[KHITP] KHITP IC 1: The First Thread Never Gets A Witty Subtitle

[Beans]

[World that Never Was - Tower of Doubt]
A girl suddenly sits up on her dull grey bed, seeing the pulsing white light reflected in the windows showing the neon-dotted black cityscape around the building. Her eyes flick over the room---the whole floor, actually---and find little to draw their gaze other than the flashing bulb by the stairway.
A message from their benefactor has arrived.

Stretching, she pulls a white Paradox coat on over her also-white top, pants, gloves, and boots; her long, dark-tipped sand-colored hair swishes as she pulls a fan from her sleeve and gently wafts herself with it. She doesn't do it out of need for cooler air, more for the sake of the gesture than much else.

Xathet comes down into the first-floor lobby of the Tower of Doubt, her hair swishing behind her as she trots down the stairs, wondering what their benefactor wants this time.
----

[Port Tranquility - Clocktower]

A silver-haired girl sits in the basement room at the worn old table, violet eyes glancing about, landing every now and then on the orange-armored figure standing by the wall. Master Seban hadn't been seen out of that suit of armor by anyone but the other Masters, and neither of them would tell anything about his appearance.

Not having an ever-present helmet, Cael's anxiety is plain to see on her face as she waits for others to arrive. She had heard there were other Wielders in town and that they'd be coming, she hadn't seen a single one yet. The Nobodies might be caught up in their own squabbles, the Heartless might be calmed down (relatively) for a bit, but one could almost guarantee that the calm wouldn't last much longer.

Restless, she draws her Keyblade, Sniper's Dream, and begins to turn it over and over in her hands, hoping the message they sent out last night actually got to everyone.

[LordDeathkeeper]

Clock Tower

Levin, in his usual brown coat and blue clothes, hands in his pockets. He'd gotten the message. He still wasn't quite used to his role as a magic world-traveling swordsman, but hey! That's how things work out sometimes. He approaches the girl holding her Keyblade.
Hiya. Have we met before? I'm Levin if we haven't. We were supposed to meet up?

[DoomITP]

Port Tranquility

A corridor of darkness opens behind an abandoned building. Out of the corridor steps Zethus, who looks up at the clock tower. Something had drawn him here, something that he couldn't quite understand. Letting his spear rest on his shoulder, he walks towards the clock tower in an almost trancelike state.

[KerfuffleMach2]

The World That Never Was - Tower of Doubt

Xathet will find somebody in the lobby already. Not really waiting for her, but seeming to be waiting all the same.

She turns her dark gold eyes to the fan-wielding Nobody, a slight smirk on her face.

You received the call as well?

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Port Tranquility - Clock Tower

The door to the room opens, and a slender, brown haired woman steps into the basement, glancing around as she does. She sticks her hands into her pants pockets and strides over to the table, the bottom of her duster flowing out behind her.

Syra normally wasn't big on meetups with other Keyblade Wielders. They were usually a little too peppy for her tastes. However, this sounded important, so she thought she should come.

[DiscipleofBob]

Port Tranquility
(Docks)

Today's the day for a lot of new strangers in Port Tranquility. A young man in a dark but colorful trenchcoat casually walks along the docks as he explores the unfamiliar town, idly shuffling a deck of cards as he goes, wondering what made this world unique from the others. There was always something, sometimes more subtle but usually less. Were there already Heartless or Nobody incursions here, or was he actually early for once?

[Dorizzit]

[The World That Never Was]
Tower of Doubt

Xieldan enters the lobby just a short while after Xathet, stalking down the staircase and out into the wider hall. He looks at the other two Nobodies present, then moves over to one of the walls and leans against it.

"I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume that neither of you know what's going on, either."

[ThirdEmperor]

The World That Never Was- Tower of Doubt

Another joins the growing crowd, Xerxes slinking down the stairs and settling in to one of the giant, dull gray armchairs.

Like always there's an air of slight confusion about him- He doesn't know why he's here, only seen that the others were gathering and decided to follow suit.

"The signal in the sky. What does that mean?"

[AnimeKid]

Port Tranquility-The Clocktower

Antonio slowly walked into the basement room of the Clocktower. He looked around in curiosity not fully noticing the other people around his age in the room. He was still a little shell shocked by the Keyblade master that rescued him in Twilight town from the small platoon of heartless that had attack him at the sandlot.

It wasn't often that Twilight town got heartless and when it did it was usually a big deal. He knew why they were there two. A few days before he had manifested a keyblade and kept it a secret. Well, except from Hayner, Pence, and Olette. Said Keyblade master then brought him here to 'meet the other trainees'. That and to get him some proper training.

Finally he noticed the other trainees in the room and a slight flush graced his cheeks in embarrassment. Scratching his cheeks he began introducing himself.

"Umm, Hello. I'm Antonio, Antonio Gatsby. It's nice to meet all of you. Umm, so yeah. I'm the new keyblade trainee." He had a surprisingly deep and yet soft voice.

The World That Never Was- Tower of Doubt

Larfex came flipping down the stairs mere footfalls after Xieldan and Xerxes. He comes to a stop at the center of the floor on his hands, his robes somehow staying up, probably wind magic, as he said, "Nope, no one knows whats going on. It's a mystery. A when you think about it, doesn't that make it all the better. Life's greatest pleasures are mysteries after all."

Lerfex had a voice that had a boyish tone to it, but it wasn't really high. More around the middle range.

[Beans]

[WTNW - Tower of Doubt]
A few Dusks and Creepers lope about outside the formidable building, but none come very close---there was just something about the area they seem to fear.

Lounging in one of the chairs, Xathet snatches up a letter like many before it, stamped with a black version of the Nobody symbol.
Lessee here... oooh, okay, listen, guys.
Ahem...
Tonight you begin to make a name for yourselves. This is your first step along the path that will leave the self-crowned elite crushed beneath your heels. You will be the first to gain your hearts if you perform well, and it begins here.
Your first task is in the world known as Wonderland; the being known as the Mock Turtle holds a relic the Heartless left last time they attacked, and you are to retrieve it. Unfortunately, the Mock Turtle is enjoying the hospitality of the Queen's dungeons at this time, so retrieving the item will not be a simple errand of asking nicely.
Best of luck,
Your benefactor.

Sooooo... gotta get a thing.
---
[Port Tranquility - Clock Tower]

Cael brightens when she sees others arrive, smiling at Levin. I don't think we've met, I'm Cael. Glad you came!
She nods to Syra as she enters, though she doesn't expect much of an answer, then turns her attention to Antonio.
Always good to have new trainees... oh, hey, you're the guy Master Delantha saved, right? She glances at an empty chair near the armored Master Seban. She'd be here, but... she's... occupied.

[ThirdEmperor]

Tower of Doubt

Hesitantly, Xerxes raises his hand. "What does the relic look like? How will we know it?"

[LordDeathkeeper]

Port Tranquility- Clock Tower

Levin bows to Master Seban.
"Sorry, Master. I didn't see you there."
And then to both of them.
"So, what's our business today?"

[Dorizzit]

[The World That Never Was]
Tower of Doubt

Xieldan pounds his fist into his open palm, grinning savagely.

"Who cares? We just need to find this turtle. He'll know what we're looking for. I don't see what the big deal is. We break in, bust him out, and take our prize. 1, 2, 3. Easy."

[ThirdEmperor]

Tower of Doubt

The violent motion seems to startle Xerxes, who shrinks back in his chair, studying Xieldan with a careful eye- Not the first time he's seen the fellow Nobody act with such... bluster, maybe? Bluster is a good enough word. It seems rather pointless. "If he'll give it to us willingly. If he doesn't lie."

[Dorizzit]

[The World That Never Was]
Tower of Doubt

Xieldan grinds his fist against his palm, maintaining his posture.

"He doesn't have to be willing. If he lies, well...that would hurt my feelings. I think I'd have to go back and talk to him about it. Maybe teach him the error of his ways."

[KerfuffleMach2]

Port Tranquility - Clock Tower

Syra is seated at the table, waiting for this meeting to get underway. The sooner it was over, the sooner she could leave.

-------------------------------------------

The World That Never Was - Tower of Doubt

Zaluxa chuckles a little.

Xieldan, don't come up with some poor excuse to beat him. Just do it.

She turns to Xerxes. It's a relic. It's going to be something out of the ordinary, probably something with power. It shouldn't be too hard to identify.

[DoomITP]

Port Tranquility Clock Tower

Zethus moved in the cover of shadows, quietly watching the gathering of keyblade wielders from a distance. He felt a chill run down his back, keyblade users never meant anything good for Heartless like him. It was only a matter of time until they found him. Even worse, they could be after him specifically... But at the same time, he had to observe them, Zethus said to himself. After thinking about it, Zethus decided to stand there and watch them a while longer.

[Beans]

[WtNW - Tower of Doubt]
Xathet rolls her eyes, looking at her fellows from above her fan.
Doesn't say we have to beat him, sillies. What's with you and the whole breakin' stuff thing?

---

[Port Tranquility - Clock Tower]
"Our business is simple." Master Seban stands slowly, armor clanking. "You novice users and our more advanced students Syra and Caelum have much work to do, now that the Heartless are getting back into gear. The other Masters and I have decided that we need troops out in the worlds, perhaps more than one group if we can manage it."

Caelum nods. I have a ship, so at the very least I can take people with me.

[KerfuffleMach2]

Port Tranquility - Clock Tower

Syra folds her arms across her chest and leans back in her seat a little.

Do you have a plan for us at all?

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The World That Never Was - Tower of Doubt

Zaluxa waves her hand in the air a little.

If someone doesn't cooperate, you force them to. It's simple, really.

[LordDeathkeeper]

Port Tranquility, Clock Tower

Levin frowns just a little at being called a novice. He wasn't that new! Okay, maybe just a few months counts as that new. Oh well, every assignment means he's one step closer to that sweet armor. Heck yes!
"Perfectly happy to play grunt for the cause. I'll do my best, whoever and wherever you place me with."
That first part was a joke, but not in a snide sort of way.

[ThirdEmperor]

TWTNW- Tower of Doubt

Xerxes frowns in thought. He feels quite strongly that what his allies are saying is... for the lack of a better word, @*!#. But they seem quite sure of it. Aggressively so.

"I still think it might not be best." He ventures cautiously, looking to Xathet in the hopes of approval. She at least seemed to be on his side.
"Because... Because if we hurt him... And here's where he's not so sure of his logic. How could a Nobody guess what a real person would do? "I think, that maybe, he might tell someone, to try and find help?"

[Dorizzit]

[The World That Never Was]
Tower of Doubt

Xieldan growls quietly at Zaluxa.

"Shut it. I don't just beat on people weaker than me without a good reason."

He turns his gaze to Xerxes.

"Doesn't matter. By the time he can talk to anyone, we'll be worlds away."

[AnimeKid]

Port Tranquility-The Clocktower

Antonio looks over to Master Seban as he starts explaining what it is that he is expected to do. A few drops of sweat appear on his forehead as he says, "Umm, I can go with miss Caelum. Though do we have a plan like miss Syra said? It would make me feel better at least. Also is there a place we can go to buy accessories? I don't want to drag everyone down so they would help me fight a bit better till I'm used to my keyblade."

The World That Never Was-Tower of Doubt

Larfex sighs as he pushes off of his hands and high into the air. As he comes down his ring blade appears into existence with a swirl of wind as he lands on it miraculously not cutting through his shoes and into his feet. Balancing on the ring quite handily he says, "No, no, no. You guys are thinking to hard and about the wrong thing. Maybe before we try to figure out how to deal with the turtle we should figure out how to bust him out of the Queens dungeon?"

[Beans]

[Port Tranquility - Clocktower]
"We thought about that; with a possibility of perhaps two groups, we intended that one head for Kokaua Town, the other for the Land of Dragons. Both are in need, but thankfully not so much we need major troops."

Caelum stretches. We can hit up an item shop before heading out, sure.

---

[WtNW - Tower of Doubt]
Xathet giggles, fanning herself idly. I agree with Xerry and Lar. We need to get him out first, and he might be grateful enough to hand over the goods.
If not, well, won't be hard to think of something.

[LordDeathkeeper]

Port Tranquility- Clock Tower

Ack. Levin knows what he means, but the Master's no good at all at making folks feel important.
I'm not familiar with either of those worlds, so I'll go wherever you think I'll be most useful. I'm set to go as I am.

[KerfuffleMach2]

Port Tranquility - Clock Tower

Syra nods a little. I'll go to Kokaua then.

---------------------------------------------------

The World That Never Was - Tower of Doubt

Zaluxa let's out a sigh. Fine, we'll do it your way. The boring way.

[Dorizzit]

[The World That Never Was]
Tower of Doubt

Xieldan makes an irritated noise with his throat.

"So, are we going to go, or sit around all night talking about it?"

[DoomITP]

That worried Zethus more than anything. A heartless hunt. Sure they must have been talking about the heartless who listened to the call but surely they'd show him no mercy. It was up to him to stop them. He would just have to catch them either in a pair or alone. Alone would be best. There wasn't any room for error.

[AnimeKid]

Port of Tranquility-Clocktower

Antonio nods to Caelum and says, "Well if miss Syra is taking Kokaua then I guess that means we will be going to the Land of Dragons miss Caelum? Also thank you for allowing me to stop by the item shop before we leave."

The World That Never Was-Tower of Doubt

Larfex pouts at Xieldan as he says, "Aw! But we never talk anymore! I feel like I've lost touch with you guys. I mean sure Xieldan still thinks punching things solves all life's problems and Zaluxa still terrifies the sh*t out of us with her habit of setting things on fire, but I think we are all missing the special connection we once had. Especially with the new guy around."

[Beans]

[PT - Clocktower]
Yep, L.O.D. for us! She nods, stretching again. I don't know what's got the bugs and the husks so riled, but the people on the worlds they fight over are suffering and we can't let it go on.
---
[WtNW]
... We've been here like, a week maybe. And I'm not scared of Zaluxa's pyromania, I just know enough to stand back.
Also, I'm pretty sure the only connection we have is we want our hearts back and we want to stick it to the man or something...
Whatever, can we go?

[LordDeathkeeper]

Levin considers this for a moment. I suppose I'll go with Syra, then. Keep the numbers even. Unless you'd rather go alone? he asks politely.