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[@TruthHurts22] Raz | [@Lugubrious] Gemma, Hanabi | [@Zoey Boey] Sakura, Karin

[H3]Midgar: Suoh - Anistar Gym, Part 3[/h3]

[b]Word Count:[/b] 2810
[b]Level 4 Roxas:[/b] 22/40
[b]Exp:[/b] 3
[b]NEW EXP Balance---[/b] 25/40[/center]

Roxas had been keeping quiet for basically everything. What they were told out in that alleyway bugged him, especially when thinking back to what that Coach guy said earlier. “Duds”. That was the word he used. All these psychics apparently believed that anyone without mind powers were… well, lesser somehow. And all around, the very structure of Suoh seemed to reinforce this idea. Lots of signs and things that “duds” like him couldn’t even read. But he’d bitten his tongue for the sake of helping his friend, Raz.

Once everyone was in the gym, Roxas continued to keep his thoughts to himself. He watched as Goldlewis and Midna left to go elsewhere. And he also watched Sakura challenge the OSF guy to a sparring match. Everything seemed to be… normal, for the most part. Maybe this feeling Roxas had was just in his head after all? But then he saw how Sakura’s match eventually ended. The OSF member ended up pulling out all the stops with his SAS connection and Sakura eventually freaked out and ran out of the gym.

Roxas looked back and considered going after Sakura for a moment. But then, without really considering his actions, Roxas clenched his hands into fists and glared back in the direction of the OSF people. That was it, he’d had it up to here with all this psychic stuff. Roxas pushed his way forward and eventually found himself confronting them with an angry look on his face.

[Color=Gold]”What did you do to my friend?”[/color] he demanded, his tone even but definitely not happy, [Color=Gold]”And yeah, I know. You’re Psych-OSF and we’re just a couple of worthless duds, right? Well [i]I don’t care[/i]! You’re all a bunch of big-headed jerks from where I’m standing!”[/color]

The onlookers had drifted away from the fight’s conclusion, chattering all about how it went. Gemma’s strength, martial skill, and mindful usage of SAS were as commendable as ever, but more of the watchers seemed riveted by Sakura’s surprising tenacity. She’d managed to take on incredible odds and force Gemma to push himself, all with an upbeat attitude, right up until the end. Her opponent, weary and sore from their match, had seated himself on the ground against a nearby wall with his water bottle, defending himself not with his fists but with faltering words against the accusations of his squadmate Hanabi. She insisted that he fought too hard, and should have known better than to take Sakura’s blank check at face value. Given how things turned out, he was hard-pressed to disagree, too.

Hanabi mellowed out after Gemma resolved to find Sakura and apologize, but their exchange came to an abrupt end when Roxas showed up. Neither knew this kid, but he was clearly pissed, even if he kept himself from going all-out furious. Hanabi didn’t know how to handle it. “H-hey, wait a sec, just settle down…”

Gemma frowned. So this boy was a dud? Despite his many years of service, Gemma practically never met duds. Such people were rare around here, since any who cropped up tended to move to less psychic sectors in Midgar, but those without the means to do so tended to not make big deals of themselves, even if that meant stoking the flames of resentment in silence. After all, in Sector 5 mental ineptitude was practically a disability. Maybe he was from out of town? The soldier exhaled, his eyes closed as he mulled over Roxas’ outcry. It didn’t matter where he came from, or that he didn’t have any experience with scenarios like this. As a senior Psych-OSF soldier, it fell to him to defuse this situation.

“Maybe we are,” he said flatly, opening his eyes. “In our organization, power is everything. We have to be strong enough to fight, and if need be die, for the people of Midgar. For those we care about. And in pursuit of strength, maybe we’ve lost sight of something important.” He shrugged and put his water bottle down. “I can tell you this though, son. If you’re saying that young lady I fought was a dud, then I have nothing but the deepest and utmost respect for her. I only fought her because she asked me to, in order to honor her request as a fellow martial artist. What happened at the end I can’t explain. Some sort of post-traumatic stress disorder, maybe. Either way, she gave an incredible account of herself, not as a dud, but as a warrior. That’s all I can really say.”

The blonde twins nearby nodded vigorous, prompting Hanabi to step forward with renewed determination. “Yeah, she was amazing! It’s true psychic power is vital to the OSF, but there are lots of different people in Midgar with different talents of their own.” With a bright smile she tried to wipe away the anger and doubt that plagued Roxas. “I’m sure it’s just the same for you! Nobody’s worthless.”

[Color=gold]"...Then why do you call us 'duds'?"[/color] Roxas asked flatly, [Color=gold]"Why are we not allowed to fight even if we're clearly capable?"[/color] in all honesty his frustration stemmed from the stirring of bad memories, but Roxas continued, [Color=gold]"You might be able to make yourselves stronger with your SAS link, but people don't need psychic connections to give each other strength. I've seen it for myself plenty of times."[/color]

He then pointed his right index finger to his temple, [Color=gold]"Is what's up here really all that matters? Because in my experience…"[/color] he then lowered his hand and pressed it against his chest, [Color=gold]"...it's the strength that comes from [i]here[/i] that matters most. And you don't need to be psychic for that."[/color]

Where was he even going with this? These people weren't even the real causes of his anger. It was starting to feel like he was just lashing out for the sake of it. He took a deep breath and finally started to calm himself, [Color=gold]"If you actually gave us a chance to, then my friends could prove once and for all that 'duds' aren't helpless and could even help you more than you think. But I'm guessing most of your Captains and higher ups are too prideful to consider that, aren't they?"[/color]

Having now said his piece for the time being, the Keyblade Wielder decided it was best to disengage, [Color=gold]"I'd better go after Sakura and make sure she's okay. Sorry if I caused a scene."[/color] and then he took off running to find Sakura.

The OSF soldiers watched him go, sour looks upon their faces. Whoever that guy was, his bitterness clearly went deep, deep enough to take two random people and mark them as responsible for all of society’s ills, perceived or otherwise. Hanabi’s expression in particular portrayed an acute sadness that her attempts to reassure him fell upon deaf ears. Gemma, meanwhile, massaged his temples with the palms of his hands. “Hmm,” he grunted. “I hope he doesn’t run off and get killed by Others trying to prove himself.”

“Yeah,” Hanabi agreed, her voice a soft murmur. She tried to think of something else to say, something that could neatly encapsulate the situation so she could push it off to the side, but nothing came to mind.

It would most likely be easier to find Karin than it would to find Sakura. Sakura hadn’t gone far, just outside the gym and around the corner of the building, where she had curled up into a sad little ball. Karin had watched the bout from a distance and casually Sakura. Karin stood in plain view next to Sakura’s ‘hiding spot.’

Sure enough, Roxas spotted Karin first. But he knew the two were usually hanging out together so he went toward her thinking she might have an idea where Sakura went.

[color=fff200]”Well.”[/color] Karin began. [color=fff200]”[i]That[/i] was embarrassing.”[/color] 

 [color=f49ac2]”I know!”[/color] Sakura said, clasping the sides of her head.  

[color=fff200]”You really lost your cool there.”[/color] Karin continued. Sakura didn’t say anything.

[color=fff200]”...Quite unbecoming.”[/color] Karin added, trying to figure out how to word this.

 [color=f49ac2]”Ugh!”[/color] Sakura tried to curl up more.  [color=f49ac2]”Darn it!”[/color]

[color=Gold]”Whoa, hey, don’t you think that’s kinda harsh?”[/color] Roxas asked Karin, now close enough to see where Sakura was sitting. Rather than stand over Sakura, he instead moved around and sat down on the ground next to her, [color=Gold]”You okay? Looked like you had it pretty rough toward the end there. I dunno if it’s any consolation, but that Gemma guy seemed pretty sorry. He also said he respected the strength you showed there.”[/color]

Sakura looked up at Roxas. They hadn’t talked much, but, if he was one of the Seekers, she felt like she could trust him. [color=f49ac2]”Of course he’s sorry.”[/color] Sakura said, glum.  [color=f49ac2]”He thinks he beat up some stupid girl. I don’t know if I’ll ever get a real rematch out of him now!”[/color] She covered her face with her hands again. 

 [color=f49ac2]”I totally freaked out! That’s never happened to me before, Roxas-san, I swear! I don’t care about getting hurt!”[/color] She explained, desperately.  [color=f49ac2]”Do you know how hard it is to get people to take me seriously?! I can never show my face in that gym again!”[/color] 

[color=Gold]”He doesn’t think you’re stupid.”[/color] Roxas responded, [color=Gold]”He has the utmost respect for you. Told me so himself.”[/color] Roxas wisely decided not to elaborate about why he spoke to him, since it was irrelevant to this situation anyway. But so far his attempts to cheer Sakura weren’t working as well as he’d hoped. He sort of wished [url=https://www.khwiki.com/Aqua]Aqua[/url] or [url=https://www.khwiki.com/Riku]Riku[/url] were here, since they’d probably have a better idea of what to say.

[color=Gold]”So maybe you just had an off-day?”[/color] he offered, [color=Gold]”Everyone has those. But… why do you say it’s hard to get people to take you seriously, Sakura? I’ve seen you fight a few times now, and you’re good. Like, [i]really[/i] good. And you don’t even need to use weapons or magic like, say, I do. That’s pretty awesome if you ask me.”[/color]

Sakura sighed, and managed a smile.  [color=f49ac2]”Thanks, Roxas-san. But…well…it’s just-”[/color] She wasn’t sure how to explain this.

[color=fff200]”It’s just that Sakura-chan’s pride as a fighter is on the line!”[/color] Karin declared. [color=fff200]”To earn the pity of one’s opponent is far worse than earning their disdain.”[/color] She said.

[color=Gold]”Didn’t look like pity to me.”[/color] Roxas retorted, [color=Gold]”His exact words were something along the lines of having nothing but the deepest and utmost respect for you, and that you gave an incredible account of yourself as a warrior. Now,”[/color] he paused and shot an incredulous look at Karin, [color=Gold]”Does [i]that[/i] sound like ‘pity’ to either of you?”[/color]

[color=f49ac2]”Yeah.”[/color] Sakura said under her breath. 

And then he added something else, aimed at Karin in particular, [color=Gold]”How come you’re being so harsh? Isn’t Sakura your friend?”[/color]

[color=fff200]”She is my rival, first. And her feelings need not be coddled.”[/color] Karin said, undeterred.

[color=Gold]”Well with friends like you-”[/color]

[color=f49ac2]”I’m sorry, Roxas-san. She’s right- I embarrassed myself out there. The crowd should be cheering at the end of a fight! They all felt bad for me. I mean- don’t you feel bad for me? That’s why you came after me, right?”[/color] Sakura asked, smiling sadly.

[color=Gold]”I came after you because you’re my friend. Simple as that.”[/color]

[color=f49ac2]”I know it might seem strange to you. Sorry. It wasn’t just an off-day. Something’s wrong with me- I’m…I’m sick in the head, or something, and I need to fix it. I just don’t know how.”[/color] Sakura said, smacking her noggin in the way she was prone to do.

[color=Gold]”Hey, come on, don’t beat yourself up. That’s not gonna help anyone. Least of all yourself.”[/color] Ugh, he was floundering here. There had to be something he could say, [color=Gold]”May your Heart be your guiding key.”[/color] he finally told her, deciding he needed to say something straight from the heart.

[color=Gold]“It’s something my friends and I learned in my world. Your Heart knows what’s best for you, Sakura. All you have to do is listen to it.”[/color]

[color=fff200]”Ugh.”[/color] Karin rolled her eyes. 

[color=f49ac2]”Shh! Be nice.”[/color] Sakura chastised her friend. [color=f49ac2]”And don’t worry, Roxas-san-”[/color] She slapped the sides of her head again. 

[color=f49ac2]”-I do that all the time. I think it helps me focus. Or maybe it’s just a bad habit. I’m not beating myself up or anything.”[/color] Sakura said. [color=f49ac2]”As for listening to my heart…”[/color] She tapped her chin. [color=f49ac2]”Hmm.”[/color] She went quiet, staring up at the sky, concentrating. 

That’s when a small cough came from the side. There was Raz, standing a step behind Roxas, from where he gave a little wave. [color=FF8c00]”Uhh, hey there. Sorry, I got caught up in the crowd, then I didn’t want to interrupt… anyways.”[/color] He took a few steps closer to Sakura and looked at her gently. [color=FF8c00]”If you’re having trouble figuring out what’s keeping you down, I can always take a look inside there for you.”[/color] He pulled out his trusty Psycho-Portal and held it up to show. [color=FF8c00]”See if I can’t help smooth over that mental block y’got?”[/color]

Sakura blinked out of her heart-listening reverie. She returned Raz’s wave, but ended up staring at the little door Raz was holding, and the suggestion he made. Karin peered over Raz’s shoulder, curious.

[color=Gold]”A… door?”[/color] Roxas stared at the device with a confused look.

Sakura got onto her knees, excited. [color=f49ac2]”I- I mean, if you could help me, that would be- great! It really isn’t normal. I had this…bad experience back on this scary ship called the Maw. And it’s been haunting me ever since! I wanna say every time I feel like I’m stuck, I freak out, but…”[/color] She shrugged, animated and unsure.

[color=f49ac2]”But, do you mean like, look inside my head? My brain? Like some kind of surgery?”[/color] Sakura said, a little unsure about that. 

[color=FF8c00]”Ehhh… not really.”[/color] Raz gave the portal a small shake for emphasis. [color=FF8c00]”This - the Psycho-Portal - lets us psychics project into people’s brains. And when inside we can help with whatever mental trouble they have. It’s a staple of the Psychonauts, and… Psych-OSF might do it too? I haven’t really tried it since I met up with the others, and it didn’t even work before I got freed from Galeem, but if you’re okay with me poking around your thoughts and memories and emotions, I’d be happy to help!”[/color]

Sakura looked at Raz, then at Roxas, and then at Karin. Then, back at Raz. [color=f49ac2]”This is…really important to me. If this keeps happening, I won’t be able to street fight anymore. It might even get in the way of our fight against Galeem.”[/color] She was quiet for a moment, thinking about it.

[color=f49ac2]”And you do this for a job, Raz-kun? For lots of people?”[/color] She asked. 

Raz nodded enthusiastically. [color=FF8c00]”Certified mental explorer right here! You’ll be in capable hands! Not to toot my own horn or anything.”[/color]

[color=f49ac2]”Go ahead!”[/color] Sakura said with a laugh. [color=f49ac2]”I’d rather have someone be confident, right? That’s reassuring to hear.”[/color] Sakura scratched her head.

[color=f49ac2]”Alright, Raz-kun.”[/color] She nodded, her mind made up. [color=f49ac2]”Please, help me out.”[/color] On her knees already, she briefly bowed her head.

With a final, affirmative nod, Raz placed the portal on the top of Sakura’s bowed head. It instantly popped open, revealing a swirling orange-ish vortex. He then paused, looking over to Karin and Roxas with a nervous smirk. [color=FF8c00]”If anything, uhhh, happens out here while I’m busy, there’s a thing of smelling salts in the second right pocket of my jacket. Y’know, for emergencies.”[/color] He reached up for his goggles, pulling them down over his eyes, as a ghostly image of the boy formed, flowing from himself into the portal, after which, it snapped shut.

It was go time.