⊕ 03 [action]

[erodingearth]

[This takes place on Friday, the last day of the experiment.

Terra's been feeling a strong desire to train today. Pullups and pushups in the clearing, combat training in the battle dome... He's got stamina to spare, but there's no doubt he's pushing himself; usually he has the sense to stop once in awhile.

He can be seen in the forest near house 39 exercising in the morning or over in the battle dome past noon. ...Or maybe even passed out on the grass on his way back to the house, towards midnight.]

Comments

[perplexme]

Lately. Can't say I trust a lot of things around here anymore. [Mostly the latter.]

[erodingearth]

[He shakes his head a little.] You've been here awhile, so I can't say I'm surprised.

[perplexme]

I just wish things were different. They were actually sort of safe in comparison when I first got here. I know I'm not the only one who patrols around here.

[erodingearth]

I don't like to admit it, but things happen even with patrols. You need to be ready to react fast and with everything you've got. [But even saying that, he hates that he couldn't be more effective, more of a protector for his friends.]

Are you usually patrolling alone like this?

[erodingearth]

[There we go. Terra follows up with a leap slash, not pulling off a full combo but getting in a good hit or two. With the extra air he adds though, he'll definitely land before Riku reacts or hits the ground.]

[stilldontgotit.livejournal.com]

[Well, when Riku lands, Terra's in for a surprise, because as soon as he hits the ground, a cloud of darkness surrounds him. Those bright clothes he had before are quickly replaced by tighter and darker attire that should look a little familiar.

...whoops. Dark mode activate?]

[action]

[erodingearth]

That's good to hear. So you have someone here to share your experiences with.

[erodingearth]

[Terra starts when he sees that cloud of darkness appear, frowning in confusion when he sees a strangely familiar dark suit replace Riku's brighter clothes.]

What--? Riku!

[He can't articulate his shock beyond that.]

[erodingearth]

[Terra gives his housemate a blank look. As far as he's aware, this is pretty normal for him.]

Off to a bad start? [He guesses.]

[perplexme]

Nothing's happened yet...besides, I'm always ready. I worked a lot when I was home.

[Another shrug.] I don't want anybody else getting involved just in case. That makes sense, doesn't it?

[stilldontgotit.livejournal.com]

[He was afraid of this. Maybe he should've worn his cloak today... Darn it!

Still, he gets up to his feet, looking at Terra with an apologetic look.]

It's not what it looks like! [At least, he's not evil. The darkness is there, however.]

[action]

[presumablyalone]

Yeah! I just hope...those Malnosso people don't take him away from me...

[personafalsify.livejournal.com]

[ He shakes his head. ]

Overworking yourself.

[action]

[erodingearth]

Take him away? You think they'd do that?

[erodingearth]

[He's understandably wary, and he blinks furiously as he tries to process what he's seeing. His grip on his Keyblade doesn't loosen.]

Riku, what happened? You're covered in darkness.

[erodingearth]

I'm not trying to. Maybe I'm still feeling the effects of that last draft. [Well, it makes sense to him, at least.]

[erodingearth]

[Worked a lot at home, huh? No wonder he came across as so responsible.]

It makes sense, yes. But that doesn't mean you have to do this alone.

[stilldontgotit.livejournal.com]

[He'll hold tight onto his weapon, but he doesn't make any sudden moves to attack.]

A lot's happened since you came to the islands, but you can thank Maleficent for this.

[Maleficent and Ansem, actually, but he'll start simple. He doesn't sound particularly proud, either.]

[erodingearth]

[He falters when he recognizes that name, and it takes him awhile to recover.]

Maleficent? What does she have to do with this?

[stilldontgotit.livejournal.com]

She tricked me, for a while. Ended up using my jealousy against me and turned me against my friends.

[He winces and looks away.]

[erodingearth]

[His Keyblade slowly lowers, but Terra is still noticeably tense.]

She... She does tend to manipulate. [He can believe that.]

[stilldontgotit.livejournal.com]

And it was all so she could take over the worlds.

[He groans. Even if Ansem's the one who pulled him deeper into the darkness, Maleficent planted the seeds.]

[erodingearth]

[He's a little bewildered by this. He knew, by the time he had left that world, of Maleficent's ambitions. But how had she found a way to cross into other worlds? How had she gotten to Riku?]

Even then... There's no way. [That may be some denial there. Clearly she had managed.] And she's still around?

[stilldontgotit.livejournal.com]

Sora stopped her before it was too late, but she planned on opening the door to Kingdom Hearts. She even made me catch some of the Princesses of Heart.

[That should sound vaguely familiar, at least.]

[erodingearth]

[Oh yes, that definitely catches his attention.]

--Princesses of Heart? Catch them?