towerofanimus | A whole new world o/`

Entry tags:

A whole new world o/`

Name: Xemnas and ANYONE
Format: Prose, Actions. Whatever people are most comfortable with; beginning prose.
Setting:Room 2-10, then Travel Time to Floor 61.
Summary: Dude, Where's My Castle? Or, Xemnas Arrival.
Warnings: Possibly violence. Possibly not. Very brief nudity. Will update as things happen.
Notes: Limited number of locations to start with, because hugegame is huge.

Sleep paralysis is a new experience, and is waited out with measured patience. Not being able to move isn't particularly alarming, as it doesn't come with pain or disorientation. The room is unfamiliar. That.. is more troubling. Unusual outfit: check. Collar: check. The white didn't bother him overmuch, even though it wasn't as comfortable as the uniforms he'd painstakingly made. A search of the collar finds no fasteners, and pulling on it did no good so he doesn't waste his time trying to tear it free. Both notes are skimmed then set on the bed; the chances of a world that didn't exist being destroyed were slim. It was of no concern. What was ... was being somewhere he shouldn't be, and attempting to form a corridor of darkness to the castle failing outright.

Xemnas, being a fairly practical creature, comes to the conclusion that finding out where he is, is a reasonable good step.

If any of his new roommates are there, he politely disregards the presence of others in favor of standing, investigating the chest at the foot of the narrow bed and almost immediately stripping out of the white skin-tight outfit that had been provided him and replacing it with the black uniform of the Organization.

Sometimes free shows can't be helped.

--

It doesn't take long before he's satisfied with what he knows of the dormitory floors. People aren't his concern, and he doesn't bother to greet anyone he comes across. He'll query individuals later, once he has a solid map in his mind of where he is. He couldn't use a corridor to get somewhere he hadn't been before, after all. If he's stopped, well, that's different.

Then peaceful, patient elevator travel. There were only a certain number of floors it would stop at but he'd investigate each one eventually.

--

The elevator opening to a grassy plain is unexpected, as are the distant mountains. Did the elevator connect to entirely different worlds, a peculiar technological version of world-hopping? This is worth investigating a little more thoroughly, and in short order there is a dark shape moving through the waist-deep grass, almost but not quite curious. It seems like a peaceful place, and aside from plants, Xemnas could detect no other obvious signs of life in his immediate vicinity.

He doesn't notice the clouds at first. Or the mountains.

Because honestly, the holes in the ground are much more attention-grabbing, and difficult to spot.

He finds one the hard way. There's a yelp as the ground he expected to be underfoot in his next step simply isn't there, sending him tumbling into some til-now hidden pit. Falling to one's demise probably normally elicits more of a reaction than vague irritation that that was incredibly undignified, but killing a Nobody by dropping them from great heights doesn't usually work.

Especially when they can teleport. Xemnas relied on line of sight, but his reactions were quick enough that he's not falling for more than a moment before he flickers into being above the hole and just to one side, dropping a few feet back onto the grass with a thump. Frowning, the edges of the pit are carefully explored. He's.. going to be here a while.

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[Ganta watches Xemnas a moment, before walking over to his own trunk.

He frowns at the words while he opens the it. How can you be an android, in a way? Anyway, back to the reason he is reaching into his trunk. He has a spare pair of them, so why not offer? They're clean, after all. The worst that could happen is this guy turns them down. He holds the pair of socks out to the stranger as he speaks with a weak smile.]

No, I'm not an android, either. I guess, in a way though, you could say I'm not entirely normal, either. I'm a Deadman.

[If that question's ever asked then perhaps Xemnas would explain it. It might or might not make sense afterwards, as Xemnas has a few bad habits when it comes to explanations. As it is, he seems not particularly inclined to, because there are certain other problems going on!

... Ones that might be remedied, as a pair of socks are offered. They're regarded steadily for several long moments, wordlessly.

It could be a bribe. Or just an effort to make nice with someone who might be coming in and out of the room fairly frequently. Or something else entirely. After a good solid ten seconds of doing nothing, he reaches out and accepts the socks.

Anything is better than bare feet in leather boots.]

Thank you.

[They might not be the right size but socks are stretchy. He'll make do.]

I am not sure you're using the words 'dead man' in the way I know them. You seem alive.

[He actually gets a little nervous at the ten seconds of nothing, nearly opting to just lower them slowly back into the truck. Oh well, he tried, right? No need to feel bad about your charity not being

Fortunately, they are accepted with a 'Thank you'. This spawns a smile of relief from Ganta. He closes his trunk with a soft sigh, before referring to the stranger's words on possibly incorrect using of "dead man".

Turning to the other, he gives him a slightly sheepish smile.]

Yeah, I'm alive. Deadman doesn't literally mean 'dead man'. It's a term to describe people with special abilities.

[It's simple politeness. Much like there has been no emotional edge to anything at all he's said or done, even the thank you rings a little hollow. Xemnas felt no gratitude, but socks were practical things and a thank you is expected.

Though what follows is interesting. Were all people here so open?]

Do you know what made someone decide at some point to call the gifted 'Deadmen'?

[He has many more questions than just that, but first things first. ..Or not.]

What sort of special abilities do you possess?

[It might be painfully easy to mistake his tone, one of unfailing politeness, to be actual friendliness.

It isn't.]

[He senses the oddity of the man's words, slowly finding himself more compelled to ask exactly what he is. There are slightly more important things at hand, now, though. The man wishes to know about Deadmen, and Ganta has never been on the teaching end of this spectrum. It's actually kind of nice.]

Well, I don't know much about it. I only recently found out that's what I am; but...

[He drifts off for just a second, appearing to be thinking about how he wants to say it. He does mistake the tone, too. So far, this guy seems pretty nice, in his opinion. The poor naive kid should know better than to trust a smiling face, by now, but... he simply doesn't.]

Um... we have the ability to... move our blood.

[Anyone who indulges Xemnas' curiosity about other worlds and powers is reasonably assured to not be abused any time soon. Who knows what else might be learned! It's almost but not quite appreciation, just a close enough approximation.]

Hemokinesis? How peculiar. Did you develop this power as you aged, or were you simply ignorant of its possibility until you found out or were told?

[That's a potentially useful ability. And also potentially lethal. What did the boy use it for?]

Is it the entirety of your blood you can control, or can you isolate specific elements of it, such as platelets or white blood cells?

[Almost curiosity. This isn't exactly something he's encountered before! And it's puzzling and interesting enough to keep Xemnas from remembering that he's nearly dressed. Easily distracted? A little.]

[Ganta blinks at the questions, especially the last one. He has never thought about that, actually. He only knows a small part of it, himself. He starts with the first question, since that one is actually... somewhat... easier to answer.]

Well, I'm not entirely sure how I got it. I was ...attacked by a Red Man.

[He does not wish to go into details on that incident, so he say the next part quickly, as though attempting to move the conversation away from it.]

I was trying to save my friend from falling debris... we were going to be crushed by it... but I felt this pain in my chest and next thing I knew I was blowing it up.

[But the next question.] I'm... pretty sure it's only the entirety of it.

[He looks like he's pondering that, actually.]

Are you absolutely certain, or have you never tried?

[Xemnas sounds bemused, shrugging on the nearly ankle-length black jacket. The little silver bits on it seem to jingle faintly as he does so.]

There's no shame in not knowing for certain. It provides a goal for the future. If a way could be found, then one could concentrate antibodies at the site of an injury, and help it heal faster. Or cleanse lactic acid from one's system and run further, or be stronger.

[He's not really thinking about it too deeply, just musing over the possibility.]

... It is good you tried to save your friend. Did you succeed?

Well, I've never considered healing as a possibility. I'm still learning how to use it as a weapon, right now.

[He is looking down at his hand as he admits this, a frown planted on his face all the while. That would be really useful, actually. He doubts that it could work that way, though. This man has a point, though. He could always try it, right? No harm could come from that. With that, he nods.]

I'll keep it in mind though. And, yeah. I did save her, actually.

[He grins fondly, just a hint of color appearing on his cheeks. This could easily imply something regarding his feelings towards said friend. Or not. It's all a matter of opinion, after all.]

By the way, my name's Ganta.

One should always attempt to use power to benefit oneself in more than one way. It may prove vital in the future. Perhaps it will be worth experimenting with for you.

[If Xemnas could heal himself in combat he'd be nigh unstoppable. But he'd forgotten what healing magic he'd known when he'd lost his heart. It was unfortunate but he adapted.

Besides, for Ganta? Practice is always good, likely.]

Good.

[Embarrassment, or warm feelings for the friend in question? He's not certain but he chooses to not ask. It might be a touchier subject or have one with an extended story attached.]

... Xemnas. Tell me, Ganta. Does anything keep us to these specific rooms? What is beyond the door?

[Ganta nods to the mentioning of the benefits of getting stronger. That's definitely something that he finds to be true. Maybe he would be able to get stronger simply from trying the part with separating his blood? Hey, one could never know, without trying these things.]

Oh. Uh.

[Xemnas must not have seen the letter. Ganta holds his own letter up to give a visual of what he's describing next.]

Did you see anything like this when you woke up?

[He is looking over at Xemnas' bed, momentarily. He decides to explain some of it, anyway, though.]

You can leave, though. Supposedly, there are really strong monsters that show up at night; so, it's suggested we stay in our rooms at that time.

The Tower has one hundred and one floors. It takes about an hour to get from the top of the Tower, to the bottom. The cafeteria is on the bottom floor. [He somewhat mutters this next part] You have to eat oatmeal as your first meal, by the way. You'll get violently sick if you try to avoid it. Or... so I've heard.

[He then tosses in an extra detail that he figures could be considered relevant.]

Oh, and, right now we're on the hundredth floor.

[The letter's sitting there, neatly.]

I did. I also read it. However it would be foolish to believe everything I read without external confirmation.

[In other words, Xemnas felt it was complete bullshit and had every intention of putting it to the test. His idea of tests. Mention of nightfall and time draws a quick glance around, to seek either a window or a clock. What time was it anyway?]

'Monsters' are of little concern. An hour's travel by foot?

[That's a lot of stairs. This is not a happy-making thing. The bit about oatmeal is only dimly caught, food is important but oatmeal is kind of irrelevant too.]

Did you get sick? ... Mm. I wonder who was foolish enough to put housing so far from their own meals.

[Still, this is useful information, and he'd remember it for later, assuming something else didn't catch his attention.]

[He nods to the fact that he simply wants to confirm everything.]

Ah... I guess that makes sense, then. [He looks down, scratching the side of his face a bit.]

Yeah. It takes about half that long to go by elevator, though. [He then gives a practically inaudible sigh.] I personally prefer taking an hour to get to the cafeteria, over being stuck on that thing... for that long.

I didn't get sick, but I did manage to eat the oatmeal. Oh, um... Everyone keeps mentioning some guy named... Jason. They said he was "in charge" last month. I'm not sure what that means, but I believe he might have something to do with us being here.

[He gives a slight shrug, since... well... he doesn't know much of anything, considering he hasn't been here long.]

Elevators trouble you?

[He sounds faintly surprised. There's an elevator, he'll have to investigate. But why would anyone prefer walking? Xemnas didn't consider himself particularly lazy but walking a hundred floors was a bit much even for him.

A bit of information on who runs this place is noted VERY quickly, but it seems there won't be a lot more forthcoming on that. Perhaps the boy simply didn't know.

Well. Someone would.]

Presumably those 'in charge' would have a hand in it, yes. I don't suppose you know where one might speak to this Jason?

[It might well be impossible. If they were smart they wouldn't let their 'rescued' population get close.]

I just don't like being on them for that long. The walking doesn't bother me, anyway. [He lets out a soft laugh.]

I'm afraid I don't even have a clue. I've never even seen the guy. I only heard about him from some weird guy named Toto. And I've overheard people mentioning his name... Usually in regards to the "disgusting" food in the cafeteria some months. [He's had much worse. He may have had trouble eating the oatmeal when he first arrived, but he had been in a state of shock. Those food bars don't taste half as bad as the antidote he was having to tough out every three days.]

... I'd like to meet him, myself. [There's a flash of anger in his eyes. His tone implied that it was for a reason more than just a mere chat with the guy.]

Any elevator, or this one specifically?

[Then again an hour long elevator trip did sound fairly exhausting to the average individual. Maybe claustrophobia was an issue.

That he doesn't get more information supplied is a little disappointing but it seems the boy is doing the best he can. Asking for more is inappropriate.]

I see. Useful to know, regardless of whether or not there's more to know. It gives me a good staging point to question others. I presume you haven't been here long yourself.

[And the boy had reasons to want to possibly do harm to these individuals. Interesting.]

A vendetta?

Well, this is definitely the first time that I've had trouble with elevators, so...

[This guy seems smart, so Ganta is sure he can finish that phrase on his own. He doesn't respond to the next statement, either. He gives a simple nod as a response to him not being here long.

The matter of his vendetta, though...]

I need to find out who played that horrible... joke on me. I'm sure that guy would be able to tell me, too. If he isn't the one that did it!

[His tone is filled with sheer anger, all of a sudden. This is the first time Xemnas gets to see this side of him. The vengeful, angry, irrational side that not many people here...have had the opportunity to see.

His entire demeanor changes, in fact. He is standing there with clenched fist, with what appears to be a fire burning within his eyes. He speaks the next part through clenched teeth.]

And the fact that people are being toyed with... like it's some kind of game! Like we're nothing more than toys to mess with! This place is the worst! Those people are monsters! If I ever seen any of them, I'll... I'll kill them.

[He doesn't even look startled at his own outburst, making it obvious he means every word of it. Obviously this about more than just a mere "prank".]

Edited 2013-09-06 18:37 (UTC)

I see.

[Xemnas IS a clever sort of fellow and can piece things together himself. Nothing else is said, however, as Ganta slides into fury. He knows that emotion, it was one of the very few he actually remembered, and was good at recognizing it in others. Or provoking it, but this time he's fairly certain that it's not directed at him.

This would, it sounded, be a 'prank' on par with the sorts that involved Axel and wound up with someone dead or on fire. As Ganta spits angry words, he's simply watched, calmly.

And says nothing, until he's sure the boy is finished. That's very interesting. Such a hostile reaction, no it had to be more than just a prank. But it wasn't, Xemnas was sure, time to pry into that.]

I advise against seeking to .. 'speak to them' with a temper like that. Rage blinds as it strengthens. A calm mind is better disposed to inflicting retribution.

[Ganta tenses a bit at the words. So calm and collected, which easily earns a surprised expression thrown Xemnas' way. The black-haired teenager briefly tenses his brow, before looking fairly ashamed of himself. He is overreacting, again...

Letting out a sigh, he nods, the fire appearing to have vanished completely.]

Sorry... I just...

[He seems unable to find the words, at the moment.]

There is no reason for apologies.

[He sounds a touch bemused, but little else.]

Merely advice, nothing more. I know how blinding a temper can be when uncontrolled. Ah, but kept in harness and put to work, it is a useful tool indeed. It may take time. Perhaps something to practice alongside flexing your control over blood a little?

[Surely there's no harm in it. Xemnas has a reason for even offering, or bothering to stay and talk to the boy. Maybe it's just because they were going to be roommates for the forseeable future. Who knows. But it's still practical information!]

[Ganta blinks a moment, then looks down at his hand. He never thought about that, but practice would be a nice distraction.

If he was ever going to help everyone get back home, he needed to be stronger. Much stronger, in fact.]

Alright. [He nods.]

[Xemnas waits for several long moments before returning to finishing getting dressed. There isn't a lot left, really, just gloves and belt, then zipping up the coat, but these are important things.]

I will leave you to your possible practice then. Is there anything I should be aware of when testing this new and unwelcome environment?

[Xemnas is going exploring, in less complicated terms.]

[He thinks for a moment, before nodding.]

Well, some of the floors here have surprises on them. One floor has giant sharks in it... another has some pretty powerful monsters... and some floors will mess with your mind. I even heard one could make you go crazy, if you stay on it too long.

Just... be on your guard when stepping on to a new floor.

[Friendly advice for his new roommate, that. He doesn't want to see anything bad happen to him, simply for the fact that he will be living with this guy for... who knows how long.]

Giant sharks?

[In a tower?]

It seems I have been brought to a very strange place indeed.

[All of it was going to have to be investigated. Carefully and thoroughly. Xemnas didn't like surprising, but with a little forewarning he could probably at least reduce threats to himself.

Arrogance of a kind meant the Nobody was certain he wouldn't encounter anything he couldn't kill anyway. Xemnas would sooner or later get a rude surprise. But for now, Ganta's warning is heeded.]

I will be certain to be cautious. Thank you for the notification. If I survive, I will likely return later.

[There's a tinge of the ironic to 'if I survive'; clearly he thinks he'll be fine. But with that, he heads for the door. There's a lot to explore.]

[He nods.] Yeah... I didn't believe it either, until one chased me out off of the floor. It was really big, too. But... that's not even the strangest thing you'll encounter.

[He laughs softly at the way Xemnas says the next sentence, then nods.]

Right. You won't have to worry about that, though, since the dead don't stay dead.

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firstnothing - 2013-09-12 17:57 (UTC) - Expand

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