application ; the last resort

[penumbral]

OOC Information

NAME: Malathyne
18+ AGE: Yup
ARE YOU NEW?: where am i? who are you people?????????? whats happening/

IC Information

CHARACTER: Saïx (born: Isa)
HISTORY:
Canon Point: 358/2 Days, Day 119 (timeline)
Character History: [as Isa] [as Saïx]
Important Terms: (also explained below)
[Hearts] [Keyblades] [Heartless] [Nobodies]
[Organization XIII] [the Organization's true purpose]
[an important note on Nobodies and Hearts]

WORLD:

The universe of Kingdom Hearts is full of magic. It's fairly obvious with even just a sideways glance at it, but it's still important to state, because all of its mechanics revolve around magic in some fashion. Even the technology has heavy amounts of magic involved. It's impossible to throw a rock in any direction and not hit something magical in Kingdom Hearts. While there is a definite framework when it comes to the spells that the player characters learn, one that borrows a lot from Final Fantasy's style of spells (ex. Fire is the stage one fire spell, Fira is the second, Firaga is the third, etc.), there are many more aspects to the magic in this universe.

For example, let's take a look at the fundamental building blocks of the universe. Two of the most common ones mentioned are Light and Darkness. These aspects are still shrouded in a lot of mystery even for those who have spent their lives studying them, but Darkness is very clearly linked to emotions typically perceived as negative -- anger, greed, ambition, etc., and Light is its opposite. There are even entire realms dedicated to these two aspects. The Realm of Light is where people live; the majority of the worlds in Kingdom Hearts exist here. It is said in legend that the Realm of Light was originally just one single world, but greed in people's hearts created darkness, and in the chaos, the world was shattered into many, kept connected only by the light in children's hearts. As such, the Realm of Darkness is said to be made up from the Darkness in the hearts of all the people in all the worlds.

Yes, their heart -- Hearts are another fundamental aspect. Every person is said to be composed of three parts: body, heart, and soul. The soul is the animating force and is closely linked to a person's strength of will and their desire to survive. The heart, however, is a trickier thing. No one knows what makes up a heart, although it's clear that they're linked to a person's emotions and memories. It is also well-known and well-documented that all hearts (with very few exceptions) possess both Light and Darkness.

In fact, it's possible for hearts to succumb to their Darkness. When this happens, they are turned into a creature called a Heartless. Their name actually refers to the way they act, seemingly without emotion, as they tend to act more of creatures of instinct, although they are made from hearts, and natural ones release hearts when they are defeated for good. Heartless come in many varieties, but the strength of the Heartless is founded in the strength of the original heart it spawned from and how much Darkness it possessed. Heartless can be very dangerous, as they will attack people in order to take their hearts and create more Heartless.

There are two categories of Heartless, Pureblood and Emblem. Pureblood Heartless are created naturally, and do not have hearts to release when they are defeated permanently. Emblem Heartless, however, were originally artificially created, and are clearly marked. If an Emblem Heartless attacks someone and steals their heart, then another Emblem Heartless is created; this is why they release hearts upon true defeat. (Normal weapons cannot kill a Heartless; if a Heartless is defeated with one, it will simply re-manifest elsewhere. The only weapon that is known to be able to truly destroy a Heartless and release the heart it carries is the Keyblade, a mythical weapon that chooses its wielder that has the ability to turn any lock, be it on your average door, or even on a heart.)

Heartless are not the only creatures created when someone loses their heart, though. If a person's heart is strong, then when it's lost, their soul doesn't fade away. It stays in the body and continues on. When this happens, a new kind of being is born, called a Nobody. Typically, when this happens, the body changes shape. But if someone's heart is especially strong, then their body will retain its shape. These human Nobodies are special, as they also retain more of their sense of selves, as well. They function as they would have if they still had a heart, as they still have their original personalities and memories, but without a heart, they do not have emotions.

In canon, we are introduced to thirteen of these Nobodies, who are members of a group called Organization XIII. Although the Organization believes they are bonded together for the same purpose, to find a way to regain their hearts, that doesn't mean they all necessarily get along. They may no longer have emotions, but that doesn't mean the social atmosphere is peaceful. There are factions within the Organization who are vying for their own personal goals, and it makes it quite dangerous, even if you're not directly engaged in any of the groups. First, is the division between the Apprentices and the Neophytes; the first six members all knew each other prior to the formation of the Organization, and they are the ones who founded it in the first place. The remaining seven are the Nobodies who were later found and conscripted. Each member is ranked with a number based on the order they joined the Organization. In addition, their very names are changed, rearranged with the letter "X" added in, supposedly to symbolize that they are fractions of who they used to be and "not meant to exist." Isa, now Saïx, number seven, and his then-best friend Lea, now Axel, number eight, were the first two non-Apprentices initiated.

They also form the first Neophyte faction; it is stated in canon that they have their own plans, and though it isn't stated what they are, it's clear at least one of their goals is to find out the truth behind Xemnas' motivations. In addition to them, the eleventh and twelfth members, Marluxia and Larxene, had their own agenda, as they did not want their hearts back, and instead wanted to seize control of the Organization for themselves. The Apprentices themselves aren't without their own cliques. Xigbar, ranked second, is the only member who is well and truly aware of (most of) the answers to Xemnas' mysteries. Zexion, number six, was very dedicated to Xemnas as well, although he was in the dark about those mysteries, and Lexaeus, number five, was dutifully dedicated to him. In the end, there was enough political competition in the Organization that it was even reflected in the set-up of their meeting room. Each member could then raise or lower their chairs according to how close they dared to be to Xemnas, whose chair was raised the highest, as the leader of the Organization. And being discovered as a traitor could mean a fate worse than death, as the Organization members frequently mention that Xemnas has the power to reduce them to lesser Nobodies, thus stripping them of what's left of their humanity...

It's important to remember that Saïx lost his idyllic home world ten years prior to the start of the first Kingdom Hearts game, which occurs shortly before his canon point. This means he was a member of the Organization for the majority of, if not all, of that time. It's equally important to note that he lost his heart when he was a teenager, which meant he quite literally grew up in this political climate.

But there are two more very important things necessary to truly understanding both the Organization and why Saïx is who he is now. First, there are the ways by which a Nobody can become "whole" again. There are two methods. If their Heartless is defeated, and then they themselves are defeated, and then they will wake again as humans. Alternatively, they can grow a new heart, naturally, through nurturing friendships. It's understandable that they wouldn't know of the first method, but there is a reason why the second hasn't happened at all in the past ten years, and that reason is the other key thing to understand about the Organization. That is, its true intended purpose.

It isn't to learn how to regain their hearts, despite what the majority of the Organization has been told. Xemnas is the Nobody of a man named Xehanort, who is the primary villain in the Kingdom Hearts franchise thus far. Part of his grand plan involves turning other people into versions of himself. He does this by planting a fragment of his heart within them, which, if nurtured properly, will fester and grow to take over the person. The Organization members, lacking hearts to resist his, serve almost as empty vessels for Xehanort's heart. However, it doesn't always take root securely, especially in those members with particularly strong senses of self. In truth, the Organization's political climate keeps the members occupied and focused on their ambitions and their distrust, which keeps them from forming strong bonds between each other, and the relative isolation helps to slowly chip away at their identities, making them more susceptible to Xehanort's influence.

This influence is especially noticeable in Saïx. Isa, before he lost his heart, kept his hair short, had rounded ears, and his eyes were teal. But, now, his eyes are golden, like Xemnas and Xehanort's, and the pointed ears are also a trait that they have. Even his hairstyle is rather reminiscent of Xemnas'. It isn't made clear in canon what distance from this influence will do to someone who has been more clearly affected, like Saïx, over someone who hasn't been as changed, like Axel. But it is hinted that Saïx, at this canon point, isn't so far gone that he's completely lost.

PERSONALITY:
"I need you to go stand in here for the interview. Yes, the room will be dark and there will be a spotlight on you. Please remember this is so we're focused on you."

[Saïx simply inclines his head in acknowledgement, then follows the directions as given. The procedure might be considered a tad odd to some, but he knows why he would set something like this up. It would likely make many nervous, or otherwise put on the spot. Seeing how they operate under such conditions could prove... interesting.

Of course, it'll have no such effect on him. That would require him to have a heart to be nervous with. But it does bolster his suspicion.]

"Tell me about your family and your friends. How do you feel about them, what would you do for them?"

[Saïx blinks once, twice, slowly, his expression deadpan. When nothing else is said, and they really do seem to want an answer to this question, he somehow manages to make his lineface severe without truly changing it. In a deceptively light tone, he says,] I believe I have already explained what it means to be a Nobody. Imagine, then, how one would make friends without a heart. [In other words, you wouldn't. And he simply leaves it at that.

Yes, privately, he may still consider Axel his friend. But that is a rather unique case, as they were friends before they lost their hearts. And he's hardly going to parade that in front of an organization he does not truly know and certainly does not remotely trust.]

"What about the people you simply do not get along with? Especially ones you would consider 'enemies'."

[Saïx arches an eyebrow. This question requires no less a careful answer than the last, though for different reasons.] If it's petty quarrels you're worried about, don't be. I've no interest in such matters.

[Haha notice how he doesn't say "enemies require a heart," too. It is, after all, far from true; an enemy is simply someone who has deemed it worth their effort to stand in your way. But he doubts "my methods of dealing with them varies" would be an answer they would much appreciate.]

"What are your ideals?"

[... hm. This one, he decides, he will give a proper answer to, although not a complete one.]

Perseverance is key. [That may or may not have been a pun on purpose, not that the interviewers would know to see it as such.] Any goal is meaningless without it. [Because without it, the goal isn't going to ever be accomplished. It's fairly straight-forward, he believes.

Most importantly, one could even say that perseverance is the reason why he still exists, even outside of existence as a Nobody. And, as such, without it... He would be meaningless.]

"What do you find most admirable or contemptible in someone?"

[Saïx considers pointing out, again, that admiration and contempt require hearts, but decides against it. There's something else he can say here, and it'll be worth it if only to observe how they react.] I have never been fond of those who ask frivolous questions.

"Is there anything else you would like to tell us before we further review the potential contract?"

No. [... yeah, that's all. He's just ready to move on.]

ABILITIES:

Powers and Skills:
Strengths:

• Saïx has high endurance (read as: hit points) and strength. He also has a critical eye for weak points and the ruthlessness to hit them hard (read as: do even more damage when he lands a critical hit).
  
• He wields a weapon called a claymore (even though it is very obviously nothing like a real claymore). The signature – and his preferred – form of his weapon is the Lunatic. His weapon is a sort of extension of his soul, which means he can summon his weapon seemingly out of nothingness and dismiss it similarly.
  
• He can channel his magic through his weapon to draw out another form, one with extended blades of energy, and to create shock waves of moon magic to puncture the ends of his attacks. When he externalizes his magic in this way, blue-gray auras are formed around himself and his weapon.
  
• He is capable of using an array of spells typical to his universe. His spell list covers the three-stage branches of Fire, Blizzard, Thunder, Aero, and Cure.
  
• When Saïx's health is dangerously low, he taps into a store of power that allows him to unleash an attack called his Limit Break, Berserking. In this state, he uses the magic of the moon to enhance his body (his strength, defense, and speed increase, he shrugs off pain unless it is in large quantities, his teeth sharpening to canines, his eyes turning pure yellow, his scar mutating hideously), and he rampages. Everything about him seems to change then; his calm, cool attitude explodes into relentless fury as he tears into his enemies, and it is during this time that he adds shock waves to the ends of his attacks. In the presence of extraneous moon magic (such as that exuded by the Kingdom Hearts created by the Organization in Kingdom Hearts II), he does not need to drop to low health to activate his berserked state. All he needs to do is refill his magic with that radiating from the moon, and once he is recharged, he can rage anew. (This does not work in the presence of the regular moon.)
  
• Capable of summoning and commanding Lesser Nobodies and Heartless. Saïx favors the use of Dusks and Berserkers.
  
• Really good at bureaucracy work and general management skills. There's a very strong impression in canon that he's the one who manages all the paperwork for the Organization. It's definitely canon that Saïx is the one who decides the missions, delegates them to members, collects and reads mission reports, logs them into the Organization's database... Likely the only thing he doesn't do when it comes to this is set the agenda, which would come from Xemnas.
  
• Also headcanoned to be something of a green thumb and a pretty decent cook.
  
• Can braid hair.

Weaknesses:

• His defense and attack speed are less than average, and he is not very skilled with spells at all. He knows enough to get him by, but his spells hardly pack the kind of punch that a dedicated mage's would.
  
• When he's in a Limit Break, he may be very powerful, but his health is still very low. Which means that when a hit does break through, it's much more likely to drop him unconscious or worse.
  
• It's difficult for him to control his attacks in his Limit Break; if one can manage it, it's a good idea to dodge his attack and move in the opposite direction he was facing when he came at you, because he's going to keep going that way for a bit before he can adjust.
  
• The use of all magic will drain him considerably more than it did in canon. This includes his Limit Break; instead of taking a full day to regenerate, will take three times as long.
  
• The usage of corridors of darkness is standard for Organization members. It's the way they travel between worlds, and thus an ability they all learn. In game, this will be restricted similarly to the rest of his magic. Summoning and closing a corridor even once will absolutely exhaust him, reducing the practicality of their use. In addition, in this unfamiliar universe that doesn't act on the same basic magical laws as his original one, using corridors to go somewhere he hasn't been before is much more dangerous, as there's no way to guarantee he won't end up in the middle of a mountain wall or the dead of space with no protection.
  
• Cannot resist sweet food.

Personality:
Strengths:

• Confidence is a definite thing here. Even if he did have a heart, he wouldn't be very easily shaken by insults or insecurities.
  
• Relatedly, he has a very strong sense of self. He's rather proud of it, too; it's what makes him different (and above) the Lesser Nobodies, and it's the reason why he has survived the loss of his heart.
  
• Extremely determined. He's rather bullheaded at times because once he sets his mind on a goal, he means it, and he isn't going to back down from doing whatever it takes to achieve it. He's even willing to align himself with and work alongside people he doesn't know well, trust, or respect if it seems like the best way to reach the finish line.
  
• Efficient. Probably not a surprise given the above, but he highly prizes getting the job done and done right. As such, he's always looking for opportunities to be as efficient as possible.
  
• Weirdly, dedicated. And this is getting a point separate from "determined" because I'm not talking about a dedication to goals here, but a dedication to people. It's just that he is only dedicated to very... select... people. It's very difficult to reach this point, but once you have managed to earn Saïx's loyalty, then he is absolutely one hundred percent loyal and he will genuinely go the mile for you. He treats you as though you're a part of himself, which means all of the defenses he puts to bear against the rest of the universe is being used on your behalf, too.
  
• ...
  
• Likes dogs.

Weaknesses:

• Not very experienced with dealing with people in a social climate that isn't hostile. He's a duck out of water when it comes to your standard slice of life interactions.
  
• Not the best team player, either. Oh, he's good at being a cog in the machine, and he's very good at doing what's necessary, even if that means keeping his mouth shut about something he disagrees with. But he's not only inherently bossy, but he's generally unpleasant to work with. He's distrustful, blunt, uninterested in small talk, and highly independent. Not to mention, he holds the people around him to fairly high standards, and though he's well aware of social ladders, this means that if someone is "beneath" him, he isn't afraid of taking them to task for not meeting those standards.
  
• Don't expect a lot of empathy from him. Not only does he not have emotions, but he doesn't give a damn about yours.
  
• This was mentioned before, but it's worth saying it again: He's very distrustful. The reasons why are understandable when you look at the Organization, but in a setting like the Last Resort, this means that he's going to be slow to truly open up to other people. The reason why this is being listed as a weakness is because doing so will actually keep him from getting what he wants, aka, a heart, since Nobodies can grow hearts trough making friends and connecting with others.
  
• A holdover from his life as Isa, but he's too curious for his own good. Over the past ten years, though, this has changed from a simple sense of adventure to a survival mechanism. He doesn't like Not Knowing Things, since in the Organization, not knowing what's going on and why often means not being prepared against social treachery.
  
• Oh, and let's not forget that he doesn't like being wrong, either. Again, he can be very bullheaded.

LOG SAMPLE:

Test Drive Starter

bonus thread