ravenheart95
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Post by ravenheart95 on Apr 3, 2020 22:55:32 GMT -5
Yuto watched as his doppelganger melted into nothingness. Searching in vain, he failed to notice the clone reappear behind him until the man was nailed by a Flame Dash before being surrounded by a Flame Wall. "Not gonna lie, that hurt." he stood and looked at his current situation. "But, I've had worse."
A malicious smile formed on the man's face. Just because they had the same skills didn't mean the clone knew how to use them well. His eyes continued to grow brighter as the darkness in him swelled. He didn't even notice the pain in his side anymore, not that his ribs were fully healed he just didn't register pain anymore. He used his Flame Dash to pass through the columns of fire, following it with a Fire Raid.
Knowing one of the blows would land, Yuto couldn't help but let out a sinister laugh. "If anyone's gonna be swallowed up, it's you." Catching his weapon he closed the distance with the same speed that he had when he took that hit for Biggs. Without thinking, the man went to punch his anti-form square in the face. "I'm gonna eat you whole."
[[ENEMIES: Anti-Yuto]]
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Post by hoodwink on Apr 3, 2020 23:14:07 GMT -5
Breaking through the Anti-Form’s Flame Wall with his own Flame Dash, Yuto was able to close the distance to the copy. The following Fire Raid would halt the clone’s forward charge, having barely managed to block it as it staggered. As Yuto and his fist flew forward, the voice gave a wretched sounding laugh—spite and malice laced between echoes. ”You certainly don’t lack a spine~” Landing the punch would cause Yuto and the clone to fall backwards, though Yuto would find the ‘head’ he was punching into to be much more giving than a normal one.
Surrounding his fist as the darkness forming it began to swallow up his hand, the clone used its own limbs to grab at Yuto, its body beginning to meld away and form into darkness—snaking and snaring tendrils that began to try and wrap around him. ”Ha ha ha! You’re amusing, but powerless with that seal.” Though the clone’s body had faded, the green eyes did not. Glaring up at the original from the floor, the dark tendrils continued to snake and ensnare Yuto, trying to pull him down and engulf him. "You can set yourself free—I already gave you the tool." The darkness continued to swell and ensnare, pulsing as though a living creature as it writhed and wriggled. "All you have to do is use it!"
If he wasn’t able to break free—he’d soon be back in familiar territory.
[[ENEMIES: Anti-Yuto??]]
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ravenheart95
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Post by ravenheart95 on Apr 3, 2020 23:36:23 GMT -5
The amount of give his clone's face had was surprising, but not as much as the clone grabbing and trying to meld with him. "Let me GO!" His rage hitting a boiling point. The seal kept his darkness in check, but he could feel it rattling the bars of its cage. No, no, calm down, don't let it win. His peas did nothing to quell his rage and much less the darkness.
His eyes glowed as bright as his clones, the only difference being the color. "You want me to use this so bad, FINE!" Taking the orb out of his pocket, he could feel it write and squirm. It was almost alive, almost. Using the orb, he could feel the seal lose its hold and his inner darkness spring forth as his grin went from malicious to completely sadistic. "I'M GONNA SHOW YOU JUST HOW BAD YOU FUCKED UP!"
[[ENEMIES: Anti-Yuto??]]
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Post by hoodwink on Apr 4, 2020 0:30:01 GMT -5
Shrill laughter accompanied Yuto’s malicious shouts—chaos writhing in the dark shadows of the Castle Parlor. Once he would pull the orb out from his pockets, the entire room would be cast in a dim green light, all caused by the swirling and pulsing energy within. Breaking the orb within his palm would surround Yuto in a fiery green aura, the seal beneath his shirt dissolving into nothingness as it was shredded apart and broken. ”Yes! Use the darkness! Open your heart to it!” The cackling continued to thunder as echoes throughout the spacious and dark room.
All at once, darkness would rush the young warrior. Both from within and from all around. The moment the Vagabond’s seal broke and Yuto opened his heart to the darkness within himself—there was an opening. Rushing forward as though it were entering into his body, the darkness once strangling and ensnaring Yuto would soon feel more like an ocean, suffocating and wet. ”Do you feel it? The rush of strength waiting to be tapped into?” Though the echoing voice had once sounded thunderous, it would slowly seem like it was fading away as nothing but black would surround the area.
Worming its way into his heart—the darkness flooded like a river breaking a dam.
[[ENEMIES: The Darkness/The Heart]]
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ravenheart95
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Post by ravenheart95 on Apr 4, 2020 0:50:07 GMT -5
Yuto felt the surge of power as the darkness swelled both inside and outside of him. It was unlike anything he felt before. The best he could liken it to was what he felt during that trip in his heart but magnified. He only realized what happened to late. The Darkness had swallowed him both inside and out, dragging him to a familiar sensation.
Back here again, are we? he chuckled at his situation. Though it was a different cause, the result was the same. Some force had put him in the ocean that was Darkness. Feeling the cool wetness on his skin, he was a bit relieved. This time he was the cause for his current situation and not some unseen thing. Feeling the Darkness worm it's way inside him, he smiled in acceptance. Looks like Nox was right. She did always warn me that leaping first would be my end.
The man let his mind drift off as the Darkness filled his heart. he thought of his life before, the people he lost, the people he met, the friends he made. Tears started to form as his mind drifted from one memory to another. I can't leave them, not like this.
With his will reaffirmed, Yuto began to realize something. The Darkness was supposed to be a tool for him, but he spent his time trying not to fall to it. He never truly accepted it and that was why he felt so out of control. "Alright, I'll play it your way." Opening his heart fully to the Darkness and accepting it as a part of him, he could only hope it would free him from his situation.
[[ENEMIES: The Darkness/The Heart]]
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Post by hoodwink on Apr 4, 2020 17:20:35 GMT -5
”Ah—I was right. You do have promise.” The voice seemed more calming, reassuring and supportive now. Steadily the darkness around Yuto would begin to fade, allowing his vision to return as his eyes would open to find the Castle Parlor, dim with no lights still but fully in tact around him. The ground beneath his feet was solid once more as he stood on the carpeted cobblestone floor. The only difference was that the fountain now sat empty in the still room. ”You’re strong indeed, to harness the darkness so naturally.” If Yuto looked down, he’d notice he himself had changed. Replacing his once casual and comfortable attire now sat armor and darkness.
Lacing across his body as though sinew, the black and purple material stretched across the mans torso and legs, a large Heartless emblem blazed in the center of his chest with green etchings. On his right shoulder sat a studded and spiked shoulder guard, a deep black and rich purples lacing across it. Plating his right arm was Kote styled armor, crafted from darkness to form purple, black and green plates that covered his upper arm—which was no longer the arm he recognized. Both arms had been shrouded in darkness, forming into large talons as though a NeoShadow. His legs were covered in the same dark sinew material, though his shins were covered in armored guards. Around his waist was Kusazuri styled thigh armor, dark and purple with green Heartless emblems forming a 'belt' that they hung from. His feet were bare, covered by the dark sinewy material to expose all toes and allow full movement. The eyes that peered all of this glowed a violent yellow, similar to a heartless, the only features of his face exposed. The rest was covered by a dark Oni face-mask: transforming Yuto's mouth into that of a demon baring its fangs. It appeared that allowing the darkness in without allowing it to take over had indeed changed him. Power coursed through the man who stood in the dark castle, every fiber of his being enhanced and renewed.
”Here, allow me to demonstrate the different avenues of power…” Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh. NeoShadows and Invisibles began to emerge around the Parlor, circling around Yuto as they stood silent. ”When one is strong and able to wield the dark—the shadows will listen.” In a moment, the Heartless’ all melded into the floor, disappearing back into the shadows despite the heart present in the middle of the room. ”Now—you try.” Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Shadows and Soldiers began to appear, shifting and clanking around the room in a similar pattern the previous Heartless had been summoned. These ones were hardly still, though, bouncing around and leaping closer and closer to the heart they sensed, inching towards Yuto.
”There’s more to power than lashing out—at times one must learn control.” The voice echoed in the parlor, chuckling as the Heartless continued to inch in.
[[ENEMIES???: Countless Shadows and Soldiers]]
Wedge shouted out, slamming his hammer against the countless large fists that continuously pummeled and reached for him. The horned warrior stood toe-to-toe with a monstrosity they had never seen. Gaping darkness crawled and snaked across the marbled walkway, countless muscular arms of darkness shifting in and out of a formless horror littered with yellow eyes and snaking tendrils of hair. "Die, demon!" Sweating and heaving as he lugged his large weapon, Wedge leapt above a violent slash that obliterated one of the walkway railings, continuing on as it crashed into one of the odd elevator mechanisms suspended at the end of the platform. Bringing the hammer down, the warrior found his attack blocked as the countless amounts of arms curled around the dark form-less monster in protection. Where's Biggs?! Where's Yuto?! He should have never wandered after what he had saw.
Having chased the odd movement he saw around the corner, Wedge had found another side-passage into the castle. Though the journey had been riddled with terrifying Heartless, the horned-warrior was far from green. The toll was adding up though, as he felt his body growing more ragged as the fight prolonged. He hadn't seen his twin or the long-haired warrior since. Wonder if they're fighting something similar...
Groaning, Biggs sat up, reaching a hand to his head. His shield arm lay battered beside him, hanging uselessly from a dislocated shoulder and mangled from having taken the brunt of the fall. Wincing as his head spun and seemed to split from aches, the horned warrior was merely grateful to be alive. The sound of rushing water encompassed him, making Biggs realize that he sat on a suspended floating chunk of blue land, hanging in the air by seemingly nothing. All around him were tall blue walls, lined with rushing waterfalls as other hunks of land floated around in the now setting sky. High above in the distance, Biggs saw familiar golden gates. "Shit." Just how far had he fallen? Thankful that the Wyvern that had tackled him off the walkway had been his cushion for the landing, Biggs attempted to stand before shouting out in pain and collapsing onto his backside. Throbbing pain rushed up his leg, causing him to look down and see the twisted and broken limb.
Sighing, Biggs fell onto his back, spreading his arms wide as he looked up at the clouds above. Sorry...Wedge.
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ravenheart95
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Post by ravenheart95 on Apr 4, 2020 21:03:07 GMT -5
Yuto looked around to find himself back in the castle parlor almost like he never left the rush of the fountain seemed to be the only noticeable thing missing. The voice echoing around him was more supportive, almost kind. "Not the first time I've been thrown into that kind of situation." His voice sounded muffled. Putting a hand to his mouth, he both felt a mask and noticed the Neoshadow-like arm currently attached to his body. Looking down, the man saw a sinewy samurai-style armor with Neoshadow arms. Finding a reflective surface Yuto saw a face mask depicting an oni with fangs bared covering his nose and lower face as well as, the most prominent feature, his glowing yellow eyes mimicking that of a heartless.
Taking a step back, the man needed a minute to come to terms with what happened. He was stronger but also in control. The Darkness felt more like the tool he wanted it to be than something to be feared. Listening to the voice, Yuto turned to see countless Heartless before him. Instinctively, he readied himself to fight. To his surprise, they were completely still. There he was, a heart for the taking, but they didn't so much as move.
”When one is strong and able to wield the dark—the shadows will listen.” He watched as the Heartless were replaced by Shadows and Soldiers. The voice urged him to try to control them. It was either that or fighting and while Yuto felt more powerful, there was still a chance he would fall.
The voices' guidance filled him with a sense of certainty. Yuto stepped forward, asserting himself as one stronger than the horde. "Stop!" His voice echoed throughout the darkened parlor. The Heartless seemed to follow his command, stopping all at once and looking at him. Stunned that it worked he tried it again. "Uhhh, leave?" All at once the heartless returned from where they came from. "Wow, that actually worked?" He put his hand on his hips, just above his belt. Feeling the absence of his bat, Yuto checked to make sure his weapons were in fact gone.
Guess I don't need them like this. He looked up and spoke to the abyss, hoping for the voice to respond. "Alright, what's next? And seriously, where's my friend?"
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Post by hoodwink on Apr 5, 2020 0:31:01 GMT -5
Cackling with glee as Yuto commanded the Shadows and Soldiers to disappear, the voice seemed thrilled at the turn of events. ”Alright, what’s next? And seriously, where’s my friend?” Yuto’s question bounced among the empty castle walls, echoing before being swallowed up by the shadows. ”Ah—the fellow with the hood, yes?” Clack. Clack. Clack. Footsteps thundered in echoes throughout the Parlor as a tall looming silhouette emerged on the second floor above the fountain. Emerging from the darkness itself stood a tall figure, draped in a black cloak that coiled behind on the floor. ”He was rather rude. Took what he found important and stormed off. Ungrateful, really.”
Though the figure wore a hood that shadowed their features, a sharply angular pale face was revealed from the lower half. Its features were almost delicate, like a porcelain doll, with purple full lips brimming in a frown. Small humps on the hood appeared like horns as the tall cloaked figure revealed a long wooden staff, a brilliant green orb placed at the top, illuminating the open second floor and part of the Parlor Yuto stood in in its green light. ”You’ve demonstrated your strength, boy—“ The light dimmed down to what a normal lantern would produce, dying in intensity. The once frowning mouth had flickered into a faint smile.
”You need not follow that vagrant any longer. He will not teach you what you seek—for he's a seeker himself.” Click. Click. Click. The footsteps from the figure that walked over to the top of the stairs were sharp—cutting, even. Reaching out from afar towards where Yuto stood, a snow-white pale arm was revealed, long nails painted a deep purple as long figures unfurled—a delicate yet harp hand being offered. ”What’s next, you ask? I have much more to show you—this is only the beginning.” The offered hand clenched as it raised into the air, a cackling laugh escaping the hooded woman as her voice rose into a fit of euphoria. ”You’ve already shown that you’re not afraid of the dark—so you should know. Come with me.”
Raising the pale hand to the revealed lower half of their face, the woman covered her mouth before silencing herself. ”Ah—I’ve forgotten. Tell me—what is your name, boy?”
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ravenheart95
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Post by ravenheart95 on Apr 5, 2020 0:54:44 GMT -5
Yeah, that sounds like him. Yuto followed the origin of the voice, a tall and regal figure. The figure radiated importance, almost that of royalty. The man had to shake his awe off and regain his focus as the figure, now realizing they were a woman, approached. ”You need not follow that vagrant any longer. He will not teach you what you seek—for he's a seeker himself.”
Yuto nodded, the Vagabond had essentially said as much when they met. "I wasn't following him, as it were, we were equal partners. He just happened to have more experience in an area we both had in common." He avoided the woman's gaze towards the end of his statement. He hated thinking about that place, much less about his time there.
Her offer to teach him more piqued his interest. Returning his gaze to meet the woman's, he smiled at the thought. ”You need not follow that vagrant any longer. He will not teach you what you seek—for he's a seeker himself.” The man shrugged and laughed good-heartedly. "Hey, no worries. We were just fighting a few minutes ago. Anyway, it's Yuto, and its a pleasure miss?"
After learning the woman's name his tone and demeanor would turn more serious. "I'd like to see what you have to show, really, but I have a mission I have to complete first." He rested his hand on his hips. "And to do that, I need my friends. ALL of them. You wouldn't happen to know where I could find them? The two I came here with weren't exactly in the best shape when we got separated."
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Post by hoodwink on Apr 5, 2020 14:00:52 GMT -5
”Anyway, it’s Yuto, and it’s a pleasure—Miss…?” Reaching up with her free hand, the woman removed the deep hood that had hid her features. Revealed was a sharp pale face, a deep purple make-up framing devious yellow eyes. Atop her head were two large horns, pitch black and wicked. ”I am Maleficent.” A wicked laugh escaped her regal lips as her eyes brimmed with plots. At Yuto’s next words, her laughing ceased, a scowl forming across her face as her eyes narrowed. ”If you came with others it is no business of mine—I’ve unleashed countless Heartless among the Castle to guard its walls. Where they are and how they fare is entirely up to them.” A smile revealed brilliant teeth, radiant in the darkness as a look of skepticism came across her face.
”Tell me though, do you think they’d welcome you with open arms—someone who has let the darkness into their heart?” Click. Clack. Click. Taking a few steps down the curving stairs, Maleficent’s face turned into one of sadness, her gaze distant as she stared from above into the empty fountain. ”You’ve no idea how long I’ve reigned—how many fools I’ve seen turned on by their former allies.” Her eyes returned to Yuto before a stoney look came across her face. ”You may do as you wish—but I have no use for someone with borrowed power who’s unwilling to aid the rightful Queen.” Raising a hand, a loud CREEEEAK! ruptured through the Parlor as the gigantic doors opened once more, revealing a dark pink and orange sky—night was almost upon them.
”Feel free to leave and seek your allies—but know that you won’t get to hang on to this power for long, without my guidance.” Turning around, Maleficent took another step back up towards the second floor before raising a hand as though in parting. ”I’ve gotten what I returned to this wretched world for—I shan’t wait for you to idly make up your mind. I have too much to do.”
What was that?! Heavy breathes echoed in the dark and large hall he found himself in. Hunching down on his calves for a moment of respite, Wedge was sweating profusely as a wound seeped blood from his shoulder. Wincing as he touched at the wound, the horned warrior grit his teeth. It was like…an animal— Other Heartless had begun to emerge during his battle with the horror—immediately becoming prey for the many-handed beast. Almost instantly, the mess of arms and eyes had forgotten about Wedge, instead devouring and attacking the Heartless. Like a rampaging beast… His hands still shook from the countless hammer blows he had delivered.
It had been terrifying—one he had felt death’s watchful gaze linger on him during. When was the last time he had had to fight like that? A wicked grin spread across the hunched over warrior, a new fire burning in his raging heart. ”Ha ha ha! Exciting!” Standing back up, Wedge shouldered his large hammer before continuing down the large marbled hallway. He didn’t know if he was above or below the castle entrance anymore—all he knew was that he had managed to survive. Where is everyone?
He’d gotten himself lost, amongst the chaos.
Wantz gasped for air as he surfaced from the odd bubble. Soaked and shivering, the rifleman had finally escaped from the underground labyrinth. He had avoided the bubbles with odd markings in front of them out of caution, but the way had been so convoluted and back-and-forth that he almost thought he'd never make it out of there. Grateful for the feeling of wind on his skin and curious about the sound of rushing water all around him, the rifleman shouted out in surprise at the now nearly dark sky. It had only been starting to set when he had set out! Tch...maybe I should've waited. He had successfully powered back on the Defense System and reached out to Cid and the others. For some reason though, something in Wantz had told him he couldn't just wait for reinforcements to show up while his friends fought for their lives in the abandoned castle. Though... Everywhere had been deserted. No Heartless, no people...just nothing. It left an unsettling feeling in his stomach.
Regardless, he had spent too much wasted time in that damned maze. Looking around, Wantz was shocked to find himself standing at the bottom of what felt like a huge hole. Waterfalls cascaded down, crashing and forming a pool ahead of him that went for who knew how deep. On the other side of where he stood was another bank of sorts, countless floating masses of land hovering above, forming a path. "Cough! Cough!" The sudden echo in the otherwise silent area caused Wantz to jolt and grab at his rifle. "H-hey! Is someone here?!" Rushing forward and splashing as his boots hit the water, the rifleman whipped around wildly, trying to find the source of the noise as he readied his gun. Is it the enemy?! Somewhere far above him, the voice called back—though it sounded meek and gruff. "Ha—so you, cough!, managed t-to show—cough! Cough!" For a moment, Wantz eyes widened as he looked high above him, unable to see the speaker but recognizing the voice.
"Biggs! Is that you?!"
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ravenheart95
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Post by ravenheart95 on Apr 5, 2020 14:41:46 GMT -5
Maleficent's laissez-faire tone gave the man pause. Did she really not care what happened to people in her castle? He didn't have time to think about that, her next question caught him off guard. Would they accept me? They already have. He shook his head and looked as the woman was leaving.
Hearing the door behind him open, he realized the choice he was faced with. He could either go and find his friends and never be in control, or follow Maleficent and learn to control his power. If I don't learn control, I could hurt them. But if I go with her they might die, or worse. The choice should've been obvious, so why was Yuto so torn.
I promised Nox I'd figure this out. I'll be able to help the gang better if I have control. He opened a Dark Corridor to close the distance between himself and the woman. "Hang on, if you really can help me control my power then I'll help you." His decision weighed on his heart, but he felt it was the right one. He'd be able to better help his friends when he had a better handle on himself. "Whether I'm accepted or not, I'm no good to anyone if I lose myself. So, where do we start?"
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Post by hoodwink on Apr 5, 2020 15:08:40 GMT -5
As the Dark Corridor appeared, Maleficent halted her steps at the top of the staircase. ”Hang on, if you really can help me control my power then I’ll help you.” The woman turned to gaze at Yuto with a smile, her eyes brimming with excitement. Excellent. She had been seeking a ‘right-hand’, so to speak. Someone whom she could take under her wing during this period where she was still regaining strength. ”So, where do we start?” A laugh escaped her lips once more as the woman turned to look at her newest pupil. How eager the young always were. She was smarter this time—wary and cautious. The young had defied her before and she knew they would continue to do so, no matter the age they existed in. Thankfully they can be tools as well as enemies…
”Wonderful—“ Raising both of her arms as she smiled and gazed up towards the dark castle ceiling, Maleficent made the doors SLAM! shut once more before giving her attention back to Yuto. ”—like I’ve said, I’ve acquired what I needed from this place. I grow weary of resting here.” Mischief and malice were on display, caged in the regal yellow eyes that glinted and glared with brilliance. ”I am on a quest, Yuto—to take back my throne.” A vengeful look cast shadows over the angular pale face, the horns seeming to almost tremble before the witch turned away, clacking with her steps as she headed down a long hallway leading away from the entrance parlor. Beckoning Yuto with a hand, the woman headed through a pair of slightly less gigantic doors, open yet hidden from view below by the shadows.
”Do you know what feeds darkness? What allows it to grow?”
W-where…am I? The Vagabond couldn’t see or feel anything. Everything felt distant—like he was floating underwater. He couldn’t even open his eyes, or tell where they were in relation to him—whatever that meant. Searing pain erupted through his formless senses, a memory flashing in his mind. An outstretched hand—pale and elegant, offering nothing but power and destruction. It almost felt like drowning—which for some reason he knew the sensation of. Where—have I drowned? A sudden recollection jolted through him. A dark beach alit by the moon alone, isolated in the darkest shadows—and unyielding pit of despair. The tides crash and ebb and pull—dragging under and under and—
”Don’t worry, ____, you’re safe.” Pain flooded through him once more as again he felt like he was being torn apart.
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ravenheart95
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Post by ravenheart95 on Apr 5, 2020 16:10:51 GMT -5
With the slamming of the front door, the man knew there was no going back. As she told him her plan he raised his brows in surprise. He figured she might be royalty but the fact that he was right was still unexpected. "So you're not from here then? I'll admit, everything looks so much different from the last time I was here." The second part was more to himself than an actual part of the conversation.
”Do you know what feeds darkness? What allows it to grow?” The question wasn't one he was expecting. "Erm...Emotions?" Yuto only knew a small amount from what he experienced personally. When he lost control, it was because he let his emotions take control. Following Maleficent through the doors, Yuto couldn't help but wonder what he got himself into.
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Post by hoodwink on Apr 5, 2020 17:13:43 GMT -5
Leading Yuto through the large entryway, the two would come into the Grand Hall—an enormous space with a room so vast it dwarfed the Entrance Hall they had come from. In the center of the furthest wall ahead was a massive Heartless emblem, writhing and seeped with dark, purple and green dark energies. Parts of the room were in ruin, walls crumbling and ledges dissolving as debris littered the otherwise elegant and ornate display of wealth and luxury. ”Erm…Emotions?” Maleficent’s lips twisted into a faint smirk at the edges, eyeing Yuto from ahead with a discerning gaze. ”Correct.“ It seemed the boy had at least fundamental understandings of the powers he tampered with. Good…
”Indeed, emotions play a role in the Darkness’ power—but you can feed the Dark and gain powers from emotions outside your own.” Leading Yuto through the Grand Hall, the two stepped over faded and old red carpet, leading into the gigantic room and up towards the raised platform in the center. ”For instance—“ Items began to rise from the shadows as Maleficent rose her staff, the green orb shining brightly as she worked her magic. A brilliant red rose, held within a clear vessel, a golden trophy with a flexing figure fixed at the top, a silver fork—an assortment of seemingly random items began to appear in the air, encircling the two as they danced and spun due to the magic the witch held.
”—all of these items are seemingly dull and ordinary, yes?” A wicked smile came across her face as she thudded her staff against the floor, all of the items disappearing in a sudden poof! of green smoke. ”But in fact, they are items that hold sentimental value to warriors of the light.” Eyeing Yuto as she explained, Maleficent’s eyes brimmed with the excitement and yearning of one who had been plotting for time beyond recognition. ”Due to their importance to each of the persons involved, these once mundane and ordinary items now hold power from those warriors hearts.” Grasping the air in front of her, Maleficent stood before the gigantic Heartless emblem glowing with dark powers as she turned, her cloak flapping menacingly behind her as she laughed.
”These tools of the heart can be used for either Light or Dark purposes—artifacts brimming with potential and power waiting to be unlocked.” Her voice quieted for a moment before furthering. ”Collecting items such as these have allowed me to harness and gather more power throughout worlds. By using others emotions to enhance one’s dark powers—it leaves very little risk to being felled by one’s own emotions.” Her gaze turned serious for a moment as she studied Yuto. ”The Dark feeds on more than just emotions—it feeds on anything and everything it can get its hands on.” A slight chuckle escaped her at that moment, eyeing Yuto with a devious look.
”Which is why you have to be more than strong—but smart and cunning, like the Darkness itself.”
”Urgh…w-wha?” Blinking his eyes open, the Vagabond was greeted by a freshly set sky—dark with signs of stars appearing as the moon remained sheltered by scattered clouds. !!! Shouting out in pain as he tried to sit up, the Vagabond found his body battered and sore. ”W-where am I?!” Whipping his head around despite the pain, the hooded vagrant sat alone on a ruined marble walkway that snaked along the side of the castle walls. He lay in a huge crater formed in the marble, cracks shattering around it as debris and loose hunks littered the area. What happened here?! Pain stabbed his head as he tried to recall.
I was in the Library… That’s right! He had found a new piece of the Report! But what happened after that? Wait—the voice! Shaking as he forced himself into a full sitting position, the Vagabond reached for his head with a wince as he recalled being lured to the castle by a mysterious voice. ”You brought me something valuable—I’d prefer we stay on good terms.” Memory flooded him as he began to remember. That’s right—that woman! She had been shrouded in cloaks and darkness, the only feature revealed her pale extended hand and a cruel yet elegant mouth, twisted into a sneer. Who was that? Had she ever given him a name?
She had showed up, demanding his aid in some stupid journey to take back a chair or something. Tch—she’s the one… That’s right, she had revealed his Reports, the ones that had gone missing after his first venture into the old Restoration Committee’s base. ”I’ve collected these myself, in the past. Of course I know all their contents by now—that’s not why I wrested them from you.” She had mentioned something…about them being important. They were important to the Vagabond surely—but he hadn’t anticipated others to take interest in the fragmented accords. When he had refused to aid her, the woman had turned wicked. A pale hand stretching forward as green light erupts—
”R-right…” Sweat broke out on the Vagabond’s forehead as more of his memories returned. She had tried to cast some sort of spell on him—and something had happened. Something within him had stirred. Was it her doing…or my own?
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ravenheart95
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Post by ravenheart95 on Apr 5, 2020 17:50:40 GMT -5
While listening to Maleficent, the man admired the hall. He wondered if this was what it always looked like or if it was another drastic change of time. He looked over the items as the pale woman explained how they became vessels for the heart's power. It was interesting, how the power of the heart could work. No wonder the Vagabond was so interested in them. Yuto still felt bad about not leaving when he had the chance, but there was no point fixating on that now.
”The Dark feeds on more than just emotions—it feeds on anything and everything it can get its hands on. Which is why you have to be more than strong—but smart and cunning, like the Darkness itself.” The woman's statement caused his face to grow dark. "I know all too well how consuming the Darkness can be. It wasn't exactly a fun time for me." He had started to get used to how the Realm of Darkness worked, constantly sticking and confusing the poor hearts who had the misfortune of finding themselves there.
Shaking the memories from his mind, he returned his gaze to the witch. "So, if I can find something like those items there would be less of a risk to me, right?" The thought was interesting, to say the least. He wasn't sure how he felt about using others like that, but he also knew he didn't like the thought of losing himself.
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Post by hoodwink on Apr 5, 2020 20:47:27 GMT -5
”Biggs! Look!” Shouting out gleefully, Wantz began to jump and wave his hands on the floating platform the two waited on. Sitting on the rock with his legs crossed was Biggs, who’s limbs still ached and burned yet were far better off due to the items Wantz had brought. ”It’s the Committee!” High above them, lights had begun to penetrate the clouds of night—piercing through the distance as a Gummi Ship came into view on the horizon. It was a ship Wantz knew all too well, relief flooding through him as he began to laugh. It had been hard, having to stay to take care of Biggs while he had wanted to charge into the castle to find the others.
He was glad his patience had paid off.
Maleficent’s smile widened at Yuto’s conclusion, nodding in affirmation as she walked towards the looming Heartless emblem. ”You could—but only once you’ve gained sufficient control. Otherwise the flood of power would most likely lead to your doom.” It seemed her latest protege was more ambitious than her last. Many who were young focused on trivial personal grudges and lusted after power too quickly. Yuto had a tempered want—one that burned yet knew to be cautious. He won’t lose himself easily. Good—to many fools she had used as underlings had lost to themselves or to others. Stretching a hand towards Yuto as she stood before the tall gate—Maleficent’s voice echoed as though thunder with her excitement, a shrill laugh accompanying her speech. ”Fret not—my young Yuto. I shall teach you all you need to know in order to sustain and nourish your power.” She was already so close—with a strong and smart disciple, her throne would be in her grasp quicker than she thought. ”In the mean time, I shall show you how these devices work. Come—there are other items I seek from other worlds. While helping me, I’ll show you everything.” There was a glow in the witch’s eyes as she threw her head back and laughed once more. She hadn’t been this excited in quite some time. How long had it taken her to sprout new memories in order to bloom once more? Temper now—lest we get impatient. A fire brimming in her dark heart, Maleficent gestured at Yuto to step through the large Heartless emblem. ”This is a massive gate—a portal, if you would. Through here lies another world, one where I shall demonstrate just how powerful these items can be.”
”Shit…” The Vagabond staggered and fell into a wall, leaning heavily against it with jagged breaths as he hunched in pain. Drip. Splat! Blood fell onto the marble walkway beneath him, seeping through the long-worn t-shirt beneath his hooded coat and spilling as he walked. What happened to my Potions?! The bottles that usually littered the mans many coats had mostly broken, all but one—which was the only reason he was still able to walk. Whatever had happened to him had caused his body to be beaten and worn inside and out. It’s like a got hit by a Large Body…
Despite the Hi-Potion healing the worst of his external injuries (a broken arm, ribs and multiple welts and bruises), the Vagabond found himself coughing up blood when exerting the minimum amount of energy it took to stand and walk. Jolts of pain shot through his limbs and chest every few breaths, making the man lose his inertia and forced to start all over. If any Heartless showed up now, it’d be game over. Why can’t I remember what happened? Was it the woman’s doing? There was a whispering thought in the back of his head—one that told him it wasn’t really what she had done. It feels—like that one time…
His blood ran cold at the thought.
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ravenheart95
Human
Yo, Socrates, it's a cookie.
Posts: 328
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Post by ravenheart95 on Apr 5, 2020 21:59:11 GMT -5
Yuto listened with intrigue to the woman's explanation. If I have to get stronger to use the emotions of others then I might be better off using my own for now. He was more resolved now that Maleficent explained how things worked. ”Fret not—my young Yuto. I shall teach you all you need to know in order to sustain and nourish your power. In the meantime, I shall show you how these devices work. Come—there are other items I seek from other worlds. While helping me, I’ll show you everything.”
He followed her to the large Heartless emblem at the other end of the room. The pulsing and constant changing of colors was a bit odd, but that was par for the course at this point. If anything nothing being odd or out of place would be odd. ”This is a massive gate—a portal, if you would. Through here lies another world, one where I shall demonstrate just how powerful these items can be.” He cocked his head to the side while examining the gate. It seemed possible, considering he could make gates to other worlds appear with the power of Darkness.
With a shrug, Yuto gestured to the gate. "Shall we?"
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Post by hoodwink on Apr 6, 2020 9:07:31 GMT -5
With a wicked laugh, Maleficent placed one of her pale hands on the back of Yuto’s shoulders. The touch was cold as ice as she urged him forth, walking with him into the gate as she smiled. Soon, I shall become restored! Her throne waited for her in that castle—though she wondered if the usual foolish obstacles would remain there. The world will know I am its rightful Queen—not her!
The two stepped through the massive gate together, plunging through the darkness and towards another world.
”Ha ha! Wedge! We found ya!” Wantz rushed over the debris of ruined walkway as he made his way into the ruined platform. Eyeing the large crater in the middle of the large platform they stood on, the rifleman’s eyes widened. Just what kinda Heartless were here?! The horned warrior was resting, leaning against one of the many railings. There was a wide grin on his face as he lifted a hand at Wantz. Having arrived with other members of the Committee, the rifleman had been adamant on looking for his other friends once Biggs went into Aerith’s care. Splitting up, the members teamed together to search through the abandoned castle. He was grateful he had chosen the path he did.
”You missed everything.” The horned warrior had a slight smirk on his face as he stood up. ”You find Biggs? The town okay?” Sighing in relief as Wantz nodded and grinned, Wedge looked out over the railing and into the endless night sky around them. The countless stars made him feel small—a gentle reminder of humility. ”Wonder where that wizard went…” Wantz tilted his head for a moment before recollection hit him. ”Oh yeah! Yuto’s friend, right? The Vagabond?” Had they not all rendezvoused? It seemed like whatever had happened, the group had continued to be split up.
”Well, the town’s defense system is back up. Let’s give the castle another look, huh?” Grinning a bit, Wantz felt confident and relieved. Despite the ruin that many locals were still working to clean and repair, the town had managed to be saved. I wonder who did all this, though?
It had been a total defeat. He lost his Reports, let the source of the Heartless escape and could hardly move. Damn it! He had to do something, fast. If Yuto had followed him with the others—no, he didn’t want to think about that. I shouldn’t have led them here. He had been haphazard and foolish at best. Gritting his teeth a bit and clenching his fists, the Vagabond gazed at the massive Grand Hall he found himself in—eyes glued to the now empty and statuesque looking Heartless Emblem. She was here. He could still smell traces of the Darkness.
Sighing a bit, the Vagabond pulled out the crumpled section of Report, his only copy now. ”Well, at least I still have one left.” Frustrated yet exhausted, the hooded man could hardly bother being worked up about it all. There was much he had to do. Tch—if only I was in better condition… Shortly after coming too, the Vagabond had felt an unfamiliar presence within him. It was one that felt familiar yet…uncomfortable. Like something lying dormant awoke and refused to stay still. Too exhausted to flex the muscle, the Vagabond hadn’t looked into what this difference meant yet.
Well…worst case scenario I can always use that technique on myself. It was risky, but so was losing himself again. Sighing, the Vagabond looked down at his gloved left hand, the one hiding the Heartless Emblem that had been engraved on his flesh long ago. ”Back to the drawing board, I guess.” Shoving his hands into his jacket pockets, the Vagabond gazed up at the large Heartless Emblem one more time before turning and staggering towards the large Grand Hall doors that would lead him back into the Entrance Hall.
”Well—guess it’s time to try and find everyone.”
[[END OF THREAD]] [[OOC: Thanks again Raven for the dope thread. Really been digging this and excited to see what you do with Yuto in the future! ]]
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