melodiesoflife | The Sky is the Limit

WHO: Natalia L.K. Lanvaldear, Naminé, Sora, Yuri Lowell, Possibly Castmates???
WHAT: Determined to get herself up to speed as a Hero of Light, Natalia marches right into that lab to face her Calamity Self. She doesn't know what she's getting into, as her biggest concern is choosing which job she should keep equipped.
WHEN: November 10th
WHERE: Palitutu's Laboratory - Aqures Ixen
WARNINGS: Tales of the Abyss spoilers regarding Natalia's origins

Natalia awoke bright and early that morning, bathing herself and dressing in her blouse and leather jerkin. She looked as fresh and clean as she always did before setting out to work, and today would be a busy day indeed. She'd contacted those few she knew and trusted to inform them of her decision to face her Calamity Self promptly, as she had every intention of returning to Trano Golsaucia with better supplies to help them protect themselves against the Calamity. Battling the monsters during her week-long stay there had helped her build up a significant stash of gil, which would be used to purchase warm blankets, clothes, food, weapons, and medicine. She kept only enough to refresh the pension she'd had to use to pay for her own needs; the rest was earned in Trano Golsaucia so she meant for it to be spent on fortifying the city. She couldn't stay rooted in that place forever, but she could at least ensure it had a fighting chance. There were other places that required her attention as well, such as Flence, Aerilon, and Nabila from the sound of it.

Hopefully conquering her Calamity side would boost her ability to move about these lands and battle the creatures that dwelled there as well.

Natalia waited outside of the laboratory, patiently waiting for the others. She didn't demand perfect punctuality, but if anyone was more than fifteen minutes late, she would simply have to assume that they weren't coming.

"Thank you for accompanying me in this endeavor," she said graciously, before turning on her heel and pushing open the doors to the laboratory. "Though I am unsure what to expect, I do know the ultimate goal, and will strive to complete my task swiftly." She led the way with a confident smile that belied the butterflies that fluttered wildly in her stomach. Naturally she was a little nervous, but she wasn't afraid. Her friends were here beside her, so what did she have to fear?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[For meeting each other before entering the lab, or preparing for the actual showdown.]

He seemed casual, acting like it was no big deal to be here helping her face her Calamity Self when he knew that wasn't true at all. Natalia is going to be facing everything she's never admitted to herself and then she's going to have to accept it. The combination is a doozy. It wouldn't help that all of these people were here to witness it either, some of them people she'd only just met. But he was here for her - new friend or old, hopefully Sora would be able to help.

"No problem, I'd do it for any of my friends." And probably will too. "It might be hard but we're not gonna leave you until it's done."

Sora grinned at her then, boosting her confidence even though he figured she's probably nervous. Better to go into this knowing she has the support of her friends to lean on should it get to be too much.

"I don't see what's so hard about it," she remarked flippantly, elbows akimbo as she rested her curled hands against her hips. "I already know that none of us are perfect, and that I've got many flaws of my own. If anything, this will help me overcome those flaws so I can be a better ruler of my people."

Clearly she'd never seen what could happen in these kinds of situations, or she wouldn't be so dismissive. Natalia seemed to be overflowing with confidence, smiling cheerfully as she was honestly quite happy to have so many people arrive to help her. Their kindness was truly touching.

"Thank you for coming," she said, her voice softer as she clasped her hands together. "I know we've only just met, but I think that may make it easier somehow. You don't seem like the type who gets offended easily."

"Well, some people have a hard time accepting things about themselves. Especially if they've been pushing it aside for a while or haven't even realized it yet." Everyone has their difficulties in life, the things that maybe they can't accept or even forgive. Some find it more impossible to accept if they have guilt or regret over something that can no longer be changed.

He thought it was good - going into this with as much confidence and cheer as she could, it would help her in the end. Sora attempted not to think of it as the Doctors would have back in the Facility. Tried not to compare Natalia to how he used to be before everything was ripped away.

"No problem! I'm available anytime you need me," he stated. Sora has to tell himself that it isn't a promise that he's just going to break. "It can help to have as many friends as possible in this sort of thing. By accepting you, it can help you accept it too."

Sora laughed at that, scratching the back of his head. "You could say that's true. Admittedly sometimes stuff just goes over my head entirely."

"I hope you don't think too poorly of me after it's over," she admitted, resting her chin thoughtfully atop her knuckles. "But perhaps you're right. If people are still willing to accept you, even after seeing you at your worst, why, there must be something liberating about that." It reminded her a little of the people of Baticul, rushing to her aid even after she'd told them that she wasn't truly descended from the royal bloodline. They'd still loved her anyway, and refused to back down. If this situation was the same, then he might be right...it could be good for her to know she had the strength, support, and faith of her friends to keep her going in the dark days to come.

Natalia chuckled at his response. "My, I didn't mean to imply that you were simple-minded in any fashion. Just that you have a gift for seeing the best in people, and giving them the benefit of the doubt without hesitation. I think it's rather admirable."

Maybe it was the post-stasis fatigue, but Anise definitely looked less motivated than usual. If Natalia wanted to face her shadow, Anise would be there to stand beside her, but that didn't mean she wasn't wary.

"Natalia, are you sure you're okay with this? I mean, you just got here. This place can be pretty brutal."

Natalia didn't bother to hide her surprise at Anise's concern. "My, after all we've fought already, I wouldn't expect you to show such hesitation! Perhaps the matter is more serious than I believed." It was a little worrying, to be honest...almost as much as the fatigue that her younger friend was starting to show. Was she truly that worried about Natalia, or was there something else going on under the surface?

"Nonetheless, I've made up my mind. It's something we'll all have to do in time, is it not? Besides," she smiled. "It's not just for my sake. I volunteered so you and Tear would have some idea of what you'll be facing as well. If going first can help you prepare, then I will gladly take the initiative."

Heroic speeches are all well and good, but once it's finished, she softened her voice and spoke a little more quietly. "Are you feeling all right? You seem very tired."

"Yeah, I'll be okay." She wasn't lying, but she wasn't telling the truth either. On the one hand, as bad as the shadow selves sounded, it wasn't the worst thing that she'd seen on Crystallis.

On the other, the fact that she'd seen worst on Crystallis made her more wary of facing the shadows. Natalia had just come from home, so the heroic speech made sense, but Anise had been here long enough to know that everything always ended up worse than it sounded.

She wanted to say this to Natalia, but ultimately decided to hold back. If the princess was already this gung-ho about it, it was momentum they could use to move forward. Also, Anise was really scared of her shadow. Not that she let it show, of course.

"Alright, then let's do this! Let's show those shadows what they get for standing in our way."

Natalia's head cocked just slightly to the side at Anise's response. She hadn't said that she was okay, just that she'd be okay. So there truly was something wrong. And yet here she was, ready to lend her support to Natalia in spite of what was bothering her. Honestly, she was rather touched by this selflessness. Certainly they might not have gotten along at first, but by now, Natalia not only likes her but respects her. She's mature not only for her age, but more mature than many adults as well.

"Agreed," she smiled, encouraged by her enthusiasm. "Perhaps after this is over, we can enjoy a light brunch together." And talk. It seemed there was a lot to say, and though Natalia wasn't about to force her into it, at the very least she wanted to make sure Anise knew the door was wide open if she needed it.

Anise wasn't sure if Natalia had caught on to just how much she was hiding, but Natalia wasn't pressing, and Anise was glad. Whatever came up in this fight would be something they could handle. If she kept saying it, it'd definitely be true.

"Yeah! Once this is all over, let's do a victory brunch at Cuppa Kupo." Whether Anise would pay was up for debate, but they could have it at Cuppa Kupo.

The Sky is the Limit

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