'd arrived. And now, how seemed to be able to follow well enough just by the sound of Zexion's footfalls. It was one of the only reasons he was grateful to DiZ - for what he did on the twelfth basement floor. His eyes might betray him, but his nose never had. It would be hard to forget that awful smell, not to mention that voice. Though, honestly? He could have told him by the number of shelves if he wasn't certain of the actual distance and Riku would have been fine on his own.

It's almost ironic that, for once, they agree on one thing: damaging books was not high on the priority list. He didn't look it, but he'd always taken all of his studies seriously.

The only hint Zexion gets for the time being, however, is a slight scowl. Yet he still doesn't make a move, save to follow.

[Enis comes to the Holodeck every so often to check out the systems and run a handful of simulations. They aren't all combat related but they're all meant to test various variables. She's not surprised to see the Holodeck occupied when she arrives but she is surprised to see a large Maleficent shaped dragon inside the room.

She watches the fight from one of the terminals, only stepping into the deck when Riku has taken a break.]

Do you always fight dragons?

[Enis asks as she leans against the doorway, her arms crossed over her chest. She's curious and Clay had told her to learn about things around her. So why not people?

Her eyes are affected by the strange mood-ring like color change sweeping the cities and right now Enis's eyes are teal instead of their usual vibrant blue.]

[He sensed the new presence arrive at the Holodeck, but says nothing about it until he takes a break. After all, the hologram isn't pulling any punches and he wasn't taking any chances. If anyone knew how dangerous the real thing was, it was him. This construct wasn't much different.

When he's done, though, he dismisses his sword, turning his head towards the voice attached to the scent.]

Nah. Just the one. Wanted to test my reflexes.

[And considering he was hit three or four times, he has some work to do.

He doesn't notice the eye color change - he can't see it.]

[Enis doesn't mean to interrupt, mostly because she knows that she'd be pissed is someone bothered her at a similar moment, but she's curious. His skills, his style and his methods: it's all very interesting.]

And how did you do?

[She knows that he's a talented swordsman, it's easy to tell after watching his fight, but it doesn't answer all of her questions; like what scale he judges himself at.]

You're also welcome to ignore my questions and continue on your way.

[Just to make that clear. Maybe Enis isn't good at talking to people...]

[She didn't; it's just kind of a thing he's always aware of, even when he doesn't want to be. Though honestly, this is probably the first time anyone's taken an interest in his skills since he first arrived. Which gets a raised eyebrow, not that Enis can see it.]

... Better, but not good enough.

[Yeah, he's- overly critical of himself. It's fairly obvious. Still, he shrugs.]

you want to use the 'deck too, right? [Why else would she be here?] Go ahead. I need a break, anyway.

[Mainly to heal a couple burn wounds and his healing magic is not nearly as potent as his darkness spells.]

[Ever person as their own set of scales that they compare themselves too. What Enis believes to be improvement won't be the same for another person and so knowing how Riku judges himself will tell her not only about his personality but what sort of power he's truly capable of. From what Enis can glean, he's more than just a skilled fighter.

It's interesting.]

I do but I don't want to take it from you.

[Enis is trying to control the computer chip that has been implanted in her head and to do that she has to make her body believe that her life is being threatened. To that end, the simulation that she has in mind is simpler than Riku's; her versus ten or so assailants. Just enough for the chip to activate.]

But, if you need a break we can trade off.

It's not taking it if I'm done for now.

[It wouldn't be good to go with what he was thinking of next with the injuries he sustained from the last one. Even if they're mild in comparison to what it could have been.

Riku shrugs faintly, exiting the deck itself. If he's honest with himself, even he doesn't know what amount of power he himself is capable of. Only what he's refusing to tap into. Still, he wordlessly gestures for her to go ahead. He'll offer this woman the same courtesy she'd shown him.]

[Enis nods her head.]

I won't take long if you wish to go again.

[With that she steps further into the holodeck after programming what she's looking for. The setting around her vanishes and if Riku watches he'll see a thick darkness surrounding Enis. Her point is lit and as she moves figures begin to show themselves in the dark. There are ten assailants in the darkness who take turn striking at Enis.

She starts with hand to hand before pulling a long thin sword from her belt. Her movements are skilled those it'll be obvious to Riku that Enis isn't trying to kill any of her attackers.

One of the figures gets his arm around her neck and her sword drops. Enis closes her eyes as she fights both the man's grip. When her eyes open the bright vibrant blue of her iris has turned red with flecks of silver that ominously reflects the light. Her movements change as well, becoming colder and more calculated. Enis breaks the man's arm and then proceeds to methodically and quickly kill the 10 holograms. When the simulation ends Enis falls to the ground, pressing her fingers to her forehead.]

[See, there's just one tiny problem with that. Riku, in his present condition, can't see at all without removing the cloth from over his eyes—something he refuses to do not just out of habit of wearing it by this point. So, all he can do is follow her by sound and scent. Picking up the subtle shift with his nose but he says nothing. Does nothing. Not right away as he uses his limited magic to heal his wounds. When the sounds of battle die down, though, he exits back onto the holodeck.]

You alright? [Normally he'd offer a hand,but he can't tell what the other's state currently is.]

Edited 2018-03-04 19:32 (UTC)

I'm fine.

[Her voice is tense as she forces herself to her feet. An aching whirling noise is echoing through her head however she ignores it as she steps towards the door of the hologram room. Her blue eyes land on Riku and she wonders if he truly can't see. Perhaps he can feel the way the air around his stirs or listen... it's nothing she's experienced herself though she knows what it feels like to be blinded.]

And your wounds? Are they better?

[Enis lowers her tone though she expects this man to hear her.]

[Whether or not he can, it doesn't really matter. He can get by with or without, his other senses strong enough to pick up the slack. It's just... better for his sanity that he does this.]

Yeah. Wasn't that serious.

[He notices that lower tone but doesn't comment on it; he could hear her just fine.]

Do you come here a lot?

[Enis looks over at him, staring at his blindfold.]

What happened to your eyes?

[Excuse her lack of tact.]

Not really. I don't exactly like training in a place anyone can see me practice. Today was one of the few exceptions.

[He crosses his arms, frowning at the question.]

Sorry, but that's personal.

[He doesn't even know her name and she's asking that? Rude.]

Okay.

[Enis can be rude, she isn't used to being around other people but she doesn't think there is any harm in asking. The worst he can say is no and that's fine.]

I'm going to make an assumption that you practice in private because you don't like being around others. My test failed so I'll be heading out.

Later.

[Guess who else likes nature walks for no apparent reason? This guy. Most people go to Nova City's newer, fancier one for novelty's sake, so Fayren's is left emptier than usual. Imagine his surprise when he sees a certain surly youth here. Why, it must be destiny! Or at least a chance for conversation, which is just as well. If only he thought before he spoke.]

Hello, Riku! Fancy seeing you here. What are you looking at?

[Ah, [KUPO]. Riku turns his head briefly towards the source of the voice, frowning. But then he always frowns unless otherwise given a reason, so it likely doesn't give the man a clue. Still, he can feel his eyes scrunching up like they would narrowing.]

Nothing.

[Quite literally. And he is going to remember the scent of this particular presence, now.]

[Ted's scent: got it memorized?]

Heh, I know what that's like.

[There's an awful lot of "nothing" to look at in the void. Ted hopes to hide his very stupid question with one hopefully more relevant.]

Penny for your thoughts? Did you have a good Valentine's Day?

[~~/boots to the head~~]

Somehow, I doubt that.

[Still, he shrugs at the other question.] Don't celebrate it, so it's just another day for me.

[Is Riku always this much fun? Then again, Ted's social skills are getting not as horrible. He knows, dimly, that when people turn monosyllabic and taciturn, that usually means you're boring them or they'd otherwise like you elsewhere. He should test that theory.]

"Goodness! I'm surprised one as handsome as yourself could get out of that without a girl's time for the day. Huh.

Aheh, are beaches the sort of thing you enjoy in solitude?"

[Yes, yes he is. ~~No he's not he's just not having a good week~~.]

I-I don't know what you're talking about-

[Kingdom Hearts, is he glad that his hair is long because he can feel the back of his neck heat up at that.Not to mention his ears. Ergh.]

...It's a public beach. [He shrugs. Pretending he didn't just have that outburst ~~unsuccessfully~~.]

[For a blind guy he sure keeps his hair neatish. Ted barely recognizes the humor in his own comment.]

Ahah, right, suppose your own aesthetics would elude you. You'll just have to take it on faith; I'm no flatterer.

[Gee Riku that almost answered his question.]

Very true. Yet it's wide enough to indulge private thoughts, if one wants. Do you have a preference either way? It's really no trouble.

[It's just the way his hair do, man. Geez.]

Honestly, that kind of thing's been the last thing on my mind for a while now.

[~~Stupid Xehaborg wait shit that isn't even discussed for another three games in the timeline craaaap~~ If Ted wasn't expecting deadpan snark and rudeness, he may be trying to ~~initiate the wrong social link~~ befriend the wrong kind of guy.]

Not really. [A beat.] Just keep finding myself here.

[Every social link's the right social link. He's used to the dry types; it's whether he's infringing on sincerely sought solitude that concerns. But now that he knows otherwise, the check's blank. Time for network-informed party tricks.]

I can guess why. I've been in the world a while, and can't recall a single meteor shower. We've few break-ins from heaven.

Edited 2018-02-28 18:25 (UTC)

[Riku's blood runs cold at the other's words, automatically putting some space between them as he tries to keep that chuckle he hears in the back of his head repressed.]

How do you know know about that?

[Because that is a very specific detail to mention. To Riku especially.]

[See Riku, that's your problem: you repress the laughter. The other one is trying to be subtle with Ted. "That" could refer to so much.]

Oh, well, ah, experience in the world, I suppose. A meteor shower seems awfully hard to hush up. Granted, meteorology isn't my best discipline, but one picks up a few things.

[Were it his own laughter, he wouldn't. As it stands, though... he frowns even deeper at the response. All before turning on his heel and walking away. He's not worth getting in trouble with the authorities over, or compromising his position at work for.]

[Ted knew that response only because he'd done it before; the angry huff. Clearly he'd said something to offend, though, being Ted, he knew not what.]

Ah...sorry for offense, if I gave any. Erm...good morning.

[Was it something he said???]

[ Lunafreya continues her exploration of the city (technically cities). Her paths lead her to the library of Genessia City. She adjusts the scarf around her neck before taking the strides up the stairs and into the library that towers over her. Her fingers brush against books and other items on the shelves, taking in everything that has ever been stored here.

The question is what catches her by surprised. Her head raises to look at the young man. The coat is strange as is the fact he wears a blindfold. Then again, it could hide the sight of blind eyes from those who would make comments or judge. She smiles at him, hands folding in front of him. ]

If you do not mind the fact that I would need to locate them as well.

[Funny thing about that, was that the blindfold seemed to almost always get more questions instead. He's almost relieved that it isn't the first thing commented on, honestly. Almost. Instead, he's almost a little sheepish in his response.]

Ah- sorry. [He really is.] Yours were the first steps I-

[Wait. He recognized that voice.]

You're- Lunafreya, right? I think we spoke before, over the network. [During the blizzard, at that.]

[ She pauses as he mentions her name. He does sound familiar, now that she thinks about it. A smile graces her features then and a bow is given to him out of not only habit but formalities. ]

It is good to finally meet you in person. [ She stands to her full height, hands comfortably folded in front of her. ] I believe we spoke of tropical islands. As that is the star you hail from.

[He doesn't see the smile, but he can hear an inflection of it in her voice - and hear the way her clothes rustle as she bows. He wants to tell her that it isn't necessary. That he is far from who anyone should bow to. If anything, it's he who should be doing so. A humble castaway and nobody special.]

We did. Though, I don't think I ever shared my own name. [It is a habit he's been trying to break for some time - now that he doesn't have to live in the shadows and in secrecy nearly as much. For that, he bows his head in apology.] Riku.

[ And yet it is customary in her world to do so--especially as those of Tenebrae are of such high formality. The Oracle serves the people, despite her title of Princess. It is deserved regardless of how he sees himself. ]

Riku. [ Her tone fills with warmth as the smile grows on her face. ] I was Oracle of my star before my arrival here... thus, if you are ever in need of healing, please, do not hesitate to call. I will answer.

[Gotta love the culture clash, there. Yet, he smiles faintly -if a little self-depreciating.]

I'll keep that in mind. [The healing part. After all, he is a warrior. Though that other part-] Oracle?

[It's a term he's never heard of before, but even so, he can't help but be curious. It's his nature.]

[ Lunafreya nods. ]

I spoke to the Gods for my people. I would go to their villiages and heal them of their afflictions... and I was to aid the King of Lucis.

[A healer, and a voice of the people. That alone is enough to earn his respect if it's true. (Not that he doubts her; what reason would she have to lie?) Yet he's surprised that the people need another to speak to the gods. ~~How he wishes that were the case back home, maybe then Hades would have a Mute Button.~~

But he catches that hesitation, and the past tense. Lunafreya may not see his brows furrowing, but she'd definitely noticing the frown deepen.]

Ah. [He'd say 'I see', but that's in poor taste.]

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open log;

[Library]

And the trainwreck begins... |>

Re: And the trainwreck begins... |>

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Nova City; Holodeck

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[Action] [STEPPIN' ON THE BEACH DOO DOO DA DOO]

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library | feb 16th

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