[center][h2]Everdream Valley - No News Like Bad News II[/h2]
Blazermate, Susie, and Roland’s [@Archmage MC], Midna’s [@DracoLunaris], 
Geralt and Zenkichi’s [@Multi_Media_Man], Pit’s [@Yankee], Roxas’ [@Double]
[b]Word Count:[/b] 2042 (+3)[/center]

[color=lightgoldenrodyellow]"Was that everybody?"[/color] Pit wondered aloud. He couldn't think of anyone else that he knew for sure would have been operating outside of Alcamoth.

[color=lightgoldenrodyellow]"Because - circling back for a sec - I just remembered Bridges. They said they were going to set some 'ky-rall' thing up at Alcamoth and help get back into the Dead Zone. It's kind of impossible right now - there's rain that makes you old, and invisible 'beach things.' There was this meeting, and they... uhm, asked us to help with Ever Crisis, eheh..."[/color] Pit couldn't help but grimace, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly given what had transpired immediately before their arrival here. Since their base was in Midgar, he didn't know what was going to happen to them. [color=lightgoldenrodyellow]"If they already got connected to Smash City before it got attacked, maybe they know what happened? Even if they don't, we should probably find them so we can help each other."[/color]

He hoped he was making sense. Honestly he had spent most of the meeting just trying to keep all the information straight in his head, and then was blindsided and upset by the whole baby thing. He looked between Shirogane and the people most familiar with Midgar; Goldlewis, Roland, Sandalphon and Zenkichi, really hoping he wouldn't have to try and explain what Bridges itself was if someone else could do better. [color=lightgoldenrodyellow]"You guys know about Bridges, right?"[/color]

Goldlewis nodded emphatically, “Yeah, the logistics and delivery company. They're a household name in Midgar. They lent us a hand with the hideout, in fact.” He paused for a moment. “Now that I think about it, they'd know we won ‘cause o’ Karin’s speech. I'd be surprised if they don't reach out to the SOU. Lemme call up home base, see what's goin’ on.”

Shirogane seemed amped up by the prospect of reunification. “Yessir! We Centennials were workin’ with them good folks from Bridges from the beginnin’. In fact, they're the reason why we went to Alcamoth in the first place. Once we reconnect, I reckon we’ll be in business.” 

“I remember Mewtwo mentioning them. The leadership of Alcamoth trusted them. We ought to see how they're doing.” Geralt advised.

[color=BFBFBF]”Yeah, I’ve had to work with Bridges before, as a Turk.”[/color] Zenkichi added. [color=BFBFBF]”They’re legit. Though all of their tech goes way over my head.”[/color]

Encouraged by the realization, Goldlewis stepped away to make the call.

[color=gold]”You guys… kinda lost me a while ago.”[/color] Roxas admitted. He’d only just joined the Seekers about three days ago or so. But it sounded like they'd already done a ton of stuff before they ever showed up at Twilight Town. And right about now was when he finally remembered that he had some info he needed to share.

[color=gold]”I almost forgot,”[/color] Roxas said with a snap of his fingers, [color=gold]”When I talked to that girl from the Organization this morning, I learned a thing or two from her about them.”[/color] he pointed out, knowing that not all the Seekers had been present for that entire conversation. So he figured now was as good a time as any to share what he’d been told.

[color=gold]”She claims that defeating Galeem alone isn’t going to put the worlds back where they belong. Evidently the Organization has some plan of their own to do that, or so they claim.”[/color] Naturally, Roxas’ own distrust of the Organization was no secret and so how he was framing them needed to be taken with a grain of salt, [color=gold]”She didn’t tell me what that plan was, but she [i]did[/i] tell me who was giving the Organization their orders. And based on that, I think I may have a possible theory about what that mystery plan is.”[/color]

All eyes were on Roxas. “No need to pause for suspense,” Sandalphon told him flatly. “The sooner we know, the better.”

[color=gold]”Xehanort.”[/color] Roxas replied, not that he expected any of them to recognize that name or why it was a big deal, [color=gold]”Remember the man I mentioned a minute ago? You know, the one who wrecked and endangered multiple worlds where I come from?”[/color] It was a rhetorical question, but they’d be more than capable of inferring that that was who Xehanort was, [color=gold]”As for the plan, I think it’s the same plan he tried to execute in the world we both came from…”[/color] a brief pause, [color=gold]”...Kingdom Hearts.”[/color] Again, he didn’t expect any of them to know what that was. Nevertheless, the term hung ominously in the cool morning air.

[color=gold]”Kingdom Hearts is… kind of confusing to explain.”[/color] Roxas admitted, [color=gold]”But the simple version is that, in the world Xehanort and I come from, Kingdom Hearts is the name given to the heart of all worlds. Where both Light and Darkness first originated. Someone who can summon and wield its power can use it to rewrite or simply create a whole new world. So if what Xatow said is true and Xehanort is the one giving them their orders? Then I’d bet my Keyblades that’s his ultimate goal.”[/color]

Sandalphon nodded slowly. “Our shared encounter with Xatow was, as you might expect, my first rendezvous with Organization XIII. The existence of a larger-scope goal to take the worlds’ salvation into their own hands would explain their assistance.” She peered at Roxas, her power symbols practically staring into his soul. “After this, I would like to go over all the minutia with you.”

[color=BFBFBF]”Sounds to me like this Kingdom Hearts thing is yet [i]another[/i] path to become a false god. Ugh. Can I get one adventure without somebody becoming a god? Just one?”[/color] Zenkichi complained, though it was fairly lighthearted. At least he had plenty of experience with toppling self-assumed gods. 

[color=gold]”Salvation… right.”[/color] Roxas said with a hint of sarcasm in his tone, [color=gold]”I wouldn’t exactly count on Xehanort for salvation. Knowing him, the only thing he’ll do is replace Galeem with himself. Not the kind of person you should trust to put the worlds back the way they’re supposed to be.”[/color] If Roxas had his misgivings about the Organization before? Then now his distrust and antagonism toward them was ramped up even further now that he knew Xehanort was reportedly involved, [color=gold]”I’m willing to bet he’s lying to the other Organization members about saving the worlds so that they’ll do what he wants. That’s pretty much how he ran the old Organization back in our own world.”[/color] After this he gave a nod to Sandalphon.

[color=gold]”Sure, I can do that with you. Just… fair warning, it’s kind of a long story.”[/color]

[color=d7d7d7]”This ‘kingdom hearts’ sounds like what the light of the Library was. Although its probably not made from thousands upon thousands of years of suffering trying to find enlightenment.”[/color] Roland said, scratching his head.

[color=Aquamarine]”Does he know that you know?”[/color] Midna inquired [color=Aquamarine]”Because if he doesn’t we have a nice the leg up on him when it comes to the post victory backstabbing.”[/color]

Roxas blinked. They couldn’t see it because of his silver mask, but his face was turning a bit red underneath it, [color=gold]”Um…”[/color] he stammered.

By now, Goldlewis had returned. “Dunno,” he muttered, stroking his whiskers. “Xatow was helpful in a roundabout way, and the one we met in Al Mamoon seemed nice enough. Maybe this Xenahort feller’s keepin’ the rest in the dark.”

That question held more importance for Sandalphon than the others might realize. “The answer might depend on what Roxas said to Xatow earlier this morning.” She narrowed her eyes. “If at all possible, we should avoid raising their suspicions.”

[color=Aquamarine]”Best to keep our cards close to our chest then, and see if we can get a peek at any of theirs,”[/color] Midna agreed.

[color=gold]”Yeah, about that…”[/color] Roxas said sheepishly, [color=gold]”I might have… uh… told Xatow to tell Xehanort that I’m coming after him next once I’m done with Galeem.”[/color] he gulped with some embarrassment. In hindsight that was pretty stupid of him to do. At the time he was trying to sound intimidating. Now he was kicking himself for it.

Sandalphon’s pupils turned into lightning bolts.

[color=gold]”But, hey, maybe she didn’t take me seriously?”[/color] he offered in his own defense, [color=gold]”And I wouldn’t be surprised if Xehanort was already aware of my being here, so… maybe he’s already anticipating that I know his plan?”[/color] If it sounded like Roxas was grasping at straws, it was because he absolutely was.

As the princess face palmed, the archangel ran a hand through her hair, brushing it out of her face for a moment. “Let us hope so.”

“There is such a thing as overestimating an opponent.” Geralt added, though she hummed. “Still, we ought to take your word for it that he’s bad news, and the type to think through every contingency. Sounds like a real pain.” 

“...As for my call, turns out that Bridges did get in touch with the SOU,” Goldlewis mentioned. “They’re interested in patchin’ up our communications issue too. Said they can connect us to the Chiral Network if they can get some folks out.” He glanced at Midna. “I told ‘em we were here. If you’re willin’ to help, they can get some people out to join us and get started straight away.”

[color=Aquamarine]”If they need portal jumps, and can get to the places I have them, then I can do that. I very much do not want to be in the dark again about anything like this”[/color] Midna immediately agreed.

Sandalphon spoke up next. “Although we have much more to say, I believe that we should adjourn for now. We’ve been constantly embattled throughout the morning, and I suspect that we could all use some time to rest and regain our strength. After all, even if we plan for the future, we will be unable to face it if we’re not up to the task.” She spoke matter-of-factly as always, but after a moment her voice softened somewhat. “I can only assume that the fate of Alcamoth weighs heavily upon you all. The news pains me as well. It would surprise me, though, if you allowed the Consuls this victory over your hearts. If it were my friends…” The archangel paused. “I know their wish would be that I held my head high, and forged onward.”

Goldlewis nodded, pleased that Sandalphon had so elegantly given voice to his own thoughts. “I could sure use a break. After runnin’ around so much, my dogs are barkin’.” He patted his stomach, a bit less self-conscious than usual thanks to his fusion. “It’s gettin’ to be about mealtime, anyhow.”

Pit agreed with both of them, especially Sandalphon. Learning about the state they'd unwittingly put Midgar in, and the fate of Smash City Alcamoth, put a damper on the Seekers' victory. Plus it was impossible not to worry over the safety of all the people that were now missing. But he'd meant what he said before; he had faith that most everyone would have been able to make it out. And with some of their own staying behind to help the citizens of Midgar, they should be fine too. Everyone still around and fighting would just have to take up the torch for any that had passed. On the bright side, the team [i]had[/i] just defeated one of Galeem's Guardians - and they could still connect with the widespread Bridges. [i]Get up, fall down, get up again - like always![/i]

[color=lightgoldenrodyellow]"No matter what happens, there's no way we can just give up now!"[/color] Pit said, aware that he was speaking for the group at large and hopefully assuaging any doubts. Then he grinned at Goldlewis. [color=lightgoldenrodyellow]"But yeah, let's eat!"[/color]