[WORLD ONE | BARRIER QUEST RESOLUTION]

[spellbindmods]

Who: Coven members interested in and a part of barrier quest
Where: The island above the ocean
When: Day
Open/Closed: Open to All

The initial setting information found here should be utilized for threads here.

This information is useful for this post, though please read the post entirely before coming back to read this info. Information in red will be known OOCly, but not necessarily ICly, especially by those inhabitants of the island.

Upon entering the barrier, the first thing you'll notice is that the scenery isn't exceptionally shocking. It's an abandoned city, more or less. The buildings are tall but in a great state of disrepair. Some of them have crumbled already with others surrounding them destroyed by the fallen debris. The majority of these buildings are bleached in color, obviously affected by the brightness of the barrier. Shield your eyes, or you might be, too. A ▢ These buildings, despite being decrepit and appearing water-logged, still may hold some resources or clues. Upon entering any location, rotten food can be found, as well as everyday household items. These will be written in languages and on topics that are familiar -- some are even copies that can be found in the Palai's library back in Aimintas. There is some freedom here about what characters can find. There may even be a rare newspaper clipping that shows a picture of figures that look suspiciously like Uvi. Otherwise characters are free to loot.

Venturing further into the island -- made easier by flight -- travelers will eventually come upon an area that doesn't look as drastically unkempt. These houses have been repaired. They've seen some damage, of course, but there are obvious signs that they've been lived in. One not-so-apparent sign of established life on the island is the presence of boobytrapping. Hidden rope net traps are located in and around the area, as well as more violent forms of trapping. B ▢ Those still living on this island don't want outside intruders on their property. It's still a mystery who these people are, but they don't appear to be welcoming. Some traps are made with rope that can snatch up coven members, while others are covered holes in the ground. Other traps are made with trigger switches that sling out blades and arrows. If you've seen it on TV, it's possible to fall into on this island. C ▢ Those who survive or dodge the boobytraps can also investigate these houses. Looting is possible for many of the empty dwellings and recently salted meat can be found within them. This is a surefire sign of life -- take items from these houses at your character's own risk and they should congregate within them quickly if they feel like you must do so.

Finally, the creatures that have been living on this island within that barrier finally reveal themselves. These inhabitants are immediately recognizable as Uvi, though they do have drastic similarities. These creatures are pale, with gill slits that look like they've scarred over. Their eyes are much lighter and their scales are rougher, not wicked sleek by the water they obviously aren't swimming in. D ▢ Similarly to the Uvi, however, these beings are at first very violent. Once they see a humanoid-looking coven member, they'll go in for the kill. Unlike the Uvi your characters are used to, these beings have real weapons -- some even have guns. Defending yourself is possible, but be quick and act fast -- you're more likely to win if you dodge their attacks with a team member. However, approaching with conversation -- or if you realize eventually that these creatures do speak an understandable language -- will net different results. Talk to them and discover that they don't trust you, human creature. They fought desperately to be rid of you and to live their life peacefully, and yet here you are again. If they see a display of magic from you, their demeanor will change. You aren't those humans -- you're different with a different energy. Coven members are then taken to a central meeting place where even more strange-looking Uvi are located. At first these Uvi too are on high alert, though the energy that these human creatures exude is different from their predecessors. It's not a sick, synthetic magic, but instead is something much more -- as the Uvi refer to it -- holy. These Uvi aren't killers or savages, though they are hungry. They want to learn more about the world outside and what all has happened. The water has reappeared and the barrier has been broken...if these people aren't the humans of before, where are those humans? What has happened to the world while they were sealed away? Most importantly, where are the rest of the Uvi that were lost with time. Are they still alive, or do these magical humans even know where they are? If these quandries are confusing to the coven members at all, the Uvi have an offering of information. This is what they know and how they've lived life up to this point. The question is now this: how do they move forward from here? E ▢ For those of you that want their characters to get involved with the island action without taking things too seriously, these Uvi are much more palatable than their ocean-dwelling relatives. They're very akin to the Palai in their fascination and obsession with these "holy humans." In fact, it's as if the two cultural extremes collided together. The Uvi lack the polyamorous nature and forceful pushiness, but they are interested in talking and learning about outside magic. F ▢ This is the prompt that's centered around Barrier Quest alumni and newbies. How much does your character tell the Uvi about what has been going on in Aimintas? How many puzzle pieces can your character thread together -- the oceanic Uvi collecting these bones to reunite with the rest of their species or how their ancestors essentially created and attempted to destroy the Palai? These things may need to be discussed beforehand. Additionally, how trustworthy are these Uvi? What other pressing questions should be talked over before any decisions are made.

Comments

[needmetoo]

A. What's this?

[A human city shouldn't be all that unusual for many, but it still holds curiosities for some. Xion, for instance, and her youn Palai, named Curly. She hadn't been sure if it was okay to leave them with anyone, so she'd brought them with. And while normally that might end with Xion running around trying to keep them in check, instead it's led to a rather different effect.

Instead, Xion and Curly can often be found staring at obscure household objects. Like a bookend, or an eggbeater, or a spork, or some other uncommon-but-not-unrealistic item of your choice. Both are wearing identical looks of confusion and wonder.

The young Palai makes a questioning noise.]

I don't know what it is either, Curly. Maybe we can find someone else who does?

E. This is my child

[Once communication has been established, it's clear that not only are the Uvi curious about Xion and her magic, they're curious about Curly too. Which, given history here on Aimintas, is a source of unease for Xion. Curly, for their party, seems anxious, clinging to Xion's leg.

The Uvi aren't being pushy like the Palai can be, But there's enough of them nearby Xion's feeling more than a bit boxed in. Anybody nearby might get a mental message, at some point.]

Does anybody mind, um... coming over?

[Just so she's not fielding all of this herself.]

F. She's not even one guys

[As time wears on, Curly wears themselves out. Thankfully Xion's been working on upgrading the sling she used when they were just an egg, so Curly is dozing comfortably against her chest in something like a homemade baby carrier. She's retreated from the larger group, sitting on a rock nearby, close enough to keep in sight of everyone else, but far enough away that Curly can sleep and she can think.

After all, there has been a lot to think about.]

It's all so much. And... and we're leaving soon. What if we make the wrong choice, and people get hurt?

[Need a break from all the heavy news and developments? She won't mind company, so long as you're quiet.]

[rebells]

[The response comes almost immediately.]

I can be there in a minute. Are you in trouble? What's the situation?

[needmetoo]

I, um... well, it's not trouble, exactly? But they're asking questions about Curly.

[It might be a bad thing, might not be. But she's still uneasy all the same.]

[rebells]

Curly?

[He rounds a corner, and, looking around for a while, finally spots Xion and the Uvi some ten-fifteen feet away.]

Ah, your . . . young Palai?

[needmetoo]

Yeah.

[She kneels down at that point to pick Curly up and cradle them against her chest. They're still a bit anxious.]

They seem... confused? It sounds like Palai used to be really different.

[rebells]

The Palai have said as much, in their stories about the 'days of blessing.' It looks like that wasn't just a story.

[He strides up confidently and flashes the Uvi around Xion a bright smile, trying to worm his way in between them and her.]

Ah, hello. Is something the matter here?

[needmetoo]

[It's worth noting that their posture is hardly predatory as they look over Xion and her charge. As Jay attempts to work his way in, they back up easily enough to accommodate.

The Uvi all shake their heads, apologetic. The one in the lead speaks.]

We were merely confused. It is... strange, to see the Palai as such.

[Xion nods briefly in response, confirming what the Uvi is saying.]

F

[358]

... That's always a worry.

[ Roxas strolls over, leaning against the rock. He's been keeping to himself, but now that they're leaving, he figures he should deal with any unfinished business-- who knows if he can trust that they'll actually all stay together? He knows nothing about the coven at all.

Xion's definitely unfinished business, though. Even if he's pretty sure it's more complicated than just being able to finish it with a chat. ]

If someone gets hurt from your decisions, you can always make up for it later. You don't wanna hesitate all the time, you know?

[needmetoo]

I guess. We really can't hesitate now anyway, can we? When... when we're leaving so soon.

[She gently hefts Curly a little higher, a little more protectively against her.]

I guess... I was already thinking, about trying to come back, if... when I get my corridors back. For them. But... I can check, and see if everything's okay, too...

[She's still uneasy, but when she thinks about it like that, it's a bit easier.]

[358]

I guess... that probably would work, huh. [ He sighs and sinks to the ground, sitting down with his back against the rock. He's really not sure how he feels about... any of this. He hasn't seen the island that everyone who was already here talks about. As far as he's concerned, this place is just fine. ]

It's funny. There's no Heartless here, or Nobodies, besides me. Now that everything's over, it's finally peaceful... and we have to leave.

[needmetoo]

Yeah... Qri just... got what she wanted, and so now it's time to go.

[She's definitely a far cry from the group of those who distrust Qri to the point of impeding her goals, but one could hardly call her happy about what's going on, either.]

The hub island isn't bad at least. It's just us there. And some animals. I could help you pick out a house, too.

If... that's okay.

[358]

... I don't know about you, but that leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

[ He glances up at her, his eyes a little more fiery than usual. ]

All I ever knew for so long was being told what to do. I didn't really like it then, and I don't like it now. What if these people need more help? ... The least Qri could do is explain herself.

[ The second part catches him off guard, though. A... house? Huh. He'd never really thought about what it would be like outside of this... well, mission, really. It was just the same as the Organization, wasn't it? They finished their job, and now they were going to RTC.

But a house is different from a cold, lonely bedroom. ]

Uh... yeah, sure, that'd be cool. I've never really gone house shopping before. [ A terrible joke. Barely even a joke, actually, more just a dumb statement. Still, he tries to look a little cheerier for her sake. She's clearly not the happiest camper right now-- though, if she's a Nobody like she claims, is there even any point in trying? Whatever. ]

Are they, like... big houses? I... grew up in kind of a huge place, and that kind of thing gets super lonely if you're on your own.

[needmetoo]

[Xion grimaces, half in distaste, half in thought.]

I don't really like it either. There's some who like it less, I think. We were talking the other day about it but... I didn't know what to do or suggest.

[All the same, the only thing she's known for the longest time is how to follow orders. Then there was here, where they had almost no orders and no explanations until the bone things turned up. She wishes she knew what to make of it then. She wishes she knew what to make of it now. That all being said...]

They're not too big, really, but they're all bright colors and they're all next to each other, by the beach.

[358]

... We'll figure it out. As long as the things we're doing are good, then... I guess, for now, we can take comfort in that, right? [ Even if the things he was doing before seemed good at the time. He hates this, really, but Xion-- even if somehow she's part of an Organization, the Organization, like she says, she's clearly not got the same feelings about it as he does, if she was so willing to tell Sora of all people about it. No reason to poison her thoughts any more than they are towards this situation, as long as it stays relatively benevolent. ]

The beach, huh... I always loved the beaches I got to go to. Something about them felt... familiar, you know?

[needmetoo]

... yeah. I used to visit them, back home. To get shells for a friend of mine. Like, um...

[The friend was him, though it felt too awkward to say so. Not to mention she's picked up more than a few shells here on Aimintas. Also for him, or at least for when she got back home. None of them were quite a replacement for the one shell she lost, but, still.

Carefully shifting Curly's weight, she pulls out a good-sized spiral shell, the weight of it comfortably heavy in her palm. She offers it to him.]

Like that one.

[358]

...

[ Roxas reaches out and takes the shell.

He stares at it quietly for a moment. ... Then back at her face. ... Then down at the shell again.

His eyes flicker. ]

... I've-- I've heard your voice before. Before we came here. [ He looks up at her. ]

On the beach. On... Destiny Islands. When I looked at the water, and heard the waves lapping against the shore... it's almost like I could hear another voice. ... Who... are you? Why do you seem so... familiar?

[needmetoo]

[...what?

Those words by themselves feel like they're striking some half-remembered chord on their own. Even the name of that place, Destiny Islands... It's enough to make her head feel fuzzy and already at the worst time.]

We... I'm Xion, Roxas. I thought... we already talked about this.

[That he didn't remember her.]

[358]

... I know you're Xion, but I didn't know who Xion was. I don't know... who you are, still. But I...

[ What was it Naminé had said? A chain of memories... ]

Your voice is in my memories. And that... that has to mean something.

[needmetoo]

[There's a knotty kind of feeling in her stomach. She'd resigned herself to the idea that Roxas didn't remember her, and that they'd have to build... anything, again.

She doesn't know what to say or think about this... sudden familiarity on his part.]

I... I guess so.

[358]

[ ... His babbling over, he kind of pauses. She's... not happy, about something. He's not sure what-- He knows he knows her, but he doesn't know how he knows her. Or, you know, who she is.

He sort of assumes that's the problem. ]

... Look, whatever it was-- whoever you were, however we met-- It must be important. I'll... try my hardest to remember... So please don't be upset that I don't. I promise, it'll come back.

[needmetoo]

Wh- no!

[Her voice pitches upwards a bit, though she quickly clamps down as Curly stirs. She bites a lip, takes a breath.]

It's not that. I'm not mad... or upset at you, I promise. Whatever's going on... it's not your fault.

[358]

[ He nods quietly, glancing at the baby.

It only really just now clicks what it is she's holding. ]

... Are you taking care of the baby all by yourself?

a!

[heartkey]

[ While he's had some issues and awkwardness with Xion so far, upon walking into the same room as her and overhearing that, he can't just ignore it — that's not like him.

Instead, he smiles a little, and speaks up to explain the spork she has in her hand. Hopefully he's not too much of a shock to hear. ]

That's so that you can eat soup and something else without changing what you're using. Like soup and fish or something.

[needmetoo]

[She doesn't know what to think, really, when she hears his voice and turns around to see him there. It... It'd been quite a while though, and he didn't seem to nearly so... tense... As last time.

Curly seems able to sense her unease, shifting a bit closer to her leg. But... If he's not going to be upset or bothered by what happened last time, she can try too. So she does.]

It... It looks like it'd be hard to pick up anything, though.

[heartkey]

[ It's a good thing Sora's so welcoming by nature. But to add to it, he's heard a lot about her from Riku now. He doesn't have any intention of talking to her about it, but things make a little more sense to him now, at least. His worries toward her have dissipated a lot, so it's easier to be his normal self here. He knows she's probably uneasy, but at least she's not running away or shouting at him. ]

Yeah, I guess it's not good for anything big. But some people like to use 'em anyway. [ At least, he's seen it a couple times before. ] Maybe you should bring it back and try it yourself.