The Altared Key (Hrtls Hunt 2 w Axel)

[Axel]

<firstsilentGOD> That actually hadn't been so bad. Axel had gotten some of the information he wanted, while giving the Schemer some of what he needed in the process, and there hadn't been any punches thrown, fire involved, or real bitching to speak of. Actually, it was a little weird, but hey; it worked well. And, he had the perfect place to take the key kid. He wandered off to his room to gather a few things, making sure he had his case with him and heading off down the hall again after with the Assassins in tow. He already knew where Sora's room was. He'd made a point of finding out where everyone was during his stay, and knocked loudly on his door as he settled the leather case over his back. " Yo. You in Sora? "

<Hikari-Sora1> It had been quite the long day. The keykid had stayed holed up in his room a remainder of the afternoon, shifting through his belongings perhaps to judge its worth of keeping or reminiscing its value. That knock to the door was truly unexpected. Anyone coming to his room was quite the surprise. "Uh yeah, hold on." Sora kicked a few boxes of miscellanous articles aside and meandered himself over to answer the door. "Oh, Axel its you, uh, need something?"

<firstsilentGOD> Axel smirked a bit as he tilted to see past him " Soembody's been a busy bee.. " and he waved a hand to one side, shifting his weight that way, the red leather creaking a bit as he did. Maybe it was anticipating the cold, who knew. " I was gonna take a trip to the Land of Dragons. Thought you could tag along, we could do some heartless hunting. Heartless there are pretty low key. We could make a few runs up the mountain if we have to; but I gotta stop by that cavern outside the village near the summit at some point. "

<Hikari-Sora1> A small blush creeped up the boy's cheeks as the elder looked past him at his handiwork left behind him in his room. "Ah yeah, that, just getting a headstart on spring cleaning I guess." All at once at those words his nervous and somewhat embarrassed smile grew into an ecstatic grin, the corners of his lips stretching back to bare his pearly whites. "Oh yeah I would! Let me just grab a few things. You can come in if you want." The brunette stepped back and opened the door a bit wider and turned his back to collect a few articles from a chest of drawers needed for travel, especially for winter travel.

<firstsilentGOD> " All right.~ " He just about drawled out, smiling by half and nodding his head slowly " That's the spirit! " Axel did come in by a few steps, curiously looking around as his Assassins hung back. His eyes wandered over a few of the boxes, having nothing better to do while he waited. " Have to say, back then... I never would've pegged you for ever moving in here.. "

<Hikari-Sora1> The room itself was different muchly from the outside decor of neverending white. It wasn't the most spacious room existing in the castle but it was decent enough. The younger found it an obligation to display his talent upon his walls. On each wall was painted the sunset from Destiny Islands, elongated across the walls stretching up onto even the ceiling. Also propped up against those walls in the floor rested portraits, still lifes and landscapes. It was an odd sense in this room, it gave off a glow and gave the security of warmth. A few lamps here and there rested by his bedside, giving the room the late afternoon light. Even home made suncatchers hung from the ceiling dangling over a few lamps gave the room an innocent feel, colors of red, green and blue bounced off from the broken colorful stained glass and reflected along the floor, walls and ceiling. If one would conclude, Sora tried making the place just like home. "Yeah, that's true...but I'm close to Roxas you see..." Sora trailed off, a small furrow in his brow by the mentioning of Roxas. "He...isn't around much, but some of the members welcomed me in. I've grown close to them. I wasn't much help at first I admit, but I'm trying to make up for it. For everything I've done to them." He stood up straight and turned to the flurry with now a wide smile, holding a small bag. "Ready when you are."

[Axel]

<firstsilentGOD> " Nice room.. " Axel commented as he looked around. He'd liked the place, though sunsets usually brought up a whole mess of memories both good and bad. Unfortunately for him; mostly and most recently bad. It was one reason why when he did go to Twilight Town, he tried his best to get from one space to another and stay indoors otherwise. That hadn't been a hard thing to accomplish when he had gone, picking at DiZ's computer in the basement far away from teh familiar light. " I've heard bits and pieces to that affect. Mostly from Saix. He's a pretty cool guy, when he's not chasing you down. So's Hiro for that matter. " His eyes came back to Sora after he said he was ready, somewhat grateful to be getting out of the room before his expression could turn sour. Stepping out the door again, he opened a portal leading to the other side of the battalion camp, just under the trees and across the shallow part of the river from the mountain path. " All right then. " his Assassins moved ahead, rolling through the portal excited to be headed towards snow again. " Lets go. "

<Hikari-Sora1> Stepping out some across the dirt and grass he stopped immediately with a smirk. "I see...and yes, I remember quite well." Sora held his hand out shuddering a great deal before the Kingdom Keyblade materialized in his hand, hunching over some with shallow pants leaving his lips. "I may...be a bit older now, but yeah...I remember it all so clearly." He moaned softly and rubbed his head, stroking the hair from his face. "Well, let's not keep them waiting." Just one step forward and as anticipated, a group of Heartless rose from the ground across the water and appeared in the air.

<firstsilentGOD> One blade in his right, a chakram appeared in his left; and he swung it into position. " If you need me to, I can hold 'em off with a bit of fire so you can take 'em on one at a time. " And he was ready for just that, his left side bringing the chakram up almost defensively. " Don't need you passin' out early on.~ " Was just a slightly joking little tease, in part meant to motivate the keyblader.

<Hikari-Sora1> A huff of breath left his lips as he swung the blade into attack formation, eyes steady on his target. "Nah, you won't need to babysit me." And then that smirk broadened as the Heartless twitched ever closer. "How about you be a knight in shining armor when I'm overwhelmed. That I wouldn't mind at all." The boy didn't need motivation now at this point. Being out on the field with someone who wasn't constantly serious and worried for him and taking out Heartless, it was freaking sweet. He felt...alive again. With one run and mighty leap, Sora rushed headlong into the group of opponents swinging the blade fiercely into one, ducking back and giving an uppercut swing to another, eyes making sure to keep whatever was around him in sight knowing well more will show up to replace each one that was lost.

<Hikari-Sora1> "Yeah..well...I'll work on finesse later." The keykid chuckled and heaved the key over his shoulder to rest it. "Fine with me, right behind you!" Sora charged up the slope after Axel, stopping as the 'funky centaurs' materialized between the two of them. Oh hell he remembered these. "You guys are rude." He grinned and stepped back some watching as both of them headed straight for him. It was no easy task to make quick work of them, afterall time was of the essence, yet he managed to beat them aside following Axel panting softly.

<firstsilentGOD> Now Axel didn't have much issue with rocks, especially by comparison to trying to seperate heartless from their prize hearts. He barreled through the stone easily with a few solid and double handed hits between his chakram and his blade: glancing back at the brunette with a grin once he was through the third wall. The area was somewhat open from here, he knew. Just that one other pass before they would end up at the edge of the village." Come on slow poke!~ " was teased half over one shoulder. He couldn't help but smile earnestly. The kid was putting in a great effort and laying them low pretty quickly. Still, he didn't want to run him down before they got to the summit: a whole flock of those annoying bird-things were up there, these days. Sora would have to keep up his energy if he was going to come at a whole mess of them before they charged into the cave. " Wanna take a breather before we move on? I brought lemonade. "

<Hikari-Sora1> Eventually the younger caught up to the fire mage settling his form onto the ground, wiping the sweat from his brow. "You know what? Yeah I do...that sounds pretty good." An exhausted smile tugged at his lips, leaning back against a boulder.

<firstsilentGOD> Axel nodded as he reached into his case, dragging out one of the three water-bottles full of lemonade he had stashed in his bag before he'd headed to Sora's room, settling his hips back against the boulder beside him as he handed it over. " While we're here I'll tell you. There's just one little thing that's changed a little higher up near the summit. You might remember that big ugly Hun having a stash of nasty birds. well.. they've kinda multiplied up there, and taken over the place: so there's like.. oh. " a slight breath in. " A whole horde of them now. If you don't want to drop by there this time around, that's all right. We can always skip it this time around. I need to hit that cave, after all. "

[Axel]

<Hikari-Sora1> "Oh thanks." Sora moaned, taking the bottle of lemonade drinking a big gulp and capping the lid back on before listening to the rest of Axel's story. "Shan Yu's army yeah...oh god you're kidding. Mmh, well it doesn't make a difference, hoarde or not, I'm taking them out...and I'm not talkin' dinner and a movie." That last part was added with a laugh as he rubbed and massaged the muscle in his right arm.

<firstsilentGOD> Axel actually laughed at the last, shaking his head at the somewhat cheesy old joke. " I would hope not.. " he glanced down to him before looking to the path ahead. " ...you might make the blond jealous; and.. a little wierded out, if you were dating widdle birdies. " Peeking at him through his finger and thumb he chuckled again. " But.. " and he leaned back again, pulling his arms up behind his head for the moment, actually liking the cooler air up here. " ..there are odder, more annoying things around here.. mainly talking lizards.. " his brow had cocked for the last, half mumbled words as he waited for the key kid to catch his breath.


<firstsilentGOD> Axel, wasn't one to talk about that subject in particular: Roxas coming back. At least not without turning bitter and letting off the decidedly thick air of being left behind. Granted, that wasn't entirely Roxas' fault.. but that didn't keep the bitterness from being there, even less so that after all that effort, and betraying the Organization himself at the very end; he himself hadn't been able to budge his best friend into coming out.. but something else had. Over all, it didn't help he was betting he was standing alongside a part of what that something else was. And he was even now as much as he didn't want to be, a little jealous. Taking the lemonade, he kept all that down very easily by telling himself a lot of time had passed, slipping it back in place. " Yeah lets get moving.. we still have to pass the steps, and one more pass after that. "

<Hikari-Sora1> "Fine by me." Sora sniffed and sighed heavily. The keykid for one wasn't one to talk about Roxas related subjects either. He loved his other more than anyone else. As the days dragged on and on turning into weeks and months, he found himself growing lonely wanting companionship from anyone, anyone that didn't mind him closeby or mingling with him. After all, only a handful of the castle's inhabitants didn't mind his presence in their company. This trip even was a way to distract his thoughts of Roxas, and it had worked up until the blonde was mentioned. All this time his thoughts had been focused on the red head and making sure he didn't make a fool of himself in front of him. "Come on." He murmured softly, dragging the blade against the ground as he walked cautiously up the slope.

<firstsilentGOD> " He'll be back. " Axel finally managed to force out at a believeable tone half over his shoulder. " He always comes back. Probably not the way you expect, but he will. " A finger was raised to emphasize the next. " So you better stop draggin your blade boy. " Flashing a view of his green eyes, he smiled. " Cause he'll bitch you out if you give the Key of Destiny a bad reputation.... " a grin, and he teased further: standing just short of where the rhapsody and centaur would come loose, flipping his blade in hsi right hand. " ....suh-lacker. "

[Axel]

<Hikari-Sora1> "Yes." The younger stopped in his steps. "Heroes always come back...don't they?" He added that last part looking over his shoulder. "Actually...he's the stronger one of the two of us. It's only natural the better of us two would receive the better qualities. I can't beat him even in sparring. He'd tease me no doubt, his strength...his presence alone makes up for my weaknesses." It was a tough time, but he willed himself not to cry. Looking up, he walked a few more steps and glared at the opposing Heartless. "If there's anymore passages that need to be opened go ahead and do it." Looking back he frowned at Axel, but it wasn't directed at him. There was a fire in his eyes as the kid turned back to his enemies, dashing headlong into battle.

<firstsilentGOD> Axel shook his head a bit. " I don't think he is myself, but that's really a matter of personal opinion. " He followed along, skirting the edge of the wall and letting the kid take the attention and do his thing again as he broke down the barriers: though with the change he had definitely started to keep a better eye on him. A little further up this pass and across the slope, and they'd be in the village. " All right. All clear on my end " The cave was just the other side; but he did want to run the kid up to the summit first. The more, the better. He still owed Saix.

<Hikari-Sora1> Sora's mind was cloudy now and even more obsessive thoughts of the other filled his head. 'I won't let him see how weak I am, I can't quit now.' Slash, slash, hack, dodge swing, parry, slash, he could almost time the movements and then one thing happened that he didn't count on. A surprise centaur dealt a blow to the keybearer from behind making him cry out in pain and immediately crumple to his knees. Just inches away from him was the handle of the Key, he couldn't reach it. Every muscle in Sora's body screaming 'no more' but he couldn't give up now, Axel was depending on him. That was when he saw the hooves raise up to trample him, in defense he threw his arms over his head.

<firstsilentGOD> Axel had been watching for something of that nature to happen, and before those hooves could come down, the centaur was thrown back off balance with two succinct fiery bursts to it's side. " Stay off my boy, horses ass.. " Axel had dropped his short sword to double hand his chakram, and was calling them back very quickly as the critter recovered. No way in hell was he letting Sora get thwomped the first time out in his presence. " In the same stroke short cakes.. don't try to do everything yourself. You had partners before when you went through here.. and you've got one now. Kay? "

<Hikari-Sora1> One blue eye opened as he saw his oppressor being violently blasted back with blazing fire. "Th-thanks Axel." Sora gasped in a breath of air, a shaky hand grabbing up the Keyblade. Turning back to the Heartless he charged in and gave one mighty slash and it was done for the count, a heart floating up to the sky. Sora turned to the red head and smiled wearily only slightly flustered. "Well well, looks like you turned out to be my knight in shining armor afterall. And...thanks again, remind me to thank you properly when we get home though." Just a bit of a sweat broke out over the keykid. "Now, all that's left is the summit and the Heartless horde, let's go take care of that and move on."

[Axel]

<firstsilentGOD> Axel snorted a little, dismissing both chakram. There wasn't a whole lot but rock and snow between the village and there, though the view was pretty enough. There in, he wasn't worried about the traverse between. " You mean shiny red skin-tight leather, don't you? " He was chuckling a bit as he waved an arm at him to come along, making sure the blade he'd slipped back into it's sheath was secure. " I think I want to hit up the moogle shop, and there's this inn that opened up in the house near the town alarm with good, spicy noodles. Eating sounds good, even if it's just the noodles. " Hopefully, there were no chicks with food-throwing Dragons this time.

<Hikari-Sora1> "O-Ohhh...food...that sounds good." Sora groaned and stood up, shaking only the slightest bit. "And yeah, prince...knight, shiny leather, when do we eat?" His stomach growled softly, keeping a loose grip on the Keyblade. Rest, rest, he needed rest now. "A-Axel quick question, if I passed out on you, would you dump me on the ground, drag me to civilization or use me for a meat shield?"

<firstsilentGOD> " First and the last wouldn't do me any good. " Axel smirked, moving to help him along, that sarcastic tone chuckling lightly again as he said " You're too small, and skinny for a meat shield. " He was ready to pluck him up though, and carry him into town if he had to, as they started up the slight slope.

[Axel]

<Hikari-Sora1> "I am not too small and skinny, you're simply older than I am." The brunette muttered, stumbling up the slope after the redhead. "So...how long do you think we'll be here? In this world I mean." Sora tried matching steps with Axel to keep up with him side by side.

<firstsilentGOD> Coming past the opening in the rock, the Flurry's steps weren't too quick, and paused looking over the open snow: a slight rise between them and the village on the other side of it. The smoke from the chimneys was easy to identify against the lighter grey sky though. " Not too long, and especially if I don't find what I'm looking for. " He rubbed the back of his neck a moment, a slight yawn. " After this I have to visit Saix. His shop forge's been lit, but not his personal one. Wants me to get things hotter quicker, for one. Then we're supposed to go goodies hunting and have some kind of conversation, though I can bet what that is. Probably wants me to commit to the cloak again.. " Which, a reference to the Organization; sounded at best like an iffy option at the very best, the way he said it.

[Axel]

<Hikari-Sora1> "Omf!" Came the smaller's grunt as his face collided into the other's back. Well, that's what he got for not looking where he was going. Sora rubbed his nose and stepped backs ome. "Sorry about that. So...what is it that you're looking for...? If you don't mind my asking. And...what's that commit to the cloak comment? Like a hazing or something?" For a twerp he sure asked a lot of questions.

<firstsilentGOD> Axel only looked back over his shoulder and down the leather at him as he was stumbled into, a light smirk. " No problem. " He shook his head though as they started along. He wasn't sure if he should tell him, but; if Axel did find what he was looking for, he was guessing the overly curious teen would get a good look anyway if only on snoop factor alone. " A very special key, that opens a very special lock; that was made a very long time ago, and put to use again not so very long ago by a very familiar someone you sort of know. It's supposed to open a gateway here, somewhere.. the Goddess-Spirit Shiva is supposed to be the guardian for this place, or at least one of them. Ansem, started putting them to use shortly after he found them. To seal what, we don't know yet, other than new areas previously unreachable otherwise, as well as containing heartless we've never seen before. " Axel just shrugged along the way as if this was no new news. To him only parts of it were. " As for committing to the cloak: that's my way of saying I'm not too sure if I'm going to stick around the Organization this go round. Being with them has always been bad business for me. "

[Axel]

<Hikari-Sora1> "Oh I see..." Sora started. "So you want this key...and that 'woman' you were looking for wasn't a date, it was the spirit. Quick question though. Why are you looking for the key so hard...shouldn't the Keyblade be able to open it? I thought it could open any lock." Just walking and not using his arms seemed to bring a bit more strength back into him. Talking seemed to help too, though he stopped suddenly at the last of the flurry's words then went back to following him without a hitch, a small furrow in his brow looking disappointed. "You.....don't want to stay with the Organization?...."

[Axel]

Axel turned quickly on the way up the hill, pointing a finger at him " Ah! But! This ain't no ordinary lock. Remember what happened when first Demyx, and then you went up against the God Hades without the Olympus Stone? " His arms held out wide nearing the top, he shrugged a bit. Axel was still if nothing else someone who talked as much with his body as with his mouth. " Keyblade didn't help you going up against Gods then, either man. Besides that, didn't have you to call on at all prior to 'coming home'... " the very slight smile wiped away at that last question, and he turned away again at the top of the rise, crossing his arms over his chest, the cold making the leather creak again. He still wasn't facing him when he said: " Tell me why I'd wanna stay in what's nothing short of a prison where the inmates want to kill me. " a shake of his head and he looked back, his smile colder -- yeah right. " The only reason I haven't disappeared again, is cause I owe Saix. And Marluxia, though from what I get outta him, repaying Saix is pretty much all I have to do to make him happy: and that suits me just fine.. " he waved a hand over his shoulder again, the smile warming up and turning forward towards the village again as he headed down the hill to the gate. " Really, highly, extremely doubt anything's gonna change my mind about that.. but who knows: Saix might.. maybe, be able to change my mind. "

[Axel]

<Hikari-Sora1> "Oh...I see." Sora frowned. "Then this key must be something pretty big...not only that but what it unlocks. But that's your business, it doesn't interest me." Oh he was curious alright, but something in Axel's voice told him he felt uneasy about giving out more information than was needed. He wasn't one to hardpress answers from those who seriously didn't want to tell. "Well...I...uh, well that is, I like having you around..." He muttered, kicking a few rocks.

<firstsilentGOD> " You're a bad liar. " Axel snorted back at him on the way down; though he did pause at the last: a more serious expression to his features as he waited for Sora to catch up, half turned and watching him. " Yeah well.. you'd be one of the very few... " he shook his head chuckling again at the odd looks he was getting used to from the Imperials, or what of them were near the gate. " Saix is living off world now, and Hiro.. well, he's just the Superior's boyfriend when it comes to this, and has taken enough heat for me. "

[Axel]

<Hikari-Sora1> "No seriously...well, I am curious I admit, but its your business so I won't press." It took a moment before Sora took longer strides to catch up, looking up at him. "I like having you around. One thing's for sure, you're dependable." The keykid grinned broadly. "Saix will come back eventually, in the meantime me and everyone else are gonna hack away at the Heartless like no tomorrow. And believe me, I know what you mean when you say a prison with inmates. Though its a bit different for me. At least you weren't used to kill half of the people you're living with. I bet they didn't take too kindly being bashed to death with a giant metal key. They forgave me, I'm sure they can forgive you too. What can I do to make you feel more comfortable?" That grin turned into a pout as he tugged on Axel's hand.

<firstsilentGOD> He was about to ask, purely on reaction 'did you forget Oblivion?' but that was pretty pointless... because Axel knew he had, not that it was all he'd forgotten. The Flurry glanced over to his eyes every now and then to let him know he was listening. The last one raised one brow though. Was the kid offering to try and patch things up for him? " Aside from sticking Larxene in a padded cell where she belongs, in a universe far, far away? I don't think you can erase the scape goat label on my back. You can get away with it because they need you: I can't, because I'm not. And it was worse because I was still one of them when I finally did betray the Organization. Those are just the facts Sora.. I really doubt you can change it. I'm not blowing Saix like Marluxia, laying Lex like Vexen, or a skitzo for an excuse like Larxene: so it's not very likely to work. "

<BlindTaleTeller> " Chicken head at eight oclock! " Mulan was standing right in the middle of town when Mushu had screamed that in her ear, wincing though she'd turned quickly. The village was still small though it had grown by a few houses, and it wasn't hard to spot the leather-clad flaming redhead again in the otherwise fairly quiet streets. " I knew it was you! " striding up to stand on her tiptoes to point a finger in his face, her mean expression looked a little more like a pout than anything else.. and try as she might, she couldn't help but blush regardless remembering the last time she had seen the slightly taller young man. " I thought I told you never to come back here, and what is the first thing I hear when I do? Not only did you come back, but you managed to set a horse on---- " Mushu had been tugging on her ear the whole while, causing her to flick her hand back to bat his claws away, but finally turned his wiggly tongue towards teh shell when that hadn't worked. " MULAN! " " What?! And I see your silver haired accomplice isn't with you either-- " " Hi Sora. " Mulan barely glanced Sora's way saying to the side " Hello Sora. " and opening her mouth to chew at the Flurry further, before doing a double-take. " Sora? " And hugging him quickly, laughing softly over his shoulder. " My goodness, look at you.. you grew so much! " " We'll deal with you later chicken head, this here's a welcome reunion, see the difference? " " Mushu. " " Shuttin up. "

[Axel]

<Hikari-Sora1> This was quite a shock. Sora watched as the self proclaimed great dragon mouthed off his partner 90 to nothing. Though he waved as both looked his way then giving a sort of smile. He waited that extra five seconds then grunted as he was taken into a vicegrip hug. "Hunh! H-Hey Mulan, Mushu, n-nice to see you too-choking not breathing." He gasped, tapping her shoulder.

[Axel]

<firstsilentGOD> Axel just smiled through the whole tell-off, settling back and crossing his arms over his chest. " Hi to you too, firecracker. " and chuckling a bit when Sora became their main point of attention, shaking his head and starting a few steps ahead. " Yeah.. let the kid breathe. I was just going to take him over to the inn for a bit of rest and a bowl of those spicy noodles you introduced me to last time. Minus the throwing of small vegetables. "

<BlindTaleTeller> " Oh! Sorry. " Backing off a bit Mulan held her hands together in front of her and bowed briefly " We would be honored if-- " before her brow cocked at that last, looking to the retreating redhead's back. " What? You .. know him? "

<Hikari-Sora1> "Uh well, yeah we know each other." Sora grinned, taking in his air. "I guess you could say we kinda live together, but then again... -grooooowl- ...uh I-I was hoping we could go eat now." He laughed nervously. "I'm sorta starving!" Rubbing the back of his head sheepishly he turned to Axel.

<firstsilentGOD> " Well then come on~ " Axel tossed back, already ahead by a few yards. " I won't be paying for you if you can't even keep up.. " Well really he just didn't want to put up with Mushu again, what with the equal lizard-in--a-hiff glare he was getting. And they had other things to do than stand around town talking to pretty girls all day. " We've got someplace to be after this, remember? "

<BlindTaleTeller> Sighing, Mulan closed Mushu's mouth before any noise could come out of it, offering her hand to Sora and trying to catch up a bit. " All right, but if you think I'm leaving you to wander China alone Axel, you have another thing coming. " Mushu mocked the Flurry silently the whole way until that moment, claws on his hips " I don't wanna go up the mountain with him again! Not 'less someone be turnin him into a permanent popsicle! And you gotta get your tail back to the palace by tomorrow morning missy! "

[Axel]

<firstsilentGOD> Through town was quick, it was just a few houses after all: around the corner, he opened the door giving the moogle a brief look holding it for them both once they'd caught up. The place was neither particularly bright or dim, with a couple of drunk old guys playing Go in the corner, and only about five tables otherwise. Pretty quiet. " There wouldn't have been any problems the first time.. " Leaning in over Mulan's shoulder as she passed to grumble " ..if a certain lizard would have stayed.out.of.my.PANTS. "

<BlindTaleTeller> Mushu shook a fist at Axel, dancing across her shoulders to try to swing but way too late " HEY! It's not my fault your britches're so much warmer than the snow.. or that you didn't tell me you're 'sensitive in that area'. " Mulan sighed and shook her head, covering her face. " The last time we ran into Axel, we were escorting a supply caravan through the mountains, and ended up snowed into a cave higher up. He and Shang.. didn't get along. " " Not the only one chicken head didn't get along with.. better keep your hands to yourself this time man, or Imma have me some China Fried Chicken! "

<Hikari-Sora1> "'Chicken Head'?" Sora shook his head grinning at their new company. "Axel just attracts a bit of attention at times. So, how is the Captain? Everyone else okay too?" The brunette continued walking, stepping inside of the shop and rubbing his arms to warm up.

[Axel]

<firstsilentGOD> Axel just sighed and rolled his eyes at the nickname, taking a seat at the bench and waiting for the proprietor again, offering her a small smile and quietly ordering to the side while the other three talked: and whispering in her ear briefly, a question or two about the cave just outside the village.

<BlindTaleTeller> " Everyone is fine.. " " ..so long as they stay clear of that pass anyways! " Mushu was trying to pick off of Mulan's helping the moment the proprietor's back was turned, which earned him a chopstick over his head before she put a smaller helping into a sake cup and set it to the side on the bench out of the way between herself and Axel: explaining. " A great deal of heartless have decided to make that place their home lately. No one has been able to get through. " a smile and short chuckle as she looked to Sora. " I suppose I should have known you would eventually come around. It seems you have very good timing, in that respect. "