The War for Our Future - Character Development Thread

[DodgeDusk]

[spoiler=Dusk - Obligation]Every morning he'd open his eyes a tad and if she was there, lying next to him, he'd always softly tug her ever so closer to him. He could never act the way he want around her when the others were nearby, the teasing would be unbearable. He hated the teasing, and yet, at the same time, loved it too. If anything, it only proved how much he loved the woman that, every morning and night, he'd embrace; the woman he wanted to spend his every waking moment with. Their nights were always filled with petty antics in the bedroom, be it dancing or... 'dancing'... Well, not the latter any more, of course. He missed that quite a bit. He didn't lust for it or crave it or anything, but he took whatever little opportunity he could get that satisfied the more... animalistic side of him. If she was there and sleeping every time he woke up, he'd always do a similar routine, which ultimately ends with a tender bite to her neck; something that she has, on occasion, reacted to with a quiet giggle

He was happy that he was making the most important person in his life happy, because he knew he wouldn't be able to do it forever. Eventually, he would no longer physically be part of this word any more, and that worried him. He didn't know how she'd cope without him by her side. I mean, obviously, she wouldn't go crazy or anything, but the thought still scared him. He also knew that, eventually, she'd have to dig a grave for their baby as well; something that no parent should ever have to experience. He wanted to make her happy for as long as he could, and yet, in the back of his mind, he felt like he didn't just want to, but had to as well. At the end of the day, compared to the fragment of time, he hasn't been in this world for very long; the same world that withstood the Scouring, the beorc-laguz struggle. Compared to all that, he was nothing. Time wouldn't remember him... Only his friends and family would. All of these thoughts scared him, yet two people survived through it all... And one of those was right here. She hasn't felt true happiness for a long time, and because of that, the need overthrew the want. He had to make this little moment in her timeless life matter... He had to

Edited November 24, 2013 by DodgeDusk

[Breezy Kanzaki]

[spoiler=Breezy and Valm]

No one else is alive. Just me and him. So why do I need to go there? I was there one last time before I left for good, and nothing. No letter, just Zeph. Bringing him with me is probably torture, but I have to. I need to finish what was started, even if it costs me everything. I have faith these guys can finish the war without me, and I'm not scared of anything. No matter what tricks he tries to play, I can survive them. I've run out of tears, and there is nothing left to do. We all came here for a purpose, and mine is to kill him.

[Aquakat]

These are so good~

[Ace Tactician]

[spoiler=Ace: Flashback 1]

The muffled bang of wooden training swords rang out as Young Ace sparred off against Zane Thurman, the Demonic Blade in the wind. Young Ace gave out a yell and charged at him, only to miss and receive a whack on the back, faceplanting on the ground.

Captain Zane: “That’s enough for today, Ace.”

Young Ace: “No it isn’t! I was close to beating you that time!”

Captain Zane: “Maybe next time. Any more sparring matches and your mother is going to wonder how you get all those bruises.”

Young Ace: “No, no no! Grab your training sword!” *stands up* “I’m still able to…fight!”

Captain Zane: *pinches bridge of nose* “While I do like that you’ve got the guts to fight on, I have to report for duty soon. I’m sorry, Ace.”

Young Ace: “Argh!”

Captain Zane: “I’m sorry Ace, perhaps if I don’t feel exhausted when I get off.”

Young Ace: “You sure? Because you sleep all day sometimes.”

Present day:

Ace: *smirks* “I remember, always trying to beat him as a kid. And how those would end too. What I was able to take away from it all, was how to wield a sword. I was trained by the Demonic Blade in the Wind, Zane Thurman.”

[DodgeDusk]

[spoiler=Nathaniel and Dusk - ON A BOAT]*early morning, on the ship*

Nathaniel: *whistling to himself* I wonder how long it will take us to get to Valm... It's gonna be pretty hard fighting those resurected villains... Maybe I'll encounter Lyon...?

Dusk: Lyon eh? *trots down from the deck and walks to Nathaniel* I thought you gave up on that summoning nonsense?

Nathaniel: Hi there, Dusk. *scratches face* I never gave up, as such... I just don't cut myself any more to summon. I've learned of a different method.

Dusk: Good! How're you feeling? I don't think we've had a proper conversation since we all reunited a couple of days ago

Nathaniel: I'm great, as usual... *looks off into the distance, distracted by something* ...I've been practicing the axe with Poly, and the sword with Glaedyr.

Dusk: *looks out to the ocean* Yes, you're a Dread Fighter now, aren't you? How are the two weapons coming along?

Nathaniel: Well... They're coming along okay, I guess... Although I did have to spend a month straight lifting weights with Poly. Jeez, that was exhausting...

Dusk: A month... Goddammit it Poly... *laughs* To be fair, most axes are pretty cumbersome. I like the ones Dan forged for me though; a lot lightweight and easier to manage

Nathaniel: Wha- You mean- I didn't have to spend a month lifting weights with that dirty shipper? ...I'd kill him if he wasn't getting married. The worst part is that the axes he gave me were quite light, too... *shudder*

Dusk: Dirty shipper? *raises an eyebrow* What's he said now? And no, you didn't *takes out silver axe* Take a few swings with this, and you'll see what I mean

Nathaniel: *takes axe* ...Hm. The axes were a bit heavier than this, and not as well-made. We didn't have a resident blacksmith... And you know Poly, Dusk ol' buddy. He said some things, and by chance, he managed to be partially correct.

Dusk: Partia-... Wait, what?

Nathaniel: He said dirty, dirty things, my dear Dusk. Those parts weren't true, of course, but he managed to get some parts correct. I do have feelings for one of the girls in the Dreamers... Though I'm not sure how to act on them. Elise was my only other relationship, and, well... Well, you know how that one ended.

Dusk: Sounds like him... *exhales through nose sharply* Well, my only proper relation has been with Kat, and I kinda... Acted on impulse... But yeah, all of the females in this army are wonderful, Nathaniel, so I'm sure everything turns up your way! *sarcastic tone* ... You know, unless it's Glaedyr. Lass is only 17... KINDA weird

Nathaniel: *jaw drops, makes slight choking sounds* B-buddy, Kat is several times older than you, so you wouldn't be able to judge... And I'm twenty... *realises he's digging himself a hole* Oh, uh, hahaha...

Dusk: Well yes, that is true but... Wait... I was... Oh... Oh my... *swallows hard* Err, sorry Nathaniel... I had no idea...

Nathaniel: I-it doesn't matter, Dusk. You're the fourth person so far to guess first-time. Poly, Alicia, Kat... Heh... Well, it could be worse. You could've got it wrong and spread that around! ...Seriously, don't tell a living soul, okay? Small furry animals count as living souls, by the way.

Dusk: ... Oh my. Of course I won't... I actually hope the two of you spark something though. I've known Glaedyr ever since the Dreamers first forged together, and she's a fantastic person. You are too, and the two of you deserve happiness *puts hand on Nathaniel's shoulder* You have my support

Nathaniel: Thank you, my friend... I guess I'll see you later. I have to prepare myself breakfast... *leaves*

Dusk: ... Heh, he's cute when he's flustered... Actually, that's a lie; he's cute anyway... Or he would be, in he GIVE ME MY AXE BACK! *chases after Nathaniel*

[Aquakat]

[spoiler=A light in the dark - Klotho]She pants and nearly falls. Her feet and legs had long since gone numb and her arms were beginning to do so. But she'd managed to hit the bullseye with shaking arms at least 2000 times and moving targets about… well, only 1200. She'd have to work on that.

A sound catches her ears and she twists to find the source. When she does, though, her breath catches in her throat.

A man. At least, she thinks he's a man. He looks uncannily like Sister, but there are many things different she finds, as she creeps closer to scrutinize him. Scars on his neck that are very faint. Scars on his hands. Harder jaw. Narrower eyes.

He's incredibly pretty, and he looks almost otherworldly in the moonlight.

He stirs and she ducks behind a nearby tree to hide. His eyes are old, like Sister's, calculating, ruthless… and unbelievably lonely.

"Whoops, didn't mean to sleep. Michel's going to miss me," he murmurs. His voice was ridiculously… something that make her warm. "Time to leave."

She keeps hidden until she's sure he's gone. Her hearts beating fast and her face is flushed and she feels… weird.

Who was that? She's not sure. …But maybe, she thinks, she wouldn't mind seeing him again.

[Wizard]

Poly, you'll probably have to update pretty soon. The character development stuff is all stacking up really quickly.

[Ace Tactician]

[spoiler=Alicia: Day of Pain]

“Please, let me linger in your arms…if only for a moment longer. Sweep away my tears, for they won’t stop pouring out. Our days of pain are together, yesterday and today. We are alike, we suffered deep losses of those we call family, blood related or not. Before we go out to join the others, let’s stay like this for just a moment longer. I don’t want the others to see me like this, I want to be able to smile again, through this day of pain.”

[Aquakat]

I absolutely adore this, Ace.

[Breezy Kanzaki]

no one commented on mine <\3

[Ace Tactician]

I absolutely adore this, Ace.

Thank you^^

I read yours Breezy, well done.

Edited November 24, 2013 by Ace Tactician

[Aquakat]

[spoiler=Weakness - Kat] She wakes up and almost panics because she had trouble getting up. She's… two months in? Three? And already, she is this weak. Soon, she'd probably not even be able to get out of bed on her own.

​She's not too surprised, to be honest. Her mother had been horribly weak during her pregnancy with Tabitha… and Tabitha had been nearly knocked out by her own baby boy. There was just something about their bodies that made child-bearing, and childbirth itself, difficult.

​She knows Mila's helping. Mila shouldn't, by the laws, but this is the first child of hers that… that she made with a man she actually loves. That wasn't forced on her. She really… REALLY wants this baby, despite the pain that'll come, and Mila is helping her keep it.

But the price is her own strength. She's… okay with this.

Still, though, she'll have to go to Yuffie. And… and Sorin, too. She can't voice this to Dusk yet. To Silvia. To Ace. But she HAS to tell Sorin about this weakness. She's becoming a liability. She's going to become one.

​She'll have to explain that… and await the judgement for her weakness. Until then, though… she needs the strength to just get out of bed and walk.

[Lance Masayoshi]

[spoiler=Jxemas 2]

I don't feel pain. I don't feel failure. I don't feel emotions. That is what I thought 6 months ago...but now My mind has changed. I have taken no food, no drink for these days. I forget when I last opened my eyes. I forget everything..to come to this everyday...

"Weak. Get up and fight again. Defeating Xert isn't a walk in the park."

"......As you say.."

*After a long time..*

"Better. Though you aren't ready to defeat Xert. Shadowblade doesn't have it's full power. You are at the peak but not at the top."

"Gah. Give him a rest. You've told him this 1000 times."

"Does it matter? I will make him strong. Stronger than anyone in the army. Maybe stronger than Purgatorial Storm."

"..Maybe? OR certain?"

"You would bend will to that scrap metal of a sword?"

"Never. I am prideful and strong."

"Pride doesn't matter at this point. You are weak due to your lack of emotions. But I know a way to get them back.."

"...Tell me."

"Xert has them. There is a special chant and way Shadowblade must be in order to do this..."

"You aren't ready. Get rest first. After more time with training, WE will decide if you are worthy enough."

"Yes. I will."

And that's how it's been. For 6 months in a row. Fantastic. If it means getting my memories back I don't care what it takes now. Hahaha...

[Aquakat]

[spoiler=Sorin and Kat]Sorin: *Training* HA!!! RAH!!!*Completely Oblivious To Surroundings*

Kat: *walking in* "Sorin, can I talk to…?" *falls on her ass trying to dodge one of Sorin's strikes, having accidentally gotten to close* "Ah…"

Sorin: *Hears something hit the ground* Huh? Kat?! Oh gods.*Helps her up* I'm so sorry! Are you alright? Ugh, I just got so caught up...

Kat: I'm fine. I'm… *knees folding* …I need to sit down, and I need to tell you something. Yuffie already knows, but no one else does. I was hoping you wouldn't have to be told, but...

Sorin: Err alright. *Leads her to a nearby bench* Now before you start, do you need anything? Water?

Kat: No, I already had my medicine. It's just… taking a bit to kick in. And I'll have to have another dose soon. *sighs*

Sorin: Speaking of medicine, you never told me what illness you have. Is it...Will it kill you?

Kat: …Sorin… *starts laughing* Sorin, the illness is the baby you overheard about. And… no. The baby won't kill me. Directly, at least. Indirectly… that's… more possible than I'd like.

Sorin: Gods. I'm an idiot. Times like these make me question if I really am a legendary tactician. And wait... indirectly? What do you mean?

Kat: …Sorin, I almost couldn't get out of bed this morning. Two… three… months in and I'm already this… weak and useless. I'd wager in about another month, I'll need help walking around… and a month after that, I'll be bedridden.

Sorin: *sigh*...Bedridden? You realize we are fighting a war. Why didn't you just stay in Ylisse where you could be remotely safe? I wager I could've gotten Dusk to stay with you...

Kat: Because you need Dusk, Sorin, and he will not leave me behind. You need someone to look at everyone and scold them for being silly or reckless. And I can still fight. Magic is lovely like that. I just can't dodge. *looks at him* You need the rallies. You need the convoy. You need the person who actually knows what's going on. I couldn't stay in good conscience, knowing that by staying behind, I'll take away so many things that you frankly NEED, Sorin.

Sorin: Don't worry about all that. I'm a strategist remember? What if something happens? Like a late night ambush. You expect me to live with the fact that I just let a mother and her unborn baby die and destroyed one man's happiness?

Kat: Do you expect me to abandon you all? Have I seemed so whimsical? So untrustworthy? *stubborn look in her eyes* "I can fight still. I just cannot DODGE. There is a difference. You will not keep me here, chained in false security while you all are risking your lives. Don't even try."

Sorin: Kat, fighting without dodging is like chewing without swallowing. Your magic uses blood. Something that a baby needs if I remember correctly. Everything that happens to your body is felt tenfold by the baby. This isn't about morals. This is about a stubborn mother who doesn't know when for once in her life to be slightly selfish. I'm not trying to chain you down. I'm trying to keep a mother and child together. (Nobody deserves to be like me...)

Kat: …So, you're telling me that you're just going to go ahead and leave me behind? Is that it? Just go ahead and make the clean break? Just leave me alone? I'm staying, Sorin. You're not kicking me away. I… *starts crying* You can't just… Sorin, you're an idiot! *attempts to get up and run, only to buckle, coughing*

Sorin: K-Kat! *Helps her back into the seat* ...Sometimes you act like a child you know that? ...I'll be the idiot for right now... If you want to stay, then go ahead. Forgive me for attempting to meddle in your family affairs... *Turns his back to her to let a lone tear flow* I just didn't want another family to go through a hardship. If we can't end this war in time... I didn't want another child to grow up without a mother...

Kat: …I need a healer, too, Sorin. *looks at him pitifully* There… there is no way I'm surviving… my baby is surviving… without a healer. I can't steal one away, Sorin. I CAN'T.

Sorin: ...Yuffie is currently seeing over you correct? I see no reason to stop this if you are staying with us...

Kat: Yes, he is. Thank… thank you… *still crying* I'm sorry… I'm sorry… I swear… I swear we didn't plan… wanted to wait...

Sorin: ....I know. *Wipes a tear away* I think you need a good nap right about now. Don't you? Let me escort you back to your room...

Kat: Yeah… thanks. *manages a smile* I think… he hasn't said anything, but when Tabby was pregnant, Phoibus made her a protection amulet. I think he's planning on doing the same thing again. That'll… that'll keep me safer. I think.

Sorin: That brother of yours... he is a strange one. I wouldn't be surprised. You are his treasure.

Kat: As time flows… we're all each other have. *looks at him* Please don't tell the others quite yet. There are enough troubles in everyone's heads. It can't be hidden forever, I know, but until that point…

Sorin: I understand. It is safe with me.

Kat: Thanks. *smiles* Sorry to… add more weight to your burden.

Sorin: It wouldn't be my burden if it wasn't heavy Kat. I read a book about endurance recently. Time to put it to good use.

Kat: Yes, yes. …I'll still be able to give advice, you know. Don't hesitate if you need it.

[AnonymousSpeed]

[spoiler=Weakness - Kat] She wakes up and almost panics because she had trouble getting up. She's… two months in? Three? And already, she is this weak. Soon, she'd probably not even be able to get out of bed on her own.

​She's not too surprised, to be honest. Her mother had been horribly weak during her pregnancy with Tabitha… and Tabitha had been nearly knocked out by her own baby boy. There was just something about their bodies that made child-bearing, and childbirth itself, difficult.

​She knows Mila's helping. Mila shouldn't, by the laws, but this is the first child of hers that… that she made with a man she actually loves. That wasn't forced on her. She really… REALLY wants this baby, despite the pain that'll come, and Mila is helping her keep it.

But the price is her own strength. She's… okay with this.

Still, though, she'll have to go to Yuffie. And… and Sorin, too. She can't voice this to Dusk yet. To Silvia. To Ace. But she HAS to tell Sorin about this weakness. She's becoming a liability. She's going to become one.

​She'll have to explain that… and await the judgement for her weakness. Until then, though… she needs the strength to just get out of bed and walk.

(Why is there so much stuff we do not know?)

[Aquakat]

(Why is there so much stuff we do not know?)

Because… I don't know. I'm sorry for my chars being horribly talkative lately.

[Lance Masayoshi]

Nobody commented on mine?

[Aquakat]

Nobody commented on mine?

Yours just confused me… sorry...

[HK Motendra]

[spoiler=Jxemas 2]

I don't feel pain. I don't feel failure. I don't feel emotions. That is what I thought 6 months ago...but now My mind has changed. I have taken no food, no drink for these days. I forget when I last opened my eyes. I forget everything..to come to this everyday...

"Weak. Get up and fight again. Defeating Xert isn't a walk in the park."

"......As you say.."

*After a long time..*

"Better. Though you aren't ready to defeat Xert. Shadowblade doesn't have it's full power. You are at the peak but not at the top."

"Gah. Give him a rest. You've told him this 1000 times."

"Does it matter? I will make him strong. Stronger than anyone in the army. Maybe stronger than Purgatorial Storm."

"..Maybe? OR certain?"

"You would bend will to that scrap metal of a sword?"

"Never. I am prideful and strong."

"Pride doesn't matter at this point. You are weak due to your lack of emotions. But I know a way to get them back.."

"...Tell me."

"Xert has them. There is a special chant and way Shadowblade must be in order to do this..."

"You aren't ready. Get rest first. After more time with training, WE will decide if you are worthy enough."

"Yes. I will."

And that's how it's been. For 6 months in a row. Fantastic. If it means getting my memories back I don't care what it takes now. Hahaha...

Who are the other voices?

[Lance Masayoshi]

Who are the other voices?

N!Shadow And E!Shadow..?

[Breezy Kanzaki]

[spoiler=Friendship]

Why am I doing this? Rule 1 of the army was to not get too close to your comrades. Y-yet I did, and then she died. I can't let that happen again. Besides, I'm going to die eventually, maybe sooner than I expect when I see him. They all deserve better than a dead man.

[Lance Masayoshi]

N!Shadow And E!Shadow..?

Now does mine make better sense?

[HK Motendra]

Now does mine make better sense?

I guess so. But how exactly is he speaking with them?

[DodgeDusk]

I guess so. But how exactly is he speaking with them?

This

I'm sure you stated only E!Shadow/Xert survived

[AnonymousSpeed]

Eh, it's soliloquy.

Anon: Hm...this tree has slowly become more comfortable than my own quarters...maybe it has to do with my intense, burning hatred of Poly. I can barely stand that guy. *yawn* Half the rest of the army are a drag to. They have their reasons, sure, but after awhile is wears down on me. Ah well, so is the price of a rock among water. They'll hopefully find their own resolutions eventually, and then I can resume my studies alone and in peace...