001 || [Video]

[mirage_dive]

[When Locke's face materializes into view, the expression on his face is one of mingled perplexity and concentration--brow furrowed accordingly--and then it seems to soften a bit, an eyebrow cocked as he peers into the crystal.]

Hello...? Can we...actually speak through these things?

[A close-up of a hand wrapped in a tattered brown fingerless

Comments

[Video]

[heavenslament]

[Terra peers into the crystal, staring curiously.]

Yes, you can speak through it. That is a communication crystal.

[Video]

[mirage_dive]

[Locke's eyes widen in surprise at the image of the familiar woman on the other end, and he nearly drops the crystal in the midst of his shock. He shakes his head a little, as if to clear it.]

Terra...you've been brought here too...?!

[Video]

[heavenslament]

You know me?

[She perks up.]

Are you one of the Returners? I was told about them....

Re: [Video]

[mirage_dive]

[Taken aback by her response, Locke is silent for a moment or two. When he speaks again, his voice is a mixture of sorrowful resignation mixed with hope.]

Maybe you can't see me as clearly as I can see you. [A short laugh.] It's me, Terra...Locke.

[Video]

[mountain_sage]

[Another new arrival? Saleh regards him with his usual, neutral expression.]

As much as we may wish otherwise, this is as real as reality can get.

[Video]

[mirage_dive]

And yet this doesn't seem like any kind of reality at all.

Guess I'm finally paying for my misdeeds. [Wry grin.]

[Video]

[mountain_sage]

Hmm?

[Well, it was certainly one way to put things, regardless of which side one was fighting for.]

And which of the gods do you fight for?

[Video]

[mirage_dive]

[Scratches his head.] He said his name was...Chaos.

[video]

[obsidian_chaos]

[The gods never cease with bringing in new warriors, do they? Shadow shook his head.]

It's not a dream since none of us are asleep.

[Video]

[mirage_dive]

[Locke raises his eyebrows at the black creature that appears in the crystal's image.]

Woah, what...are you!?

[Okay, that was pretty rude. He rubs the back of his head, a tad sheepishly.]

Sorry!

[Video]

[obsidian_chaos]

[Shadow remained unfazed as he was used to similar reactions. At least this one apologized for it, but even if he hadn't, Shadow wouldn't have minded. He shook his head again, indicating that the thief shouldn't let it bother him.]

I'm a hedgehog. Depending on the world you come from, you may or may not be familiar with the term. But I am one, nonetheless.

And what about you? Who are you? Has someone explained the nature of this place yet?

[Video]

[mirage_dive]

[Locke's gaze rolls upwards slightly as he takes this in.] Umm...we used to have hedgehogs where I came from, but they looked nothing like you do. They were like rats with dangerous fur. That was before the world ended.

[A heavy sigh.] ...I know the gist of what's happening. War between two gods, two different armies, right? My name's Locke. Do you have a name?

[video]

[renzokukens]

I think the better question is: Who are you?

[Video]

[mirage_dive]

The name's Locke. Treasure hunter, infiltrator, and resistance fighter.

[Video]

[renzokukens]

Call me Squall.

[Video]

[mirage_dive]

[He quirks an eyebrow in return, and utters a short, ironic sort of laugh.] Pleasant...right...

And you are?

[Video]

[mirage_dive]

At this rate, it's what I'm hoping will be the losing side...

[Shakes his head and sighs.]

My name's Locke.