A peaceful place to lay

[Serras-Kai]

I wonder why this sort of thing means so much.

Because some people place entirely too much value in the materials the possess.

Couldn't one say the same of you? The way you covet your staff, your sword?

I- I wouldn't say that.

Of course YOU wouldn't....

The images of his past faded slowly from his mind as Serras-Kai softly fell back into the world of the awake. It was that dream again. Never the same but always retelling the same story, the story of a man who had not seen anyone in quite some time, particularly not the woman he once loved.

He said once as though he no longer did. Frankly he wasn't sure he really did anymore- it had been so long since he had met her. Would he still love her, should he meet her again? Would she love him? There was no telling.

His face a stoic as ever, Kai stared into the sky as empty as his heart, blankly wishing it to simply fall and shatter around him to reveal the empty nothing beyond so that at the very least he would no longer be forced to play in this masquerade and pretend that he was indeed the same emotional bag of worthless flesh and stubborn bones and accept that he and he alone was far removed from all that is normal.

But alas it remained.

Rising from his prone position, Kai took in his camp grounds, his home-to-be-abandoned. An instant stab of loneliness grabbed at his heart when he saw no others in the camp, a thought he awoke to quite regularly now. Beside him lay his sword, sheathed, aligned perfectly in a manner that many people over the years had tried, unsuccessfully to break him of doing. Clutched in his hand lightly was a staff, another habit that only had been broken for a short time.

Could nothing not bring back memories?

Scowling at the world and bitter to it's emptiness, Kai stood, now fully aware that he had been leaning upon a tree in a forest. What made that unusual? He'd been in many forests before, larger and more foreboding than this one by far. But what made this one unusual? He'd traveled it for quite some time, possibly months, and seen no signs of exits. So where was he going now then?

The lighting had changed. Only just had he noticed that, as he slung his pack and placed both his staff and sword. No longer was the sky and horizon a ghastly emptiness. Now they betrayed the knowledge of a larger world, blue in hue was the sky for now. But how? When had this change occurred? In honesty, Serras-Kai cared little. It didn't really matter to him at all, so for now he was content with reaching the edge.

Kai stepped forward and examined the world again. Fake was the first word to come to mind- he was experiencing another well crafted hallucination. It had happened to him a number of times, but for now he was fine with simply allowing himself to stride towards the edge.

Striding out from the forest was a simple task, but not yielding quite the results he had expected. Beyond the forest edge he had expected a vast emptiness, just like the time before. And the time before that. And the time before that. But what he saw was vastly different than he expected.

What Serras-Kai stared at was neither emptiness nor wilderness, but something else that caught him completely off-guard. Before him was a city, a modern city, the likes of which he had never seen in his own world. Sure he'd seen cities of this nature before, but never in his home, always someplace foreign to him. But who was to say he was not in a place so alien to him now?

The people of the city hustled and bustled about, not unlike thousands of tiny ants that carried food from one place in their nest to another place within.

Disregarding these people, Kai sat himself down on the grass outside the city, staring up at it calmly as he attempted to gather himself here, but peace lasted only so long.

"Hey, you want to battle?"

Kai turned slowly, expecting a sudden attack, but instead spied a pair of children distant from him, at the forest's edge. Neither was armed, which puzzled Kai but did not confound him, as he knew of some that fought bare-handed. But no, when the duel was accepted, the children unleashed from tiny mechanisms small creatures to fight for them.

What gall!
What cowardice!

Kai scoffed as he stood again, brushing himself off. So this was the reality he had come to? A world of cowards and weaklings no doubt.

Biting his lip for a moment before glaring out at the city, Serras-Kai began to walk again, striding right into the main hub of the town and hoping to the Gods that it was just another illusion.

[Kismet]

Iskra had thought she’d seen it all in this strange new world. Giant living boulders, fish people, mushroom people, animal shapeshifters…the list of odd new discoveries went on and on. But this place was by far the most surreal.

She had found her way into some sort of market dealing in the trading of…creatures. They came in every size and shape, every color of the rainbow, displaying all manner of miraculous powers. A burst of flame here, a blast of water there, and, bizarrely, speech. Speech which comprised entirely of the name of the creature repeated over and over.

“Saur saur Bulbasaur?” A large reptilian beast with a flower sprouting from its back called, turning its head turning quizzically towards a small blue turtle beside it.

“Squirtle squirt squirtle.” The blue shelled creature responded sagely, closing its eyes and nodding.

“Saaaauuur.” Replied the first. He was then turned into a red flash of light and sucked into a ball.

Iskra blinked. She opened her mouth to say something to the owner nearby, closed it, and walked away. Revenants could deal with any shock or upturn, but this was just….weird.

As she headed back to the town square, she gradually compiled a list of information about the town around her. The creatures were called Pokemon, and the goal was “To catch ‘em all.” Trainers captured and trained them to duel other pokemon, to become “the very best.” Apparently, God was a pokemon.

Ok, now that’s just ridiculous.

Reaching the square, Iskra took a moment to collect her bearings, skirting around a group of three kids and a large yellow rat. One of the boys began to shout something out to her, but was promptly beaten over the head by the redhead accompanying him.

She was almost relieved to see the “Forumer” entering the square. She had no idea what meaning that term was supposed to connote, but she knew it referred to people such as herself: foreigners to this universe, born of some other land, some other laws of nature. She had become rather good at spotting her fellows, though that was hardly an accomplishment. They tended to stick out like sore thumbs among the natives.

Perhaps this one would have a slight idea as to what was going on.

[Tony Redgrave]

The King of Thieves never was much of a fan of little critters. Be they birds or they be little squirrels, they were always doing something troublesome in his presence. For at in the morning times when he slept out in the wild, it wasn't uncommon for him to wake up with several feathered foul around him for no conspicuous reason. Just standing there, watching him closely until the young lad decided to shake and writhe about as if he were having a massive seizure.

Only then did they indeed fly away.

Rodents however, seemed to like him regardless. Following him ever so vigilantly and quite closely at that. Squirrels, a few mice, or whatever they would be at the time, they simply looked on a chattered away amongst themselves. In an effort to make them stationary so he could make a clean getaway, he once threw down a bit of cashews he had been saving for such a time he would be hungry but.. it was then that he learned Adventurer Rule No.1

Adventurer Rule No.1: Its generally not a very good idea to feed animals that like to give case after you.

No sir it was not because they got even more "buddy buddy". Things even progressed to the point where they would jump into his lap and upon his shoulders if he didn't keep his guard up. Bothersome as it was, they never did make any odd chatter and such things that would make a man thing he is losing his grip on reality.

Until.. he arrived in this new area.

By this time, he had seen all sorts of funky mess. Living shrooms, space age technology beyond what he thought was possible, Giant robots, even his friend Ai who was able to shoot magical arrows and zip around the ground without the use of motion! None of that really shocked him and he welcomed these new sights as a part of the learning experience.

But here in this section of the world, he wasn't doing so hot. He had already been past the whole "body swapping" ordeal thanks to some monster going by the name of "Manaphy" and he shrugged off multiple little ferret like creatures the people here called "Furret" but now, he had learned the people here sought out to catch these things and use them for battle in a fashion much like Cockfighting in the Philippines on his world though.. without the bloody battles and deaths and more of fire breath and odd special abilities.

He couldn't care less about such things but.. the fact that there was no treasure of fancy loot to be found or even mentioned was quite depressing. So, he simply trudged on quietly towards the town square, his mind so focused on finding a way out of here that he payed no mind to the youngsters asking for battle and such.

Of course, he didn't see the two interesting people who were here as well.

[Serras-Kai]

Mumbling to himself, Serras-kai strode through the city calmly as he mentally mapped it for future reference. He was speaking in a code taught to him by a friend of his that would ensure that whoever used it would indeed never forget how to find something (unless, of course, they forgot the code.)

But then someone approached him. Oddly enough they were the first person (aside from Kai himself) to seem genuinely out of place in this city. Surely there were others? Or were there?

Ignoring his contradictory thoughts for now, Kai turned to face the person, clad in armor smokey black with strikes of red separating them. He nodded to her, thinking her possibly a warrior not unlike a Morsirian, and as such he attended his manners the way a Morsirian would.

Raising his head only slightly from the nod, Kai placed his right arm across his stomach and lowered his shoulders, careful to not draw his left hand from his sword's resting place. Doing so was an insult to the people who had trained him- it meant you thought nothing of them. As such, Kai was weary of his new 'friend' and what traditions she might know.

"My name is Serras-Kai, and I beseech you." He spoke flatly and without emphasis at all. He spoke without even an accent to his words, hoping to make them as clear as possible. "I ask of you, what world is this? Where have I arrived? Or is this all simply another illusion."

Thinking again, Kai realized that he probably could have asked one question at a time. But why bother doing that?

[Kismet]

Also seeming to recognize her as one who did not truly belong here, the stranger took the initiative, addressing Iskra. “My name is Serras-Kai, and I beseech you." Iskra took special notice of the man’s bow, observing the hand cautiously kept on the weapon handle. A very sensible greeting, she decided. "I ask of you, what world is this? Where have I arrived? Or is this all simply another illusion?"

Iskra mimicked the greeting in reverse, keeping her right hand on her pistol hilt and placing the left hand across her stomach, empty of any weapon. Sort of. Whether or not he would recognize the firearm as a weapon, she had no way of knowing. The man’s staff certainly seemed to suggest an Arcaner source rather than a technologically advanced one, but she couldn’t be sure. Short swords were still standard issue for Kirmizi soldiers, after all, though that had to do with the advent of Nihil Field Generators, rather than a lack of technological advancement. “Well met, Serras-Kai.” She answered in the same clear monotone. “My name is Iskra Likhovich, and I am afraid that I’m little more acquainted with this place than yourself.”

She was wary to take her eyes off the man, as his hand still rested firmly on his sword handle, so she merely inclined her head in indication of the square around them. “I can assure you though that this is no idle dream or illusion. This is the Smash Universe, some strange conglomerate crossroads lost in time and space, where people of every conceivable world mingle and gather. This place here,” She nodded to the square again, this time towards an ornery pair of teenagers, clamoring for a pokemon battle. “Is called Pallet Town; seemingly a trade hub for these creatures all around us. I arrived only this morning from the land of Hyrule.” It was then that Iskra noticed the second Forumer enter the square, this one aloof as the first was stoic. If Iskra and Serras-Kai stood out like sore thumbs, then this guy stood out like a sore thumb someone had lit on fire. Was that a sombrero?

Allowing herself to relax somewhat, Iskra took her eyes of Kai and turned her gaze towards the newcomer, though she continued speaking to her new acquaintance. “If you don’t mind me asking, where is it that you hail from?”

[Tony Redgrave]

Just what was he going to do at this point? Depressing as it was, he took a moment to stop and soak in the surrounding area, just for a moment of course. But, the moment he decided to do so, his eyes had by forces unseen, turned towards the dead center of the town square where he noticed two beings who seemed a bit.. out of place around here.

Not that he could say much. He stuck out all the same with that giant sombrero of his. It was nice to be different anyway.

Just one question to answer though. Should he go forth to meet them? Hm.. perhaps in a bit! For now was the perfect time to study. Yes, study is what he would do. For a warrior with a elfin ears and a battle ready woman with a peculiar fashion sense in terms of armor.. they would make perfect subjects for a sketch.

Without so much as a moments thought, we drew his super small spiral notebook right from his left pocket and brandished the mighty ballpoint pen at well. For at this time, Nouri would simply tune his ears to the conversation and write down what he heard.. and maybe do a few tiny self portraits as well!

[Serras-Kai]

She was observant, that was always a fine trait. He could see from her response to his gesture that she was indeed, not Morsirian, but he had come to terms with the fact that not everyone who got a foreign custom correct was evil. Some people never would. But alas this person had been helpful and he was indeed in a place he didn't know.

He followed her gaze to the man in the sombrero, who was now sketching something. Judging by her reaction that wasn't a normal occurrence, but he had little interest in doing anything about it now. This was real. Truly, truly real, or at the very least seemed to be. That alone was enough to keep him happy. The last person had told him it wasn't an illusion either, after all.

"I come from a world that is known for it's sins. A place as dangerous and dead as you or I." He was referring to her status as an illusion, but if he actually knew of her a little better, then he would realize how right he was. But then, he wouldn't have changed what he said at all. "But it's gone now, and no more will become of it's evil. I am all that remains of my people, my world." His words carried a solemn weight, and his minds strangled the idea of him being the last of his kind, attempting to choke what little hope he had left to cling to so he could accept that he was truly alone again.

He thought of asking her origin as well, but judging by her appearance she would only lie to him. Well, people here were bound to be different from everywhere else, right?

But some people didn't change of the dimensions. Some people were the same everywhere you go, no matter what version of them you meet.

In every dimension but one.

Calmly and flatly, Kai redirected his gaze to Iskra as he took his hand off of his weapon, allowing it to fall back to his side, out of sight and out of mind. "And where do you come from? This Hyrule, or elsewhere?"

The best way to find out hidden information was to ask.

[Kismet]

Iskra turned her gaze back to Serras-Kai as he spoke, her expression softening. She was indeed alone in this land, but the world she left behind still existed, her friends and comrades still lived on. Her Emperor lived on. But not so with this man. There was no one to go back to, nothing to go back to. Such a fate was unimaginable to Iskra. A world without the Emperor was utterly incomprehensible, not the least because her very existence was tied to his.

“I’m so sorry.” She said softly, meaning every word. She removed her hand from her pistol, allowing herself to relax further. It seemed clear to her that the formality was just that-a formality showing respect among fellow warriors. She sensed no danger from this man. Just sadness. Happiness as well-he wasn’t imagining things, after all. Always a plus.

“And where do you come from?” He asked. “This Hyrule, or somewhere else?”

“No, not Hyrule,” she replied, her thoughts drifting back home. “Hyrule is a kingdom here within the Smash Universe, far less bizarre than this place. I’ve been finding employment there as a mercenary, among other things. No, like you, I hail from a world far removed from this one.”

She paused, wondering at how to explain her world. “I am an Imperial Revenant, a member of my Emperor’s personal army. A passage was discovered to this world…and I was sent to investigate.”

She shrugged, smiling softly. “Maybe I’ll find my way back. But I doubt it.”

[Tony Redgrave]

"Mhm, Mhm." Nouri made all sorts of interesting little murmurs and grunts as he jotted down his little notes here and there. Ah the tale of two warriors who all alone in a new world. Forced to cast aside the ways of old, they instead had to conform to the oddness that was this new world. All alone and no one to truly turn to. It would be sadder if he wasn't quite in "Study Mode" like this. Instead of the tugging of the heart strings, he simply kept writing, making little sketches of his persons he viewed and finishing up writing his little bit off the side about the term "Imperial Revenant" which had the worlds "Regal Ghostie???" right beside it. Of course, it wasn't complete without a little doodle of Nouri's own head sporting a quizzical look and question marks dancing up top its head. "Stuuuuudy.. I like to stuuuudy... and learn about the wonderful things of the woooorld!" he chirped along

[Serras-Kai]

Kai's face brightened, and he placed a hand on Iskra's shoulder. Possibly not the smartest move, as she had the high possibility of removing it, but he felt he had to make a point clear to her.

"Nothing lasts forever, Iskra." He said solemnly. "And nothing is ever never." His motto. He enjoyed it and it's few meanings- it meant exactly what it said. "I've seen many worlds in my time, even when it was said to be impossible to travel between them and yet I still did it. There is always the possibility so long as you have the hope for one."

He smiled, but he said nothing further. She was an illusion after all, and would require little more to comfort her. Well, he'd said it mostly for himself, but then self-generated illusions were indeed an extension of the person who created them, right?

[Kismet]

Iskra tensed as Serras-Kai placed his hand on her, and she nearly placed her hand back on her pistol, but she relaxed again when he spoke. Kind words, to give to a stranger.

“I’m sure you’re right.” She said, smiling and placing her own hand on his arm. “And as long as I draw breath, there’s hope.” The Covenant between her and her Emperor held strong, burning brightly across infinity. So long as that blazing lifeline existed, so would Iskra, and so would a way back home.

She glanced sidelong at the young man in the poncho, who had seemingly gone insane. “I’m glad we’re so musically inspiring!” she called, only a little callously.

[Tony Redgrave]

Ah so they finally took notice of him eh? That was all well and good since at the moment, he was just doing a few little doodles here and there on the page and fully alert to boot. At the sound of that cold tone of hers, Those fresh emerald optics of his swiftly fixated themselves upon the lovely warrior who had spoken up. With a airy little smirk upon his lips, he responded with much glee. lowering his little notebook to his chest"Ah yes! As a man on his first adventure, I like to take down notes on what I see and sketch interesting people such as you and the elven looking guy."

The elven looking guy in which he proceeded to tip his enormous hat too with his pen in hand. But, he still had a few loose ends to tie up with his little sketch of his. But, as fate would have it.. he was in luck! She turned around right at the point he needed her too and now, she needed to keep that position. "By the way Beautiful, can you do me a favor and hold that position? I'm still drawing you and while your facing me, I can fully capture that alluring scowl of yours. Its really interesting ya know?! " and with that, he instantly went back to his cute little round face sketches.

[Serras-Kai]

Kai smiled slightly, the discovery of this young man with the poncho seeming as something he hadn't expected at all, when he should have. But the man was more symbollic than the woman was, and possibly less real. The idea of this world being an illusion had already been shaken by the very presence of the two, but the discovery of more about them made the thought a near impossiblity.

But then one should never really trust a silver platter.

Placing his hand upon his belt, Kai moved only slightly away from Iskra, turning his attention to this new person, this unusual metaphor-or-not in a poncho.

"May I ask of you your name, good sir?" His words were polite and calm, but there was an edge to them, an undertone of threatening nature, or possibly even of fear. What was he afraid of, really?

[Kismet]

Iskra frowned slightly as she turned to face the stranger, noting the tension in Serras-Kai. Did he sense danger? The poncho boy’s antics were overly comical to the point of ridiculous. Such behavior was hardly natural, and obviously done purposefully. (For some reason, Iskra was reminded of a Nipponese cartoon she had watched as a child. Why was that she wondered?) Judging from the general high level of lethality held by the Smash Universes’ foreigners, she was immediately wary, but she had no reason to feel threatened. Whether he was just annoying or dangerous and annoying was debatable.

But the observation had led to another question. Why where so many of this universe’s aliens such formidable fighters? The normal denizens contained fearsome fighters as well, but the place seemed to be mostly inhabited by, well, normal people. Why was it so common for its visitors to posses such disproportion distributions of power?

Whatever the reason, anyone not markedly apart of this world would have to be marked as a potential threat. Regardless of how goofy their appearance. That wasn’t to say that Iskra wouldn’t try to be pleasant, of course.