Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor.
The Lord rescues them in times of trouble.
The Lord protects them
and keeps them alive.
He gives them prosperity
and rescues them from their enemies.
The Lord nurses them when they are sick
and eases their pain and discomfort.
~Psalms 41:1-3
The 2nd Day
Interesting…that makes a lot of sense, actually. Leaning back on her hands, Sable took in the beginning of the morning sunrise, having woken up before it began. Feeling very relaxed, she admired the way orange and gold crept in amidst black and dark blue, not unlike an ink stain.
As it turned out, there was a very good reason Twilight Town was named the way it was, aside from the fact that it's one of the 'in-between' worlds. Twilight, meaning both dawn and dusk, were its predominate status, rather than day and night like other worlds. For some reason mid-day and mid-night only lasted a couple hours each, and the rest of the time it was in near perpetual twilight. It was undoubtedly a rather interesting phenomenon, though not much more than an interesting bit of trivia for her.
I think I'll ask around to find out how to sign up for the Struggle Tournament. She decided. It would be rather embarrassing if I didn't…and it would be good practice for me. A glimmer of anticipation crept through her, violet eyes brightening marginally. I wonder how Struggle Matches actually work, anyway?
/\/\/\
What to do with myself now, I wonder…
Hands behind her head, Sable wandered aimlessly through the town, just crossing into Market Street. With the registration done, she didn't really know what to do for the rest of the day—
"Drat, we're still short."
Hello, violet eyes landed on Hayner and his friends. They seemed to be staring at one of the bulletin boards. Ask and ye shall receive.
Intrigued, she shifted course towards them.
Olette gave a disappointed sigh. "I guess we can't go today."
"Is something wrong?"
The trio started in surprise, whipping around to face her, having not seen her approach.
"Oh, Sable!" Pence breathed, hand over his rapidly beating heart. "It's nothing. We just don't have enough munny to go to the beach like we had planned."
This seems oddly familiar. Sable noted thoughtfully. "I'll help you get the munny." She decided.
"No, it's okay Sable." Hayner was quick to decline. "You helped out enough yesterday when you and Seifer stopped that thief."
So prideful. Sable hid a smile as she stepped past them to examine the bulletin board Want Ads.
"I'm bored and have nothing better to do." She stated, eyeing the prospective odd jobs. "How much do you need?"
"About twelve hundred fifty munny-Ow!" Pence tenderly rubbed the spot where Hayner's elbow had jabbed him.
"I'll meet you back here in a few hours then." Sable informed, pointedly ignoring the dark looks Hayner and Olette were shooting their friend.
Turning away, hands clasped behind her head, Sable started off towards the nearest address.
A productive way to spend my spare time and earn some munny at the same time. Why wouldn't I want to do this?
/\/\/\
A Helping Hand
I need someone to deliver some letters for me.
Walls passing, faces blurring.
A hand extended, a letter passed.
Obstruction found, rail ground, air attained.
Talons pluck, fingers release, gravity reclaim.
Pole gripped, corner spun, brief deposit, paper given.
Hill top seen, destination reached.
Wood ground, hard stone scraped.
Sable slammed her foot down sharply, the borrowed skateboard all but leapt into her grasp. Turning, she met her employer's satisfied eyes.
"Good job."
The full pay was handed over.
/\/\/\
Needing a Strong Back
Looking for someone to carry some stuff. Anyone will do.
Brandishing blue, wood groaned, cargo sagged.
Upward climb, strike trine
Airborne strike, heavy blow
Wheels screech, cart wilts.
Hilltop reached, cargo stored.
Panting, Sable lowered the club and straightened up. The oversized crate now safe-and-sound in the garage, she turned to the garage owner.
"Thanks, you're a life saver. My back still aches from last time I tried to do that on my own."
In addition to the munny earned, the borrowed Struggle club was thrown in as an additional reward. A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.
/\/\/\
Wanna be Famous?
Looking for someone to put on a great street performance.
Rise up, descend down.
Block, pivot, swing on high.
Rubber thrums atop padded blue,
before hurtling overhead once more.
Loose stance, knees bent, ready to leap.
Dive, block, send up above, never touching down.
A game of finesse, of skill,
Not enough to keep airborne, must make a show.
Wind down, balance on tip, roll across limb.
Settle softly, coming to rest.
Feeling satisfied, Sable tuned out the cheers of the gathered audience, absently bouncing the ball on the top of her foot. An interesting mixture of soccer, tennis, and hacky sack.
The girl in charge pays her eagerly, asking if perhaps she could come again sometime. Perhaps I will, Sable mused, a potential time-burner if nothing else.
/\/\/\
Attention! Attention!
I need someone who can run fast and put up posters in designated areas!
Locate and plot, a route to track.
Gripping pipes and leaping walls.
Paper slapped to brick, moving on.
Gauge and leap, grip and pull,
a gap crossed, a roof scaled.
Tap, thwack, smack.
Twenty placed, near and far,
A game complete, reward attained.
"I should come straight to you next time I need posters put up! That was the fastest I've seen it finished." The Struggle announcer praised with a pleased grin as he handed over the required amount.
Reminds me of Russian Parkour. Even breaths, remember, even breaths. I can see why it's so popular.
/\/\/\
Bee Careful!
There are bees everywhere! I need them taken care of!
Yellow-splashed cloud, massing sting
Darting lance, deflecting block
Twirl and swing, duck and weave.
Smash and scatter, wait and evade.
Blue streaked swats, yellow across brick.
Ow, Sable grimaced at the few beestings that had actually connected. That stings!
"Thank you so much. I wouldn't have gotten off nearly as well as you did."
She takes the munny earned, and graciously accepts the offer of ointment and stinger-removal, satisfied by the grateful smile directed at her.
/\/\/\
A Dirty Job—
Will someone lend a hand disposing some junk?
Power conserved, efficiency needed.
"Two birds with one stone"
As much done in as few moves.
A swing, a crash, rotten wood flies.
Twice, thrice, done.
"Not bad. If nothing else, you sure are efficient."
All it took was aiming and some hand-eye coordination, nothing more.
/\/\/\
Up, and down, up and down, up, down. The munny within clattered together as the pouch was caught again. Striding back to Station Heights with a sense of satisfaction, Sable casually tossed the pouch again.
That was quite productive. She concluded. A slight twinge made her wince ever-so-slightly. Though…perhaps I should stay away from any bee-related jobs in the future. Ouch.
Violet eyes scanning the area, she approached the bulletin boards. Hayner and his friends were already there, waiting. As they turned to greet her she offered them the pouch. Olette accepted it without a word and quickly counted out the amount within.
Huh? Perplexed, Sable stared at the fraction Olette separated and then handed back. Too much? I could have sworn I counted out the required amount…
"We didn't want you to do all the work," Hayner explained, arms folded behind his head, "so we took some jobs to pull our own weight."
Ah… "Is that so?" A knowing smirk drifted across her face. "Or were you trying to tend the bruise your ego felt when I decided to help?" …Again…
A flush blossomed over the boy's face as he quickly turned away. Thoroughly amused, Sable spun on her heel and strode away, snickering quietly all the while.
Maybe I should go to Sunset Terrace… she mused. I haven't been there yet, and should probably burn the excess energy I still have. An anticipatory glint entered violet. Maybe I should roof-hop there…
/\/\/\
Sunset Terrace was not unlike the 'down town' section of Twilight Town, where the buildings were larger and packed closer together. Generally it was not one of the places where the youth of the town preferred to hang out. However, there was one allure that sometimes drew them over.
At the far end of the terrace was a high hill, affectionately called 'Sunset Hill' by the townsfolk. It was called so because, in the afternoon, it had a perfect, un-obscured view of the slowly setting sun and the vast fields and forests beyond the town's borders. It was also where, according to urban legend, one could see the illusive Ghost Train if they were lucky.
However, neither attributes were the reason to why Sable had gone there. No, it was because it was a relatively isolated, open location where she could practice with her recently attained Struggle club.
Standing broadside to the sun's rays, Sable held her weight on her bent rear leg, the club held horizontally above her head.
The raised elbow bent, her weight shifted forward as her rear leg straightened and slid forward. The club dropped to chest level with the advance and was thrust out full-length, her free arm rising back as a counter-balance. She held that position for five…ten…fifteen seconds, then retracted to her former stance.
Again weight shifted forward on her forward leg. A sharp pivot, the sword pulled in close then swung upwards with the spin. Then she returned to her stance again.
Thrust, jab, parry, slash, lunge. Slowly she cycled through basic sword motions, testing both different stances with different footwork. Better to find flaws now than in the middle of a fight. Eventually she settled on three different stances, each with their own benefits and flaws.
The low loose-hand grip is good for maneuverability, reverse grip, and retaliatory strikes. She noted, remembering the fight with Seifer as she swung her club back and forth experimentally. But is not good for stationary positions or thrusts…and there's a delay when I need to use a non-diagonal slash…and it isn't the best stance to use if attacking first
She shifted into the overhead stance, leaning back on her leg with thoughtful eyes. This varies depending on how far back on my leg I lean…but overall it's good for sudden lunges and thrusts and rapid combos, fair in maneuverability, but lacking in defensive abilities.
Bringing her legs closer together and standing straight, Sable moved to hold it over her right shoulder, blade arching downward, with her right hand acting as a support at the hilt-base. Excellent defensive abilities, but lousy maneuverability…probably won't use this one much.
Dropping the stance then stretching her limbs, another observation struck her. Speed, Attack, and Defense…how funny, I have a stance for all three…and a defensive variation for Speed.
With a set idea of the stances she would use in the future, Sable decided to experiment a bit. Testing to see how some follow ups could be better than others, or how to improve her footwork, or simply seeing how her style could flow.
Slowly, as her muscles loosened, she gradually increased in speed. Faster and faster she fenced against invisible opponents, letting her mind come up with generic situations and letting the adrenaline do the rest. At one point she even switched hands to strengthen her weaker arm.
Arc up and twist around, bend knees and stab low, retract and defend. Twist and kick, follow through with a sharp cross. Reverse grip and swing upward as the shoulder followed after. Spin sharply and lunge, stabbing upward, roll behind the blade and flow into a defensive guard. Drop low, shift back, brace, then lunge under guard.
Keeping her breathing steady, Sable straightened up, lowering the club. I think that's enough for now…it's getting dark—
A flutter of white, a familiar blue.
When did they show up? Inhaling sharply, Sable whipped around to face her audience.
"Not bad." Seifer commented, studying her appraisingly.
"That was so cool, y'know!" Rai pumped the air with his fist. "Like a sword dance, y'know?"
"Acrobat dance." Fuu agreed.
Vivi remained silent, partially hidden behind Seifer, his large yellow eyes stared up at her with notable admiration.
Forcing her nerves to settle, Sable studied the self-proclaimed Disciplinary Committee from beneath black bangs. What do they want? Chin tilted up, eyes closing partway. "What are you four doing here?" She inquired at last.
A shrug. "We were patrolling the town and saw you up her and decided to watch." A somewhat haughty smirk. "There's no law against it."
Sable didn't rise to the bait, instead sending Seifer a level stare. Violet met aqua, both remained still.
Finally, Seifer shifted uncomfortably and broke eye contact.
Satisfied, Sable strode past them, pausing just long enough to study Vivi curiously, having not paid him any mind the day before. Interesting kid. She noted, observing the Heartless-like eyes, an almost luminescent yellow, before the owner of the eyes turned away nervously.
Time to go home, then.
/\/\/\
Drifting. Sinking. Something…compressing her on all sides. A cold sensation crept across her skin, like an icy blanket wrapping around her. Unpleasant, yet, oddly comforting.
Violet eyes opened, but saw nothing but darkness.
What is this? She continued to descend, the sense of compression gradually increasing. Water? It felt like sinking in liquid, but…
The absence of light…Eyes slowly slid shut. Darkness…? This is…familiar.
Arching back, her head twisted around. She felt her body reorient itself, so that she was sinking feet first, rather than head first.
Numb… she could hardly feel her limbs, was barely aware of her own motions.
Her feet settled on something solid. A metallic ringing, though notably muted, sounded in response. Knees buckled, her body still trying to sink. A dizzying sense of vertigo seemed to pierce Sable's fatigue-ridden mind. Weight shifted back in an attempt to remain upright, one foot moved to compensate—
Light burst where her foot landed, cutting through the Darkness like a razor. Blinded, Sable's arms flew up to shield her face from the sudden illumination.
Writhing tendrils of Darkness rose up, cringing away from the Light, as if to escape it. Stray strands wrapped around her like a lover's caress, embracing her comfortingly before vanishing with the rest of the fleeing wisps. In their wake, a metallic-gray floor became visible.
Is this…an Awakening? The floor was a circular platform and the only source of light amidst the expanse of empty black. That much, at least, matched up with her vague memories of the first game. However, the image embedded on the platform on the other hand…
Lowering her arms, Sable looked down. A massive Nobody symbol stared up at her, mirrored by an equally large Heartless insignia.
Where's the stained glass? The images of Sora and the Princesses of Light? This does not coincide with what I know… But then…she had only seen the version for warriors of Light. Is this…the Awakening for Darkness?
Embrace your Darkness
A jolt lanced through her spine at the sudden voice. That's the…the voice that directed Sora and Roxas. Relaxing somewhat, she stood patiently, not even trying to locate its source and instead opting to simply wait for it to continue.
Though… A slight frown marred her features, It sounds…vaguely familiar….
Do not let it control you
You must be strong
Your journey has been set for you.
That's not what Roxas and Sora were told…but… A wry expression, It is rather fitting, I suppose. I suspect I have a different purpose than Sora. Though…maybe the path we take to reach the end is the same?
A glimmer of movement. Darkness swelled, rising up and then solidifying into three pedestals, revealing a double-edged sword branded with the Heartless insignia, a shield with the Nobody emblem, and a wand with the Bosses and Rivals symbol.
The dream weapons. Sable recognized. But…darker versions.
In the games, which weapon chosen would affect how the player's stats developed, and affecting the stats affected how the player could fight and what attacks would be available soonest.
Power sleeps within you.
If you give it form…
…it will give you strength.
Choose wisely.
Violet eyes studied the available weapons intently. First they came to rest on the sword, and Sable's mind brought up what the dream sword represented.
The power of the warrior. Invincible courage. A sword of terrible destruction.
Her gaze shifted to the staff.
The power of the mystic. Inner strength. A staff of wonder and ruin.
Finally she looked at the shield.
The power of the guardian. Kindness to aid friends. A shield to repel all.
Ignoring the staff outright, her gaze lingered between the shield and the sword. Torn.
Both have traits I follow… she thought, brows furrowed with indecision. I wish to protect others…but I cannot simply stand by and deflect the blows, not when there are enemies to defeat. But the sword is not a tool of true defense. Which…should I choose?
The silence weighed heavily as she weighed her options, before finally coming to a decision.
"They say the best defense is a strong offense, so that is the path I will choose." Stepping forward, she grasped the dream sword, pulling it from the pedestal.
You speak with wisdom…
Your path is set.
The sword's form shimmered, and then broke apart into strands of Darkness.
Now, what will you give up in exchange?
No need to think on that. Sable turned and retrieved the staff.
You give up this power?
Like the sword, the staff vanished into Dark wisps. There was a long moment of silence.
You have chosen the power of the Warrior…
…and have given up the powers of the Mystic.
You show much promise.
The pedestals faded away, and a stair case became visible.
Up it is then. Sable decided, seeing no other way to go.
Cautiously, she made her way to the next platform. I half expect to be ambushed…not sure which would be better though, Heartless or Nobodies.
The next platform differed from the first. There's no image… Violet eyed the solid silver floor.
Uneasy, she glanced around, shifting to the balls of her feet edgily.
Shouldn't I be attacked by something by now? A frown. She surveyed the platform again.
Still nothing. Then—
A crack! Darkness swept in, engulfing the grayish glow, leaving Sable floating again, though this time she didn't sink.
What's going on? Apprehensive now, she looked around for any kind of clue— A light? No… Violet eyes widened. A beam!
Her joints locked in place, her body refused to move. Fear rose up in her stomach at the sheer feeling of helplessness.
Contact.
The beam struck her chest dead center…and just kept going.
Fire and ice erupted within her chest, within her heart. Agony erupted, and overwhelmed her. An anguished howl sounded throughout the dark void.
/\
A prudent person foresees the danger
ahead and takes precautions. The simpleton
goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.
~Proverbs 27:12