escordvi | « june 2025: sticky situation »

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Welcome to the Test Drive Meme for

escordvi! Anyone can participate in the test drive, regardless of invite eligibility. Just keep in mind that only those who have had their invitations approved by the mods can actually reserve on June 24 and apply on July 1st. Our EMP/ATP can be found here.

For your toplevel, please include the following: Character Name | Canon | Armada Choice | TDM (IF TDMING). Current players can use the same header, just without the "TDM" label. We do require those who are TDMin'g to include the label so other players can distinguish between others.

For everyone's convenience, TDM threads can be carried over in game if you wish! If you are still unsure which armada to place your character, you can play it a bit loose and vague in the TDM and make retroactive changes if you carry over the threads. The log itself is set to cover starting from June 14 until the end of the month. Characters will appear at random intervals during this time rather than all at once, so players have some more flexibility on how much more adjusted they are for someone else.

If you have any question about the TDM, comment here. If you have questions about the game in general, please comment to the Game Info.

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated June 16th)

GETTING STARTED

This section can be timed for any time after June 14 until the end of the month, which includes during the current event. These prompts are to benefit those TDMing, but this portion can be handwaved instead and serve as a reference for players to know what their character will have experienced and learned on arrival. As an important note, Elah's situation is unusual in that the leviathan has disappeared, leaving behind a floating island remnant behind. Everything is mostly the same, there just isn't a whale carrying the land. Travel to the island is possible.

STARTER SHIPS

There are two ships that serve as starting ships for each armada: Stormbringer for the Corsairs, and Royal Fortune for the Paladins. There are various ways new arrivals—or riftfarers as they will be called, among other creative names—will appear on or by these ships. The crews for both ships will also seem a bit odd to some, as it is a mix of humans and various animal folk, non-humans that look more animal than human. Some just look like large versions of their smaller counterparts. From birds, to seals, to even bears, there is no shortage of interesting faces and people on these ships.

🚪 Random room. It could be empty, filled with crates or supplies; down in the hull where the livestock are kept; have the luck to awaken in a bed...or the misfortune of that bed already occupied; somewhere in the kitchens; in the bathroom—any room! Now let's hope the doors can open or someone may have to try and ask for help. Or jump through the porthole if there is one and it's above water.
⛵ On deck. If not in the ship itself, another possible spot to wake up to is somewhere on the maindeck. If they're lucky, they're on the deck itself. More unfortunate souls may find themselves caught in the sails or netting, the crow's nest, or on the top of the masts. Someone should be able to help, right? Or catch.
🌊 In the water. The most unlucky sods will find themselves appearing in mid-air just past the ship and plummeting straight into the water. Good news, there's always someone on the lookout for such a thing and calls for help to "throw a lifesaver, get the rowboat!" will be made. Are there sharks? Well... ...Are there?

However the new riftfarers arrive, they will be poorly clothed, practically rags or loose uniforms depending on the ship. Fortunately, veteran crewmates will guide them, escorting them to a room with a strange typewriter in it. After typing their name, the typewriter will magically continue and type by itself at a fast pace until it dings and rolls out the paper. This paper will have the following information:

• Name and Shellphone ID (journalname)
• Armada (Corsair or Paladin, will match the starter ship)
• Cabin Number for their personal cabin on the starter ship
• Apartment Address for their personal address at their base armada location
• A basic map of the starting locations in Eltrut, including written directions (continued in the Eltrut section)
• A basic map of where they can find a chest with their original clothes and belongings (this will be different for every person and will be anywhere either on the starter ship or on Eltrut—players can be creative here).

After that, the crewmate will do their best to explain the basics of how they got here, what's going on, and what they'll need to do to live in Escordvi while they are here, giving them a small leather pouch with money. They will be reaching Eltrut soon, so the crewmate will suggest they look around, meet the others who have arrived. Even from their distance, they will be able to see the giant sea turtle that serves as Eltrut's leviathan.

ON ELTRUT

Once in Eltrut, the new riftfarers will be greeted by several birdfolk who will be happy to give tours to those who may need them. Otherwise, anyone is free to roam as they please and will have a map for the following main places they should visit.

🐚 Microshell. The first stop that is encouraged will be Microshell, the main store to acquire their own personal Shellphone. The paper they received on their starter ship will have their ID and the staff at the store will set them up, explaining how the device and the network works.
✒️ Inkwave, Tattoo Parlor. The next stop is Inkwave, a tattoo parlor run by a very burly but friendly octopus, Knistej. Here everyone receives their own unique magic tattoo, allowing anyone to cast specific single element spells and other magic. Note: tattoos are required before anyone will be able to use their original magical abilities.
📜 MANTA office. The final stop is the MANTA office, where all the request, mission, and task notices are posted. Each armada has their own branch office for armada specific notices as well. A great place to find jobs to earn some cash so they don't stay a hobo forever.

ELAH'S ISLAND

It's later in the month that the people on the remnants of Elah's floating island notice that parts of the land have been slowly breaking off. It had started with the outer pieces, which is why it had remained largely unknown, but when some fisherman witnessed part of the land cracking and falling into the ocean, they raised the alarms. Although the progress seems to be slow, tremors could now be more visibly felt and are conclusively linked when pieces fall off. Before panic could completely seize the remaining populace, efforts to keep the land together are mobilized.

Once alerted, the Corsairs will also offer aid. Not wanting to risk damaging the floating island further, several groups will stay on Elah while Nogard will travel separately with the rest of its population to an island half a day's out known for a strong "adhesive" that should help keep Elah's remnant in one (questionable) piece until Elah is found. However, these remedies are all temporary band-aid fixes, and the state of the "island" has acting officials and leaders beginning discussions on what to do next if Elah cannot be found soon…

🫨 Troubling tremors. As the days progress, the frequency of the tremors increase—from once every other day, to two to eventually a handful. In the main city of Baleen, the tremors are slight, with just notable rumblings that feel no different than when Elah gave an occasional grumble. However, some are strong enough to knock a few loose things over and cracks are starting to show on the buildings and streets. Farther out from the main city, where the farms and smaller towns and villages are situated, however, the movement is felt more strongly and the damage more severe. Here is where aid will be needed most, from repairing damages to evacuating and moving people and animals further inland.

🩹 Patch it up. There are various methods being deployed to try and "patch up" and tether the loose pieces. Those who excel in earth magic are quick to try and strengthen the ground while both magitech and mechanical engineers are hard at work to create devices and structures to try and keep the land together.

🪣 Super Snail Glue. Once the slime from the island arrives, it is quickly processed to be poured into the cracks like cement. However, care must be taken because if not careful, one could get caught in it, especially as it is slow to harden. While one won't sink in it, they will be stuck in there for a while. If the glue does happen to harden around the individual, they will need to be broken free similar to being in cement.

🍲 Potluck. As smaller communities and farms are evacuated closer to Baleen, aid is provided to help try and keep everyone calm. One of the main ways is hosting several potlucks throughout the oncoming days. Farmers who brought their crops in so they would not be lost willingly offer the surplus and Corsairs from Nogard will also bring in plenty of ale and supplies. It's also a perfect opportunity for those who have been working hard to take a break and try to keep spirits up.

As time goes on, plans for future evacuations are made to prepare for the worst case scenario. However, the main issue is where people should settle. There are a few populated islands that people may travel to on their own, but acting officials would prefer to try to keep everyone together—especially if they need to resettle somewhere completely. Requests to set sail and scout for suitable islands are sent out for any who are willing to risk the dangers that may come with it. Given the situation, while they have some natural preferences they won't be too particular for now. It just needs to be large enough to house a sizable population and have ample resources that they can live off of.

ADOPORTSAG

Meanwhile, Nogard will settle onto the island of Adoportsag. It is a rich and fertile place, with thick tropical forests filled with luscious fruit trees and waters so clean and clear it's almost hard to believe. It's no wonder the local snailfolk population is very relaxed and chill, who welcome travelers gladly into their homes. They will be friendly, mellow hosts who offer all manner of delicious foods and drinks, from local fruit and root vegetables, cooked meats with fragrant spices, and sweet-scented juice and cocktails. However, everything on the island has a light inebriating quality to them; most foods will make one feel slightly tipsy, while stronger foods can even cause faint hallucinogenic effects. The effects can be slept off, but will probably cause a mild hangover the next morning.

While the snailfolk are fairly large, the giant snails and slugs that also inhabit the island are even larger—large enough to be ridden! If one would want to try to ride one, anyway. They are very peaceful and approachable creatures so there will be no difficulty in gathering the slime from them. However, take care—if they are harmed or feel threatened, they will turn hostile quickly and turn red. Their slime will become toxic and acidic, powerful enough to burn and even melt skin and bone. Some will even use their slime to smother and suffocate attackers. Perhaps that's why there are very few predatory animals and those that do exist stay far away from them…

🌻 Embarrassing flowers. Scattered throughout the island are trees that bear a multi-coloured, sweet-smelling flowers that are said to hold magical properties. According to the locals, whoever picks the fruit that grows from these flowers and shares it with another will undergo a sacred trust-bonding ritual with the one they share it with. However, what the locals fail to mention is that the flowers will begin to shout out the eater’s most embarrassing moment for all nearby to hear. The local snailfolk see this as a chance to laugh at past troubles and grow trust between friends, but others might not appreciate this ‘sacred’ custom.

💦 Stuck together. Creating the glue needed to repair the island of Elah is sticky work, and while the snailfolk do offer warnings it’s very possible that people can get stuck together thanks to all the slime. The snailfolk do have solvents to remove the slime, but it may take them a while to make it. Those who get stuck together will have to get used to each other’s company while they wait.

🧴 Slime products. The slime isn't just a great adhesive—it's actually quite versatile and can be used to make different products. From lotions to lubricants, it can even be used in cooking. Somehow rumor that the slime could be a "cure for wrinkles" and the next big trend for beautification has spread. There are even attempts to create some kind of alcoholic drink from them. The snailfolk aren't as proactive in producing many products, but other merchants and craftsmen are interested. New products are already out for testing for people to try. Just be warned, that there could be side effects, such as making the skin feel extra sensitive…

🐌 Snail feeding. In order to create the glue needed to reconnect the islands, slime needs to be harvested from local snails. Feeding the snails is the best way to get them to produce the slime, so help feed them leafy greens and large fruits to get that slime running!

🌦️ Rainy weather. The weather can be quite fickle on the island. One minute it's sunny and the next rain suddenly pours down. Usually the rain will pass through quickly, leaving behind a cool mist that unfortunately later becomes sticky with humidity. Should anyone get caught in the rain, take shelter under the trees or even under the large leaves that can cover a few adults. Just be careful—sometimes after the rain, the flowers and fruits will emit a stronger scent than usual, making the inebriating effects more potent.

On the southern side of the island is an active volcano, but there are currently no threats of a full eruption, just occasional lava flows that travelers should be careful of. Near the base of the volcano in one of the few safe areas is a grand, magnificent temple made of black obsidian dedicated to the worship of a long-departed entity that can be described as a "goddess" snail. The temple is beautifully decorated with art and effigies, including a very large statue of a very large snail draped in dress-like robes that looks very elegant and…goddess-y by snail standards. All the snailfolk respect and revere the goddess depicted within the temple, though most view the temple itself as more of a cultural landmark these days. However, there is a cult of dedicated snailfolk followers that are desperate to see their goddess again. This is the only time the local snailfolk seem to be wary and warn travelers to be careful as these followers can be…odd.

🌋 Sacrifices. After overhearing an ill-timed joke about "making sacrifices," the cult takes the suggestion seriously. Normal snailfolk will catch wind of this and warn everyone, but members of the cult actually start kidnapping people to drop into the volcano as a sacrificial offering to revive their departed goddess. Fortunately for those wanting to plan rescue efforts or those who find themselves kidnapped, the cultists are very slow and the volcano is very high. It's quite easy to make an escape. Just be careful of the lava flows and pools and steam vents along the volcano's slopes.

🍎 Lava Pomegranates. A special fruit that is grown not by trees, but a product of the volcano and cultivated by the temple followers. Although dangerous and can explode if handled from the lava fields they sprout from, after they cool they make for a spicy, delicious treat. However, there is a side effect where one will go into a daze and easily susceptible to suggestions. They will also start yearning for the volcano and the goddess… Quickly snap out anyone who has fallen under the effects before the affected join in the kidnapping for sacrifices or worse—try to sacrifice themselves!

💎 Hidden treasures. Potential sacrifices notwithstanding, the volcano is a veritable treasure trove of natural resources. Adventurers are encouraged to explore the volcano to see what sorts of items they can find, whether it be to barter with the local snailfolk or to take it for themselves. Take heed when exploring, however; the volcano is home to fire golems and fire sprites, as well as elemental beings born from the lava of the volcano.

👁️ Fire Cyclops Among all the creatures that dwell on the volcano, none are as feared as the fire cyclops, a monstrous elemental being that is said to live in the heart of the volcano. Few have seen the monster in person, and fewer have lived to tell the tale. Anyone brave or foolish enough to challenge this fiery monster will be greatly rewarded by the snailfolk.

INVASION

Later in the month, while treatment for the remaining island of Elah is still in the works, alarms sound when a ship arrives badly damaged and half of its crew dead. They recount being attacked by the shark leviathan Krahs and had lost three other ships to the sharkfolk. Worst of all, it's heading right towards them—as can be seen by the gray clouds rushing in from the distance and the large waves that herald the large leviathan's approach.

Corsairs stationed on the island will send word to Nogard still on Adoportsag, and the leviathan will bring in those who wish to join to rush in to try and intercept the Krahs. However, due to the distance and the suddenness of the attack, they won't arrive until after Krahs's sharkfolk warriors have made landfall. Not only are the sharkfolk warriors vicious and ruthless, the shark ships return with adjustments, their ability to cut through the water both above and under allowing them to destroy ships with their powerful jaws at a speed that can go undetected before it's too late. The invaders seem particularly enthused, as if they are taking advantage of Elah's disappearance to try and take over or even destroy the island.

⚔️ Defend! While Nogard engages with Krahs, waves of sharkfolk marauders have begun to storm the shores of Elah. Help defend the island by fighting off as many as you can and drive those shark invaders back into the sea! The people who had recently been evacuated from the outer areas of the island will be particularly vulnerable and Corsairs will set up barricades and defenses as best they can.

🎣 Live bait. While the sharkfolk are strong and fearsome warriors, Corsair aligned sharkfolk allies will reveal their kind can be easily distracted. One strategy to distract the sharkfolk is to get into special cages to act as live bait to draw the sharkfolk in while being protected from their sharp teeth and crushing jaws. If you’re brave enough, dive into one of these cages and help draw away some of the attackers! Offer support for those who risk their lives by protecting them and attack with the opportunity they provide!

🧜‍♀️ Mermaid dancing. Another method of distraction is less violent, but more unusual; the sharkfolk seem to be attracted to beautiful faces, sultry dances, and suggestive songs. Make use of the merfolk magic to transform into a beautiful merfolk or siren, and use your best talents to distract the sharkfolk away from attacking the island. As the old saying goes, make love not war, right?

🦈 Shark infiltration. Some merfolk that were around Elah have decided to offer their magic and strategies to help those willing to fight the sharkfolk. Their plan involves transforming willing defenders into sharks in order to infiltrate the ranks of the attacking sharkfolk and sabotage things from behind enemy lines. Embrace your inner saboteur and cause some havoc – so long as you don’t mind biting.

🪝Hooked. All the action from Krahs’s attack is causing the island to further fragment into pieces. What’s worse, some sharkfolk are using giant shark-teeth grappling hooks to try and physically drag parts of the island away into smaller pieces. Stop these grapplers before they pull away whole chunks of the island!

Although they will be later to come, eventually whale- and dolphinfolk will arrive as reinforcements. Initially they were traveling just to offer support to the island in general, so they are surprised to find it under attack. Quick to enter the fray, they should be able to help turn the tide, especially as the dolphins and orcas are particularly vicious against the sharks. They do love shark livers, so it will be quite a gruesome sight as the already bloodied waters will turn into more of a bloodbath. The dolphins will allow others to ride them to help fight in the water.

But will they be successful in fending off Krahs's attack? And if they do, how much of the island will be saved? Everyone's participation will help decide the island's fate!

QUESTS

The current MANTA Board is available, but we have a couple of additional quests that are specific for the event! Teaming up is of course encouraged, no matter what the affiliation. You can assume they acquired some kind of ship for the quests out at sea, either the starter ship or some other ship heading out there. All quests will be worth 4 points.

Dead Men Tell No Tales

Elsewhere

A small archipelago of tiny islets has been discovered in a foggy section of ocean, and amidst the rocky islets lies a small ship graveyard. Explore this collection of broken ships and see what can be recovered, but take heed; the area is also known to be populated by dreaded sea serpents looking for their next meal. And maybe they’re the ones who are sinking the ships, too.

Without A Paddle

Eltrut

Some of the locals on Eltrut are a bit bored this month. They’re challenging anyone and everyone to try and race from one of Eltrut’s many sandy beaches to a small island off in the distance. There’s just one catch. Racers have to use two animals and some rope to do it. If that means strapping two turtles together and riding them like a raft or using your own animal companions or the local wild sea life to strap together to drag you over the waves… Who can make the distance?

Another Crab’s Treasure

Atnam

Those travelling to Atnam for work on the Manta Board might find their pockets just a little bit lighter… It seems there’s a thief in the midst. Without realizing it, you might find yourself without your purse or whatever gold coins you had in your pocket. Anything precious and shiny on your person is in danger of being stolen! Find the culprit and get back your precious shiny items. And find out that it might be a tiny, pesky crab with a rusty spoon doing it…

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

1: royal fortune - arrival

[It is not normal for Saix to wake up in a kitchen. It's not normal for him to be in a kitchen, for a variety of reasons - but here he is. His normally stoic demeanor has been shaken, not so much because of waking up in another world (not such an unimaginable thing for him, even if he usually knows where he is and why), but because the kitchen is quite busy and he has no idea how to navigate that.

Someone rushes past with a pot of boiling water. Someone else is chopping vegetables wildly. A third person seems to be grappling a live octopus - or maybe that's not food, but a friend? It's impossible for Saix to tell. He needs to get out of here. Time for decisive action.

Two decisive steps towards the door, and he bumps the elbow of someone carrying a stack of dirty plates. It all comes crashing down. Suddenly, there is silence.]

I will... clean that up.

[Not a great start.]

2: elah - helping

[Though not an especially heroic sort, Saix can make himself useful - and what he's especially good at is telling people what to do. Oh, he's no charismatic leader, but seeing what needs to be done and delegating people to handle it? That middle manager skillset is where he excels.

So Saix can be found helping the farmers and villagers move inland as the tremors become more obvious. He does help himself - if things need to be lifted or carried, he doesn't hesitate to lend a hand. But mostly, he organizes people. Tells them where to go, what to do. What needs to be focused on first, and what can be left for later. His manner is brusque and businesslike, as if he's used to being listened to.]

You there, help with that wagon. Get the crates tied down as quickly as possible, we need to move.

3: sharkfight - defend

[Saix is too cautious to fully let loose. Why would he allow strangers to know everything he's capable of? The tattoo that restored his powers is a useful little thing, but he doesn't intend to show off until it's absolutely necessary. He knows better than that.

But even without going all in, Saix is a capable fighter. Wielding a claymore almost as tall as he is, he beats back sharkfolk marauders with brutal efficiency. Though he prefers to fight alone - for all sorts of reasons - in a situation like this one, one must set preferences aside. With barely a glance at whoever is fighting near him, he barks out a basic strategy.]

Take the left side. They're nearly through the barricade there. I'll keep them from coming up behind you.

4: wildcard

[Happy to do anything else! PM me or I'm on discord @ manda]

[Now is probably not the time for belligerence. Unfortunately, we're dealing with Roxas and that's something of a default setting. Or maybe it's just the fact that it's an all too familiar voice barking orders and that's clashing with a rule of Roxas's that he was never going to listen to Saix again.

But he should be helping with that wagon. That's the right thing to do.

Instead it all just manifests as a glare as he tries to work out some complicated emotions in a very short amount of time.]

I'm doing it.

[There are a lot of things he could say - maybe even should say - when he sees Roxas. But, being Saix, he has no real desire to say any of them at all, so it's pretty convenient that they both have something else to focus on. He certainly feels a number of very complicated somethings at the sight of Roxas.

Good thing Nobodies don't have hearts. Those surely can't be emotions.]

Watch the ones on top. They're lighter, they'll fall more easily.

[They can just be two former coworkers working together on a new project. That'll be fine. Probably.]

[There's certainly no lingering resentments or other complicated feelings.][Focusing on making everything secure is distracting enough. For now, at least.]

[Saix is pitching in too, rather than just ordering people around. He ties down the other side, shaking some crates to make sure they're secure. He's focused on the task - mostly. He does glance at Roxas once, maybe twice.

He looks - fine. Alive, in his own body. Saix can't be sure what that means in a place like this, and isn't sure how to even begin asking.]

Not terrible. Though you are too short to reach the top.

"Now why would I do a thing like that?"

['The Organization is toast', that's what Sora said. The group of Nobodies were as good as gone, no longer there to haunt his every step, defeated in a timeline Axel had yet to live. To see that shock of blue hair, hear that dulled tone, from the man wearing the face of a dear friend Lea had lost so very very long ago, should be nothing short of impossible.

But no. Axel had known all along hadn't he, to prepare for this eventuality?

In Escordvi, anyone could be pulled from anywhere, any time; as unstable and impossibly connected as the Realm Between. There was always a chance. Though some traitorous part of the red head questioned why he so often dwelled on the thought.

The blade of an all-too-familiar spoked wheel weapon is aimed near the throat of Xemnas's adjutant and Axel waits. To be seen, acknowledged, by the golden eyes that never quite seemed to enough, instead of going for the easy hit.

There's no reason to question where Saix might be from. Or rather, when. He won't be from further ahead than Axel. Of that, the assassin is deadly certain.

You? cover him? Yeah, Axel isn't buying it.
Saix is Saix and he will no doubt be looking to punish a traitor.

Axel will give him one.

The skirmish all around them continues, people yelling, wooden boards creaking from the force of being battered from the opposite side. Nearby something explodes. Axel doesn't so much as blink, holding his stare and position steadfast.

Nothing in this moment demands his attention more.

At least the battle gives an excuse for their weapons to already be drawn.]

[Saix goes still. The voice is impossible to mistake. He didn't know that Axel was here, but clearly their reunion was inevitable. And he feels rather differently about it than Axel - but then, he would, wouldn't he? It was always going to be complicated, no matter when or where it happened.

If they had to have it out, though, Saix would have preferred nearly anywhere else. How like Axel, to decide they need to have some sort of confrontation in the midst of a battle that's already being fought, a battle Saix was trying to help with. It's not a surprise, though he had thought they were on slightly different terms than immediate aggression. But then, he's only heard vague chatter about people arriving from different moments. He hasn't put it all together yet.

And it's not as if they were on amazing terms when he last saw Axel. Still, they were able to talk without instant violence. Apparently that's no longer the case.

He calculates whether he can just ignore Axel and continue. No, he supposes not. Not with that weapon in his face.]

Do you intend to fight me instead of these creatures? You always did allow yourself to be distracted too easily.

[He doesn't lower his claymore. If Axel wants to fight, he'll fight. He's just fairly certain that if they do it here, now, they're going to be overrun by sharks. An utterly stupid way to go.]

Point your weapon where it belongs.

"And you always told me to be mindful of my priorities."

[Axel tightens his grip, on the chakrum's crossbars and his resolve.]

"I am."

[And yet the assassin can only stand and stare. One day, Lea would reawaken with his heart and with it, the blissful clarity of knowing what mattered to him. How to follow said heart, to fight for it, and bring it all back. But this is Axel and this is now; eyes lacking warmth, despite his affinity, Organization's coat, upside-down teardrops and all.

Even when Escordvi conjured up false visions of his coworkers, Saix had only ever repeated bits of pieces from his own memories. To see him like this, hear new words, only adds to the smoldering of something sparking up in Axel's being.

Somehow Saix not finding him worth fighting is worse.]

"You really gonna try and tell me this is more important?"

[Of course, something always was with him, wasn't it?

He'll step back to give Saix room to move and face him properly.]

Edited 2025-06-16 16:52 (UTC)

And you never listened.

[Perhaps that's where this all started: the moment their priorities began to differ. Saix understands that better now, the reasons why and the effect it had on him. But what use would having that conversation now be? They have other things that they should be focusing on.

That, and he can't easily overcome his own reticence, or his awareness that anyone might be listening. He doesn't know this place yet, doesn't know who's in it. If Axel is here, who else might be? He isn't going to slip up.]

This is more important. Are you simply going to let these creatures rampage, just to fight with me instead?

[Of course, Saix still doesn't lower his claymore. He doesn't want to fight Axel - at least, not right now - but he's not an idiot.]

Where are those heroics you so enjoy playing at?

[That last barb has the desired effect and the Flurry snaps.]

"Like you would know anything about--!!" [Another splintering crack rings through the air, followed by more distant yells. Axel curses beneath his breathe. VIII steps back once, twice, meets VII's gaze.]

"Tch!" [And finally, obediently, tears down the left hallway, as ordered, per Saix's instruction.

Saix is right. Axel hates that Saix is right. What is he doing?

He shouldn't be fighting, if anything he should be running. Hadn't that been the strategy since arriving here? To lick his wounds and lie low if the Organization ever came knocking? It had made sense in the moment to challenge him. To take a stand and defend this new precious life he has built for himself. There's no advantage to a fight now. He failed to take Saix out and he still probably would. It was a stupid risk.

As expected, the assassin finds the defenses down the left hall hanging on by a thread when he gets there; a group of defenders panicking over the splintering wall and the nearly dislodged board falling out of place.]

"MOVE!" [Axel barks, flinging himself to the front of the crowd to try and stop it. When it becomes clear he won't reach it in time, he chucks his chakram to pin the board back down forcibly until he can make up the rest of the distance, and throw the weight of his own body weight against it.

It leaves him exposed and vulnerable to hold the board down like this but Saix will cover him, this Axel knows. In spite of everything. The man wouldn't tell a blatant lie like that, it's not his style. Especially when it's something Saix wants him to be doing. Isa was always better with the plans, he set up the dominos; Lea just found increasingly creative ways to knock them all down.

No, the real trouble is going to come from trying to give the Diviner the slip when all this is said and done.]

[He watches Axel run, and allows himself a brief moment of satisfaction. Axel's buttons have always been easy to press. In this case, it's been done for a good reason - but that hasn't always been the case. No wonder Axel faced him with anger, with aggression.

They should... talk. Probably. But that can wait. For now, Saix finds a spot in the hallway where he can keep an eye on all approaches. He expects some of the defenders to fail, though he does expect Axel to succeed - whatever else can be said about him, he is competent.

Saix defends the approach. For now, it's only a creature here and there who have slipped past the defenders, making them easy to take down. He'll cover the approaches long enough for the defenders to shore things up, and then he'll find what needs to be done next. And, eventually, it'll be over.

Then he'll find Axel.]

[Efficiency really is the word when it comes to Saix. He prevents the oncoming wave from butchering them all with only the exact amount of force such a job requires. He was Xemnas' right hand for a reason, they all knew it, no matter his number in rank. How funny that Xemnas used him as a personal secretary, instead of making use of that power on the battlefield. No, Saix rarely got his hands dirty.
He had Axel for that.

Now that their panic has ceased, the team around Axel get back to work, re-hammering down whatever the redhead pins; adding new additions to the barricade faster than they can be broken back down. Axel pins, the team restores, Saix rebuffs. It's working, they're turning the tides on this thing.]

"Hey.. We got any of that slime left?"

[The idea hits out of nowhere. It had been in use for rebuilding before the Mauraders attacked, but this barracks itself was hastily built from the foundations of a place already wrecked by the earthquake. It was an adhesive powerful enough to fix the cracks in the literal ground. It would spruce up the wall's defenses and then some!
Waiting for a lull and trusting the pinning to someone else, Axel makes his way back towards Saix.]

"Hey, anyone seen any provisions from Adoportsag?" [He dips into the storeroom off the side.]

"Come on.. a jar, a barrel.. There's gotta be something."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

« june 2025: sticky situation »

GETTING STARTED

ELAH'S ISLAND

ADOPORTSAG

INVASION

QUESTS

Saix | Kingdom Hearts | Paladin | TDM

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3. Hope you're ready for some PINING and CONFLICT

I am ALWAYS ready for these things

YESS Time to make their problem EVERYONE ELSE'S >D

as it should be!!!

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