A Question of Insanity - Hollow Bastion [COMPLETE]

[into_ruin]

Though his latest journal entry alluded to it, Zexion was not leaving Castle Oblivion because he'd grown bored. It seemed that in his time away he had become restless, unable to remain stagnant long enough for certain pawns to fall into play. Sometimes a spider waited in its web, other times it saw the need to hunt in hopes of returning with

Comments

[sleepy_shiki]

"The wine's decent," Byakko started, pondering what he knew of Hollow Bastion's kitchens. "Some of it's fairly old, good vintages apparently that survived. Some beer too. Probably other things if one cares to look." Byakko hadn't really bothered. There was sake aplenty in Gensou-Kai and he didn't really have enough time here to be bothered with finding eveything out.

A slightly sad expression crossed his face at Zexion's comment. "True, true. But what world isn't? There's darkness everywhere; The Imainary World, Hollow Bastion, the world of the dead. It's needed." His ears laid back a little as he continued with the somewhat painful subject. "It's just another war for us and we've had several of those. Of course this time we've got a few more on our side."

He had to admit that having Kurikara fighting with them instead of against them was a relief.

He banished those dark thoughts and smiled secretively. "The Imaginary World; as there are so many legends about that, it would take a human lifetime or two to learn them all. It doesn't exist in the same way a place like this," he gestured to the surrounding area, "does."

He broke off, turning to Namine who obviously wanted to speak. Riku huh? He thought he might have heard that name before, from the Keyblade Master or someone close to him. He should look into it.

He bowed back formally to the girl, ever mindful of the papers, and then ruffled her hair playfully. "Nice to meet you too, Namine-chan," he said, teasingly adding on the honourific. "I hope you find your friend."

[infinityshot]

"Hmmm..." Ah, well, it figured that Riku was on her mind, really. She was probably feeling bad that she had landed here and Riku was...somewhere. Xigbar still felt that the silver-haired boy would be fine, but if Naminé really felt it would help her to look for him, who was he to judge?

As for what Byakko said concerning the darkness...he supposed that was true. Now that the cat had begun with the discussion of darkness, Zexion would probably want to prod the god for more information. Anyway, Byakko didn't seem to want to tell them a lot about this Imaginary World...yet. Maybe if Xigbar met him later, it would change.

He looked at Zexion. Would the Lord over Darkness want to accompnay Naminé, or would he travel with her. Ah, all the wine and such that he could try...
Ah well. That was life.

[into_ruin]

All worlds were connected to the darkness, but not all of them were facing the same imbalance that the war brought on.

Zexion's interest in the Imaginary World was entirely theoretical, a curiosity based on the nature of his power. Though Zexion was no stranger to solid illusions, Byakko didn't behave like he was imaginary. He always wondered if there was a way for phantoms to act independently of him despite the way they were created. It would be nice to replace much of the Order with clones who did housework and groomed themselves from time to time.

But time was more import to Namine's case; he could easily return to find Byakko and press him for information when they were alone and on a more level playing field. He knew that cat's scent now, afterall, though the mixture of things was a little chaotic. Almost like it shifted a little with every turn of the breeze.

Zexion's lip quirked slightly, the suggestion of an exasperated smirk. At least the cat wasn't stupid. "If you're not preoccupied with deliveries the next time we see each other, I would like to hear one of your 'numerous' stories."

He had no idea why Naminé was so adamant about finding Riku. Maybe he reminded her of the Replica. He shrugged slightly, not too concerned with 'why' just yet.

"You're a danger to yourself in the world of darkness, Naminé. You can either come with me back to the castle or learn about your first hangover with Xigbar." He brushed more errant locks of hair out of his face, his tone neither reprimanding nor mocking. Zexion always stated fact. It was the way in which he laid it out that varied and worked to his advantage.

"But I won't take you with me to search. There are corridors far more hazardous than what Riku would have pushed you out of."

[her_reality]

Naminé looked almost hurt when Zexion informed her that he would not be taking her with him when he would search for Riku. It made her guilt feel worse; Riku's disappearence was her fault and she wanted to help find him, instead of standing around and doing nothing.

... But Zexion was right, and Naminé knew that the Corrider of Darkness was no playground; she would only hinder him, and that would do no good for Riku or himself. Zexion recently returned and she had no idea if the man was at full strength, or even would ever reach full strength again after what he had been through.

All she simply could do was wait.

But she had no desire to stay in Hollow Bastion, aside from speaking to Byakko. She had a feeling she didn't want to return to the castle without Riku... at least, she would wait until she heard news of Zexion's search. Naminé did not want to return to the memories she had of the castle.

"... I'll... I'll go back with Xigbar, if that's... OK with you..." Naminé faltered, turning around now to ask the other Nobody. She didn't know Xigbar very well, but Naminé felt like she would annoy him less.

[sleepy_shiki]

Byakko returned Zexion's suggestion of a smirk with one of his own. "Of course. I'll do my best, although Kochin the Musician is a far better storyteller than myself. And you need food and sake for good storytelling."

He glanced back towards the castle and then back at the other three people. "And with that, I should take my leave."

It was a shame, they were interesting to talk to. He thought that they could tell him a lot, although he doubted that they would. The mistrust was mutual.

[infinityshot]

"See ya around, Byakko. Don' do anythin' stupid 'cause we still gotta talk." Despite the fact that they were all being pretty vague to each other, Xigbar truly meant what he said.

Seemingly at complete ease, he walked over to the witch, and placed a hand on her shoulder. He made sure that it was firm, but not too hard; the girl looked fragile. Of course, with the power she held, she wasn't totally useless in a fight...if she could learn to be more sure with herself and all that...

Back to the Castle, eh? Hadn't he just left that place...? Still, nobody said he...or Naminé...would have to stay there...Zexion had just said it was a bad idea for her to be in darkness...

"Who said I'd teach her about hangovers, eh?" he said, looking at Zexion. He wouldn't mention that he was planning on using his powers to get them back...and that it might be just a bit of a...unique feeling...

"Ya ready ta go, Naminé? Nothin' ya need here? If yer ready, we'll be off."

[into_ruin]

Zexion gave an enigmatic little shrug at Xigbar's question, finally unfolding his arms. He imagined Xigbar would be too hungover himself to teach Naminé anything. "I'll see you both at the Castle."

A nod in Byakko's direction and the shadows around Zexion gathered silently. It would be interesting to see what had become of Riku, if he still existed at all in the world of darkness. He had a lot of questions for the boy, among other things.

[her_reality]

Xigbar didn't look like he minded, which Naminé was relieved by, but it seemed like Byakko had business to return to. Well, she wasn't going to bother him, but it was sad to see the catboy go. Perhaps they would meet again, if Naminé ever returned to Hollow Bastion.

If she returned to Hollow Bastion. Her thoughts drifted to Kairi, whom she hadn't seen since the chance encounter in the castle. She felt someone guilty for leaving the redhead and Aladdin without a word, but hopefully she would be able to send word to them that she was able to reach home safely. She didn't want them to worry about a strange girl they barely met.

"Yes, I'm ready..." Naminé nodded. It was time for her to head home.

[sleepy_shiki]

Byakko grinned. "I look forward to it. You're definately interesting."

He nodded to Xigbar and Zexion and smiled at Namine, saluting her. "I hope we shall meet again soon."

And with that, he set off at a run towards the castle, leaping rocks and walls as if they didn't exist.

[infinityshot]

"This might feel...odd," said Xigbar to Naminé. The feeling of shifting from one space to another using his gift rather than darkness probably felt different from person to person. Xigbar had a theory that for some, it was like being twisted around, for others, like they were being disassembled, and perhaps for a few, like they were being torn. For him, it was like freedom from everything, but this was his gift...

"We're takin' a different route." He gave a little wave, and his hand still on Naminé's shoulder, he moved the space around them. It would take a little bit longer to carry the two of them back to the Castle rather than just himself, but that wouldn't make too much of a difference...