[this post comes in both text AND audio, since it's important]

[inherited]

Hey.

Guess the time has come to be a little more obvious about this. Something strange just showed up. They're colorful monsters that are running all over the place. I haven't seen these ones before, but I know they're familiar. Thing is, familiar is bad. These things can hurt you. I'm not sure of what all they're capable of, but if you see anything, bright, colorful, and monstrous running around ... go in the opposite direction.

And—I was gonna try avoiding this, but here's a proper introduction. My name is Riku. Where I come from, and probably where other people come from, even if they just don't know it yet, some people have the power to wield keyblades. These keyblades are a sign of a strong heart. Recently, I ... well, I got named keyblade master. So while we're all stuck here together, I guess I'm in charge of looking after you all.

That—uh, that isn't to say you guys can't do it, too. I've seen people fight from all different types of places. And my best friend ... he's seen even more. But I can't slack on the job.

Anyway, if you have questions about these things, go ahead. I'm about to go personally check them out myself.

And Lea? It's time to see what you can do.

Comments

[rescuerdownunder]

... Actually, yeah, but when you put it like that, it sounds even worse than it was.

[seriously screw that simulation screw it so hard]

Man, now I remember what "creeped out" feels like. Great.

[inherited]

It shows us what kind of power this place has.

Though it makes me wonder if that's mostly what's going on.

[rescuerdownunder]

...D'you think this place is a simulation?

[inherited]

It could be.

One side of the population here doesn't think it's strange that we're running around and find things ... strange. They keep telling us that it's our imagination or something like that.

In addition, that barrier? We can't do anything about it. And neither you nor Xion ... nor Roxas, I assume, can take a corridor out of here.

It wouldn't surprise me if something like that was up. Maybe they just don't have the power to affect everyone.

[rescuerdownunder]

... It makes sense, but... Even with Twilight Town, there were holes in the simulation. Cracks. This would be on way bigger a scale. There's no way we wouldn't be able to find an anomaly. [beat] Or a way out.

[inherited]

Yeah, good point.

Then again, we don't know that there hasn't been.

[rescuerdownunder]

True. So, what? Do we start looking for clues on that once we're done with these things?

[inherited]

It might be a good idea to know the ins and outs of this place. Some people are more than willing to help—like my gym teacher—but everyone else seems content to go on with their lives.

And honestly ... I don't blame them.

[rescuerdownunder]

I've seen worse places to settle down in, I guess.

We're pretty much on our own when it comes to figuring out most of it, huh? [a pause, then:] What do we do if we're right? If this is a simulation?

[because if it's a simulation, there's a chance he can't bring Xion and Roxas outside of it, isn't there?]

[inherited]

We find answers. We figure out what we can do with it.

... And a way to keep your friends.

[rescuerdownunder]

[ducks his head a bit to grin and rubs the back of his neck. he was kind of obvious, huh?] ...Sheesh, you don't have to sound so sappy about it. This is where you're supposed to sound determined, Master Riku. Take notes, alright?

[inherited]

I'll leave the theatrics to you.

[rescuerdownunder]

You've got no appreciation for style.

[inherited]

Theatrics.

[rescuerdownunder]

A little bit of column a, a little bit of column b... Nothing wrong with adding a little flair to make things more interesting, y'know.

[inherited]

And thankfully, you do enough for the rest of us, just like I said.

[rescuerdownunder]

It's a curse, but I guess that means I'll have to pick up the slack.

[inherited]

That's a curse?

[rescuerdownunder]

Yeah. Being the only person who knows how to put on a show? It's hard, man.