A hothead starts fights; a cool-tempered person tries to stop them.
~Proverbs 15:18
The 1st Day
Morning seemed to come far too quickly. The sun's rays falling across the girl's face woke her with something of a start. Disoriented, she stared around the room with incomprehension before her mind began to wake up.
Oh, she remembered, Twilight Town, I'm in Twilight Town. Blinking sleep from her eyes, she sat up and then glanced down. And slept in my clothes, apparently…
Not really a problem so much as an annoyance, though she couldn't be sure as to why it annoyed her. Just one of those things, apparently
Now alert, curiosity made itself known as she stood up. I didn't look around last night…
The apartment wasn't very glamorous or spacious, but it had a sort of homey feel to it and an atmosphere that made her feel relaxed. It was also fully stocked with both food, a few sets of silverware, and even clothing in her size. Exactly how there was clothing in her size was a mystery she wasn't entirely sure she wanted to solve.
It's probably one of those 'better off not knowing' situations. She decided before a rumble of her stomach brought to light another situation. I didn't have anything to eat yesterday…or, at least not that I can remember.
Despite her well stocked fridge, she ate a small, plain, and simple breakfast of peanut butter on toast with a banana on the side.
A few minutes after, she walked out of her apartment.
Stepping out of the apartment complex, she embraced the warm morning sun on her face as she glanced around with a fresh eye. There was nothing especially eye catching or unfamiliar to her, having played the game enough times to be just shy of the ability to re-enact it.
The Sandlot isn't too far from here. She noted, recognizing the steep hill that led down to the aforementioned location.
For a moment, she had half a mind to head there first, before she remembered Seifer and his 'Disciplinary Committee'. He is rather…impulsive. She paused mid-step. Do I really want to risk being yelled at this early? A snort. No.
Spinning on her foot, she walked in the other direction, instead heading towards Station Heights. There's a bunch of shops there, she remembered, if they're open, I'll check them out. I have the munny.
Mind made up, she strode on with a confident step, arms folded lazily behind her head as violet eyes surveyed the buildings as she passed. She noted multiple posters plastered here-and-there with pictures of large, foam-covered bats underneath the capitalized words 'STRUGGLE'. As she strode into the first shop, the niggling of an idea was beginning to take shape in the back of her mind.
I wonder if- something caught her eye, is that?
Wandering over to the object of interest, violet eyes lit up with pleasure. I wouldn't have expected something like this here, she picked up the MP3 player box. Show's I shouldn't make assumptions when, apparently, I really don't know much about this world, oh! Her eyes landed on a clearance tag. They're on sale too.
Admittedly, they weren't the 'newest models' with all the fancy features, but for simply storing and playing music they'd work perfectly well.
Well, this gets better and better. Despite the sarcasm usually spoken with that particular sentence, she was quite sincere. Apparently there was even the offer of music albums being directly downloaded into the player without having to take the CDs themselves.
A blink, and the pleased gleam brightened in recognition. I recognize several of those titles.
Choosing her favorites, she gathered up one of the players and several of the titles she knew she liked and then went to purchase them.
/\/\/\
Striding into the shop, called Elmina's Workshop according to the large sign above the door, she glanced around. As one of the shops recognizable from the game, it wasn't so much to see what it sold as how different it was from the game she was curious about. The differences themselves weren't all that surprising.
Aside from being much bigger than the little stall shown in the game, it had a great deal more merchandise available.
Are those potions? Curious to see what a real-life potions bottle looked like, she approached the shelves labeled 'healing items'.
How do these work anyway? Gently picking up one of the potion jars, violet eyes scanned it inquisitively. She'd seen how they worked in the game, but for all she knew it could be completely different now. Paper unfolded under her fingers, revealing a small label.
That's convenient.
To use, either toss over the person you wish to heal, or swallow contents for maximum effect.
I suppose the game usage actually does work. But swallowing…A slight tremor lanced up her spine. Yuck.
"Are you going to buy something?"
The girl glanced over her shoulder. Behind her stood a middle-aged woman, staring at her expectantly.
"No." She put the potion back in its place. "Just browsing."
Aged eyes studied her curiously. "You're the new girl who just moved here?"
How did…? The girl turned to face the woman fully, surprised and somewhat startled.
"We don't get many people moving here," the woman explained, eyes laughing, "so when someone does it spreads all over town like a wildfire."
The girl nodded in understanding. That would make sense.
"I'm Elmina," the woman, Elmina, introduced with a smile, "the owner of this shop."
"…I'm Sable." The dark haired teenager responded, giving a polite bow.
"Well Sable, if you need any help at all, please don't hesitate to ask." An endearing look. "Actually..." Reaching past Sable, she nimbly plucked several potions from the shelf and shoved them into Sable's startled arms. "Here, consider this a welcome-to-town gift."
Sable numbly held the potions, eyes wide in astonishment. She's…giving these to me? Why? "Why are you…?"
"Offering to help?" Elmina finished, "I know how hard it is to move to a new town all by yourself. As to why…I suppose part of the reason is that you remind me of my daughter."
Intrigued, Sable cocked her head slightly as she put the potions into her munny pouch, having no other place to store them for the time being. "Your daughter?"
"Yes," A nostalgic nod. "All grown up, she was moved out by the time I decided to come to Twilight Town to live."
"Do you still speak to her?"
A sad sigh. "I'm afraid not. We've lost touch over the years."
Violet eyes stared at the floor, abashed. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be, I'm afraid it's me and my old age." A chuckle. "It's funny, I was born and raised in that town but for the life of me I just can't seem to remember its name."
Dark brows furrowed as alarm bells went off in her head. Can't remember…its name?
"But I don't want to bore you with my old stories. I'm sure you're excited to explore the town. There are several children around your age you might like to meet."
A blink, then a nod. "Maybe…" Then, feeling somewhat guilty for stirring up old pains, "Can you tell me a little about them?"
A thoughtful hum. "Well, there are two groups of youngsters I think you might get along with. First is Hayner's gang," A sparkle appeared in aged eyes, "oh they get into all sorts of mischief, but they're good kids. Then there's Seifer and his friends." A chuckle. "They're a bit older, probably closer to your age too, and they call themselves the Twilight Town Disciplinary Committee."
Sable snorted. "That's a bit arrogant, wouldn't you say?"
"Oh, they're not so bad, a bit high-handed maybe, but they really are a big help, most of the younger kids look up to them. They might seem like bullies but they really do watch out for others."
"I see…thank you, Elmina."
A smile. "It's my pleasure, and don't forget, if you need help with something don't be shy, my door is always open."
"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you again." Turning, Sable walked out the door—
—and quickly backpedal to avoid being run over as a trio of younger kids sped by. Violet eyes blinked with some surprise.
Wasn't that Hayner, Pence, and Olette? Curious, she turned and followed after them at a more sedate pace. No real hurry…I bet I can guess where they're going.
/\/\/\
Just as I thought.
Standing at one of the entrances to the Sandlot, Sable observed as Hayner and his friends participated in a fierce verbal conflict with two older teens.
Rai and Fuu. Sable recognized, eyeing the former's bright red shirt and Hispanic features and the latter's silvery hair and Oriental features.
Movement from one of the other entrances caught her eye, and paused the ongoing argument mid-word.
Open white coat flaring with each step, blue eyes sharp with a mixture of amusement and annoyance, Seifer approached his friends while keeping his gaze on Hayner. Eyes now alight with intrigue, Sable moved to lean against the nearest brick wall in order to watch the prospective show play out.
"That was undeniable proof that we totally owned you lamers!" Seifer declared as he approached. He studied Hayner's group with a look of haughty indifference before adopting a tone of bored curiosity, "So what did you do? Burn it?"
Violet eyes narrowed as dark brows furrowed.
Déjà vu, Sable thought as she observed the exchange. It was way too familiar
Seifer gave a short laugh. "Not that we need some photo to prove you're losers." He finished as he stopped.
"Replay!" Fuu demanded.
A dark glint entered icy blue as Seifer laughed. "Now you're talking!" he announced, slipping into a loose fighting stance. Flanking him, Rai and Fuu quickly mimicked the posture.
A little boy in an oversized floppy hat, whom Sable had not noticed previously, quickly got out of the soon-to-be crossfire.
Vivi, Sable's mind supplied absently as mirth rose up within her.
She couldn't resist. A sharp snort of amusement escaped her, startling both groups. Spinning to find the source of the sound they didn't immediately see her because of her position in the wall's shadow.
So much for 'not getting yelled at'. Still amused, Sable stepped away from the wall and into the sunlight, chuckling all the while.
"How entertaining, watching you pick fights like little children." Amusement laced the velvety tone as Sable shook her head. Carelessly, she brushed a persistent strand of hair from her face as she eyed the rival groups. "Though I may not know the reasons behind them, if you ask me your actions are rather…immature. Wouldn't you say?"
"You're the newcomer?" Blue glared out from under his ever-present tuque.
Sable cocked her head slightly, bemused. "So?"
"These thefts only occurred after you arrived. So all the evidence points towards you." The self-anointed leader of the Disciplinary Committee accused, taking an aggressive step forward.
Violet eyes blinked in disbelief before Sable was overcome with a fit of chuckles. "Oh how quickly your accusations change. What motive would I have had to steal…whatever it was that's been stolen, when I've only just moved here?"
Seifer hesitated, unable to answer that. Sable shook her head, eyes sharpening.
"Instead of fighting like a bunch of immature children, perhaps it would be more fruitful to work together to find the thief?"
Seifer growled at her, metaphorical hackles rising. Sable sighed.
How bothersome. A glimpse of blue caught her attention and she glanced at Hayner's group. An idea quickly took form.
"Could I borrow that?" she pointed at the Struggle club.
A flash of realization flashed through brown eyes as the brunette tossed the club to the black-haired girl. Almost lazily, Sable caught it with her left hand.
Seifer smirked, holding up his own club.
"Think you can beat me outsider?" He taunted.
I think I can. Sable though, standing one foot in front of the other with her club gripped loosely in her hand with the 'blade' directed away from her body.
The two locked gazes, neither moving a muscle, as the onlookers quickly hurried to the sidelines.
Eventually, Seifer grew impatient and charged forward, jabbing his club towards Sable's stomach.
Unperturbed, Sable pivoted sharply at the last moment, letting the blade cut through empty air. As Seifer overbalanced, time seemed to slow. Sable smirked.
Reversing her grip, she swung upward sharply. The padded blade of the club connected with the boy's exposed abdomen and side. Rolling with the blow, Seifer jumped back with only a slight wince.
I underestimated his durability… Sable frowned. And he's not taking this seriously.
"Don't insult me by holding back." She rebuked softly, but Seifer heard her and, smirking, slid into a defensive stance.
This time it was Sable who moved first. Leaning forward, she darted ahead and swung in another upward arc. The blow was deflected, however, and her torso was exposed to attacks as her arm was knocked away. Seifer swung his club horizontally, but Sable twisted sideways and over the club, thus avoiding the blow as she reversed her grip again.
Spinning sharply on her heel, she jabbed it behind her in an attempt to catch Seifer by surprise. However, the boy saw through the ruse and quickly leapt back. Facing each other again, the combatants slowly began circling each other, waiting for the other to act.
Seifer darted left. Sable moved to parry—
A bluff! She realized too late as the club connected with her side. Knocked off balance, she was off guard as Seifer quickly followed up with a vicious haymaker.
That hurt… Sable noted as she lay supine, mildly stunned from the ruthless combo.
A sharp lunge of motion in her peripheral vision.
Move! Pull knees tightly to chest. Roll back, resting all weight on shoulders and neck. Brace palms against ground by head. Push off, arch back, kick out—
Seifer quickly side-stepped, but was still clipped by Sable's rising handspring as she landed upright on bent knees. Spinning on the ball of her foot, Sable lunged before Seifer could recover.
A right-to-left upward arc knocked him off balance. A mirroring left-to-right arc. Step close, grip club with both hands, twist and swing up. Seifer was thrown clear off his feet.
Back connecting with hard ground, Seifer rolled with the momentum and returned to his feet—
Sable's club connected with his weapon's hilt, tearing his club from his grip. The weapon flew high, before landing in a small cloud of dust several feet away. Panting heavily, Seifer's gaze moved from his fallen weapon, to the club pointed at his chest, finally connecting with Sable's violet gaze. For a long moment, they held each other's gazes.
With a grunt, Seifer fell back, grunting softly as he closed his eyes in submission. Victorious, Sable straightened up, club held loosely in her hand, breathing deeply but calmly so as not to show that she was, in fact, somewhat winded.
In a flash Rai and Fuu were standing protectively over Seifer.
"Seifer's not feelin' so hot, y'know!" Rai shouted, eyes burning.
"Tournament decides!" Fuu agreed, gaze ice cold.
That's right…the Struggle tournament. Sable remembered the advertisement posters and nodded crisply. "I look forward to it."
Deftly procuring one of her potions, Sable tossed it over at Seifer. To her fascination, it automatically shattered above him, sprinkling what looked like a momentary shower of glitter over him. Refreshed, the other teenager slowly returned to his feet.
Satisfied, Sable turned away, lazily reversing her grip so the club hung limply behind her legs.
"That was so cool!" Pence suddenly shouted.
A sudden flash left Sable blinking back spots. Ow…
Smiling, Pence looked at his camera fondly. A white limb shot out, suddenly plucking it from his hand. The owner of the limb looped around the startled boy once before darting away, snaking through the air as if gravity had no hold on it.
Violet eyes widened marginally in recognition and Sable took off in hot pursuit.
"The thief!" she heard Hayner shout behind her.
/\/\/\
Buildings blurred past as the teenager pursued the Dusk. She hardly noticed when they entered the Tram Common, so focused she was on keeping the Nobody in her sight. Somewhere behind her she thought she could hear the others following behind, but had neither the moment nor the state of mind to glance back and check.
The serpentine figure slithered to the far end of the Tram Common, squeezing nimbly through the large crack in the bordering wall. Sable followed hot on its metaphorical heels, tuning out the pounding of shoes just behind her.
Like a circus acrobat, the white-clad figure danced through the trees, swinging around trunks and looping through low branches that grew beyond the wall. One could almost mistake it for a ghost.
"It's heading for the Old Mansion!"
Hayner? Sable thought absently as a stray observation crossed her mind. This forest is much bigger than the game suggested. Legs beginning to burn, she lengthened her stride in an effort to expend less energy.
The forest ended abruptly and Sable skidded in a just as abrupt halt. Knees bent, club held in a defensive reverse grip, she eyed her quarry warily.
The Dusk, for the most part, swayed rhythmically in place in front of cast-iron gates which were embedded between a high brick wall. Keeping a weather eye on the Dusk, Sable took in the decrepit mansion beyond the wall and the equally decrepit gates, only the lock of which being free of any trace of rust.
In fact, Sable noted, it looks suspiciously new…
"What the…?" the startled cry tore her from her observations. "We can't get through!" Glancing back, she saw Hayner's gang, along with Rai and Fuu, pounding away on what looked like empty air if not for the fact that they were obviously meeting some sort of resistance
Violet eyes narrowed, catching the faint glimmers of hexagonal shapes flashing in time with each blow. The tell-tale sign of a battleground barrier, not that she hadn't somewhat expected one to appear.
Sable blinked. How did he get in here?
Club in hand, Seifer glared past Sable at the guilty Dusk.
"This thing is causing trouble in my town." He explained without taking his gaze from the Nobody. "It's going to learn not to cause trouble the hard way." The Struggle club was brandished threateningly.
The dark-haired teen studied him a moment before nodding and turning back to the still stationary Dusk.
"You shall not be allowed to stop us!"
Sable jerked back at the passionate and completely nonverbal declaration. What the…? Frowning, she stared at the Dusk in confusion, then tensed.
The zipper-like growth on the corner of its 'mouth' slowly undid itself without any physical provocation. Upon reaching the other side, the 'mouth' twisted into a vicious snarl, the metallic 'teeth' of the zipper gleaming maliciously.
A shudder shook the Dusk's frame as it seemed to cringe in on itself before lashing out at them.
Ducking, Sable somersaulted beneath the airborne Dusk and quickly rolled to her feet. Predictably, the Dusk whipped about to try and face her again, allowing Seifer to strike. He lunged at it, swinging down his club—
—only to cry out in surprise as it the intended target seemed to contort like partially-melted rubber, flexing around the blow almost entirely untouched.
The Dusk glanced back, looking somewhat startled, before leaping into the air, coiling tightly around itself.
I know that move! Oh did she ever, the whiplash-like attack Dusks tended to favor was like a cobra's strike, fast and hard. Darting forward, she slid in front of the stunned boy and braced defensively.
Landing on its head, the Dusk coiled around itself and then—
Sable collided heavily with Seifer, who then crashed into the ground in a painful heap from the sheer power behind the blow.
Unbelievable, Sable quickly got up and back into a defensive stance, that much power released in the attack, like releasing a coiled spring!
Behind her, Seifer quickly recovered himself.
This is no good. Sable grimaced. A Struggle club is completely useless against a Nobody, even one as weak as a Dusk, it just shrugs it right off! Only a specialized weapon can cause enough damage, but we don't have one. I need to do something. She glanced back at Seifer. Because I won't be the only one to suffer… Violet eyes glared at the Dusk, the Nobody sauntering closer and closer.
Grip tightening, she clasped her club with both hands, eyes narrow. I need more power. I need to strike!
Ice coursed through her like a surge of energy. A hiss, and then she lunged. Leaping up, Sable slammed the club down.
Shadows danced, dark whips flailed, the Dusk staggered back.
Landing on the balls of her feet, Sable leapt sideways. Blue melted to red, rounded edges sharpened under dark tendrils as she swung upwards viciously. The Nobody slammed into the ground with a bone-jarring crunch.
Sable leaned back on her left leg, right leg stiff, weapon arched over her head. The dark glow that had overtaken the weapon dispersed, revealing its new shape in its entirety. Sable inhaled sharply, and heard Seifer do the same.
Soul Eater! A predatory smirk spread across her face. She could almost feel the blade's eagerness to strike down the enemy.
The Dusk recovered the blue streaks along its sides pulsating rapidly. Twisting and coiling, it whipped out again, winding through the air like a flying serpent.
Sable sidestepped and spun sharply on the ball of her foot, swinging Soul Eater in an upward arc. The blade seemed to grow heavier with the swing, increasing the power behind the blow.
A perfect counter. The Dusk was struck head-on and sent flying high into the air. Sable smirked, but leapt back as the Nobody nimbly righted itself and swerved down sharply. It landed only a glancing blow, but it was enough to send her sprawling.
The Dusk dived again, aiming to smash its oversized head against her. Seifer re-entered the fight as he slammed his club upward—
—The Dusk was sent sprawling several feet away, much too both teenagers' surprise. A swift kick-to-stand and Sable was back on her feet. Grimacing slightly at an odd throbbing behind her temples, she moved to stand next to Seifer.
"Let's hit it from two different sides." She suggested.
Seifer shot her an incredulous look. "And how do you intend to do that? I doubt it will just let one of us waltz past it."
The Dusk twisted to its feet, approaching with its boneless saunter.
The insistent throbbing in her head suddenly melted into a sudden surge of adrenaline as an odd urge, a directive command, made itself known.
Pull, yank. Track, zone in.
Push, thrust. Misdirect, disorient, confuse. Go!
Compelled to obey the primal advocate, Sable went with the flow and her body acted. As if there were wheels on her feet, she slid sharply around the startled Nobody, faster than a heart's beat.
Blinking dizzily, she didn't realize just what she was doing until she saw the Dusk looking around in wild confusion.
Reversal! She realized. The Dusk's Reaction Command! So that's how it works in reality. A slight tremor lanced up her spine at the echo of the adrenaline surge. What a rush!
Suddenly remembering the situation, Sable snapped herself out of her momentary stupor.
"Seifer!" she called, getting a crisp nod in response.
Digging into the ground, she shot forward just as the Dusk whipped around to spot her. Soul Eater connected, and the Dusk was sent careening towards Seifer, who swung upwards with all his strength. Again the blow connected, and the Dusk was sent flying high into the air.
Push, thrust. Misdirect, disorient, confuse.
Surrendering to the resurfacing Primal Instinct, as she dubbed it, Sable used Reversal to maneuver above the airborne Nobody.
Drawback, swing down.
The Dusk slammed loudly into the dirt and grass.
Sable landed softly and looked at Seifer. The other teen nodded and they brandished their weapons as their foe rose unsteadily.
"Now!" Seifer yelled, charging.
Seifer sliced through the Dusk, skidding to a stop behind it as Sable moved in kind and cut through less than a split second later.
Spinning neatly on the balls of their feet, they again faced the Dusk.
It lurched violently, its body spasmed and cringed in on itself and then burst into a brief shower of ribbons.
The stolen camera landed softly in the cushioning grass. Multiple squares of paper fluttered to the ground.
Photos? Sable frowned.
The feeling of iciness that had encased her arms suddenly receded and she glanced down in time to see Soul Eater fade and be replaced by the Struggle club.
Behind her, the dividing barrier vanished abruptly, allowing Seifer to rejoin the others.
Seeing no need to remain, Sable spun on her heel and strode past the other kids, focusing mainly on evening out her breathing. As the adrenaline rush faded, her limbs began to increase in weight, feeling like rapidly growing lead weights and leaving her feeling burned out.
"Wait!" Pausing mid-step, Sable glanced back at Seifer. "What's your name?" The head of the Disciplinary Committee inquired.
My name…they want my name. I should give it then. A small smile tugged at her lips "Sable."
Then she continued on her way, leaving the two groups to return the stolen items to their proper owners.
/\/\/\
White forms danced wildly about over the clock tower. With a type of nervous anticipation, the Dusks circled the darkly clad figure balancing easily atop one of the tower's spires.
Grasped gently between black-gloved fingers, a photograph fluttered in the breeze.
"So…" a contemplative hum, hooded eyes taking in the image. "This is who the Superior is worried about… Doesn't look like much…"
A stray breeze plucked the photo from the unresisting grasp.
"…This may prove interesting." The figure mused thoughtfully.
A swirl of dark tendrils, and then they were gone, as if they had never been.
Far below, the photo landed on the cobblestone ground, face-up. On it, startled violet was framed by loose black.
/\/\/\
Why am I so worn out? Collapsing limply back on her bed, Sable stared blankly up at the ceiling. Those two fights took effort…but they weren't that hard, I shouldn't be this tired.
— Push, thrust. Misdirect, disorient, confuse.—
Sable frowned in remembrance. The reaction command, perhaps? Maybe it inflicted stress or fatigue on my body, or mind, a wry snort. What's that saying? 'It's all in your head'?
A more urgent topic came to mind. Soul Eater.
The teenager held her left arm above her, clenching then unclenching her fist, imagining the dark blade's hilt clasped in it.
Soul Eater came to me when I needed it, she mused, so it must be my chosen weapon…but, why? She closed her eyes, deep in thought. I thought it was only Riku's weapon…
A thoughtful hum. "The keyblade, a weapon of Light. Soul Eater, a weapon of Darkness. Am I like Riku then? A follower of the Dark Path?" She wondered aloud, then chuckled. "How fitting if that is so. Even my name is a synonym of 'dark'."
A frown marred her features as an even more urgent question made itself known. "Why would the Dusk steal those pictures? Roxas is in the Virtual Twilight Town…and I wasn't even in any of those pictures…well, except for the one that Pence took. It doesn't make sense… "
—"You shall not be allowed to stop us!"—
"Obviously they think I'm a threat…but how could I be? What could I be that could threaten the Nobodies?"
A soft sigh preceded Sable sitting up, stretching up her stiff limbs. "I need…something sweet." She decided. "Maybe I'll try the sea-salt ice-cream Twilight Town is famous for….maybe even watch the sunset." A series of cracks sounded as she arched her back. "Yeah…sounds like a good end to an odd day."
/\
God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you.
~Romans 12:6