First Journey // Video + Optional Action

[lockandkeyblade]

[Some people have no respect for a good night's sleep.

Those up at the early hours of the morning just might be treated to a boy calling out for friends, "Reeku" or "Kairee" atop rooftops around the city. Sora's first impulse, naturally, is to search for his friends.

Sora's second impulse, between attempts to disrupt local sleeping schedules, is to explore. It's a new world, and despite the minor inconvenience of being kidnapped by Norse gods he never knew existed, he's rather optimistic about finding a way out. This is totally a temporary stopover. It always is. His travels throughout the day take him from district to district, from the Hospital, to the Arena, to Gefion Park. Luckily, his last leg of the journey takes him to the Carnival in the evening, where local ghosts are quite helpful in helping him puzzle out the functions of the bracelet(when they're not trying to scare the marbles out of him).

Sorry, Asgard. Sora's very first broadcast of the evening has a spooky start! It zooms in on the face of a gaunt, pale-faced ghoul. The ghostly image only persists until Sora's much healthier complexion squeezes into the picture beside it.]

Whooaa... it's working!

[Sora turns to the ghost, unfazed by its unearthly appearance.] And this is gonna help me find Riku and Kairi?

[An affirmative moan from the ghoul, mostly an incoherent murmur as it retreats from the foreground. Unfortunately, the ghoul hovers eerily above Sora's head, peering down at the viewer for the duration message. Only slightly unnerving.]

Well, if anybody out there's listening, I'm Sora. I'm trying to find my two friends. One's named Kairi. She's got red hair, she's about this tall and probably the friendliest person you'll ever meet. Then there's Riku! He's got messy white hair just like this guy. [Sora jerks a thumb at his ghostly friend.] Riku can be kind of grumpy sometimes, but he's a really good guy once you get to know 'em.

If you see them, let me know right away, okay?

[He very nearly finishes the message, but then he remembers! There's a burning question reserved for his housemates in Freya. Unfortunately, his attempt to send it exclusively to the Freya House ends in failure. All of Asgard is posed the question:]

// Failed Private to Freya Housemates \\

By the way... Have any of you guys tried using your powers yet?

[The feed ends with him looking a little sheepish, maybe even a little flustered.]

[ooc: Feel free to  tell that kid yelling on your rooftop at all hours of the morning to pipe down, or to run into him at the Carnival.]

Comments

[video]

[disasterrific]

...There's a boy named Rikku?

[Sorry, Sora.]

[video]

[lockandkeyblade]

Yeah! We were all together on the islands. Me, Riku and Kairi. Then, the next thing I knew, I was here!

[Wait a second. There's something verrrryyy familiar about the face on the screen and Sora's leaning in closer to see more clearly.]

Have we... met before?

[Video]

[darkbreak]

[...It figures that the very first people he's befriending are ghosts.

Still, there's a huge amount of relief to see him in one piece, safe and sound. It's true that this is no Destiny Islands, but it's better than the Dark Realm and at least here Riku can keep an eye on him.

Even though the grumpy comment makes him scowl a bit.]

Are you comparing me to a ghost now, Sora?

[Video]

[lockandkeyblade]

[The reaction is immediate: he flashes the other a radiant smile. Just the face he wanted to see.]

Riku!

[Sora's making his own internal sigh of relief on this side of the feed. He can't say he's glad to be stranded in Asgard, but knowing Riku is here makes him feel a little more untouchable. Partners and best friends tend to do that.]

[His expression melts into something of a teasing grin: Maaaaybe.]

Ghosts aren't all bad, you know. Some of em' are pretty friendly!

[video]

[designerchild]

[ Jr. is just...staring. His own encounters with the ghosts at the carnival have never been so amiable. Shaking himself out of his reverie, he draws a blank on the names that Sora provides and answers the last question. ]

A bunch of people in this city have. Why? You curious about yours?

[video]

[lockandkeyblade]

[This one wasn't so bad once he got a good scare out of Sora! Now the ghosts by the carousel? Those were some pushy ghosts...]

Well, I was wondering if there was any way we could trade powers with the other houses?

Especially if we got that power...

[audio]

[deadwhisperer]

--You mean the charm thing the maid mentioned?

[audio]

[lockandkeyblade]

Not exactly.

[A hesitant pause. And then he might just sound a little flustered. Doesn't even want to say it.]

It's the other one...

[Video]

[lethechained]

[Naminé actually did wake up this morning when he was out and about hollering on rooftops and generally making a nuisance of himself, but by the time she got up and looked out the window, he'd already moved on, and she told herself she was probably just dreaming. Goodness knew she'd been worried about him enough, after that conversation they had and his subsequent disappearance. She could have hoped that he was just sent home as much as she wanted, but that didn't provide her proof or peace of mind. Being used to seeing at least some part of a bigger picture spoiled her, in a way - she got used to knowing, to having answers, even if they were painful ones, and it's been strange and unsettling for her to be in Asgard where, as far as the big picture goes, she's more or less blind.]

[She finds the video pretty quickly after it's posted, mostly because she tries to keep track of the network. It's fortunate that her bracelet is around her wrist at the time, because otherwise, she might have dropped it upon seeing just who it was in that video. The first thing that she experiences after her initial shock is a pure and far-reaching surge of relief. The remnants of that feeling linger, but her concern makes a return as she watches the video closely. Sora appears to be keeping some bizzare company, but that's not what bothers her - what bothers her is the way it sounded like he had no idea what he was doing with the bracelet, how he's still looking for Riku and Kairi when she knows that he should know how to contact Riku, at least, in Asgard. It was like he just got there.]

[Suspicion and worry make her pause midway through reaching to turn on the feed so that she can speak to him and find out what's going on; she realizes that she can't greet him with her brow all scrunched up and a frown on her face, so she takes a moment to collect herself. She does her best to work out a smile, despite the fact that she's even more afraid of what might have happened to his memories (and that in some way it might be her fault) than she was before. Will he have forgotten her again this time? She'd been prepared to be forgotten when she removed herself from his memory the first time, but she hadn't been prepared to be forgotten all over again after meeting him once more, and it had stung. (Well, more than stung.) Those thoughts, however, do nothing to help make her expression more acceptable, so she pushes them away and forces the corners of her mouth upward as best she can. She almost resorts to an audio-only feed, but in the end, she knows she stands a better chance of being remembered if he can at least see her face, too. She takes a deep breath before turning on the video feed, smile carefully in place as she withdraws the hand she reached up with and folds it on her lap with its twin.]

... You're back, Sora.

[video] That is one gorgeous teel deer ~<3

[lockandkeyblade]

Back? Have I ... been here before?

[He only gets about that far before he registers that the face looking back at him is actually a familiar one. Heart-shaped face, soft features, blue eyes with a hint of purple. Eyes like Kairi's. Surprise seeps into his expression. Wait a minute... He knows her.]

You're the one who helped us in the World That Never Was

... You're... Namine, right?

[It isn't that Sora isn't glad to see her. Quite the opposite, in fact. He's happy to see her and got a lot to be thankful for: If it weren't for her intervention in The World That Never Was, Kairi and the others never would have made it safely to the islands. He's also sure Namine was responsible for helping to fix up his memories if the reports were right.]

[But seeing Namine here after she should have already gone back to Kairi means that something could be seriously wrong with his friend. He can only hope that the situation between her and Kairi hasn't gone awry in the separation. Not to mention what bodes ill for Kairi and Namine, also probably reflects him and Roxas.]

[courageborn]

Were you able to find your friends?

[Video]

[lockandkeyblade]

Yeah! Sure did. Riku sent me a message so he's all right. But I'm still on the lookout for Kairi.

You think maybe if you spot somebody who looks like her, you could give me a call? I've gotta make sure she's okay.

[video]

[briochetime]

[He gets this feeling he's seen this face at some point before... maybe once or twice. It's a very familiar face, anyhow..... but why is the kid hanging out with ghouls.

Moreover, it seems to be a new arrival?? Curiouser and curiouser.]

I... don't believe I've met your friends, but did you say one of them is a ghost?

[video]

[lockandkeyblade]

[A chuckle] Riku wouldn't be too happy if I was telling everybody he was a ghost. He's definitely alive, but he does have messy white hair that hangs down in front of his face like one!

Besides, ghosts aren't so bad once you get to know em'.

[video]

[falenandawn]

I have not tried it, no. [He doesn't want to.]

[video]

[lockandkeyblade]

Me neither...

[Sora's with you on that one.]

So which was it? The power you ended up with?

video

[waypastcool]

Pretty sure they're both hangin' around here somewhere!

[Sonic remembers Sora briefly from his last time in Asgard, though, so after a moment.]

You hit your head or somethin'?

video

[lockandkeyblade]

Me and Riku just found each other, but Kairi's still out there somewhere.

[Sora hasn't sustained any major injuries since his arrival. But something fishy is definitely going on.]

So how come everybody's asking me if I hit my head or not?

[audio]

[occulthymns]

[And another one from Freya's house!

Euri is answering very, very flatly.]

No. I haven't.

[audio]

[lockandkeyblade]

[Hello there, housemate!]

Same here. I tried asking somebody if we could switch powers, but nobody really thought it was possible. Looks like we're stuck.

Which power did you end up getting?

[Video]

[selphie_t]

[Selphie peers at the feed closely before pouting at Sora. You big meanie you woke her up!]

You need a mute button. [Grump, grump, grump. And then... a head shake.]

I don't think so... Why, what'd you get?

[Video]

[lockandkeyblade]

[S-sorry! He had to make sure his friends were okay. He didn't mean it, honest!]

A mute button?

[He never gets around to even answering the second question, let alone be embarrassed by it. He's more preoccupied with the fact that he's seeing things! Not only is he looking at Selphie's twin, he's looking at Selphie's older twin! What's going on?]

S-Selphie!?

video; (ninja) hehehe

[amajestictale]

Oooohh, so you're the one that's been yelling while everyone's sleeping.

Nevermind yelly, Riku and Kairi you said? Supposing they're about your age, yeah?

video;

[lockandkeyblade]

[A confused blink. 'Yelly?'.] It's Sora.

[But on to more important matters.] Yeah! Riku's older by a year, but me and Kairi are the same!

[He leans closer to the screen, overexcited and hopeful.] So you know them? Are they here too?

text; wow, it'd really help if i reread the entry

[showmeanguish]

[There's... a lot to take in here. So many things to say or ask--Vanitas ponders his response very carefully, fingers tapping against his bracelet as he formulates the right words. And in the end, it's the last failed question he responds to.]

I've been saving it for the right occasion.

text; kjlskdjgsg its okay!

[lockandkeyblade]

[Unfortunately Sora's still under the impression that he's talking to a house member concerning their questionable powers. Saving ... a kiss? For the right occasion?]

What occasion are you waiting for?

video;

[youlazybum]

[ It's ironic how it takes her a while to even brave to touch her bracelet. She can't mistake that description, especially when her name goes along with it. And the way that Riku's also noted, doubtlessly, she knows he has to be talking about her best friend, too. Especially when she hears him chime in later and talking with the boy who first announced his presence without skipping a beat. Their chatter is in near perfect sync, a bounce back between two best buds. So natural it's unreal and then it feels familiar, too.

This is not something she was expecting to walk into today. Just what in the worlds was going on? She debates over it only a little longer before finally gathering some courage. And finally, on goes the video and there sits a flabbergasted Kairi. At least she seems to be taking the ghoul well if nothing else. Although from her lost expression, it might not come off that way. She's trying not to look as lost as she is though, really. Lost and uncertain. ]

...Hello?

video;

[lockandkeyblade]

[Kairi may have some reservations about contacting him, but Sora's just glad to see her. He's practically beaming at the camera, both in happiness and in relief. She's gotten here safe and sound. Even if they are stranded here, so long as all three of them are together, they can figure something out.]

There you are! I've been looking for you!

[Of course, they aren't best friends for nothing, and eventually, that lost expression finally registers. It's funny... he thought when they found each other again, she'd be delighted. Instead, she looks as if someone's rattled her. Like someone's flipped her world upside down. It just doesn't occur to Sora that he's the one that did it.]

[The smile falters.]

... Kairi?

video

[fourstars]

[ ... Why are there so many people showing up here that are looking for specific someones? ]

I haven't seen or heard of anyone like that. [ Why does it feel like he's said that way too many times lately? ] But, I'll let you know if I find anyone that fits that description, alright? Sora, right?

[ Wait, this is the second Sora he knows now. That's... gonna be awkward. ]

video

[lockandkeyblade]

Actually, I didn't end up finding them. They found me. I'm talking to them now, but thanks!

[Had he still been searching for the other two, he would've appreciated the extra pair of eyes.]

[A tilt of the head.] Have we met before?

wow pretend i'm not like stupidly late at this.

[memorization]

Aaaand the keyblade master finally shows his face.

[video] Oh, wow, I was just contemplating replying to your post but you had so many slkdjgadg

[lockandkeyblade]

[Asgard is a city filled with surprises, but Sora doesn't mind this one. He's even a little glad to see the redhead.]

Axel?!

You're alive!

video;

[brushgod]

Hello Sora. [oh what was it they say..? ah, yes--] It is nice to meet you, I'm Amaterasu.

If I see your friends I will be happy to let you know.

video;

[lockandkeyblade]

[Amaterasu has quiet the unusual appearance: snow-white hair, distinctive tattoos, ears atop her head. But Sora doesn't seem very phased. If anything, he looks pretty intrigued.]

Nice to meet you Amaterasu!

My friends actually ended up finding me in the end, but thanks for the offer.

But what about you? Is there anybody you're waiting for? Maybe I can return the favor and drop you a line if one of them shows up.

audio

[mechaplanned]

If you haven't found 'em yet, I can help keep an eye out for ya.

[secured private to freya house]

Man, I keep hearing about people havin' powers, but I don't even know what I've got.

[Video on Sora's side // also private to freya house]

[lockandkeyblade]

Riku's just contacted me. [And then in a more subdued tone] Kairi too. [And it's pretty obvious the reunion hasn't gone well. But that's neither here nor there, and Sora picks up his tone.] But thanks anyway! I appreciate it.

Anyway, maybe we can help you figure it out! Did the maid tell you anything about your powers?

action

[pyritic]

[ Sometime while Sora's hollering near Heimdall, a window opens, seemingly on the second floor (Cloud's actually on the seventh but these are magical houses so whatever, he doesn't think about it), and a boot goes flying out in Sora's general direction.

Cloud's throwing without looking so this is very unlikely to actually hit. But the intent's definitely there and it's not too shabby for someone still half-asleep and muttering to himself. ]

action; lmfaaoookdjalkjdlgasdg

[lockandkeyblade]

[There is a rather loud thump as Cloud's boot ends up landing several yards away from Sora, but that's more than enough to get a rather reaction. Cloud may have more difficulty sleeping as Sora follows up that cry of dismay with more hollering:]

Hey what's the big idea!?

You could've hit somebody, you know!

[And make no mistake, stranger! Even without his keyblade and magic, he is perfectly capable of scaling his way to that open window (it only looks like the second floor, anyhow.)]