route_1065 | In Which Xemnas Is A Delivery Boy

In Which Xemnas Is A Delivery Boy

Who: Xemnas

capax_infiniti
What: Plotting. Deviousness. Arcanines.
Where: New Bark Town
Warnings: Nortwarnings apply. Scheming and malevolence may be within.

[It's been a bit of a run, to cross half of Johto just to make it to New Bark Town to drop off a very specifically caught growlithe. Xemnas had been delayed, not only by the effort of catching one with the proper temperament, but speaking with other individuals as he went. Not any growlithe would do; he needed one of very even and reliable bearing, which wasn't likely to run around like an excited puppy the whole time.

Old men needed reliability, not overexcited puppies.

Xemnas' arrival in New Bark Town goes without fanfare, just one more trainer accompanied by his pokemon; there was no pokecenter Malice could use to teleport here, Mom's house apparently didn't work well, but he does arrive in good time for having to travel as far as he did. A zebstrika wasn't anywhere near as swift as a rapidash, but with a little abuse of teleportation, a several weeks' long journey is significantly cut down.

The growlithe he'd selected remains in its pokeball. He'd trained it a little, just a few levels to try to provide Xehanort with a better defender when it evolved, but enough to get by with was more important. A defender, and a loyal one, was more important than raw power at this juncture.

Later on it could be simply traded in for another model.

Finding Xehanort however might be a bit more difficult. He'd left a message of course, and New Bark wasn't exactly a large town, but at least Xemnas himself is easily spotted. He has five pokemon, and not a single one is kept in its ball, fanned out to keep an eye on an old man that is similar to his own coloration. The only two kept at his side - the psionic kadabra Malice (who had strict orders to keep out of Xehanort's mind), and the selected growlithe. The black coat is distinctive, though he no longer can (or at least hasn't yet figured out) draw on the Darkness to make himself more noticeable to the right senses. Nor could Xehanort, so visual hunting would have to do. The Zebstrika, Gastly, Deerling and Zorua had plenty of ground to cover to try to find the person Xemnas sought.

Now, if he were an aging Keyblade Master, where would he be..?]

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[With his new outfit perhaps it's a bit more difficult to find him, though he would rather wear the cleaner clothes while his normal ones dry from being washed. There's not as much as far as luxury goes, especially not now with supplies being a bit sparse. The pants had amused him, as he'd had a brief tenure of wearing hakama of his own.

Now though, he's content to sit with his Pokemon out of their balls around him. Commutablis is draped over his head, watching him as he reads something on his Gear. Rattus is definitely underfoot as she zooms around contentedly, sniffing and gnawing. Lynx is sitting for the moment, pawing at a stone idly in an attempt to work it loose from the ground. Bubo Temporus has his head under a wing in a vain attempt to sleep. The others are gone, but will return when he calls, he knows. He sat with them and ensured that they knew their names well enough that they would heed him.

Commutablis' ears twitch as she hears the approaching entourage and she makes a warning yap. Xehanort isn't concerned, as there's really only one person he's been expecting this time.]

Xemnas. Thank you for coming all this way.

[With a flick of the wrist he finishes, snapping the gear closed and getting to his feet.]

[Really Xemnas should expect changes of clothing. He switched out of his uniform now and again, after all, depending on what needed cleaning. Why would it be different for anyone else? That Xehanort has found himself at least some pokemon is heartening, he won't be completely defenseless.

He shouldn't be quite so concerned about that. The old man is nothing if not resourceful. Once Xehanort is spotted, however, he gives a brief, shrill whistle, then heads in his direction. Where his other pokemon had gotten to in their search he didn't know, but they'd return promptly when called as well. Their intelligence was useful in that much.]

Hardly a need for thanks. You seem to have been making good on your time here. I'm glad my delays have not cost you too much.

[There's no derision or scorn in his voice. Xemnas hadn't felt any of the local pokemon were WORTH catching, but perhaps Xehanort had found the diamonds in the rough he hadn't bothered looking for. After a moment he goes fishing in his pockets and withdraws some sort of fiery-looking gemstone. Fire stones are one of those things he'd never encountered before, but they're useful.

The kadabra follows, albeit a lot more cautiously than Xemnas, attention fully fixed on Xehanort. The only noteworthy difference between it and any other kadabra, the black collar Xemnas put on any pokemon he felt was worth keeping. Psychic-types were..useful in their own way, but there were downsides in other areas. Xemnas chooses to ignore it for now. The attendant growlithe sits neatly and observes.]

I had hoped to arrive a little sooner but this world has little concept of swift transportation. Nonetheless, you will need this, it will trigger the transformation into 'Arcanine'. It seemed wise to leave such a thing to you, as I don't know if it will help establish loyalty or not.

[Straight on to business. Xehanort looked healthy enough, not about to suddenly fall over from starvation or wounds. This was reassuring.]

If you have no trouble with it, I would also like to introduce you to my team, by way of scent and sound. It will make finding you if something goes awry much simpler.

[With a shrug he dislodges the eevee, who is content to drop to the ground and trot over to Xemnas, circling him and sniffing curiously. Lynx's moves to follow her, but with a rebuke both quadrupeds fall back.]

I felt it best to get my bearings in the mechanics of pokemon in a place that was all too fitting. Think nothing of it, this time has been valuable in its own way.

[His eyes flicker between the pokemon that Xemnas has amassed. It's quite an impressive group, though Xemnas does have the advantage of time and further locations. In due time he will have found ones whose potential is in line with what he would prefer.]

It's quite a curious place. The technology ranges from highly advanced to almost laughable. The priorities here are truly a spectacle, but one that is easily exploited in its own ways... I'm certain that you've found.

[He takes the red stone curiously, feeling its weight and shape in his hand, fingers tracing idly over the surface as though mapping it out.]

It is difficult to say in such things. While their intelligence is rudimentary at best, they have varied nature and personality. Your discretion is appreciated in this matter.

[None of his own pokemon were high enough level to evolve, though he'd seen evolutions on the Gear. It would be fascinating to witness one firsthand. He glances at the growlithe, a mere pup at the moment though with poise and dignity that spoke of more than its form could indicate. He'd done some research, as much as he could in the tiny village, and agreed with Xemnas' assessment of their character and suitability.

This was something else he'd considered as well, and he strode forward, arms raising up.]

Of course. It seems as though Commutablis has already taken this luxury of you, so it is only fitting. Let them do as they must.

[The eevee is watched for a moment with something very much like dispassion, before he pulls out his pokegear and flips it open. He didn't have an eevee on his list yet, might as well take the chance to add a +1 to the five hundred and something odd creatures he wanted to eventually encounter.]

Indeed. And the way this world enforces its strange priorities are unusual too. Don't expect to be able to use a knife, for example. They grow dull. Even an ordinary kitchen knife. Ledges are impossible to climb as well. It's strange. All bladed weapons are forbidden but one may use a baseball bat.

[Or a crowbar, which he happened to have tucked through his belt loops, but that's not terribly important. As the fire stone is handed off (and it has a warmth all its own), Xemnas is content to let Xehanort field the issue of creating an Arcanine on his own. It should be very interesting to see, as he hadn't seen one in person yet himself. Arcanines were supposed to be tremendous creatures..

As the rest of his team finally picks their way over, led by the small bounding form of a zorua, he beckons them further closer, turning to address them directly.]

This is Xehanort. You will obey him as if his commands were my own. If he is under threat, you will defend him, even if it means leaving me to my own devices. He must come first. Do you understand?

[The kadabra's ears immediately go flat, foxlike expression turning to one of doubt and dislike. The zebstrika and deerling seem far less concerned, and merely curious instead, picking their way closer to cautiously sniff over the aged man, and when satisfied they'd remember his scent and appearance, settle a little further away. Nor does the zorua seem terribly upset by the idea, giving Xehanort only a cursory sniff over before investigating his pokemon instead.

It's probably for the best that the gastly doesn't draw too close. Floating balls of toxic could be dangerous.]

... I mean it. Especially you, Malice. Your skillset may one day prove vital. In all things, this man must come first.

[This does nothing to ease the kadabra's uncertainty, but the pokemon gives a slow, reluctant nod. He'll obey. He might not LIKE it, but he'll obey.

That Xemnas speaks to them as if they were fully intelligent beings might be a bit of a departure, but it certainly seems as if they understand him perfectly. It might to others seem like a strange priority, but not for Xemnas. Xehanort was the lynchpin. Without him, all things would come apart. But other hosts could be found; Xemnas was expendable.]

...As for the growlithe, I will leave that one to you, Xehanort. They are a loyal breed. I have no doubt this one will serve you well. This is its ball.

[Much like the firestone, a pokeball is offered. With the ball goes obedience, and loyalty likely not far behind. These creatures were simple enough in that respect.]

[He remains quiet and still as the pokemon approach him. Commutablis bristles slightly, not liking what she sees, but is stilled by the twitch of his fingers. It's not a tense moment as he trusts the creatures to be completely obedient to their master. Especially when given an order such as Xemnas gives them... there is nothing to fear. They will not betray their master's wishes.

When they have finished their investigation, he gives a short, casual bow. More of a platitude than anything, but one he sees as necessary to create a sense of goodwill. Whether they feel anything at all is beyond his knowledge but he can hope that an impression is made.

The eevee shrinks back slightly when the zorua approaches, uncertain of how to approach a pokemon of higher level outside of a battle. When the zorua proves to not be a threat, she perks up, swishing her tail in greeting and making a cheerful sound. The luxray has little fear, and comes to greet the foreign monster curiously.

He makes a low whistle and the rest of his team gathers. They're far less impressive than the pokemon Xemnas has assembled, but he is hardly concerned. Those who prove themselves will stay, while the rest will eventually be filtered to PC box or released.]

This man here and I are kin and kind. You would do well to obey his commands in the case that I am indisposed. If somehow I am gone, you are to seek him out at once. If something happens, you must report that information to him immediately.

[And the less pleasant formality that Xemnas had brought to light himself--]

If somehow this man comes to betray me, however, it is essential that he be destroyed. Do not target his pokemon. Be swift and merciful.

[His Nobody deserved no less after ten years of faithful adherence to the plan. Commutablis darted forward again, followed by the others in a trickle, to take in the somewhat-similar scent of the strange man. Coelebs and Bubo Temporis stare at him as though staring straight through him. Commutablis seals her approval by nipping at the hem of the coat, which prompts a laugh from her master.]

Now that such matters have been attended to...

[He takes the ball in his other hand, fingering it in similar fashion, the familiar curve and grooves causing his hand to grip it in a reflexive fashion. He beckons for the growlithe to come over with a soft voice, and it trots over to its new master in a stately fashion.]

Well-mannered, indeed. You have chosen well, Xemnas. The time and effort in this affair is greatly appreciated.

[With the growlithe nearby, he kneels down, pressing the stone against its forehead. With a startled howl the creature begins to glow, its form changing, growing in size and stature until it dwarfs the man kneeling down before it.]

[Xemnas knows his team will obey. Not all of them will like it, not all of them will be prompt in their obedience - but they would do as told. The ones that didn't, he no longer had. Perhaps that's why the ones that remain seem quite proud to wear their collars. If he didn't already, Xehanort would soon enough enjoy precisely the same loyalty and obedience. Really, he wished he knew of this world long before now. He'd have had more pokemon than Nobodies in his Organization, beyond the ones needed for future plans. They were much more useful.

With new pokemon to visit that aren't currently combat opponents OR wild pokemon, as far as Xemnas' smaller members are concerned, it's a perfect opportunity to see if anything can be convinced to play. Something that's put a stop to with nothing more than a stern glance. Play can happen later!

This matter of destruction draws a gutteral growl from Malice, visible hostility from Regret, and uncertainty from the others. The once-Nobody makes a sound very much like a put-upon sigh.]

Don't argue about it. This is important as well. If for some reason I choose to turn on the path I have chosen for myself, then far more will be at risk than one life. If it troubles you greatly then see to it that such a betrayal never occurs. If-

[There's a pause. Malice could manage telepathy quite well, but doesn't see fit to share those thoughts with Xehanort just yet.]

... It is to expose or hand over a person or ideal to an enemy through treachery. To be unfaithful in guarding or maintaining those ideals. To be disloyal. If you were to alert Team Rocket to where we were, for the express purpose of myself and Xehanort being killed and the rest taken to their holdings, then this would be betrayal. Accidents may be forgiven. Possibly. But willful destruction of what must be will not be forgiven. As I am your teacher and master, in turn Xehanort is mine. If I act thus then I do not deserve, and must not have, a second chance, for I will act treacherously again if I do it once. I will explain the rest later so you will know what to watch for.

[This is very clearly for his own pokemon, who perhaps didn't quite understand - until this further explanation. And perhaps to explain it to Xehanort's own. Some of them seem young, and may not understand the seriousness of how things may go awry if Xemnas finds he can't control his own heart.]

A necessary unpleasantness. Still, it will be helpful to have more than one team watching out for your well-being. It took quite some time to find a growlithe that was not wildly energetic or likely to bounce off walls. It seems to be part of the breed to act as if they had devoured entire rooms full of sugary things themselves.

[And he found one that didn't! Sure there were other personality quirks to deal with but that wasn't Xemnas' problem. What was, was locating one that wouldn't suddenly lunge off after a pachirisu or rattata just because it's THERE.

Besides, there's an evolution to tend to. And very noticeably Xemnas takes a liberal step or two to the side, to make sure he's not in the way. He's got a good idea of how big an arcanine could get, and he didn't much intend to be caught accidentally by a tail or paw or whatever. The rest of Xehanort's pokemon were considerably smaller and thus not as much of a concern, even if that little one had nipped his coat. He'd check later for holes.

..Perhaps Arcanines are a little larger than he'd thought. Still, if it lay down for Xehanort's convenience it should be no issue...]

[He's silent, letting Xemnas lecture his pokemon as much as he desires. To drill the point home of necessary destruction in creatures that are naturally driven to be loyal to a master would be quite difficult indeed, especially given how some of them seem to understand the gravity of the situation. The bonds between man and beast could be quite strong, couldn't they...

... and potentially exploitable as well. Definitely something to look into.

The arcanine was indeed large, and as the glow faded the creature shifted forward, lapping at his face and part of his upper body in an eager canine kiss that almost knocked him over. He just managed to keep his balance, though he was a bit shaken. The arcanine didn't seem phased as it wagged its tail, prancing slightly.]

Canine nature is what it is. It will learn in due time the appropriate manner and obedience. The breed is well-disposed to such things.

[With a grin he turned back to face it.]

Come to your master's heel, o beast of flame,
from this day onward, Ignatius is your name.

[The arcanine was pleased enough to mush its nose against his face. It was going to take a bit of time. Bracing his hands against its snout he gave it a bit of a pet. It wasn't as spastic as Xemnas said the species tended to be at least.]

There will be time for obedience lessons later. I believe that there were other matters that we were going to discuss? Perhaps somewhere a bit less public would be best for that...

[Xemnas knew too much ignorance could brew disobedience, and if his team understood the vital importance of Xehanort, then perhaps they'd be more willing to do as they were told. Their intelligence made them more useful than beasts, and perhaps moreso than human minions, in spite of the lamentable lack of thumbs here.

As the Arcanine resolves itself into its new form, there's that indexer again, and another entry added to his list. Might as well take advantage of it. Xemnas didn't use such an artful naming scheme as Xehanort did, but he doesn't interrupt it; he could appreciate a good bit of poetry as much as the next person.

And this poetry is actually relevant!]

Indeed they are. Simpler to train than a human apprentice, but as intelligent and perhaps more powerful. May this one serve you well.

[One day he'd find a growlithe that matched his own painfully exacting standards in all ways, and then he'd keep it for himself. Until then he was satisfied with what he had. The fire-dog is watched for any signs of possible trouble, but it did seem to him that it's satisfied with its new owner. There's a bit of a delay between the question and a response, after a brief owlish blink. Ah yes.]

Thankfully the town is small and navigation easy. If you prefer to ride, and your new servant unwilling, Regret will carry you. This world and its mysteries may be things worth incorporating into longer-term plans than simply while we're trapped here.

[The zebstrika's ears perk up when she's volunteered, but she really doesn't seem to mind the idea beyond briefly surveying Xehanort again.]

[While he's not afraid of the firey canine, it still requires some training before he's comfortable taking it as a steed. For something like that some careful bonding will be necessary. For the time being he returns it to its pokeball.]

There is little to this town. Unless you are planning something quite far walking is well enough...

I had assumed just out of earshot would do. Malice can handle the rest. If you'd preferred otherwise, the option was there to not bother walking.

[Be Prepared. It's almost boyscout-ish except he's nothing like a boyscout. The indeterminate point where it's highly unlikely they'd be eavesdropped upon is noted by the kadabra silently.]

The boy, Riku. You have encountered him before? When last we crossed paths in the time I know, he had a peculiar ...resistance to the Darkness. Here it seems he has the age but not the experience. He would perhaps be more suitable than Sora.

[Straight to the point, that.]

[His brow furrows slightly. Ah, Riku. So much potential, wasted. A shame at how things worked out in that regard.]

In managing to contain the Seeker within his heart he had indeed built a tolerance. It rendered him immune to my ultimate designs... a pity, given how much investment he had been given. The Heartless did what he could, but in the end it was for naught...

[Though there is a minor detail that remains to be seen.]

I have neither blade nor spell at my disposal. Another means to the sundering of the heart and the implantation must be found if such a thing is to occur.

[Luckily there is no shortage of potential test subjects in the world around them. Even if they are beasts, pokemon still have hearts...]

I have no reason to believe this severance from our various unique gifts will be a permanent trouble. Worlds may remain disconnected from each other but as you know there are ways to cross those barriers. It's only a matter of time.

[And the first thing he was going to do was insist Xehanort cut this rogue heart out of him before it leads to further trouble.]

This Riku seems to not be quite as far along as he should be in his own timeline. Without my counterpart's machinations, no immunity would have been built up. I wonder if it is simply a difference of time, or separate realities entirely..?

[...actually now is the wrong time to be thinking about that, Xemnas puts it aside promptly, if unwillingly. It's such an interesting idea.]

... Perhaps psychic-type pokemon could be of assistance there. Or 'ghosts'. They are gifted with peculiar abilities, supposedly.

Of course. It is merely a matter of trial and testing. Quite fortunate for us that we have a great many experimentation subjects waiting.

[The physics were the same, they had to be. Even without the necessary tools, one could make do in a fashion. It was a matter of finding out just how far one could push in this world...]

It is difficult to say for certain. I spoke with him briefly while waiting. He is wholly innocent to anything, the capriciousness of youth. He may yet prove useful regardless of where he lies on the time stream.

There will be much time to have our fill of such things. We would be better served with a plan of action.

[For a time, Xemnas is quiet, thinking. He had his own plans of course, alongside the ones that Xehanort had in motion. Finding a way to connect the two isn't usually difficult.

Usually.]

There is little we will be able to effectively do for ..quite some time. Without a high powered team of pokemon, our plans are worth nothing. You may be able to use your current status to trick others into giving you a pokemon much stronger than the ones you have, though I may have to rely on theft. There is an organized crime syndicate in this world, named Team Rocket. Acquiring control of it will supply vast resources and subjects.

I wouldn't say we need high-powered pokemon, though the gaining of such would do well to test certain ideas.

[He's not being deliberately vague, he's still building ideas and plans. He doesn't want to let too much go until he has a better idea of what he's looking for.

He looks contemplative when Xemnas brings up Team Rocket, however...]

Organized crime has its uses, though it would be better to siphon funds off from within without being a public figure... though if it suits you better to rule such an organization, then so be it. Do not let your heart give you false sentiment, however.

[It seems a bit too open, but Xemnas knows what he is doing for the most part so there's little concern. The resources of such a group would definitely be an asset.]

Perhaps. I intend to pursue it regardless, it's something to keep myself occupied with as other things proceed.

[Eventually he intended to have many powerful pokemon, he's simply content to not rush it. No stealing them. How would he force their loyalty? As it was, Xemnas was uncertain his team was completely trustworthy.

He inclines his head as Xehanort speaks, half agreement and half simple acknowledgment. He had his own ideas, of course, but decades of experience outstripped his own eleven or twelve years' worth.]

One of the reasons I had considered acquiring this particular crime syndicate. It is difficult to become attached to the dross of humanity. However it is their resources more than the power one would gain, that is appealing. I have neither the Organization nor Radiant Garden to draw on here ---

[There's a moment's pause and a slight shake of the head. Maybe he's still too used to flying under his own reconnaissance.]

Neither of us do. My apologies. It's easy somehow, to forget that you are sharing a time and place with me without the use of less lasting means. If there is anything in particular you would prefer me doing, then I will defer to your judgment.

[Experience again. If he could simply have full access to his own memories it wouldn't be necessary..]

Indeed. As I am whole and hale from whence I came, only the strongest of sorceries brought you to my side and even then only for a certain duration... but a better cohort I could not have had.

[let's not talk about ansem. let's. not.]

The matters of the syndicate are yours, then. The accumulation of their resources for our end are up to you, at the pace you deem suitable. There is no need for alacrity... there is little opposition here. Those from our sphere of worlds do not find us a threat... this world is free and open for us to do as we please. Let us enjoy our travails as we make use of what we can.

I have a few projects in mind, though it will take some time to reach the stage where they can be begun in earnest. Understanding the bonds between man and beast is where I will begin, for once that is ascertained then the path to the heart may truly be begun.

[He's used to Xemnas' deference, regardless of whether it is out of respect of age or leadership. The Xemnas he'd called through his younger self into the True Organization had treated him so, it was only natural.]

Starting over is difficult, but given time we will have the pokemon and knowledge that we desire. What we lack in resources can easily be made up as we go. These pokemon themselves are apt tools in a variety of ways... they should not be discounted as resources themselves.

[Ansem was enthusiastic and did try hard, just what he tried to do didn't quite help. Anything at all. Xemnas would kill him given the chance but the chance has never arisen. Having to find two new vessels instead of simply one was a small price to pay.

He has no intention of sharing this.]

As you'd like, then.

[Picking at Team Rocket once he was sure of his own pokemon's reliability would keep him occupied for a while. As Xehanort describes his own intentions, he's listened to thoughtfully. The creatures were incredibly useful and came in a vast variety, but useful for the re-ignition of plans temporarily stymied is a thought he hadn't considered.]

The arcanine may be useful for such research. There are few beyond the breed and its pre-evolution known specifically for their loyalty.

[It's easy to start with the most easily bonded with, after all.]

Likewise, there is another called 'togepi' that apparently can sense the nature of one's heart. It may likewise prove useful, though I'm unsure where to find one.

I will find others to use. I would not wish to damage a beast so useful for simple research.

[There's no telling what could happen over the course of research, after all. He doesn't want to take the risk of losing his mount if things turn out poorly in a particular session.]

These two, however, seem to be a good starting point. I will see what I can find about these togepi, and secure another growlithe with which to test a few things. Until proper experimental space can be procured, a bit more rough testing will have to suffice.

[He's fine with that. One doesn't need sterile conditions to test everything, though it certainly helps to have the tools a lab offers.]

Is there anything else that we should discuss, or are our courses clear for the time being?

[There's silence for a time as Xemnas runs through his mental checklist. Growlithe delivered and evolved. Short-term and somewhat less short term plans discussed, a possible vessel added to the list, a direction chosen, advice exchanged.

For the time being that did seem to be everything.]

No. If something else arises that is needful, I will be certain to contact you.

[He nods, then inclines his head gracefully in a grateful bow.]

It is easy enough to stay in contact. If you have anything you wish to tell me, never hesitate. Hesitation will only invite trouble.

[Especially if what Xemnas says is true regarding the troubles he foresees with his heart.]

Have a safe journey. Until the next...

I will do my best.

[Which is all Xemnas ever does but so far it's been awfully efficient.

There's a moment's hesitation. There is the impulse to suggest Xehanort be careful, as if he were a child or precisely the frail old man he looked like. But neither was true and he was quite capable of handling himself, so the urge is wrestled down.

The heart is a treacherous thing indeed. After another beat or two, the younger-seeming individual turns away, to head back the way he'd come. There was time yet to rest his pokemon before continuing..]

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

In Which Xemnas Is A Delivery Boy

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

wow, sorry for not doing this earlier sob

and then i was delayed as weeellll