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[caliginose]

So dark it has been of late. It is hard to find in my memory a winter more harsh, not just for the weather but for the weight it has placed and continues to place on the shoulders of all those held in this place.

[ Quite philosophical this evening, though when is he not. Xehanort, after such a long, long absence, is finally visible on the

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[voice]

[gaveherwings]

Yes. There have been several incidents which are rather difficult to explain.

The weather's kept you in, then? That's unfortunate, sir- but please don't trouble yourself against the conditions. We do have plenty of volunteers.

[voice]

[caliginose]

Thank you, doctor. That puts my mind a little more at ease.

To be honest, I am completely unused to long winters. My home was in the tropics, originally.

[voice]

[gaveherwings]

Was it? What...disciplines did you say you studied, again?

[voice]

[caliginose]

In addition to magical and martial arts, philosophy, after a fashion. The philosophy of my world.

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[walkthedawn]

Where did you get that?

[His voice is calm and carefully neutral, despite the situation.

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[caliginose]

[ Just as calm, though with a little honest curiosity. ] You will have to forgive me, but I am not certain what you mean.

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[walkthedawn]

The star fruit.

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[caliginose]

[ For the first time, a real pause. That is not the reply he was expecting. ]

Ah, this...at New Year's. It appeared in my home, inexplicably.

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[madannoshashu]

Well, well.

Look at you, waxing all philosophical.

[ He chuckles briefly. ]

Who'd've thunk it?

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[caliginose]

[ ...that voice.

It is impossible to mistake it. There is a short pause, while in his head plans and variables re-align themselves. ] I would think you would have some understanding of my habits by now.

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[madannoshashu]

Heh.

After all this time? I'd say I'm probably the expert.

[ A beat. ]

So. How's pickings?

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[caliginose]

To your good fortune. Or misfortune, perhaps.

Pickings? [ Blandly. ] I could not say. I have kept to myself these last few weeks.

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[createsoblivion]

[Excuse her while she attempts to push down the irrational rage and upset your very voice instills in her. For someone she used to hold in such high respect, you've certainly dropped to the lowest of the low.]

You are here, Master Xehanort. [Monotony, but the hint of acid in her tone is there, rare as it is to hear from her.]

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[caliginose]

[ Ah, Aqua. Aqua.

The expression of mild friendliness doesn't change, but deep in him there's a responsive vitriol, a little thread of black suspicion. She always was the extra, the variable. He may not know how it was that he fell, but if she were there, then... ] As are you, Master Aqua.

My condolences.

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[createsoblivion]

[Why did you have to be here? She spent so much effort, getting rid of your pet, and believe her when she says she was almost done with you-- And now you show up here, happy and healthy as a clam?]

With all due respect, I don't need them.

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[caliginose]

I see you retain at least some small part of the manners you were taught.

That must please Eraqus.

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[pullsheavendown]

[In your face, old man, he's unsmashed and not afraid of you.]

Can't keep a handle on your kid?

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[caliginose]

[ Have a kindly smile, rude young man. ]

He is not mine, I am much too old to have fathered someone his age.

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[pullsheavendown]

[Proud to be rude!]

Funny. You have so much in common.

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[caliginose]

Association can breed similarities.