ravenheart95
Human
Yo, Socrates, it's a cookie.
Posts: 328
Gender: Male
Age: 22
|
Post by ravenheart95 on Mar 4, 2020 16:55:45 GMT -5
The smoke clearing showed the Bookmaster still standing as if nothing happened. ”Magic won’t work!” The tip was nice to have now, even if it would've been helpful earlier. Readying himself for a different attack, Yuto watched as Wedge took a Blizzard spell at point-blank range.
Running over to see if his comrade was ok, the man could feel his rage rising. Glaring over at the Bookmaster, Yuto went into his Dark Flare form before launching himself at the Heartless and unleashing a flurry of blows with both weapons, causing it to dissolve into a mist of darkness.
Having failed to notice the Lance Warrior until it was already flying to Wedge at top speed. Using his Flame Dash to close the distance, Yuto managed to get in front of Wedge and take the brunt of its attack. The force of a metal-clad Heartless colliding with him full force sent the man flying off to the side.
Rising to his feet and wiping a bit of blood from his mouth, the dual-wielder used his Shadow Strike to get some breathing room for everyone before using his healing magic. Yuto pointed his bat at Wedge, "Mend". Using his healing to fix up the person he was fighting with.
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Mar 10, 2020 11:28:14 GMT -5
”WEDGE!” Having finished with the Iron Hammers, Biggs shouted across the battlefield. Rushing towards his shorter twin, the shielded warrior began to rush forward while Yuto finished off the Book-Master. Standing in front of Wedge with his shield raised, Biggs shouted out a warrior’s cry as the Lance Warrior rushed in. It was then that Yuto dashed in front of both horned warriors, using his Flame Dash in order to collide with the zig-zagging Heartless. CRUNCH! CLANG! A sickening crunch was heard as Yuto was launched backwards, the Heartless skewing off its path as it pummeled into the rough ground.
Following the collision with an attack, Yuto allowed the trio breathing room as he healed Wedge with his magic. ”Thanks.” The shorter warrior seemed more on his feet than before, standing upright and gripping his hammer with new vigor. Biggs nodded his appreciation as well before charging forward and slashing into the remaining Heartless with his broadsword. Finally the clearing was empty, save for the three warriors. ”You’re good.” Biggs and Wedge sheathed their weapons, though their trained hands remained near the handles. One couldn’t be too careful on the road. Pointing up the hill, Biggs and Wedge spoke in unison. ”The castle is ahead.” With that, they were off, hardly resting before trudging up the steep hill, motioning for Yuto to follow.
At the top of the hill, the three stood on a circular stone platform at the base of the ancient castle. Unbeknownst to the two horned warriors, this area was far from unfamiliar to Yuto—who had come here previously to see the Vagabond’s lair. Pointing passed the floor they stood on, Wedge spoke to Yuto as though it were his first time here. ”Beneath the castle are tunnels—they lead into the main building.” Without much other explanation, the two horned warriors began to cross the stone floor, leaping off the edge and onto the jagged purple cliff path below. Ahead was the massive underground entrance, shrouded in shadow.
”Get the lights.” Unlike the Vagabond, Biggs and Wedge could hardly make their way through the tunnels without some sort of light, to see. Pulling off the small knapsack on his back, Wedge retrieved two small lanterns. Holding them towards Yuto, the warrior nodded gruffly. ”Fire?” Both warriors stared expectantly. It seemed that they had noticed his use of fire magic during the battle.
Not having magic themselves, perhaps it was more about wanting to see more of it, rather than not having the proper tools.
|
|
ravenheart95
Human
Yo, Socrates, it's a cookie.
Posts: 328
Gender: Male
Age: 22
|
Post by ravenheart95 on Mar 10, 2020 15:38:04 GMT -5
Having had a chance to catch his breath while the twins were putting an end to the fight, Yuto used one of his potions. Though it didn't look like it did much, Yuto certainly felt better. 'Knew these would come in handy.' Looking over, he saw the two men at the top of the hill, motioning for him to join them.
After a moment or two, he reached the warriors who were explaining how they were going to enter the castle. Yuto nodded along, choosing not to say anything about his previous trip here or the Vagabond's hideout. If anyone were to tell people, it should be the Vagabond.
Following the twins into the mouth of the tunnel system, the man saw them take out lanterns. 'Understandable, not everyone can navigate this place via muscle memory.' Wedge's request was met with a nod and a warm smile. "No problem." Yuto pointed his bat at the lanterns, causing them to light instantly. "I'll take the front if that's fine with you guys. You did take a bit of a beating in that last fight." He was concerned for the twin's well-being, but since he also had experience with heartless jumping out in dark places and also having explored the tunnels while waiting for the Vagabond, he felt more comfortable being in the front of the group.
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Mar 11, 2020 13:14:29 GMT -5
”No problem.” Lighting the lanterns in the horned warrior’s hand, Yuto provided the team with means to navigate the spiraling tunnel system beneath the castle. ”I’ll take the front if that’s fine with you guys.” Looking between each other, the two twins nodded and shrugged in response. Handing Yuto one of the lanterns, Biggs and Wedge would follow him into the tunnels. ”We know the way—just turn when we say so.” Standing behind him beside each other, the two prepared themselves.
Holding his broadsword in one hand and lantern in the other, Biggs held his light high behind the two, illuminating all of them and a bit in the back. Wedge stood in the middle, both hands on his heavy Warhammer. Both were sharp, aware and vigilant as the three would walk into the darkness. With high smooth walls that loomed to a dark ceiling, the underground was always surprisingly spacious. For Yuto, this would be very familiar. Biggs and Wedge were familiar with it, too, though much more paranoid.
”Careful, there may be new traps now…” Wedge looked around, Biggs nodding in agreement, silent and stoic as the horned warrior stayed aware. ”Look—“ Pointing at a wall illuminated by their lantern light, Biggs had seen something similar before. A faint purple symbol glinted on the wall near the floor—almost unnoticeable due to the heavy shadows cast. ”—not a trap?” Wedge had squatted down to get a closer look, too, glancing over his shoulder at Yuto with a questioning expression. ”Hm...seen this—“ Biggs turned to Wedge as the two nodded in understanding. ”The wizard.” Wedge’s realization had come only shortly after—the two really were twinned in almost everything other than height.
”So—no Heartless?” Biggs sounded incredulous. It made sense—with how infested this area normally was, the fact it was so quiet had just set him on edge more than anything. The three’s journey in dimness would be undisturbed, until finally they came across the hallway that split—to the right was the ornate door that led to what the Vagabond called his ‘lab’. To the left…dark looming tunnels and shadow continued on—marking their unseen destination. Still small symbols glinted and shimmered with faint purple hues in the darkness, now more apparent to a trained eye.
”This way.” Gesturing towards the left, Biggs and Wedge would guide Yuto until after what felt like hours (though really wasn’t) of darkness, the sound of rushing water greeted their ears—a faint echo. Continuing ahead the area would brighten as the three stumbled upon a mysterious labyrinth of rooms. Ahead was a large pool of water, behind it a small cobblestone platform with a large floating bubble illuminating the area. Wedge and Biggs sighed in unison as they put out their lanterns, collecting them and placing them back into a knapsack. ”This part…” The two spoke at the same time yet again—all too unenthusiastically.
It seemed nothing good lied ahead.
|
|
ravenheart95
Human
Yo, Socrates, it's a cookie.
Posts: 328
Gender: Male
Age: 22
|
Post by ravenheart95 on Mar 31, 2020 15:46:21 GMT -5
Yuto walked through the tunnels with a small amount of familiarity. So much has happened today that it felt like it was weeks since he and the Vagabond were in his lab. Turning to check if the twins were still behind him, only to see them looking at a glowing purple marking. Yuto thought about telling them about the lab that the Vagabond called home, it wasn't that far from where they stood. He thought better of it though, it wasn't his information to tell.
He continued to walk with the twins until they hit a fork. Looking to the ornate door, Yuto felt a small smile creep onto his face. It'll be nice to sleep somewhere safe when we're done.
”This way.” The man looked over to see one of the twins pointing down the left hall, into the darkness. After walking for what felt like forever, Yuto heard what sounded like running water. A bit further gave way to an area that made the man's head spin. What is this place? I've never seen it before. His eyes scanning the room and eventually landing on the floating bubble. "So, what do we do now?"
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Apr 1, 2020 17:19:45 GMT -5
Biggs and Wedge both had scowling grimaces on their faces. ”Hold your breath.” Without much other warning the taller of the two, Biggs, was heaving Yuto by the armpit as the three jumped directly into the gigantic bubble. Yuto and the others would be floating within, much as though they had just jumped into a pool, while the orb began to dive under the water, exposing the labyrinth beneath. Despite the blur of their underwater vision, the trio would be able to make out countless ‘tubes’ formed in the large body of water within the castle’s under-layer. The ‘tubes’ were not built by any structures, however, just the water itself. ”Blugib” Bubbles escaped from Wedge’s muttering mouth to no avail as the three plunged forward.
”Gah! I hate this magic maze!” Wedge’s voice strangled echoes throughout the dimly lit space as they were released from the bubble. The room they stood in seemed nearly identical, save for the dark hallway on the right. ”Lanterns wet.” The useless item hung on Biggs belt, refusing to light despite his attempts. Already wandering towards the hall, Wedge’s footsteps sloshed as he continued on. Silently nodding to Yuto, Biggs followed suit. Everything was oddly still—empty. It had been like that on their way through the cave tunnels, too. A pair of dimly lit bubbles exposed themselves, hovering silently in shallow pools. ”Ah! Look!” Pointing at the ground, Wedge knelt and scrutinized a faint sigil seemingly etched into the cobblestone.
Giving off a faint purple glow, the symbol sat directly in front of the left bubble. ”The wizard’s work?” Biggs glanced in Yuto’s direction before Wedge chimed in. ”Good. Maps wet, too.” Without waiting for an answer, the shorter of the two horned warriors leapt forward into the left, disappearing from sight as they traversed through the water. ”Tch—idiot!” Rushing to the edge where the vacant spot now remained, Biggs swiped at the empty air as he sloshed in the shallow water. ”Urgh…I don’t remember—do they come back?” Scratching at his head, Biggs sighed before stepping back next to Yuto, resting his hands on his hips. ”I guess we wait.”
Crrrrr—eeeeeaaaaak! Wincing at how much noise he made, the Vagabond stepped through the impossibly large elaborate door. The hooded vagrant walked into a glorious room—one with incredibly tall ceilings and walls lined with books. Pillars supporting the structure even had the occasional shelve, tables littered with ancient and well preserved tomes as though nothing worthwhile was in them. ”W-what the—?” He hadn’t expected to find a Library in such a castle. The momentary awe distracted him from his fatigue. The journey had been long and arduous, as countless powerful Heartless roamed. At least I’m gettin’ the hang of that technique. It had been the only upside to the journey. Making his way to a nearby table, the Vagabond scraped the chair out before plopping into it.
”Sigh…man, I don’t remember the last time I was thi—“ Something on the table grabbed his attention. Bolting upright into his seat, the hooded vagrant immediately clutched at the loose-leafed paper, his shrouded eyes pouring over it greedily. ”The Report!” His voice was a hushed whisper, one of disbelief. It wasn’t one of the sections he was now missing, but a new one he had never seen before. ”I thought those would pique your interest~” A regal voice, echoing from all around, humor and amusement lingering on its wind. Creak! SLAM! The Vagabond stood clutching the piece of the Report, the chair he had sat in toppling over behind him, clattering to the floor.
”Who—?!”
”Your friend’s more useful than mine.” Biggs spoke to Yuto as his retort cut into Wedge’s pride. Following the markings left behind by the Vagabond, the party had managed to head through the odd bubble labyrinth without issue. The three now stood at a large open golden gate, exposing countless long marbled walkways and other arched gates and pillars beyond. All of the snaking stone paths were attached to the Castle walls, suspending in the air. Below and around was nothing but sunset sky. Odd mechanics floating in the air, shaped like stars, sparked vibrantly with a faint light. ”Seems he left us a path.” Biggs led the way, keeping a hand hovering over his broadsword. Wedge was slow to follow, having spent most of the time silently sulking after getting chewed out by Biggs for his earlier stunt.
Following the marble walkway up, the three turned a corner that exposed an oddly shaped elevator, hovering by one of the sparking star mechanics. Another long marbled walkway connected up ahead, forming a ‘U’ that met two enormous castle doors. Already slightly ajar, the massive doors seemed small in comparison to the Castle’s visage. Mountainous towers snaked high into the air, some decayed and exposing rusted gears and other mechanics—others seeming to have withstood the test of time. As Biggs took a step to lead them towards the walkway that headed for the large doors, a familiar darkness seemed to taint the area. Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Biggs and Wedge shouted out in unison as they drew their weapons, preparing for the Heartless that had begun to emerge. It seemed that if the Vagabond had left any seals in this area, they either hadn't worked or had been shattered. Darkballs shook and quivered before rocketing towards the group, aided by swooping Wyverns and a swift NeoShadow. Taking the vanguard, Biggs brought up his shield, grunting in effort as a Darkball collided head on with his guard. Though the horned warrior was forced to take a step back, he kept his footing and was soon pushing forward, shouting out as his broadsword flashed and swung into the monster.
Wedge was quick to assist his twin—leaping to Biggs side in order to deflect a Wyvern’s claw attack with his large hammer. Another Darkball was heading directly towards him, but Yuto’s attention would most likely be pulled towards the NeoShadow that had slipped passed both his comrades. Appearing from a shadow on the marbled floor before Yuto, the NeoShadow was quick to swipe out with its fast claws as another Wyvern began to descend upon the three, lashing out in long arcs that would target one, then another and another. It seemed their presence in the Castle hadn't gone unnoticed.
[[ENEMIES: 2 Darkballs, 2 Wyverns, 1 NeoShadows]]
|
|
ravenheart95
Human
Yo, Socrates, it's a cookie.
Posts: 328
Gender: Male
Age: 22
|
Post by ravenheart95 on Apr 1, 2020 21:22:44 GMT -5
While Yuto was trying to figure out how to navigate further, he felt a hand under his arm. Before he could protest the three of them were flying underwater. "Blaaaaaaagh!" His shout being taken by the water, Yuto held on for dear life.
Having come up on the other side, the man spent a good minute coughing and regaining his breath. ”The wizard’s work?” Yuto looked over to see a faint purple marking on the floor. "Yeah, it's his." As glad as he is to know that the Vagabond is nearby, he was as equally uneasy. What would bring him to a place like this? The shorter of the two brothers launched himself passed the two of them and into the water, causing Yuto to stare in amazement. That's something I'd do. He smiled a bit at the thought. After a bit of a wait, Wedge returned only to be chastised by Biggs. Yuto felt bad, there was no need to be so harsh.
Having followed the markings the Vagabond left, much to Yuto's dismay as it meant lots of underwater travel, the group emerged in front of a giant gate. It's so...different. The mechanisms were fascinating to look at, he wondered how they worked. He followed Biggs while taking in everything, stopping in front of the door. Something felt off, really off.
As if on cue, a group of Heartless appeared. Darkballs and a Neoshadow wouldn't be tough, Yuto had experience with them. The other two were new to him though. Before he could think of a plan, the Heartless all shot forward at once. He didn't have a chance to look to see how the others were doing as the Neoshadow tried to blind-side him. Bringing out his Replikeyblade, Yuto managed to block the Neoshadow's blows before knocking it back. Grabbing his bat, Yuto rushed the Neoshadow with a flurry of blows before aiming his bat at the Heartless. "Burn!" A large black fireball launched itself forward, igniting the Neoshadow and eventually causing it to disappear in a mist of darkness.
Jumping away from some swipes delivered by the flying heartless, Yuto could only hope the other two were doing alright.
[[ENEMIES: 2 Darkballs, 2 Wyverns]]
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Apr 1, 2020 21:51:59 GMT -5
Having counter-attacked, Biggs pressed against the Darkball, slashing and hacking at it with his broadsword in between guards. The Wyvern swooping only hindered the warrior, who was forced to raise his shield in order to block the aerial attacks. Though mighty with the sword, not being able to block the Darkballs lunging attacks proved difficult. Wedge was faring better, having used his large hammer to hit a tackling Darkball into a Wyvern, causing the two to topple over the walkway railing. Though the winged Heartless returned with vigor, the Darkball plummeted into the endless sky below.
”The doors!” As Yuto finished off the NeoShadow, Wedge would shout out, pointing at the large ornate doors—which were now slamming shut. THUD! Clamping closed, the gigantic doors were soon guarded by two large armored Heartless, Defenders, appearing from portals of darkness. ”Uh oh—“ Finishing off the Darkball he had struggled with, Biggs wiped the sweat from his brow as he cursed the new presence. Him and Wedge had only ever faced a few of these Heartless with spinning shields that held biting dog heads on the front, animated and lively with beady yellow eyes. ”—they’re tough.” Wedge was quick to act, diving away from the door and towards the other walkway leading away from the ‘U’ shape.
”Watch out!” Skkkkkksssssst! A fireball hurled through the air, aimed directly for Wedge. Skkkkkkoooooom! A second blasted directly towards Yuto! The two Defenders had used their Fira magic, spitting forth from the mouths of the beasts adorning their spiked shields. The armored Heartless were slow, but powerful. Diving forward, Biggs raised his shield in order to block the oncoming spell from hitting Yuto—blasting over the swordsman as he barreled into the exterior of the Castle. THUMP! Crumbling to the floor, Biggs sword clattered on the marbled walkway as his form smoldered and smoked.
”Cough! Urgh…” Trying to stand up, the horned warrior staggered as a loud BOOM! exploded on the other walkway. Wedge lay on the ground facedown, the marbled walkway smoldered and burnt behind him. Luckily the warrior got back up, seeming to have avoided the hit of the spell. The Wyverns used the chance—one swooping after Wedge while the other aimed for Biggs. The armored Defenders, slow as ever, had hardly moved from their place in front of the doors.
Both looked at Yuto, though.
[[ENEMIES: 2 Wyverns, 2 Defenders]]
|
|
ravenheart95
Human
Yo, Socrates, it's a cookie.
Posts: 328
Gender: Male
Age: 22
|
Post by ravenheart95 on Apr 1, 2020 22:37:43 GMT -5
Having watched a Darkball slam into the Wyvern he was trying to avoid, the man looked over to see that Wedge had caused the collision. Giving a quick thumbs-up, Yuto returned back to the fight. Having heard Biggs call out for the door, he turned to see them shut and two dog head shield-wielding Heartless appear. "Joy..." The sarcasm hung heavy in his words.
Seizing up the new Heartless, he watched as they had let fly Fira magic. Seeing that one was headed for Wedge, Yuto went to push the fighter out of the way. He failed to notice the second fireball coming right for him until Biggs jumped in front of it. "Biggs!" He watched as the man was launched through the air.
He turned to the Heartless responsible, his eyes glowing with the same color and intensity as theirs. "Ooooohhhoho. You're gonna pay for that!" Entering his Dark Flare form, the man moved faster than he did last time he was in this form. Almost as fast as when he was in his heart. Having appeared behind the Defenders, Yuto unleashed both his Fire Raid followed by his Flame Dash. Having landed on the ground between the two Heartless, he lifted his bat in the air. "ERUPT!" The columns of flame shot up from the ground, launching the two Defenders high into the air before using his Shadow Strike to finish them off.
After watching the Heartless dissolve into nothingness Yuto turned and ran to make sure Biggs was ok, his eyes back to their relative norm.
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Apr 1, 2020 22:46:34 GMT -5
Fighting off the Wyvern that had followed him, Wedge was slow compared to the winged Heartless. Though the might in his hammer rang true, the speed was something too easily avoided for a swift creature like the Wyvern. Having run up the opposite walkway, Wedge now stood on even ground, leveling off with the Heartless on the marble that continued to snake around the castle. It seemed the pathways they could take were far from limited. Sweating and bleeding from minor wounds, Wedge yelled as he finally managed to catch the Wyvern with his large weapon, felling it to the marble floor before pounding at its head until it dissolved.
While Yuto finished off the two Defenders, a worthy feat in of itself, the remaining Wyvern had flung itself to Biggs. Having barely recovered himself to a kneeling position, the warrior struggled as he heaved his shield up, pummeled into the wall from blocking the Wyvern’s brutal knuckles and claws. Stabbing at the winged beast with his broadsword in between ragged breaths, the horned warrior lost his kneeling position, returned to the floor slumped against the wall as the Wyvern continued to bash and tackle itself against the shield he held.
Just as Yuto would rush over, the winged Heartless would be swooping in on an exposed Biggs. Having taken so many direct hits, the warrior was battered and bruised, blood seeping from beneath the padded leather armor and metal bracers. Unable to lift either his shield or sword, the horned warrior sat defenseless as the Wyvern made its move.
[[ENEMIES: 1 Wyvern]]
|
|
ravenheart95
Human
Yo, Socrates, it's a cookie.
Posts: 328
Gender: Male
Age: 22
|
Post by ravenheart95 on Apr 1, 2020 23:05:32 GMT -5
Yuto watched as the flying Heartless went to attack Biggs. No, no, NO! With another burst of that absurd speed, he managed to put himself between the two at the moment of impact. With a sickening CRACK! the man was sent flying into a wall.
The force of the crash caused the man to spit up blood before falling to a kneeling position. Thankful that his Replikeyblade was wooden, making it easier to lift, he pointed it at Biggs. "Mend!" A green aura and flower appearing around the injured warrior, healing some of his wounds.
Getting to his feet, Yuto called over. "Hey, ya flying lizard!" The man threw a rock at the Wyvern, causing it to turn to him. He then threw up a rude gesture and spit out some blood before smiling. "I've had Shadows hit harder."
He didn't know who was the most shocked, himself, the Heartless, or the brothers if they even were. Biggs, please realize what I'm doing. Please. All Yuto could do was hope that his usual "leap first" behavior had helped more than hurt.
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Apr 2, 2020 0:15:22 GMT -5
With Yuto’s Mend ability healing the worst of Biggs wounds, the horned warrior found himself coming to as Yuto gained the Heartless’ attention. Launching forward in a vicious spiraling tackle, the beaked demon flew through the air to attack Yuto. With renewed muscles Biggs got up from his sitting position, grabbing his broadsword from the ground as he sprang forward in attack. Tackling the flying Heartless just before it would reach Yuto, Biggs would slam his weight into the beast as they tumbled onto the marble floor, finally pinning it with his legs as he brought his sword through its neck.
Across the pair struggling with the Wyvern on the opposite walkway, Wedge heaved in relief as he was finally able a chance to breathe. With his Heartless defeated and the Defenders taken care of, the entrance to the Castle had become almost calm. CRUNCH! A loud slam caused the horned warrior to turn, seeing Yuto thrown around by the Wyvern as Biggs was regaining his feet. Gotta move! Before the warrior could run back down the walkway towards the entrance, a movement caught his eyes. It almost seemed like the flapping of a cape around the corner—like someone running? An odd curiosity came over Wedge, who silently gripped his Warhammer as he walked around the corner, far away from Biggs and Yuto—out of sight.
Heaving from effort, Biggs stood as the remaining enemy dissolved, looking over towards Yuto. ”You okay?” Unlike the dual-wielding hothead, Biggs nor Wedge had any healing capabilities, other than a few vital Potions. Unfortunately, his earlier collision with the wall had destroyed what few glass vials Biggs had carried with him. Maybe Wedge has more? He turned, glancing across the gaping sky that separated the two walkways that ran across the Castle walls. Wedge was nowhere to be seen. "Wedge?" During the battle, the two had been separated. He hadn't been able to keep an eye on his shorter counterpart. The other walkway rose in a slow vertical slope, turning around the Castle wall to the right after leveling out into a long platform. Biggs eyes found the huge Castle doors. Walking up to them, the warrior rose his armored hands to the massive iron bars that crafted the handles.
"Hnnnnnnngh!" Heaving with all his strength, Biggs couldn't even make the doors budged. "They're locked." Nodding as though to agree with his own assessment, Biggs turned to Yuto. "You seen Wedge?" There was no way the smaller horned warrior could have opened such a sizable door, even with his strength.
|
|
ravenheart95
Human
Yo, Socrates, it's a cookie.
Posts: 328
Gender: Male
Age: 22
|
Post by ravenheart95 on Apr 2, 2020 0:35:50 GMT -5
Yuto watched as Biggs put an end to the Heartless, a wave of relief washing over him. He fell on his rear-end and couldn't help but laugh. He's faced death a few times in his life, but this one seemed to have higher stakes. ”You okay?” Yuto gave a thumbs-up and a wince. "Think I broke a rib or two with that stunt." He gave a shrug and reached for one of his potions. He looked to his belt when his hand met shards of glass, only to see that all his potion bottles broke. The man sighed and got rid of the broken bottles. "I'll live. Not like it's the first time."
All he had to do was wait a bit and he could heal himself. Yuto silently thanked the fact that he chose to learn it. He looked over to Biggs, who was trying the door only to find it locked. "Maybe there's another way inside?" It was a large place, it had to have multiple entrances. "And no, last I saw you guys got separated. I'm sure he's fine."
The man understood how it felt to not know where someone he cared about went. "We can go looking for him if we want." He placed a hand on the fighter's shoulder and smiled. "And if we're really lucky, we'll find a way to open those doors."
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Apr 2, 2020 1:04:36 GMT -5
Grimacing, Biggs nodded at Yuto’s words, his gaze lingering on the looming doors. ”Yeah—we’ll find another way.” Who knows—maybe Wedge had found a different path for them already. Turning and heading down the walkway heading up and to the right, Biggs led Yuto onward. The Castle seemed oddly quiet, despite the Heartless’ arrival. The wizard must have fought plenty of Heartless… As the two walked up the marble walkway and made their way to the midway platform, Biggs turned to the gaping dark entrance that loomed to their right. ”Hm…” Upon closer inspection, the dark entryway was guarded by armored statues, silent and unmoving.
”Couldn’t of gone that way…” Turning back to the walkway that continued on from the platform, leading up to another level and continuing on to the right, Biggs figured Wedge would have battled further up. ”C’mon!” Running passed Yuto and up the walkway, the horned warrior made his way to the next platform above, keeping his broadsword out and ready. Turning to the right and out of view, Biggs disappeared, leaving Yuto to follow on the platform below. Before being able to follow the horned warrior, a faint voice would reach Yuto’s ears. It was murky and echoed, almost as though underwater. A powerful yet entrancing voice.
”You smell like him.” A sudden breeze would pass through the open area, the orange setting sky waning shadows across all. Crrrrreeeeeeeak. Behind Yuto, back down the marble walkway they had run up, the Castle doors had slowly opened. Only opening ajar, the heavy looming doors revealed nothing about what lurked within. Murky shadow and dark mystery were the only things Yuto would be able to see through the crack.
”Don’t you wonder? About what sleeps within you? Within him?”
|
|
ravenheart95
Human
Yo, Socrates, it's a cookie.
Posts: 328
Gender: Male
Age: 22
|
Post by ravenheart95 on Apr 2, 2020 1:26:30 GMT -5
Yuto followed Biggs up the walkway and was about to continue when a voice wormed its way into his ear. I smell like him? Smell... He thought for a moment before the pieces clicked into place. Vagabond! The man turned in place, trying to find the source of the voice. "Where is he? We need his help."
The questions the voice posed gave Yuto pause. Did this person know about what he could do? Ways to control it? Finally answers to his questions! It felt almost surreal.
Hearing a noise in the distance, he saw the front door open ajar. It felt strange and his internal alarms were going off. Shaking the feeling off, he called to Biggs. "The door opened!" Before waiting for a response, Yuto ran towards the door and the secrets it held.
After running to the door and pushing it open with as much strength he could muster, he found himself in a large foyer with a wall-mounted fountain in the distance. Eerie. Wincing after removing himself from the door, Yuto continued to look around. There were multiple levels and a grand light fixture in the center. The various statues and vases were spaced in various places around the room. There were two side doors, one on either side of the room, as well as a corridor up a flight of stairs behind the fountain leading to a corridor leading straight ahead.
"Alright, I'm here. The man called out to the empty room. "Where's the Vagabond? And what do you want?"
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Apr 2, 2020 12:04:00 GMT -5
Biggs shouted out as he turned to find Yuto gone. Running back around the corner, the horned warrior just made out the familiar flannel shirt disappearing into the dark of the Castle doors. ”Stop!” Thundering forward, Biggs rushed down the marbled walkway as he witnessed the massive doors beginning to close. SLAM! Just as they clamped shut, Biggs had reached the midway platform. Running with tunnel vision, the horned warrior was wide open when a Wyvern Heartless shot forth from the dark passageway, barreling over the armored statues and crashing them to the floor as it tackled the running warrior.
The two launched over the walkway railing, Biggs' broadsword clattering on the now empty marble platform.
All blurred and was black. Breathing alone was hard—wait, was he breathing? It was hard to tell. The Vagabond couldn’t even see his own hands, clutching at the face shrouded beneath the hood that began to bulge and writhe. Pain erupted through the Vagabond’s senses as he felt something crawling forth from the recesses of his mind. Finally he was able to hear something, though it was just the sound of his own screaming.
What he had sheltered, caged and tucked away in his heart was surging forth.
”Where’s the Vagabond? And what do you want?” Yuto’s questions would echo throughout the vast parlor, tall ornate walls reaching together around a vast room littered with staircases and odd lifts. In the center stood a fountain, the cool rush of water the only sound other than the man’s footsteps and SLAM! of the door shutting. Despite the lit candles all around the room, darkness hung in the place, making the air stale and heavy. A faint chuckle would echo throughout the Castle, though the speaker would be nowhere to be found. ”The impatience of youth is always trifling…” Creeeeaaaak! Amid the heights of the parlor was a chandelier, swinging and rocking from a lone crow landing atop it. Opening its beak, the regal and malicious voice came from the bird, though its eyes seemed vacant, a faint green glow emitting from them.
”’The Vagabond’? Is that who crafted that horrid mark?” Swooping down from the chandelier, the crow perched on the fountain head, above Yuto on the second floor, which two staircases snaked around the fountain and led to. ”That fool has sealed away your true power, hasn’t he?” The crows vacant eyes pierced Yuto with a searching look despite their lack of pupils. ”You’ll gain no power, following around a fool like him.” Soaring off of the fountain and circling around the room, the crows glowing eyes remained on Yuto as it flew, its beak remaining open and still as the voice continued.
”What I want—neigh, what I already have—is something I believe you’d prosper from.” A sparkling item fell from the sky towards Yuto, dropped as the crow had reached a point above him while circling. ”You seek to harness that power and understand your strength, don’t you boy?” Landing once more on the fountainhead, the crow shook its feathers before eyeing the dropped item in front of Yuto. It was a small purple orb, shimmering with vibrant green swirling energy within. ”If you truly wish to be powerful—take that, boy. Only then will you be able to control the darkness—like I can.” With those words, the crow melted into the fountain, tainting the flowing clear water with an ink-like black liquid that seeped and pooled within.
A faint green aura began to shimmer from the fountain, mingled with purple and black dark energies in the water.
|
|
ravenheart95
Human
Yo, Socrates, it's a cookie.
Posts: 328
Gender: Male
Age: 22
|
Post by ravenheart95 on Apr 2, 2020 16:01:45 GMT -5
Yuto searched around for the source of the voice that was chastizing his want for answers. ”’The Vagabond’? Is that who crafted that horrid mark? You’ll gain no power, following around a fool like him.” His eyes finally falling on the crow that had made its perch on the fountainhead. "I asked him to do what he did. I refuse to lose control again." The man started approaching the bird's perch. "And I'm older than you think."
He watched as the crow flew around the room, speaking of growing stronger. Before Yuto could refuse, the bird mentioned a concept that was the exact thing he was looking for. A way to understand this power? The thought clouded his mind.
Approaching the fountain where the crow had dropped the purple and green orb. It felt both ominous and familiar. It reminded him of that place, but that thought did nothing to sway his mind. His want and curiosity forced his body to move.
Dipping his arm in the fountain, Yuto pulled the orb out of the water and examined it. I could have the Vagabond examine it when I find him. But I doubt it's dangerous. He didn't trust the crow, but if it was telling the truth then this could be a massive boon.
He put the orb away and turned from the fountain. "Now, to do what I came here for."
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Apr 2, 2020 20:16:40 GMT -5
As Yuto reached into the fountain, the black and purple water seemed to move around his hand, as though a living creature. While pulling the orb out of the water, he would find the green light brighter than before, the fluidity of the energy within surfacing and clashing like tides. Pocketing it, the light would disappear, restoring the usual dim candlelight among the massive parlor. ”Now, to do what I came here for.” As Yuto spoke, the dark water continued to swirl and move, a purple light illuminating it as it began to shift and wave. ”Foolish boy—do you think I give out gifts freely?” From the fountain emerged dark water, rising and taking shape as it formed into a visage—one wearing a dark flannel shirt with long hair melding with the darkness.
Dark energy swirled around the Anti-Yuto, a sudden gust snuffing out the candles and chandelier light as darkness fell over the large room. ”You think you can use the darkness without any risk? Just because of that mark?” Despite the crows absence, the voice emanated from the dark clone this time, who’s weapons formed from darkness as their eyes began to glow a familiar green. ”I’ll teach you to listen to your elders.” A similar bat and RepliKeyblade were in the Anti-Yuto’s hands, darkness snaring off of their form like tendrils. Swirling the weapons, the clone stepped out from the fountain before lurching forward with such speed it seemed to meld with the shadows of the room.
SWOOSH! Both weapons shot forward, aimed at the original Yuto in a cross slash. ”You’ll gain no power with such half-hearted convictions, only ruin.” Echoing off the walls, the voice seemed to come both from the Anti-Form as well as the Castle itself. The room seemed to steadily grow darker, the only light coming from the glowing green eyes of the Anti-Yuto and the dim purple glow from the water in the fountain. Following up the cross-slash with a pummeling combo of melee attacks, the voice gave a shrill laugh as though finding nothing but humor in the situation. ”Let’s see if you can last without my ‘present’.” Crafted from darkness, the clone moved at inhuman speeds, its strength equalling that of a more than powerful Heartless. Following up its wild combos, the Anti-Yuto would leap backwards in the air, aiming both weapons at the original.
SkkkkkkOOOOOOOM! Brilliant flare illuminated the room as a large fireball shrouded in purple dark energy catapulted towards Yuto from the tips of the clone's weapons at a blurring speed. It seemed to be able to use Yuto's very own Dark Firaga against him!
[[ENEMIES: Anti-Yuto]]
|
|
ravenheart95
Human
Yo, Socrates, it's a cookie.
Posts: 328
Gender: Male
Age: 22
|
Post by ravenheart95 on Apr 2, 2020 23:06:20 GMT -5
Yuto looked around the room, searching for the crow that was now mocking him. He watched in horror as a dark figure emerged from the fountain, a familiar outfit and set of weapons accompanying it. it didn't take long for him to figure to that the figure was a dark and twisted version of himself. A sudden gust left the room almost pitch, save for the glow of the water and the startling green of the Anti-Yuto's eyes.
”You think you can use the darkness without any risk? Just because of that mark? I’ll teach you to listen to your elders.” The man barely had time to think before the clone threw its weapons at him, hitting him dead on. The voice seemed to come from everywhere as the being chastised the man's ideals. Yuto couldn't respond as the dark clone hit him with a flurry of blows before aiming both weapons at him and letting loose a Dark Firaga.
Being one of the few things he could see, Yuto just barely managed to roll away from the blast. "You know, I admire your confidence," Yuto struggled to his feet before using his Cura magic, healing his busted ribs a bit though they were still definitely in rough shape. "But you're really starting to bug me."
He could feel his hatred starting to rise. "By the way, halfhearted? I SURVIVED your world because of my convictions!" He aimed his bat at the dark construct before launching his own Dark Firaga. He followed it, expecting his dark clone to dodge and would wait to land a combo strike. "If you can't help me control and understand what I can do, then I DON'T NEED YOU!" His eyes starting to glow that familiar yellow as his anger and hatred rose.
[[ENEMIES: Anti-Yuto]]
|
|
|
Post by hoodwink on Apr 3, 2020 16:48:39 GMT -5
While Yuto cast his Cura spell, the Anti-Yuto rushed forward, both weapons at the ready before the Dark Firaga spell came. Leaping into the air with surprising acrobatics, the dark clone managed to only get grazed by the powerful spell. This would leave it open to Yuto’s combo attacks. Successfully landing a quick succession of blows, Yuto forced the Anti clone to double back in order to regain its stance. ”Foolish boy.” The voice echoed once more through the cavern, coming from the walls and shadows themselves as the clone melded with the darkness around them. Vanishing from sight, even the green glowing eyes disappearing, Yuto was left standing by the fountain alone in the dark.
”You’ll realize the guidance you need—soon enough.” Suddenly the Anti-Yuto burst forth from the dark floor, directly behind the original as it stabbed forth with both weapons, consumed with dark purple fire that illuminated the room in an eerie light. Using Yuto’s very own Flame Dash against him, the clone was merciless, following the sudden rush attack as columns of fire began to erupt forth from the dark floor. Similar to the flames around its dark weapons, the flames summoned forth by its Flame Wall ability were also a violent purple. ”Otherwise you’ll be swallowed up.” A shrill laugh followed the pompous regal voice, fading into a quiet echo as the battle continued.
Hoping to have gained the upper hand through surprise attacks, the Anti-Yuto pushed onward, swinging its weapons of darkness with the agility and accuracy of an Invisible.
[[ENEMIES: Anti-Yuto]]
|
|