[open]

[subtract]

Who: Add & whoever he runs into!
Where: Henir's Temple, various places around the Far Shore
When: December 13th
What: Add wakes up from his two-week coma with some new memories and a new body.
Warnings: Will be added as needed.

((Add looks different! Although he's still pretty identifiable, he looks like he's about 12 now, so if they've met before feel free to have your character recognize/not recognize him as you see fit. Also, the weird corruption on his shoulder is hidden under his coat unless noted otherwise.))

[A - Henir's Temple]

He can't remember where he'd last fallen asleep, but it doesn't matter. When Add opens his eyes he sees a familiar room—his room, as he'd come to consider it. His mind feels a bit hazy, but the memories are quick to resurface. Yes, this is... definitely what his room was like, in that place...

He doesn't move for awhile, eyes wandering around the room as he considers his surroundings. He flexes his hands, runs his fingers along the sheets of his bed. It feels real. Everything looks exactly how he remembers it. Eventually, he sits up, shifting to let his legs dangle over the edge. His feet don't quite reach the floor.

It feels real... but something like this is too good to be true. He dismisses the thought.

An illusion of the void, or maybe some trick pulled by Glave. This wouldn't be the first time he's wandered into a strange dimension by mistake. A place that can draw upon his memories isn't unheard of. Whatever it is, it's... nostalgic. Pleasant. Perhaps staying like this for awhile wouldn't be so bad.

He leaves the room, listlessly wandering the halls of the strange illusion to see what else he might find.

[B - Around the Far Shore]

He finds his way out of his temple's maze after awhile, stepping out into the crisp December air. This, too, feels familiar to him. He knows now that this illusion is more complex than what he's used to. Would there be other "people" out here as well?

He's not headed to any place in particular, content to explore aimlessly for now. Only some of the temples are familiar to him, but it doesn't really matter if it's a place he knows or not. None of this is real, he's certain, so he can go wherever he wants. You can't trespass in a dream.

So, maybe he's pausing to admire some of the temple's scenery, or maybe he's already broken into the building and started poking around at things. Whatever's caught his interest, Add seems completely oblivious to anyone else who might be nearby. Maybe he hasn't noticed yet?

Comments

A

[cloak]

Before Add leaves his room, he might notice a figure in black seated against one wall. When Roxas isn't training in some bid to become more useful, so he might not fail again in the future, he waits. He isn't sure precisely what he's waiting for, only that something compels him to linger, despite his awareness that he can do nothing.

As a being with no need for sleep, Roxas has come into the practice of simply waiting without moving. And this is the same occupation he's taken up when Add sets foot on the floor, markedly smaller than he was before.

Still, he knows it to be Add when he sees him. Senses it, in the same strange way he does others, though perhaps stronger for being his shinki. He suspects he'd mistake Add for no one else in this world or any other.

Though he does not move, he does speak, cutting into the still air, "Add?" He needn't seek confirmation, but Rin did stress the importance of saying something in order to avoid startling others with his presence.

[subtract]

Add immediately halts, freezing in place. A familiar voice. One that he's longed to hear again, after all this time...

Slowly, he turns his head, peering at the cloaked figure with wide eyes. His mouth hangs open uselessly. Emotions well up in his chest, making it impossible to breathe.

... it really is like a dream. That's the only way something like this could ever happen. He's dreaming.

He allows himself bittersweet smile, the silence finally breaking as he responds in quiet confirmation. "Roxas."

[cloak]

Roxas picks himself up then, having confirmed that Add is aware he's present. His body is stiff, but he pays it no mind. This had seemed to him the best place to wait, though he'd had no idea how long he would need to do so. What he's certain of is that he'd have done so regardless of how long it took.

"Are you okay now?" This system of gods and shinki remains new to him, so he doesn't know if this change in appearance and size is to be expected. But more important to him is whether Add is still hurt or not. By all appearances he seems to have recovered, but...

Somehow, he's reluctant to believe that means Add is all better.

[subtract]

The incident with Chikusa is a distant memory to him, but it's a valid question to ask regardless—when has he ever been okay? It doesn't matter, though. He laughs quietly like he's been told a joke, staring into Roxas' hood with a gaze that don't seem quite all there.

"I miss you," Add sighs, taking a step closer. He reaches out, hesitating for a moment before resting his hands on his friend's arms. He half-expects to pass straight through them, but it feels solid. Like a real person...

He leans forward, resting his forehead against Roxas' chest. It's warm. His hands start to tremble, gripping the edges of the sleeves tightly. His voice cracks as he breathes in the familiar smell.

"I miss you..."

[cloak]

No one would claim that Roxas is terribly good with reading the emotional atmosphere, and so it's no surprise that he flounders for a response to Add's behavior. He starts to lift a hand and hesitates because of the grip on his sleeves. There's something that he's supposed to do in a situation like this, isn't there?

Unsure of what that is, he only has one answer. "But I'm right here." The strain in Add's voice hurts, like his chest's caught in a vice, and this too is something he doesn't quite understand. "Can you miss someone when they're there?"

It's one of too many questions to which he doesn't know the answer.

[subtract]

It's like hugging a wooden board, but that's okay. He grips the cloaked figure a little tighter.

"All the time," he mutters, sniffling into the fabric. Like mother... he can see her whenever he wants now, but it's not real. The best he can do is pretend for a little while. "I miss you so much... I'm sorry I didn't try to reach you. But I remember now. No matter what it takes, I promise..."

They'll see eachother again, surely. Maybe Add won't be exactly how he remembers... but if it's Roxas, he's not afraid. Roxas wouldn't betray him, not like everyone else. He's known too much for Add to doubt him anymore. Even if it's because he's naïve... Roxas would stand by him, no matter what kind of monster he becomes.

Or maybe he's just deluding himself. He doesn't care right now. He wants to be happy.

"I'm glad I could see you again. Thank you."

B - Gegute's temple/library hope thats okay

[myblueskies]

Technically Gegute's temple, being a library, is open for people to come in and read and learn things. So it isn't really breaking in. Either way Romeo spots the boy who has entered the temple and waves at him happily. All the adults Romeo has met here have been very nice and friendly but it's nice to see other kids around! Maybe be is a friend of Elfnein's.

Except Elfnein is really busy at the moment, she is in her lab doing important research and doesn't want to be disturbed. Romeo skips closer.

"Hello! Are you alright? Are you looking for a book?"

that's totally fine!!

[subtract]

It doesn't look like any place in his memories, but a library is a library. Being surrounded by books and knowledge is always a welcome sight. Add wanders his way inside, only briefly glancing at the boy waving at him before deciding it must not be important. He's not someone Add recognizes, so it's probably just a background element within this strange dimension. He turns down a random aisle, running his hand along the spines of the books.

He doesn't expect the boy to approach him, let alone speak, so it's a bit startling. Add stops, half-turning to give the stranger a proper look... he still has no idea who this is. Why is it talking to him? He frowns curiously, tilting his head.

"What do you want?" he asks after a pause. He's not angry or annoyed, just curious. It's odd to find so many talkative entities deep in the void like this (because, of course, that must be where he is right now). "You keep asking me that question... trying to be helpful. I don't get it. Why?"

[myblueskies]

Romeo blinked at him, confused for a moment. He's never met this boy before, not ever and so he really only asked him that question once.

His confusion turns into a smile though, because the boy sounds confused as well and so Romeo wants to help him even more!

"Because you look a little bit lost. This is Elfnein's library, she's the god Gegute and she likes helping people learn things! So if you're looking for a book it's probably in here!"

He would have no idea where, but that's half the fun!

[subtract]

What a strange entity. The boy's appearance is unfamiliar, so maybe this space is more complicated than just places from Add's memories. Is this a real person, or a different kind of illusion?

He turns the rest of the way around, folding his arms as he considers the answer. Well, perhaps if he plays along...

"I'm not really looking for anything. I just wanted to see what was in here." It's not a lie, technically. He only entered this place on a whim. "What about you? Are you looking for something?"

[myblueskies]

Romeo's smile never faltered as he shook his head. "I live here! I'm Elfnein's shinki." He explained, a lot of the books in here were far too complicated for him to read anyways, though he was hoping to learn what all the words in them meant soon!

He wasn't looking for anything? It was a little strange that he would just wander into the temple if he didn't know what was here.

"Do you know her?"

[subtract]

"So this is still part of Takamagahara," he mumbles, not really caring whether he's heard or not. He doesn't know of any other worlds where shinki exist as a concept, so it's the logical assumption for now. That means this boy must be another part of the illusion.

He frowns, staring silently for a moment before slowly reaching forward... and poking Romeo in the shoulder a couple times. Yep, feels solid.

"I don't know anyone by that name." He folds his arms again, apparently content to carry on like that didn't just happen. "I don't know you, either... have we met somewhere before?"

A

[abgrund]

[ He's aware of it when Add drifts.

Things drift in the void. It's merely a natural way of things. Given how damaged Add's condition was, Ain had chalked it up to his body interacting with the demi-void within the temple. Time means little to an entity native to a realm further than the horizon, so he had been content to wait.

After all, he is everywhere in the temple at once. The only distinction is where he leaves his vessel lying around.

... Add returns, after a spell. He doesn't keep track of time that has no meaning, only that he should return to greet his companion... so he does, projecting his sentience into his body again and stepping out of the shadow in Add's vicinity. ]

How are you?

[subtract]

[He stops, taking a cautious step back when something starts to form in the shadows nearby. It's a familiar aura, something that reeks of Henir's influence and the power of El—curious that he'd find something like that in this place. Perhaps this dimension is connected to another Elriabrunnr?

The form it decides to take makes him hesitate, though. This is...]

... What are you doing? [cautious, a hint of anger. Is this really Ain, or is it a trick? Out of everyone he'd expect to see in this illusion Ain is the only one who could possibly be real, but he's not sure. It could be a creature from the void trying to make him drop his guard. That aura is something he can't just ignore. What if this is a trap? What if it's not really Ain?

His dynamos remain poised, circling around him in a defensive formation. It'd be wiser to strike first, but... what if it is Ain...?]

Don't come any closer. What do you want?

[abgrund]

[ Ah.

He'd have expected Add to already know, but perhaps he is limited by his human origin. He has yet to fully comprehend the nature of the void, thus his paranoia and his inability to tell truth from illusion.

But, that can be amended with time. Ain has a lot of it, after all. ]

You do not remember who I am?

[ Curious. ]

[subtract]

Of course I remember. [Another subdued spark of anger. As if he'd forget someone so important to him. He stands his ground.] That doesn't mean you're the person you're pretending to be. I'm not stupid.

[But paranoid? Yes. Extremely so.]

... Prove it. If you're really Ain. Tell me why you're here.

[abgrund]

[ Ain tilts his head. So they are to play questions and answers? ]

I am a shinki under your care.

[ There's a part of him that vaguely contemplates showing his true form, but maybe that's not a good idea right now. ]

A

[hellskitchen]

Rin wasn't sure how to deal with Add's coma. Every now and then, he would peek into his room to see if he was okay. Even if he knew that Ain and Roxas were keeping their eyes on him, maybe Rin had a little hope that he would see the scientist up and walking around. However, Rin tried to preoccupy himself with tending to the temple, and trying not to cause any more fires indoors. The latter wasn't really so easy to do.

Still he tried his best to keep things together, so When Add did wake up, everything will be just the way he left it. Except he didn't expect that Add would change. So when Rin came across Add in the hallway, he didn't recognize him right away. At first, he felt this kid looked similar to Add, but could've been a younger brother...maybe?

"I didn't know Add had a brother...?" Rin trailed off, trying to recall if Add every mentioned his family. Knowing him, he probably didn't say anything at all if had relatives." Um...are you related to him? You look so similar to him,y'know."

[subtract]

Add is still wandering aimlessly, not really paying attention to his surroundings when he hears Rin's voice. He looks up, surprised for a moment before processing the illusion's odd question.

... it hurts a little, not being recognized. He does look different, sure, but if this is a dream then why would something like that happen? Rin should recognize him anyway. He shouldn't have to deal with uncomfortable questions like these...

The "young" god scoffs, staring down at one of the floorboards. He's not sure what to say for a long time, but eventually he finds his voice again.

"I suppose we do look similar, don't we?"

[hellskitchen]

"Yeah?" Rin looks at the younger boy curiously.

The resemblance is so uncanny, it's crazy. Though the boy confirms it, and doesn't really have any reasons not to believe him. Though something feels a little off. If this is Add's brother then why was he here? Did he become a god too? For two family members to come here,that's one string of bad luck. A big coincidence even.

"Are you looking for him?" Rin asks. He rubs his head,looking a little unsettled."He's in a deep sleep right now. I don't know when he'll wake up, but he's safe here. You don't have to worry."

Though what should Rin do with him? It'll probably be bad to show the boy his older brother's immobile body. It's probably a good idea to entertain him for a bit. "By the way, my name is Rin. How 'bout we go play or something? Are you into video games, or we could play outside too?"

[subtract]

Rin's explanation makes him pause, glancing up to meet the other boy's eyes with a confused frown. He's in a deep sleep? Does that mean Add really is dreaming all of this? It's a strange thing to hear from someone else, even in a dream...

"How is he safe?" Add asks carefully. Was he in danger before...? It's possible something is keeping him in this strange dream, but he can't remember what he was doing before he appeared here. It's a worrying thought. Has he been captured by some strange void entity while wandering through time and space? "... Show me. I want to see. Where are you keeping him?"

Add is seriously expecting to see his own unconscious body laying around now, but they're both going to be disappointed if they go looking for it.

[hellskitchen]

At the question, Rin gives an automatic response. "Because his shinki are here, of course. That's why he's safe."

Rin goes on the assumption that the boy must know about gods and shinki, if he's here. They would have given him all the info upon entry into the heavens.

Though, it seems the boy really wants to see Add. If a family member of his had fallen into a coma, Rin would probably want to see them too. So Rin gives into the quest and starts walking in the direction of Add's room, and he beckons Add's sibling to follow him. He comes toward Add's door, opening it, wide enough for the both of them to enter. Rin's looks toward the bed, only to see it empty!

"W-wait! Where'd he go? He was here!" Rin looks around frantically for his god. Under the bed, behind the door, in the closet---there's some weird stuff in there--but no Add!

"Maybe, he woke up?!" But where could he have gone? Rin's really confused.

B

[heptagram]

... oh. Who was this uninvited guest? When did she leave her door unlocked? Did she even? All these questions and more... will probably not actually get answered. Especially since Patchouli is not... especially interested in this going on too long.

"Who let you in here?"

[subtract]

He's prodding at some of her belongings when he's confronted, lazily looking up to see the purple-haired girl watching him. He stares back in silence for a few seconds before responding with a small shrug.

"I did."

[heptagram]

The lengthy silence was... slightly disconcerting, but only just.

"Maybe I left the door unlocked, or something... why here, though? I don't recognize you."