First Flare

[eternalfrolicbond]

[A lanky redheaded man in a long black coat waves at the screen, apparently already comfortable with how it works. A komory bat is fluttering around above his head.]

Didn’t think I’d see this place again. Hey, everyone, my name is Lea. [He grins.] Don’t forget it, now.

I don’t know how I ended up here again, but does anyone know what’s going on? The moogle said you guys had been trying to work out what was up but that it didn’t seem like anyone had figured out how to get home. Since this isn’t the exam, I don’t think anyone’s going to try to wake me up any time soon.

Comments

[skysmirror]

See you.

[Xion doesn't lose any time in heading over there, the better to be ready when he arrives.]

[colorbymemory]

[Namine's smile turns sympathetic.]

I'm sorry. Roxas is here, but I don't know how much looking you can do.

[eternalfrolicbond]

[Lea hadn't thought that there would be quite so many nightmares on the way; luckily they weren't strong, so he could get some keyblade practice in on the way. Stars proved pretty useful too, for all that she was haughty and reminded him a bit of some of the Org members. Still, she had his back.

He waved to Xion as he approached; he still felt an ache in his chest looking at her, and he wished he knew why.]

Hey there.

[eternalfrolicbond]

Well, it's good enough to play catchup and figure out a way home. Nothing's ever easy, with this crowd.

[dork_of_keys]

It's not like I'm doing it on purpose.

[eternalfrolicbond]

I guess I shouldn't talk, since I'm doing it too this time.

[colorbymemory]

Not, but at least there's enough of us here for everyone to help each other.

[skysmirror]

[Nightmares sometimes crowded where you might not otherwise expect to find them. At least they were just the normal kind.

Xion looked up when he approached and gave a small smile.]

Hey.

[Barkley and Axel, not hampered by any shyness, hurried over to inspect the newcomers.]

[dork_of_keys]

Be glad you weren't here for the monkey...

[frostyfuntimes]

True. Maybe I should try it.

Course, just knowing my name usually isn't enough...so I guess that's not really the problem.

[Now he's kind of talking to himself...even while talking to Lea. Jack shakes his head.]

Name's Jack Frost. Think you can remember that?

[eternalfrolicbond]

Where are you staying?

[He knows she can handle herself, but she's not really used to being alone. And she's like Roxas, he guesses; she hasn't done a lot of the normal kid stuff.]

[eternalfrolicbond]

[Stars flies over to meet the newcomer and apparently decides that Barkley isn't bad, or at least that's how Lea figures her flapping around Barkley means.]

So.

[...right, now what did he do? 'So I don't remember you and this is crazy, but I swear I kind of do remember you, so tell me if I'm maybe right?' was the worst way to start a conversation.]

[eternalfrolicbond]

Do I even wanna know?

[eternalfrolicbond]

Jack Frost. 'm guessing you've got an ice theme going on?

[At least the guy seems cool, not cold. Polar opposite of Vexen.]

[dork_of_keys]

Giant, floating, magic-using Nightmare monkey. With disembodied hands that it could someone one hand for each person that showed up to fight it. And we kind of blew up the greenhouse in the Fifth District with a magical explosion while trying to kill it.

[Come to think of it, Sora's pretty sure Lea would have contributed to that explosion if he'd been present at the time.]

[eternalfrolicbond]

That sounds pretty cool. I'm sorry I missed it.

[Not the explosion part; explosions are something he's had enough of for now. The rest of it, though.]

[dork_of_keys]

... Why do I feel like I should have expected that answer?

[There's a brief pause as Sora wonders if Lea is the type to answer a rhetorical question.]

Don't answer that.

[seasaltkeys]

It's not like I was asking a whole lot. That's the past, right?

[letteropener]

[Celestia hasn't experienced how friend-powered the KH universe is yet. She'll be gratified when she does,]

The place where your friends are is generally closer to home anyway. One more reason I hope we are able to return there, soon.

[frostyfuntimes]

I bring the snow, ice, and fun. So, yeah, you could say that.

[Very polar opposite.]

[eternalfrolicbond]

Yeah but...I just wanna say, anything you ask me about, I'll tell you, okay? No more lying.

[eternalfrolicbond]

Everyone here's pretty motivated. I'm sure we'll find a way.

[eternalfrolicbond]

Wasn't gonna say anything.

[eternalfrolicbond]

I'm a pretty fiery guy myself.

[Hopefully ice won't hurt him now, though. He's not sure he wants to test the idea out.]

[dork_of_keys]

[He mutters something under his breath, possibly commenting that Lea was thinking it even if he wasn't going to say it.]