Into the Woods (Xaldin, Sora)

[Saix]

<Hikari-Sora1> The brunette slumped into a chair at the kitchen table, groaning softly as he rotated his right arm. He didn't have to go all out on him, the loon. He was fine though, just a little worn. It payed off though. Maybe, just maybe for once Demyx knew what he was talking about. Sora groaned softly and propped up his left arm on the table and rested his chin in his palm. "This is a first..." He murmured more to himself than anyone.

<BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin passed the younger with just a glance for a moment; though when it registered who it in fact was he slowed mid reach for the cupboard. " Hope you're not too sore.. " He tossed back, though he was already reaching for the mint cocoa. It didn't take long to make, though he'd added a bit more mint to it knowing the stuff was good for relaxing sore muscle: and got himself some juice. " I'd planned on stealing you for a mission if you were up to it.. "

<Hikari-Sora1> "Hm?" Sora perked up as the other entered the room. "Heh, you steal me? You feeling okay Xaldin?" He laughed a little, trying to make a small attempt at humor. The younger really didn't know anything about Xaldin, apart from what Demyx tells him. And something told his conscience that you shouldn't believe everything the Nocturne said. "And nah, not too sore. Demyx just took me for a ride. A little too hard. He shouldn't of learned to pick up a sword, let alone use it." Sora shook his head and again rolled his shoulder around in its socket, watching Xaldin with wandering eyes. "What you got there?"

<BlindTaleTeller> " We have a mission we need your help with, I don't have time to be picky, just for one. We need to go heartless hunting, even if it's the easy kind. " Now that was something he hadn't expected. " The blade takes a good deal of strength.. " a few thoughts though and he recalled that Axel had mentioned an encounter with him, just before he had gone 'quiet'. " ..does this have something to do with that request for a sparring session Axel told me about? "

<Hikari-Sora1> "Ah." Sora nodded. "I'll do my best then." This was another chance the Organization was giving him. He was going to take it. "Huh? Oh." He grinned. "I think it has everything to do with it. A few months back Demyx said he was going to train for a long time in Port Royal. I asked and he answered, 'to learn how to use a sword.' And darn if it if he did. He doesn't use up so much strength, but he definitely has the stamina for it. He's too quick and that can be handy if you're compensating for strength. But yeah, he started wanting to use what he said 'a real weapon' after Axel ran into him." Sora grinned and rested both elbows on the table, his chin resting over his laced fingers.

<BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin chuckled as he listened, shaking his head. " That.. sounds about right, from what I've heard on the other end. " Starting to pack a few things away into his satchel he shrugged. " He'll be lucky to catch him though, with the way he's been in and out of here. Mostly he hasn't left his room, and has pretty much become a shut in.. though that isn't far from where he was even before Demyx left. He doesn't much bother to come out even for food now, if at all. "

<Hikari-Sora1> "I don't think you've seen him yet either. He actually...changed...his hair." Sora rolled his eyes. "How encounters change a person. I think he even turned off his stupid button. The one he purposely acts upon to act like such a ditz? But...he's great to have around." Sora smiled and leaned back some more. He was quite fond of Dems. The two of them clashed horns only every so often and the both of them were slowly growing up. "Hm, why's this? Something happen to him?"

[Saix]

17:10:07 <BlindTaleTeller> " Reallly? " Now that he was curious about. Mullet boy changed his hair and stopped pretending not to have lost half his brain cells? He shook his head. He'd look for him later to satisfy his curiosity, but for now the idea was to get ready and go. The last question paused him though, and he waved his cup at the mug Sora had barely touched. " I can't say for certain. He trusts Saix more than me. Likely in part because they spend so much time together. Generally when he isn't in his room he can be found there. We talk, but it's not a 'sharing' kind of relationship: though Saix did mention that he's been renting a cot there in Daguerro, rather than staying with his brother. " He didn't really have to think about the breakdown though. " It's likely more that things haven't changed, or happened. I've been trying to figure him out myself. If I were in his place.. I don't think I would want to spend very much time here either. There's nothing here for him except constant threats either for pain, or death from one member or the other: and the only reason he was and is staying has been forced to move to Gaia. So.. " he shrugged.

17:18:55 <Hikari-Sora1> The younger stood up gingerly and forced his shoulders back hearing a small pop. "Nh, you can still recognize him..." He blinked and looked down to the mug. Oh, it was offered for him? Ah maybe he had Xaldin figured out all wrong. Maybe he wasn't such a bad guy after all. "Ah thanks." Mutters before taking it up and taking a few sips, keeping it between his hands. "I haven't gotten a chance to talk with him other than that last mission I had with him a while back. He's an okay guy. I think he'd be very valuable to the team but..." Sora frowned. "In his shoes, I know what that feels like. It was like that at first for me. If Axel went away I'm sure I wouldn't be the only one to miss him." Saix, Sora hadn't forgotten what his duty was. He made it his goal to make sure Kingdom Hearts reached completion. Not only did he want to reach it, but he wanted Marluxia to smile again as well. "Well!" Sora huffed, taking a big swig of the drink. "Let's go kick Heartless ass."

<BlindTaleTeller> A few moments of looking of his shoulder and Xaldin listened, nodding to the last. In went the crackers and the sandwiches he'd made, marshmallows, peanut butter, raspberry jelly and chocolate. He managed to think about how he was dressed and looked down, making a descision based on the jeans, tee and jacket. " How about the Deep Jungle..? " It had been a while, and he wanted to go somewhere else.

<Hikari-Sora1> "The jungle..." Sora repeated, lips puckered lightly in thought. "Jungle, hm its been a looong time since I last been there. Alright, let's do it." He nodded before adding another thought. "Better whip up some extra clothing for the trip." He shifted his arm again and turned to leave for his room.

18:07:34 <BlindTaleTeller> Nodding Xaldin looked down again, and shrugged. What the hell. " I'll meet you in the commons in five minutes.. " and he was off, though through a portal. He was in a tank top and knee length shorts, as well as shades; not looking too far from what he had been wearing when they'd first come for Sora, when he arrived in the main common rooms.

18:26:57 <Hikari-Sora1> About 7 minutes later or so Sora came back but with 121 lbs of extra baggage. "Hey Sora, where you goin?" Demyx grinned, leaning heavily on Sora's back making him squirm, trying to keep upright. "Demyx stop it! I'm going Heartless whacking with Xaldin." "Uh huh~ Heartless whacking." Sora turned and gave him an angry pout. "You can't come with." This must of been a poor way to handle the situation, or just simply annoying. Either way, Demyx didn't take it lightly. "You can't do this~ You can't do that~ who are you my mother?" Demyx bopped the kid in the back of the head. He had grown out a bit more of his hair and slicked back his hairline, a few locks dangling in his face. "And I wasn't even going to ask to come with you. Just wanted to know when you'd be back." Oh, well, that was different. "I dunno...depends on how fast we get through them or whenever Xaldin's tired...or myself..." "Oh, alright..." The taller ruffled his own hair up some letting out a small huff. "Just when were having fun too." "Just when you went psycotic and almost broke my arm you mean..." Sora winced at the returning thought. "Hey, the heat of the battle." He grinned and then turned to look at Xaldin once they reached the meeting spot. "Hey Xal."

[Saix]

18:53:17 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin shook his head a bit as he heard them coming: smirking and flipping the strap to his bag over one shoulder. " Just... try to make sure in the future he stays unbroken .. okay? ..and Hi. " he chose then to look up curious as to what kinf of changes the Nocturne had made. Though he did feel compelled to ask Sora before anything else. " ...why are you carrying more than you weigh on your back..? "

19:07:35 <Hikari-Sora1> Sora grunted and pushed Demyx off. 121 lbs currently lifted. "Because I guess Dem forgot how to walk." He smirked when all he got was a roll of the eyes. "You just wish you were a man's weight. You, at a puny 108, need to work out more." Sora's turn to roll his eyes. Like Demyx had what it took to be 'a man'. "Just got an extra set of clothes, little things." He tapped his small bag resting on his back.

19:14:38 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin shook his head between the two of them. " I meant the bags, but okay. " Soft chuckle, and eh shrugged as he opened the portal. " We're not going to be gone for a week. Just a few hours, a day at best.. "

19:16:21 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin shook his head between the two of them. " I meant the bags, but okay. " Soft chuckle, and eh shrugged as he opened the portal. " We're not going to be gone for a week. Just a few hours, a day at best.. "

19:20:05 <Hikari-Sora1> "I'm not worried about him!" Demyx cried out. "Sheesh why would I?" "Thanks Dem, see you when I get back." Sora waved then looked to Xal then his own bag. He only have one duffle bag...didn't he? He looked again, yep one bag. "Hey Xal...are there leftovers of yours in the kitchen..." Demyx inquired before the duo left through the portal.

19:27:07 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin just shook his head at the younger of the three of them; shooing him on " Lets go, lets go.. " maybe a bit impatient, but he wanted to get the hunting going. He only paused briefly when Demyx asked. " Always man. Always.. you honestly think Xigbar knows how tio cook without burning the place down? " Thus, he was chuckling as they moved on.

19:33:21 <BlindTaleTeller> Xaldin just shook his head at the younger of the three of them; shooing him on " Lets go, lets go.. " maybe a bit impatient, but he wanted to get the hunting going. He only paused briefly when Demyx asked. " Always man. Always.. you honestly think Xigbar knows how tio cook without burning the place down? " Thus, he was chuckling as they moved on.

[Saix]

<Hikari-Sora1> Behind him, Sora heard the 'yes!' of the 'omg effin sweet' variety. Ditz or not, Demyx was still in a way like a spoiled child, or just a child. "Maybe we're lucky if he doesn't burn the place down himself just heating up the leftovers." Sora chipped in a small remark with a grin. "I like your cooking though. Mar's is pretty good, hard to choose."

20:02:27 <BlindTaleTeller> " That so? " To the very last as he moved through the portal. It ended up riverside, and looked like someone had been there before, though it was a little overgrown. Xaldin set his own bag down under the shade of the tree growing closest to them, and swiped out a lance to clear some of the grass and help deterr any snakes hiding out in it. Sure enough, two made their way to a safer hideout, slithering off along the river. Using a small whirlwind he garthered that grass up and set it out to dry for kindling later if they stayed. " Well If we stay longer than for what I have with us you'll get to see my fireside skills. "

20:54:09 <BlindTaleTeller> <Hikari-Sora1> Behind him, Sora heard the 'yes!' of the 'omg effin sweet' variety. Ditz or not, Demyx was still in a way like a spoiled child, or just a child. "Maybe we're lucky if he doesn't burn the place down himself just heating up the leftovers." Sora chipped in a small remark with a grin. "I like your cooking though. Mar's is pretty good, hard to choose."

<BlindTaleTeller> " That so? " To the very last as he moved through the portal. It ended up riverside, and looked like someone had been there before, though it was a little overgrown. Xaldin set his own bag down under the shade of the tree growing closest to them, and swiped out a lance to clear some of the grass and help deterr any snakes hiding out in it. Sure enough, two made their way to a safer hideout, slithering off along the river. Using a small whirlwind he garthered that grass up and set it out to dry for kindling later if they stayed. " Well If we stay longer than for what I have with us you'll get to see my fireside skills. "

<Hikari-Sora1> "Well yeah, both of you do a good job." Sora nodded truthfully. He stuck close though, not fully knowing just what kind of creatures are in the jungle other than mischievous monkies, apes, crocs- "HOLY-" Sora grabbed the elder man's arm at the sight of the snakes. "Eww..." He shuddered. "Fireside?" The brunette asked, still clinging to Xaldin's arm.

21:18:38 <BlindTaleTeller> Smirking a bit, Xaldin shook his head. " They're more afraid of you than you are of them. " His eyes moving towards the river he tilted a bit to make sure Sabur wasn't about. " And yes.. as in cooked over an open fire? "

[Saix]

21:24:58 <BlindTaleTeller> Smirking a bit, Xaldin shook his head. " They're more afraid of you than you are of them. " His eyes moving towards the river he tilted a bit to make sure Sabur wasn't about. " And yes.. as in cooked over an open fire? "

21:32:29 <BlindTaleTeller> Smirking a bit, Xaldin shook his head. " They're more afraid of you than you are of them. " His eyes moving towards the river he tilted a bit to make sure Sabur wasn't about. " And yes.. as in cooked over an open fire? "

21:32:33 <Hikari-Sora1> "I haven't had very pleasant run ins with snakes lately. Its a childhood scar..." Sora gave the river a look and looked around at their feet before hesitantly letting go of the Lancer's arm. "Ah...awesome." He smiled. "I could definitely go for that."

21:49:54 <BlindTaleTeller> " I'll keep that in mind as best I can.. " was a reply to both as he carefully pulled himself from the boy's grip, and rubbed his hair. " I brought some things for smores as well. Raspberry and peanut butter ones if you like to add extras. " For the moment though he was concentrated on getting in that mindset as he started off. " Lets leave our things here though for now.. " and he nodded at the tree, one of his lessers setting higher up in it, " Dinah will watch over them. "

22:04:23 <Hikari-Sora1> "Ah s'okay." Sora muttered, slipping off his bag to leave next to Xaldin's, agreeing with him. Mmmmm smores, such a thoughtful man. "You know, now that I think about it. I don't think we've had the chance to properly hang out." He looked back at the dragoon before sticking close to the Nobody.

[Saix]

22:07:13 <BlindTaleTeller> Looking at him still as he turned, he shook his head. " No.. we haven't. " Not that he had thought about that kind of thing much. The first batch was quick to pop up.. and he summoned a pair of lances to have at the monkeys. There were six, and he took the three on the right. " You haven't been very available lately though either.. "

22:09:02 <BlindTaleTeller> Looking at him still as he turned, he shook his head. " No.. we haven't. " Not that he had thought about that kind of thing much. The first batch was quick to pop up.. and he summoned a pair of lances to have at the monkeys. There were six, and he took the three on the right. " You haven't been very available lately though either.. "

<Hikari-Sora1> The younger took a step forward and watched the Heartless materialize, hopping about in place. "Can't think of a way to get closer than this, not at the moment anyway, right?" Sora smirked and held his arm out, the Keyblade coming out to his aid quite easily. "And no I haven't. I plan to make up for it." All the training with Demyx seemed to pay off, he didn't get tired anymore. And hacking through Heartless became like a breeze to him again.

<BlindTaleTeller> Glancing to him again as he downed two at once, he whipped one lance at the last one: his eyes slipping forward again. " I guess not. " he chuckled a bit before he caught that one on it's flip out of the way. " And.. I know I'm not the only one who hopes so. "


((after talking with Sora-mun, this hunt was finished shortly after: both characters returning to the castle to rest after.))