first quake ☆ first text then video because tower's network is a troll

[handstands]

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hello?|

search: location|

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search: where is this?|

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[then, to the sound of furious typing, the video feed starts. for anyone who knows the Tower well enough, it looks like the terminal in use is in the third floor library. the one using is is a frustrated-looking young man, typing very fast without noticing that he's being recorded and getting more and more irritated, until--]

Oh.

[--he looks up, mildly surprised. he shifts uncomfortably, slightly embarrassed:]

Hello? [he clears his throat.] My name is Terra. Is anyone there? I came here from-- [he stares, mouth forming the next words, but his expression darkens and he clearly changes his mind, shaking his head.]

What is this place? [a pause.] Is this world dealing with monsters that you can't control? I can-- [--nope, he can't. Terra's jaw visibly clenches.]

I may be able to help. But... Please. I need answers. [whatever thoughts were distracting him finally catch up for a moment:] I shouldn't be here. This isn't possible.

[he shakes his head again, before fixing the feed with a firm stare:] Thank you for any help.

Comments

[forceless]

[THIS WAS NO TIME FOR HOLDING BACK and Ven's only attempt to move was to wipe his eyes a bit. And even then it's right back to hugging.]

Yeah...! Can you believe it?! [And a chuckle.] I guess Aqua's good luck charms really do work, huh?

[handstands]

Her magic's second to none. Hey--

[he pulls away from Ven but still holds both of his shoulders]

...Are you okay? In this place? And after the Graveyard--

[forceless]

--Uh. [Oh yeah, bad stuff happened.]

Yeah! I, think so at least. [He frowned a bit, his brow furrowing. Suddenly awkward!] While you fought with Master Xehanort, I...ended up fighting with Vanitas after he attacked Aqua.

[handstands]

[if Terra doesn't stop frowning in the deeply worried way he is, his face will stick like that.]

...So you ended up fighting him after all.

[he sighs, and lowers his head]

I'm sorry I wasn't there for you, Ven. I was trying-- Xehanort had to be stopped.

[forceless]

[Terra stop, now you're just making Ven frown even more.]

--It's not your fault! Master Xehanort did have to be stopped! [And here, a sad grin of triumph.] Besides, I was able to defeat Vanitas. So it's OK!

[handstands]

[YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND HIS GUILTTTTTTT no but really Terra is smiling again, even if it's a little sad]

Is that so?

[forceless]

Yep! [However, here his face fell, and he was frowning again.]

We...we still made the X-Blade, but I still beat him. [He lifted his hand up and lightly covered his heart with it.] That ended up destroying it too, but since it was made of our hearts I...I guess I just kind of ended up falling asleep for a really long time.

[handstands]

[Terra forces his face to turn stony instead of showing the anguish he's really feeling. so that's what happened while he was--

oh, Ven. you're getting pulled into another hug.]

Aqua and I probably woke you up.

[forceless]

[Ven slowly eased back into the hug once again, with a sad smile.]

I can always count on you guys.

[A moment later however, and it was Ven's turn to pull away in concern.] What...happened to you?

[handstands]

[oh, Ven. there's a long sigh as Terra tries to decide what to say.]

...I lost my way. But don't worry. I found my way back, we woke you up-- And we're all here, now.

[forceless]

[Frowning, Terra. Frowning so much.]

Terra, Master Xehanort's still here. What happened?

[handstands]

[the most horrified face ever]

...He's here?!

[forceless]

Yes.

[Oh hey the floor looks really interesting right now.]

He showed up awhile before you did. Vanitas too.

[handstands]

[cover your ears little bro]

Dammit. I--

[oh man all the badfeels.]

Have they hurt anyone?

[forceless]

I...don't know if Master Xehanort has. [LET'S SKIP THIS TOPIC]

But Vanitas... [Here, Ven got a little angry and shook his head.] It's Vanitas. I know he's attacked at least one other person, and I'd be surprised if he hasn't attacked anyone else.