[hello ignore the account this is where my paid lives right now. anyway.
the two of you blink, and suddenly you're-- outside? you're somewhere beautiful, on what appears to be a floating island covered in blossoming flora. other islands hang in the sky all around you, equally flush with life, the air clean and clear. waterfalls pour from the sides of one or two of these islands, falling into the open air below.
you can see creatures, off in the distance. all sorts of them, various sizes and shapes, some of them belonging more to a fantasy-- though, well, maybe not you two. probably not to sora. i don't know naib's life but i know there are monsters. across the way you can see a little family of axolotls... flying?? they're flying. do they belong there.
but before you, sitting in the grass, is what appears to be a round little squirrel. it looks up at you with its big, bright, round eyes, and makes a happy little chittering noise as its tail twitches.
then it squeaks out, "Hello! Welcome! Welcome! Will you... help me?"]
anyway, so. at this point in his life sora is just way too used to winding up in random locations, so he blinks and suddenly he's no longer where he thought he was and instead he's here. it's nice to be outside, frankly, even if the area is unfamiliar to him. simultaneously though it is in a way. it's similar to places he's been before, and it's all the more reason he's looking around in a quiet sort of awe before he suddenly sees the little squirrel.
...hm. where have squirrels come up before...?
regardless, it's entirely possible he doesn't even notice naib is there yet because sometimes you are used to going on solo quests, so he's focused on the little furry friend.]
[ don't you have people's crotches to cover, nutkin.
anyways, Naib is left in a bit of a stupor because he doesn't dream of a fantasy life like this. no, he's more familiar with dark nightmares with haunting memories of his war past. not to mention... Sora is here?
he's supposed to be dead? but no the kid is here, talking to a squirrel.
hm. he needs a moment, keep going. he's just gonna watch in silence with a confused expression. funny how it's not even the fact that him blinking and showing up somewhere is what's jarring. ]
[no, it doesn't, because PRESUMABLY neither of you are naked. you better not be.
the squirrel glances between the pair of them, its gaze lingering on naib with what seems like a little concern? but as sora is the one who responded, it replies mainly to him.
"You... you aren't from here." its squeaky little voice is a little halting, whenever it speaks. "You could help me! I have a-- a journey, to go and see... and see..."
it wiggles in what seems like an almost frustrated way, struggling for words, before it holds still and shuts it eyes.
and then they both hear a tiny little voice in their heads.
Hello, it says. Please don't be afraid. I only wish to share my thoughts, and feel your feelings. Can you hear me? another moment (because i won't make you wait so that you can say yes,) and: I have a question I must answer, but I have never experienced life anywhere else. Will you come, and lend me your knowledge?]
[first of all, he's going to look at where the squirrel is looking before he seems to startle a bit.]
Oh, it's you! [...] ...are you gone now, too?
[why is naib here oh no. did more people die? this gas station sucks!!! but right, so. squirrel friend. okay!]
You're right, we're both from somewhere really far away. We have a journey, too, but...[oh. there are suddenly disembodied voices. you know what i hate is that all square-enix games share themes so he seems all too calm about hearing this, since it just sort of reminds him...
"Hey... Can you hear me?"
"I heard your voice. It cut through the darkness around me. All alone, I followed the sound into a sea of light, and found myself here, with you. You gave me something back when I needed it most. A second chance. But...now I have to go back to sleep again. Would you mind if I stayed here, with you?"
"Sure, if it'll make you feel better."
so sure. there's a squirrel asking for their help, and he sort of frowns sympathetically before looking at naib.]
[ that seems to snap him to attention, he shakes his head. ] ...No. I'm not. Far as I'm aware.
[ unless he somehow passed in his sleep. wouldn't that be fucked up? well, if that isn't the case then being haunted by the dead seems fine by him, he can focus on this supposed task they're given here.
arms come to a cross, glancing over at Sora as he does when he directs the inquiry towards him. he glances back at the squirrel after before nodding. ]
...Probably have time to spare. At least until we can find a way back. [ they're both on the same track here-- they have a journey they have to focus on back at that station. for a moment, Naib looks like he wants to say something else, but he shakes his head and gestures a hand towards the creature. ]
We'll see what we can do.
[ so yes, take us on our grand adventure little nutkin!! ]
["Oh, good!" says the squirrel, aloud this time, and bounces joyfully. "I think... I think I can bring you with me, if you would please hold still?"
presuming they do, the squirrel... begins to float, surrounded by a glowing aura. after it focuses a few moments, so do the two of them, slowly floating upward after it as the critter drifts higher, up into the sky. slow, at first, but then faster, darting up into the atmosphere, the floating islands growing slower beneath them. it's chilly, but the aura around them feels protective as they travel further still, zooming away up into the stars.
once again, its voice speaks in their heads.
There are meant to be other places, far, far out in the universe, where other peoples dwell on other worlds. We have very important things to learn from them, when we find them, but the rest of us... the rest of us came up empty. There was no one there.]
[AWAY THEY GO? HE GUESSES? there's another sound of surprise at first before they're all floating up away from the island. the stars feel weirdly familiar, too, and for a moment he's looking around to see what he can spot as this squirrel takes them on an adventure.]
[ how a kh character is surprised at first, is flying through the sky not normal in the kingdom hearts world? meanwhile, Naib is just. going to hard dissociate. what the fuck is even happening anymore???
he doesn't want to look at their surroundings, where they might be going, nothing. so please do look around Sora. he'll focus on the squirrel instead. ]
Are there.. more like you? [ what do you even call a group of emotional squirrels ]
[Oh, many more! We were created so that we may travel to many worlds, and meet many people, or... so we would, if we had found them yet. But I feel certain that having your company is a sign of good things to come!
they're probably not bad emissaries, at least! who wouldn't love to meet a precious little creature.
ahead of them, a planet comes into view, and the squirrel squeaks happily.
There, there! Let's take a look!
down they go, descending into the planet's atmosphere.]
[and as they descend, breaking through thick, dark cloud cover, they will quickly realize--
they are not clouds. this is all smoke.
the ground below them is largely ruined, largely dark, the surface of the world covered in metallic rubble with large, eerie remnants of what were surely once proud buildings. here and there fortress walls still stand. here and there, the darkness is broken by flashes of orange, yellow, white, rapid-fire-- or, perhaps, by a larger, longer flash, and a loud explosion. drones whir through the sky, and their squirrel gasps, flashing out of sight. they can't see each other all of a sudden, either.
Don't-- don't worry! It's all right! I've only hidden us, so that they cannot... they cannot see us. It's all right.
its little voice trembles as they descend further, standing on broken ground. there's shouting nearby.
[first of all, no, usually when he flies he's at least prepared for it and it's not via magical squirrel.
anyway, okay. glad this squirrel just led them into a war zone because as they descend he's quickly flailing an arm out to try and break through the smoke. the city (if you could even call it that) is in complete disarray, and he's trying to make his way down to the ground faster to see if he can figure out what's going on. it's probably a safe bet something is on fire, but he looks at the drones in the air before he turns to try and look for both naib and the nutkin.]
This can't be...are you sure? [ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO DO THIS, LITTLE BUDDY?]
[ oh, fuck. really went hard with this one, didn't you. me: surely this will be fine me seeing naib's triggers: oh jk
it's the flashing, the loud explosion and Naib visibly flinches, grabbing at his own head with a cut off breath. no no, it's fine. this is fine. everything is fine.
the moment they reach ground does Naib instinctively duck, as if to keep out of sight from enemy lines even at the assurance that they can't be seen- there's shouting around, calling out orders, his heart is pounding and one after another he's helpless but to watch his fellow comrades go down. why did they have to run? was it really so...
there's no words coming from Naib, only the sound of struggled breathing. anyways, good luck Sora! ]
[well. the thing is, the squirrel can't really answer sora. it barely has the wherewithal to make them all somewhat visible to each other, as they land-- they appear transparent to each other, but are still hidden, for now.
it's very clearly distressed, though, just as naib is, its head ducked with paws covering the top of it. the squirrel's whole body trembles.
Why-- it's so... it's so loud. it whispers in their heads, despite the majority of the noise being off in the distance, muffled. Where did they all go? Why have they all gone? Did... did it truly have to be this way-- was there really nothing to be done?
[well. here's the thing. this is bad for everyone involved! there are two very stressed companions? so he's going to address one thing at a time.
if the squirrel will let him, he's going to try to pick it up to hide it in the hood of his jacket. they're transparent in appearance, sure, but he will still try. let the squirrel be safe :(
after that though he tries to grab naib's attention.]
...it's all right. Whatever's happening, maybe we can help them stop. [it's a far stretch, frankly, when they don't know what's going on.] We have to see if there's anyone left.
Help... them.. [ it's a mutter, tugging his hood firmer over his head but he just shakes his head. ] What is there to help..? It's too late... with war, it's always...
[ too late. it's the same telltale panic that courses through his body. whether it's the sudden beeping of a decoding machine or the sounds of war that haunt even his dreams. all it takes is one single trigger for everything to snap. it's as if he's never left. it's as if he's back right on that field. fighting and running. fighting and running
...running. always running. there's an empty look in his eyes, but he seems to at least be trying to fight for control here. avoiding looking at the scene, focusing instead on the ground where they stand. ] ..Maybe. Maybe not..
[ maybe they find someone. but would they be able to help them? there's not any hope coming from the mercenary here, sorry. ]
[the squirrel trembles in sora's hands, curling close to him when he tucks it inside his hood. yes, good. this is good. this helps; it seems to pick up on his desire to help, for safety, and slowly stops shaking so badly.
It's... always too late? it asks, hesitantly. But how does it come to this? Why must they fight so? There must be a reason, there has to be-- there needs to be. We were supposed to find their reasons.
it's trying very hard to focus on that, on its assignment.
if they're looking for people, following the muffled sounds of nearby shouting is a good bet. there's the metallic clang of something large hitting metal, something smacking off a free-standing remnant of fortress wall, and they'll find a couple of people here trying to fight off mechanical constructs. they're clearly outmatched.]
[aw little dude :( the squirrel can be safe and sora's adjusting his hood to make sure it's protected.
naib, on the other hand, gets a curious look. and, simultaneously, it's a look of hesitance and maybe a little understanding. the wars he's fought in aren't exactly really wars, but it's not like he's never had the same thoughts and feelings. there have been plenty of times it's felt like it's too late. and maybe naib has experienced many times that is has been, but sora's stubborn and at this rate he thinks it can't hurt him any more to help since he's already gone. what does it matter now if it means he can do something for someone else?]
Maybe not. [he's going to firmly repeat that before he begins to walk forward, doing his best to stay slow and also sticking to any debris or shadows they can hide in and for naib to follow. if he can give him something to focus on, maybe it'll help, but unfortunately he's absolutely heading toward the people.]
There. [those sure are people who're outmatched, and without thinking he throws his hand out. he didn't have his keyblade at the truck stop, but now that he's dead and things are back to how they should be, maybe it'll come to him.
and if not, he will absolutely look to see if there's anything they can use for offense and defense nearby.]
I don't know what those are, but they can't be good.
Once war starts, it's impossible to stop it. They keep going until one side surrenders... or is wiped out entirely.
[ coming from a man who used to be a soldier, he said as much from day one on the walkies. it's the grimdark truth of it all. however, once Sora moves, Naib follows almost automatically. despite the panic attack- despite it all, there's still a sense of protection there.
his own hand grips onto the Gurkha blade he always keeps on him. never really to go without it, but at sight of those mechanical beings? something tells him a simple blade isn't going to be enough to face off against those. ]
... [ he doesn't say it, but it's clear by the expression he's making. he doesn't think they can do anything here. ]
[what does it matter, if it means he can do something-- the squirrel seems to steady a little, while with him, at least a little bit. at least for the moment. sora throws his hand out, though, and... well, nothing seems to happen, unfortunately. no such luck here. around the area there are scattered chunks of metal, pieces of rubble, rocks. maybe one is sharp.
the squirrel's newfound steadiness fades some at naib's words, a little shakiness returning to it.
But why? Why would they ever want this? How could they hurt each other so...? Is there really no way to make it stop?
ahead of them, the fighters they spotted are struggling, and as few as they were to begin with, there's one or two fewer, now.]
[i cannot believe this is a mood-squirrel. there's an almost annoyed sound when it doesn't work because while i knew it would not, he was hoping. but okay. improvising. he can do that. he will scout a little ahead to grab the most in-tact piece of metal he can find.
the squirrel was doing great, but then he hears what it says and what naib says. he knows that's true. that's how it happened with all of them. the fighting only stopped after they defeated the real organization xiii and then xehanort himself. but that doesn't mean war is impossible to stop. a few of the organization members changed their minds at the end. some of them even offered to help later. war changes people, but it's not always for the worst.
but how do you tell someone that when it's obvious they feel differently?]
...I don't know. But we have to try. If we don't, they really will be wiped out. [and that's not great!
so sorry to both naib and squirrel, but yeah, he's already running ahead with his piece of metal that he hopes will suffice to try and get closer to the constructs and see how he can interject. he doesn't try to get naib to follow him, but judging by the way he glances back the message should be clear. he'll protect him, too, if he has to. he shouldn't have to suffer more for something neither of them knew they were getting into.]
[ mood-squirrel is a good description actually. not that Naib realizes it himself, only frowning more at the inquiries. because it's a bit hard to respond to it. not when it feels like he's in two different places at once. ]
..Too many reasons for war to happen. Not everyone wants it. Sometimes, people are just forced into it with no other choice. [ his expression darkens at that. however, even though he says and feels this way, despite everything... there is a lingering hope deep down. one he grips onto tightly.
his attention snaps almost immediately the second Sora is on the move. well, shit. there's no way you can expect Naib of all people to sit back and watch! even if his body feels not like his own, he forces his feet to move, easily catching up with his speed. he's done this too many times. too much running. doesn't matter if Sora is technically dead, that Naib as far as he's aware isn't, he'll do the protecting here. he's the rescuer role, after all. it's probably not good to go throwing himself in the middle of a fight with mechanical constructs and people but.. as a Gurkha, he was never afraid of dying. still isn't.
time to see if he can distract, maybe give the fighters an opportunity to escape the construct's attentions? he returns a look as if to suggest he leave most of it to him. ]
Focus on the people-- [ that's as much he manages to get out as they draw closer to the fighting. ]
[Forced to fight...? But I don't understand how they do. Why they do, why they hurt others if they don't wish to do it. There-- I can feel that there is so much pain, here, even though they wished for...
the squirrel struggles to focus, a little overwhelmed as they draw nearer to these people.
Peace, they wished for peace, but how could it have come to this--?
the little creature falls silent as they near the fray, and they'll both find the constructs are well armed with guns built in. PEACE WILL BE MAINTAINED, one intones. PLEASE REMAIN STILL. ELIMINATING ALL THREATS TO ORDER.
one of the armored people trying to fight it falls, and the squirrel whispers, as if repeating it from somewhere: Why did we create them? Why did we think this was the way? They will never stop, never, not until we all are gone.]
[it's a little distracting listening to the squirrel, but he seems marginally relieved that naib is following. fighting isn't great, but he does prefer teamwork. he'll just have to make sure that naib gets back to the side of the living before all of this is over.
how did both of them arrive here? he still doesn't know.]
Sometimes you just have to fight to protect the things you care about, even if you don't want to. And sometimes things don't turn out the way you thought they would.
[it's murmured to the squirrel, a little discontent as he thinks about the question he's asked often. "why them?" why do people think that hurting everyone else will really save them?
the squirrel says they wished for peace, and he thinks about xehanort who wanted to purge all of the worlds and all of those people in order to start over and regain peace. he wanted to be the one to control the destinies of others and maintain the balance of light and darkness, but it wasn't his decision to make.
he sort of wonders if something similar has happened here, too.]
There has to be a way to fix this. [so he's adjusting his grip on his hunk of metal and he turns to naib, nodding in agreement.]
I'll try. Just be careful. [THERE ARE GUNS?] If we could get them to attack each other instead...
[but he's not sure how. the focus is the people, so he moves forward to kind of baseslide in to try and guard one of the people that needs assistance, turning to look for an escape route. there has to be somewhere they can go, but he'll do his best to fight back to protect where he can.]
A lot have this idea that with war, you can bring peace. But they never realize the pain and suffering it brings with it. ..They never do.
[ it's exhausting. even if war is always like that... it's tiring. but fuck, guns seriously? well, wouldn't be the first time Naib brought a blade to a gun fight. still, he can't doubt their aim, people you can but machines...?
he's quiet as Sora responds as well. because it's true. you fight to protect those you care about. it's what Naib does. what he has always done. he winces at any loud sounds, but he's still here, as here he can be anyways. but.. no matter what, even if it means protecting someone, it also sometimes means hurting someone else. ] ..Created them?
[ did it mean the fighters? the soldiers here? but what the constructs said-- to maintain peace, they were eliminating threats. "If we could get them to attack each other instead..." ] ...If it could be that easy-- are they not threats too? Would they attack each other if they consider themselves as threats?
[ but how do you go about doing that-- tell a machine that it itself is threatening peace? he keeps his gaze focused heavily on the battlefield. when someone seems to be aimed at, Naib will dive to pull them out of the way. especially if there's rumble or any barriers to protect themselves against. sora voice: try to be careful. naib: /yeet. ]
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the two of you blink, and suddenly you're-- outside? you're somewhere beautiful, on what appears to be a floating island covered in blossoming flora. other islands hang in the sky all around you, equally flush with life, the air clean and clear. waterfalls pour from the sides of one or two of these islands, falling into the open air below.
you can see creatures, off in the distance. all sorts of them, various sizes and shapes, some of them belonging more to a fantasy-- though, well, maybe not you two. probably not to sora. i don't know naib's life but i know there are monsters. across the way you can see a little family of axolotls... flying?? they're flying. do they belong there.
but before you, sitting in the grass, is what appears to be a round little squirrel. it looks up at you with its big, bright, round eyes, and makes a happy little chittering noise as its tail twitches.
then it squeaks out, "Hello! Welcome! Welcome! Will you... help me?"]
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anyway, so. at this point in his life sora is just way too used to winding up in random locations, so he blinks and suddenly he's no longer where he thought he was and instead he's here. it's nice to be outside, frankly, even if the area is unfamiliar to him. simultaneously though it is in a way. it's similar to places he's been before, and it's all the more reason he's looking around in a quiet sort of awe before he suddenly sees the little squirrel.
...hm. where have squirrels come up before...?
regardless, it's entirely possible he doesn't even notice naib is there yet because sometimes you are used to going on solo quests, so he's focused on the little furry friend.]
Hey. What sort of help do you need?
[stupidly, he immediately agrees.]
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anyways, Naib is left in a bit of a stupor because he doesn't dream of a fantasy life like this. no, he's more familiar with dark nightmares with haunting memories of his war past. not to mention... Sora is here?
he's supposed to be dead? but no the kid is here, talking to a squirrel.
hm. he needs a moment, keep going. he's just gonna watch in silence with a confused expression. funny how it's not even the fact that him blinking and showing up somewhere is what's jarring. ]
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the squirrel glances between the pair of them, its gaze lingering on naib with what seems like a little concern? but as sora is the one who responded, it replies mainly to him.
"You... you aren't from here." its squeaky little voice is a little halting, whenever it speaks. "You could help me! I have a-- a journey, to go and see... and see..."
it wiggles in what seems like an almost frustrated way, struggling for words, before it holds still and shuts it eyes.
and then they both hear a tiny little voice in their heads.
Hello, it says. Please don't be afraid. I only wish to share my thoughts, and feel your feelings. Can you hear me? another moment (because i won't make you wait so that you can say yes,) and: I have a question I must answer, but I have never experienced life anywhere else. Will you come, and lend me your knowledge?]
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Oh, it's you! [...] ...are you gone now, too?
[why is naib here oh no. did more people die? this gas station sucks!!! but right, so. squirrel friend. okay!]
You're right, we're both from somewhere really far away. We have a journey, too, but...[oh. there are suddenly disembodied voices. you know what i hate is that all square-enix games share themes so he seems all too calm about hearing this, since it just sort of reminds him...
"Hey... Can you hear me?"
"I heard your voice. It cut through the darkness around me. All alone, I followed the sound into a sea of light, and found myself here, with you. You gave me something back when I needed it most. A second chance. But...now I have to go back to sleep again. Would you mind if I stayed here, with you?"
"Sure, if it'll make you feel better."
so sure. there's a squirrel asking for their help, and he sort of frowns sympathetically before looking at naib.]
...I think we can make time. Right?
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[ unless he somehow passed in his sleep. wouldn't that be fucked up? well, if that isn't the case then being haunted by the dead seems fine by him, he can focus on this supposed task they're given here.
arms come to a cross, glancing over at Sora as he does when he directs the inquiry towards him. he glances back at the squirrel after before nodding. ]
...Probably have time to spare. At least until we can find a way back. [ they're both on the same track here-- they have a journey they have to focus on back at that station. for a moment, Naib looks like he wants to say something else, but he shakes his head and gestures a hand towards the creature. ]
We'll see what we can do.
[ so yes, take us on our grand adventure little nutkin!! ]
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presuming they do, the squirrel... begins to float, surrounded by a glowing aura. after it focuses a few moments, so do the two of them, slowly floating upward after it as the critter drifts higher, up into the sky. slow, at first, but then faster, darting up into the atmosphere, the floating islands growing slower beneath them. it's chilly, but the aura around them feels protective as they travel further still, zooming away up into the stars.
once again, its voice speaks in their heads.
There are meant to be other places, far, far out in the universe, where other peoples dwell on other worlds. We have very important things to learn from them, when we find them, but the rest of us... the rest of us came up empty. There was no one there.]
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Who's us...?
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he doesn't want to look at their surroundings, where they might be going, nothing. so please do look around Sora. he'll focus on the squirrel instead. ]
Are there.. more like you? [ what do you even call a group of emotional squirrels ]
1/2
they're probably not bad emissaries, at least! who wouldn't love to meet a precious little creature.
ahead of them, a planet comes into view, and the squirrel squeaks happily.
There, there! Let's take a look!
down they go, descending into the planet's atmosphere.]
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they are not clouds. this is all smoke.
the ground below them is largely ruined, largely dark, the surface of the world covered in metallic rubble with large, eerie remnants of what were surely once proud buildings. here and there fortress walls still stand. here and there, the darkness is broken by flashes of orange, yellow, white, rapid-fire-- or, perhaps, by a larger, longer flash, and a loud explosion. drones whir through the sky, and their squirrel gasps, flashing out of sight. they can't see each other all of a sudden, either.
Don't-- don't worry! It's all right! I've only hidden us, so that they cannot... they cannot see us. It's all right.
its little voice trembles as they descend further, standing on broken ground. there's shouting nearby.
What... what is this?]
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anyway, okay. glad this squirrel just led them into a war zone because as they descend he's quickly flailing an arm out to try and break through the smoke. the city (if you could even call it that) is in complete disarray, and he's trying to make his way down to the ground faster to see if he can figure out what's going on. it's probably a safe bet something is on fire, but he looks at the drones in the air before he turns to try and look for both naib and the nutkin.]
This can't be...are you sure? [ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO DO THIS, LITTLE BUDDY?]
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me: surely this will be fine
me seeing naib's triggers: oh jk
it's the flashing, the loud explosion and Naib visibly flinches, grabbing at his own head with a cut off breath. no no, it's fine. this is fine. everything is fine.
the moment they reach ground does Naib instinctively duck, as if to keep out of sight from enemy lines even at the assurance that they can't be seen- there's shouting around, calling out orders, his heart is pounding and one after another he's helpless but to watch his fellow comrades go down. why did they have to run? was it really so...
there's no words coming from Naib, only the sound of struggled breathing. anyways, good luck Sora! ]
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it's very clearly distressed, though, just as naib is, its head ducked with paws covering the top of it. the squirrel's whole body trembles.
Why-- it's so... it's so loud. it whispers in their heads, despite the majority of the noise being off in the distance, muffled. Where did they all go? Why have they all gone? Did... did it truly have to be this way-- was there really nothing to be done?
its voice sounds a little distant.]
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if the squirrel will let him, he's going to try to pick it up to hide it in the hood of his jacket. they're transparent in appearance, sure, but he will still try. let the squirrel be safe :(
after that though he tries to grab naib's attention.]
...it's all right. Whatever's happening, maybe we can help them stop. [it's a far stretch, frankly, when they don't know what's going on.] We have to see if there's anyone left.
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[ too late. it's the same telltale panic that courses through his body. whether it's the sudden beeping of a decoding machine or the sounds of war that haunt even his dreams. all it takes is one single trigger for everything to snap. it's as if he's never left. it's as if he's back right on that field. fighting and running. fighting and running
...running. always running. there's an empty look in his eyes, but he seems to at least be trying to fight for control here. avoiding looking at the scene, focusing instead on the ground where they stand. ] ..Maybe. Maybe not..
[ maybe they find someone. but would they be able to help them? there's not any hope coming from the mercenary here, sorry. ]
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It's... always too late? it asks, hesitantly. But how does it come to this? Why must they fight so? There must be a reason, there has to be-- there needs to be. We were supposed to find their reasons.
it's trying very hard to focus on that, on its assignment.
if they're looking for people, following the muffled sounds of nearby shouting is a good bet. there's the metallic clang of something large hitting metal, something smacking off a free-standing remnant of fortress wall, and they'll find a couple of people here trying to fight off mechanical constructs. they're clearly outmatched.]
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naib, on the other hand, gets a curious look. and, simultaneously, it's a look of hesitance and maybe a little understanding. the wars he's fought in aren't exactly really wars, but it's not like he's never had the same thoughts and feelings. there have been plenty of times it's felt like it's too late. and maybe naib has experienced many times that is has been, but sora's stubborn and at this rate he thinks it can't hurt him any more to help since he's already gone. what does it matter now if it means he can do something for someone else?]
Maybe not. [he's going to firmly repeat that before he begins to walk forward, doing his best to stay slow and also sticking to any debris or shadows they can hide in and for naib to follow. if he can give him something to focus on, maybe it'll help, but unfortunately he's absolutely heading toward the people.]
There. [those sure are people who're outmatched, and without thinking he throws his hand out. he didn't have his keyblade at the truck stop, but now that he's dead and things are back to how they should be, maybe it'll come to him.
and if not, he will absolutely look to see if there's anything they can use for offense and defense nearby.]
I don't know what those are, but they can't be good.
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[ coming from a man who used to be a soldier, he said as much from day one on the walkies. it's the grimdark truth of it all. however, once Sora moves, Naib follows almost automatically. despite the panic attack- despite it all, there's still a sense of protection there.
his own hand grips onto the Gurkha blade he always keeps on him. never really to go without it, but at sight of those mechanical beings? something tells him a simple blade isn't going to be enough to face off against those. ]
... [ he doesn't say it, but it's clear by the expression he's making. he doesn't think they can do anything here. ]
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the squirrel's newfound steadiness fades some at naib's words, a little shakiness returning to it.
But why? Why would they ever want this? How could they hurt each other so...? Is there really no way to make it stop?
ahead of them, the fighters they spotted are struggling, and as few as they were to begin with, there's one or two fewer, now.]
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the squirrel was doing great, but then he hears what it says and what naib says. he knows that's true. that's how it happened with all of them. the fighting only stopped after they defeated the real organization xiii and then xehanort himself. but that doesn't mean war is impossible to stop. a few of the organization members changed their minds at the end. some of them even offered to help later. war changes people, but it's not always for the worst.
but how do you tell someone that when it's obvious they feel differently?]
...I don't know. But we have to try. If we don't, they really will be wiped out. [and that's not great!
so sorry to both naib and squirrel, but yeah, he's already running ahead with his piece of metal that he hopes will suffice to try and get closer to the constructs and see how he can interject. he doesn't try to get naib to follow him, but judging by the way he glances back the message should be clear. he'll protect him, too, if he has to. he shouldn't have to suffer more for something neither of them knew they were getting into.]
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..Too many reasons for war to happen. Not everyone wants it. Sometimes, people are just forced into it with no other choice. [ his expression darkens at that. however, even though he says and feels this way, despite everything... there is a lingering hope deep down. one he grips onto tightly.
his attention snaps almost immediately the second Sora is on the move. well, shit. there's no way you can expect Naib of all people to sit back and watch! even if his body feels not like his own, he forces his feet to move, easily catching up with his speed. he's done this too many times. too much running. doesn't matter if Sora is technically dead, that Naib as far as he's aware isn't, he'll do the protecting here. he's the rescuer role, after all. it's probably not good to go throwing himself in the middle of a fight with mechanical constructs and people but.. as a Gurkha, he was never afraid of dying. still isn't.
time to see if he can distract, maybe give the fighters an opportunity to escape the construct's attentions? he returns a look as if to suggest he leave most of it to him. ]
Focus on the people-- [ that's as much he manages to get out as they draw closer to the fighting. ]
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the squirrel struggles to focus, a little overwhelmed as they draw nearer to these people.
Peace, they wished for peace, but how could it have come to this--?
the little creature falls silent as they near the fray, and they'll both find the constructs are well armed with guns built in. PEACE WILL BE MAINTAINED, one intones. PLEASE REMAIN STILL. ELIMINATING ALL THREATS TO ORDER.
one of the armored people trying to fight it falls, and the squirrel whispers, as if repeating it from somewhere: Why did we create them? Why did we think this was the way? They will never stop, never, not until we all are gone.]
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how did both of them arrive here? he still doesn't know.]
Sometimes you just have to fight to protect the things you care about, even if you don't want to. And sometimes things don't turn out the way you thought they would.
[it's murmured to the squirrel, a little discontent as he thinks about the question he's asked often. "why them?" why do people think that hurting everyone else will really save them?
the squirrel says they wished for peace, and he thinks about xehanort who wanted to purge all of the worlds and all of those people in order to start over and regain peace. he wanted to be the one to control the destinies of others and maintain the balance of light and darkness, but it wasn't his decision to make.
he sort of wonders if something similar has happened here, too.]
There has to be a way to fix this. [so he's adjusting his grip on his hunk of metal and he turns to naib, nodding in agreement.]
I'll try. Just be careful. [THERE ARE GUNS?] If we could get them to attack each other instead...
[but he's not sure how. the focus is the people, so he moves forward to kind of baseslide in to try and guard one of the people that needs assistance, turning to look for an escape route. there has to be somewhere they can go, but he'll do his best to fight back to protect where he can.]
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[ it's exhausting. even if war is always like that... it's tiring. but fuck, guns seriously? well, wouldn't be the first time Naib brought a blade to a gun fight. still, he can't doubt their aim, people you can but machines...?
he's quiet as Sora responds as well. because it's true. you fight to protect those you care about. it's what Naib does. what he has always done. he winces at any loud sounds, but he's still here, as here he can be anyways. but.. no matter what, even if it means protecting someone, it also sometimes means hurting someone else. ] ..Created them?
[ did it mean the fighters? the soldiers here? but what the constructs said-- to maintain peace, they were eliminating threats. "If we could get them to attack each other instead..." ] ...If it could be that easy-- are they not threats too? Would they attack each other if they consider themselves as threats?
[ but how do you go about doing that-- tell a machine that it itself is threatening peace? he keeps his gaze focused heavily on the battlefield. when someone seems to be aimed at, Naib will dive to pull them out of the way. especially if there's rumble or any barriers to protect themselves against. sora voice: try to be careful. naib: /yeet. ]
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(suicidal ideation, probably)
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