007

[justabignobody]

Characters: Riku (justabignobody) and Naminé (lethechained), then O P E N
Setting: 5th September, Daytime, all around the Tower
Format: Action to start with, but I'll match!
Summary: After spending a month back home (and finding out that it is really all destroyed) Riku returns to the Tower. Clearly, the first thing on order is to check up on everyone!
Warnings: Non as of now.

[A - Dormitory Hallways - Closed to Naminé]

[It's... hard to say just how much time has passed since he woke from the dreams into a living nightmare, since he had realized that this wasn't another trick, another dream, but reality. How much time he's spent wandering, wondering, thinking.

Sometimes along the road, he had decided not to give up, not to give into the despair - no matter how tempting it might seem.

And the moment he reawakens and knows, feels that something has changed, he also knows that that was the right decision to make.

Finally, he steps out of his room, still slightly disoriented, but determined to find somebody.

(He has missed them. He has missed them so much and the ache in his heart is even worse than it had been in those ten months before he had arrived in the tower)]


[B - All around the Tower - Open to all!]

[Things are clearer now not just because his hair and bangs are maybe just a little bit shorter). A whole month has passed since he had been forced to sleep. A lot has happened since, a lot he has missed. But even though Naminé has reassured him that everyone is fine, that non of their friends is gone or hurt (too badly at least), he needs to make sure himself.

So, for once Riku is the one, who systematically wanders the floors in search of familiar faces (and possibly running into some not so familiar ones). And for once, the relief of being back, of being back with people is showing more and more, with every passing hour.]



[ooc: a.) Please indicate the number of the Floor you want to run into Riku, either in the subject line or the tag itself!

b.) I'll probably still be using some blindfold icons, but as of now Riku is not wearing it anymore.

c.) Also, if you haven't please take a moment for his permissions post!]

Comments

[lethechained]

[She'd been quite distressed to discover that he was gone.]

[She'd made it a point to try to check on him, after everything that went on, but he'd seemed to have disappeared. Needless to say, that had her terribly, terribly concerned. Anxious and worried, she'd sought out his heart. She'd had no luck with that, either; it seemed all that could be done was wait and watch and hope that there wasn't some nefarious scheme at work, be it the Tower's or someone else's. It was maddening, but there was no other choice.]

[Keeping vigil, however, seems to have finally paid off. When he leaves his room, he'll find her standing still a short distance down the hallway, eyes wide. She doesn't say anything at first, doesn't trust herself to, but then, at last--]

Riku--!

[justabignobody]

[He blinks at first - she's one of the first he intended to seek out, but... he hadn't quite expected to run into her so quickly. Then, after a short moment of hesitation, he starts smiling; his relieve showing.

It's funny how much easier it is to smile now, how much lighter he feels now that the darkness is sealed and he is back with friends. It's the first time in forever that it shows in his eyes or that it is for someone to see at least.]

Naminé!

[It only takes a moment to cross the distance to her, and another before he breaks through his hesitation and the first question - perhaps the most important one - breaks free.]

...How long?

[How long had he been gone? And... what had happened since?]

[lethechained]

[Smiling may not prove that he's alright... but it certainly helps Naminé. Relieved herself at both the sight of that and just because he's back, she smiles back.]

[She's a touch late helping to make up some of that distance, but help she does. Maybe if she were Sora or Kairi, she'd greet him with a hug. She is not them, so she does not. She doesn't quite know what to do with herself, truthfully, but in the end she just smiles up at him, eyes warm. Soon enough, though, it's back to business. Her smile ebbs away, though the joy at seeing him doesn't.]

... About a month. [And it's not hard to figure out what he'll want to know next, and so she makes no delay.] Everyone's-- okay, but... some things have happened. The Tower was attacked by a giant whale - although it looks like the damage has been repaired. And... [She falters, expression darkening.] ... it seems... Vanitas is back.

[justabignobody]

[It may not really prove anything (except that doesn't exactly hide just how relieved he is right now, especially when she smiles back).

He doesn't really expect to be hugged by anyone (though he probably should expect it in certain cases), so there is really nothing to worry - her smile is enough. More than. He turns serious as he listens to her, his lips pressing together at first - a month?! - but then he relaxes slightly upon hearing that they were okay.

He raises an eyebrow... well giant whale does kind of bring up some memories.]

A giant whale, huh? You don't think...?

[Though, that's pretty impossible, right?

His eyes narrow when she mentions Vanitas, his jaw clenching as worry flickers over his eyes - he had promised Xion to protect her the last time he had reappeared and he hadn't been there; is she safe, does she know?]

...How's Xion?

Room 2-12

[attheclocktower]

[It's been just over a week since Xion's run-in with Vanitas, and she's still in bed resting more than she'd like. Currently she's... in Reno's and Shion's room, for now. She really shouldn't be away from her own room for too much longer; it was already starting to take its toll on her energy levels. But there was still the fear - the one that with her name on the door she could be found and... she didn't want to think about it.

Not that the restless sleep wasn't doing that already, but oh well.

Regardless, she's curled up with her back against the wall, propped up some by pillows. She's a little jumpy though - quickly looking around at the sign of any noise or whatnot.]

[justabignobody]

[It was pretty much inevitable that Riku comes to find her there. Especially after learning that Vanitas (or at least some version of him) is back in that tower.

While he doesn't quite know where to find her at first... there really are only so many locations and people he knows she'd feel safe at... which pretty much lead him here.

And so he is careful to knock - it isn't like he has really close ties to any of the official residents of that room, and he doesn't want to startle her too badly - before he opens the door and slips inside.]

...Hey.

[attheclocktower]

[She does startle a little, though the knock helps. She's expecting to see Shion, probably, or that other roommate of theirs (the fourth had recently left the Tower), or maybe if she's lucky, Reno. When she sees who it is though, there's a flood of relief so profound she seems to just sag from it.]

Riku!

[The book is dropped, abandoned. She pushes herself up to her feet, grimacing as her sore ribs twinge. As soon as she's on her feet though, she's across the room and hugging him. There might even be a tear or two leaking out of the corner of her eye, because for one moment, she can forget about what happened, forget about worrying and looking over her shoulder and listening for sounds in the shadows of someone trying to hurt her.

For one moment, she feels safe.]

[justabignobody]

[He blinks, just a little startled when he's suddenly hugged - even though it shouldn't be (and really isn't) all that surprising even given what little he has heard.

But even though he's frozen for a moment, he settles one arm around her shoulders and the other hand on her head.]

Hi Xion. [He hesitates another moment before adding the few words that she really deserves the most.] I'm sorry.

[For disappearing. For not keeping his promise. For a thousand other things that neither of them really has any control over.]

Floor 28 - I am sparing you the horrible for now :>

[pitiedthefool]

[For some reason he's been drawn to this floor more and more lately as he wanders on his own, always having found solace in music before and after arriving here the first time. Not just in listening to it, but playing as well. Usually it's the trumpet he's playing, but this time... he has a guitar in his hand, strumming along to a tune he knows all too well from band. Sure, it took a while to figure out the chords, but...]

-as our pained hearts, as one, are singing.

[The words are whispered. He doesn't trust his voice to not crack as they are being muttered any louder over the strong chords amplified in this room. Even a few other instruments seem to be playing themselves in time to the electric guitar.

The light is shining bright as ever nowadays, though he does stop once the trombone seems to join in-]

We'll stand side-by-side and weather the storms-

[He looks up, seeing Riku and blinking slightly in surprise. ...He didn't remember his eyes not being gold, but he can't help the faint hint of a smile crossing his lips. For the longest time, he'd been worried that his new friend had-]

No matter what each trial brings.

[[His voice seems stronger, now.]

...It's been a while, Riku.

[justabignobody]

[Riku halts a little before entering the floor, just listening to the up-beat of the song and whispered lyrics; seems like Yu hasn't had too bad a month. Good. He of all people really needs it - given all the things that had happened in the three or so months before that.

Even after entering, he stays in the back of the room, a faint smile on his face when Yu notices him (and though he is only partly aware of it; it's lighter than before, and Riku himself is a little more relaxed as a whole).]

Hmm... so I've heard. Don't let me disturb you though.

[pitiedthefool]

[He was preparing himself for this month and what he had a feeling could go downhill again. It's almost funny, really - the last time he 'saw' Riku, it was a reminder of that same lesson he had been given so long ago. Though that look on Riku's face? It gives him a little more incentive.]

You know, I never really thought of running into a friend somehow an interruption. [He chuckles faintly, looking at his small watch. He'd have to ask for batteries at some point...] I was almost done here, anyway. Kind of need to leave before they get here.

[Let him tell you all about the band issues, bro Most of which involve Eikichi's singing oh god.]

[justabignobody]

[All the more reason to enjoy the break for as long as they have it.

He shrugs at first, then raises an eyebrow when Yu mentions needing to leave, and for a moment it looks like he might ask about it. However, after a moment he just shakes his head.]

...I think I'd rather not know.

[If Yu wants to leave it's probably a prudent idea though.]

Floor 14

[keybearer]

[Well, it would seem that Riku's double has found himself in the media room today. However, he's not really sticking in one place so much as wandering aimlessly, just skimming its various contents.

Games or movies would be a welcome distraction right about now, but... Should he even try? Vanitas is back. That alone is cause for alarm.]

[justabignobody]

[And indeed that's where Riku finds him, frowning for just a second as he leans against the door frame of the entrance - his double's restlessness is hanging in the room as if it was tangible. Time to see what's on his mind then.]

Well, don't you look decisive today.

[keybearer]

Huh?

[He jerks forward and then slowly turns around.

And promptly stares.

That's definitely his double, but where the heck is his blindfold? Did something happen? Is he actually being sarcastic?

...Is this real life?]

Didn't expect to see you here.

[justabignobody]

[There's a smirk flickering over his face, because honestly? That face his double is making is really just priceless.

He tilts his head, glancing around the room.]

Hmm... I guess this isn't exactly one of my usual hangouts.

[And even though he can be a little more relaxed overall, he doubts it will become that anytime soon.]

Library

[the_white_rider]

[ Gandalf who returned publicly to the tower very recently as well is, like usual, up at the library. Like always the White Wizard is still looking at and reading some of the biggest and most complicated books out there- Thankfully most of them had been recovered following the reconstruction of the tower.

He's not just reading a book today though, he's also quickly writing notes in another book. As if looking for specific information. ]

[justabignobody]

[Riku has maybe only spoken once with the wizard, but he does remember Gandalf's theory from back at the meeting... and his own thoughts about it. He hadn't been quite ready to voice them back then, not when he had still believed (or at least hoped) that the worlds were not actually destroyed, but given what he had seen in the last month... He should probably share his thoughts after all.

So he's far from unhappy when he spots the wizard in the library... though he looks rather busy.

...Hmm.]

Are you looking for anything particular?

[the_white_rider]

[ Gandalf looks up when he hears the voice - Riku? And without his blindfold like last time, it's a good surprise. He nods and puts a book aside. Yes he's looking, unfortunately the truly mattering book are probably secured away. Or burnt for all they know. ]

I am always looking for something particular.

[ He smiles. ]

But it is rare when I find it.

[justabignobody]

[Burnt, huh... that's really a pity. Riku should probably check on the spellbooks later on. He returns that smile though, hands digging into the pockets of his cloak.]

Maybe you are looking to hard.

[Because well... the harder you look, the harder it is to find something, isn't it?

A pause.]

...Is this a bad time? There is something I'd like to talk about with you.

[ floor twenty-five ]

[inheritedlight]

[ Life in the tower was...pretty hectic, but it wasn't anything Kairi couldn't handle. Still, she knew it was better to try to relax before the next big thing would come up, so thus, she chose the meadow.

It wasn't Destiny Islands - not by a long shot, but it was a calming place. She would be found sitting by a tree, looking up with a smile on her face and plenty of thoughts in her head. ]

I wonder how you guys are...

[justabignobody]

[Funnily enough, the meadow floor happens to be one of Riku's favorite daytime hangouts - precisely because it a.) is peaceful and b.) holds no reminders of home (the home that he can't return to anyways and that he is totally not missing, no matter that the Heartless was now hopefully locked away for good).

Due this it's really not surprising that he eventually ends up there, for once not just because it's a good place to seek some solitude to learn, but because for the first time in very long he feels truly at peace.

When he spots that girl he frowns a little; her scent is a bit different, but she looks a lot like-]

...Kairi?

Floor 14

[derping]

[Sora was still terrible at video games. He was trying, really, but all of his attempts to master whatever game he had pulled out from the pile were ending in a mess of game overs. Maybe this just wasn't his thing.

Besides, playing games by yourself was pretty boring. That might have been his problem.

Still, it was something to do, and it was better than sitting around and thinking. Worrying. There was way too much of that to do in this place, but Sora would rather find a way to keep his mind off of things.

It was hard, though, because he was worried. About a few things, but especially about one in particular. No one had seen Riku - the one from his world - for a while. Where was he?

He turns off the gaming system, giving an annoyed glance to one of the unused televisons that turns on in a burst of static. It didn't make him jump like it did when he first came to the tower, but it was still a little bit creepy. There's not much point in trying to turn it off, though, so he jsut leaves it.

He can be found going through all the other games, trying to decide if he wanted to try something else or find another distraction.]

[justabignobody]

[Riku is probably maybe just as terrible... or would be if he ever were to try - so far the Media Floor has always lacked any sort of appeal to him. Though... given that he's seen the other Sora there quite a few times, and now his double and the Sora from his timeline... maybe he should at very least give it a try, he notes absently when he finally finds Sora.

He's not entirely sure just how much time he spends awkwardly standing at the entrance to the floor and watching Sora shuffling through the games, maybe kind of stuck on how to call out, what to say...

Until he decides that well, he might as well keep the tradition running and make his way over soundlessly, only speaking up when he's leaning to peer over Sora's shoulder (or at least pretending to).]

Found anything interesting?

[derping]

[Well if he had found anything interesting, it's now knocked onto the floor along with the rest of the pile - an unfortunate consequence of Sora jumping at the very sudden sound of his best friend's voice. Not again! How could he not have heard anything?]

Geez, Riku, why do you have to-

[Wait, it's...Riku. Sora turns around fully, taking a good long look and confirming that yes, this is the Riku from his world. Looking a bit different, but it was definitely him. Sora's face lights up, a lot of the worry he was trying to shove aside earlier vanishing in an instant. He's okay! He's here!]

Riku! You're back!

[Of course, there's an important question to add to that.]

Where have you been?