the void beyond.

[arcuschronica]

( there was a deafening silence about the place. intricate architecture reduced to rubble... great pillars that had come crashing down. and in the distance... a glittering crystal throne... )

Back here again, huh... ( all right... so she was getting used to showing up in places that were a bit of a mystery, but all alone? that didn't bode too well... not even mog was anywhere in sight... serah frowned, and began up the steps, her footfalls echoing in the stillness... ) Hello? Is anyone there?

Comments

[lastresort]

[It seems Hope is lost.]

Lightning? Snow? Anyone there?

[arcuschronica]

( a voice? ... she knows that voice! serah breaks into a sprint, jumping over some of the fallen rocks in her path, and skids to a halt as she comes upon the figure -- ) Huh---! ( she stops short; this was not quite the boy she was expecting... ) ...ope?

[lastresort]

... Serah?

[arcuschronica]

( she smiles... even if it is a little sad... and nods ) That's right. Are you... all alone?

[lastresort]

It seems that way, though I was just with Light a moment ago.

[He pauses]

How are you...? Weren't you crystallized?

[headwall]

[Walks in kinda backwards as he takes in his surroundings, looking confused. This wasn't El Dorado, and wasn't in the least that Haunted Mansion he was stuck at. He took a look around and heard a girl's voice.]

Hola? Er-Hello? Senorita?

[Now coming toward where the girl was, well she's a pretty one. Pink hair and everything, she looks just about as lost as him though.]

Hey... You uh, aren't from around here either I'm guessing?

[arcuschronica]

( the unfamiliar voice startles her at first as she spins around... then shakes her head ) No. ( and then she frowns a little ) To be honest, I don't think anyone comes from this place. It seems pretty -- desolate.

[headwall]

[Folds his arms. Makes a face of mild unamusement.]

Tch, it figures. If Miguel's here he probably got himself lost.

[Gives a shrug.]

But guess, we'll make do eh? The name's Tulio, what's yours?

[arcuschronica]

( she smiles; and outstretches her hand ) I'm Serah. Is Miguel -- a friend of yours? Maybe he's around here somewhere...

[headwall]

[Shakes her hand in return with a smile.]

Mmhm, we're partners. Known each other for a long time and all.

[Gives a sigh.]

I suppose we can try looking for him. Who knows what he's gotten himself into.

[Goes to start leading the way, even though he has no idea where he's going.]

Anyway, so where you from Serah?

/Throws in a villain?

[purestmadness]

[and there's Kadaj, spinning around, arms outstretched as if it were his playground. it probably was. he stops when he hears the female voice, turning around.]

Well, and who are we?

love me some villains \o/

[arcuschronica]

( she stops short. this guy definitely wasn't here the last time... ) Who are you?!

\o/

[purestmadness]

Shouldn't you introduce yourself first before demanding to know who I am? [he crosses his arms, resting his weight on one leg, then starts to walk around her.] I'm looking for someone, and you're not it. What does that make you? I'll give you a hint. In a few seconds from now, you won't have to worry about who I am.

[arcuschronica]

( she takes on a defensive stance. even without mog around, the bow somehow materializes into her hands -- ) This isn't exactly the sort of place you just go when you're looking for someone... ( and she narrows her eyes )

[purestmadness]

[he glances down at her bow, then back up to her eyes.] Why not? It's as good a place as any. [He pulls Souba out from its sheath, holding it out toward serah.] What are you doing here?

[thefutureboy]

Serah?

[Noel called out into the empty space, praying that he wasn't just imagining her voice.]

[arcuschronica]

Noel...? ( no, she heard it! it had to be him! ) Noel! ( she's running now, and sharply turns a corner -- )

[thefutureboy]

[Seeing her brings a huge sigh of relief. He smiles.]

You shouldn't just run off like that. People might get worried.

[arcuschronica]

( she smiles too; glad to see that he's here ) Yeah... what happened there? Do you think some sort of force in the Gate separated us?

[thefutureboy]

It's happened before. At least...for me it has.

[waterfell]

[Destruction. Not a new sight. Mercury steps through the rubble, slowly, heading inexorably towards Serah.]

Who's there?

[arcuschronica]

( she turns sharply -- standing her ground ) My name is Serah. ( she looks her up and down -- ) Who are you?

[waterfell]

[Her eyes stay fixed on Serah.]

The soldier of water and knowledge, Mercury.

[arcuschronica]

Soldier? ( that's a little strange, but she goes with it... ) It's all right, I'm not here to fight.

[waterfell]

Neither am I.

Where is this place? [Her eyes take it in, but it could be anywhere, in any world or universe.]