Except the ones who are dead (Open/Active)

[trademark_skull]

Character(s): Emizel, some nameless corpses
Content: Just picking through some of the leftovers, if there happens to be any.
Setting: Ruins of Paixao
Time: Early-late evening to night, week 42
Warnings: Death doing what Death does.
Note: This is gonna be a thing for quite a few hours and possibly over a wide surface area. Therefore I'm gonna use a 'party'-style format for once. Feel free to pick a location and time.

The bustling city had fallen so silent now. Streets that were filled with noise and words were now buried under a thick layer of rock and steel. With only a few landmarks managed to stay standing the city looked nothing more than a barren wasteland, surrounded by broken walls. So eerie, so surreal, it could give almost anyone the creeps just by stepping foot in it. But that was exactly why Emizel had to be here. After all if something isn't done too soon, this place literally will turn into a ghost town. There was little he could do for those that were still alive and kicking, and there was plenty around who could handle that better anyway. But there must be a lot fewer that can actually 'treat' those that didn't make it.

It definitely crossed his mind more than once about how death actually did work here. Did everyone just go to their respectful afterlives or something? Did the castle somehow have one of those too? Did some of the things here even have souls to begin with? Although the further Emizel went, the less sure he was. He started to grip the scythe over his shoulder tighter each time he came across a new body. Crushed, bled to death, all of them died just about the same way. And the number seemed almost endless.

And this... all of this, it all could have been so easily avoided had he not been so careless.

"... I'm sorry," he choked and stopped fidgeting with the scythe so he could tug the hood further down, and not look at the sights anymore. He was supposed to be hunting down spirits, not bodies. They're not going to rest in peace otherwise, not in a hell hole like this. "So, so sorry."

Comments

[trademark_skull]

"Who are you?" it seemed like a fairly normal thing for Emizel to ask, as he slowly moved closer. Still wanting to keep some space though, something about this guy wasn't natural, but didn't seem like an artificial being like Desco was either, almost like not all the pieces were there.

And if the suspicion is true, it is best to be cautious. Not that it hurts to be anyway.

[moonlitnaught]

"Sirius," Saïx answered. It was a lie, of course, but the sort of lie that he'd grown used to given and without a proper heart, there wasn't any sort of hesitation to give the lie away. He didn't expect the name to mean much of anything to Emizel but that at least was nothing out of the ordinary.

He didn't ask for Emizel's name in kind. There wasn't much need when they were only strangers. If he wished to offer his, so be it, and if not... well, not like he could care.

[trademark_skull]

Not really the talkative type, was he? Was sort of hoping to get a little more information out of that even if that was technically all Emizel did asked for. There wasn't much you can get from only a name, even a fake name, when it had nothing to connect it to.

"Are you here to look for survivors too?" that 'too' wasn't actually including himself, but that happened to be the reason why others would come out here.

[moonlitnaught]

Not at all, no. He was certainly willing to hold something vaguely resembling a conversation, but talkative had never been one of Saïx's defining characteristics. Nor did he much care to pretend to be otherwise simply for the sake of keeping his true loyalties hidden. Stoic people were present the worlds over, so why even try to bother.

"To see what is still salvageable."

[trademark_skull]

"I doubt you're gonna find much," there was a question of what to do with that stuff after it was found too, although it would be helpful in the rebuilding maybe.

"Anything that could be still working must be at least three feet below with everything else."

[moonlitnaught]

Perhaps he wouldn't. But that didn't mean it wasn't at least worth something of an attempt. There wouldn't be anything to recover, if no one went to the effort of seeing just what was buried underneath the rubble. Yes, it would be understandable that it would hardly be a particularly lovely task, but surely someone had to realize that it would need to be done sooner or later. The city wasn't about to clean itself.

"Then perhaps more people should be looking for it."

[trademark_skull]

"I'm certain more will. People are just taking one step at a time."

[moonlitnaught]

One step at a time? Perhaps that was indeed the case, even if Saïx couldn't say for certain what anyone was truly. He did offer a shrug at Emizel's words though. How people chose to react wasn't his decision, and if people wanted to wait until some unknown moment to begin rebuilding it was their choice.

"Are you truly certain?"

[trademark_skull]

"With some of them at least. Lives aren't nearly as easy to get back as pieces to a city, so they want to save as many of those first."

Human behavior was never something that was too difficult to understand, that had never quite been the problem for him or most other demons. But trying to actually follow it, when in cases like this it still seemed so meaningless or futile, that was the true dilemma. That was when it began to make no sense.

[moonlitnaught]

There were reasons Saïx preferred to be generally indifferent at the best of times. The fact that the emotions of the heart could so easily blind a person to what truly mattered was merely one of many. It wasn't his place to correct their failing, however. What people chose to do was their own decision.

"Of course they do. Loss of life is a terrible thing."

[trademark_skull]

"It can be." Emotional attachment to something, the suddenness of it all, there was definitely a number of reasons for it. Emizel would have probably cared less had it been something else, something more natural and unavoidable at least. All things had to come to an end eventually after all. But when it had been unnecessary destruction...

... It was depressing. Never quite realized it til now how much it hurt.

[moonlitnaught]

"What else would you call it?"

Regardless of the cause, death was still a loss. Hence the words that were used for it, and the way people grieved when a loved one was lost. Even his own death had been something less than lovely, for all that he had managed to find a new life after his had been torn from him. Why then shouldn't it be a loss, or seen as one by those who still had the heart to care?

Whoops short again

[trademark_skull]

"It's sad some of the time. But if death never happened at all every world would be a mess."

Even someone who wasn't taught all about life and death could have figured that one out.

[moonlitnaught]

It figured the other extreme would come up. How quick people were to insist that things were necessary, even when it was nothing that needed to be said. Death happened. That was simply how things worked. Even the heartless died, given the right sort of weapon.

"I'm aware of that."

[trademark_skull]

Emizel deadpan frowned. If that was all he had to comment back with then why did he even ask?

... This guy was awfully boring talking to anyway. Might have better luck with a brick wall at this rate. Maybe that's what explained the strange vibe, or maybe it was the other way around. It was still something he wanted to comment on, but who knew exactly what that might open.

[moonlitnaught]

The only way to know for sure would be to ask him, but given his answers so far it's equally likely that Emizel would get little more than silence and a general sense of irritation out of him. He made no effort to break the silence either. The things he intended to do here are not all the sort that can be done at the same time as holding a conversation.

If Emizel particularly wished to continue the conversation, he could. If not, Saïx saw little reason to make further attempts, as he half-turned to go.

[trademark_skull]

Emizel watched as he started to leave. Well if he was going to stop him now would have to be the time, otherwise there was nothing else to do but just let him go.

"... You're different..." was all he said. Almost a little too quiet as if maybe he was partially hoping the other wouldn't hear it.

[moonlitnaught]

"Yes." There was no sense in denying that, although Saïx didn't turn back towards Emizel as he answered. He was most certainly not like most people and if that alone was going to be something that Emizel wasn't willing to tolerate, he didn't mean to stay.

He'd said most of what he'd meant to already; the rest was by and large inconsequential.

[graviga]

“Well, well, well… Ain’t this a sight to see?” From the shadows a pair of golden eyes confirmed that the two were not in fact alone. Their owner shared a low chuckle before emerging from the darkness, their gaze fixed on Emizel as they spoke. “Say, isn’t it past your bedtime?”

A sinister grin was first to greet Emizel as Xigbar stepped out between him and Saïx. Unlike his fellow Nobody, Xigbar had made no effort to disguise himself and donned the all too familiar coat of the Organization. If he was successful at he had came for, his identity would not matter. All that did was the order that he had been given. His smile crept further at the thought as he shook his head and spoke in what could only be seen as false concern. “Just what do you think you’re doing, out alone on a night like this? Haven’t you heard? The streets are dangerous.”

Though seemingly playful, one would be foolish to mistake Xigbar as harmless. The dark undertone to his voice suggested he had come with a purpose equally as aphotic.

He paid no mind to Saïx, allowing the Nobody to do as he pleased as he turned to his target. His height was used to tower over the reaper and purposefully cast his shadow over him. A low growl escaped his lips as his eyes fixed on Emizel. “Someone could get hurt.”

[trademark_skull]

The difference in height was a bit intimidating, but he had dealt with bigger. If Xigbar wanted to get any more close he was going to have to get through a scythe, now that there happened to be one pointing directly at him.

"Somebody could get hurt if they don't stay back," Emizel had threaten back. He did remember talking to the guy before, but more importantly now he remembered seeing that coat before too. Marluxia had one just like it, from what he recalled. And if he was supposed to be some traitor of the Organization, then this guy must have some connection to it too. By the looks of it not a very good one either, which could only mean one thing.

This was bad. Really bad.

Emizel made a side eye glance to the other though to see what his input was on all this. Something else was very off. It was like Xigbar had completely ignored him, but why?

[moonlitnaught]

Anyone could get hurt, yes. That was usually what it meant when one of their number showed up still wearing the coat that had become their uniform. Unfortunately, for all that Saïx would have loved to offer some manner of assistance, he knew better than to raise his sword against Xigbar. No, if Emizel was going to find help here, he'd have to look somewhere else.

For now, Saïx remained silent. He'd already run out of things he wanted to say, and if Xigbar wanted to pick a fight, it wasn't his place to interrupt.

[graviga]

Xigbar’s eyes widened at the appearance of the weapon but nothing more. Resistance was only to be expected. With a tilted his head, he followed the blade back to its owner with a smile. Unbeknownst to Emizel, the sharpshooter had taken favour to his weapon. The little reaper had proven to possess style, the scythe he held well refined in comparison to the eyesore Marluxia wielded. Were he not there for business, Xigbar would not have hesitated to inquire about it. Though, he was certain he was bound to pick up something were Emizel to put up a fight.

Ignoring the childish threat, he followed Emizel’s gaze to Saïx. He expected nothing from the Nobody but for him to walk away. However, if Saïx cared to watch it was of no concern to Xigbar. So long as he did not get in his way there would not be a problem.

“If it’s your friend you’re worried about don’t waste your time. I’m only here for you.” Hunching down to look at Emizel, Xigbar drew a sigh. “Yep, seems like you’ve really got his attention now. I guess you could call this an honour. Not just anyone can catch his eye you know.” Appearing amused by the idea, Xigbar mockingly added “that must make you special.”

He stood upright again and placed his hands on his sides. “So, what’s it gonna be, oh special one? We can either do this the hard way or the easy way. The choice is yours.” Gesturing to Saïx, he continued. “But if you want my advice, you best do as your friend over there and come quietly. There’s been enough bloodshed and I’d just hate to be responsible for more, wouldn’t you?”

[trademark_skull]

He wasn't a friend, not anywhere close to that. But whatever, he will let him think whatever he wanted for now. There were more important things to be worried about right now.

Emizel was on guard the entire time. More than anything, he wanted to gain some extra distance. He hated being to close to someone when he knew they could easily strike at any moment and it was nerve wracking. Making any kind of notion he was feeling unease would only give Xigbar more leverage however. He needed to keep a straight face as possible, especially with this quickly turning into fight. Emizel already knew what sort of horrific things the Organization was up to, he saw the reports. Whatever it was this 'he' wanted from him, 'he' could go to hell for all he cared. It was better to try to take out one of their numbers than agree to hand himself over to them.

"... As if. I'm staying here," Emizel had decided and glared back. "How about you send back a message that I'm not interested."

Oh he knew that wasn't going to happen. But since there was no turning back now might as well go in all the way.

[graviga]

As if.

He laughed at the Emizel’s response. “Do I look like a messenger to you, kiddo?”

Had he a heart, Xigbar was certain he would have liked this boy. Though unintentional, he had come across as a comedian of sorts. It was almost a shame they could not speak longer. Circumstances being what they were, humor it would do nothing in Emizel’s favour. Only the reapers skill alone would save him as he stepped across thin ice. Xigbar may not have been capable of feeling emotion, but he could feel the tension in the air with ease. The moment a crack appeared under the boy’s feet Xigbar would make his move.

His fingers twitched in anticipation, ready to summon his arrowguns at moment’s notice. “It don’t work that way.” The Nobodies eyes narrowed. “Besides, someone is waiting for you. Someone you lost at the gates… You don’t really want me to tell them you gave up on them, do you?”

[trademark_skull]

"Wh.. what?" that fearless facade had about dissipated by now. Uneasiness sunk in more and he was scared, and it was showing as he finally did cower back. But try as he could he needed to fight it.

"You leave them out of this!" it was a lie, Xigbar had to be lying. No one he knew would ever want to hang around them. Not even NiGHTS.