rekindleme | EVENT: Exploration

EVENT: Exploration

There's a nervous feeling to this morning. More than a few people milling around the giant gates of Districts Five and Three. Among them are officials, giving safety and advisory talks on what to expect outside, and hoping that people will listen: it's not safe outside the walls, there is an energy drain in place that can only be held off by keeping in contact with someone (and that only lasts so long) plus a reminder on where the signal was pinpointed. Somewhere off to the north east of the city...And to be careful out there, above all else.

True to the announcement, the city gates open in the morning hours with plenty of heavy rattling noises to mark the occasion. And with that, all that's left is to step through the gates to the world outside.

Out there it feels like there's a near permanent coating of rust and ash on every surface, determined to work its way onto your mouth and into your lungs. Looming out of the shattered remains of streets and sidewalks are crumbled buildings that look like gaunt old skeletons of the familiar Saeng Seong locals. There's a stillness to the air that can weigh heavy on one's shoulders…And can probably get all the more heavy if you're not keeping up contact. You DID bring a buddy along to help you explore, right?

The company is probably needed, given how empty and desolate the outside feels. Save for the occasional groan of a ruin falling a little more apart...And perhaps a skittering of something close by.

Welcome to the dead zone ringing the city. Best look alive out there.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He's more than excited to get going, as even though there's technically not much to keep people inside the wall still represents a barrier. Being cooped up does not a happy Xehanort make, really. He doesn't even think about the need to have someone with him for contact, and is more than content to set out on his own.]

1. Monsters!

[It wouldn't be complete without running into some sort of critter that would like to bite one's face off. Of course, he has little concept of how long he can keep fighting without refreshing on touching, but he'll try to fight anyway. He unsheathes his blades and makes a charge, though he can't help but wonder why he already feels winded...]

2. Northeast, ruins-wise

[Picking his way through ruins sounds like a great way to spend his time outside. Even if he doesn't find anything, it's still fine to explore, and he takes advantage of it to the fullest. He definitely feels it, the drained feeling, and wonders if heading out on his own was perhaps a bit foolish...]

3. Random item collecting

[The artifacts of this 'lost' civilization are fascinating, and if it's small enough to carry he'll try to take it. He doesn't have any goals, but whatever he does come across he will attempt to take back with him.]

[While Freya isn't the type to venture off on her own when she knows the risks involved, her goal here isn't particularly to look for things or explore as much as it is to make sure no one is going off on their own. She knows all too well about all the stubborn loner types in this city...

That's why she's leaping from one roof to another with spear in hand over Xehanort's head and stopping to survey her surroundings, the white-haired stranger quickly coming within her field of vision. He doesn't look like he's about to collapse yet, but...]

Are you exploring on your own?

[Not collapsing yet, but definitely slowing down.]

Of course. If you want something done at all, you have to take initiative.

[She's got her eye on you...]

Certainly with as many who have volunteered, there are several who share the same initiative as you. [A subtle scolding. It's something she's getting used to.] Perhaps I might join you.

[He gestures to the side nonchalantly.]

Of course. Trendsetters, or sometimes mould-breakers. Nothing gets done unless someone is there to do it first! You're quite welcome to go with me if you so desire.

[And he holds out a hand, since contact seems to be the name of the game.]

[She is a little interested with his manner of speaking, her initial impression having been a bit different.]

Do you count yourself among those "trendsetters"?

[Glad to see he's not averse to the idea, she takes his hand in her own long-fingered one and gives it a firm shake. Might as well get introductions out of the way so they can focus on searching.]

My name is Freya. I hope that we can work together well.

I couldn't say, I don't know enough about the people here. I'd imagine there's a fair amount who want to learn more and that's why they're here. Why are you here, miss?

[He's a bit surprised by her resolute grip, not expecting the shake, but returns it with one of his own after a moment.]

Please call me Xehanort. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm more than certain things will go well enough.

Xehanort. It's good to meet you as well.

[He certainly seems friendly enough, so she doesn't doubt it. She's not particularly picky as to who she teams up with here. But to answer his question...]

I wish to learn more about this world, as well. It has been several months with very little information other than the fact that we are needed to power the city... Perhaps I am anxious to help out in a more effective way, in the hopes that it will bring me home more quickly.

They seem rather tight-lipped about things... even now I have doubts about the sincerity of our mission here. We are to loot these ruins for them as well as do their dirty work, after all...

[He shrugs, though.]

All's fair enough. Exploring will be more than interesting enough to pass some time. Do you have something back at your home that you must do?

Regardless, we do not appear to be doing much harm by it. I am content enough with that.

[For now, in any case. But she looks somewhat somber at his inquiry, taking a moment before responding.]

A war was ravaging my homeland when I was taken. It is my duty to help end the conflict as soon as possible. [She's been feeling more restless about it as the days have gone on; this outing is a welcome mission for the dragon knight. At the same time, she doesn't want to dwell on it.] And you?

[It takes a moment for him to decide how to phrase things himself.]

I have a future legacy to ensure, though I was pulled away in the midst of it. Most of the pieces were in place, but for one... that one I was to help ensure.

[He looks around carefully, before continuing on, not moving too far ahead due to wanting to keep her nearby in case of that draining effect.]

[A future legacy... she has to wonder what kind of legacy he intends to leave behind, especially for someone who seemed rather young. But then again, it isn't really any of her business, and they have things to focus on.

She follows him, not intending to fall behind, and looks around a bit herself. Thankfully she isn't feeling the loss of energy yet, but she's always better safe than sorry, and she isn't going to wait until she feels it to ask him for assistance.]

Is there anything in particular you're looking for?

Not particularly. Anything interesting, anything that catches the eye. Apparently this is the first time they've let people out. It pays to take advantage of such a thing to explore and learn as much as we can.

[It's more a relief that they would actually let people out, even if the area was full of hostiles and a soul-sucking environment. The walls were rather chafing.]

[Freya nods. It's always a good idea to take a good look around any unfamiliar area, she thinks, in case there might be anything useful nearby. That was how she found a previous weapon that ended up being fairly useful, and if she could find a new spear here somehow, there would be no complaints from her.]

I hoped to learn more as well, though I intended to begin with looking for relics the priestesses asked for. [She doesn't seem to be trying to push him into looking for those, however.] I'm certain there must be other things here that might be able to tell us something useful...

[She thinks for a moment as she examines the ruins, peeking into a doorway whose door had been knocked off with her spear in her hand. There doesn't seem to be anything dangerous inside, though she finds it odd that the prominent television inside is displaying static. It's a little surprising when she thinks about it.]

These are still being powered?

I'm curious about the relics as well... though I'm more curious about the significance behind them than anything else. Who were the people and why are they so important? There are always so many questions, aren't there?

[He grins a little and shrugs as he says that. Such is life, really. He peeks in after her, eyeing the television carefully.]

How... strange. Is it plugged in?

[That sounds lame, but it is a valid question. If touching provides energy, who knows how things may be powered around here.]

[Freya nods with a sigh. There are certainly a lot of questions she has, and not a lot of answers. She thought she'd been occupied enough with those she had at home, but there's just so much here she doesn't understand...

She carefully approaches it to find the answer to his question and spots the cord indeed attached to the wall.]

It appears to be. Then is it merely the energy of people this atmosphere drains? What makes the sealed districts inside the city different? [More and more questions...]

Perhaps that's why being out here is so draining after all. All these old things, left plugged in or running... with no visible power sources. Something has to power things... in the city it is different, but perhaps out here it is our very life.

[He looks thoughtful.]

As you say, I wonder why things are different in the city. What do they have that makes it different? Perhaps next time I am able I will inquire.

[His answer made a remarkable amount of sense to her. It explained the stronger draining effect out here, at least. Maybe that even reached into the city itself to some extent...

She wasn't sure if the information would be useful to her, but she couldn't deny she was curious.] I would like to hear the answer as well.

[But for now, she doesn't see much else of interest in the ruined building and steps back to Xehanort's side, putting a hand on his shoulder. She's starting to feel the drain of the atmosphere and would prefer to limit its effects.]

It doesn't seem there is anything else here. Shall we move forward?

"Yes, I think that would be most prudent. It shouldn't be too hard to tell at a glance if something is worth our time." He nods, starting to move on, but not too fast so as not to lose contact. His mind wanders a little.

"If I do get an answer, though with how evasive they are that may not be possible, I will share what I find with you."

[She follows alongside him, keeping her eyes and ears peeled for anything interesting.]

Thank you. I would be glad to return the favor.

[And since she's been here a while, she might even have some answers... even if the information she has doesn't feel that helpful just yet. Speaking of.]

How long have you been in the city, Xehanort?

Not very long. A month, perhaps, at the most. It's very difficult to find answers, unfortunately.

It is not much easier for those of us who have been here longer. [Honestly, it's only let her know what other questions she wants to ask.] But I suppose that is what we're here for today.

"Quite." He smiles a little, moving on but staying within arm's reach. "It's pleasant to find someone to attempt to unearth some truths with as well. I was beginning to think that everyone was sheep, content to feed on the half-truths posited and follow blindly requests without question."

Sometimes it is best to wait for the right opportunity.

[It wasn't like there was much to do inside the city regarding secrets that they could access without falling ill anyway.]

I thought it better to gain their trust so that they might give us more opportunity to find out the truth. [Because as much as she dislikes it, she realizes that the natives of the city have the advantage.]

"But if everyone waits, then nothing happens. They are content to serve only what they think we need to know." He doesn't like the fact that information was withheld on purpose, at least that much he'd gotten when he talked to someone about it the last time. "It shouldn't be a matter of trust. If they want our help, they should offer the information freely. They are availing us for a service without all of the information that would be useful in that situation. It doesn't seem right."

(no subject)

dragoncrest - 2014-05-07 22:29 (UTC) - Expand

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only