Rebirth Keybladers

Sunshine shone down onto the sandy beaches as the crystal waves washed onto the shore. Blue skies illuminated the world out of darkness and joy could be felt in the air. No clouds were in the sky that day and sounds of laughter could be heard on the sand. Tidus lunged forwards smashing his wooden stick down into Wakka's shoulder causing him to stagger back and he eventually fell to the sand.

"Damn Tidus. You've improved." Wakka said as he slwoly stood up. He stretched up and Selphie suddenly ran to him and knocked him back to the ground and kissed his forehead. "You were good too!" She said giggling and helped him up.

Back in the shacks the four keybladers were talking with the three Sanctuary founders. "Please protect her. We've heard what has happened and we're on her greatest guard." Sora said and looked at Kairi. She wore her usual pink short dress and snuggled up to Riku. It seemed as if in the two years together Sora had moved on and Kairi was now with Riku.

"Now listen. Anell and Aeris. You two will be with Kairi 24/7. When she sleeps you take it in turns to watch over her. Axle. You will keep guard on the beaches for any Nobody sign. And Orion. You will watch the tree houses. If you see any sign of Nobodies then call out and each of you should come rushing. Me and Sora will come if necessary. If you need us then just call and we;ll come. Protect Kairi at all costs!" Riku ordered them. His orders were blunt but rather calm. He placed a light kiss on Kairi's lips and they both smiled.

"Now go. Kairi. Stay with the two girls and remember our training. We're trusting you four." Sora added.

OoC: Now go! Nobodies appear! Keybladers go!

Neriax steps through the portal, kicking sand from his sandals - a look of annoyance on his face.

Neriax: “They’re right - these clothes are so abhorrent.”

Before the rest of his companions are through, however, he notices that Tidus, Wakka and Selphie have stopped their activities, as though sensing someone else is around. Though they managed to open a portal out of sight, it might not be long before they came to investigate. Neriax knew he had to hedge that off at the pass, and buy time for the portal to close.

He steps out from behind the hut which they are arriving… and hails the three, instantly speaking in a tone much unlike his normal - it’s upbeat and energetic. Yet, as he moves, he withdraws a pair of sunglasses to place over his eyes… to cover the one revealing weakness that might give him away. As much as he could fake laughter and smiles, the cold, dead look in his eyes would never fade.

He had to hide that.

Neriax: “Hey you guys! Have you seen my dog, Pluto? He‘s run off again…”

This post has been edited by UMCorian on Oct 19 2007, 10:10 PM

As he traversed the Corridors of Darkness, scanning around for an entrance to Destiny Islands, Leon was beginning to have second thoughts already. He contemplated the girl involved with this mission: Kairi. Having heard enough of her to get an idea of who the red-haired teen was, the Nobody wondered why she was really needed... It was on this rare occasion that logic failed the Kuraida-Ryu, left him without a definate solution to his problem. Perhaps he could push his doubts aside for now, at least until he could come up with an answer. That'd have to work.

Leon turned right, spying a dwindling portal that appeared to be behind some kind of wood structure. A hut? It was an opening, at least... Quietly, the Nobody stepped through what was left, managing to escape the Corridor before his entryway dissipated. The Kuraida-Ryu sensed several auras around the corner of this hut he resided behind; Neriax was one of them, but the others... Children, perhaps? There was minimal power resonating from any of them, save for his 'fellow Nobody', leaving Leon to believe none of them were the keybladers they were expected to encounter.

The role that Leon decided on playing in his disguise was that of a 'bookworm', as it were... From seemingly thin air, he pulled a novel into his hands; the title read 'Marquis de Sade'. Opening the pages and beginning to read, he leaned up against the hard wood of the hut's rear, waiting for a chance to move.

(( For those of you who've read the Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories manga, you'll recognize that book. ))

Orion listened to Riku's word's carefully and took haste as he headed towards the tree houses, climbing into one of them, he began to ponder what would become of him after this mission, was he worthy of protecting Kairi and could his team-mates really count on him to not back down and the same could he rely on them. His heart had so many questions but no answers to them, the small cube was comforting and very rough. The summer sun's ray beat down on him as he kept watch for any suspicious characters.

"I wonder what the others are doing?" He asked himself out loud unlike Anell and Aeris to keep each other company, he was alone and going to probably be very bored soon, he noticed the realtionship that Riku and Kairi shared and it seems Sora had to problem with it, but could he ever really stop loving her? He's heard of their love and Orion considered it a great wonder. He looked out at the kids playing and the waves of water crashing against the sand. He could hear the seagulls wings flap and foots steps of those out of his range as well, the beauties this world contained were rivaled only by those of the Skylight Sanctuary.

He looked over to see Axle patroling the beach like a law enforcement agent almost or more possibly a soldier, he found it far too curious and the realtionship between him and the girl caught his attention even more so. His curiousity had probably gotten him into jams before but nothing he could re-call even though after he lost his memories, he did re-call being curious about one girl... The out-come was she was a gang-leader's girl friend and was pushed into a fight between himself and the leader, small smile crossed his lips as he re-called it, the girl left with him...

While Axle was not used to this type of world, the change was nothing short of breathtaking. The moment he stepped from the ship onto the sandy beaches of the quaint little islands he experienced a moment of complete and utter contentment. It seemed no wonder that the founders of the Sanctuary chose to call this place home. The beaches, clean crisp air, sparkling waters that stretched for miles in any direction, oh yeah, close enough to paradise.

He had conversed with the others earlier on, Aeris and Anell would stick with Kairi and Orion would keep an eye on the huts. His orders were, quote, keep guard on the beaches for any sigh of the Nobodys, end quote. As long as the peace was kept, Axle was truly happy. Traverse Town had nothing like this.He had not changed his general outfit which made him stand out like a sore thumb against the pristine white sands, black trousers, boots, and a loose dark patterned long-sleeve shirt. What slight wind there was ruffled his clothing, revealing a small score of the scars that cover his body, the ripples on the water lapping gently against his heels.

Time, such a precious thing, this is a place I could spend all of what I have left.

His footfalls eventually quicken as his mind shifted to the duty at hand. There was a lot of beach to cover and his precious time was not to be wasted. After a short time he came upon a few of the locals, those he had been advised to keep an eye on as well. They had strong hearts, stronger personalities, and, what more, an ever binding friendship to each other. Their hearts would never truly forget. Slowly Axle approached them, a smile on his face, to meet them was to know them especially in this situation. However, before he could say a word, another person, clad in garbs matching the weather and locale addressed them. Asking about Pluto of all... animals? Not a moment later, all of Axle's muscles went from relaxed to tense. Pluto, the exact name of the King's faithful hound had not been lost to the fabric of the worlds... something was amiss.

Increasing his pace, Axle closed what distance between him and the locals was left, trying to remain at a fairly calm pace.

I might answer that for you, sir. I have been all over this island in the last few hours and I have not seen high nor' low of a dog. I'm looking for someone in particular though, perhaps you could help me?

Axle's smile didn't fade as he introduced himself to Selphie, Tidus and Wakka, who responded back kindly. He did, however, keep one eye on the newcomer at all times, making sure not to make it completely obvious that he was doing just that.

Neriax turns his head toward the new arrival, Axle, and adjusts his glasses a little bit.

Neriax: "Well, I assure you... I have a dog. His name is Pluto - named after the King's faithful hound. He just ran off no more than 5 minutes ago. He likes to swim, so I took him off the leash. No reward goes unpunished I suppose... he'll be back when he's hungry"

He folds his arms behind his back casually and looks toward Axle.

Neriax: "And who would you be looking for?"

OoC: Please please please keep your OoC knowledge to yourself. This has to be as fair as I can make it and I'm trying my best to make it that way.

Acceptance is the key to victory.

Anell was leaning against a tree nearby Kairi and the others, eyes open and scanning the surroundings, her mind running through the dozens of maxims she remembered from...somewhere.

Accept you will be hurt. Accept the pain before you are inflicted it.

She could see nothing, just normal keybladers doing their various day-to-day activities. She had borrowed some clothes from a friend, trying to blend in more - a brown jacket and top and khaki combat shorts. They were not uncomfortable, but she felt exposed. The flip-flops hurt her feet. How could she run in those things?

That way, you will not be distracted by the blood and pain. You will keep your focus.

Axle has already struck up a conversation with a passer-by, who seemed to be looking for his dog, Pluto, named after the King's. She let her attention wander. Axle would have it covered. Orion was watching the houses. Kairi was nearby, and Aeris too, probably.

And then, when he is relishing his victory, banish the pain and strike.

Her eyes lingered on one keyblader not far off. Was he walking a little too fast? Was his smile too forced? Was he really as comfortable in those casual clothes as he seemed? But she dismissed the thought when another keyblader sent him a smile and a wave. An innocent. Next person. That girl over there.

Expect to be hurt. Feel the pain at the beginning. Never be caught surprised.

Her fists were clenched, and her muscles were tense and ready for action. She must not be distracted, not by anything or anyone. The nobodies would show up in minutes, or seconds, or hours.

Always, always be prepared.

((sorry i'm so late! i have band all day today... >_< ...OH! and remember...this is a third person view point....your character is to be refered to in "he, she, they...*name*" format....not as script form, or "I, me, we" aka: first person))

Aeris had changed. Not just into her more relaxed and typical robes, but something inside her had changed as well....almost like the blood stained battle-dress that she had seen fit to rid herself of earlier before she and Axle had landed. Her job was clear cut....stick to Kairi....no matter what.

Her eyes wandered slightly as she sat quietly next to the girl, well, now she was more woman than girl, Kairi. It was her job...as she saw it...to not only make things safe for their charge, but also comfortable. Aeris was certain that being guarded like this was far from typical, or even appealing, to the keyblade mistress. As Axle worked his way along the beach, and Orion headed off in the direction of the tree houses, Anell seemed lost in her own thoughts, leaving Kairi and Aeris in an almost uncomfortable silence. Something would have to be done about that, she thought with a slight smile.

So Kairi...I'm afraid I don't know much about you...and if I'm to try and protect you I should like to know a bit more about what you like to do.

She stated, rather bluntly. After a moment, Aeris mentally kicked herself, and shook her head.

I'm sorry...that came out wrong. I just want to make this as comfortable for you as possible, so it would help me to know more about what kinds of things you like to do, or places you like to go....or even people around here that you like to talk to.

She corrected herself, as she gazed out over the area from where the two of them sat. Axle looked as if he was about to possably have some trouble....and if the two nearest him (not counting Tidus, Waka, or Selphie) were infact nobodies, then there would be more nearby. As she thought this, Aeris made mental notes on several defendable positions close by, where she...and hopefully Anell....could protect Kairi by themselves, just in case the men couldn't get to them swiftly enough.

This post has been edited by Aeris on Oct 20 2007, 09:27 PM

Sora looked over at Riku as they walked along the back area of the island. He kept his keyblades in his hands at all times just incase anything were to happen. The keyblades he kept with him were Oathkeeper, after Kairi, and Oblivion, for Riku. He saw Riku was slightly behind him as they patroleld the deserted clear beaches.

"I wonder if the four we've got can handle some Nobodies. They're probably sending some of their main warriors so we'd better be careful. Sora had a slight smile on his face as he jumped to the top of an abandoned shed. "Keep on your guard Riku" He said.

Over the last two years the three of them had bonded greatly. They knew each others weaknesses and strengths and would be able to defeat most adversaries. But there was only one mental gap between Riku and Sora and that was kairi. Both had feelings towards the girl but Riku had her. He didn't rub it in but Sora sometimes felt as if he did.

Back at the sunstruck side of the island Kairi stretched up and leaned back. She was going to go about her normal activites except with more...friends. Standing up she heard Aeris begin to question her about her usual situation. Hearing this kairi smiled and offered her guardian a hand to lift herself up. She then held the other hand out to Anell.

"A typical day on Destiny Islands....Well usually i spend a lot of it training against Riku and Sora. Sometimes we play a game of dodgeball with Wakka, Tidus and Selphie. That's all there is on this island really. But sometimes I take a walk along the paths and then go for a swim." Kairi stated and ran her fingers through her ever extensive long hair. It now reached down to her hips and she liked it that way. And so did Riku which she was pleased about.

"So...Anyone want to go for a walk?" Kairi said normally as if her presence on this island wasn't at risk. She decided that if anything happened then they'd handle it then and not before.

Neriax was already attracting minor attention. Not such a good thing, in Leon's opinion. But at least it would give him the chance to acquire some data on their current situation... Tapping the page number he was on, then closing the 'Marquis de Sade', he walked out from behind the hut calmly, maintaining a casual look. Holding the book at his side, the Kuraida-Ryu made for Sora, whom he could see sitting on an old shed of sorts. Once he was within earshot of the spiky-haired keyblader, Leon plastered a friendly grin to his face, speaking in a Southern-esque accent.

"Don't mind me askin', kid, but what do y'all do around here fer fun? Seems a lil' dull, innit?"

"And who would you be looking for?"

Axle paused, allowing his eyes to slowly glide over the newcomer. Somehow there would be a way to expose this person for who he was, friend or foe. Axle had always been quite critical, a boon for someone who always wanted to know all sides of every situation. Now all there was left to do was find the points of weakness in this one, everyone had theirs. His was... her. Axle's mouth crept into a hint of a smile, time to test. He shrugged at the question.

No one in particular, really. I have seen my face around, as odd as it may seem, but I have failed to come across myself yet...

Axle paused, gasped and turned one full circle. After he returned to his previous position, he looked down at his hands.

I'll be damned, I was here all along. Thanks for your help, sir. Oh yeah and, by the bye, there was something that I don't get.

He leaned to one side and peeked over the man's shoulders.

I haven't seen your boat around. If you said you have been here for more than a few minutes I think I would have seen it.

A smile crept back across Axles face. He never realized that he could be this clever.

Orion looked over at the confrontation that Axle has instigated, he looked over carefully, ready to strike if need be he jumped out form the tree house and laid against the tree itself, letting the rays of sun beat down on him. He never knew a place could be so calming, he understood why the 3 greatest keybladers called this home. Unknowingly Orion had closed his eyes and opened one slightly to keep an eye on the scarred warrior. He heard voices, and it wasn't him he turned around to see Riku, Sora and another character speaking, he couldn't leave his post though, just incase there was an attack.

Anell and Aeris were to watch Kairi and ever so carefully, if the nobodies were to attack this could be a battle for the books and to be a part of history, it would be a great accomplishment... unless they failed to protect her, then they'd be known as failures. These thoughts ran through his head as everyone else was going through the motions. The hard yet smooth sand caressed his arms, as he dug his hands into it.

At this, Neriax cannot help but smile slightly. He lowers his head, and even gives a slight chuckle. He slowly removes his sunglasses with a languid hand.

Neriax\; "How could you miss my boat? It's the one over by the wharf over there... next to the flying elephant."

Suddenly, in Nerax's other hand, a keyblade shines to life - appearing out of nowhere. He attempts to plunge into straight into Axle's heart.

Regardless of the success/failure of the above actiom, he turns to Leon.

Neriax: "We've been set up! Back to the portal!"

EDIT: Sorry about that Orion - not your heart, Axle's.

This post has been edited by UMCorian on Oct 23 2007, 10:50 AM

A brief flash of light prevailed over a corner of Leon's sight, drawing his head toward its source; Neriax had summoned his keyblade, apparently believing his cover was compromised.

"We've been set up! Back to the portal!"

That faux grin that Leon had hid his true 'emotions' behind faded. There was an expression of disappointment on his features now, unsatisfied with Neriax's performance. The Kuraida-Ryu did not move from his spot, instead crossing his pale arms against his chest and eyeing his acquaintance with distaste. He spoke a response, his accent being his own this time.

"Flee if you so wish. They're bound to strike you down if you don't. I, however, have no reason to leave; my place in this war is not with the ambitious fools of my 'kind'."

He said nothing more to Neriax, instead turning his head back to Sora. Not a friendly gaze would be given off by Leon this time, but one of neutrality. This Nobody had made his decision; combat was not in his best interests.

"Besides... This island has a pleasurable atmosphere..."

The advantage of setting up one's opponent is the ability to predict, with a certain amount of clarity, their actions. Axle didn't know how he would strike, only that he would strike. In one smooth movement, he dodged the thrust from the nobody and summoned his own stained keyblade in a flash of light. The smile didn't leave Axle's face, such a simple trick actually worked. With a small degree of excitement in his voice he hollered to the others whom he hoped were in earshot.

We've got company!

Quickly he shifted to his fighting stance, keyblade over his right shoulder. If there was ever a time to strike this would be the best. Taking several steps towards the Nobody, he swung vertically downward, a decisive one hand swing.

Orion's ear twitched at the sound of Axle shouting and the following cling of the blades clashing, he opened his eyes looking over he shot foward as his feet crashed into the sand, he ran over towards the orange haired boy and jumped into the air summoning his keyblade, he spun mid-air aiming for the Nobody's neck as he stuck out his keyblade. This was all exciting to fight against a nobody, a real nobody he was used to the mangled silver creatures but the human ones... it was a rarity on his part. He landed not seeing wether he'd hit him or not and jumped back just enough to be out of striking range.

"Axle, we can take this guy right?" He said out-loud to his companion and went into a defensive stance.

Sora looked at the newcomer suspiciously but having actually seen, well at least heard, something docking on a smaller island he walked towards the male. "Hey. What's your name newcomers?" He started before leaning back on the nearby tree still with keyblade in his hand. "For fun? Well we..." He started but was interrupted by Axel shouting.

Suddenly he pointed his keyblade at the figure he had just spoken too. "Why are you here? If it's to capture Kairi then you've failed. Leave!" Sora ordered and showed no fear as he got ready for battle.

Tidus, Wakka and Selphie leapt back just in time for the keyblades not to touch them. Panic shone through their eyes and they ran towards their homes quickly.

Kairi rose to her feet and got ready. If they came towards her she'd show them what she had been taught. She watched the battle unfold.

Neriax glanced from Orion to Axel, and knew it was only a matter of time before the entire island was brought down upon his head. He didn't spare Leon another glance, figuring with all the betrayal he'd suffered in the last few minutes, so long as Leon has his own deal that didn't include cutting off Neriax's escape route, he would call it even.

Just as Axle took his fighting stance, Neriax pressed his attack - not with his keyblade, however. He kicked his foot into the ground and sent a spray of sand into Axle's face. Wasting no further time, he turns and races back the way he came and,provided he isn't stopped, dives back behind the hut from which he'd came, into the portal leading home.

This post has been edited by UMCorian on Oct 23 2007, 08:01 PM

Leon kept his eyes fixed on Sora, unblinking in the presence of his keyblade. One of his ears seemed to twitch; Neriax was entering the Corridor of Darkness, if not already gone. It mattered not. Negotiating with the spiky-haired keyblader for peace was his current objective now. What's more, he knew already what to do about it... Leon raised two fingers before him in a 'one moment' kind of gesture, before allowing a wave of darkness to engulf his body. It didn't take long for the barrier to disappear - no more than five seconds - and reveal that Leon was now in his usual outfit.

"I cannot understand how some people wear those kinds of clothing... This is much more to my liking."

The Kuraida-Ryu flipped his hair back as he stretched somewhat, getting accustomed to his old clothes once more. Following this, he refixes his gaze on the young keybearer, appearing more serious than moments ago.

"That ambitious fool stumbled upon me and explained this 'assignment' - that of capturing your Kairi. Only through sheer curiosity did I dare come... He clearly overlooked some details of the mission, and your allies' suspicions and reactions have forced him to flee. I see no reason to support one with his wits, and have abandoned that imbecile's cause."

Leon paused for several more silent moments, running a hand through his ebony hair, then tapping the cross necklace twice.

"Furthering my decision were the intensity of her aura... Of all the people here, Kairi's aura radiates the most pure light. It provides reason for you all to be... Happy, I believe the word is. A Nobody I may be, but wise I consider myself; I would be but a fool to rob her from your lives..."

He would say nothing more at this point, having said his piece. The Nobody awaited Sora's answer, uncertain as to his reaction.

This post has been edited by Leon Kinotolian on Oct 23 2007, 09:41 PM