« january 2025: desert and ice »

[seaboards]

This is our Open Log for players to have an easy opportunity to tag others and have fun with prompts that deal with current happenings that are not covered by our MANTA Board quests. Sometimes we provide extra quests at the bottom, but oftentimes we just let the MANTA Board cover it. Players are free to include MANTA Board quests in their toplevels!

All prompts are worth 6 points!

For your toplevel, please include the following: Character Name | Canon | Armada.

TOPLEVEL DIRECTORY (Updated Month ##)

Canon - Character | Corsair/Paladin/Undecided
Canon - Character | Corsair/Paladin/Undecided

Some notes that will apply to both sections and can be used for prompts.

» Limited areas. As a precaution, the expedition area will be limited as researchers do not know why these gateways exist or what association these lands may have to the Ancient Leviathans. There is not much recorded about them and scholars are still scouring all libraries and the Archives to try and pull out as much as possible, be it fact or fiction. They can only hope these expeditions and future ruins investigations will shed more light. Due to the unknown location, birds will be released from both locations to fly back to hopefully chart out the coordinates. Should the gateways suddenly not work and the people are left stranded, they need to quickly be able to find them.

» Armada crossover and conflict. Although each Armada is in control of one side, there is a general allowance of members of the opposite to travel to the other. Thus a Paladin could travel to the desert side and a Corsair to the tundra. However, there is still suspicion and depending on who is on sentry duty, someone may be refused entry or have to go through some challenge before allowing in or to do much. Even once in the other area, tension will be high and everyone of an opposing Armada is regarded with suspicion. It doesn't help that members of both sides will have acts of sabotage, either through theft or trying to frame the other for some mishap or crime.

» Shellphone malfunction. For some reason, shellphones won't connect well in these areas. Other functions are available such as camera and video recording, but sending messages or calls, even to those in the same area, is impossible.

» Protect the gateways. Once on the other side, there will be groups assigned to protect the gateway since it's currently their only way back. There may be monsters, saboteurs, or even something malfunctioning with the gate itself that may require some repair or item needed.

The expeditions will continue throughout the rest of the month.

DESERT

TUNDRA

COMMENTS

SARHT'S DESERT

Temporarily called "Sarht's Desert," the Corsairs have finished their preliminary scouting and are now going all in to explore the mysterious region. For better or worse, there is only a limited range explorers can traverse through—from the gateway that is set just outside of the large oasis that is currently being stationed as a base camp to the tall, steep cliff walls that is actually remnants of a coliseum that curves around in a large half circle in the distance. And all around is sand, sand, and more sand. There would be even more sand to try and travel through were it not for the desert winds kick up an ferocious sandstorm that creates something of a barrier that prevents anyone from going further. Anyone who tries will suddenly find themselves in the middle of the coliseum arena.

Scattered all throughout the desert area are dragon scales that shimmer in the light. Some are a deep rich golden color, but some are cracked and dull. Touching one will cause a brief vision to flicker through one's mind, and what it is may depend on the type of scale found. Search high and low for these scales as they are clearly important to collect for research. Some harder to reach places would be deep within the oasis and on the high cliff walls. (Remember to comment HERE for information. Only one vision will occur per scale, thus anyone will be able to see the same vision.)

🏕️ Base camp. Several tents are assembled for people to use for research, eating, healing, and even sleeping if one should choose. Just be careful as there can be snakes and scorpions that may find the cooler areas tempting. The water here is also clear and drinkable, and the coconuts and cactus around the area are also good sources of refreshing treats.

🌊 Oasis springs. Beyond the central oasis, there are various different small pools of water that can be found throughout it. The pools are rare but are small oases that can be life-saving after too many hours in the hot, desert sun. It might be smart to bottle up some water, too.

♨️ Courage pool. Some of the water pools inside the oases look like they’re boiling. The water is so hot that it steams and bubbles rapidly. Yet, something about the pools make anyone nearby want to get closer. For the brave, test your courage against the heat by having an entire bath in it. The water might make you want to tell your bravest dreams or deepest desires.

😰 Fear pool. Alternatively, there are pools of water that look strangely cold even under the sun’s direct sunlight and heat. These pools also draw travellers in and if anyone soaks their bodies in the cool, refreshing water they might be tempted to blurt out their deepest fears or insecurities.

While it is possible to walk the distance between the oasis and the cliffs, it would take at least an hour under the relentless sun, heat, and wind. Heatstroke is a high risk as well, and the temperatures at night drop to frigid temperatures. It's doable with proper preparation, but perhaps more innovative explorers could engineer something to travel over the sandy dunes. Alternatively, there are a few wild camels wandering around, particularly near the oasis. Their temperaments range from friendly to aggressive, and all need a lot of persuasion food to allow anyone on their backs and ride.

🦖 Dino dig. Some peculiar spots of sand and rock look like they might be hiding some hidden treasure, like giant old bones (or relics? trash?). Because of this, there has been a group of corsairs here who have been charging others just to go digging. You have to buy one of their special tools to go digging as well, so pick your item. A plastic spoon, a wooden spoon or a silver spoon. That’s all you can dig with!

🍊 Orange joe. Somewhere deep in the desert, a bizarre giant orange can be found. It’s unclear how it survives out here but it’s a sight to see. It’s probably pretty dang juicy too. Try and bite into it…? Anyone who manages to eat some of the orange will see everything in the colour orange for hours and hours.

🌵 Cactus juice. Anyone can die from dehydration very fast. Luckily, there are a lot of cactus plants growing all over the place and if one is crafty enough they can slice up and drink some cactus juice. Just beware that the juice will more than likely give the drinker some severe and wild hallucinations. Drink cactus juice. It'll quench ya! Nothing's quenchier. It's the quenchiest!

🗿 Rolling stones. The desert is littered with large boulders and stones that could shift or move at any given second. Stones might unexpectedly start to roll away or towards you. If they do, watch out not to get rolled over by them or get completely smashed flat.

⏳ Bottled sand. Some of the desert sand here has peculiar properties. There isn’t much known about what kind of benefits the sand can provide, but try bottling up some of the sand for testing and use. Just don’t burn your fingers while handling it.

🦂 Desert beasts. The desert hides many different beasts and creatures. Look out for gargoyles with fiery wings and tails, three-headed cobras, trampling wild horses, massive underground lizards, choya, and various poisonous bugs and insects. One of the most dangerous being giant hidden antlions that can detect your footsteps and will chomp down on you the moment you step over their sand trap.

Although in ruins, the remnants of the coliseum boasts its large size, enough to fit thousands if not more people in the crumbling stands and arena. There are large cracks, gashes, and even dark stains and chips of bone, steel, and leather all over the rock walls, proof of the grisly matches that once rang through the area. Further exploration will reveal several underground tunnels, passageways, chambers, and cells, all used for participants of the coliseum. The cells in particular vary from small to large, likely to accommodate the different beasts that once contained them. Take care traveling through, however. Some may hear the pained shouts, the angry yells, and fierce whispers of those who once fought through here…

Perhaps some still remain.

The following prompts occur within the arena only. The moment any of these trigger, all doors and openings will close, and a strange translucent barrier will form over the top. Those who happen to be in the arena at the time will also have to face whatever is triggered, and those outside of the arena can only spectate or try to get inside. However, once in, no one can leave until the "fight" is over.

🤺 Duels and Beasts. Simple duels and fights either against each other or against some of the desert beasts that suddenly appear. While the beasts must either be tamed or killed to remove the barriers, one-on-one fights are not to the death and just need a victor.

👤 Face One's Fears. Without warning, a figure will appear in front of a passing explorer, its form shadowy and shifting as if made of sand. Until slowly it solidifies and now the person it faces takes on the form of their worst fear. It could be a person, a creature, or a personification of an abstract fear or place. But it is something that will be visible to others. It's also possible multiple of these can appear at once.

⚔️ Enchanted weapons. There are two scenarios for this. The first is the weapons scattered or hidden around the arena will suddenly rise up and fly towards those within the arena, but not to attack—they settle into their hands and now their wielders are forced to fight one another, unable to stop until one remains standing as the victor. The other is the weapons fight each other without any wielder, as if ghosts are moving them instead. While it can be an interesting show, it can also be dangerous as the weapons show no regard to anyone inside the arena and will even attack if in the way. Either let the weapons fight it out, join in, or destroy them to free everyone.

🐉 Big Bosses. A loud rumbling and sudden rush of heat will fill the arena before something large drops into the arena. One potential beast is the giant Coalborn, a humongous fire elemental that seems to be made of fire itself. The other is a wild fire dragon, its scales hot, and breath hotter. These will appear only once and usually when there is a sizable group. They must either be killed or forced to retreat for the barrier to be removed.

DESERT

TUNDRA

COMMENTS

AINOMIAD'S TUNDRA

The Paladin scouts have finished their preliminary staging for "Ainomiad's Tundra" and it is similar to the desert. The gate opens right in front of a large ice cavern that goes deep into a mountain so tall one cannot see its peak from where they stand. Outside the cavern is a vast, snowy tundra with small pockets of trees nearby. But beyond that is an ice storm so fierce that should one venture too far, they will disappear into the storm and then reappear half frozen somewhere near the cavern. They must be treated quickly!

The Paladins will set up a camp within the small forest next to the ice cavern entrance, but they advise against staying the night due to the harsh subzero temperatures. Large bonfires with additional heating enchantments will help keep the areas warm enough to be somewhat comfortable with the additional three extra layers.

Buried in the ice cavern walls are pink crystals that range from deep rose to dull pink. Some are easy to pluck out while others can be seen buried deep within the ice. Take care trying to excavate them and not crack the entire wall. Touching one will cause a brief vision to flicker through one's mind, and what it is may depend on the type of crystal found. Search high and low for these crystals as they are clearly important to collect for research. (Remember to comment HERE for information. Only one vision will occur per crystal, thus anyone will be able to see the same vision.)

🌲 Face trees. Deep in the tundra, some peculiar trees with faces etched into the trunks can be found. These tree faces are mostly sad, with some of them even crying red sap from their orifices. Getting closer to them will compel anyone to give in to a sad memory or something that brought them great despair.

🌰 Chestnuts. The face trees also drop hordes of round chestnuts. These chestnuts are warm to the touch and will bring back feelings of joy and memories of when things were good. Holding them will bring these feelings up momentarily but roasting and eating the chestnuts will make them a perfect edible to instantly bring feelings of long-lasting joy.

🐇 Snow bunnies. The tundra is littered with white snow bunnies. They’re cute and fluffy and extremely carnivorous. They run around and hunt in packs, looking for easy prey to take down and eat. They appear to be an alpha species here and will eat just about anything that’s made of meat. They are especially dangerous and cannot be befriended.

🦌 Tundra beasts. The tundra is home to several snow-adapted creatures such as bloody thirsty deer with ice for antlers, wild cats with teeth like daggers, flying owls with piercing ice-blue eyes, penguins with razor sharp beaks, and hungry bears with massive claws. Even spectacular giant mammoths roam the tundra. Be careful, most will kill at the first sense of danger.

Traversing through the ice cavern must be done carefully and with full preparation because if one stays inside too long, they may start to suffer frostbite and even freeze up completely. Special coats provided by the Paladins have increased heat insulation and special torches will also be given to help traverse through the ice caverns, the flames made to last for several hours. Those who can use fire magic will be able to "recharge" them, otherwise a match, flint, or some other spark will do. The torches can also help to melt the crystal ice walls. Small round fairy-like puffs of heat called warming seelies can also be found hiding all around the tundra. They are not sentient and are only balls of heat energy that will keep one warm for a small period of time before it vanishes.

🐺 Snow wolves. These white wolves are big footed and fast and are entirely herbivorous. They like to eat snow flowers and have a taste for frostfire peppers. They tend to be skittish and are extremely hard to find and will run and hide at the first snap of danger. They seem to be prey animals so they don’t trust easily. Yet, they will guide lost travellers through the ice caverns if their trust can be won, drawn to particularly happy people. Saving their pups from being preyed upon by the rabbits will also earn favor. But they will refuse to leave the tundra or caverns for any reason.

🌱 Screaming radishes. It’s difficult to find food in the ice caverns so hopefully everyone packed food before they travelled this way. If not, there are small sprouts of green leaves that can be periodically found in the cavern. Pulling up the sprouts will reveal juicy and thick radishes that can be eaten safely. They just scream very loud when they are yanked from the ice.

🧟 Frozen corpses. It’s rare, yet lost travellers can be found frozen and dead scattered throughout the caverns. They must have died while trying to explore the caverns themselves. Take their supplies if it’s needed but be careful. Sometimes the corpses can blink their icy eyes and come back to “life” and attack with shambling frozen bodies and sharp, hungry mouths.

👤 Shadows in ice. In addition to the corpses, shadowy figures can be seen frozen within the ice walls. Some even seem to move… A wise choice would be to leave them be, but others may feel compelled to try and free them. Perhaps the figure they see reflects a lost loved one…? Regardless, it would be better to try and stop the excavation, but if someone succeeds, that figure will try to drag them into the ice, the walls quickly reforming around them to seal them in.

🧊 Lost reflections. The ice walls can be thick and rocky, but there are some places that seem clear as crystal, enough to show one's reflection like glass. Sometimes these walls may also reflect one a certain time in their life. It could be of their greatest joy or of their worst moment in grief. It's a reflection that can be seen by others so awkward conversations may ensue…if a conversation can be made. If the reflection is strong enough, it may cause the individual to remain frozen in place, perhaps overwhelmed by the emotion. If they stay too long, ice will start to creep up around their feet to slowly freeze them in place and the ice wall seems to be coming closer… Help break people out of their frozen stupor! Fire is very effective.

Deep within the ice cavern, one of the tunnels will lead to a large lake that transitions between water and frozen crystal intermittently. In the center of the lake there looks to be some kind of small island with a singular structure on it…a shrine perhaps? From the shrine mist begins to form and a gentle spirit appears to greet and inform everyone that they are at the heart of the caverns, a place for reflection and prayer. However, the spirit seems to be weak and will not be able to answer questions.

🏛️ Crystal shrine. For those who somehow manage to traverse over the lake, at the center is a small island large enough to fit up to ten people. There is a large crystal orchid in the center, the ground completely frozen with withered flowers that must have been used as offerings back in the ancient past. A lot of the mysterious crystals can be harvested here, but they seem to be all a dark pink.

🥶 Thawed. Should anyone have suffered frostbite or the attacks in the caves that risk them turning into frozen statues, they can be lowered into the lake to be thawed and completely healed. It's a bit of a slow process, but even any injuries or ice burns incurred will be healed enough and be treated further back outside. However, if one stays too long in the water or falls in without being frozen first, then the water will begin freeze them instead. So people will need to be quick to retrieve the victim.

⛸️ Ice dancing. Dancing and flying around the lake are strange little sprites that beckon people to join them on the lake's surface. Of course that's a dangerous proposition as the surface changes between solid and not, but should they be compelled to do so, the ice sprites will help and keep patches frozen until they start to change color, warning that it's about to melt. Once on the iced crystal, people will find themselves dancing and singing with joy, moving freely about with a lighter heart than they have felt in ages.

❄️ In remembrance. The shrine spirit will encourage those who may have experienced loss or grief to collect special snowflake crystals found on the walls around the lake. With these special crystals, one can channel those thoughts and emotions and it will turn the crystal into a dark blue. Releasing it into the lake when the surface is water will cause the snowflake to slowly sink and disappear into the water. At the same time, a cool, refreshing wind will pass through that will make the individual remember the joys and good times that may have been overshadowed by the more painful emotions.

DESERT

TUNDRA

COMMENTS

Comments

[tabiya]

[ alright, the second instance of flickering has xehanort click his tongue in irritation, more prepared for alhaitham's sudden disappearance this time but still unable to predict it and follow up. the flames of the fira he had cast wisp into smoke, the heat from the spell inconsequential compared to the constant burning of the desert climate. the pull on his mp is already tingling through his arms, the exhaustion of exploring taking its toll.

so he falls back into his usual high ward stance, the formal training from his master evident in the neatness of posture. there's a few moments of impasse, xehanort meeting alhaitham's wary gaze with an equally cautious one, taking careful paces to reposition.

when he approaches next, it carries the same speed as his strikes before, but the slashing motion at middle height is less designed to land than it is to prompt a parry. casting magic from a distance wasn't particularly effective against an opponent with instant speed movement like teleportation, so close combat it would have to be. ]

[indispensable]

[Alhaitham isn't exactly formally trained in the art of swordplay in the same way one would be if they were in Liyue or Inazuma, but he can still see traces of that sort of formal teachings in the way Xehanort carries himself. Of course, he did mention having received some form of tutelage from his homeworld, so that part isn't so surprising. Still something though, to see it in action, and know that it is something completely foreign to him. Even if he doesn't have as much interest in the formal study of combat, its still interesting nonetheless.

With his Vision now needing to recharge fully, Alhaitham simply lunges forward as well when the other moves, intending to meet Xehanort's strike head on. The area rings with the sound of clashing metal as the blades meet, with Alhaitham trying to parry and then sidestep, attempting to strike another blow at the same shoulder he'd managed to clip earlier.]

[tabiya]

[ as soon as their blades meet, xehanort yanks down, trying to trap alhaitham's sword under the teeth of his keyblade. this would have been easier with a height advantage - the one he is used to having during sparring, but with alhaitham slightly taller than him the movement is awkward and a bit too slow to work. alhaitham is able to free his blade, but finally xehanort is able to predict the next action --

with the last of his mp before it drains and sets into recharge, xehanort casts a reflect. alhaitham will find his sword meeting a translucent barrier made of interlocked hexagonal cells, which absorbs the blow and pauses before shattering into a scattering of light magic as a form of counterattack. ]

[indispensable]

[Alhaitham lets out a grunt when Xehanort forces his blade down at their next clash, instinctively attempting to pull it back, which he manages, only to strike against that strange, magical barrier that shatters and then hits.

In a way it feels similar to how his Dendro projections works (because of course he's had to experiment with them, though he makes sure its under safe, controlled conditions), though the pain is less of a searing cut and more of a bruising ache. Regardless, its enough to draw out a wince from him as he attempts to back off, though with his Vision still recharging it means he has to do that the old fashioned way. He definitely keeps his guard up as he does so though, knowing full well how badly he's exposed right now.]

[tabiya]

[ the drain on his magic makes xehanort inhale sharply, using the reflect as a distraction to catch himself from the momentary dizziness. it's something he's used to, but the oppressive heat and gnawing ache in his body made it hit a little harder than usual. there was no time to slow down, though, especially when he realises alhaitham hadn't teleported away from the spell's influence. was it a bluff? or were they in a similar position right now?

only one way to find out.

ignoring the sharp sting of sweat meeting the now red-weeping wound along his shoulder, xehanort kicks off the sandy arena floor to make up distance, teeth grit with determined persistence. the best way for him to not reveal his own compromised magical status was to pretend it didn't matter for the several minutes it would take for the metaphorical mp bar to hit blue again. the strikes he aims for are a little clumsy, arm heavy with exertion, but rapid. ]

[indispensable]

[Alhaitham can't say that he's surprised with what Xehanort does here; he would have more or less done the same as well if he were in the other's position right now. A retreat like this has the possibility to expose far more than he wants to, but if he plays his cards right he might be able to use this to his advantage...

But before he can do that, first he has to make it through the barrage of attacks that Xehanort is now raining down on him. Alhaitham does his best to deflect them as they come, but there's no denying how fast the other is, fast enough that there's no way for him to feasibly keep up in time. With his Vision still recharging Alhaitham is forced to use his arm to block the last blow when it comes. Xehanort's blade bites into his armguard, not quite going through, though Alhaitham would not be surprised if he finds an injury there later.]

[tabiya]

[ feeling his keyblade meet the toughened leather of the armguard has a flash of concern crossing xehanort's face, eyes flicking up to meet alhaitham's for a split second. this was a battle, and he would heal them both afterwards, but that tiny hook-catch of wrongness due to being forced into this fight pulled taut in the moment. the block leaves xehanort in an awkward position even beyond that feeling, as well - feet set slightly too wide and not much room to follow into another swing.

so he pulls back, the thrum of magic slowly reigniting under his skin like static, blade swinging down into a low ward. defensive, but able to follow into an aggressive motion should the opportunity present itself. ]

[indispensable]

[If Alhaitham is bothered by the damage to his armguard, he doesn't show any signs of it, simply focused on the fight as it is. It's not that he's battle hungry, or is the kind of person who loses themselves in a fight; while he has no intention of doing any real lasting damage to Xehanort, he does want to give his battle with the best that he's got, if only to better understand the skills and abilities that Xehanort has.

(It's also just a good way to work out the restlessness that's been affecting him more than he's willing to admit. Dehya's being sent back to Teyvat as abruptly as she did due to the rifts has left the taste of a bad reminder in his mouth.)

He takes his chance when Xehanort pulls back, this time being the one who charges forward, heading straight on to attack, seemingly not caring for the fact that he has some sort of ward put up.]

[tabiya]

[ an outlet, then, xehanort can provide. he isn't holding back, aside from not pressing the blows that land - sparring principle, rather than the attitude taken to a fight against a true enemy. like their chess matches, a quiet and balanced challenge, but backed by adrenaline and dictated by circumstance.

the low ward stance was adaptable, but alhaitham was strong, so even as the keyblade comes up cross-body to parry xehanort can feel the blow reverberate through his forearms. he willed for his magic to recover faster, aware of course that it was pointless to wish for. it's his turn to block the assault, not armoured as well as alhaitham was--

oh, there was an idea. a last resort, since it felt a little cheap, and it definitely wasn't legal for the spars between classmates back home. something to keep in mind, however, as his defense begins to falter. ]

[indispensable]

[Xehanort defends, as Alhaitham expected he might, but with how fiercely he presses on it doesn't take long for the other to begin faltering. Alhaitham continues to keep up the offence however, not giving Xehanort any quarter so that he's wholly focused on wherever Alhaitham aims and strikes for next.

—which, quite truthfully, is more or less what Alhaitham had been trying to make Xehanort do, and once he's confident enough Alhaitham goes to enact his play, which is to have his blade coming down from above at the same time he fashions out a blade made of pure Dendro energy in his other hand, the whole construct shining in bright teal as he swings to strike from the side, hopefully out of Xehanort's field of vision.]

[tabiya]

[ it's an effective plan. xehanort is used to having someone supporting him from the back, covering blind spots and shouting warnings should he need to pivot. in sparring, this exact technique has caught him in the past - distracted by a parry or caught in a deadlock while a classmate's free hand throws a spell out.

if it hadn't been for the glow, the light an unlikely shade to be shining out on this barren battlefield, xehanort would have probably missed it. he still almost does. perhaps his solution was cheap, but this was a fight without the restriction of being reprimanded, and with his magic still not recovered --

xehanort brings both hands to the hilt of his keyblade and pushes, a white glow starting at his hands rapidly spreading over his body. alhaitham's hidden blade still strikes its target, but meets with a ringing sound of metal - the blow has him stumble with the force combined with the sudden weight of the armour _{its this but twinked down a lot okay} that had formed. he overbalances, rolling to the ground with a hiss audible through the helmet. ]

[indispensable]

[Well to say that Alhaitham is surprised would be a bit of an understatement, frankly speaking. He's already been surprised enough with the extent of Xehanort's range of magic, but this quite frankly takes the cake.

Needless to say, a bit of a reassessment is in order, so when Xehanort rolls to the ground Alhaitham retreats, putting some distance between them once more. Still, that doesn't mean he's going to let this off easily, so as he backs off he throws the Dendro blade right towards Xehanort. Given that its made of pure Dendro energy its physical integrity is nowhere near as close to an actual blade, but it will serve its purpose regardless.]

[tabiya]

[ with the energy blade flung his way, xehanort is forced to pull his blade arm painfully quickly from under him to deflect it with the teeth of his keyblade, earning another hiss as his muscles pull in uncomfortable directions. the tip of his blade then comes down and catches in a divot of shattered tile, supporting him as he staggers back to his feet.

as he does, his free hand comes up to violently rip the helmet from his head and cast it aside with a clatter, where it vanishes into motes of light. already sweat was adhering hair to his face, the armour fully enclosed to withstand the freezing nothingness of the lanes between. it was abundantly clear this was an unsustainable form of defense, xehanort gasping from the exertion of even standing after the quick succession of events. ]

[indispensable]

[With a reasonable distance between them now Alhaitham uses that as a chance to catch his own breath, though that does not mean he has taken his gaze away from Xehanort for even a single moment. There are a good number of questions in his mind now, particularly in regards to this magically appearing armor that the other has. It's not really something that one sees back in Teyvat, after all.

But with that being said, it doesn't seem like its something that Xehanort can sustain himself in, given how quickly he gets out of his helmet. Alhaitham isn't so far away that he can't see the sheen of sweat that is on his face, which does answer a few questions for him while also giving him a few more ideas. Most importantly, though, is the fact that it gives him all the reason to go on the offensive once more; regular desert heat is stifling enough, but with that armor and how Xehanort already seems to be like? It probably only makes it worse, and its time for him to capitalize on that.]

[tabiya]

[ a break in their clash is paired with a staredown, xehanort's entire body protesting the added weight of the keyblade armour under the crushing intensity of the sun. dismissing it was an option - but he didn't trust himself to be able to equip it again in a hurry, and there was no telling what alhaitham would do next. the pause at least allows his magic to tick ever closer to recovery - this fight had felt like an eternity, but the fact that his mp was still unusable had to mean they'd only been continuing for a few minutes at absolute most.

and then alhaitham is rushing him down again. fighting in his armour was not something he was actually familiar with - it was for travel, at this point, combat training a later priority. for xehanort particularly, who preferred lighter outfits than his peers, the whole affair felt awkward and slow.

trading speed and endurance for defense was really what keeping his armour equipped boiled down to. boiled, truly, because great lights was it ever hot in this thing. his breath is a heavy gasp as he parries, but there's still a set determination in his eyes to see this through. he could drop the armour at any point - it was sheer stubborn overthinking that led to it staying on for now. ]

[indispensable]

[For all of Xehanort's determination to push through there is no denying how much more sluggish his attacks have become, the difference between then and now about as different as night and day. Gone is that rapid fire speed that'd forced him to step back at first, and if anything now it's Alhaitham's turn to lay that on the other, and its a chance which he is making sure to use to its fullest extent.

At this point he's fairly certain that his Vision has fully recharged—its never really taken too long—but with Xehanort easy enough to deflect and read Alhaitham sees no reason to make use of it. Best to keep it in his pocket just in case Xehanort has some other ace up his sleeve—Alhaitham knows that he's lucky from the fact that the other's current trump card seems to have become more of a hinderance than actual help.

He continues to strike relentlessly, still giving Xehanort no quarter with the idea that the other will eventually wear himself out.]

[tabiya]

[ enduring is difficult. the armour might have saved him from the worst of the blows, but the physical effect was likely to become worse the longer he wore it. he was running out of surprises, and something instinctive made him suspect alhaitham hadn't yet pulled out all the stops.

just until his magic recharges - just that little bit longer. while the armour protects from the worst of the blows that scrape past his faltering parries and sidesteps, the hits still hurt, bruising. just a bit longer, can't be much more to wait now --

there's a familiar tingle in his fingertips as finally the imaginary mp bar flips back to blue. in that same second, xehanort dismisses his keyblade armour, a glow drifting off his shoulders as it dissipates. he takes another wound in the side for it, but now alhaitham is closer than before...

with a growl, his body and keyblade light up with another fira, striking out with the full weight of him behind it. ]

[indispensable]

[Xehanort suddenly dismissing his armor like that is something that Alhaitham had not been prepared for, even if in retrospect it stands to reason that something summoned out can be similarly called back; he does the same with his weapons after all. He supposes though an armor never quite crossed his mind until now.

Either way, with the armor suddenly gone with Alhaitham had been mid-strike there's no real way for him to stop, and even trying to turn his arm doesn't help. The strike hits, perhaps deeper than what Alhaitham would've intended, and that injury unbalances him enough that he isn't quite prepared for the fire spell that comes right at him.

He winces as the flames sear right onto him, the strike brief enough to not really cause lasting damages but still bad enough that it takes the wind out of his sails. Alhaitham quickly backs off regardless, free hand patting down his clothes to make sure they haven't caught on fire. Ideally he'd have tumble on the ground too just to be sure, but that's not really an option for him at the moment. Combine that with the fact that his Vision's element is Dendro... even if it doesn't stick to him in the way it does for Kaveh, he still would rather play it safe.

He makes no real moves after having backed off and pat himself down, waiting again to see what Xehanort is going to attempt next. At the very least, its clear that Xehanort is reaching his physical limits after that whole bit with the armor, and while Alhaitham isn't unaffected himself, he is close to the prime of his life, and is also used enough to the desert that the heat doesn't get to him as much. So when it comes to endurance, he's confident that he can outlast the other.]

[tabiya]

[ at this point he's so tired that the cut in his side barely registers as pain as first. he's definitely bleeding, not visible through his dark clothing unless he shifts just enough for the cut to be visible through the damaged fabric. a flash of triumph slips into his expression as the flame-backed strike finds purchase, but then the movement pulls that cut awkwardly and he staggers as the injury finally sinks in.

so they fall into another momentary pause, one where xehanort feels absolutely none of his energy returning in the false reprieve. yes, another point where they differed significantly. as tall and trained as he was, xehanort was still not fully grown. he wasn't even the hardiest in class, losing out to at least two of his other friends in battles of sheer endurance.

but he wasn't one to throw in the towel, a dangerous mix of stubbornness, curiosity and actual wild enjoyment driving these last actions. there was one final option, and damn if he didn't get this for to not at least attempt it. the core elements of his world came in threes, after all.

with a swing sharp enough to be audible, xehanort raises his keyblade skyward, magic crawling sparks up his arm. for the first time proper since the fight began, he raises his voice. ]

Strike!

[ the air crackles and then breaks, thundaga raining down bolts across a wide scope of the battlefield. ]

[indispensable]

[Electro, at least, is an element Alhaitham knows the signs better, seeing as he's acquainted with people with mastery over that particular element—Cyno back home and of course, Cid in this place, what with him being the Dominant of Thunder and all. Alhaitham had sparred with him at least once, for better or worse.

So when the air above them starts to crackle with energy, the hairs at the back of his neck standing on end, he has a good idea on what is going to happen—though what he's less prepared for is exactly how big of a range it is. He uses his flicker, but the range of it doesn't manage to quite get him out of the danger zone entirely, and a bolt hits his leg before he can manage to get it out of the way. The good news is that Electro and Dendro causes Quicken to happen, giving Alhaitham a spring in his step, though his leg that'd taken the hit already is starting to not feel great.

With his mobility affected, Alhaitham also knows that he's close to being on his last legs (no pun intended), but with Xehanort looking as exhausted as he is the man takes his chance. He calls forth the full power of his Vision to summon all of his mirrors and launches them out, where they fly and surround Xehanort in a healthy-sized entrapment.]

Diffract!

[It's not a loud shout at all in the way Xehanort does it, but the command still comes through sharp and clear. All at once the mirrors do as told, shooting out numerous bolts of pure Dendro to strike within the confines that Xehanort is trapped in.]

[tabiya]

[ yeah, that'll do it.

the aoe spell had been his final hope because he was too drained to even move. as lightning covers the battlefield, he tracks alhaitham's movements through narrowed eyes, determined to learn a little more about the other's teleportation, see the results of his own stronger spell. there's a grimace of satisfaction as a bolt catches alhaitham's leg, but xehanort isn't surprised that he manages to avoid the brunt of it.

and before he can register what's happening, a flash - green - pressure like a binding spell, and -- there's no real equivalent of dendro in the scalan spellbook, so the energy's odd sensation is utterly foreign aside from the pain and the bolts strike. in a healthier state of body and mind, maybe a reflect would have saved him from the worst hits, but that was far too late now.

xehanort crumples to his knees, then pitches backward so his back hits the ground, end up awkwardly spread-eagle. the worst of the lingering ache of the spell wears off after a long moment, and with shaky movements, an arm comes up to cover his eyes from the sun. checkmate.

there's a pitched ring as the air shifts, barrier coming down now that a winner had been established. ]

Ow.

wrote this on notepad lmaooo

[indispensable]

[In some ways its almost a relief when he sees and feels the arena loosening its grip, apparently satisfied with the results of the bout. Alhaitham can't say for sure if either of them could have continued any longer with the rate they were going... even if this isn't his first time being in this sort of situation, what he and Kaveh did to get out definitely can't be replicated.

Either way, the fight is over, so there's no more need to think about that right now. Similarly to Xehanort, using that last move of his had exhausted most of his powers, and while its not to the point where he can no longer move, its still more than enough to make him fall down to one knee, chest heaving as he catches his breath. Now that the adrenaline of the battle has faded he's keenly aware of how sweaty he is... which while expected when out in the desert, does not make it any less bearable.

Alhaitham grimaces at the feeling of it, more than ready to dunk himself into the closest body of water (a bit of an exaggeration there, since immediately plunging himself in anything above his waist can still be rather touch and go), but as it is all he does is to shake of the worst of the sweat and pick himself back up onto his feet after a minute or two, making his way over to where Xehanort has collapsed.]

You do this with all of your classmates back in your world? [He asks, mostly meant as a passing remark, though there is a part of him that is a little curious. If the other people Xehanort studied with are all like him.... its certainly quite the eye opening experience, to say the least.]

i am grateful for your efforts

[tabiya]

[ breath heaving, unwilling to face the concept of standing back up, xehanort waits for alhaitham to come to him. the sun's path has begun to drop, blissfully casting a shadow over his upper body as the angle crosses the path of the colosseum's high walls.

he must be lightheaded from the loss of energy, because alhaitham's question makes him laugh. breathy, weak, but the laughter is something he hasn't done much of since arriving in this world, still in the adjustment phase of feeling comfortable enough to let his emotions show so easily. ]

Not like that. You're a scarier opponent than my classmates, Alhaitham.

[ that wasn't entirely true - any one of his fellow students going all-out could rival his own abilities. but he was used to them, familiar with their skills and proclivities in battle, while this extended sparring match had been against a comparatively unknown opponent. and with no master to dictate the rules of combat and no elaborate training hall to worry about causing property damage to, he'd let loose a little more than anticipated.

it felt sort of rewarding, though, and a confirmation that his abilities hadn't faded without the rigidity of regular training or the panic of continuous battle. with a hiss of effort, xehanort raises his keyblade to a "good enough" level between them. ]

Heal.

[ as promised from the start, bells and flower-blooms curl out from the curaga cast to patch their wounds and alleviate their aches. it does nothing to help the bone-deep exhaustion xehanort feels, quite the opposite with the total draining pull on his magic, and as his arm drops the keyblade vanishes with a flash. ]

adapt improvise overcome

[indispensable]

[Alhaitham can't say that he expected his question to make Xehanort laugh of all things, but he supposes better a laugh than anything else. Even if Alhaitham may not say it out as succinctly, he very much enjoyed the bout that they just had too despite the circumstances forcing their hand. At the very least, more good seems to have come out of it rather than bad.

Regardless, when Xehanort does answer his question Alhaitham snorts, and his tone is wry as he replies.] Is that so? I'm nothing more than a feeble scholar.

[Kaveh would immediately be on his ass (figuratively) if he heard that but Kaveh isn't here so. What his senior doesn't know won't hurt him.

The healing spell is also somewhat unexpected when it comes, and while Alhaitham is no stranger to being healed by a Vision's power, in this instance its strange how the sensation is similar enough, yet so very different at the same time. The end result is the same, however, with his aches fading and a good part of his exhaustion leaving him.

...but it seems like the same can't be said for Xehanort, who seems to have lost all strength in his arm as soon as the casting is done. Alhaitham crouches down as soon as that happens, frowning as he gives the other a once over. Frankly, with things as they are its probably better to cut this expedition short and get out of this place. This desert and the ruins aren't going to go anywhere anytime soon.]

...can you stand?

[He has a good idea what the answer is here, but might as well know for sure.]

[tabiya]

[ alhaitham's deadpan, bold-faced lie of a response wrings another laugh out of him, the hand that had held his keyblade falling splayed on his chest as if trying to hold it in. for some reason, despite how tired he is and how he's going to have to repair his clothes when they're home and how they're still out in the middle of this desert, xehanort feels better than he has in weeks.

the curaga has cleared away any scrapes and bruises, only dried blood on his arm and side and cuts in his outfit evidence of there having been wounds at all. he blinks up at alhaitham, still fighting off a smile, but his eyes slip closed at the questioning even as he answers. ]

Yeah, I think, in a moment...

[ and as said moment passes, it's pretty obviously not going to happen. with the shadow over his body taking away the sting of the sun, his breathing has evened out and he's fallen peacefully asleep on the dusty ground. ]