Awakened (Open)

[Aiken]

After floating alone, in darkness for what felt like an eternity Aiken regained consciousness, he could feel that he was laying on the cold floor face forward into the unfamiliar concrete. He pressed both of his shaking hands on the floor and pushed himself up slowly, getting his bearings. The first instinct as he got up fully was to check everything, he reached for his back and what would be where his bow was it wasn't, he opened his eyes and what he saw certainly surprised him he immediately noticed that this wasn't Axudia anymore as this street was different. Gone were the busy streets of people shopping and the sounds of fast moving vehicles, instead replaced with what seemed like a deserted town, although he could see a few stores and stands around they looked like they were closed it was oddly quiet for what used to be a busy town.

He tried to remember how he got here he closed his eyes again and tried to focus, he could sense something in him that wasn't there before it was unpleasant and felt alive, almost like a separate entity. It was darkness, he had felt it before from the Clan Master before everything went black all Aiken summarised was that it was him that sent him to this town, this unknown world. Which only meant that his own homeworld had been lost to the Clan Master and the darkness but that doesn't explain how he ended up here, all he could remember was the Master raising his hand..

Aiken sighed he re-opened his eyes he would figure all this out another time right now he needed to find his bow, he remembered aiming at the Master so it couldn't have gotten too far from where he fell he looked around him and his assumption was correct. He found the bow and quiver a few feet away from him, he began a cautious stride towards it luckily he still had his dagger so if anyone struck at him he would be prepared after all, he was a hunter.
Almost immediately after taking a few steps several small black creatures appeared surrounding him, they were unlike anything he had encountered before they taunted him by weaving their bodies and glaring at him with their mysterious yellow eyes. However Aiken was used to combat and pulled out his dagger he noticed they were trying to stop him from reaching his bow a big mistake on their part...

He noticed how small they were about ankle length at most, he could save a lot of energy fighting them with his dagger if he took a running start and flipped over them, it didn't appear like anyone was coming to help or even noticed that these creatures appeared. Aiken sprinted forward raising his dagger as though he was going to strike the creatures in front leaped at him he expected this and sprung upwards, using the creatures as a light spring board and bounced off them he landed with a roll to cushion his fall and picked up his bow and slung his quiver over his shoulder and took aim in one swift motion. He fired several arrows at the 3 creatures  closest to him and they vanished which surprised him they must be rather weak for whatever kind of creature they are. He paused and soon enough 3 more appeared.

"Hmph, persistent aren't you?." He muttered as he reached for another arrow but he was running low and he didn't want to waste any arrows he noticed a store behind him and saw that it wasn't that high, he could climb it he sheathed his bow and climbed up the store swiftly and with ease as though he had done this many times before, it wasn't quite as simple as a tree but he managed to reach the top without issue and began shooting his targets making sure his shots counted as he didn't have long...

[Marmadue]

It was late. Well, alright, it was quite difficult to judge the time when the sun never rose, the sky forever dark with just the broken pieces of a moon shining above. Still, as everyone had to sleep, some sort of day cycle had established itself in Twilight Town. While whatever streetlights that could get power still shone in the more populated areas, the streets were empty for the most part. No people – well, perhaps the occasional one still dared to wander, but with the Heartless around… Well, who knew how safe that would be. No, inside was where most were, safely hidden. Perhaps even sleeping.

Marmadue wasn't. Not yet, at least. His eyelids felt heavy and a yawn forced its way out of his mouth, but there still were some things he wanted to finish before heading to bed. How could he even sleep at a time like this? It was a real mess. Twilight Town, the Heartless… And everything else that was making this almost safe haven into an even less safe place! Truly horrible. The Yuke's feathered fingers flipped through papers in the faint light of the candle that sat upon his desk, the soft flicker reflected in his helmet's dull surface. It really wasn't looking good…

A sound in what was otherwise a very silent scene caused Marmadue to jump up from his chair, his heart in his throat and beating as hard as ever. The sound didn't come from inside, no – a short-lived relief, when he realized that despite it coming from outside, it was basically right on the other side of the wall. Climbing up, onto the roof – how horrifying! Unfortunately there had been no window on the side, so he didn't know what it had been… But then again, did he want to know? The sound continued on the roof, something clearly stepping on the tiles. Oh no. The roof barely leaked, but if someone went and broke something up in there, it would be worse!

Could it be the Heartless? Usually they didn't come this close, so perhaps…

The Yuke left his papers behind and grabbed his coat as he walked downstairs, not needing to be quiet when no refugees were currently resting inside the old store, with only the empty bedrolls littering the floor. Carefully peeking out of the door, he couldn't see anyone… Or anything. Marmadue was forced to properly step outside before he could even see glimpses of what might have been on the roof. It certainly looked humanoid – clothed, even. But that was about all he could say.
"Ah, good sir!" He called out, testing the waters. He had no idea if the figure even was a sir in the first place, or if it could even hear him or understand him, but wasn't this the best way to find out?
"That ah, is looking mighty dangerous and I suggest you should–"

Such a friendly suggestion was cut short when Marmadue noticed some movement from the corner of his eyes. Lingering shadows on the pavement, crawling closer… The Yuke was quick to take a step back as the shadows took form and the familiar yellow glow of little beady eyes stared at him.
"H-H-Heartless!"

[Aiken]

For how long he had been on the roof for Aiken wasn't aware, he was too focused on his targets so much so that he didn't quite respond straight away to a voice that called out to him. After firing an arrow he grabbed for another he realised that he had already launched about 6 arrows from the usual 20 he carried, it looked like these shadow creatures would keep re-appearing Aiken concluded that they must be attracted to the darkness within him, as they were very persistent but couldn't reach him with this vantage point. However he wasn't any closer into figuring out what they were.

"H-H-heartless!"

Aiken heard that shout close by he couldn't believe that someone was out here this late, but then again he wasn't sure what the time was considering how dark this place was he felt that it was late in the evening. That wasn't important right now, he paused thinking while firing arrows at the remaining creatures, which he now knew the name of they were called Heartless a sighed as he had a moment of clarity although he still didn't know what he meant by heartless he would need to investigate further.
He noticed that the shout came from below and what he saw surprised him he had seen two unusual beings this night, this world was full of surprises. It appeared that this being owned the store as he must've heard him climbing up, and went to investigate the source however he saw the heartless things and seemed shocked. Aiken summarised that they must not usually appear this close to town, he felt guilty for that as they only appeared when he arrived.

He called out to the the person below in a stern tone "Get away from there!, they will attack you if you aren't careful." He finished while making sure that it was clear enough for him to run, there were about 4 heartless remaining. Aiken sighed and decided to move back down however he felt the rush of gravity bring him down, as he lost his footing slightly although he managed to land he felt his foot crack slightly and he felt a slight sting as he landed next to the stranger.

He decided to use one of his new tricks his compound bow could hold up to 3 arrows he brought it upwards while still kneeling as he foot hurt, pulled the string back and held the 3 arrows and fired a multi-shot at the heartless as they saw the chance to leap at him the last one remained, it tried to escape Aiken rose slightly and quickly threw his dagger at it causing it to vanish in shadow like it's brothers. Aiken grunted as he stood up and although the pain in his foot was bearable he would much like it fixed, but he put on a brave face and turned to stranger.

"You okay?." Was all he could muster for now deep down though he was a little embarrassed by his fall as he cleared out the remaining heartless, but he didn't show it as he smiled slightly hoping that the stranger didn't notice.

[Marmadue]

Running was the smart thing to do when faced with the horrific creatures out for blood. Marmadue was no fighter, after all – but perhaps that was the exact reason why his legs refused to do as they were told. Or… Perhaps the idea didn't even cross his mind, locked down by fear. It took until a friendly reminder from the strange roof-dwelling stranger before he could snap out of it, backing away from the approaching shadow monsters. But where to? Should he run off, rush down the street? Could they catch him? Or should he perhaps hide inside the old store? But they'd see, wouldn't they? They could get inside somehow, right…?

Oh, he didn't have the time to worry about that! Distance was key! The Yuke backed away, but the voice from above soon descended in a blur! At first Marmadue had the inkling that perhaps the stranger hopped down to provide him with some extra support, giving another target for the Heartless so he wouldn't be completely overrun! But perhaps it wasn't as planned after all? Perhaps it was more like… A fall.

Whatever it was, the effects were much what he had anticipated: no longer the only piece of meat around and with something between him and the shadows, Marmadue was in a much safer position than earlier. It didn't stop him from cowering and trying to use his own arms to shield him as the Heartless leaped towards the two, expecting an attack…!

And nothing. The Yuke spread his fingers, peering through them to see the shadows gone. Well, all expect one that was retreating – though the stranger put an end to that quickly with a well-aimed knife. The Heartless were no more, gone in a plume of shadowy smoke.

Marmadue held his chest, his heart pounding like it tried to escape through his ribcage. This was not how he had hoped to end the day! It was another sleepless night for him, any sleepiness long gone…
"I-I," the Yuke's voice was slightly wavering, a slight metallic echo produced by his helmet,
"I ah… Yes. Thank you ah, good sir, I… Had not expected to see them here, so close…"

[Aiken]

Aiken couldn't help but notice how nervous he sounded when he spoke, his assumptions were correct he didn't seem to be much of a fighter but there must be more to him than meets the eye, as Aiken noticed that he didn't run away immediately. Another thing he thought was strange there was an echo in the stranger's voice, as it didn't sound like a normal tone, it reminded him of his days back home where he would use a voice modifier to alter his voice when dealing with criminals however he no longer used that device since it was lost to the darkness along with his world.

The Hunter spotted his dagger a few feet away were the heartless tried to retreat he walked towards it wincing slightly from the pain in his foot and picked up his dagger, then put it away in his belt. He looked around cautiously for anymore of those heartless creatures, but it seemed they were safe for the moment he picked up the remaining arrows from the fight and put them away in his quiver he couldn't help but be reminded of an ambush like this, similar to the ones he had while stranded on the island although he needed to be saved then this time it was different he had the ability to save others now. Returning his mind to the present he walked back to the stranger giving him a nod to assure that they were safe and sheathed his bow.

He responded in a calm and deep tone "Good to hear, what exactly were those creatures? I heard you call them heartless earlier?, and could you tell me where we are?." he finished, clearly stating that he was new to this world and was eager to find out more although at the back of his mind he couldn't help but think about his home, was it lost forever? how would he get back if it is still there?.

[Marmadue]

Marmadue tilted his head slightly as the man turned around to go fetch that dagger he had thrown, the odd gait immediately catching his eye. He was… Limping a bit, wasn't he? Of course that could have been an old injury, or the man could have been hurt just now – perhaps exactly when he had jumped down to help the Yuke! Oh dear…

While his face of worry was hidden behind the helmet, he did snap back to a more upright position the moment the man turned around, as if he had been caught. This was the first time he could really get a good look at the stranger, still unable to recognize the man – though it wasn't like that was something strange. Twilight Town was large, and full of many refugees. But when he didn't seem to even know what the Heartless were, much less where they were at the moment… Well, it became quite clear that the man had to be a new arrival.

"Oh dear," the Yuke voiced quietly under his breath, the eye hole of his mask turning to look at the man's face,
"This is… Twilight Town. Perhaps it would ah, be better to go inside, if that is fine with you. You ah, seem to be injured," he continued, motioning towards the building he had stepped out of. Certainly looked like a store, though the ground floor window that once might have displayed items was now boarded up. The door was still slightly ajar, as Marmadue didn't quite have the time to close it before, well, the Heartless made him think of other things.

But maybe the man really should sit down before they continued this conversation.

[Aiken]

Aiken noticed the way the stranger snapped to face him, it made him smile a bit it's a good thing this stranger had no idea what he was like seriously although he was trying his best to not seem intimidating but old habits die hard, his questions probably sounded more like an interrogation than a query; regardless he was able to learn something new.

He nodded as the stranger mentioned the name of this place, he made a mental note to remember the name Twilight Town. Although it was an unusual name for a town that seemed to be coated in darkness, this held Aiken's interest and was keen to know more maybe even help. He decided to play along with the stranger.
Aiken spoke softer than his usual tone "Yeah that would be appreciated, I did injure my foot earlier which doesn't usually happen I'm impressed that you noticed it...would you by any chance be able to heal?. I don't have any healing supplies at the moment, I've only just arrived here." he concluded and indicated to his left leg he underestimated that store building even though he was adept at free running from all the training at the island, this made him realise that he still had to improve, although he was used to pain this was nothing compared to the injuries he had suffered while on the island.

He gestured towards the door which he noticed was slightly ajar from when the stranger ran out earlier he seemed trustworthy enough, he hadn't attacked him and had even inquired about his minor injury Aiken felt he could trust this person, so he decided to introduce himself.
"My name is Aiken Zoran, I am a Hunter from the world of Makya, what's your name?." He asked politely with a small smile, he never was good at starting conversations often preferring to listen than engage. But on this occasion, he felt that he owed the stranger for trespassing unannounced on to what appeared to be his property.

[Marmadue]

"Ah," Marmadue let out a breathy hum, rubbing the back of his feathered neck. Perhaps he was feeling a bit bashful at the compliment towards his observation skills, but he was quick to snap back to his usual stance when healing became the subject matter. What a coincidence.
"Ah, yes, in fact, I can. If you would please," the Yuke offered the man the chance to step ahead of him, opening the door so he could step inside.

Even if what was outside looked like a store, it didn't look anything like that from the inside. Yes, there were some shelves left still, empty from produce and what was on them most likely belonged to whoever was currently squatting in the building. There even was a counter, but that was it. Bedrolls were arranged in neat rows on the limited floorspace, all empty and made as if waiting for someone to wrap themselves up. It was cleaner on the inside than it was on the outside, luckily. A single candle was on the countertop, not offering much light.

Once the man stepped in, the Yuke came in after him and closed the door, clearly having grown used to what littered the floor as he easily stepped over them even in the dim light.
"Ah a, pleasure, sir," Marmadue replied without much thought to the introductions – was this really such a pleasure? Was this even a good time? The poor man was here because… Well, they'd get to that when they got to that, he supposed…
"I am called Marmadue," he continued, digging for some extra candles he lit using the one on the counter. Some extra light would do them good.

"If you would ah, sit down, please," Marmadue motioned towards a rickety old wooden chair nearby.

[Aiken]

Aiken nodded as the stranger allowed him to enter the store, there was a slight chill even after the door had closed behind them. The floor squeaked with every step they took which told Aiken that this place had been around for a long time, probably from the town's beginning too, he took the liberty to glance around the room he noticed bedrolls neatly stacked away which meant that this place must take in refugee's often. He spotted shelves however they weren't filled with stock as someone would expect when entering a store, this made him wonder if the stranger even owned the store at all now seeing as there was no-one at the counter.

Taking care not to walk on the litter that was clearly limiting the floorspace from what used to be a tidy store, although Aiken could tell that the stranger had tried his best to keep the place clean; probably for refugees. It seemed to be a common thing in this town Aiken concluded his analysis and payed attention to what the stranger was saying.

The stranger spoke first "I am called Marmadue." So that was his name Aiken memorised it as he continued "If you would ah, sit down, please." Aiken noticed the table with two old fashioned wooden chairs nearby it, he nodded and at a brisk pace approached the chair and sat down, although remained alert as he had been in this situation before and it didn't go well for the last person that tried to force him down, even so especially with the dimly lit candle that Marmadue lit up for them made it almost peaceful and warm even if the candle provided little light, it was the only light he had seen or warmth he had felt in years.

He removed his bow and quiver and placed them on the table next to him the bow was heavy and made a slight thunk noise as it hit the wooden table, he then sat with his hands on his knees still rather stiff as he found it difficult to relax right away. He took a small breath to calm himself, and looked at the person he now knew as Marmadue.

"Thank you, for taking me in like this...a hunter should always be prepared for the worst, I apologise for climbing your roof earlier, as you saw the heartless cornered me. If there's anything you need to know feel free to ask." He finished he wondered why he was being so open, he really must be tired, after almost dying from the darkness earlier and being betrayed by the one he called Master it was refreshing just to talk like this, he waited for Marmadue's as he re-adjusted his sitting position as he had been sitting for a while and it was unlike him to sit still for long.

[Marmadue]

Marmadue made sure they had some extra lighting as he lit the extra candles. It wasn't enough to make the entire room brightly lit – especially when they basically were more or less in the same place rather than arranged around the room. He didn't have time for that now! Still, at the very least their surroundings were enveloped by a warm light that would give them more than enough to work with, despite the shadows that still lingered in the corners.

"I do not think that is grounds for apologies Mister, ah, Zoran, wasn't it? Safety is of ah, utmost importance, yes? But I haven't seen the Heartless this close to the Market Street before," the Yuke waved aside the apologies, but towards the end his voice did take on a more concerned tone. What did that mean for them? Had the monsters gotten even brasher? Would they try to corner the refugees even harder? Troublesome…
"I ah, believe you might be the one with more questions, good sir. You are… New here, yes?" Marmadue continued, turning around to look at the man.

"Ah, yes. Your injury. It was your ah, ankle, I believe? Would you perhaps like something to drink while I ah, work my magic? I'm afraid I do not have much, but ah, there is a choice between cold and hot water…"

[Aiken]

Aiken could see the details around the room clearer now that Marmadue had lightened the place with more candles, the smell of candle wax became stronger with every passing second, he appreciated it though as the temperature rose slightly to a more comfortable level. Aiken listened to what Marmadue had to say, he stated that the heartless never came this close to the town, this made him feel worse as he assumed it was the darkness within him that could have attracted the heartless but he kept that quiet for now.

He paused for a moment when Marmadue had asked if he was new here, he thought that much would have been obvious but decided to fill him in on his situation "Yes this is my first time in this town...last thing I remember was being swallowed in darkness, by a man who I once called Master, but then when I regained consciousness I woke up here in the streets." He finished thinking back to the moments before he arrived in Twilight Town, he wondered where his ex master was now?, could he have come to this world too? or did he plan to keep Aiken here while he was able to continue his plans in Makya?, Aiken sighed if it was even still there.


Marmadue question him about his ankle although the pain had mostly stopped, he would like a full recovery before setting off again. He nodded and allowed Marmadue to tend his ankle, he must have twisted it when he landed earlier, thinking back it would have been smarter to remain on the building but his body just moved, he couldn't afford to let someone else fall to the darkness, Aiken waited for Marmadue's response quietly fighting the urge to fall asleep as his tired eyes struggled to stay awake.

[Marmadue]

Marmadue couldn't help but tilt his head as he listened to the man's story. It was true that he seemed to not quite know what the Heartless had been – but really, it wasn't like one had to know about them to have their world… Taken over, right? The darkness bit seemed to match the stories of others, but it was also lacking so much. It sounded like there was no takeover, as if it was just a single person behind Aiken's sudden appearance… The Yuke had grown quite quiet as he pondered that, a hand raised to where his chin might have been underneath his helmet.

"Ah," he seemed to snap out of it when he realized it must have been his turn to speak,
"My ah, condolences about your master," Marmadue blurted, though perhaps that could have been left unsaid. Still, he did know the bond between a master and student, the pain that betrayal must have caused. He did realize that he had already turned towards the counter to search for some water but… But Aiken actually hadn't accepted nor denied a cup, now had he? The Yuke's hands just hovered there for an awkward moment before he turned back around.

"Your story is a bit… Different, compared to most others. Many of us– ah, possibly most of us do not have our origins in this town. Like you, we were whisked away from our worlds, though ah… That had to do with the Heartless," he started, walking towards the man as he spoke and kneeling down. The Yuke certainly was a tall creature, able to match the man's size even when he knelt down. His hands were even larger, much bigger than a human of the same size could ever hope to gain. Those feathered fingers hovered above the injured ankle and Marmadue took a deep breath he held for a moment before exhaling it, closing his eyes. A soft, slightly green glow started to emanate from his hands.

[Aiken]

Aiken assured Marmadue that his master comment didn't bother him, his Master may have been a close friend to his father at one point, something within him had changed the hunter looked back upon those memories when his Master visited the house. He would help train Aiken in the ways of the hunter, although he was young at the time and wasn't interested for most of his younger days but appreciated it when his Master took him out for parties. But those times were over now, this time he had his heart set on revenge.

A green glow emitted from Marmadue's feathered hands Aiken had never felt something like this before, he could feel his aches fading; his muscles dropped their tightness and he had never felt more relaxed. Whatever this healing magic was, it worked miles better than when he had tried to bandage himself or stitch his wounds if only he had this guy around when his face was cut, it took him several months to recover that injury though that's a tale for another day. Once his ankle was recovered, returned his foot closer to him as it felt fine now Aiken smiled at Marmadue confirming his recovery and was impressed by his healing abilities he would prove to be a useful ally.

"I assumed there were more like me around here, though I do not know the complete story...yet. I just became a Hunter not too long ago, then my world was taken away, My master...he found this gauntlet of darkness and with that he changed." This was somewhat true, even though it was him that went to retrieve the gauntlet the Master claimed it from him; but not before the gauntlet had already corrupted his heart as a parting gift. Aiken paused again, curious to see Marmadue's response, would he treat him differently, now that he know that the hunter had been in contact with the darkness and could possibly posses it himself?, he would find out soon enough.

[Marmadue]

Concentrating on the magic, Marmadue stayed silent as he felt the energy flow through him. The newcomer's ankle wasn't too bad, luckily. He had been able to walk with it, no bones stuck out of the skin… Yes, it didn't take all that much for him to get this one sorted. It didn't take much magic, it didn't take much time – and by the time the soft glow was coming to an end, Aiken already looked like the pain was gone.

Removing his hands, the Yuke stood up and took a few steps back, sitting on the free chair nearby.
"Even though it might be healed, you should ah, still be careful of putting too much strain on it immediately. It takes quite a lot from your body to suffer an injury and go through the healing process," he advised, hoping that he wasn't dealing with someone who couldn't stand to stay still for too long – for the man's own safety, of course.

But Aiken's story was quite interesting. If there were no Heartless and there had been no takeover the man had mentioned, could it be that nothing had happened to his home? Could it just be an accident, how he had somehow stumbled into the town? Darkness certainly seemed to be a common theme, a low hmm heard from within the helmet. He could certainly understand that experience…
"…You are the first I have talked to to have such a story, sir," though of course, that didn't mean he was the only one,
"But perhaps that only makes your situation more… Hopeful. You ah, do not remember anything happening to your world, do you? Only your previous master with this… Gauntlet that sent you through darkness?"

[Aiken]

The hunter nodded to Marmadue's statement about restraint, although Aiken was determined to get moving again it wasn't like him to stay still for long. To test this he rose from his chair, he felt fine, he even paced around the store for a bit plus it also helped him to try and remember. He looked back on that day where he returned to his home and remembered seeing flames, he sighed and turned to face Marmadue.

"I'm afraid I'm not entirely sure if my world still remains." He paused remembering the sight of his city engulfed in flames, how could he forget? it was burned into his mind whenever he closed his eyes "Before I engaged my old master my city, was in flames when I arrived back from my...mission." He finished not wanting to go into too much detail about that particular mission, he had failed his city which he had sworn to protect after becoming a Hunter, he had let his father and clan down but he will find a way to avenge them. Taking this time to return back to his chair as although he was healed, he still felt tired from the whole ordeal previously.