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TDM #9
Welcome! Everything is fine.
Uploading. . . Complete!
The Lobby.
- When you open your eyes, there is quite a lot of beige to take in. The unassuming walls of the room you've found yourself in are barren save for a single motivational poster directly in your line of sight. An illuminated sign above an open door on the far wall reads 'lobby exit.'
"Welcome," chimes a polite, synthesized voice. "I'm happy you're here." A moment later comes the clarity of the situation: you have died and so has the world you came from. "This is Amani, your new reality," continues The Peacekeeper. "Everything will be fine."
At least you aren't the only one here, you'll soon find out, as others who are just as confused and concerned as you are mingling on the main hub's first floor. Hopefully, you find a familiar face among the crowd. If not, that's all right. You'll get to know quite a few people very well soon enough.
- If you're one of the unlucky few whose death required a bit more intensive re-coding to maintain stability in the simulation, you'll instead awaken on a bed in the infirmary. Everything is strikingly white save for the occasional string of vines with lavender growing in bursts to help keep people calm. Whether or not it works seems to be on a case-by-case basis.
While there is active medical staff, the voice of The Peacekeeper is also there to explain the situation in a more delicate manner to these individuals. It's already stressful enough having to have gone through such a violent death, after all!
If characters want more questions answered, they'll need to speak to The Peacekeeper directly. But first, it will encourage socialization in the main hub and hopefully, you'll find someone you recognize to make taking things in a little easier.
- Throughout the main hub where everyone congregates, a light chiming echoes through the first floor. "Hello, everyone," comes the synthetic voice from when you first arrived. "Please, seek shelter from the typhoon here. If you'd like, there is cake and some refreshments."
WHAT
The ninth Amani TDM!
WHEN
October 26th - December 31st, 2022
KINKS OF THE MONTH
★ Shower Sex
★ Footjob OR Bloodplay
★ Breatheplay
★ Position: 69
★ Sensory Deprivation
★ Footjob OR Bloodplay
★ Breatheplay
★ Position: 69
★ Sensory Deprivation
WHAT'S YOUR DTF STATUS?
If the main hub and its features don't appeal to you, that's perfectly fine. This is the perfect time to configure your Digitized Technical Friend or your DTF status. A DTF is similar to a dæmon from His Dark Materials in that it is connected to and a reflection of a character's soul. These DTFs take shape accordingly and are projections similar to the NPCs. Think of them as your own personal Clippy except less annoying. Hopefully.
Once that's set-up, there are other locations of the main hub to investigate! You can visit the training grounds, music lounge, library, and onsen. Also, feel free to leave an offering for the resident deity of sleep (Hypnos) at his shrine! You can even visit The Peacekeeper themselves on the second floor. They're always happy to have visitors! They're also conveniently where you might place a complaint about that status of the main hub and its amenities. Even if you do complain, The Peacekeeper will encourage others to set off and find their own place to live out in the simulation.
Granted, the housing market in the afterlife isn't exactly robust. It doesn't help that every place you find has a leaky roof or broken window. No, unfortunately that will need to be fixed the peaceful way. If you'd like more lighting or even cozier clothes, simulation inhabitants are reminded that 'peaceful interactions' are very important!
It might be a good idea to stick close to someone you know, for now, since even the smallest amounts of intimacy might see subtle changes occurring where they're staying. Perhaps that broken window is now fixed, the grime and dust seem a little less, or the floor doesn't creak quite as loud.
Larger changes, however, will only come after demonstrating the more powerful peaceful interactions. If you want new hardwood floors or a fresh coat of paint on the walls, you're going to have to demonstrate how well you 'get along' with others against them first.
FRIEND OR FOE?
Inhabitants may remember all those bushels of apples that appeared not too long ago. Now it's time for a seasonal vegetable to shine: the pumpkin! ... Well, sort of. The trickster pixies have enchanted the native pumpkins and turned them into something new entirely it seems!
The Peacekeeper claims that they are an anomaly and should be treated with caution. It is still trying to gather information on them... but they are very stubborn. These curious little creatures called Poppikins will begin to seek out warmth from the oncoming overnight frosts. And what's a warmer place than where inhabitants have taken up?
While they approach and settle outside homes willingly, trying to bring them indoors will require more time and trust. They return any affection given by seemingly vomiting pumpkin seeds (mixed with candy corn, somehow?) for inhabitants to have. Slowly but surely they may stay indoors overnight; however, one might wish they hadn't taken in this stray in from the cold. As all vegetation is bound to, the Poppikins begin to rot. This is where the trick part of this particulate treat comes in. What once was a sweet, docile but wary creature has now become an undead nightmare. It will spread rotting vines wherever it can, eat anything in sight, and worst of all: They can stack on top of each other to become more powerful and menacing. Hopefully, you only took in one.
You did only take in one... Right?
If bitten by one of these Poppikins, inhabitants will be plagued not with reanimation but an insatiable desire to eat the closest person nearest to them. Not in the literal sense though, of course. No, in the much more peaceful way! While it might not seem like much of a curse, this desire will not fade for a good few hours.
You might want to have some stamina potions ready.
The Peacekeeper claims that they are an anomaly and should be treated with caution. It is still trying to gather information on them... but they are very stubborn. These curious little creatures called Poppikins will begin to seek out warmth from the oncoming overnight frosts. And what's a warmer place than where inhabitants have taken up?
While they approach and settle outside homes willingly, trying to bring them indoors will require more time and trust. They return any affection given by seemingly vomiting pumpkin seeds (mixed with candy corn, somehow?) for inhabitants to have. Slowly but surely they may stay indoors overnight; however, one might wish they hadn't taken in this stray in from the cold. As all vegetation is bound to, the Poppikins begin to rot. This is where the trick part of this particulate treat comes in. What once was a sweet, docile but wary creature has now become an undead nightmare. It will spread rotting vines wherever it can, eat anything in sight, and worst of all: They can stack on top of each other to become more powerful and menacing. Hopefully, you only took in one.
You did only take in one... Right?
If bitten by one of these Poppikins, inhabitants will be plagued not with reanimation but an insatiable desire to eat the closest person nearest to them. Not in the literal sense though, of course. No, in the much more peaceful way! While it might not seem like much of a curse, this desire will not fade for a good few hours.
You might want to have some stamina potions ready.
A FEAST FIT FOR KING CANDY
As Autumn continues in full across the simulation, piles of leaves appear and are just begging for people to jump in! The pixies seem very active this season, actually, since these also come with an enchantment that make people feel playful and mischievous. Even the grumpiest of gills will want to have a fun after falling into a pile of the leaves. Whatever that may mean!
Though things can't keep being thrown into chaos! There has to be some sense of order! "I tried to tell the pixies to leave the native flora and fauna alone," chimes The Peacekeeper one day. There is a noticeable pause after its statement. Eventually, it follows up with: "I think that may have just made it worse."
It is not wrong.
There is a sudden abundance of flora in Amani though it's a little different than most might recall or expect. Nearly everything has been turned into candy. There are candy corn growing tall. From the trees are hanging candy apples decorated with caramel or other delights, chocolate oranges, and those wrapped strawberry candies you might associate with the bottom of an old woman's purse.
"They said they'll only change it back once we've eaten some so their magic doesn't go to waste..." A bit unsure, the resident AI trails off there. "Perhaps a feast?"
A place to hold this feast will be spawned in the ballroom found in the main hub. Although nothing overly lavish, it does have a certain seasonal charm to it. The Peacekeeper asks that to help, everyone brings one serving of a candy of their choice and to eat with a few friends.
If you don't have any yet, not to fret! There are plenty of friendly faces around who would no doubt be happy to break bread... Or, uhm, fried dough as the case may be... with you!
Just be careful: The secret ingredient in this feast is, cliché as it is, intimacy. The longer you eat together with others, the closer you'll feel. The closer you'll feel, the closer you'll want to be to them until there's nothing between you at all.
Though things can't keep being thrown into chaos! There has to be some sense of order! "I tried to tell the pixies to leave the native flora and fauna alone," chimes The Peacekeeper one day. There is a noticeable pause after its statement. Eventually, it follows up with: "I think that may have just made it worse."
It is not wrong.
There is a sudden abundance of flora in Amani though it's a little different than most might recall or expect. Nearly everything has been turned into candy. There are candy corn growing tall. From the trees are hanging candy apples decorated with caramel or other delights, chocolate oranges, and those wrapped strawberry candies you might associate with the bottom of an old woman's purse.
"They said they'll only change it back once we've eaten some so their magic doesn't go to waste..." A bit unsure, the resident AI trails off there. "Perhaps a feast?"
A place to hold this feast will be spawned in the ballroom found in the main hub. Although nothing overly lavish, it does have a certain seasonal charm to it. The Peacekeeper asks that to help, everyone brings one serving of a candy of their choice and to eat with a few friends.
If you don't have any yet, not to fret! There are plenty of friendly faces around who would no doubt be happy to break bread... Or, uhm, fried dough as the case may be... with you!
Just be careful: The secret ingredient in this feast is, cliché as it is, intimacy. The longer you eat together with others, the closer you'll feel. The closer you'll feel, the closer you'll want to be to them until there's nothing between you at all.
PEPPERMINT SCHEMES
Eventually, Autumn gives way to Winter and with it comes biting, frigid cold and snow. The lake freezes over to be perfect for ice skating, snowmen are made, and snowball fights are had. This kind of cold lingers though and seeps into your bones. Unfortunately, it also won't go away by the usual methods.
It will take someone else to ensure that you stay warm during these chilly months. Even if it's just holding a hand or leaning in close, the contact with another person will see warmth spread through your body near instantly and provide comfortable relief.
Just be careful! The sensation might become a bit addicting if you're especially adverse to colder temperatures.
As a last spiteful spell from the pixies before their Winter sleep, they spawn candy cane trees sporadically throughout the simulation. Thankfully, these aren't as obvious or obnoxious as before... but they do come with their own catch! Of course, they do.
For those that may be new or those just brave enough to take the risk, trying the stick of minty candy will see it stuck between your lips. No matter what you do, it won't come loose. At least, not on your own! In order to free yourself from this peppermint hell of your own making, someone else will have to begin to whittle it down from the other end.
Freedom will only come once a kiss is had between the two. Hey, at least you don't have to worry about if your breath is minty fresh!
It will take someone else to ensure that you stay warm during these chilly months. Even if it's just holding a hand or leaning in close, the contact with another person will see warmth spread through your body near instantly and provide comfortable relief.
Just be careful! The sensation might become a bit addicting if you're especially adverse to colder temperatures.
As a last spiteful spell from the pixies before their Winter sleep, they spawn candy cane trees sporadically throughout the simulation. Thankfully, these aren't as obvious or obnoxious as before... but they do come with their own catch! Of course, they do.
For those that may be new or those just brave enough to take the risk, trying the stick of minty candy will see it stuck between your lips. No matter what you do, it won't come loose. At least, not on your own! In order to free yourself from this peppermint hell of your own making, someone else will have to begin to whittle it down from the other end.
Freedom will only come once a kiss is had between the two. Hey, at least you don't have to worry about if your breath is minty fresh!
SEXY STAMP CARD
If you're wondering about these 'peaceful interactions' that keep being mentioned or what the kinks of the month are for... Here's your answer! Upon arrival, all characters will receive a digital copy of their very own sexy stamp card.
Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it!NOTES
Completing peaceful interactions (i.e. kinks) will reward characters with stamps that they can turn in for re-gains and many other things! While the example one here is the standard issued card by The Peacekeeper, players are more than welcome to customize it how they see fit. Have fun with it!
★ The effects of all the influences can, as always, be as heavy or light as you'd like! It can be chalked up to differences in resistance, non-humanity or not, etc. etc.
★ Make sure to dunk your questions/feedback in the thread below!
★ As mentioned this TDM will span the rest of 2022! There's a theme for each month that gives people things to play around with as they wish with time being all wibbly wobbly whatever we want. Thanks for your patience guys and I hope this gives you enough to do while I give myself some breathing room to focus on work and studies!
★ We are currently at 42/50 slots taken! Anyone wishing to claim a character must have an invite and follow the proper rules in place to be accepted into the community!
NAVIGATION
no subject
"You bet! As soon as I get the Prima Vista back, you're coming aboard for a visit." He blinks at the hand being offered to him again and smiles as he takes it, not tentative at all. "In that case, it's time to grab a train. Let's go - this way!"
And with that, he takes off running, pulling Sora along with him by the hand until they reach the train station. Zidane hasn't taken the train often enough yet to realize that no matter when someone shows up, there's always a car there ready to board. Always. No matter how long it's been since the last one departed.
"Ha, perfect timing! Hurry up, we don't want it to leave without us." Never once letting go of that hand unless Sora wants him to, he zooms up the stairs onto the platform and then onto the train, only releasing it once they're seated across from each other in a semi-secluded little nook by the window, watching the city go by as the train chugs out of the station.
"How much of Amani have you seen so far?"
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“The Prima Vista, huh? That's a fancy name.” Probably fitting, as an airship sounds rather impressive to visualize, but he's snapped out of drifting thoughts by Zidane accepting his outstretched hand. He gently squeezes his new acquaintance's fingers, nodding in acknowledgment. “Great! And hey, I do at least know what a train is,” he admits with an amused laugh.
He lets himself be pulled but it doesn't take long to catch up to Zidane, to the point they're almost running side-by-side toward the station that's before them. How convenient, there's already a railcar waiting, which Sora hasn't figured out entirely either, except he's less inclined to question why they didn't need to wait, given his own circumstances when dealing with trains.
Especially the dope-ass Disney train!“Will it do that with nobody on it?” See, he's assuming they're the only ones about to hop on here, but he's in for a surprise as he continues holding onto that hand the whole way, up the steps and into the car, but that's where he momentarily hesitates, sparing a glance around at their surroundings while Zidane picks a spot; there are others aboard the train, most of who don't pay them any mind, and although Sora's curious, he decides to move along, plopping down on the seat across from Zidane.
“Not much? I've seen most of the Main Hub, the railway, parts of the grasslands, the beach...”
no subject
Zidane laughs in turn. "Good, because I didn't when I first got here. We have air cabs where I come from, but not trains."
Zidane would love to ride the dope ass Disney train!"Huh? I dunno. I've never seen an empty one before. But these people are...I'm not sure. I don't think they're real. They're like solid illusions the Peacekeeper uses to make this place feel more normal, or something."
"The beach is pretty nice, huh? Maybe next time we'll go there, but for now I've got a different date in mind." No, he's not going to tell you, Sora. It's a surprise! "I haven't been to the mines or the jungle yet, so maybe we can explore those sometime, too. Here, look--"
He whistles in a way that sounds like a bird call, and his DTF materializes at that signal - a small, white canary that flutters up onto his shoulder. "Hey Melody, give us a map." The canary trills in acquiescence and flits over to perch on the back of Sora's seat. She opens her beak and just...projects a detailed image of a map of Amani down into the space between them.
Zidane gets up and moves to sit beside Sora, totally just because the map was upside-down to him and not at all as an excuse to get closer. He points out regions as he speaks. "There's the mountains where the mines are, and there's the jungle. There's another beach here, on the other side, too."
no subject
...even if this is seeming to become a game of twenty questions. “Is an air cab like an airship? This train is different than the one I went on, though. That one was blue and gold, had a pointed top, stars all over it, and only appeared in a couple places at certain times.” It was also a bizarre, magical train that traveled through even weirder multicolored lands on the way to Yen Sid's tower.
One day, Zidane will get to see it, if he's got any say in the matter!“Solid illusions . . . ” What a strange concept too, but is it different from the train he's mentioned, what with it not having any passengers until he, Donald and Goofy showed up in Twilight Town? He half-shrugs his left shoulder then continues, “Guess that's one way to make us feel more comfortable on the train.” Definitely makes it feel like less of a ghost train, at least? And that has to count for something.
He nods, “I like it, even if the mermaids are a little different from the ones I've met.” Way too sharp teeth and far more affectionate, which isn't necessarily bad, but he doesn't much like the handful of them that tried to ‘playfully’ drown him. Quite rude, actually— oh, but Zidane has his attention again. “They sound like places that should be explored together, anyway, just in case there's a cave-in or someone gets attacked by a random jungle beast.” Sora's probably going to lose his mind about dinosaurs, but for Zidane's sake, he'll keep himself reeled in and make sure to protect him from the carnivorous ones.
His attention locks onto the tiny bird that appears, mouth hanging open in astonishment, head turning to follow where it flies and lands behind him, although it does mean craning his neck in a somewhat uncomfortable position. No matter, as he whips right back around once Zidane moves and sits beside him instead, making it easier for them both to see the map Melody shows. Those DTFs are crazy, aren't they? Sora isn't sure where his has gotten off to, but if there comes a time when it's needed, he imagines it'll show up. (Admittedly, part of him fears it spooking him again, considering the Shadow Heartless shape it takes, and yet he's still going to do his best to be understanding.)
Sora outstretches the hand between them to gesture too, “I think I'd like to explore the jungle next. The other beach, is it different?” Does it have killer mermaids? Hopefully not, he'd like one place to swim where he might not have to fear for his life in the process!
no subject
He shakes his head. "Nah, we do have a band that plays music to go along with the performances, but a theater troupe performs plays. You know, stories acted out on stage? If you've never seen one, you're in for a real treat."
He waggles a hand. "Sort of, but airships are much bigger. It's like the difference between a rowboat and a galleon. They ferry people around the city of Lindblum. Man, I wish I could show you Lindblum! It's my favorite city. That's where the airships are built, and where Tantalus - my troupe - has its home base." And where he took Kuja first, when they returned from Madain Sari.
"You've met mermaids? Aside from the ones here, I mean. Different how?" He nods. "Definitely together. Even the Peacekeeper gave a warning about those areas being dangerous, apparently. But don't worry, I'll protect you!"
Okay, Zidane is realizing that one thing he really likes about Sora is the way he seems in awe of everything new to him. It's a little strange that a DTF is new to him, but who knows - maybe Sora's hasn't come out of its accessory yet.
As Sora leans forward a bit to point at the map, Zidane scoots closer and slips an arm around his shoulders casually, as if this is something they do all the time. "Jungle it is, then! I dunno anything about that beach, I haven't been there yet. So we'll find out together!"
no subject
He can feel his heartbeat fluttering a bit faster than usual, but it doesn't dampen his own grin at all. “Yeah, I've seen a couple before and I've even performed in a musical, but I'd like a chance to see your troupe if given a chance.”
Sora cocks his head sideways, contemplating the comparison, and once he fully recalls what exactly a galleon is, it makes more sense. “That makes sense now. Definitely a difference between the two, but they both still are ‘ships’.” Or that's what he's gathering from the explanation, at least, he isn't totally sure. He gestures around them with his already outstretched hand, “Maybe the train will become magical sometime and take us to different worlds instead of just other biomes around here.” Is it wishful thinking? Without a doubt, but Sora's the type of person who is like that, unsurprisingly.
“I have! The mermaids here are, uhhh, a bit creepier? Mermaids I met in Atlantica were more friendly.” For the most part, anyway. (We won't talk about Ursula, her minions, or the Heartless floating about, though.) His eyebrows arch with regard, mouth opening like he might correct Zidane and say they could protect each other, but reconsidering the fact he doesn't currently have his keyblade makes him snap his mouth shut instead. There comes a sigh, he pushes his lips out in a pout, yet is quick to perk right back up when he remembers, “And I can protect you! I've still got access to my magic here, so I'm not completely useless.” While his DTF has made itself known, it's one of those things where he's working out how best to deal with being slightly uncomfortable, and that's why it stays secured around his left wrist in charm bracelet form.
After Zidane slides nearer and puts an arm around him, Sora's head turns in his direction, he blinks a couple times in surprise, then he moves his own arm and lets it circle Zidane's waist, hand resting just above his hip. “I'm fine with that! Better to have the help and not need it, rather than need it and not have it.” Wait, that doesn't sound right— “But I'd like having your company either way!” Okay, better, since he wouldn't want Zidane thinking he doesn't want him around.
no subject
Zidane turns his head to glance at Sora. "Different worlds, huh? Like all of our home worlds, you mean?"
He snorts. "Oh, the mermaids here are plenty 'friendly.' A little too friendly, if you ask me."
He watches Sora have a thought, shut it down, and then brighten up again. This guy is so expressive, Zidane likes it. His smiles are sunny and infectious, and his pouting is adorable. But then something Sora says snags his attention, and his brow furrows.
"Nobody's useless," he says immediately, before he addresses anything else. Sure, he doubts Sora meant the same thing Kuja had, but...still. "Ooh, you're a mage? What is it you don't have, then?"
He watches Sora, just as casual as ever, and silently pats himself on the back when he feels that arm slip around him in return, settling into the position comfortably and leaning just a little against Sora - just enough for a bit more closeness. Clearly, his charms are irresistible! That's totally it.
He's about to agree with Sora's take on having a companion in a dangerous place, but he gets preempted, and the followup brings that grin back to his face. "Great! And who could blame you? I'm excellent company." Good news, Sora, Zidane pretty much never thinks people don't want him around. But he does appreciate the sentiment.
He leans his head against Sora's as he looks out the window and sighs a little, content, as Melody turns the map off and vanishes back into his earring. He's on a date with a cute guy who likes cuddling and holding hands, this is great!
"Hey, tell me about your world."
no subject
“That's exactly what I mean, yeah. My friends and I traveled through them, fighting all kinds of different enemies along the way, freeing them from the darkness that'd taken over.” The mention of those mermaids again has Sora blushing faintly, his brow creased and the arm he has around Zidane squeezing absentmindedly. “You can say that again.” Too bad a lot of it seemed feigned just long enough to get him close and do something way worse than kissing him— which isn't to say that kissing in and of itself is bad, it's only unfortunate when those someone's are trying to get a bite out of him.
Being an individual who has always kinda worn his heart on his sleeve, Sora's never found a reason to keep his emotions completely in check. They're a lot easier to handle when he lets them out and, perhaps against better judgment, he much prefers letting his feelings be known rather than bottling them up and exploding later. Still, he does feel somewhat silly saying aloud that he's not useless in front of Zidane.
—but it's fine because he's quick to latch on to the latter half of their conversation. “Well, actually, being a keyblade wielder lets me use magic. I don't know if it puts me in a ‘mage’ category.” Sounds more like something up Donald's alley, really, but it doesn't necessarily mean he's not not a mage? “Weirdly, I can't summon my keyblade here.”
To be fair, he is absolutely charmed by Zidane, how simple it is to get close to and befriend him, but there's no denying the leaf pile's influence alongside the candy he'd consumed before, all giving him an extra push toward the casual affection.
He laughs at Zidane's effortless confidence, bolstered by it enough to compliment, “You are, no denying it. I'll admit that you're probably the nicest person I've met here so far.” The blush that'd spread across his cheeks darkens, yet he continues, “I'm glad you pushed me into a leaf pile,” which earns a second snicker when he recalls the incident. (‘Incident’ like it hadn't been planned.)
Meanwhile, Sora has no idea he could call this a date, as it were, the concept an entirely new idea he's never considered until the afterlife allowed for such things. They have plenty of time and no worlds to save, what better way to spend time getting to know others? Particularly if they'll be here for who knows how long.
His eyebrows lift with interest when Zidane props against him, but what he says makes his expression wrinkle again, a quiet hum of contemplation coming, followed shortly thereafter by, “I came from a place called ‘Destiny Islands’, where it's nice and warm and you can go swimming any time.” Although his tone does lift an octave, it softens afterward, his unoccupied hand raising to scratch the side of his head. “It's been a long time since I've been home though, so it might have changed while I was away.”
no subject
"Huh, so you're an old hand at all this world-hopping stuff. I only knew of three worlds before I came here, and two were directly connected to each other. And the other one was a battlefield some gods created to make a bunch of people fight each other." He scowls a little at the reminder, but seeing Sora blush immediately banishes the dip in mood. Sora's so pretty! Zidane can't dwell on bad memories with such a pretty boy in his arms.
"Keyblade?" Zidane glances over, curious. "Is that some kind of sword? I don't know how your summoning is supposed to work, but that's the case for everybody here - we don't get to bring our weapons with us. But we can get them back again by submitting stamps to the Peacekeeper! So don't worry. It shouldn't take long - you'll have your keyblade back in no time." And he's even helping Sora with that as they speak, so he feels pretty confident about that.
Zidane's proud grin turns into more of a bright, slightly surprised smile when Sora flushes even more and says such nice things. "Aww, Sora...I'm glad I pushed you into a leaf pile, too. You're a sweet guy, you know that?" He leans in to give Sora a peck on the cheek.
"Your islands can't really have changed that much, right? How long has it been?"
no subject
“Woah, that second one sounds a bit rough! What were you all fighting for? And what two worlds did you know that were connected?” Technically, each and every world he's traveled to is connected and (usually) always reachable by Gummi Ship. While he'd be sorry for the mood being brought down, despite having nothing to really do with it, Sora's still pleased that he can offer a small verbal diversion again in the form of also asking about what other worlds Zidane's encountered, then talk about his own in kind.
Luckily for them, Sora has his adorable flusteredness going for them as well! Nevermind the fact he'll only become more sheepish whenever Zidane mentions having to gather stamps so he can get his Keyblade back (and all without having even mentioned how they earn those).
He exhales a long-drawn-out sigh, downturns and then it's his turn to pout; he's always had the ability to summon his Keyblade, why is now any different? Oh well, doesn't matter either way, taking into account he has far better things to focus on, like explaining exactly what kind of weapon it is. “It's both a sword to defend against enemies, and can be used as a key to unlock doors, locks, and even hearts.” Similar to a sword, yet different in many ways, all of which he's willing to explain if Zidane is curious. Sora does, however, need a brief moment to regather himself after the stamp talk, though once he does, he remarks, “How exactly will stamps help? Is that how we get power regains here?” Look, he's not completely half-witted when it comes to these things.
Let's be honest, if he turns any redder, he'll start looking like a tomato and he's doubtlessly going to be embarrassed further... what's the point of fussing? He smiles in spite of himself, leans in slightly and nudges their shoulders together in return, not quite bold enough to kiss Zidane back. “Thanks, that's nice of you to say.”
As for his islands, well . . . “Uhhh, a year now, I think? I was there for a little while but had to leave again after only a short time.”