the_isle | Where Two Worlds Come To Meet

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Where Two Worlds Come To Meet

For those on the Boat

"Alright," Mal said, nodding. She and Ben had listened to what everyone had to say, and had pulled aside for a quick discussion. "This is the plan. Listen up, though it is subject to change based on what Professor Yen Sid has to say. But as it stands here is what we're going to do. Once we open an entry point in the barrier I will craft us a single use bridge. Everyone who is carrying stuff to the Isle will please carry it across carefully and quickly. Anyone who wants to stay on the boat, can. But once everyone is across the King and I will bring up the rear and close the barrier behind us."

She took a breath and continued. "Anything you need to summon to be prepared, do so before I open the barrier. You won't be able to on the Isle. Magic will not work there. Most tech will not work there. We're planning to stay about an hour. In that time if anyone sees anyone they know, please come and let the King, myself, and Professor Yen Sid know. Your words will carry weight as to if they stay or come back with us, but the final decision is ours. I want everyone to stay close to the shore either way. If we have to leave in a hurry we may not have a chance to wait for stragglers, and the phones won't work here."

"What about..."

Mal blinked then nodded. "We can talk to Professor Yen Sid about that," she agreed. "But I don't know if it is feasible for this trip. We also have to see if we have anyone who is as good with computers and tech as Carlos is...."

Ben nodded. "Alright."

Mal looked at everyone again. "We know that there are at least three confirmed villains on the Isle, or there were. Doctor Facilier, Lady Tremaine, and Mother Gothel. They've been without their powers for over twenty years and it hasn't sweetened their temperaments any. Don't underestimate them just because there is no magic. Be careful. And stay close. If you think someone you know is on the Isle but you don't see them, speak to Professor Yen Sid." Another breath. "Alright, that's about it. Sylvando's going to be staying with the boat, so if anyone doesn't feel comfortable going onto the Isle, you won't be alone if you stay back. Here we go..."

She turned to face the barrier and opened her spell book to the page she had been scribbling on during the boat ride. A deep breath and she cast two spells in rapid succession.

"Reprogram for now
and one time post
This remote to allow
For today and today only
this spot to be its target's host."

Her eyes glowed green as she spoke and a green trail followed her finger as she gestured at the remote. It flared green for a moment then the glow faded. "Done, for today the remote will open the barrier here, not at the bridge. And now..."

Ben nodded. As he clicked the remote, she began casting the second spell, eyes green once more. green finger trail in the air again as she gestured towards the barrier as a small entrance opened.

"Bridge of fate
Bridge of trust
Form quick
Be first rate
Formed of stone that does not rust
grow from this ship to the shore
to remain until the barrier closes once again
A bridge to aid all who are helping King Ben!"

The Queen intoned, her green eyes bright and glowing as a white brick bridge grew while she spoke. And when Mal had finished her spell, the bridge was fully formed connecting the boat and the beach. Well, perhaps 'bridge' was too strong a word; though it seemed to be made of the same sort of material as the magical bridge that sometimes connected the Isle to the mainland, it wasn't nearly as wide. Even if they'd had one, no one could drive a car over this. However, it was still wide enough for three people to comfortably walk abreast and the weight of it once the opposite end reached solid ground served to help steady the boat, making it quite serviceable as an extra-long gangplank.

The white seemed to almost shine against the dark of sea and the darker of the storm covered Isle.

Even from the beach the poor quality of life on the Isle could be seen. A rusting partial building that was some sort of bait shop was the only real structure that wasn't obscured by the thorns, but the damage to it seems to be older than the thorns might imply.

There were remains of what were probably a few small bonfires and broken bits of tools and scraps of trash laying around.

"Be careful on the bridge," Mal said as she led the people who were starting across, spell book at the ready. "On this side there are crocs, gators, and sharks." Then raising her voice to be heard by those on the beach. "IF ANYONE TRIES TO RUSH THIS OPENING TO ESCAPE YOU WILL REGRET IT!" Her eyes flashed green with the threat.

But perhaps it was the tall man with the beard, standing on the beach holding a beeping box with a light on it, perhaps it was his small but firm nod that made clear that she could back up that threat.

Isle Side

Eventually the raised voices on the other side of the barrier died down, and all was quiet. Those standing on the beach waited with varying levels of tension, wariness, and excitement to see what would happen next. It probably wasn't too long of a time, though it likely seemed much longer to many of them. The distorted shapes of people could be seen moving about on the boat's deck, though whether on purpose or simply due to the rough sea it was difficult to tell.

Then, just as some were likely beginning to question whether anything was going to happen... something did. The box that professor Yen Sid held began beeping loudly, the light on it glowing brightly as the barrier parted. Soon there was an opening large enough to drive a car through forming, allowing both those on the Isle and on the boat to see each other clearly for the first time. Then a familiar voice - to both those from Auradon and to some on the Isle - rang out.

"Bridge of fate
Bridge of trust
Form quick
Be first rate
Formed of stone that does not rust
grow from this ship to the shore
to remain until the barrier closes once again
A bridge to aid all who are helping King Ben!"

The Queen intoned, her green eyes bright and glowing as a white brick bridge grew while she spoke. And when Mal had finished her spell, the bridge was fully formed connecting the boat and the beach. Well, perhaps 'bridge' was too strong a word; though it seemed to be made of the same sort of material as the magical bridge that sometimes connected the Isle to the mainland, it wasn't nearly as wide. Even if they'd had one, no one could drive a car over this. However, it was still wide enough for three people to comfortably walk abreast and the weight of it once the opposite end reached solid ground served to help steady the boat, making it quite serviceable as an extra-long gangplank.

The people preparing to leave the boat were well dressed well fed, but tired looking people. They probably looked a little worse for the storms out at sea tossing their hair and soaking their clothes. But even with that... their clothes were clothes. Not scraps. Not stitched together leathers. Okay, so the Queen was in stitched together leathers, but clearly that was aesthetic choice rather than desperation. They were carrying cloth bags, boxes, and in two cases, flower pots in leather slings.

Everything about what little of the boat could seen from the Isle spoke to quality, to luxury. It was clearly well made, well kept, and expensive. It was also very... pastel.

"Be careful on the bridge," Mal said to the people behind her, as she led them across, spell book at the ready. "On this side there are crocs, gators, and sharks." Then raising her voice to be heard by those on the beach. "IF ANYONE TRIES TO RUSH THIS OPENING TO ESCAPE YOU WILL REGRET IT!" Her eyes flashed green with the threat.

But perhaps it was Professor Yen Sid, perhaps it was his small but firm nod that made clear that she could back up that threat.

Where Two Worlds Come To Meet - Both Missrecalled and Misery-called

With boat and beach thus connected, those on the boat began to disembark, most of them carrying some bit of cargo. Stitched leather bags, sturdy cardboard boxes - both of which seemed full of supplies, and two people carried flower pots in leather stitched slings.

Sylvando - the man in the jester costume - who stayed on the boat guarded the top of the gangplank until the last of the people and supplies were moved across. Once the last of everything was on the shore, the king slid his hand into his pocket and the barrier closed, the bridge vanishing as it did.

For those with magic, it felt weaker here, and as the barrier closed rapidly, the sensation increased until it closed and all the magic was gone. The beeping box stopped making sound, its light fading.

For those with fire associated magic the lack would hit extra hard, though with everyone reeling, that might not be obvious.

Mal tucked her spellbook down the front of her jacket. Her eyes scanned everything and everyone, and she didn't seem to miss anything. She looked almost natural here despite being clean and clearly not starving. The king beside her tried to give everyone a warm smile, which almost immediately made him seem out of place.

"Alright," Mal said. "Here is what is going to happen. We are here to drop off supplies. Some of you may be coming back to Auradon with us. We will be talking to the professors, and to some of you. If you agree to come to Auradon, and if you are accepted, you have to be willing and able to follow the rules of Auradon. We want to help those of you who were never meant to be here, but we can't put the people we promised to protect in Auradon in danger either. Don't like that? I'm the one to step to," she said, pushing some wet hair back off her shoulder. "For those that are staying... this isn't the only time we will be coming and not now doesn't mean never. Until then however..."

"We found supplies," Ben said. "And what we have that we can share, we are sharing. We brought food, potato plants, bottled water and juices, and some other supplies. Everything we brought can be eaten as is or cooked over a simple fire."

Mal nodded. "And for those of you who are dark hearts, who are true evil as... Well let's just say that the deal offered to the adults before this all started stands, and extends to all of you who it applies to. Even if you have been evil in your past, even if you are evil now, but are willing to change to live in Auradon, we will consider you. You will have to earn your place in Auradon. Earn your chance to come over. It won't be easy, but one thing I've learned? Good isn't. Easy. But if you can prove yourself good, even here, we will consider that and you may be welcomed in the future under probation."

Ben took over, then. "However, just because you are here does not mean you are evil," he said. He put a hand on Mal's damp but now hair free shoulder. "If you think you should be in Auradon, not here, come and talk to us. Tell us your story."

"We're planning to stick around about an hour," Mal added, her hand over Ben's her fingerless gloves a dark purple leather with a livid green dragon on the back of each. "That should give enough time to talk to everyone. And for you to ask any questions about the supplies that you may have. And one more thing, yes I see you lurking there in the shadows, Shadow man. And you as well," she said, her eyes flicking to the other side of the rusted bait shop from where the Headmaster was watching them all. "Alright. One hour, people. Let's get this going."

"And... we are truly sorry, for those of you not of this world who are trapped here. We promise, we are trying to work on how to get everyone home."

"Yes, yes, happily ever after's all around. That one hour? Starts now," Mal said. Then she rolled her shoulders back and turned to talk to Professor Yen Sid.

(OOC: Please see this post ASAP to let the mods know your plans so we can write the finale! Thank you all so much!))

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"You and Roxas are different," she mumbled, hunched in a bit. "And I have the two of you, so why do I need anyone else?"

"It makes no odds to me if any of those who reluctantly call this place home are too stubborn or spiteful to see which way the wind blows and act accordingly," he said to Mal. "But I shall consider it. Assuming I have anything he might want." Which was a rather big assumption at present.

When he turned his gaze to Ben, it became somewhat more thoughtful. "Had I the courage of a true lancer, I would have been able to stand firm in the face of death. That is the nature of the lancers art. A lance is many things, but it is not a shield; it affords you nowhere to hide. If one succumbs to panic, whatever the reason, they lose the the power to attack, which is a lancer's strength. Until I can face the possibility of my death with composure, I am no true lancer."

"But I do not doubt that your mother and father's words were true for them, and likely for you. Yours is, as I said, a kind world. Gods willing, neither you nor they will ever require the courage of a lancer. And for the present, I will accept your words in the spirit in which they were given." He gave a slight bow in Ben's direction to indicate his gratitude.

Another word he was unfamiliar with, though he'd ask for a proper definition later. At the moment, he was busy, and if Utau was half as intelligent as she seemed, she'd take the opportunity to slip away while her opponent's attention was on him. "Yes," he said. "And when you strike, you must be quick and decisive. Lunge toward your target with your forward foot only, allow your arms and body to follow the motion and lend power to the strike, then quickly return to ready position. Your back foot should remain firmly planted to aid in that."

He demonstrated on an imaginary target between them. "That is the basic motion. Once mastered, you should be able to execute it smoothly and precisely. Though that will take time, and practice."

Foulques quirked an eyebrow as Chell produced a jar of what seemed to be butter, and then a bar of soap, out of nowhere. "I've never heard of milk fats being used in that way," he said. "Though I imagine it is possible. Oil from certain nuts, beans, and seeds can also be used, though extracting it would require a proper press, and quantities of the plants in question that we're unlikely to have at any point in the foreseeable future. Animal fat is the easiest to both acquire in the necessary quantity and render for use."

"Lye, on the other hand, is simple to make even in this place, if rather time consuming. We need simply soak wood ash in rainwater and wait. Eventually, the lye will leach out into the water, which can then be used for a variety of purposes, including soap making."

The rest of it however was far more puzzling. He glanced at the fruit Chell had given him, picking one up to examine it closely. It looked, felt, smelled, and tasted entirely real, and yet... "Are you saying that this fruit and the other things you've created are not real?"

"Hm...." Well, this whole exchange was giving him more than a few ideas. The reminder that he should be able to grow anything that any other ent should be able to, at least in theory. That those black berries were indeed well enough liked, even here. The hint that oil ought to be noted. Wood ash... There was a growing list of things he wanted to work on. A press... he could figure something out there, he figured, once one might be useful. But best to at least make note of it as a possibility, for now.

"They're real enough," he said, shrugging a little. "But my magic created them. Once it is gone again...." Well, would the things brought about by his magic remain? He just didn't know, hence the experiment. And if it did remain... why pass up the opportunity? He crouched to set the jar down, putting it into a little crate that definitely hadn't been there a moment before... and by the time he stood up again, there were three more jars and a couple more paper bundles. He turned his hand over, not gesturing for show, so much as simply directing the energy to a place on the shore there by where they stood: another box, a bigger one this time, with what looked to be quite a lot of fabric, both finer soft sorts -- blankets? -- and some rolls of something coarser, canvas. Bundles of rope, a bag of tools of some sort, a saw poking out from among them.... He knew what he figured would be useful. But if Foulques had suggestions....?

So I should be standing not advancing when I strike?" she asked, eyes a bit wide.

Utau was smart, but she also intended to see this. Would help her know how to dodge if she knew how Nadeshiko was likely to attack. But she stayed back, out of Nadeshiko's line of sight, arms crossed.

"How are we different?", he asked. "And I'm not saying you have to be best friends with everyone, but you do at least need to be able to function and talk to people if Roxas or I aren't around. As opposed to your usual 'panic and flee' the moment a stranger tries to talk to you."

"Courage comes in a lot of forms," Ben said, kindly. "And we look forward to sharing your views and ours more often. And hopefully none of us will have to prove ours anytime soon. Though I do think that your choosing to stay here is already quite the demonstration."

"Because...." lots and lots of reasons. But if she had to pick one other than being best friends. "You know what I am..." she mumbled. "But don't want me destroyed for being broken."

"So...", Lea said. "What I'm hearing is that if I tell people that you're a Replica and they're OK with it, you won't be so scared of them any more. Good to know."

"that's not what I meant!" she protested with a gasp.

"Well it sure sounded like it to me," he said. "You said that one of the main things that makes it so that Roxas and I are different is that, and I quote, 'You know what I am, but don't want me destroyed for being broken'. So it stands to reason that if other people also knew what you were and didn't want you destroyed, you'd have a lot less reason to be afraid of them. Unless you plan on coming up with new reasons once that one's out of the way."

"I have other reasons already," she mumbled. "But why do I have to...?"

"Well one less reason would still be helpful, at least," he said. "And you have to because once Xehanort is beaten back home we're all going to learn to adjust to relatively normal lives. And I know you don't like to think about that, but it's gonna happen and continually trying to avoid dealing with it isn't going to change that. You're not going to be able to just hide behind me or Roxas your whole life. You have to be able to speak, act, and make decisions for yourself, at least on a basic level. I'm just trying to help you get to that point."

Edited 2024-09-21 08:09 (UTC)

"Why do I have to? Are... are you and Roxas going to leave me?" she asked in a terrified whisper.

"What? No!", Lea said. "But you're also not gonna be able to have one of us right next to you every waking moment either. Part of living is just... having a life. And you and Roxas will always be a part of my life, just like I'll be part of yours, but we cant- and shouldn't be- each other's whole life. That'll be true no matter how things turn out."

"Why... why can't we be?" She just needed them, no one else. Right?

He snorted at that, but amusement tugged at the corners of his lips. "A demonstration of my lack of good sense, perhaps," he said. "But that's hardly anything new."

"In any case, I've said my piece. I'll not take up any more of your time." Their time on the Isle was limited, after all, and others still needed to speak to them.

"Were this a proper lesson, you would be practicing this basic strike against a stationary dummy from multiple angles until your teacher was satisfied with your progress," he said. "Only then would you be set against a living opponent to spar, and more complex movements gradually added. The lancer's art, like any other, requires time and dedication to perfect, and trying to run before you can walk will do you no favors."

Ben nodded and was about to take his leave when Mal, looking thoughtful spoke up.

"A lance is just a fancy spear when broken down to basics, right? Pointy on one end, dull on the other? Long stick between? Pretty sure that's a more versatile weapon than you give it credit for."

"But I have no one to give me lessons when I leave here," she pointed out.

He frowned slightly at her choice of words but didn't know quite how to protest without sounding overly pedantic. "A skilled lancer can wield a variety of polearms, not just the one from which we take our name," he said. "I've wielded lances, spears, harpoons, tridents, and halberds since taking up the art; each has unique considerations, but the underlying principles are much the same. I'm curious what wisdom you have regarding their use that you believe I haven't considered."

His tone was equal parts curious and condescending. He clearly didn't believe that Mal had any ideas regarding polearms that he hadn't already considered, but was curious to see if she might prove him wrong.

She nodded. "So they all have the sharp end sure, and a dull end for if you just want to knock someone out. Or down. But the haft in the middle? It can block a strike aimed at your head, can't it?"

"Because that's not how things should be," he said. "For anyone. It's not healthy. If you don't have anyone or anything else in your life beside one or two people, you're always gonna be afraid. You need other things... other people to hold onto."

"Wouldn't that just make me... more afraid?" If she had more to lose....

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Where Two Worlds Come To Meet

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