AXR #WCC27

Confused by the title? Good!

Hello, KHA! Gamer here once more to deliver some stories! But this time it’s under the guise of...

The Writing Club!

Yes, like how there’s an Art Club (as well as an Editing Club, which kinda died), there is in fact an official Writing Club on here! Just kinda been dead for a good long while (like... a year? Oops-)

But our dear club leader Kin no Okamí wishes for it’s revival, and so I shall start up the engines! So consider this an unofficial semi-revival!

”But what’s the prompt for this story?” None of your are wondering. Well, this answer to that is...

Days of Aria

You’re probably as confused as I was when I first read that. Well, it’s actually really simple! Basically you just take a song you really like and connect it with a character, then make some sort of scenario out of it.

When this first challenge came out I think I was still pretty new to the club so I wanted to do it, but unfortunately I couldn’t think of anything. Now, about a yeah and a half later, I’m finally getting the inspiration for this thing. Ironic how life works.

Anyways, this challenge is actually gonna be separated into 3 stories for 3 songs! That’s how much of an inspiration I got. With all of that stuff out of the way, let’s get started.

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ♫ ⋅.} ───── ⊰

Axel was lying down on his bed in The Castle That Never Was, phone one his hand. His mind was racing with thoughts, the words and feelings crashing and causing him to get frustrated. Xion running off and him having to chase her, Roxas trying to get into stuff that he shouldn’t, even the words that Saïx said to him was plaguing him. Then there was Xigbar, spreading rumors about Xemnas and Xion for some reason.

”This is stupid... why did all of this drama have to happen?” He was silent before he heard a ding from his phone.

”Now playing ‘Drama’ by AJR”. Axel sat up, bewildered. He hadn’t even said the thing’s name or asked it to do something, how did that even happen? He knew Xigbar was giving him a piece of junk the moment he saw his smirk. But he chose to let it play out of curiosity. Who knew, it could be something he’d like.

As the song started up, vocals began playing. They sung to something that sounded akin to ‘hold up’ as if something major had just happened. Pretty soon the lyrics started up.

When did all of my friends become so loud? We act like reality shows, probably cause reality blows. When did all my friends become so loud? We traded our boring lives for MTV story lines, why?

The music began picking up, with violin strokes playing repeatedly.

Recently he said that she said that we said some shit that you wouldn’t believe. Recently he said that she said that we said that he said some shit about me.

Axel couldn’t help but feel how much this felt like the situation he was in. Things were fine, then suddenly everyone up and started making a bunch of noise. Perplexed to see how this would go, he let it continue.

So we’re caught up in drama! (Everybody’s talking, everybody’s talking!) We’re caught up in problems! (Everybody’s talking, everybody’s talking! Ooh ahhh!) Hold up, hold up, can we make it stop? Hold up, hold up, but I’m so caught up in drama! (Everybody’s talking, everybody’s talking now!)

Again, Axel could relate to this.

When did our problems get so small? We break up with lovers and friends, make love to the rumors instead. Maybe we’re addicted to it all. The drama is dangerous, but it’s so exciting to us.

He wasn’t sure they were exactly “addicted” to what was happening, if anything they probably wanted to end it just as badly as he did. Well, most of them. Xigbar and Saïx he didn’t really get sometimes. Larxene definitely was one for drama, she made half of it in the castle. But it did feel like they were “breaking up” as friends.

Recently he said that she said that we said some shit you wouldn’t believe. Recently he said that she said that we said that he said some shit about me. So we’re caught up in drama! (Everybody’s talking, everybody’s talking.) We’re caught up in problems! (Everybody’s talking, everybody’s talking! Ooh ahhh!) Hold up, hold up, can we make it stop? Hold up, hold up. But I’m so caught up in drama! (Everybody’s talkin’, everybody’s talkin’ now!)

(Ahh, ahh, ahh!) When did my friends get so loud? (Ahhh, ahhh, ahhh!) When did my friends get so loud? (Wahhh, wahhh, wahhh!) When did my friends get so loud? (Wahhh, ahhh, ahhh!) Oh when did my friends get loud?

Recently he said that she said that we said some shit you wouldn’t believe. Recently he said that she said that we said that he said some shit about me. So we’re caught up in drama! (Everybody’s talking, everybody’s talking.) We’re caught up in problems! (Everybody’s talking, everybody’s talking! Ooh ahhh!) Hold up, hold up, can we make it stop? Hold up, hold up. But I’m so caught up in drama! (Everybody’s talkin’, everybody’s talkin’ now!)

The song finished up with some techno notes and mixed up versions of the vocals. Axel stared out the window for a moment, thinking about what he just listened to. He then suddenly got up and left the room, determined to put an end to the drama.

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ♫ ⋅.} ───── ⊰

And that’s it for the first song! I tried my best to put in what Axel would think about it, but unfortunately I didn’t do that too well in my opinion. The other two are probably gonna be the same.

I tried my best to show why I feel like this song is really relatable to what Axel went through, especially towards the end of 358/2 Days. You can tell with how he acts with Xion when they fight in front of the mansion that he doesn’t get why any of this has to happen, he just wants the friendship they had before. But unfortunately things only get more out of hand until Roxas *demonetized* Xion and he gets captured by Riku. Only in the long run do things end peacefully for them.

Also! If you’re curious to listen to the actual song, you can find the link here: Drama

Now, onto song number two!

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ♫ ⋅.} ───── ⊰

Xion found herself sitting by a café in Twilight Town. She shouldn’t have just been sitting out in the open like this, but... she just needed to escape everything for a moment. She didn’t want to hide from Roxas and Axel, but Riku needed her help. Sora needed her help. She knew what she had to do, but... she couldn’t help but wish she could also just stay with them.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a nearby radio suddenly turning on. Someone had messed with the dials and switched it to a station. The host began announcing the next song.

”Next up, Don’t Throw Out My Legos, by AJR!” That was a strange song name to be sure, and the opening bit was equally strange. A bizarre sounding chorus and an unusual beat. But once it picked up, Xion found herself tapping her foot to it. Were those car keys beating on pots?

My new address is hard to , so I wrote it on the back of my hand. Cause I leave the nest this coming December to make it as a grown man. I’m ‘bout to lose my only defenders, I’m packing up whatever I can.

Xion knew the feeling of having trouble finding her new ‘home’ with Riku. Though it was more a base than anything. Losing her defenders, would that be Axel and Roxas?

Been waiting for today but all I can think to say is “Oh no, don’t throw out my legos. What if I can’t let go? What if I come back home? Oh no, don’t throw out my legos, what if I can’t let go? What if I come back home, back home? Can we keep my legos at home? Cause I wanna move out, but I don’t wanna move on.”

It went back to the same powerful beat from before. Xion wasn’t exactly sure what “Legos” were, but she had a feeling she’d understand if she kept listening.

People wear shirts with our band name on it, suddenly we ain’t so bad. Saved up enough to rent an apartment far away from mom and dad. My Christmas card looks like a mugshot cause suddenly I’m getting sad.

Again, more words she didn’t understand. She couldn’t feel sad, but... she felt SOMETHING about all of the stuff that had been happening.

Been waiting for today but all I can think to say is “Oh no, don’t throw out my legos. What if I can’t let go? What if I come back home? Oh no, don’t throw out my legos, what if I can’t let go? What if I come back home, back home? Can we keep my legos at home? Cause I wanna move out, but I don’t wanna move on. Can we keep my legos at home? Cause I wanna move out I don’t wanna move on.” Oohhh, ohhhh.

Suddenly the song switched up a bit, the music getting a bit more quiet with rapid clapping.

It’s cold out there, you’re standing there, trying to face your greatest fears. You’re shivering, you’re trembling. It’s warm in here so come back in.

That didn’t feel like the singer saying that... maybe the mom and dad? She wasn’t sure.

Oh no, don’t throw out my legos. What if I can’t let go? What if I come back home, back home? Oh no, don’t throw out my legos, what if I can’t let go? What if I come back home, back home?

The music and vocals began to get more intense and loud.

OH NO, DON’T THROW OUT MY LEGOS, WHAT IF I CAN’T LET IT GO? WHAT IF I COME BACK HOME, BACK HOME? OH NO, I’LL COME BACK WHEM I’M GROWN, IT WON’T BE THE SAME THOUGH. I CAN’T EVEN GO HOME, GO HOME.

Can we keep my legos at home? Cause I wanna move out... I don’t wanna move on.

Xion sat there in a daze, the last few lines playing again in her head. When she hit “I can’t even go home”, she found herself bursting into tears.

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ♫ ⋅.} ───── ⊰

Like with Axel, I chose this song for Xion because I feel like it’s extremely relatable for her. She might not have any Legos, but she’s got her friends and memories back at the castle. She has to move on to help Riku with awakening and bringing back Sora. But she doesn’t want to let go of what she has, hence why I chose this song.

If you wanna give it a listen, the link is here: Don’t Throw Out My Legos

Now, onto the final song!

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ♫ ⋅.} ───── ⊰

Roxas found himself staring at the ceiling while his back was against his bed. His hand was raised towards the ceiling above him, his thoughts a jumble.

”Who am I...?” He stared for a bit longer before he heard a loud thud. He bolted up and looked towards the entrance of his room where on the floor was... Demyx?

”Oh! Uh, hey, Roxas! Kinda tripped while I was ing by.” Demyx managed to get himself up, brushing his cloak sleeves. “So, I happened to overhear you say that little ‘who am I?’ bit.” Roxas squinted at him.

”Were you outside my room listening to me?”

”Woah, what? No way! That’s not my style at all! It was just... coincidence!” Awkward silence. “Anyways... it reminded me of a song I think you’d enjoy! Personally it’s iffy but I think it’s your kind of music. Existential and all that. Er, non-existential? I dunno.” Roxas was silent for a moment before giving a bit of a sigh. If anyone knew music around here, it would be Demyx.

”Alright, what’s it called?”

”Netflix Trip!” A look of confusion entered Roxas’ face. “I don’t really get the name either, I think it’s a thing in some other world. Just give it a try though, it’s by a group called AJR.” With his mission done, Demyx left the room... to continue his lurking. He wanted to know what Roxas thought after all. Roxas at first just stared at the door entryway before finally pulling out his phone and searching up the song. He hit play and put it down.

I had my first crush in season two, she ed me notes and filled our hands with glue. And in my corduroys we’d walk to school, I sat and crossed my legs like Jim would do. She moved away I was on season three, it hit my heart so hard I’d hardly speak. But I could find some peace and privacy, a paper company to sit with me.

Roxas was mostly just confused so far. Sure it was nice, but Demyx made it sound like he’d connect with it. Then the song picked up.

Who are we to wonder where we’re going? Who am I to tell me who I am? Let’s take it back and take in every moment. Who am I to tell me who I am?

That part hit Roxas hard. So that’s what Demyx meant by existential.

I turned down Jameson when I was twelve, I spent that Friday night with Steve Carell. The one where Dwight became the head of sales, my eighth grade graduation wished me well. I lost my grandpa during season six. I watched my mom, she cried and held her kids. My mind was broken up I couldn’t think, so I just hugged her the way Michael did.

Who are we to wonder where we’re going? Who am I to tell me who I am? Let’s take it back and take in every moment. Who am I to tell me who I am?

The Roxas was in a bit of a daze. They’d gone through pain and suffering just like he had, and it’d effected them hard hence the lines. The song continued with a bunch of ahhhs.

(Ahhhhh) Wonder where we’re going. (Ahhhhh) Tell me who I am. (Ahhhhh) Take in every moment. (Ahhhhh) Hold it close again.

Now the finale’s dome and I’m alone, I’m on a Netflix trip here on my phone. But who I am is in these episodes, so don’t you tell me that it’s just a show.

WHO ARE WE TO WONDER WHERE WE’RE GOING, WHO AM I TO TELL ME WHO I AM? LET’S TAKE IT BACK AND TAKE IN EVERY MOMENT, WHO AM I TO TELL ME WHO I AM? OH, BUT WHO ARE WE TO WONDER WHERE WE’RE GOING? WHO AM I TO TELL ME WHO I AM? LET’S TAKE IT BACK AND TAKE IN EVERY MOMENT, WHO AM I TO TELL ME WHO I AM?

Who am I to tell me who I am? Who am I... to tell me who I am?

Roxas wasn’t sure what to make of most of it. ‘But who I am is in these episodes’... maybe it was more like their life story? So the stuff that he went through made him up. So why couldn’t Roxas be the same? Yeah. He was Roxas, wielder of the Keyblade, friend of Axel and Xion. And he would do his best to keep it that way.

⊱ ────── {.⋅ ♫ ⋅.} ───── ⊰

For those of you who are screaming it: yes, this song is about The Office

But it’s more then that. It’s also about how even things as simple as a TV show can shape who we are, how we react or what we think. Music, games (such as KH), toys, anything.

The reason why I feel like this works well with Roxas particularly (besides all of the existential stuff) is: Sea Salt ice cream. His entire life story revolves around the stuff: his first mission with Axel, them becoming friends. Missing him, then becoming friends with Xion. Axel, Xion and him hanging out while watching the Sunset. The ironic “Winner” stick as his friendship is falling apart. The final ice cream with Xion before they fight and he kills her. Him hanging out with Hayner, Pence and Olette while he falls off a building (I’m still hella confused by that bit), then finally reuniting with all of his friends (and Isa) after everything is over with Xehanort. We joke about it, but I don’t think we really stop to think about just how meaningful it is to them. It’s a symbol of their friendship, of the joys and sorrows they’ve had.

Anyways that was a heck of a ramble

Did you notice something though? All three of the songs were done by AJR. What’s Axel, Xion and Roxas’ first letters? AXR

Ha hA yes I’m so clever

Like the others, link to the song here: Netflix Trip

For those of you who don’t know though: AJR is a band with three artists: Adam, Jack and Ryan (hence AJR). They’ve become my favorite band in the past year, with Netflix Trip being my all time favorite song. I recommend giving them a listen at some point.

Though fair warning, there is f-bombs in a couple of their songs, as well as drug and alcohol references. But most of their songs are chill.

Anyways, I hope that you enjoyed this post! Gamer out!

#CuratorReview

#WCC27