“Huh, I suppose that’s a better reason than most. I mean if you can’t even rely on the people who represent your world, then the summit’s not worth much. But...you seemed to find your own family, your own destiny. I can’t comment much on it, but that’s pretty impressive by my account.” Quill began to grow a bit tired of sitting, taking a stretch by leaning on the back wall. When Kaida began to change her tone, Quill remembered this strong girl was still like many here. Missing a large part of their lives to the encroaching darkness. “Your brother, I’m sorry to hear that. In my experience, as your average prison cell dead beat, keeping that hope alive that he’s alright. That helps.” He stared at the ceiling. “Do you...miss it? Having a place to return to after your travels? I mean, you beat No Heart and save the worlds, but yours is gone.” 25/30
Quill started putting the final touches on the plate, it was tough smoothing out the metal plates. Though he couldn’t expect much from materials he ripped from the wall. Yeah, this was the first card that was starting to look alright. Course this was just wasting time but, it made Quill forget his current circumstances. That was enough. 24/30
Quill nodded along as he listened to her, Kaida spoke of her connection to this group they’d formed. All with different driving forces but the same goal, it reminded Quill well of an earlier time in his life. “Huh I can understand fighting for a common goal, even if you all find different reasons. Family, wealth, love, spite…” Quill listened to Kaida’s explanation of her own motivation, of feeling responsible for this effort. Her voice seemed to strain near the end, some aspect of her connection to Aux was strange. “Well you and Aux definitely seem close, it’d be unfortunate to lose a reliable ally like him. But you all seem to have a rocky past with him, based on what I was hearing. Yet you still lean on his strength, your group seems rather close. I suppose that’s why you’re all looking for your missing friend so fervently.” Course Quill could understand, it was just that comrades were short lived in his lifetime. “So, does the Summit interest you all?” 23/30
“So you still consider yourselves heroes after all your accusations. That’s good, the prison life gets to one after enough time. But that’s actually rather nice to hear, you all seem to have a virtuous goal. When you all first arrived I can’t deny I had my suspicions about you all, I know well how even Keyblade wielders can be corrupted. And...I get a sense, perhaps members of your party do as well. It’s none of my business to pry though.” Quill considered this group for a moment. “So you have a motley crew of various comrades. But why try to stop this No Heart? Why you all? There are others with Keyblades, others with great power. Hell, a larger organization of worlds exists on this very ship that can put a plan together. What drives your group to keep going rather than pursue your own lives.” Quill, who couldn’t find his motivation to go on, had to know why they went in these hopeless situations. 22/30
So I spent 110 crowns Magic 20 > 25 AP 50 > 53 I spent 9500 munny for a bunch of stuff -Poison Edge (750), Sliding Dash (1000), Barrier Surge (700), Dolphin Kick (600) -Brave Warrior, (700) Mystic Chain (500), Energy Bangle (750) -Ray of Light -Potion (50), Hi-Potion (150), Mega-Potion (500), Balloon Letter (500), Ether (100), Hi-Ether (300) -Mega-Ether -Blue Mage (-1000 and Job Ticket) -Blacksmith (-1000) -Soldier, Black Mage, White Mage, Monk, Red Mage 45 Achievement Points (Item Ticket, Job Ticket, Accessory Ticket)
Quill occasionally looked towards the ceiling, and thought of the summit. If he had woken up not like this, Quill turning his arm over seeing the black plating, perhaps he could’ve been there too. But could he really imagine anyone truly listening to how he doomed his world, it would be the same as being on trial now. Perhaps he just wanted to plead for someone to try to help his people, if any still walking his homeworld. And really, he just needed to know if there was any chance of returning there. It was like a rock in the pit of his stomach, the waiting for anything to happen was really starting to get to Quill. 21/30
So I did a bunch of Musical Missions for the last few weeks, I have equipped Counterpoint for them so getting some extra crowns. I also apologize greatly for anyone listening, my recording software died part of the way through a bunch of songs and I didn't catch it so a few might be hell on the ears. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGijukqrqiwAaxc8RFb8NtWpJO7JCS9jb https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGijukqrqiwAXlYO48Yv4rugjy_-vioJ- Each of the songs are listed in here but I can specify what songs were done if I need to. So I'm claiming 113 Crowns and 10200 Munny from 38 songs. That should also affect some Achievement score stuff but I'll edit that later. I'll have a post later after I figure out how to spend this.
“Heartless, yes that seems right. Though we never truly trained with Keyblades, they were weapons of war on my homeworld, I believe it was mentioned that was the traditional name of our enemy. It must’ve been something else, to train as comrades and learn the art of using the Keyblade. It must’ve been so...tranquil.” Quill looked down, remembering the connection to his keyblade. “So, this enemy No Heart, he’s trying to perform some ritual? I haven’t heard of a requirement for Lights and Darknesses, but I can tell it’s causing some trouble for the universe.” Quill found Kaida’s fiery spirit a nice change of pace, compared to the more dower Aux. “Well this Ms.Campbell should watch out for you, lest she end up in a full body cast. Perhaps when your friends come by again, you can let them know that.” And to give them the info about their missing friend. Course with her father in such a high position and as it has been revealed, a rigged trial, their groups options were limited in this situation. “So if it wasn’t No Heart, who else gains from trapping you all? Could someone else be working with the general?” 20/30
Quill could do little as Aux was pulled away for his trial. He had stopped to comfort his friend during a touchy moment of emotional distress. But Aux didn’t strike Quill as unsound, he assumed Quill’s message was now in Kaida’s hands. That was calming, any advantage was needed if they were going to free their friends. Course Quill was caught off guard, Kaida spoke to him after some time in these cells. “Yes, it’s Quill. And no, my trial was originally set for the day before your group's arrival. It was shifted around to accommodate for new criminals, seems like they were eager to judge you all. But, I keep no illusions for my own trial. I deserve to atone for what I’ve done…” Course this was all too much waiting for Quill’s taste. His return was a mistake, a swift judgment would be appreciated. “If I may ask, you’ve been accused of conspiring with a ‘No Heart’, course this doesn’t change my feelings of you all. But on my world there were creatures of darkness born from human hearts. Is there some relation?” Quill was curious, what exactly does this group do? 19/30
Yes, Yes, he definitely heard a Yes. Quill could hardly believe that plan actually worked. It was riding on so many assumptions and he didn’t even know if he remembered the right letters- well it wasn’t important now. If the general and his forces were moving this group fast through trial, and he had his daughter imprisoned, he can’t waste time now. Quill began carving on his last plate, that was meant to be the last part of Faust's gift- but this was more important. He didn’t risk tapping out another code, if Aux was starting to get suspicious, the guards would too. He had to hope she could hold tight until her friends got the message. Carving out the last words was hard enough on this tiny plate but it had to do. Repeating his trick from last time, Quill managed to spin toss the plate inside Aux’s cell, actually a rather impressive throw Quill had to admit to himself. But no time, the guards could come in asking about Quill’s suspicious actions at anytime. Hopefully Aux reads this message. “Your friend Karina, she’s hearing my tapping cipher. Not know how she is but she’s strong enough for her side of the code to resonate back to me. Somewhere in max prisons, code barely audible so must be deep, don’t let guards see this message, her father will move her. Pass this along to your friends.” 18/30
Quill sat slumped down, he was still carving but he figured enough time had passed, he would check again. Quill started to place the side of face against the nearest wall, then the other, then placing his ear against the floor. He had to keep checking. If there was even a 1% chance of it working he had to- H l , n m x is n He heard that right, that faint resonance. He had to hope he could hear it again. C’mon just one more time- H lp, in m x prison Quill could swear that was it, he had to check again. --.- ..- .. .-.. .-.. --..-- / -.-- --- ..- / ... --- ... / -.- .- .-. .. -. .- [Quill, You SOS Karina] 17/30
Quill understood Aux’s attitude, he really believes in his comrades. He would never let anyone cast doubt on their image. “It’s alright, I get it. Hm, well he could be lying to protect her. You and your sketchy pasts, he may not trust you guys. But if what you say about your trials being shams are true, perhaps the general is hiding some secret agenda.” Why had he been curious about Quill’s condition? Quill was surprised to see the doors open, another guard came in. Aux was shocked to see them take the Vanitas guy out of his cell. “Prisoner is called on as witness." What could they need with a scoundrel like him? Still, it wasn’t the right time to cause a fuss. Quill returned to carving, and tapping the floor. A little louder. 16/30
As the rest left the cells, it still seemed off putting for the rest of them. There was a lot that was unknown about this situation. Yet there was something he could infer “So your friend is missing, and that’s her father? I mean if he doesn’t know where she is, she’s really got out somehow or…” There was a chance their friend wasn’t anywhere they could look. If she left the ship she'd be days away, but there was so much ground to cover in this massive place. Quill could hardly comprehend the size and population alone. Still now it was just the few of them here, and Quill couldn’t trust Vanitas as far as he could throw him. He wondered if Aux had forgotten about Quill and his message. The other man had been silent, the one across from him and just watched his friends go by. Castur, he believed, was his name. What was his relation to events here? Quill returned to his carving, while in his other hand began tapping the ground. 15/30
The group seemed like they would honor their agreement, this put Quill at ease partially. But it cut rather short, another man came in but this one he did recognize. Not through name or identity, but Quill remembered this one peering into his cell some days ago. Not saying anything. No quips or insults like the other guards, but a cold concentrated gaze at Quill. His body, and seemingly, his eyes felt as if they pierced the soul. Once the man had asked a question, showing a picture on his tablet, about Quill’s strange keyblade. Quill said nothing, and neither did the man elaborate. How strange he was, but then he stopped coming by the cells. Other matters seemed to take his attention. He came in and immediately this group seemed to concentrate on him, who was he to them? But a particular detail was mentioned, his daughter was missing? Could this and their friend be the same person? It didn’t seem relevant to Quill honestly, but what caught his attention was Kaida’s trial Quill assumed the summit would occur first but it seemed the trials have been accelerated. As she passed by his cell, this was the first time seeing the young girl, she had an assured demeanor that betrayed her youthful appearance. Quill hoped things moved along smoothly, but some remnant of doubt persisted. This man in military uniform offset Quill. 14/30
Down the cell’s hallway this group still dealt with the harassing of this Vanitas character. Though he clearly spoke to them, his words resonated with Quill’s own doubts. "All it takes is one bad move. Just one. And everyone turns on you.” Strange how it could cut so deeply, he hardly knew this freak. But could he really expect any of these people to trust him, to treat him like an ally. He was clearly a danger to any group, so perhaps the sentence they have in store for him would be better. Yet, something still seemed to pull at him. Vanitas spoke of Aux giving up great power, and here he was, able to find forgiveness from close friends. Perhaps there was something Quill still didn’t understand. 13/30
“You do me a service I don’t frankly deserve Kel, I appreciate it immensely.” Quill slouched back again. The caped man, Beuce, still stared at him at times. Silent, perhaps he saw something else about Quill, perhaps this missing friend they mentioned is particularly important. Quill had no real take on the situation. “If there’s anyone from my world, just-” He wanted to tell them to find him, to try to save him, to go back to their homeworld together. But he knew after what he'd done, it was a false hope. “-Just check if they seem safe here.” 12/30
Quill grew close to the bars “My homeworld...had a different name at one time. It was verdant paradise. But my people were so consumed by destruction and war it was lost to us. So within the last century it took on a new name to describe our fight, The Demonic Front. It’s a tad on the nose I know, but...well it was no joke. I can’t offer much to you but I’d appreciate it if you looked for anyone from my homeworld.” Quill settled back for a moment before a new face caught his attention, this must be Faust. He was more, fancy looking than expected. His hand began to go for the corner where he was carving before, but something stopped him. Fear perhaps, that he had no place to begin anew. Still “Hey uh, Faust? I just wanted to thank you for before..” Quill sidled close enough to the bars that from Faust’s angle, he could get a full look at Quill. His stark gray hair, his pulsating yellow eye, red lines that went across his body, the black chitin that grew from skin. And a humble smile. “I hope you and your group have luck in getting your friends out of here. I suppose since you got out, I’ll owe you a favor at some point.” 11/30
Quill sat back and kept cool in the situation, this talk a mole and this shifty man and Vanitas’ taunts were unknown to him. It didn’t have any insight to give on it, his command structure on his homeworld never allowed for traitors or moles, the concept was impossible when faced with horrors they fought. Yet Quill could tell at least it got under their skin quite terribly, he could glean the speculation was on their minds but kept under wraps. Likely better that way, keep one's sanity. It was hard to say though, he barely knew them. Suddenly as the shifty man left, the caped leader indicated Quill. He was asking ‘Kaida’ about him, perhaps to assess his nature. Kaida still seemed somewhat dazed by her shock, hopefully Aux can tend to her as he was closer. But Quill still worried, he was deformed and his past was monstrous, it was likely correct to not trust him. Yet, there was something Quill needed to know. From his shadowy corner he spoke “You can forgive her, a shock collar is no fun experience. I’m Quill, I’ve been here for a little while longer than your group. I learned they were keyblade masters and well, I have a past with such groups. I began speaking with them to pass time, little else to do in a metal box but wait for an electric shock. And I hope you know I found talking with your team rather nice, Aux and Faust are good company.” He chuckled a bit. Quill began to sidle closer to the bars but still partially hidden by a bottom corner, at least his Eye would be hidden. “I believe they called you Beuce, and you Kel, I hope to not make trouble but I need to ask something of you. You're free to refuse of course, but, you told them you would be going to the summit. Could you..see if anyone from my homeworld is there? If any...survived?” 10/30
“Pfft hm hm hmm” Quill had to cover his mouth to stop his loud chuckling at the girl’s, Kaida, impression. He wasn’t quite aware of the context, or frankly what Kupo was, but it did seem fitting. It was less funny when she dropped to the ground from being shocked. He didn’t know much about the trials here but he could guess defending their actions will be difficult if they don’t know why they’re being 'framed'. Still he was curious. Faust seemed to have strong faith in their group getting them all out but even if they were keyblade wielders, this ship was heavily protected. He spoke to Kaida “You really should be careful, the shocks get less powerful overtime but recharge fully on the hour. I’ve noticed from a week's worth of fun times. They only need to keep you alive for the trial, doesn’t matter how much pain you’re in on the stand.” 9/30
“Huh, well if you get out of here on bail I suggest it. This part of the ship is pretty crap but the rest is nice enough, if a little cramped. Hell if you get out maybe you can figure out some other ways to help your friends here.” Quill directed his speech around the corner where Faust’s cell was, he seemed like he had a good head on his shoulder so perhaps he could even get his group out, but considering their crimes...well like most of life it seemed bleak. Quill looked out from his cell, still in the shadow of the corner, still paying attention to the door. But something unexpected happened, the other guy started talking! This guy, Stratus- no Stratos, started to get out a daze. He had been sitting in his cell corner, silent as everything was going on. What was going on in his head? He began to speak about another prisoner but the doors opened again and well, these were interesting people. From his shadow he wasn’t noticed but a new man in a flowing cape came in and scanned through the cells, quickly finding the new group. Behind him was a shorter man, spiky hair and a cool demeanor, another ally of this group. But yeah, they weren’t kidding about having allies on the outside. The man in the cape spoke fervently to his allies, inspecting them for any injuries and trauma. He treated them rather well and looked out for their well being, could he be their commander? As he looked over them one of his arms poked out from his cape, was that a gauntlet? No it was made of glass but it- was that his arm? Quill was summarily confused, yet considering his own condition, he can’t judge. “So you do have allies outside of here, well I guess my pessimism was proved wrong. Still, considering what we've been charged with, it might be too late.” Quill couldn't help but remind them of their fates. Lest they rely on some foolhardy miracle. 8/30
