escordvi | Open July Log

Entry tags:

Open July Log

Who: Saix & anyone
Status: Open
Where: Various locations
What: MANTA board quests & general starters
Warnings: None

a) a phantom thief

[Naturally, the idea of hearts being stolen piqued Saix's attention. The reports sound a bit different than what he would have expected, though - and so he heads directly to the most recent location where the thief struck.

He can be found kneeling down next to the body, inspecting it. Breathing, living, but unresponsive. Not what he would expect to see from someone who had their heart stolen - and he should know. He sees no sign of anything that would lead him to believe this has any similarity to what he's familiar with.

So, what is going on, then?]

No Heartless, either. Curious.

b) miss praying mantis

[If he's going to remain here, Saix may as well make himself useful. He does have skills, after all, and the easiest one to put to use is also the most obvious one. He's got a claymore and he's ready to use it. While he wasn't generally out doing fieldwork back home, he did his share of fighting.

And a good workout involving some unrestrained violence might serve to clear his thoughts a little. Not that he's having feelings about any of this - obviously that's impossible. But he is having a lot of thoughts, some contradictory, many involving what he would be feeling if he were capable of it. He's rather tired of it.

So, time to hunt down a giant insect. But Saix isn't stupid, and he is new here, so when he sees someone in the same general area he approaches them before attempting to find the creature alone.]

I assume you are here for the same reason as I.

c) the wy's have it

[Saix doesn't know much about wyverns, but his working theory is that they're being pushed out of their usual area by either a larger predator, or a lack of their usual sources of sustenance. While he may not be able to fix either problem, he may at least be able to figure out which it is - and if not that, take down a few wyverns to keep them from causing chaos.

He is trying to keep himself busy, really. It helps if he can do so in a useful way.

But he's quite aware that he doesn't know the area, doesn't know the creatures, and doesn't really know the world. So he can be found moving cautiously through the foothills of the mountains, claymore in hand, alert to any sounds or movements.]

d) wildcard

[If there's anything else you're interested in doing with Saix, I'm happy to roll with it! We can plot ahead, or feel free to drop a starter and we can see where it goes.]

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[ There's enough in the reports she's heard for Naminé to be at least a little bit concerned. So far one thing she's found a great deal of comfort in is the lack of heartless and unversed. Look, after everything can one really blame her for being excited about it? Plus she even got confirmation that they haven't been here for anyone to worry about.

So, naturally, it's concerning to hear anything slightly similar. There's also possibly a very irrational and silly part of her might wonder if her arrival has something to do with it. All of that to say she's eager to do some investigating into it. Who she finds isn't exactly who she expects to and she's not entirely sure what to say at first. Luckily she catches what he says and that's a place to start. ]

Strange isn't it? I haven't seen any signs of them either but this seems...strangely familiar.

[He's not displeased to see Namine - she's one of the handful here who will understand the particular strangeness of his crime. So like something that could happen where they're from, but not the same at all. It's not impossible that she'll have some sort of insight that he doesn't.]

It does. I've seen no Heartless, and no Nobodies save myself and -

[He pauses.]

Those you would expect.

[Axel and Roxas. Who things are rather complicated with right now. And Namine herself, of course.]

None of us did this. Have you heard anything about it happening before?

I wouldn't think any of us would!

[ Maybe it's said a tiny bit too firmly. There's always the possibility. Or the possibility their arrival caused something similar. But those are silly thoughts. ]

No. Ventus even said he hasn't seen ant heartless, unversed, or nobodies here.

[ Aside from the usual suspects. ]

This seems like something new, something just coming up now.

[ Bad timing for them. ]

But... maybe that means it's different enough that these people can still be fixed?

Perhaps so.

[That's a good thought, a hopeful one. Whether they can fix it is a different question, but at least Saix intends to do what he can to find out what's going on.]

I was intending to look for the culprit, and see if any way can be found to restore the victims' hearts. Would you like to help me?

[Namine's abilities might be useful - but more than that, Saix thinks she's probably much better with people than he is. If they end up having to talk to anyone, she's a lot more likely to get a good response than he is.]

Really? [ Hmm, more and more she feels like her assumptions that she's been making about him are correct. ] It would be better to go together than on my own.

[ Should they actually find any clues, or worse any enemies, he's certainly going to be better in combat than she will. ] And I'm sure some of the others would say someone should keep an eye on you.

[ Though that is actually said with a tiny quirk of her lips, maybe it's a joke? She's heard about some of the...issues going on. ]

You can report to them that I have been very well-behaved. [Totally straight-faced, as usual. Though maybe he shouldn't say that yet, who knows how this investigation will turn out.]

We should investigate the area, first of all. See if anything was left behind, or if anyone saw something.

[The truth is, Saix doesn't do much on-the-ground work himself. His first instinct is to order someone who is good at that sort of thing - Axel maybe, or Xigbar, or even Luxord - to take care of it. He's better at managing. But that isn't an option here, and even if it was, he probably wouldn't take it.

He really is trying to be better.]

But stay close. We don't know if the culprit is still nearby.

Don't worry, I will. Even if some may not believe it. [ He can probably guess who those some are. But well, maybe things will start smoothing out a bit. Eventually. One day. She nods at his suggestion. ]

I'm used to looking around. [ That she did on her own here and there. Searching for things that could help or information about where people might be. ] But I've never tried to interview people.

[ Then again she can't imagine he has either, so maybe they're both on equal footing there. Really, she's never had much chance to socialize at all. She glances up at him for a moment curiously. ]

You don't have to worry about me, even if they're nearby. I'm pretty good at figuring out how to get away.

You are.

[She certainly slipped out from under the Organization's noses often enough.]

But I would still prefer you not have to - not while we are working together, in any case.

[It's really the absolute least he can do, after everything. It's not that Saix is worried, exactly (he's not sure he's really capable of worrying), but he doesn't want to make such an obvious mistake. Skilled at escaping or not, he intends to watch her back while they're doing something that might be dangerous.

He kneels down for a moment, checking what might be a footprint - but it seems to match the shoes of the victim. Not helpful.]

Have you been staying with the others?

[ There's a moment where her expression almost looks proud, at the very least pleased to be recognized for that. ]

I'll do my best to stay behind you then if something goes wrong.

[ But she'll just hope that nothing goes wrong and do her best to make sure things stay going as well as they can. It can't go as poorly as anything back home did, so at the very least they have that going for both of them. Or so she thinks. She'll be the optimistic one. ]

I have. They've got an entire island! [ Where they definitely didn't have a meeting about him. Her eyes cast down for a split second, though she's quick to turn it to the footprint. Where she clearly meant to look all along. There's a few others that catch her attention, all belonging to the victim but in a pattern that makes it look like they may have been trying to run from something. She follows the tracks, lifting her legs up so she's on one foot at one point and then stumbling to put it in another foot. It rather comically gives a story of someone stumbling while running until they just stopped.

Which also isn't that helpful. ]

Where have you been staying?

[Isa would laugh, and probably tease her about that stumble. Saix knows that, but he doesn't have it in him to fake that sort of emotion when he doesn't actually feel it. Still, there's the echo of it - the memory of that kind of friendly amusement. He lost touch with that sort of memory for so long.]

A bit clumsy, our victim. But they were running away, it seems. Well done.

[A useful bit of information. They at least saw their attacker coming - or, even if they didn't, they knew they were in some kind of danger. At least they can be fairly sure it wasn't an invisible creature, he supposes.]

I have been staying on the Royal Fortune. It's perfectly acceptable.

[Saix doesn't really need anything nice - he wouldn't know what to do with it. Basic quarters are enough for him. And he has no illusions about the welcome he might receive from that island - which is fine, because the idea of living on an island with the likes of Sora and Roxas is practically enough to give him a headache all on its own.]

Clumsy or maybe just frightened?

[ Or both, but she's trying to be a bit sympathetic to them. It all really depends on what they saw chasing them. That's the current part that's giving her a reason to be mildly frustrated. Even if she might look just a tiny bit excited by the praise. ]

It's not that helpful, but thank you. [ It's strange to have him tell her well done and genuinely seem to read it. Not something she's used to from Organization members. But then again, is he really one here? Or anymore at all? ]

Oh, the Paladin ship, right? Do you think you'd ever join an actual crew?

It is helpful. It tells us that the victim saw their attacker coming. It wasn't an attack completely out of nowhere, and the attacker isn't capable of invisibility or some other magical stealth. Or, if they are, they chose not to use it for some reason.

[He looks in the direction they seem to have been running from. There's nothing immediately apparent there, at least at first.]

It also means that they knew the person or creature that attacked them was dangerous. Either they were already familiar with it, and knew it on sight, or there's something about its appearance or manner that might frighten someone.

[Though just coming up on someone in the darkness of night can be frightening... still, it's something to work with. And taking a moment to actually lay it out like that is helpful for Saix, too.]

I have no interest in finding a crew right now. I... am not sure the sort that would welcome me would be the sort I want to ally myself with.

When you put it that way it does sound more helpful than I thought. I guess that also rules out friends or family of the victim. There'd be no reason to try to escape from them.

[ Well, next to no reason. There's some things she can think of, reasons, but it wouldn't come into play here. Maybe they're...figuring something out? She's going to be optimistic about it at least! ]

I wish we had some idea of how they were doing what they did...

[ now that would really help. A part of her almost wishes she could try using her own powers on them. But what if that just made a mess?

She frowns for just a moment at what he says and falls silent for a few seconds. ]

Why do you think only certain crews would want you? Outside of the others from our world, there's nobody here that knows who you are. [ Maybe the choice of 'nobody' is intentional. Maybe not. ] You... can be anyone you want to be here.

[ He's considered a few things and decided that a regular hunt might help him stretch his wings out a little bit and so he blinks at the question. ]

I'm seeking out a bounty, if that's what you mean. [ How straightforward, Saix. ]

[He's the straightforward type, when he doesn't see a reason to lie.]

That is what I mean. Do you usually handle them alone?

[Working with people isn't Saix's greatest strength (or really one of his strengths at all), but he knows he doesn't know much about this place. Wiser not to go it alone, and learn what he can.]

Depends on the bounty. [ Big creature hunts, he's worked together with others. Hunting down traffickers, he tried to do alone. ]

Want some company?

I won't refuse the assistance.

[While he's more used to telling people what to do, Saix is reasonably skilled himself - but he doesn't know what to expect. This man might, and if not, at least he'll be a distraction for the beast.]

I am Saix.

Call me Hawks. [ He offers in a light enough tone and tilts his head to start them in the direction listed. He knows his way around at least. ]

Have you done this before?

Not this, no. I only just arrived here.

[He doesn't particularly like admitting it to a stranger, since it's an obvious vulnerability, but it's also just - well, obvious all on its own. Saix knows hardly anything about this place.]

Have you? Perhaps I should ask for advice.

I've been doing hunts and bounties for awhile, and I've been here for months. [ He offers and chuckles at the comment. ]

Hmmm well, the quick retort is don't die. [ At least he's amusing himself. ]

I don't know if it will come to fighting, but if it does, don't worry about me. I'm great support, I can fit into whatever your style is.

I'm not inclined to worrying in general. If you can't take care of yourself, you shouldn't be out here.

[It's not said sharply. It's just the truth - and one that he doesn't think applies to Hawks, who clearly know what he's doing.

Saix's style doesn't necessarily lend itself to fighting alongside someone - but he was able to long ago, before he lost his heart. It shouldn't be so difficult.

Saix looks him over.]

You can fly, I assume?

Most riftfarers are pretty capable, so most of them can handle these things. I haven't encountered anyone who can't do it.

[ What that says about who gets dragged there, it's hard to say. There doesn't seem to a be a bigger picture out there. ]

I can fly, yep, that's an easy guess. [ He chuckles. ]

Yeah, guess so.

[ She shrugs. Despite her standoffishness, she doesn't seem particularly armed. ]

The bounty, right?

[ What goes unsaid is the question: are you ally or competition? Her assumption leans hopefully toward ally. ]

Yes.

[She looks young and unarmed, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. Saix is currently holding his claymore, but it disappears when he doesn't need it - so unarmed doesn't mean much for him, either. If she's here hunting, he'll assume it's because she thinks she's capable of it.]

I'm unfamiliar with the area, and with the beast. Perhaps we can work together.

I don't mind. But.. [ She holds out her hands. ] I don't really know much about it either. No more than what the bounty said, anyway.

Hm. In that case, it's undoubtedly wiser for us to work together.

[You know... so if they get totally overwhelmed, one of them can run while the other gets eaten. Or help, maybe. But probably run.]

Can you fight?

[ She smiles, setting her hand on her hip. ]

Yeah, I can. You don't have to worry about me.

[ She gestures for him to take lead. ]

Let's get going then, shall we?

[He'll take her word for it.]

Yes, let's. I am Saix.

[A simple introduction, with no more context than that. He moves ahead of her, deeper into the area. He doesn't see the creature yet, but he knows it must be somewhere around here. He hasn't summoned his claymore - easier to move quietly without it.]

Maelle.

[ She hardly expected anything more. She follows after him easily, keeping an eye on where they walk. ]

Have you done this before?

[He sees a few broken branches, and pauses to look at them more closely. Unfortunately, Saix's skills don't really include tracking - he can't tell if this was done by the creature they're hunting, or other hunters.]

You mean hunted something down like this? No, not really.

[ Only Petanks have the gall to run from you and leave you chasing them. Even so, they're horribly predictable. Sorry Saix, she's useless. ]

Neither have I. I suppose we'll simply have to learn as we go.

[They're both pretty much useless. Surely this will go well.

He cocks his head, hearing movement.]

There's something ahead.

[ No need to tell her twice. She moves her left arm behind her as a fluttering of gold petals condense into a rapier in her right hand. Her eyes flick to where there might have been a sound. She gives Saix a wordless nod. ]

[He notices that - a pique of interest, set aside for later. No surprise, though, which is easily explained as he summons his own weapon, a claymore that appears out of nowhere. It's large, but Saix carries it easily, and he still move quietly enough.

Ahead of them, near a large rock, is the creature they've been looking for. Saix tilts his head to the side - attempting to indicate that he'll circle around and attack from the other side, so they can pincer it. He doesn't say anything, though, before beginning to move.]

[ It's probably good he's doing the sneak around, it's not really her.. style. But she understands the concept. As he moves she'll watch him and wait until he's in position. That wasn't a signal, was it? No, probably just a trick of shadows. She looks between him and the creature. It looks more like a giant bug than anything truly menacing. It'd never make it as a Nevron. ]

[Saix isn't necessarily the best at this sort of stealthy approach - but he isn't terrible, either. He moves into position, claymore ready, and looks over at Maelle. Once he's caught her eye, he nods, quick and decisive, and then he moves.

One strong swing of his claymore, and -

Despite the strength behind it, it slams against the creature's armored carapace. Saix's blow makes it stumble, but doesn't seem to cause much damage. Still, at least it's off balance.]

[ Honestly, the creature's imbalance is the only edge she needed. She barely moves from her own position, instead her rapier conducts forth her attack as flaming swords manifest within the air before raining onto the creature in two neat rows. There is a cry from the creature, the fire singeing and blades cutting into it easily. It looks ready to strike in retaliation and Saix seems to be the closest thing at the moment. ]

Look out!

[Not knowing the area never stopped nobody before!

...

Pun not intended. We swear.

While Saix tends towards stealth, he'll quickly catch sight - and sound - of a man who appears to not care so much about it. In fact, he seems to be partially deliberate in making noises, his great frame fearless as he searches for sign of the creatures. Though-

His head snaps around, partly towards Saix, as he hears a sudden sound.]

...hn.

[He's not entirely sure what to make of the man. Perhaps he knows what he's doing, or simply has utter confidence in his skills - Saix wouldn't take that approach, trying to draw attention, but he is still new to this place.

He goes still when the man moves. It's more instinct than anything - but Saix doesn't see anything yet, and so he begins to move again. Toward the man, this time.

He doesn't know who this is or what to expect from them, but attempting to sneak around is more likely to put Saix in danger. Whether from a stray blow, or from someone who thinks he might be a danger himself. He can always get away if he needs to.]

Hunting?

[His voice is low, in case there is a creature nearby who might be alerted, but loud enough to be heard.]

[And his head snaps again, this time towards the voice, eyes narrowing- before there's a very, very subtle easing of tension. Only in that the Possible Threat has been identified-

But if Saix gets the feeling he's been subtly dismissed?...well. At least Ganondorf is still addressing him as he nods.]

Mmm.

[That's a yes. And when he speaks again, his voice matches Saix's low tone;]

Have you seen them?

[ Riku spots Saix from behind, but had learned he was here through Axel. They had a whole meeting about it, and he's curious to speak to the man himself.

So he doesn't hide his approach or summon his Keyblade to hand as he walks up to Saix' side to look down at the body. ]

I haven't seen a Heartless since I arrived three months ago. Not sure if this world just doesn't have them, or if it's far more closed off than most.

[He sees Riku coming. It adds a bit of tension to the whole thing - Saix is not sure where he stands with anyone, right now. He would have expected to be viewed as an enemy, but so many of them seem to have come from a moment after everything was over. When Saix was successful, and Isa had a heart again.

He's really not sure what to do with that knowledge. But he sees no Keyblade, so they're probably not about to fight.]

It's not one the Organization was aware of, and perhaps that means the Heartless can't easily reach it either. But if so, then what caused this?

[ If it's any consolation, some of them aren't sure where to stand with Saix either. As far as Riku is concerned, so long as he isn't trying to fight them or pull one over on them, he's willing to give Saix a chance. His state of Saix versus Isa isn't that big of a deal if the Nobody is willing to work with them.

Riku crouches down to examine the body more closely, knowing he's putting himself in a vulnerable state. ]

Maybe it's beyond the worlds we know and that's why the Heartless haven't reach it yet. Perhaps there's someone here with the ability to remove hearts in a different way. I've heard this world's alchemy has done all sorts of things to living beings.

Is that so?

[He stays a few steps away. No need to loom over Riku as he studies the body, though he does intend to do so himself as well eventually. Not that it'll necessarily teach him much, but Saix should at least be able to tell whether it was truly caused by something he's familiar with.]

I know little of alchemy, especially here. Could this be the effect of someone experimenting on people?

[Mad scientists, THAT he's familiar with.]

Yeah. I'd just learned about worlds beyond our own before coming here. It was described to me as a place on the other side of our existence.

[ He'll hold back on any other bits of information for now on that subject matter, wanting to gauge how Saix will take it first. Even if Isa has joined their group, there's still a lot he doesn't know about him. ]

I wouldn't be surprised if it was. When I first got here, there was a girl who had been experimented on with alchemy that merged her body with that of a dog.

[ It's not as though they're unfamiliar with experiments done on the heart either. ]

Hmm. An odd place indeed.

[It's certainly not impossible. The Organization knew a lot, but Saix is sure they didn't know everything - and if this place was hidden away like that, how would they have learned of it? The knowledge is something of a relief. He has been making plans for what to do if any of the others show up unexpectedly.

He'll still make those plans, of course. But perhaps he can relax just a little.]

Was this something that the girl... wanted? Or are there multiple rogue alchemists with insane hobbies running around here?

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Open July Log

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