sirenspull_logs | falling in the black, slipping through the cracks

Entry tags:

falling in the black, slipping through the cracks

Who: Riku, Xigbar, and then two others.
When: Night. (Actual date will be when the log ends.)
Where: Sector 3.
Summary: Riku goes out to train and encounters something (and someone) he should not have.
Warnings: SPOILERS FOR KH3D. Violence. Fridge horror. Will update as needed.

[It's not so often any longer that Riku has the time to go out into the Darkness to fight. His job and providing for his friends always takes priority. Still, it's nice to get out, to stretch his legs, and to put his power to good use. He can make sure he's still on top of his game and training hard, even if he doesn't have the time to go to Terra's dojo.

He makes his way out through Sector 4 and then into Sector 3, fighting monsters as he goes. They aren't too much trouble, just enough to work up a sweat and to flex the muscles. He hasn't even tried to use his magic yet.

Riku continues on, unheeded by the dark. He's almost comfortable, having grown used to wandering on his own in the deepest of darknesses. He's still wary, however, and even more so when he thinks he sees someone in a dark coat head down a side street.

He frowns. Who's that? It's too tall to be Roxas or Xion. He hurries after them.]

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I merely state the obvious.

[Eyes fall upon his "friend" – (Subordinate. Second. Friend? The other Nobody) – letting a hint of empty disappointment flicker within them. However, the tone of his voice never wavers. Never changes.]

Besides the fact he is now left in a state of unconsciousness, I see nothing wrong with him. So what if he was wandering about in the Darkness? It's Xigbar. This is what he's free to do on his own time.

[But this will not be enough to satisfy the teenager. No. Riku is different. He's sharp. He's been keeping tabs on everything that happens within the Port – especially when it comes down to his known enemies.]

...And speaking of time...

[Xemnas meets his gaze easily, unfazed by the simplicity of his questions.]

Do you truly want to know, Riku?

[He rolls his eyes.]

Yeah, I noticed.

[But even so, he starts to wonder if this all was a mistake. Maybe it had been Ansem, not Xemnas, who had done something to Xigbar. It would make little sense but the temptation would still be there. He was a devourer of darkness, after all.

But as Xemnas continues, his tone light and easy, unfazed by Riku's demands, he can't help but feel knots in his stomach. No, this is too flippant of an attitude. It's too simple. Xemnas would know if Xigbar had changed and yet he's acting like nothing's happened.

No. He made the right choice. He has to be here. He needs to know.

Riku fixes Xemnas with a level gaze, refusing to break eye contact with the man. Slowly, he nods, though his anger barely subsides.]

Yes, I do. Tell me.

[Being responsible never meant that Riku always had to act in this manner. Considering the circumstances, his choice to do so makes it all the more interesting. And due to the young man's openness, Xemnas can see his annoyance and anger steadily diminishing his patience.

Still, he had to give the him some points for his direct approach.]

What you have sensed...is true. Darkness is recognizable no matter what form it takes.

[The Nobody moves from his state of listlessness, gradually pushing himself away from the desk to stand. A gloved hand gestures in regards to Xigbar, then toward the keyblade wielder.]

Have you never noticed this before? His darkness? It is no different from Ansem's...nor it is any more different than yours.

[Riku pushes his anger down enough to let him speak and to keep silent as he does so. He watches Xemnas rise before he glances back at the Freeshooter only once. He's not moving, but that darkness is still present. He can feel it in the air.

He turns back to Xemnas.]

No. [A pause.] ...No, I hadn't seen this before.

[But hadn't he? When Sora complained of Ansem disturbing his darkness, hurting him, twisting him... He remembered Sora smelled different then.

This, however, was nothing he could have predicted. His own failing. Whether he hadn't paid attention at the time or his scent was masked by something... He's not sure. It doesn't matter. He should have sensed it long before now and acted on it.]

But why? How can it be the same? How long has he had this darkness?

Riku.

[In the following strain of silence, the name is left hanging in the air. He faintly smirks.]

So many questions, Riku. You should already know all of the answers.

[There's a low, subtle laugh.]

...If only I can feel...surprise...

[Another heavy pause passes. Both hands rise up halfway, held out on other side, displaying nothing.]

We are all from the same world – a universe made up of many different worlds. And each world is connected. It's the same with each individual in existence. Along with the light, darkness resides within each and every heart, waiting for own its release.

Darkness can take many forms.

It can also be hidden away.

[As both hands drop back down unceremoniously to either side of his body, he jabs a finger toward the Second. The emptiness in his tone becomes weighted with practiced indifference; the answer he gives is only obvious.]

The darkness that resides within him...has always been there.

[Mocking him. Riku's eyes narrow as he watches Xemnas. He does not react violently, not at first, because the truth Xemnas gives him makes little sense. In fact, it bypasses him the first time it's said.]

I know all of that. I know that light and darkness exist in every heart. There are only seven who exist with no darkness at all. But he couldn't have always had that darkness. He doesn't--

[But then, it hits him. Slowly, his eyes widen and the tension all but slips out of his limbs. He stays like that for several seconds, just looking at Xemnas, before he slowly turns to look over at Xigbar's prone form on the ground.

Darkness resides within each and every heart. The darkness that resides within him...has always been there.

Xigbar's darkness could not exist in him if he was empty. And that's when it all clicks.]

In every heart...

[Riku turns back to Xemnas, nearly speechless. It can't be true. After all that's happened, it can't--]

...He has a heart.

Edited 2012-08-05 07:19 (UTC)

[The change in Riku's expression is priceless. Almost every strand of the First's non-existence is used to 'enjoy' this moment, an observation of the realization that dawns over him.

He doesn't even have to say anything.

A dark smile is all it takes to confirm it.]

[No, he doesn't need to say anything. His smile is barely necessary.

The Keybearer's mind has practically ceased to push beyond that one truth. In fact, that's all he hears in his head, over and over again: Nobodies have hearts. It's everything he wanted to believe, everything he should have believed...but he had only ever wanted to think it was true for a select few, like Roxas, Namine, and Axel. They had demonstrated emotion for so long that it was impossible to argue that they were empty.

But he had never thought to extend it to the rest of the Organization, to the people who were trying so hard to bring about destruction. How could they condone their behavior? How could they justify killing so many to aid their cause? Didn't they feel pain when their comrades fell?

He'd hurt these Nobodies. Ansem the Wise had hurt Namine so much... Guilt threatens to choke him at the thought. Who is right anymore in this situation?

The questions continue, his eyes fixed on Xemnas' face and the smile he has. He feels anger welling up inside him again, cracking through the horror.]

How is this possible? [And, more importantly:] How long have you known?

Edited 2012-08-06 01:05 (UTC)

[ Prone though he is, he's been listening for quite a quite. It's taken some effort, too, to let things unfold in the manner the Superior wishes. It was difficult enough to contain his glee at the confirmation that finally, after so many years, he's closer to what he desires than he's ever been. But this? It's too priceless.

A gloved hand suddenly clasps Riku's shoulder, a strength to it that belies that wiry frame. He smiles, and as many times as he's done it before, the one Xigbar wears now seems almost demented with satisfaction. ]

You're missing the bigger picture, tiny brooder. The better question is: [ his grin widens ] how long haven't we?

[Riku nearly jumps when the hand comes down on his shoulder, turning quickly to face Xigbar. He didn't even hear him get up. The strength in his hand is enough to keep the boy from throwing himself halfway across the room but he does jerk his arm out of his grip enough to get better stock in his face...

And he sees that bright, golden eye. He'd never looked at it extensively before, but with the irony now staring him in the face, he curses himself even more.

He grits his teeth angrily.]

You... The both of you...

[He glances between them, furious. His right hand twitches into a fist as he considers calling his Keyblade.]

Do the others know? Or is this some sort of sick game the two of you have been playing all along?

What do you think?

[The Second always had a knack for expressing things more openly than he ever did. Xemnas says this coolly, remaining as he is, arms crossing languidly over one another as he silently watches the sudden invasion of Riku's personal space.

How quick Xigbar is to do what he does best within that window of time. How open Riku left himself in order to let it happen. The results of such actions are inevitable.

He can feel the youth's anger rise. It is one of the stronger emotions to take hold in his heart, almost tangible in its restraint, one that is constantly thrown in their direction due to their present conflict.]

I suppose things would have turned out differently if the truth of the matter was given away so freely. But even if the others shared the knowledge you now know, it still would have led to the same conclusion.

Of course...that was never the case. It would have been a foolish mistake. False promises and other prominent goals were far more valuable. That was all they needed – temporary satisfaction.

[Gold eyes narrow slightly in their renewed apathy.]

Here in this room, the combination of our past experiences tells us there is and will be no change in what has been stated. What has happened. We existed, and then we were defeated by the likes of you and yours. With the power of the keyblade.

In this ending, you were also satisfied.

[Another long pause is held before he adds:]

And, eventually...everything will be revealed.

[None of them know. None of them. It wasn't just a secret kept from those who would use it as their defense and shield, like Roxas and Namine, but no one else knew.

Now everything starts to unravel in front of Riku, even as he stands there. Kingdom Hearts, the gathering of hearts, was a lie. It wasn't meant to give them back hearts since they already had them. Castle Oblivion, the replica project... What was their true purpose if the creation of Kingdom Hearts was simply a means to an end and a piece of power Xemnas was gathering for himself? And if Xemnas had known, why would he let all of his comrades die? Where does Xigbar fit into all of this?

He doesn't have time to go over everything. Flanked by two enemies - they had always been enemies, he tells himself - he knows he has little chance of sounding the alarm or even attempting to explain all of this to the other Nobodies. And even if they were told, how many would believe him? How many would choose to aid him instead of staying with Xemnas?

He's scrabbling at straws, but he's ready to fight.]

You're right. Everything will be revealed.

[Riku stands tall and firm, eyes on Xemnas'. His voice rises steadily in anger.]

I was only satisfied that the worlds were kept safe. If what you say is true, then no one had to die. You let your comrades fall so you could gain power and nothing more. If you truly have a heart, Xemnas, then how can you live with yourself?

How can you desecrate their feelings, their hearts? How can you walk all over who they are?

[ He lets the boy jerk away, a quiver of heated anticipation rushing down his spine. This is everything he's ever imagined, everything he's ever dreamed of -- to see the fulfillment of everything they've worked for over the past ten years slowly coming together is staggering in all the right ways.

And he has been patient. He's been faithful too, the most loyal of Xemnas's watchdogs. He understood where no one else could, and for that, he has been rewarded.

He laughs. ]

All worlds begin in darkness, and all so end. The heart is no different.

[ His smile is almost manic in its sincerity. ]

Isn't that right, tiny brooder?

[Two different extremes. The active force and the passive. And Riku is caught between them both.

Although it is familiar, Xigbar couldn't have said it any better. Xehanort always did have a way with words. The truth of how it starts and how it inevitably ends. A subtle nod stays in stark contrast with the rise of gleeful menace from the other Nobody.]

...How will I live with myself...?

[The smirk fades, his features darkening instantaneously.]

I will be living the same way I've been living and existing between these realms, Riku.

[It wouldn't be good to have Riku do anything reckless here, and their goading will only push him further into his collected fury. Being aware of this, Xemnas wastes no time in moving first to subdue him. Arms uncross, graceful actions turning sharp, summoning a swirl of jagged black and white thorns out of thin air. Intertwining lines sweep around the keyblade wielder, making no mistake in keeping him still.

They still have appearances to keep up. For the time being.]

It's as simple as that.

[Those words.

He's heard them a thousand times in his mind, in his heart, in the darkness that he's walked through and in his nightmares. He's lived those words, seen them spoken, and he despises every single one of them. When Xigbar repeats them, even if it's not in the same deep undertone of Ansem the Heartless, he still feels a shiver run through him and a spark of anger ignite from within.

That's enough.

Riku lashes out, coiled and ready to strike, when the thorns wrap themselves around his body and stop him dead. He cries out in surprise, tugging at them in his rage. He watches them both, struggling as he bites back.]

You sound wounded, Xemnas. You know that this is all your own fault. Your curiosity, your lack of understanding of the heart-- If you had tried other methods or even allowed Ansem the Wise to help you, then maybe you wouldn't be here!

[His fists clench, unable to summon his Keyblade yet.]

And you're wrong. There is light in the deepest of darkness. It'll never go out! You're just deluding yourself and trying to justify all that you've done.

[ "Wounded"? Xigbar chuckles again, all mockery and dangerous smiles as he circles about the makeshift prison. It's almost predatory how he walks, languid and casual, yet coiled to strike in an instant. He's enjoying this quite a bit, and it's evident in every move he makes. ]

Sure there is, tiny brooder! What do you think Kingdom Hearts is? [ He gestures broadly. ] A mass of light shrouded in darkness.

[ He grins. ]

There's nothing we don't see.

[There is room for laughter, but that isn't chosen as a response. Xigbar has this down flawlessly.

Ire for ire? Doing this would be unproductive. Nothing registers as Riku calls him out for what he has done. Even if it is true, denying it would be foolish.

He stays where he is, gold eyes falling half-lidded.]

Is that what you heard?

[A hand briefly rests upon his chest.]

...Perhaps my acting has improved after all.

[The same hand falls away from his body, its motions flowing with what he says.]

As true as your words are, these past choices were made. The changes are permanent. And now it is nothing more than a fleeting memory.

[Riku scoffs softly, letting cockiness take over in his attempts to suppress his anger. He needs to think, needs to figure out his way out of this mess with his head and heart still intact.]

Your acting. Funny.

[He shoots a glance at Xigbar disdainfully. Of all people, Riku knows what Kingdom Hearts is like. Light in the darkness, housing a greater darkness. It's balance. That's what it's always been about. He had to find that out the hard way.

If the world is made of light and darkness, then we'll be the darkness.

He keeps that to himself.]

Permanent. But it's not just a memory. When they know the truth, do you really think they'll shrug it off as just another memory? The rest of the Organization will turn on you and yours.

[The threat doesn't need to be spoken: I'll tell them myself and lead the charge against you, Xehanort.]

[ Ah, at long last, the threats. It's funny, really, considering Riku has no idea what they actually have planned and no real way of stopping them either. Even if he and Xemnas fall here (which is entirely unlikely), they'll only return to their world where everything is truly set to begin.

It's a win-win situation, especially since the old man's arrival, and he honestly can't help but laugh. ]

Why, tiny brooder. You almost make it sound like we need them.

[ In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. The ones who stayed were unsuitable, and traitors could have no part. ]

Besides- [ his guns appear in an instant, his sights trained on the teenager ] nobody likes a rat.

[ He'll await the order from Xemnas, but if Riku tries anything...well. He won't bother being gentle. ]

[There is always an impressive display from this one. The maturity of Riku's control on his conflicting emotions and the urge to release what has been held back for quite a while has that effect.

And judging by the absence of a smile, the young man's words may have an impact after all.

Fragments of memory still appear every so often. They were (are) ill-timed. Memories of allies. Of enemies. What had taken place in one world, other specific events that were held in another. What was then. What once was. What still is to come.

As Xigbar speaks in turn, that only solidifies the latter pertaining to their plans. The threats said are strong, but their meanings remain empty to him. There is nothing to worry about. Nothing to be concerned over.

So what if he had 'felt' before. This is the present. The Now. He can care less.

Having the advantage, it's easy for him to give the order and be done with it. However, it would also be messy if not dealt with properly.

...But when did they ever do things properly?]

[ The unspoken command is all the prompting he needs.

Grinning widely, Xigbar's expression is the only warning Riku will get before a brilliant flash of light overtakes the room.

It clears, and then, it's down, down, down, plunging into an infinite sea of space, marked by the rapid passing of floors, concrete, and earth.

There's no going up, only the terrifying increase of velocity as the fall continues in a never-ending loop. It's a trick he's used rarely, but now it seems only fitting.

Unphased by the aberration he's wrought, Xigbar dives after Riku, his guns at ready. ]

[Xemnas' expression just barely shifts, just enough for him to know that he's reaching him somehow. He's angering him. And that's what he wants. He'll keep pushing if he has to. He just wants some sort of reaction. Riku even starts to say something until Xigbar's gun is cocked and he can feel the power stirring in him. He's not going to get a chance to do further damage to Xemnas. Not yet.

The room disappears and is replaced by some kind of endless vortex of space, the same rooms passing again and again and again. Riku twists in his bonds as he falls, flipping once and tangling himself further in the thorns. He summons his Keyblade, the weapon turning in his hand. He slips it beneath the bonds and slices through them, allowing him to drop out of the web with minimal damage.

That is, until Xigbar comes back into play.

Riku isn't used to the lack of gravity nor the speed at which they're simply falling. It's less like floating and more like the world is simply falling past them, looping again and again. He doesn't know what he can grasp or hold on to...and he's not going to get the chance to figure it out with Xigbar falling at him.

He immediately summons up another Thunder spell, letting the lightning streak across the room. His feet find something, some sort of handle, and then he's launching himself back at Xigbar, Keyblade out and ready.]

[ Funny thing about space. Here, in this place, where gravity is disregarded and the natural order of things is disrupted, Xigbar is, quite literally, in his element. This is his dominion, a world manipulated and crafted to his purposes, and it is here that he rules.

Twisting in midair, he evades the spell with ease, a mad sort of gleam in his eye as he hurtles towards the Keyblade wielder. It's only at the last moment, right before they collide that he vanishes, appearing behind and below.

Firing rapidly at Riku, there are some which go astray and deliberately miss. He'll make use of those later. For now he'll settle for skewering the kid with as many bullets as possible. ]

[Not good. He has the distinct disadvantage, even if Xigbar's on a manic streak that might leave him open to a few hits. He can't keep a beeline on him before the man disappears. Riku twists and turns in the air, upside-down now, and eyes Xigbar as he fires. He lets himself drop, free-falling into the endless loop of space, and then he twists and starts striking away as many bullets as possible.

He doesn't get all of them. One slices through his side with expert precision and he nearly recoils just like that. A barrier comes up only long enough to take some of the punishment off of himself before he's back to trying to follow Xigbar.

Riku knows this won't work. He has the even the playing field somehow.

He spins and summons his darkness, the dark that's his and no one else's, and starts slinging out as many blasts as he can manage.]

[ A manic streak, indeed.

After so many years of hiding the truth and masking what he is and shall become, it's a phenomenal sort of release to finally show his true colors. That isn't to say he's thrown caution to the winds -- not at all. He just doesn't have a reason to hide exactly how much he's enjoying this.

The air shifts, and he senses the rising darkness in the teenager falling above. His smile just stretches wider.

Go on, kid. I double dare you.

The bullets he sent off moments before circle and close the gap, a flurry of deadly lights rapidly converging around the teenager. If Riku manages to evade that barrage, he'll be receiving another from above as Xigbar moves again. ]

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