Homecoming [open]

Axel took a deep breath. So, they were calling it Radient Garden again. Technically, he was home. Something felt wrong. What he couldn't figure out was if it was his lack of a heart, or lack of those he knew here with him. He shifted his shoulders as if there were something weighing on him. It did nothing to relieve the feeling that something was out of place.

He took a deep breath and tired to ignore it. He had bigger fish to fry. While he had thought to start back at the Castle That Never Was, he had a feeling that wouldn't be the best place to start. No, Ansem's castle had always been such a large draw for him as Lea. Now, there didn't seem to be much reason not to just waltz in. Braig, Dilan, and Aeleus weren't here to kick him out this time. Well, so far.

His pace was leisurely compared to his former self. He didn't feel he had to sneak around now. That meant he had all the time he wanted to search for answers. This had been the start of his particular journey so logically there had to be something here. The old man in the ivory towers had to have known something. His boots scuffed across the stone, taking in the details of the castle that he hadn't bothered to notice before.

There was actual skill here, carved into the stone. If it weren't for his current situation of just trying to understand why he was still breathing, he didn't think he would have bothered to take notice. Dying twice really makes a guy stop and take stock of what's around him. Like how he didn't think he would get another chance at existence. So, he had really better make sure he made this time around count. He needed answers to survive so he would put those book worm skills to good use.

Walking on both feet had never felt so satisfying and good before. It really was true that in order to appreciate something, one must lose and suffer first. It was exactly what happened to her legs; a few months ago she thought she wouldn't be able to use her legs anymore and would have to resort to other ways to carry out her tasks but now she standing up without the need of anyone's support, thanks to Jude's parents and his friend Leia. However, as she strolled around, still a little bit shaky at the knees, she couldn't help but to wonder how she got to this place and where her friends were. She had been abusing her newly recovered legs as she walked around the place in search for a boy named Jude Mathis or a girl called Leia Rolando but she found none but awfully unfamiliar people who gave her shrugs or blank looks. But, she did manage to get the name of the place, or town perhaps, of where she was-- Radiant Garden. The strange feel of the place and the alarming silence of the spirits told her that she wasn't in Rieze Maxia anymore but hoped that she was just mistaken. The lord of spirits walked along the skillfully crafted pathway of stones with her mind completely taken by the questions inside her head. Suspicions and theories began to tie in a complicated knot as she tried to connect the dots and find a meaningful resolution to her current dilemma... but she ended up with even more confusion. She remembered it clearly that she was preparing to leave Leronde when a strong spiritual energy overwhelmed her humanly senses knocking her unconscious and then when she woke, she found herself on Radiant Garden's cold concrete. It was just-- Milla's thoughts were distracted upon realizing that her foot tripped on something hard. She swore she could have stayed standing up but her legs went all wobbly causing her to fall on the floor. She couldn't blame her limbs though; they were already tired of walking, much to her disappointment. Shrugging off the stares and whispers from the startled people, Milla began to help herself stand when she took notice of a pair of boots in front her. The blond blinked before slowly looking up, her eyes following a black coat until they met with another unfamiliar face and something about him just caught her attention. Perhaps it was his red hair? Or that all-black get up of his. TAGS: Madd

It was so strange to be walking through something so familiar yet not recognize it at all. There were places he expected to see yet didn't. There were people he knew should be hurrying in and out of particular doors, yet there was a stranger shuffling out instead. He suddenly felt very alone, very empty, and very much not at home. Realizing that this world, as much as it looked like it, was not his home was terribly isolating.

This world was now filled with refuges and the last remnants of what once was. McDuck was still around, which was mildly comforting, but why wouldn't Donald have saved his family? Axel sighed a little as he continued on, now lifting his gaze to rover over the castle. If he were going to find answers, it would be in there. He knew of certain people that had taken up residence here while it was Hollow Bastion that would be useful, but he preferred to try his way first.

His path, however, was blocked. A young woman had fallen. Unlike the now natives of this world, the redhead had no trouble in standing out to help. Clearly Sora and his friends were out to lunch, otherwise this would be there job. But, luckily he didn't have to worry about putting himself and his identity out there anymore. He wasn't restrained to the shadows by the Organization.

He stepped forward, reaching out a hand to the girl. These streets aren't what they used to be. Gotta be a little careful, He said, a smirk pulling at his lips. He felt a little better poking fun at this world. Maybe one day he would reclaim it as home, but for now, he still felt more suited for the World That Never Was. It was going to take some getting used to with new faces like this girl populating Radiant Garden.

What exactly did he mean about not what they used to be? Milla wasn't sure what to think but paid no attention to it nonetheless and took his gloved hand. Upon getting back on her feet, she began dusting her legs which were kind of stained with whatever she knelt on. "Thank you," She slightly lowered head, as if she was gesturing a nod. Judging by the way he spoke, she could assume that he could just be well-acquainted with the place. Perhaps he knew something that the others didn't? Well, it never hurt to ask "Are you from here?" She needed all the information she could get. Honestly, Milla couldn't exactly put a finger on the inhabitants of the town. There was even a walking duck that wore a suit and spoke with higher vocabulary that her... it was like blasphemy, was the arrangement of the world becoming in total chaos? A talking duck was a convincing omen. "I was told that this place is called Radiant Garden but I'm not quite familiar with the name," Exactly. She was not familiar; she knew the cities of both Rashugal and Auj Oule but has never encountered Radiant Garden. By the looks of the place, it obviously wasn't a seahaven or anything that she had encountered before. Perhaps it was a hidden place in between kingdoms but that would just be impossible now, wouldn't it? "Where exactly is this place? If I'm not in Rashugal or Auj Oule?" The blond tilted her head in confusion as she folded both hands on her chest, waiting for a reply. Whatever he could give would be helpful-- anything aside from a blank stare would be definitely helpful. Milla still had an errand left to do and ever second that was passing counted, especially now that she knew the whereabouts of Nachtigal and his evil plans. Jude, Rowen, Elize, Leia and as well as the Great Four Spirits were all waitign for her. Rieze Maxia greatly needed her assistance. Shooting him another questioning glance, Milla straightened her head and gave a quick blink "And how do I get back to Leronde?" Milla was desperate and if she was given a chance to ask-- or more like stole a chance to inquire then she'd ask them all in one go. She didn't have all day touring Radiant Garden and besides, it didn't seem like too much of a pretty city; the place seemed like it was hit by a twister. TAGS: Madd

The redhead gave a small nod of his head as she thanked him. He was just obviously better mannered than those inhabiting this world now. So much for the heroes that were supposed to live around here. It was a sad day when a Nobody was better at their job. He almost laughed and instead gave a thoughtful noise. Her question was actually quite the conundrum now. Could he say that he was from here now? Honestly, that's a hard question to answer these days, He murmured, waving a hand as if waving the question away.

He was better off than she was though. Poor thing had no idea what was about to hit her if she was a new arrival so to speak. He gave a small sigh, motioning toward grass at the side of the center where she could sit. It would be a smart decision to get her back off her feet before she fell from shock.

A brief thought passed through his mind. Did the others ever have to deal with things like this? Had they, in their daily routines of missions, ever get stopped to guide a person fresh from a consumed world? If not, then he would be rather upset. If anyone else from the Organization appeared again, he would have to find out. He could see Demyx being caught in such situations. The others, not so much. Well, the few that actually wandered into the worlds of the living.

Axel wandered over to the trimmed foliage himself. You should sit. You aren't going to like what I have to say, He started. There were times he didn't mind being the bad guy. This, was different. She seemed like a nice kid, polite. It was a shame he would have to ruin that. Your Leronde probably isn't there anymore. You are now a survivor. My condolences and congratulations. He tried to say those words as gently as he could.

This would be jarring to someone who had never encountered Heartless and all the horrors that had been unleashed in Radiant Garden years ago. He had to wonder just how many people went a little ... off after learning that their world was gone and they had no home to return to. The Flurry felt odd since he had never really known that loss, having not had a heart to care about it with. Mores the pity for them both.

The blond found the man heaving a small sigh before signalling her to a place, specifically at the side of the center. Milla blinked; what was this all about? Nevertheless, she did what she was told to. She highly doubted that he'd be causing her trouble, though. He wasn't armed with anything. Upon reaching the point, the man invited her to sit due to a strange reason. She wouldn't like what he had to say? An arch formed on the woman's eyebrow. Milla wanted to ask a couple more things but she decided that it would be better to comply first. He might have something useful... and as if sitting down would kill her. Her legs needed it anyway. As she was in the process of settling down on the comfortable grassy ground, the news hit her. The blond's body froze midway to sitting position as the words processed in her mind. Leronde... Survivor... What? What did he just said. The female was sent standing up straight in her usual posture while her eyes, filled with questions and confusion, met with the stranger's emerald orbs. "What?" She was hopeful that she only misheard him, well probably not as he was loud and clear but if what he was saying was true then what happened to Leronde? "What do you mean by I'm a survivor?" Milla was certain that Leronde was in peace on their time of departure. There weren't forces of Auj Oule or Rashugal in sight... unless something happened after she was knocked unconscious. While the thought made sense, especially that she and Jude were marked as fugitives and that she attacked Nachtigal, it was just too late for the Rashugal Army to attack them and she highly doubted that they'd destroy Leronde or would actually venture to Leronde. Everything was so confusing and the more Milla tried to make sense out of all the vague little pieces of information she'd received, the more confused she got. TAGS: Madd

Emerald eyes carefully monitored the young woman. Usually the news of no longer having a home world knocked most people down. It was hard to take in that everything you knew, all those that you loved, or took care of were suddenly gone. It wasn't a pleasant thought and it sent a person's world spinning out of control. Had he not been so closely ingrained in what had been going on with the worlds, so close to the darkness that consumed everything, he would be lost as well.

Maybe he wasn't giving the girl enough credit. She stood right back up, proving that she wasn't so easily taken down. Such bad news wasn't enough to knock the wind out of her. He was glad for that. Maybe she would find new purpose quickly, transitioning into Hollo--- Radiant Garden better than some.

Darkness swallowed your world. There are things called Heartless that find the darkness in someone's heart and take it. That was a good start as to why she was a survivor. Her heart, her spirit was strong enough to fight off the darkness and make it through whole. She was a lot luckier than she probably thought. It wasn't easy to stave off the hordes of dark, mindless creatures, driven by pure emotion. They hungered to create more of them, for the shadows within that most people tried to keep hidden.

He shifted on his feet, one hand going to his hip as he considered what else he should tell her. Well, there was plenty more, but too much information at once didn't help. Also, in a state of shock, very little could be learned. Her mind would probably start reeling just trying to process that there was a force that had taken out an entire world.

Rather than bombard her with more information, the Flurry would let her take control over how much she learned now. Do you need a moment? The whole "my world is gone" is a bit of a doozy.

Darkness. It was the only thing the stranger said that actually stayed in Milla's clouded mind. Darkness. She was knew very well that Rieze Maxia would soon be falling into darkness, that's why she left Nia Khera to destroy the spyrix and prevent whatever evil that was about to come. But, she had never heard about creatures called Heartless that were capable of consuming darkness from one's heart. The redhead once again spoken, offering her time perhaps to process all information. However, everything was a broken fragment and they were all impossible to put in one piece. She had so many questions, but the one that she worried about the most was her mission. How could she save Rieze Maxia if the world was now destroyed and consumed by Heartless? Were those being stronger than the Lance of Kresnik that they were able to consume everything just like that? "If what you are saying is true, that my world was destroyed by the Heartless you speak of... then why did I survive? How did I get here?" The troubled look on her face didn't leave just as she refused to give up on solving the mystery of her survival. What about Jude? And Leia? Elize and Teepo? Rowen? Alvin? Ivar? Everyone? Milla refused to think that they were dead. "What about the others? What happened to them?" The stranger was surprisingly a big help and she could consider herself lucky for running into them. However, the information she received from him were truly difficult to understand. Everything that he said somehow connected yet contradicted to what she knew about the happenings in her world. TAGS: Madd

Axel turned a little away from the young woman that he had found himself having to play informant for. How was it that he always ended up taking care of short people? Mostly, he didn't often mind being helpful if it didn't hurt anything, or if it served a greater purpose for him. It just so happened that it seemed to happen rather often and most of the people that he helped happened to be short. It was like he was a magnet for the vertically challenged.

Oh well. His verdant gaze drifted back toward the girl as she seemed to find something to grasp onto. She went right for the hard questions, didn't she? He really had no idea how the mechanics of those chosen to live and those chosen to die worked. All he knew was that Lea hadn't been able to fight off the Heartless or having his heart taken. Maybe something out there is watching out for you, or your heart was strong enough to fight them off, He offered, unable to give suitable answers.

That was just one more thing that might be in the castle he had been heading toward. Ansem had started all this with those damnable things. Certainly there was a cause for who made it through their hordes without a scratch and who couldn't. For a brief moment, he wished to come across Zexion or Vexen. He had crossed them both, but they had been in on all that science. Surely they would know something.

If only all those they wanted around could survive simply by being wished for. Not everyone will make it, but there is hope. There are many worlds so it is possible they made it through the darkness as well. It's easy to get separated from those you hold dear. He could attest to that. While not a physical issue at first, the fire starter had been separated from Saix. Then he had Roxas and Xion both leave him. He had found Roxas again, but there was still their missing third. He would just have to keep hope that they would find her if puppets could be revived as well.

Milla wasn't entirely sure if she would be happy about being a survivor. However, the answer was already obvious that she felt as if her question wasn't necessary. She was the Lord of Spirits, of course she'd survive. Of course, she was strong enough. But, that just made her feel pathetic. She was supposed to watch over the world and save every spirit from despair but there she was standing as a survivor with no recollection of what truly happened. Upon her realization, she felt an unshakable heavy weight on her chest. However, she refused to be defeated by such emotion. As the Lord of Spirits, she had to be strong in every aspect. Hope wasn't entirely lost. The lines certainly didn't meet nevertheless things started to clear up. Perhaps it was through the Four Great spirits that she managed to survive before anything happened, things might had gone that way in order for her to rebuild back what was lost from her. Her humble theory lit a spark in her heart-- that was probably the reason why she was alive. The blond snapped back to reality upon the man's response. The mention of having many world was new and shocking indeed but Milla thought that such thing was possible to happen. Back in her world, there were separate worlds for humans and spirits. What truly made an impact was the survival of others; if he was correct, then all she had to do was to find whoever remains. She'd search the whole universe to find someone from where she was from; if the strength of heart was a factor then she was positive that there were others that survived. Her problem now was how to go to other worlds. "I see," Milla murmured with a small nod "Can you tell me how to get to the other worlds?" After the inquiry, the Lord of Spirits was hoping that she'd start sailing and she'd better do it fast. She needed to find someone as soon as she can, she needed to know what happened so that she could start whatever was needed to be done. As the Lord of Spirits, she carried the burden of recreating and reclaiming whatever that was lost from her and her people. TAGS: Madd

The Flurry was surprised at how easily this girl was taking the news. She held up well learning that she was now alone in a world that she never knew existed. She would most likely be just fine if she could just keep up this demeanor. Especially if she was the hopeful type. He couldn't imagine having a heart and feeling the sorrow of losing everything he had loved.

Lea had died and Axel had risen, empty and unfeeling. He hadn't cared much about the fact that Radiant Garden was gone at the time. He hadn't felt the despair of realizing he wouldn't see his mother again. The only thing that had meant anything at the time was the fact that Isa was still with him. Technically, it was Saix, but that was the only bit of home he had needed at the time.

Even now, knowing that they were trying to bring his home world back from the hollow shell it had been, he felt nothing. He blinked, remembering that he wasn't alone. He raised a brow at the girl as she asked about finding a way to travel. She was so pure, wasn't she? This young woman had a tenacity about her and a desire to find those she cared about. Yeah, she had been one of the good guys back in her world.

You're going to want a Gummi Ship. It's a little slow in my opinion, but it'll get you where you want to go, He answered, his attention now wandering along the building fronts to try and figure out exactly where she would want to go. Axel couldn't be sure that they had rebuilt exactly as it had been the first time. You'll want to find someone named Leon. He can point you in the right direction to getting a ship.

The man fell silent for a while that made Milla a little bit impatient, though it also gave her time to take notice of the man, and found that his hair somehow reminded her of Efreet. Not only because of its color but the way it was styled-- like fire, it was red and was arranged into what seemed to be an organized mess of spikes brushed up. So Efreet. The Lord of Spirits had almost cracked a smile if the stranger hadn't spoken so sooner. A Gummi Ship. It sounded like the ones she rode on back at the seahavens. If that was the case then it would probably take time but she was racing against time. She had no time. But it also seemed like the Gummi Ship would be her only resort, she couldn't let this slip. A little slow sounded much better than not getting anywhere. She'd take this Gummi Ship. "Leon? Do you have any idea where I can find this person?" She said, slightly tilting her head. While it wasn't probably the time to celebrate and be comfortable, Milla couldn't help but to feel relieved that there was a way to travel to other worlds aside from having your current world destroyed. If only fate continued to play nicely then she was sure she'd be able to get back to Rieze Maxia and fix whatever was broken. To be able to see her hometown again felt undoubtly comforting, though she had to take baby steps first, just like when the Four Great Spirits were taken from her. Things would be difficult but it would only be in the beginning, wouldn't it? But then, just like before, she couldn't do things without anyone's assistance. Milla was indeed glad she ran up to this kind man. Everyone else was completely useless and, if not confused, hostile. Their meeting reminded her of her's and Jude's that then made her wonder if the boy was doing fine; she could imagine him getting frantic... and was probably also desperately trying to find a way back to Rieze Maxia.  TAGS: Axel NOTES: Hey Madd, sorry if this reply took long. A lot of things happened. I'm so sorry!

Axel turned a little away from the young woman as he looked over the few people that were wandering about their day around them. Would any of them even know how to help this girl? Did most of them even remember what this place was once? This was now the third incarnation of this world, so how few would recall the true splendor that this world had once been.

It was almost sad that he could barely even remember it. This was working on returning to what Radiant Garden was supposed to be, but it wasn't quite there yet. He let out a small sigh and glanced back at the girl. If he's here, then he'll most likely be hanging around Merlin's house. He could have traveled to Traverse Town though. It would be such a shame for her if that were the case.

Of course, he could get her to the other world as well much easier than looking for a ship to wander space in. His was a much more direct route, but there was such an innocence about her that he didn't want to darken that. Perhaps he was getting soft. He had once kidnapped a princess of heart without hesitation and carried her through a corridor of darkness. Now, here he was balking at the idea.

Maybe he had learned from his past mistakes and was making up for it in an odd way. It would probably be better to actually apologize to Kairi in person, but that would be a task for another day. For now, his focus was on this girl and to get into Ansem's castle.

[[OOC : No worries! Things come up that are more important. ^^]]

So there were chances that she wouldn't be able to travel to other worlds? That would be troublesome. But Milla couldn't give up and lose hope even before she began looking for Leon, could she? For now she had to cross her fingers and pray that he was still around "If he had already left then it would be a big problem," The blond murmured with anxiety slightly peering on her voice "I don't have much time left. I cannot remain idle until I find the others." Coming up of a plan B was needed and Milla wasted no time digging up her head for a good strategy but it was hard, especially that her current task required traveling to other worlds. "Is a Gummi Ship the only mode of transportation I could use?" She had already concluded that it was but a small part of her insisted that there should be something else too. There was always a back-up in and for everything anyway. "...Or, is there anyone else who I could ask for a Gummi Ship?" If Leon had one then others might have too. He probably wasn't the only person who knew and wanted to go between the worlds. There had to be someone who she could borrow or buy a Gummi Ship from-- well, she didn't have enough money but she'd get things done, whatever it would be. Actually, in her current situation, Milla was willing to take anything that could bring her to other worlds. By physical or spiritual means, though she believed that everything had a consequence, she would welcome whatever that would be thrown to her. "Anything is better than doing nothing." Her decision was firm, she was really desperate. TAGS: Axel

The redhead took a deep breath. He had to admire how persistent she was already. No flinching, no whining or crying. This girl just wanted to get going even though everything had changed. She didn't know if anyone else had made it out. It seemed as if just by purely believing that she had, that they would suddenly be in a world she traveled to. It would be nice if things worked that way. Maybe her connection to those people would be able to save them. If his theory was right, Roxas and he had done just that.

He took a deep breath and ran a hand through his spiked hair. He really didn't want to continue that pattern of dragging people so pure through the darkness. However, he saw a bit of Sora in the determination she was presenting so there might be no stopping her. If it wasn't him, someone vaguely interested in her safety, it could be someone who really didn't care and could hurt her.

He shifted on his feet, a look of mild distaste coming over him. I can take you. There is a lot more risk that way. The darkness likes to corrupt, He warned. One trip wouldn't do her any harm, but he didn't want the ease and quickness of his method of travel to become something that she desired above a Gummi ship. Corridors of Darkness would eventually twist who she was from this nice little girl, to someone her friends might not want around anymore. He couldn't suffer that fate since he didn't have a heart.

I should probably get your name before we go walking across the universe though, He said as if just realizing that he didn't have that bit of information. Axel had noticed that they hadn't exchanged general pleasantries long before now. He didn't always feel the need to share such information, but it seemed like a good idea now.