towerofanimus | (no subject)

Characters: [OU] Master Xehanort and potential victims
Setting: Anywhere you are
Format: I'll match whatever. Action is fine, the old coot just wanted to WORDS for his first post.
Summary: Old man goes out to explore the tower and runs into everyone who never wanted to run into him ever. And maybe some people who did.
Warnings: It's Xehanort. Everything is fair game. KH cast I apologize in advance...

Pacing, pacing. Back and forth. Something had gone wrong, something that he - how laughable, that - hadn't planned for. A random, stray element, that .00001 chance of something coming up. Whatever it was, it had catastrophic effects. His fingers curled and uncurled as he ran through options, through possibilities.

No matter. He was still there. He would find another way. The X-Blade was simply one path to Kingdom Hearts, after all...

He turned on his heel, coat swishing and hands clasping behind his back in that practiced and comfortable way, heading out down the hall. Footsteps even, measured. Making a mental map. Memorizing every step, so that even if he couldn't see or hear he would still be able to find his way.

If this was where he was going to stay, he would make it service him. It was simply a matter of learning its secrets.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I suppose that makes us a pair.

[ a pair of opposites, probably. ]

I've taken to exploring all the rooms I can as well after my arrival. What I've seen [ he closes his eyes. ] has not been entirely pleasant. I hope you've had better luck.

So it would seem. I wonder how many other new people there could be...

[There's no doubt that they've seen similar things in their ascent of the tower, but Xehanort cannot recall anything he found distinctly unpleasant. Perhaps they simply just had different definitions of the word.]

It's been quite curious, if nothing else. How such different rooms and environments can co-exist within close proximity of each other...

Perhaps this happens all at once to several different worlds, if we'd like to believe the letters.

[ if we don't want to, however... Cecil has a few other thoughts in mind, mostly fueled by the whispers of his own heritage. it's all he knows, after all. ]

Ah-- [ so he wasn't the only one thinking that. ] It's strange, but not harmfully so. Magic or technology, or perhaps both, could be used.

In a place like this, what to believe and what to take with a grain of salt remains to be seen, I'm sure.

[He knows false altruism all too well to believe the setup the letter presented. There had to be an ulterior motive, somewhere...]

Of course. This place is fantastic in its own way. It will be and adventure to learn its secrets...

Possibly a dangerous one, as I've heard there are many monsters that lurk.

[ he doesn't want to be presumptuous, of course, but there is concern in his gaze. ]

Will you be alright? I have been trained as a Dark Knight in my years, and have become a Paladin recently. If you should find yourself in need of help...

[It's almost laughable, but at the same time it's... precious. That beautiful, innocent sort of light that one wants to hold in their hand like a porcelain doll.

Xehanort has never been one for porcelain, though. But he is willing to indulge.]

That's quite kind of you, young man. I wouldn't want to put you out of your way for my sake, though.

[ his expression wanes into a comforting smile. ]

In my world, I was recently crowned the King of Baron--I am no king here and do not wish to be, but I do wish to keep everyone I can safe. I would be honored to help you in any way possible.

[ and then, he extends a hand. ]

I am Cecil Harvey.

[He straightens himself out for a moment before going down on one knee, into a proper bow.]

Permit me this formality. As one who has traveled my fair share, it is only fitting to honour someone so suited to such a position. Your subjects are fortunate to have such a benevolent ruler.

[From his carefully balanced kneeling position he reaches up to clasp Cecil's hand warmly with his own gloved one.] Xehanort. The pleasure is mine.

[ Cecil's only been crowned a few hours past--such a gracious and lavish act, especially by an elder, is distinctly flustering for him. his lips part to insist he stands, but once he tells him to permit the formalithy, Cecil has no choice but to relent. the fluster in his face and his shoulders is obvious--Cecil is usually good at looking unflappable, but there are things that just... sort of put him into an odd place, like this. ]

I-- [ he clears his throat. ] It's an honor to meet you, Xehanort. Thank you for your praise, though I'm quite sure many could rule as fair as I. I only mention my station for your security...

[ so he offers his other hand to help Xehanort back up. ]

[He accepts the hand, standing up stiffly and slowly as though ailed by something, going back into that familiar, comfortable hunch. He permits a smile - pleasant, to be sure - to cross his face, although the one inside is far less benign.]

It would be too much to petition a king for my own foolish needs. I could never request such a thing... however, as you have chosen to abdicate away from your home, I will accept your offer in the spirit it was given, as an equal among men.

[ just in the way he stands worries Cecil--he moves so much like Tellah did, down Mt. Ordeals, or like Cid used to shortly after recovering from the bomb... his walls and straight-faced mask already gone, the worry that's on his face is evident now. oh, why bring an old man here? perhaps he was strong-willed like any of his other elders, but that was no reason to bring him here on false pretenses (as far as Cecil was aware, he didn't believe that they were saved, not for a second.)

there's a quiet exhale, then, when Xehanort does accept the offer. he didn't even know he was holding that breath. ]

Then we are equals.

[It's a charming thought, one he'll let the paladin keep for a while. There are only a handful of people he would consider equals in all the worlds, and so far he hasn't encountered any of them here yet. It's almost pleasing to see how much this all even matters to Cecil... sometimes the insecurities of those steeped in light are quite amusing.]

I won't take any more of your time. It has been a pleasure to speak with you, Cecil.

And you as well, Xehanort. I hope that you keep safe.

[ (You have obtained one (1) Paladin Bodygard!)

he's going to keep a watchful eye on Xehanort. he may be a willful man, but he'll worry nonetheless. until he sees him cast Meteor, dive off an airship with a Bomb, or be alone on the moon for several years, he may underestimate him. ]