Onward: Blue

[voidtreckermods]

On the second night the ground begins to shake. The islanders seem well versed in earthquake safety and there is no mass panic- from them anyways. They will help any voidtreckers who don't know what to do in such a situation. The shaking is over quickly and is not strong enough to do any major damage though there are some after shocks throughout the day.

More worryingly are the thick clouds that roll out, covering the sky. Despite the memories these might invoke in the void warriors they are normal clouds.

Or perhaps not that normal, dawn breaks into darkness, the sun barely penetrating. Shadows are deep and the temperature cooler. It is not too dark to see, more like an endless twilight.

The monsters do not retreat into the sea as dawn comes. Instead they continue their attack into the day, unrelenting.

The seas themselves are rough, large waves crashing down onto the beach. The current is strong, as if the very sea itself is fighting them.

Comments

[longforgottenpromise]

Taiki can agree on that, grandparents are terrifying. Even when they are not your own. He nods along, that was what he was doing as well, trying to do as he was told, be as helpful as he could be and try not to panic too much wondering about the fates of those out fighting.

"Yes. A distraction would be good for them."

It wouldn't make things better but if they could keep them busy they were less likely to take matters into their own hands.

[blitzcheer]

Tidus nods, humming and brightening to the agreement.

"Do you know any ball games?" Which might be an odd question to ask, but Tidus is quick to explain: "Place I'm from, we don't have any of the games on the train. The one I know you do underwater, and..."

A pause, to let the words and situation speak for itself. Underwater ball games, not a good idea right now.

[longforgottenpromise]

Underwater ball games? He can't imagine that but it is not something that can be done now, as staying as far away from the water as possible is important.

"Um I know how to play baseball and soccer."

He is not exactly great at either but he knows the rules at least.

[blitzcheer]

"Yeah? What're those?"

There's an added tone of curiosity as Tidus asks, waiting on Taiki's explanation. If he's seen any of the balls for those games, he wouldn't know. He hasn't taken more than a cursory glance at the ICP in the gymnasium, usually too noisy with the activity of fighters.

[longforgottenpromise]

"Um... Baseball is a game with a bat and a ball, you hit the ball and run to different bases whilst the other team try and get you out. Soccer uses a ball and you kick it and try and score through a net."

Hopefully those explanations made enough sense. "I guess... Soccer is probably easier."

[blitzcheer]

He's humming again, noises of acknowledgement that carry the initial interest displayed. His eyes slightly wide, a keen interest.

"You have teams for soccer too? Any kind of goalie for the net?"

If so, that wouldn't be that dissimilar from blitzball, would it?

[longforgottenpromise]

"Oh yes..." He nodded, "Two teams and each has a goal keeper. There are other positions as well but it probably doesn't matter that much to start..."

Also he isn't really sure. He only had ever played at school and had mostly stayed out of the way. It was safer for everyone that way. A tackle could end in disaster.

"You can play with just a few on each side if you are playing a casual game and it is easy to add people..."

[blitzcheer]

It wasn't an explanation coming with rules or the intricate details of the game (that Tidus would've happily lapped up), but the basic idea was plenty to excite Tidus, letting his arms spread open.

"Then it sounds perfect! We can show them how to play one-on-one, then get them to try it too!" Tidus wasn't doubting he couldn't pull off the legwork necessary, but he grins at Taiki and what this means. "You'll have to teach me first. Or you can show me and the kids at the same time after we've found something to be our ball."

[longforgottenpromise]

"Okay." He nodded, he could probably teach Tidus. It wasn't that difficult, especially if they weren't playing with any of the more complex rules.

"Yes, I'm not sure what we could use..."

[blitzcheer]

"Huh...some rolled up netting...?"

Mumbling to himself, Tidus wonders, shuffling through what he thinks he's seen on the island that'd be a substitute ball. As he does, his gaze idly falls onto the kids chatting away, bonking conch horns together, oblivious in their own fun.

Oh! "Let's ask 'em!" He nudges arm and shoulder in their direction. "They know the island. We can tell them the idea at the same time!"

Good idea, Taiki?

a wrap?

[longforgottenpromise]

"That's a good idea." He nodded, they would know what was best to use and indeed they might know some games of their own.

He glances at Tidus again before starting to move towards them, nervous but hoping that Tidus will be able to do the actual explaining.

a wrap!

[blitzcheer]

Have no fear, as Tidus is lively in his explanation to the kids about their idea--yes, this is his and Taiki's idea--for a game they can learn, show off to everyone, and even dispel the grumpy qualm of this isn't the time for games! one or two kids bring up in unison.

"No, but everyone needs a distraction, and we're not going to be here for long. And we do this where I'm from, to get us through the bad times. You need to get your mind off the bad stuff and let loose every now and then, okay!? And we're gonna show you how!"

Maybe it's less his argument and just his energy that convinces them, but they're looking for a hard fruit in the nearby jungle before long as their substitute ball, and then a space to get going and have the pair show and explain (well, mostly Taiki there) how to play the game, with the kids eager to join in.

Maybe they can call the game Taikiball.