Kingdom Hearts - Blades of Three Realms

[Kuukyo_Fushichou]

Shiro had raised an eyebrow, watching what was going on with the tables, Sora, and Zidane with a raised eyebrow, having just stopped fiddling with his staff a moment and raised an eyebrow. really, a theatrics show here? of course Shiro just shook his head, and let off a soft smile, knowing full well he wouldn't be able to pull off fake fighting since he was too used to fighting for his life, however he did notice Leon not having a good attention span, and after a small mental conversation, Shiro would twirl his own staff one more time, but in an odd pattern, causing a small summoning array to form behind Squall's head, and what came out of it, was a cute bunny-like creature known as Carbuncle, to take residence on Leon's head with amusement from Shiro being way too clear regardless.

Axel had watched on Shiro, chuckling a bit when he saw the not-so-discreet summoning, and instead idly pulled out one of his older plastic frisbees he managed to salvage, and idly spun it about on his finger much like he used to as Lea, and grinning all too innocently at both Yuffie's shooing Crystal and Roxas out, and Shiro's harmless thing as well, though seeing the lack of Cloud meant he was more than likely still upstairs at the moment... along with Tifa.  

[Kailah S Majessta]

"So you're just going to sit there and mope about it, and allow yourself to get into unnecessary fights?" Tifa, at the moment, didn't care if he was just in a towel. He could be naked for all she cared, but that didn't change how she was currently feeling. "And why? Because you feel like you can't protect anyone? Because you feel like you can't protect me?"

She sighed and put her hands on her hips, shaking her head, "Cloud Strife, did you forget that I'm a capable fighter as well? Not only that, most of the people in Radiant Garden are capable fighters, not to mention all of those kids we currently have downstairs can kick all of our asses if we weren't on top of our game?"

Tifa's hands moved to rest on his shoulders, "He may be your darkness, but you're not alone. It doesn't have to be just your fight alone." Her eyes looked almost pleading, worried, and hurt at the same time.

"Cloud. Please don't leave to go fight Sephiroth again. Don't actively look for trouble. We know where he is right now. He's not coming after you or us right now. Just... don't go looking for him again. It was a pain to try and find you."

She then pursed her lips and squinted her eyes, pointing one of those fingers at his nose, "And don't go allowing yourself to get into fights with the kids! At least TRY to diffuse the situation first?"

Another shake of her head and she finally smiled.

"Now go get dressed. They're having a party downstairs." She listened for a moment, "Did I hear my furniture being moved? I think Leon might be having trouble keeping things under control."  

[[XIII] Roxas]

Crystal and Roxas would have reached the fountain plaza, but rather than stop there Crystal decided to press on ahead to the garden courtyard.

"Maybe this time we can manage to stay dry out here," Crystal joked lightheartedly as she found a spot to stretch out amidst the field of grass and flowers as the sun continued to sink down beyond the horizon. Any minute now the first stars were going to become visible and the view was likely going to be spectacular as it was shaping up to be a very clear night.

"I guess we'll see," Roxas responded as he sat down next to Crystal fidgeting slightly. "Sorry, by the way. I'm still not very good at this."

"Relax, Roxas, this isn't a date," Crystal used her arms to proper herself up so she could turn to look at him. "I mean, it could be if we wanted it to be,
I guess, but I wasn't really thinking about it like that. Honestly, I might have come out here later by myself regardless of Yuffie's trickery." Then she smiled thoughtfully. "I like to come out here to look at the stars because it helps me to feel at ease. And anyway, I already like it better that you're here with me."

"Even so, I still think it would be nice if we could spend more time together without having to rely on the others to trick us into it all the time," Roxas admitted while blushing awkwardly.

"We don't like to be away from our friends," Crystal pointed out while staring off at the sky. "You've got Xion and Axel. I've got Shiro. And we worry when we're not with them. But this," she gestured to their surroundings, "is Radiant Garden. It might not be as safe as Twilight Town, but it's still one of the safest worlds I know. So, I think for now at least this is probably okay."

Crystal scooted a bit closer and Roxas quietly draped his arm around her with a soft smile. "Yeah, you're right. And eventually we're going to figure this all out."  

[Kuukyo_Fushichou]

Shiro hummed in thought towards Leon's glare, still looking a bit amused as he nodded "one of, that version of Carbuncle is actually part of the... remnants that blasted clown left inside me, and Spira.. gave me new perspective on summons, especially since i hold within myself the Remnants of summon spirits from Kefka's World, i would assume. not to mention other Summons from Spira that joined me." he said, standing up a bit and smiled to everyone "as for my Carbuncle versus Crystal's... mine typically uses Ruby Light more than the choices Crystal's has." he said, while the green bunny tilted its head cutely from its perch on Leon's head, before before taking a glance to Shiro who slightly nodded, and hopped off of Leon's head, before making strides and hopping into Xion's arms, hey, cute and fluffy, whaddya expect? Shiro then turned his attention to the theatrical Zidane and all, and while he knew Sora was much more apt right now for it, he hummed in thought while closing one eye "... eh, why not? i'm game." he said, spinning the staff he had in hand and shooting out small (harmless) stars and sparkles to fly at Zidane's direction as well as Sora, kinda. he wasn't going to trace any swords or bring out any of his other weapons as they were more destructive in this case, or led to personality changes he didn't need.

Axel snickered at seeing Leon jump when Carbuncle landed on his head and hummed in thought towards Zidane's comments "typically Shiro -does- know how to have fun, it's just he's rarely participated due to the fact most of the time his life's on the line. at least from what i know." Shiro of course gave Axel a raised eyebrow before sending a star at his head too, causing him to yeep and hide despite said star being harmless and all. either way once said star broke against Axel's hiding place into a small few sparkles it was clear Shiro was being cheeky right now, probably because he learned, once again, the -hard- way of why he should relax whenever he could and all, thanks to Auron at least.  

[Kailah S Majessta]

Tifa agreed with Cloud that she needed to get downstairs, and actually made it in time to see Leon's reaction to the bunny-like creature, and laughed before she saw the very elaborate swordplay- effects and all, if you could call it that.

She watched for bit from the stairs before walking further down and put on a stern face calling out, "Zidane! Sora! Shiro! Just what do you think you're doing?!"

The glare in her eyes stayed for as long as she could muster before breaking, and started to laugh, adjusting the chairs and tables that were previously moved, and set them to face the center 'stage'.

"You know Zidane, you should tell me next time you're putting on a show- I'd advertise it outside."

She made note of the missing teens, but figured she would ask Yuffie later- She was NOT about to deal with a panicky Leon- not when he seemed to be enjoying himself, despite the teasing.  

[[XIII] Roxas]

"So there's something I've been wondering," Roxas decided now was probably a good time to finally address some of the concerns he had been having since Shiro's return at Olympus Coliseum. "You and Shiro have been traveling together to all the same worlds and getting into the same amount of danger, but he's the one whose been covered in scars while you don't seem to have any at all. Why is that?"

"Well, it's not like I don't have any," Crystal rubbed the back of her neck with an awkward laugh. "I do have some, but they aren't very obvious. Still,
I've never been as seriously injured as Shiro gets himself. He tends to shield me from the more life threatening things, probably because he doesn't want for me to get hurt, but also because he knows as long as I'm okay I can probably heal him when he couldn't do the same for me. Cosmos's power also probably protected me to a certain extent and there's also the fact that I'm a healer so I tend not to let myself remain injured for very long even when I do get hurt. Anyway, I guess you've really been paying attention to have noticed a thing like that so that's pretty impressive."

Roxas went bright red realizing how that observation could very easily be misinterpreted. "It's not like I was trying to look on purpose! And I know you don't really like it, but we've been to a lot of places where you've had to put on that silver bikini and it's kind of hard not to notice at times like that..."

"I don't actually hate it," Crystal was also blushing at that point as she scratched behind her ear looking embarrassed. "I mean, it's impractical for swimming, but it's at least something which is better than nothing and people seem to think it looks good on me so it's not a total loss. Not that knowing that makes it any less awkward."

"Well, I'd be lying if I said it didn't look good on you," Roxas attempted to get his blushing under control and failed spectacularly. "But I think I like it better when you feel comfortable."

"You did say I was cute when I let my guard down," Crystal reminded him.

"Right, that time I was teasing you on the clock tower," Roxas remembered. "But I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it."

"Only now you aren't teasing and I have the presence of mind to be totally okay with that," Crystal gave him a light kiss on the cheek. She then slid away briefly so she could take off her jacket to fold it up into a makeshift pillow. "There we go," she nodded at her work with satisfaction. Obviously, only one such pillow could be made in that fashion, but once she managed to convince Roxas to lie down it became apparent that she'd kind of planned on just using him for a pillow from the start so it wasn't an issue. And now they didn't have to crane and strain their necks to look up at the stars so it was way more comfortable in general.

"Much better," Crystal seemed pretty happy with the arrangement.

Roxas really couldn't fault her with that either. It was surprisingly cozy and the view was really incredible once he could take it all in at once.  

[Kailah S Majessta]

Tifa was smiling at everyone in her tavern, honestly glad to see Shiro engaging in the fun and theatrics. That had to be a good sign, right? Her smile stayed on, although her eyes looked worried when she saw Cloud descend the stairs. She spoke quietly when he sat down.

"I'm glad you're at least here. It makes me feel better." She put her hand on his for a brief moment, "You can have a talk with him without a fight. I only heard bits and pieces of what he was saying, and I'd honestly like to know what he was on about too." She went back to working, still amused by her guests, and keeping a sharp eye on Cloud- worry seemed to be a natural state of being with him around, although she really didn't mind.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Elsewhere, a girl who looked in her early 20's with jet black wavy hair and bright ruby red eyes stirred awake in a different side of the garden courtyard. It was nighttime, and there didn't seem to be anyone else around, and for this she was grateful. The girl stood up, all five feet and one inch of her athletic, voluptuous, frame, and dusted her black skirt off, taking in her surroundings. She was in a rosebush. "How appropriate," she thought.

She removed her long, leather blazer coat and shook it out before putting it back on over her plain dark red blouse. Buttoning only the bottom part so the coat flowed behind her, she gasped in a panic that was just as quickly replaced with relief as she felt for her necklace that was still safe and secure around her neck. It was a simple silver chain, but at the bottom was an amethyst stone that if one were to look closer at it, had a constantly swirling light inside of it. She felt for her sword and frowned when she found THAT was missing.

"Great," she whispered to herself, "I'm pulled from my home by some weird darkness, and it brings my clothes and necklace, but not my weapon." She looked for her bag and felt against her skirt pockets and frowned, "No weapon AND no money. That's perfect." Sarcasm.

With a sigh, she adjusted her knee high black boots, glad she was wearing her new shoes when she was unceremoniously dropped in what seemed to be a garden, given the rosebush she landed in. She looked around. There. There seemed to be buildings with lights on not too far off.

Hopefully she could find a bar. She needed to eat- her skin was growing pale, and that was NOT the color she liked it to be.

She started walking through the garden, her eyes secured on the buildings ahead of her, now faster and more determined as they became closer and closer in view.

Unfortunately, in her focus on the buildings (and her mind honestly running crazy wondering just what the hell happened to lead her here), she didn't realize that she was about to ruin a quiet moment between two teenagers in 3...2...

"Gaaah!" she fell over, practically on top of Crystal and Roxas before quickly getting up and readjusting herself. "Sorry! Sorry! I didn't see you there! I was just trying to get to those buildings because I don't exactly know where I am, but that's okay because I just need to eat and then maybe I could probably think straight but then I wasn't paying attention, and OH MY GOD I JUST RUINED YOUR DATE I AM SO SORRY!"  

[[XIII] Roxas]

"Do you hear that?" Crystal thought she heard footsteps, but she didn't think too much of it at first because it was probably just the Chocobos shuffling around getting settled for the night. But it was dark and she didn't see any Chocobos nearby.

"Hear what?" Roxas hadn't really noticed because he was more preoccupied with the view. Although, from his perspective it wasn't only the night sky that was worth looking at and he was trying very hard not to stare too much.

Of course, then someone, a woman from the sound of it, tripped over them and once she got off of them Crystal and Roxas, both being startled by the sudden intrusion, also launched onto their feet. Roxas reflexively materialized his Oathkeeper and Oblivion Keyblades while stepping protectively in front of Crystal as he didn't immediately process that the woman who had startled them seemed to be apologizing profusely for disturbing them in the first place.

"Hold on, I don't think she's dangerous," Crystal reached out to place a hand on Roxas's arm and he dropped out of his defensive stance although he kept Oathkeeper and Oblivion on hand just in case he still needed them. Crystal then directed her gaze toward the woman who had suddenly appeared and startled the both of them. "Anyway, what's done is done and it sounds like you could maybe use some help. You said you don't even know where you are, right? Well, this world is called Radiant Garden and I know some people, good friends of mine in fact, who run a tavern in town called 7th Heaven. Someone there should be able to help you out." Then she realized she hadn't actually introduced herself and shook her head lightly while softly reprimanding herself, "Where the heck are my manners? By the way, I'm Crystal and this is Roxas. And really, it wasn't so much a date as we were just out here stargazing."

"Yeah, really, don't worry about it," Roxas added although he now looked both embarrassed and still slightly defensive.  

[Kailah S Majessta]

After her run-on sentences as an apology, she took a small step back, ready to be on the defense due to the keyblades being brandished. She didn't know what kind of swords they were exactly, but she wasn't about to ask. She instinctively moved closer to the girl, who she now knew to be named Crystal, and smiled at her before smiling at Roxas.

"Radiant Garden." She took in the name, feeling it was appropriate.

"I'm Kailah. It's nice to meet you both, and I promise I'm not a threat- um... Roxas, right? I swear I'm just incredibly lost." Kailah turned to Crystal, "Wait, you mentioned this 7th Heaven is a tavern? Do you know if they sell alcohol there?"

Sure, it was an odd question, but there was a method to her madness.

"Also... I know we just met, but... would you mind showing me the way? I'm incredibly hungry, and I don't want to get light headed and lost along the way....unless it -was- a date? Then I REALLY don't want to intrude."  

[[XIII] Roxas]

Roxas finally relaxed and dismissed the two Keyblades in a flourish of light and darkness respectively. "Lost, huh? I guess you're lucky we were out here."

"Um sure," Crystal nodded thinking it over. "I mean, they don't serve alcohol to anyone whose underage, but they definitely sell it." She went over to crouch down so she could grab her jacket and unfolded it so she could tie it around her waist after she got back on her feet again. "Anyway, helping others should always come first so I'd be happy to show you the way there," Crystal added with a smile. "Besides, my self proclaimed father figure is going to want us back soon anyway."

"Hopefully he won't freak out and try to shoot me again for us being gone just this long," Roxas added with nervous chuckle.

"Right, so let's get back," Crystal decided. And so she would start leading the way back to the tavern, taking the route through the fountain plaza to get back into the town proper and then heading past Merlin's house where a minor explosion could be heard from whatever Cid was tinkering with as they continued on down the road to the tavern.  

[Kailah S Majessta]

"Thank you so much you guys! For accompanying me. I really do appreciate it," as they were walking, Kailah was smiling nervously, especially when they passed Merlin's house. "It seems... nice... here. Very erm... lively." Little did she know what she was in for when they arrived at the tavern, where she saw there was a sort of show going on in the middle of the place.

With a small laugh, Tifa started with her usual, "And just where were you two-" but she changed her tune when she saw someone walk in behind Crystal and Roxas.

"Oh! You must be new!" Tifa put on a bright and welcoming smile, "Welcome to 7th Heaven- the best tavern in Radiant Garden! My name is Tifa Lockhart, and I'm the owner here. We won't judge or ask questions about your past since most of us are either transplants or travelers." Her introduction done, she shook her head, "Sorry, I guess there IS one question. May I have your name?"

Kailah blinked. She hadn't been willingly so welcomed anywhere in such a long time that she almost didn't know what to do... of course, there was more that she may need to tell this nice woman before they officially welcomed her.

"Ah- Kailah. My name is Kailah Majessta. And... I suppose transplant is a good word for it. Nice to meet you Miss Tifa. Crystal and Roxas are very nice people to have led me here." She turned to the two, "Thanks again by the way." And she walked to the bar.

"Drop the 'Miss.' You're a friend here now. Would you like a drink or food? Or do you need a room?" When Kailah opened her mouth while gesturing to her empty pockets, Tifa put a hand up, and shook her head with an understanding smile. "The first few days are free until you can get settled in if you're a transplant. Don't worry about it."

"Then yes, please. I'd like a room."

"That's the spirit, here's a key," she handed it over for one of the empty rooms, "Go ahead and mingle. I can assure you everyone here is like family."

"Tifa?" Kailah started as she took the key, "Before I mingle with everyone... could you show me my room? I tend to get lost easily."

"Of course! Leon!" Tifa called to get his attention, "I'll be right back, showing our new guest to her room."

As they walked, Kailah looked behind her at everyone, her eyes lingering a bit longer on Crystal- she was a young and powerful girl, yet she was nice to her. Did she even realize what she was?

When they reached the door, Tifa started showing her where the shower rooms and clean linens/extra pillows where, but was interrupted with Kailah standing in front of her. Kailah took a breath and spoke.

"I need to tell you something."

"Really, you don't have to. We don't need to know any questionable past as long as it's in the past."

"But I do..." her red eyes glistened, and she opened her mouth, showing elaborate fangs that were not obvious mere seconds prior. "Tifa. I'm a vampire. I'm not like you or anyone else here. I promise I would never intentionally hurt anyone, and I would never kill anyone, but I can leave if you don't feel safe with me around."

Tifa took a few moments to take in the information. She was quiet for a little longer than Kailah liked, but when Kailah began with "I understand-" Tifa interrupted her by laughing. Kailah raised an eyebrow at her, and Tifa smiled shaking her head.

"Nono, I had a friend who pretended he was a vampire, but we've never actually had a real one here. This should be interesting to say the least."

Confusion spread over Kailah's features, "So... you're not kicking me out?"

"Of course not. Honestly, if Crystal brought you here, I know you must be a good person in your heart. I trust that kid's judgement." She was about to leave Kailah in her room when she stopped at the door, "Oh... I meant to ask then... do you eat regular food?"

Kailah glanced down, slightly embarrassed as her hand instinctively moved to hold the amethyst around her neck. "I -can- eat regular food and drink, but... it doesn't do anything for me."

Tifa thought for a moment. "Are you hungry?"

"Like I said, regular food doesn't-"

"I asked if you were hungry."

Kailah sighed and looked away from her, "Yes."

"Then I hope you like Merlot. Go ahead and take in your room and meet me at the bar downstairs."

Tifa didn't want to bring attention to the newcomer, especially with how scared she seemed that she wouldn't be welcomed there, so she quickly thought of a plan. Her back to everyone else, she pulled two wine glasses and popped open a bottle of the red wine. She poured a very small amount into one of the glasses and purposely held the other a little too tight, making the glass audibly break into big, sharp, pieces, and as quickly as she possibly could, she used one of them to slice her arm, letting the blood flow into the glass with the wine until it seemed full.

"Ow," she finally played it up, "So much for sharing a glass with Kailah." She held a clean rag to the wound as Kailah walked downstairs. "Hey, can someone do a quick cure on me, and Kailah, that wine you asked for is behind the bar if you want to grab it."

"The wine I- OH!" She noticed the mess, and feeling a little uncomfortable going behind the bar of a place she JUST was introduced to, she quickly took the glass and sat on one of the bar stools, sipping her 'wine'. "You didn't have to hurt yourself Tifa! I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have asked for the wine. Those glasses are always really fragile."  

[Kuukyo_Fushichou]

Shiro had straightened a bit at the shout from Tifa, only to relax once more once she started laughing as he chuckled a bit lightly, while letting things progress as he raised an eyebrow at Zidane "eh... really, i tend to shy away from theatrics especially theatrical fighting... kinda hard to rein in the instincts of a honed swordsman to play as a theatrical version." he said, rubbing the back of his head, before glancing to Cloud a bit, seeing him calmer at least, he'd swipe a cup of punch or juice which was for the party and move to at least sit next to him "sorry about earlier... anyway, as you've probably been scolded by Tifa among other things.. i won't repeat what needs to be said.. however, i do offer taking on Sephiroth in your place, as well, of course, with my friends, as i won't fight that crazy b*****d alone." he said with a bland enough tone to show he was serious about it, given that Shiro had his own damn history with the b*****d to deal with, but he's also not hard-on rage every time he sees him like Cloud would be, Shiro respects the man's Skill, but is -very- wary of being anywhere -near- him alone.

Axel would blink a moment, looking over to Tifa and Kailah, tilting his head a bit before looking aside and all as he shrugged lightly, not his business, though he did notice the other two back "so, had a few peaceful minutes away from Leon's mother-henning eye?" he quipped with a slight little smirk on his face and all.  

[[XIII] Roxas]

While Shiro left to converse with Cloud again, Zidane and Sora would continue to stage their own mock battle going back to just using dramatic melee combat since Shiro had been the one supplying the magic. Cloud glanced over at Shiro with a minor shrug, clearly still disarmed by the lecture he had gotten from Tifa, although the momentary distraction did stop him from noticing what exactly Tifa was up to with the mysterious new guest to the tavern while Cloud listened to what Shiro had to say. "Sure, why not? If you really think you can take him, then be my guest. It's not like I can deny that you've all gotten much stronger, strong enough that most of your group can take on me and Leon no problem, heck even that Roxas kid is shaping up into a force to be reckoned with. Who knows? You might even manage to pull it off."

By the time Cloud was finished saying his piece Tifa would have completed her ploy to secretly feed their new resident vampire with Cloud being none the wiser, although he did raise an eyebrow at Tifa asking for someone to give her a quick cure. Normally, Crystal would have taken care of that on reflex, but as soon as she and Roxas entered the building they were greeted by Axel's prying and immediately accosted by Yuffie as well.

"Oh man!" Yuffie pouted loudly. "I thought for sure you two were going to stay out for a while and I'd have a chance to sneak out for some photos later!" She bounced back instantly, of course,
and grabbed the pair around the shoulders so they couldn't get away. "Well, never mind that, did you at least have a good date? I know it was cut a little short and all, but at least tell me you had a good time and I didn't chase you away for nothing!"

Leon shot his patented scowl at Axel and Yuffie, the latter of whom ignored him completely.

"Actually, it was pretty peaceful," Roxas admitted in response to Axel's prying with a slight blush visible on his face.

"And it wasn't a date," Crystal asserted to Yuffie even though she was very obviously blushing too. "We were just stargazing!"

Yuffie grinned even wider. "You're being way too modest. The fact that you went together means it was totally a date!"

Since it seemed that Crystal and Roxas were going to be preoccupied with Axel and Yuffie teasing them, Xion turned her attention to Tifa. "Here, let me get that," she offered while casting the Cure magic that Tifa had requested. At least someone had been paying attention.

"How about if we take a little break?" Zidane suggested to Sora as he became distinctly interested in the track of the conversation going on involving Roxas and Crystal.

"Sure, no problem," Sora dismissed the Kingdom Key and decided to finally sit down to relax again. And being Sora, he took the chair next to Xion so he could poke at the Carbuncle summon that Shiro had brought out since he was a bit curious about it and all. "I wouldn't have expected for Shiro to summon something so... cute."

"He doesn't really show it often, but from what I've seen he definitely has a soft spot for certain cute things," Xion mentioned. "Although he seems to be especially fond of dragons."

"Then it's no wonder he's gotten along so well with Crystal considering I've seen the sort of dragons she can summon," Sora grinned recalling that time Crystal had unleashed the triple Bahamut summon. Sure, Riku had gotten mad about it because he'd said she was overdoing it, but Sora still thought it had been really cool. It hadn't occurred to him at the time that Crystal had really been doing it to protect everyone and not just to show off her power as a summoner. "Still, I guess what Shiro said before about him and Crystal really was the truth. She's completely different when she's with Roxas. I mean, she was always cheerful during the times I've seen her, but anyone would have seemed cheerful compared to how Shiro used to be. I don't know how to really explain it, but she just seems happier. And Roxas just seems to be actually happy for a change which to me seems like a really good thing. It's definitely better than him being all sad and wondering about if he even really has a heart of his own. I mean, of course he does! Just look at him!"

"You're definitely right about that," Xion giggled slightly. "I was really worried about how he would be without me so it makes me glad to see that he's been doing okay."