#v: so you wanna pretend you're not a manipulative bodysnatcher

[cryptidsncurios]

YEEHAW Generated Word Starters | Accepting! @secxndchance sent a YEEHAW

| worker |

“Sooo, ya just hit a ball, people watch you, and then they throw munny at'cha?”

To be honest, some of the more random goings-on during that whole First (or should he call it Fake, perhaps?) Organization stint had actually flown under Xigbar’s radar---but this one in particular, he’d sort of wished he would have glimpsed, simply because of how damn ridiculous it was.

Good thing he was around now for a front row seat.

“I mean, I guess if that makes ya a hard worker or whatever, have at it, kiddo---" and he experimentally kicked the ball with the toe of his boot, the motion accompanied by a half shrug. "I’ve seen folks do weirder.”

[thefatalmarksman]

@litoredeem sent: Whenever Xigbar is being annoying just keep standing in his blindspot.

he doesn't need to see you to know exactly where you are

[cryptidsncurios]

* 𝙸𝙽𝙳𝙸𝙴 𝚂𝙾𝙽𝙶𝚂 𝚁𝙿 𝙼𝙴𝙼𝙴 | Accepting! @mundmutter sent: ❝   i gave you my heart, my dear.   ❞ for kh xig >:)

If he’d had allowed himself to listen to what little heart he had, it would likely be breaking right now.

But Xigbar was capable of steeling himself against all odds---no matter the pain, the cruelty, the way that, if he’d taken even a single moment to spare her a glance, he would understand just how desperate she was.

He was determined: it would not sway him.

And so his back turned to her---fully, coldly. It was something he should have done a long time ago, back when he’d first come to inhabit Braig’s body. He should have cut every tie, disposed of every emotion. It was something that Luxu had become so very excellent at doing---but he’d been foolish this time around, and was now reaping what seeds he had sewn.

Never again.

His voice was low, but it pierced the lingering silence like the sharpest knife:

“Bad decision, babe.”

[cryptidsncurios]

Troubled Birds; a sentence meme ( part 1 ) | Accepting! @k3ytoheart sent: "I'm looking for trouble and if I cannot find it, I will create it."

"Wow-how-ee, I’d never expect such a sweet boy to say something so very chaotic.”

He’d wondered if the little key-kid had even noticed his presence at all: his perch atop the building directly nearby, overlooking the goings-on of the town, all while positioned on his belly, hands under his chin and legs kicking teasingly behind him. Or, perhaps the kid had known---hence such a bold statement.

Whatever the case, Xigbar was all about trouble.

[cryptidsncurios]

@kumoofthemaken sent: It was said in some tales that a sudden drop in temperature at night and the rolling in of fog signaled the arrival of a ghost. A pair of boots just barely brushed against the ground as a silhouette materialized out of the haze, a thickening veil of white heralding the swordsman's approach. Incorporeal becoming corporeal once again, accompanied by a distinct, frosty chill. Teleportation required heavy use of the Mist. Which also meant that he could now feel every vibration as far as his breath covered. He did not need to see the man behind the tree with his eyes to know he was there. Arms crossed upon his chest, the Cloud appeared rather nonchalant, even if an innate air of dignity betrayed his once-high standing.

"And just what are you doing in this location? I would rather not jump to conclusions, but this is Gaudian territory. And I just so happen to be tracking a notorious informant." ...Xigbar seemed to have a penchant for being caught in suspicious places, at equally suspicious times.

Oh well, he’d at least tried to give his concealment a go.

Not that he was exactly upset he’d been sniffed out; Xigbar had learned quite quickly that a good chunk of the natives of this place had some pretty impressive powers---some of which he didn’t get to experience on a regular basis, aside all that annoying Keyblade crap---which, in his book, was actually pretty damn cool.

Thus, he willingly emerged from his hiding place with his usual swagger---not at all like a man who had been shamefully caught, but one who had purposefully allowed himself to be caught.

“Aw gee, looks like we got another psychic over this way, huh,” this, accompanied by an unconcerned shrug. “One that comes with a built-in fog machine, too,” he added as he cast his vision about, hands now planted on his hips.

As this particular guy didn’t seem like he was set to pounce, Xigbar felt confident enough to stride just a tad closer, to better examine his latest acquaintance. He didn’t look too threatening, whippet-thin and snooty to boot---but appearances were always deceiving, judging by his knowledgeable greeting.

“As for all that Gaudium garbage or whatever," a wave of his hand, as though swatting away a troublesome fly, "I’ve got no bets on any chocobo in that race. I’m just here to watch all the chocobos run---wherever it is they might be goin’.”

[cryptidsncurios]

@voidedgear sent: Vanitas's Unversed, the manifestations of his emotions and negativity. Most of them are angry beasts, lashing out at all who come close like they're nothing more than cornered animals. But some...seem sad. Like, right now, one of his Hareraisers is trotting by Xigbar on it's tiny, nubbed legs. Its red eyes are slanted upward—as if it's extremely anxious, or sad, or worried. It's holding a single muffin in its little hands. Alas, it tripped; it was running too fast. The muffin flies from its hands and lands on Xigbar's shoe, then rolls off and hits the ground. It stares from its fallen position on the ground.

Xigbar had seen plenty of monsters in his time---Heartless and Nobodies, of course, but every world had its share of nasty little creepy-crawlies that squealed and squirmed within the nooks and crannies the Darkness provided---but these Unversed guys certainly were… unique. Such discontent blobs, these feral blotches of ink, constantly flitting about with uncontrollable anxiety and rage, and dragging around melodramatically, leaving trails of negativity in their wake.

Though Xigbar considered himself a professional when it came to keeping a leash on his emotions, he really couldn’t help but just... pity the poor things, honestly.

And this very display, right here? Really didn’t help anything.

Bending forward, he snatched up the abandoned treat, then stood up from his perch upon the mossy log smack dab in the center of the Kingdom of Corona. He tossed the muffin from hand to hand a couple times as he approached the fallen Hareraiser, then, stopping short, knelt down and set the sweet down at the tip of what he could only assume was its “nose.”

“Looks like ya dropped this, lil fella.”

[cryptidsncurios]

@worldly-diversity sent: "I've beaten you before, I can do it again." || Sora! X3

The statement made Xigbar snort---a sound he didn’t even bother to disguise, couple with shooting an exaggeratedly condescending expression towards the kid. In all honesty, it wasn’t like Xigbar wasn’t entirely capable of mopping the floor with that scrawny twerp---and then some.

If he if was within the realm of possibility to give it his all.

Alas, his Role as observer meant that any untoward actions that might skew the preplanned status quo were big no-nos in the grand scheme of things, including showcasing the full extent of his abilities.

However, he could still brush off the ridiculous statement like dust from his shoulder.

“Listen, kiddo, I know we’ve had beef in the past, but right now, I ain’t interested in doin’ a weapon-measuring contest, ‘kay? I got more pressin’ matters to attend to, thanks.”

Such as gearing up for whatever chaos was in store for the next phase of this whole mess for which the Master had meticulously plotted---with the whole lot of them, Xigbar imagined, simply along for the ride.

[cryptidsncurios]

@soldierunderfire sent: "You better be glad you're pretty, old man." ((Me, who hasnt heard maria's voice in months just absolutely being possessed by her to send this to Xig. I'm so sorry.))

“And you better be glad you got the type’s’a proportions that I prefer,” with a snarky grin to accompany the statement, jagged fangs shamelessly showcased for her to, no doubt, ogle for his amusement.

"But c'mon Lil Miss Rossy-Wossy, ya know ya missed me."

[cryptidsncurios]

@shiroi---kumo continued from [ X ]

Well that certainly made this whole ordeal a lot simpler.

Though Xigbar had seen plenty of crazy sights in his time, he must admit, this one certainly had to top a good majority of all the others. Well, maybe not an anthropomorphic mouse king swinging around a giant key, but nonetheless, it had been an impressive scene to behold.

Thus, with that nuisance efficiently obliterated, Xigbar shifts his companion once more in his arms and picks back up the pace---but it isn’t too far along that his sharp ear yet again captures that telltale hiss and skitter of otherworldly critters, unfazed by the destruction of one of their brethren, and intent on closing the distance---

Light.

At last, with one final push, Xigbar breaches that doorway between the endlessness of the Void, and the sweet taste of fresh air---and abruptly, the threatening noises that had been swirling behind him closed off, in exchange for the silent breeze flittering through one of Radiant Garden’s many flower patches. The pastel hues and floral fragrance serve as a brief assault upon Xigbar’s senses after being so cooped up in the pitch, soundless Darkness, but after a few moments of adjusting, he allows relief to settle in.

Yet he knows that he can’t fully relax yet---he still has a delicate package in the crook of his arms, in need of delivery to… somewhere. His first instinct is some sort of medical facility, as Radiant Garden is top of the line when it comes to its curative equipment---but he’s quick to douse that thought. No doubt, from all of the unique attributes the kid had that Xigbar himself had observed, the poor thing would likely be poked and prodded to no end, all in the name of “science” or whatever. And there is definitely no way he’d let Even get his hands on him.

No, for now, glancing up to the right---up towards the brilliant yet imposing spires of the Radiant Garden Palace---Xigbar would have the little fella bunk with him. At least until he comes around to give him some information on who---maybe even what---he is exactly.

And he knows just the route to take to circumvent prying eyes---years of living here, both in the dreadful slums and amongst the posh upper echelons, had taught him all of the ins and outs of the land’s many secret tunnels and waterways---and soon enough, despite some extra effort given his extra baggage, he has successfully resurfaced within the very Palace’s walls. His private quarters aren’t too far from here, and orienting himself---

“What are you doing here, Braig? And who is that?”

Oh great. Just the guy he had been looking to avoid.

“Look, Frosty, I ain’t exactly in the mood t’deal with ya right now, ‘kay?” Xigbar turns on his heel and addresses Even with his typical nonchalant drawl. “And like, don’tcha remember I have a room here now? Can I not take my passed-out buddies there to help ‘em recuperate?”

Despite his explanation, Even still regards Xigbar with that icy stare of his. Certainly Xigbar had proven that he is at least somewhat trustworthy enough to allow within the confines of Radiant Garden---but an inkling of suspicion still plagues the scientist. Braig---Xigbar, by extension, or whatever he wishes to currently identify as these days---had always been a sneaky snake and a slippery fish, and simply because he had aided in the dismantling of the True Organization, it did not mean he was to be fully trusted.

The upward tilt of his chin indicated this lack of trust, Xigbar could easily read, and his response is cold, “See to it that you behave whilst within these walls, Braig. I would not wish to---”

“Yeah yeah, blah blah blah,” and, unwilling to stand around any longer, Xigbar brushes past---causing Even to stumble aside, “look, I can be a good lil boy, just you watch.”

He doesn’t bother offering a single further retort---merely strolls down the remainder of the corridor, accesses his chamber, and, after gently depositing his newest guest on his bed, locks the door behind him. Then, hands on his hips, an exhale through his nose---

“I’m just too damn nice for my own good.”

[thefatalmarksman]

anonymous sent: A Dream Eater briefly appeared in Xigbar's dreams to say "Hi Mr. Xigbar! I wish you good fortune!"

In-between the distressing amount of sleepless nights and---when he actually can drift off---the intense, soul-crushing nightmares? Yeah, he'll take it. And hopefully it was one of those cool dinosaur ones.

[thefatalmarksman]

@asteelgarden sent: "Sir please leave any weapons at the door thank you" - a very anxious Reverend Benny who was not alerted of any newcomers today and is kind of frazzled because of it

“Whoops, my bad.”

The disappearance of his arrowguns is immediate and instinctive---no doors needed for their banishment from the current space he was occupying. However, he wasn’t going to allow his brief sentence to linger without peppering in a little explanation for his behavior:

“Just wasn’t sure if the folks outside were up for bein’ too friendly---not with the, uh, looks they were givin’ me.”

Or, what Xigbar supposed could be interpreted as “looks.” It was difficult to actually tell with their rather inhuman-appearing visages, not exactly offering much in the way of overt facial expression---but, ultimately, he was able to sense that they weren’t interested in displaying any hostility. Just… feeling curious, perhaps.

[thefatalmarksman]

𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘴. | accepting!

@litoredeem​ sent:  “ no. absolutely not. no way. i’m not letting you do this. ”

“And what’re ya gonna do, huh?” The taunt drips malicious, a sneer elongating horizontal, stretching the scar there---pupil dilating like a predator examining its pitiful, helpless prey. “You think you could really stop me, huh? Think you could actually stand up to me?”

The mockery that fills his tone---the utter hilarity of it all. The young Keyblade master exudes so very much potential, and yet still has so very much to learn---but that was all fine and well. Xigbar would be more than happy to teach him.

He lifts his hand into view---in which he wields his phone, which had the delivery app open and awaiting orders.

“We’re gettin’ pineapple on that pizza, bro. And there’s nothin’ you can do about it.”

[thefatalmarksman]

closed starter for @dichotomouskey​

Despite what those ivory chess pieces would say, the brightest Light is capable of yielding the deepest of Darkness.

And he can feel it now: that sixth sense, prickling within the right side of his skull---something approaching that brims with utmost hatred, draped in a vile void of malicious Darkness.

Darkness doesn’t have to be evil, of course---but whatever this thing is, it sure as hell is as bad as it gets.

Coolly, though, Xigbar would greet whatever this creature wishes to present itself as, curiosity his commander as it seeps from the shadows in its steady approach. His hands remain still, his stance relaxed, though at any given moment, summoning his weaponry would be as quick and effortless as a single blink.

Time to see what this nasty bugger is.

[thefatalmarksman]

𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘴. | accepting!

@bidotheuncanny​ sent:  “ you have no idea how glad i am to see you. ”

In Xigbar’s arms, the little guy weighed about a paper clip’s worth, though the tail makes him slightly more unwieldy than he likely would be without it. However, there’s no way Xigbar’s going to be dropping him from this sort of height, suspended as he is to capture the lizard man from what would have been a death drop for the average being.

Xigbar didn’t have to wonder at all what had initiated that would-be fatal fall in the first place---the shouts increasing in volume from the rooftops overhead were an indicator that somehow, some way, his uncanny acquaintance had pissed off the wrong people. The racket is what had captured his attention in the first place, and the serendipitous rescue had been at the very last moment.

Good thing he could teleport and stand mid-air like this.

“Lemme guess: you got yourself into some trouble and I gotta save your hide?”

[cryptidsncurios]

Something for the pretty-dashing-roguish-mystery man, himself? It would be her pleasure. She doesn't know exactly where his preferences in the world of sweet delights may lie, so if she's tailoring based off of impression alone: Honey decides to aim for something sweet, rich, and layered; without getting TOO fussy about the whole ordeal.

A solid, chocolate cake soaked in blackberry cordial and whiskey forms the basis of a gateau, finished with a layer of blackberry preserves, whipped mascarpone, and tart raspberry-pomegranate syrup, topped with another round of cake on-top— which she decorates with a few piped dollops of the sweet, creamy filling to outline a heart, and nestles a little berry into each peak. enjoy, pretty man ( ˘͈ ᵕ ˘͈♡)

If the sweet lil missy were to explain the entirety of such a recipe to him, Xigbar would be able to understand maybe half of it if, even he paid proper attention; after all, developing a sense of culinary expertise had never been one of his primary focuses during his travels, and he had always been content with simple, quick bites rather than focusing on the more decadent flavors the palate had to offer.

Nonetheless, he would damn well take this gift without hesitation.

“That’s a mighty fine treat ya got me there, girlie---I’ll be sure to savor each bite. Though, unfortunately, you’ll hafta take an I.O.U. on my end, seein’ as I wasn’t prepared for someone actually givin’ me somethin’ so nice.”

[cryptidsncurios]

hozier lyrics, unreal unearth edition | Accepting! @soldierunderfire sent:  ❛ darkness always finds you either way. ❜ - for kuja owo in a vague context; i wanna see what you do w/it c:

He’s perched on the top of her couch---not on the cushions, properly, but literally on the headrest, as per usual---in the center of her apartment. What would likely be considered a bothersome position to most, but Rossy seemed to not particularly mind his presence these days---something that was rare, given the dull acquaintances Xigbar was typically forced to interact with.

Yet the strange statement snapped him from the teasing vein of conversation they had been chasing---Xigbar threatening to initiate a party in her living space with all sorts of unhinged buddies from all corners of the galaxy, her chastising him in her usual way, followed by a jab about all the insane beverages that would be hauled her way---the usual banter that pepped Xigbar up from lingering on any rotten ruminations that might settle over him during his hours of solitude. This statement seemed far more… pensive than what he had expected. A left turn, given the oddly detached way she spoked.

This prodded him to drop from his spot onto the actual seat, eyebrows furrowed, lips pursed in a fashion that depicted serious thought.

“What kinda things, Ross?” Xigbar prompted---actually dropping the silly “y” he added to the end of the nickname---actually shifting into a softer mode.

A side of him that not everyone had the privilege of witnessing---but, despite all the logic he had accumulated over the centuries, it happened every so often.

“Take a load off, girlie---" and he extended his arm over the headrest in a welcoming gesture, "---tell ol’ Xigbar what nasty brain-critters’re ailin’ ya.”