[Video]

[lockandkeyblade]

[So it does happen on occasion that Sora likes to play Sherlock. This particular evening, inspiration strikes while in the midst of training exercises in the woods (taught to him some time ago by a certain blue haired master). His hair's a little mussed, outfit slightly askew. But here's something new! Sora's sporting some new duds: At the moment, his left arm's covered in what appears to be some well-crafted armor.]

I've been thinking... Back in my world, there used to things called Gates that helped get you from place to place. Thing is, they weren't all that easy to find, and they didn't just open for anybody or for any reason.

Only, if I'm right, I just might know a way to make this work!

[Hence, his next question. It's completely relevant to the previous matter, he promises:]

What's most important to you? What's something you guys just can't go without?

[Tell the sixteen year old about your precious items, Siren's Port. So he can ask to see it. Toss it in the air. Point a weapon at it.]

[It'll turn out just fine.]

[Probably.]

Comments

[lockandkeyblade]

A way to leave Siren's Port! If I could find the item that opens up the Gate here in the city, it could be our ticket out!

But first I need to find the right item.

[A nod.] You got it. Usually they're objects, like cards or ice cream or even a Santa Suit! So long as they're important to somebody, or have really strong memories attached to em'.

[axemeaquestion]

You think that would work? [Genuinely curious because she knows by now that anything crazy-sounding is legit here and at least worth a shot.] Around here I'll try anything once, but--[Gently:] Are you sure Gates would even exist here, Sora?

Santa Suits? [PFFT.] Well, I don't have anything like THAT but I got a couple things like that that fall under the "strong memories" category. Do weapons count?

[lockandkeyblade]

You never know until you try! [If anybody understands optimism in grim times, it's Rochelle, right?]

I've just gotta find my way back. Getting pulled here by the Core showed me a lot of things I needed to know. But I can't fix anything if I stay here forever.

They sure do! One of the items that opened up a Gate was a sword! What's the item?

[axemeaquestion]

[Usually! She was a mix of optimism and realism. It clashed sometimes, but she was nowhere near Nick's level of pessimism. She just tried to be a little smarter about it. But for the most part (or at least compared to Nick), oh yeah. She definately understood it.

So hesitated, briefly, but gave him a look of bemused exasperation.]

Guess it's worth a shot. What about an axe?

[lockandkeyblade]

Yeah. That might work!

But it depends what kinda memories are attached to it. What's so special about the axe?

[axemeaquestion]

Do bad memories count? This is the axe I used back home.

[lockandkeyblade]

[He grimaces a little at the thought.]

Right. The Zombies...

Using just an axe when it comes to those things is cutting it kind of close, doncha think?

[No pun intended.]

[axemeaquestion]

... I honestly can't tell if that's a pun or a question.

[ANYWAY.]

So cutting it close to what?

I'm looking back in old threads, but i cant remember if Ro told Sora about her immunity?

[lockandkeyblade]

Well the monsters I fought back home are one thing. Zombies are a whole new ballgame. If I had to fight those guys, I'd keep my distance.

frommmmmmmm what I remember I don't think she did?

[axemeaquestion]

Fairs enough but what's that got to do with it not working with a Gate?

[lockandkeyblade]

Oh! Actually it just might work.

I'd just have to see it in person, if that's okay?

[axemeaquestion]

Uh... sure! When?

[lockandkeyblade]

Whenever! The sooner I find a way home for us all, the better!

[axemeaquestion]

Good enough for me.

[lockandkeyblade]

[He stops for a moment.]

But uh if it works, you don't have to go home if you don't want to.

[axemeaquestion]

Well. I don't have much of a home to go back to, but if it gives other people who WANT to a chance? What the hell, I'll try anything crazy here once. [A sigh and a small smile.] Don't worry about it, Sora.

[lockandkeyblade]

[He gives a nod, feeling a better with the reassurance.]

If we find a way out, I'll come back and visit you guys here every now and then.

[axemeaquestion]

[It doesn't show but the words make her... hesitant. Hey, she was optimistic. She would give it a shot. But common sense and their lucky streak told them this wasn't gonna work. It was a big long shot.

But when'd it ever stopped her from at least trying? And for once, trying didn't involve her getting tossed around by Chargers.]

You better make that a promise, I'd miss you too much.

[lockandkeyblade]

I promise I'll come visit you, Rochelle!

[Aww, Rochelle. He definitely won't forget her.]

And I'll even bring you back a souvenir or two, okay?

[axemeaquestion]

Ooh. I like this. Not like I wouldn't wanna see just you.

[lockandkeyblade]

Everybody likes souvenirs! Plus, if anybody can get you the really interesting ones, it's this guy. [He jerks a thumb at himself.]

Where you wanna meet?

[axemeaquestion]

You know the House of Awesome?

[lockandkeyblade]

Actually, yeah. I think I might've even passed by it every now and again.

I'll be right over!

[axemeaquestion]

Good enough for me, I'll wait outside.

[with an axe.

... in a bag or something for now just so she's not the one woman wandering around outside waving an axe around.]

action;

[lockandkeyblade]

[Sora arrives about twenty minutes later, looking fairly optimistic. He looks even more so when he finally spots his friend. He waves at her as he nears.]

Rochelle!