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Post by therunawaygirl on Sept 17, 2020 16:04:22 GMT -5
Jack sighed, glancing over at Kujo as he once more thought aloud with annoyance. Not that he could blame him —Jack himself was in a similar line. But the game had begun, and it wasn’t a game he’d afford losing.
By any means necessary, he had to win.
Pouting a bit as he mulled over Kujo’s question, Jack thought a bit. The “key” hadn’t spoken nor acted when they arrived, which was not something Jack had expected. In all honesty, he wanted to see if it reacted to something, but other than his prior anger and will to protect, his blade had done nothing useful.
“Nope…” Jack shook his head, glancing over at the hand he’d use to wield the blade, “Which is odd, really…” “Odd?” M’Lyn asked, turning around to face the group. “Well… Call me crazy or whatever, but… There’s been this voice every so often, talkin’ to me whenever I use the damn thing” Jack said, placing one hand behind his neck, “But now… It’s silent.” “I… Not much I can say there.” “…” Jack frowned, thoughtful. “Maybe…” Alice mumbled, catching her brother’s attention, “Maybe it’s because of what’s happened?” “…If that were the case, it wouldn’t have told me about the last 2 cores we found… But… In a sense, this is a different scenario…” Jack acknowledged, “This is the first time we’ve found someone capable of controlling the Heartless… Right?” “Well…” M’Lyn glanced over at Kujo, a somewhat troubled smile rising in her lips, “Technically, I suppose?” “Hmm?” “…Regardless —that does not matter now. We need to focus on what we have in line.” “Right. And… Huh?”
Jack perked up, noticing a single Shadow Heartless squirming around. It didn’t notice the group at all, instead heading someone towards the Terrace. Alice muffled a shriek, while Jack glared, much like M’Lyn.
“They’re here —which means we’re on the right track.”
Pulling from Alice’s grip, Jack chased after it, followed by M’Lyn. Without much choice, Alice tried to keep up, one of her hands clutched on her chest as she noticed her shaking once more. It was inevitable for her to be that scared —not only was her first time facing the Heartless in person, but they had also suddenly targeted her with a special motive in mind… Or, rather, someone had used the Heartless with a plan that required Alice.
It was enough to make one so innocent shake in fear.
Jack didn’t let up as he chased at the single Shadow, noticing by a glance how people seemed to go by their everyday lives without much care —not seeing the single Heartless roaming around their so-thought “safe area”. It wasn’t much bother at that time, but it more Heartless showed up…
The Shadow stopped by an edge of the Terrace, where a pristine water fountain etched at the wall remained. No one was there, other than the lonely Shadow the group had chased after. It squirmed through the water without care, disappearing within it. Jack panted a bit, looking at what had happened, and after that, faced his reflection in the clear water mirror. It seemed to shake a bit the longer he looked at it, which made him shudder only so slightly. A few seconds after…
And a dark shadow of his own silhouette stepped forward, standing in a battle-ready pose with an imitation of his own weapon.
“What?!”
There was no time to waste —Jack imitated the shadow’s movement and summoned his own blade, glaring at it the same way he’d glare at a Heartless. Alice remained at a distance, while M’Lyn readied her support with her staff once more.
What was the meaning of this?!
[Battle! Jack’s… Shadow?!]
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Post by hoodwink on Sept 18, 2020 8:37:12 GMT -5
”Nope…” Figured. The sudden comment about a ‘voice’ Jack kept hearing brought Kujo out of his brooding gloom. A voice? Though it would have been easy to chalk it up to Jack going crazy—after all of the things they’d seen during the short time they’d traveled together, it was hard to gauge what was within the realm of possibilities anymore. He couldn’t use his old train of thought. ”Maybe it’s because of what happened?” Alice’s comment caused Kujo’s brow to raise a bit. Did she mean the ‘game’ that had been started? Did their unknown enemy have that much power? ”This is the first time we’ve found someone capable of controlling the Heartless…right?” He nodded at M’Lyn’s unsure confirmation to Jack's question—it seemed right to him.
Jack’s sudden surprised caused Kujo to turn and look in the direction of the source. Seeing the singular Shadow, his eyes narrowed as his hands clenched into fists in his pockets. ”So they are here.” He wouldn’t have to pay Hayner or Pence a visit—so that much was a perk at least. Seeing the others rush after it, Kujo sighed, having a rather casual pace himself. ”Only one?” Normally near a ‘core’ there were countless Heartless. The fact it was only a singular Shadow made the man suspicious. Mumbling to himself, Kujo’s knew Jack and the others would pinpoint its location. There was no need to rush on his end. He also didn't feel the need to summon his power, considering the fact it was just a single weak level enemy.
Emerging on the edge of the terrace slightly after the others, Kujo found Jack and…Jack?! A shadowy specter of his comrade stood in front of a wall-fountain, a dark version of that odd ‘key’ in its hand. The real Jack, easy to distinct due to not being made of darkness, had his real weapon ready and out, glaring at the imposter. ”Tch—can’t I catch a break?” Sure enough, it seemed his suspicions were correct. It hadn’t been a normal Shadow after all. Or did it simply act as the lure for the odd being before them? Walking up beside Alice and M’Lyn, each off to the sides (though the Miqo’te was ready for battle), Kujo hollered over to Jack, not moving from his spot. ”You shouldn’t need my help for this, yeah?” Surprisingly enough, there was a playful smirk on Kujo’s lips as he gave Jack a devious glare.
”If you get your ass kicked by this imposter—we’ll just take him along instead.” His harsh joke was his own way of offering reassurance. If Jack couldn’t even beat a fake, armed with only an imitation of the real thing, could he even call himself the real one? He couldn’t afford to lose—and Kujo felt it was a battle best fought himself. It’ll give me a better chance to see what he can do, too.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Sept 18, 2020 9:24:43 GMT -5
Jack locked in a struggle as the dark figure of himself charged forward, pushing it back successfully. The Miqo’te remained at the ready, while Alice noticed Kujo approaching them, having gone at a much slower pace than the rest.
”If you get your ass kicked by this imposter—we’ll just take him along instead.” Already used to Kujo’s stoic demeanor, Jack couldn’t help but laugh, as he pushed the figure back yet again. M’Lyn couldn’t help but draw a bitter smile, and Alice blinked a few times before giggling. It was a very harsh joke, but enough to break the tension that had taken hold of the team after a few events in that world.
“Like I’ll be beaten up by this thing!” Jack grinned back, “Just watch —this’ll be a piece of cake” he added cocky.
M’Lyn backed off for a bit, seeing Jack’s confident demeanor, yet her staff remained at the ready as she watched the battle flow forth. More than capable on his own thanks to the previous battles, Jack managed to fend his imposter pretty well, although not with ease. Much like himself, the imposter shared many of Jack’s traits, particularly his speed. Having such agility meant that landing hits was tough, but Jack was also able to dodge easily enough. The battle of speed took its time, although much in Jack’s favor.
Slipping away from one of Jack’s attacks, the shadow imposter dashed past the key-bearer, much for his shock. Jack turned around as he noticed the imposter tried going for a backstab, raising his blade just in time to clash it against the dark blade of his enemy. Jack’s Keyblade cracked with electricity, as he used his Shocking Blitz to counter the attempt of ending the battle prematurely. The Keyblade’s electricity snapped as it made contact with the shadow, forcing it back to a defensive state.
Still clasping her hand against her chest, Alice fidgeted a bit, stepping a bit closer to Kujo and M’Lyn as the battle waged on. She was still not used to being so close to actual battle, more used to the dynamic of watching from afar. She was about to grab onto Kujo’s jacket, just in search for reassurance as before…
The shadow Jack seemed to perk up, ignoring Jack’s attacks for a second, much for his annoyance. With impressive speed, the shadow made its way straight for Alice, its blade at the ready.
“Alice!” Jack shouted, staggering a bit as he tried to rush his way towards his sister.
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Post by hoodwink on Sept 18, 2020 10:06:30 GMT -5
CLANG! Shadows clashed against armor as Akogare took the brunt of the attack with it’s armored forearms crossed. It had emerged within the blink of an eye, a radiant light still around it. ”I thought I told you to handle this.” Without even looking at the shadowy imposter, Kujo remained still with his hands in his pockets as his guardian loomed before Alice. Though the being was armored, the frontal attack indeed had caused the host minor damage, though the welts on Kujo’s arms would be hidden by his jacket. It was a minor annoyance, if anything. ”You can’t protect her yourself in moments like these?” Still giving a mild glare at Jack rather than acknowledging the enemy, Kujo controlled his guardian through sheer will as it burst out of its guard, remaining still as its galaxy eyes took in the shadow before it. In all honesty, he was slightly disappointed, having expected more. It was just a one-on-one, after all.
”Those kind of guys're the worst.” Kujo finally looked away from Jack with a sigh—though truthfully this rather merciless display was coming from a place of wanting his teammate to do better, for Alice’s sake as much as Jack’s own. As though daring the imposter to try and continue the assault, Akogare continued to float silently in front of Alice with it’s plated fists at the ready, facing Jack’s shadow with a porcelain face devoid of any emotion. It seemed Kujo was serious about making Jack do the leg-work, though there wasn’t a chance he was about to let the thing do as it pleased. Glancing over at the mindless dark being, Kujo scowled.
”Looks like we’ll have to teach this thing some manners before it replaces you, huh, Jack?”
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Post by therunawaygirl on Sept 18, 2020 10:47:01 GMT -5
The shadow’s attacked blocked by Kujo’s Akogare, it tripped backwards as the sudden force ricocheted back towards it. Jack didn’t lose a second —he was seeing red. If this was also work of whoever they met before… Jack was not going to forgive them.
Ignoring every other noise, Jack went in for the opportunity, ignoring Kujo’s harsh words covering his worry. Holding the blade firmly with one hand, Jack went all-out and swiftly —not giving the shadow a single room of respite. First striking from the back, although the shadow was quick enough to avoid it, but Jack didn’t let up, instead chasing after it without losing sight of it.
His gaze was cold, irritated, much like Kujo’s own scowl. A sight he didn’t think he’d be capable after all that had happened, having thought he’d overcome his own darker moments.
The key-bearer swung his blade as soon as he saw an opportunity, the shadow unable to keep up with its opponents, and getting seriously injured. It didn’t take long for Jack to beat it, his gaze completely bitter.
Alice had fallen to the ground as the Akogare showed up to block the incoming attack, shaking. This time, however, her brother hadn’t gone to reassure her, instead completely enraged at what he’d just witnessed. Dismissing his blade, he glanced over at where the shadow last stood —near the wall-fountain. The Miqo’te simply dismissed her staff, having not used it once.
“7…”
A voice echoed through Jack’s head —the same voice he’d heard countless times before, a voice too similar to his own. Jack’s gaze narrowed as he glared at the fountain, not wanting to show his shock and seem like a lunatic.
Not that he hadn’t seemed like that before, though.
“7 what?” Jack demanded in his mind, bitter. “There’s 7 shadows you’ll have to find before the core reveals itself to you” the voice replied, just as mad, “Heh… Although you already overlooked one of them…” “Huh?” “Find it yourself —I’m not gonna tell you.” “Tch… So much for being helpful…” Jack grimaced. “…I’ll tell you this much —6 of them are here. You already know where the one you overlooked is —you’ll just have to backtrack before it’s too late.”
Jack groaned, but then sighed and turned back, heading back to the main part of the Terrace. His gaze was determined, yet cold, evidenced by the fact that he didn’t reach for Alice as he headed back. M’Lyn wasn’t one to overlook this, and demanded answers immediately.
“Where, exactly, are you going?” M’Lyn asked, somewhat mad. “…There’s other 5 points we have to check” Jack explained, not turning back to face his team, his fists clenched at his sides, “We do that, and we find the core." “…How do you know that?” “…Heh…” Jack smirked, glancing over his shoulder, “Call it a hunch o’ mine. We need to keep goin’, though —and we can’t split at this point.” “Why?” M’Lyn asked, crossing her arms, “You’re talking a lot, and barely explaining —you’re acting too suspiciously, Jack.” “Because they want us to split” Jack explained, turning faintly towards the team, “They know where the core is, and how to reveal it —why wouldn’t they? If we need to find 5 other points, then it’d make sense to split, right? That’s what they want —if we split, then they get to pick us off with as many Heartless as they need. They can control them with ease —sending as many as they need to deter us would be easy as cake for them.” “Then… What? You say we just rush them?” “I say we play this smart —and to do that, we need to play irrationally” Jack dictated, “We’ve gotta play in a way they can’t predict —that’s the only card we can play right now.”
Finishing the conversation, Jack turned around in search for another Shadow that would guide him to where the next point would be, leaving the rest behind. M’Lyn sighed with exasperation, waiting on Kujo and Alice before following along, although not with much convincing. Alice was still sitting on the floor, but she glanced over at Jack as he left, with a troubled look worrying for her brother.
The key-bearer, not looking back, was firm in his gaze, his fists tight shut. There was a raging fire in his heart —one that was consuming him completely.
“If Kujo hadn’t stepped up back there…”
Alice would’ve received major damage, or even worse —a fate Jack didn’t want to think about at all. His past guilt was creeping through his back, consuming his entire being and leaving nothing in its wake.
A pain he thought he’d overcome long ago was now surfacing yet again. Jack grimaced at the thought of it.
One could never truly escape their pasts —and Jack was no different.
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Post by hoodwink on Sept 18, 2020 14:39:06 GMT -5
As Jack re-engaged with the enemy, a new fury fueling his attacks, Kujo merely sighed with mild annoyance as he turned and glanced down at Alice. ”Can you stand?” His face betrayed his annoyance with Jack and the situation itself, though his words towards the girl weren’t harsh—merely gruff, as usual. Feeling the imposter’s presence disappear, Kujo turned back to find the enemy defeated—Jack left zoning out in front of the water fountain. What was up with that? Unsure of why the imposter showed up to begin with, Kujo dismissed his Akogare now that the threat was gone. ”Where, exactly, are you going?” Pulling his eyes away from the water, Kujo saw Jack already beginning to head off to another part of the Terrace.
”Theres another 5 points we have to check.” His comment made Kujo raise an eyebrow, unsure of what Jack meant by ‘points’. Is he talking about sections of this tourist spot? Glancing back towards the water fountain, his emerald eyes narrowed with suspicion. Was that one of them? Beginning to piece the puzzle together, Kujo acknowledged the fact that Jack had yet another ‘hunch’ with a sigh. ”You just don’t rest with those, huh?” Hearing the guy’s resistance to splitting up, Kujo couldn’t help but feel like they were sacrificing some speed for security they might not even get. ”What if they’re just hanging around one of these ‘points’—waiting until we clear the other ones so they can swoop in to the core before us?” If anything, he’d prefer for everyone to split up and be somewhat more stealthy, surveying the area until their enemy arrived.
Seeing Jack had made up his mind and continued on ahead, Kujo shared in M’Lyn’s exasperation, giving the Miqo’te a look that showed his sour mood. ”You’re telling me.” Oh well. Whatever happened would happened. It’s not like he was really worried about their bizarre enemy. Even if his basic attacks hadn’t worked—everyone had a weakness of some kind. He’d just have to find it. Waiting for Alice before heading off, Kujo would silently offer a hand to aid her up if it looked like she needed it. ”C’mon—looks like we’re chasing after him some more.” Jack’s hunches may usually be right, but the guy had a bad habit of never really explaining much to his team. Though members such as M’Lyn and Alice, who knew Jack for some time, might be able to trust him so wantonly, Kujo was hardly used to such relationships.
”Tch—“ Part of him was tempted to just ditch the group and try to find these ‘points’ on his own…though truthfully he wasn’t sure where to start. Aimlessly running around would be annoying, as M’Lyn had pointed out earlier. Guess I’ll go along with it…for now. If Kujo happened to see any promising leads as him and the others followed Jack, chances were he’d most likely go after it.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Sept 18, 2020 16:39:51 GMT -5
Alice looked up, still shaken a bit, as Kujo offered his hand. Holding her tears back, the girl jumped up to her feet, and hugged his arm tightly, closing her eyes shut in fright. There were too many things happening at once, and none of it was to Alice’s liking.
First, she’d agreed to joining the team on field, while the Heartless roamed and preyed upon anyone daring to cross their path (although the team was able to fend them off quite easily). Secondly, she had to stand behind with people she still didn’t feel comfortable, to then be targeted by someone whose primary aim was Jack.
Overall, it had gone from bad to worse. But Jack’s reaction after the fight was the drop that filled the glass —she’d never seen him like that before.
Not even during their toughest times, when they had to survive by any means possible while living in the slumps.
“That’s not him…” she muttered, “That’s not my brother —not the one I know…”
M’Lyn had stopped on her tracks to recall with Kujo, noticing Alice’s behavior to an irrational extreme, and frowned with concern. Jack had gone off without looking back, despite his previous warning about “not splitting up”. She glanced over to where he’d left, not being able to see him in the nearby area. With a groan, she shook her head.
“He’s gone off already…” M’Lyn said with annoyance, “And he’s the one insisting not to split off in fear of being picked one by one…” she added with a mumble, shaking her head, before looking at Kujo, “Should I go fetch him, or do you? Someone’s got to follow that stupid brat before he does something reckless…” M’Lyn groaned, “At the same time, though… I don’t want to leave Alice behind… I’ll leave it at your call —given the fact that we both can handle it solo, it won’t matter much on who goes after and who stays.”
Jack had run after a Shadow once he’d left the team behind, ignoring his own words of “not splitting” in order to avoid getting picked off. Thinking without reason and following only his heartbeats, Jack chased after the Shadow to end up in an alleyway. He walked further in, a group of Shadow Heartless stepping forward from the end of it, a looming darkness visible as fog at the very far end. Bitterly, he fought his way through, his body littering with scratches that barely stung him as he swung his blade with relentless fury.
Part of him wanted to vent off, too much frustration, anger and pain bottling up inside him, and so Jack wanted to let it all out. A battle like that was about the perfect opportunity to throw it all off, not letting a single Shadow escape him.
Jack began to pant, after the blade of his had thrown a beam of light against the fog, dismissing it entirely once the battle had ended. Most of his shirt, particularly its sleeves, was noticeably scratched, faint cuts bleeding a little and tainting the edges they could touch, yet Jack had paid them no mind. Instead, with one hand, he rested his entire body against the wall, trying to catch his breath back.
That was the second spot out of the 6, meaning he still had 4 to go. Without any other clues as for where he’d missed one, nor where to head on next, Jack decided to take a break, still not realizing he’d left his team behind.
He groaned, suddenly feeling a headache. His free hand went towards his forehead as he tried to mitigate it, but the headache wasn’t normal by any means.
It was a seeping darkness, trying to lock him temporarily in his darkest nightmare…
“Get the most injured back to the infirmary!” a voice shouted through the steel halls of the hideout, “Clear the area, now!” “Jack!”
Jack raised his view after hearing Alice’s voice shouting, running towards him while he leaned onto Elena for support. A fresh, deep cut in his face began to burn a bit at the feeling of new air, and although many cuts were made all through his body, the cut in his face was the most vivid, still bleeding a bit and going down his face, tainting it red. The girl’s eyes widened, as her hand reached for the cut only for her fingers to be tainted with the blood of her brother’s wounds.
“What… Did they do to you…?” she asked, her voice shaky. “…” Jack looked down, but then drew a faint smile as his hand patted Alice’s head, “Sorry I worried you… I’m back in one piece, though —just as I promised.” “Jack…” Elena mumbled, looking at the boy she was supporting. “I’m okay, sis —don’t worry about this” Jack continued, forcing his smile in order to hide the truth of the incident, “I’ll just… Get this patched up, and then rest a spell… Just watch —I’ll be back in a flash!”
Jack snickered, far too forced and obvious, causing Alice to worry further. Elena sighed, reaffirming the fact that Jack needed medical attention and rest, and so she helped the boy to the infirmary. After Alice was out of view, Jack sighed, holding back his tears as he began to choke up.
“You shouldn’t have forced it like that…” Elena said. “I know, but… I don’t want her to suspect a thing…” Jack admitted, looking down, “I know it’s not right, but… I don’t want to worry her more… Or scare her, for that matter.” “Still, your…” “…Please, Elena —don’t tell her a thing… I don’t want her to know —not now. I know it’s dumb of me to ask this, but… I don’t want Alice to know what really happened… Please…” “…” Elena sighed, looking away, “For now… I won’t say a thing. But you’ll need to tell her eventually, before the bubble bursts.”
Jack’s vision went blurry, partially due to the tears while the rest was due to exhaustion. His body began to wobble as he tried to step out, feeling his throat choking him, almost as if he wanted to throw up at the sight of the memory. It wasn’t long before he fell to the ground, unconscious, a faint trail of blood flowing down his face from the upper most part of his old scar.
“Why…? Why is that…. Haunting me now…?” Jack thought, as he slowly began to lose consciousness.
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Post by hoodwink on Sept 19, 2020 12:15:00 GMT -5
”Tch—?!” Kujo grumbled mildly as Alice suddenly glued herself to his arm, not having expected the reaction. Despite his minor frown and grumbling, he also didn’t break away. He hadn’t ever seen her this worked up before—despite having seen battles worse just before. ”That’s not him…” Though it was faint, Kujo heard her worry, causing him to raise an eyebrow. Was Jack what had shook her up? ”…” Despite not being the biggest fan of Jack’s mood swing, Kujo hadn’t though he was acting different enough to have Alice shook up this much. Then again, he didn’t know much about the two still. ”He’s gone off already…” M’Lyn’s comment caused Kujo to glance in the direction Jack had headed. ”That hypocrite.” Scowling as his eyes shifted into his Akogare’s galaxy gaze, the man grumbled.
They had truly lost him.
”Dammit.” He really couldn’t help but feel like things were getting messier and messier. ”Should I go fetch him, or do you? Someone’s got to follow that stupid brat…” It seemed M’Lyn too felt the frustration of what was spiraling. With a sour expression on his face he debating the options they had. On the one hand, Kujo wanted to be the one to go after Jack—especially to knock some sense into him (quite literally). She’s definitely not going anywhere willingly for a while… Glancing down at Alice, still shaken up from the events of the day, the man sighed and shook his head. They’d have to drag her along—which they could certainly do, but surprisingly enough the idea didn’t sit right with him for once.
”Tch—relax, Alice.” After a moment of hesitation, Kujo’s face darkened into its usual scowl and stoic demeanor as he shook Alice off of his arm. ”I’ll bring your idiot brother back—“ He glanced down at her—despite the harshness of his face, his eyes showed a subtle hint of care. ”—the one you know.” As he began to walk off in the direction Jack went, he waved a hand in departure without looking back. ”You’re better at this kinda stuff than I am, M’Lyn~” Shoving the responsibility onto the Miqo’te with a teasing jab as he left, Kujo had a determined look in his eyes as he walked. That blockhead. He was definitely going to knock some sense into him.
With that, Kujo began his hunt for Jack, using the speed of his Akogare to begin searching the Terrace swiftly—starting in the last direction he had seen the guy head in.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Sept 19, 2020 13:36:10 GMT -5
“Tch—relax, Alice.”
The girl hadn’t noticed just how long she’d been holding onto Kujo’s arm, not realizing he’d shocked him with the actions. As he shook her off his arm, Alice let go immediately, flustered with a faint red creeping through her cheeks.
“S-Sorry…” she apologized softly.
The team had decided —Kujo would go off to find Jack, while M’Lyn remained with Alice. The girl had to look hard for it, but she saw Kujo’s care hidden beneath his stoic exterior as he promised he’d bring the Jack she knew back.
She could only hope that would be the case…
Kujo’s jab was hardly ill-received as he waved his hand without looking at the two girls, the Miqo’te clearly amused by yet another back-and-forth between them, albeit short-lived. She rolled her eyes as he left, before looking at Alice, who was looking down at the floor with worry.
“Alice?” she asked, raising a brow in confusion. “…Hey… Is… Is Jack acting that way… Because I’m here…?” “…I can’t say —I don’t know you two that well, do I?” “…Am I a burden…?” Alice asked, softly. “Ah… Why would you be?” M’Lyn asked back, her tone fierce yet worried, “None of what’s happened is your fault, Alice.” “But it’s because I’m here that Jack’s acting the way he is… I’m just slowing you all down… Just by being here.” “Alice, knock it off” M’Lyn berated her, causing the girl to raise her gaze, eyes holding back tears, “What’s done is done —we can’t change the past. We couldn’t leave you at the Almira previously and we certainly can’t do that now, either —in both scenarios, you would’ve been more vulnerable than by being with us now. What would’ve happened if we’d left you back when we arrived? What if whoever’s behind this farce went after you while you were there?” “…” “None of this is your fault —period. Jack’s acting out of mind, that much we all agree on” the Miqo’te continued, looking at the path Kujo had taken, her gaze firm, “Yet we can all agree on one thing… And that’s the fact that you are by no means a burden —all of us think that way, I’m sure. Jack worries about you because you’re his family, and I worry about you because you’re both part of this team and a friend of mine. I’m sure Kujo thinks the same way I do —you’ve been of infallible help, both in missions and out.”
On his trip in search for Jack, Kujo would see no other Shadows heading elsewhere —the coast was clear. Once he arrived at the alleyway Jack was still unconscious at, he’d see him lying on the floor, most of his wounds not bleeding anymore except for the one open in the old scar. He hadn’t moved an inch, and no passerby had seen him there, given that Jack was still somewhat deep within the alleyway, too dark to see at first glance.
It didn’t look like he’d wake up anytime soon, trapped inside his heart’s nightmare.
Jack spat out, his saliva mixed with his own blood, having received yet another punch to the face. How many did that make? He’d lost count already, his ragged breathing indicating that he’d had more than enough. His face was completely bruised, multitude of cuts all across his body, the most prominent one being the recent deep one across his face, a wound still open and bleeding.
Both hands and ankles were tied against a chair, rendering his immobile —he’d already tried struggling his way through the tight ropes tying him down after he’d woken up. He wasn’t alone in that situation, either —his entire unit, after having been sold out and ambushed, was much in the same condition as Jack, some worse than others.
“Tch —you’re a stubborn bunch, aren’t ya?!”
A grown man's voice grunted, closest to Jack. The teen glanced back through the mess of hair he had, still breathing heavily. He wanted it all to end —for them to just kill them. Was that the point behind the torture, though? To make them desire death? It felt as if the soldier wanted to vent out by killing the entire unit, but some higher-ranking officer had told him to hold it back, much for their dismay. Obviously, even in that situation, the unit had remained silent —they were not going to sell their HQ’s location and operations, even if death was a possible outcome. Their pride as spies, added to their alliance to the Brigade, was enough to make them strong even at death's door.
They’d gladly accept their fates if it means keeping their comrades and other refugees safe from harm.
“Come on… Just kill us already, why won’t ya?!” Jack thought, glaring at the soldier who’d punched him once again.
Seeing how useless their punches, stabs and cuts were, the enemy soldiers decided to change their approach. Still silently suffering through the pain, Jack locked his gaze to the soldiers’ movements, after hearing the mention of “bring a pair in.”
It didn’t take long for anyone in that cold and silent room to figure out what they had meant. They brought 2 people in, wearing blindfolds with their hands tied behind their back —a man and a woman. Jack’s eyes widened in shock, recognizing both of those people.
There was no doubt about it, those were his parents. Even with the blindfolds covering their eyes, Jack would be able to recognize them anywhere. Unfortunately, his shock sold everything the enemy had to know, in order to force him to speak.
“NO, STOP!”
Jack groaned a bit, yet still unconscious. The memory was still to raw for him to process, instead choosing to repress it deep within his unconscious. It seemed, however, that it wouldn’t be enough for him to keep up, instead helping the darkness torture him with nightmares rather than punches.
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Post by hoodwink on Sept 19, 2020 15:28:09 GMT -5
Making his way through the Terrace, Kujo paused as he finally came across an alleyway. Though nothing caught his eye initially, the sheer sinister aura around it piqued the man’s interest. Greeted by the sight of a familiar figure slumped against a wall, a long drawn out sigh escaped the man. ”Can’t I catch a break?” Wounds littered Jack’s unconscious form, one on the face still bleeding a bit. Crouching down with a stoic look, Kujo grabbed the unconscious guy’s wrist, lifting it off of the brick. Well, he’s alive, at least. Emerald eyes glared down. There was no point in him beating some sense into someone already hurt and passed out. Slightly irritated at that fact, Kujo reached out a calloused and rough hand and smacked! Jack on the face. It wouldn’t be enough to hurt, though it would surely sting and leave a faint red mark.
”Oi, wake up.” The guy was out cold. Kujo grit his teeth in annoyance as he sighed yet again. ”Tch…pain in the ass.” Waiting a moment to see if he’d stir, Kujo glanced around the alleyway. It couldn’t have been Heartless… If it had, wouldn’t they have taken his heart if he lost? Did they come back? He scanned the rooftops around them, not having seen the dark figure since the Train Station. If it’s just a projection, can it hurt people? There was a lot up in the air and Kujo had no tricks up his sleeve to heal someone other than minor medical aid (not that he had the equipment for that, either). Well, he won’t bleed out, at least. He’d have to get M’Lyn to work her magic on him. ”You’re relying too much on your team, you idiot.” Kujo spit the comment at the unconscious Jack.
Didn’t he know he was just causing problems for everyone? Reaching up to the comm device on his ear, Kujo’s annoyed temperament would be clear as he reached out to the others. ”I found him. Looks like he lost a fight.” Considering how Alice was when he had left, he doubted M’Lyn being able to convince her to go anywhere. He shouldn’t be moved like this… A groan caused him to pause, glancing back down at Jack, who wore a complicated and painful expression on his face. A nightmare serves you right. Reaching back up to his comm device, Kujo continued where he had left off. ”He’s alright, but pretty beat up. I can’t move him without causing more damage.” It was now or never. He knew it would be a lot to ask, but Alice would have to step up to the plate—for her brothers sake.
”Alice—pinpoint our location. M’Lyn, when you both get here—work that ‘magic’ of yours.” With that, he lifted his finger off of the comm device. ”Nothing left now but to wait.” Grimacing a bit at the unfolded events, Kujo crouched back down next to Jack with a look of contempt. ”Wake up!” Grabbing onto the guy’s shoulder that wasn’t wounded, the man in lavender jostled Jack pretty violently—though not enough to do any harm. Trying to get him up was a hassle, but Kujo needed to know what happened. If the enemy was laying in wait like he had thought…
”C’mon—break time's over.”
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Post by therunawaygirl on Sept 19, 2020 16:01:23 GMT -5
Given the fact that Jack remained unconscious as Kujo found him, his words were lost to the boy, trapped within a nightmare he seemed to have no escape from. The slap Kujo gave served for nothing other than leaving a temporary mark, but didn’t shake Jack from his sleep at all.
M’Lyn and Alice both perked up as Kujo reached for their coms. Given Alice’s mood, moving immediately would be imposible, considering the girl considered herself the reason why things had gone sour, despite the Miqo’te saying otherwise.
”Alice—pinpoint our location. M’Lyn, when you both get here—work that ‘magic’ of yours.” M’Lyn sighed after hearing Jack was pretty beat up, although she doubted it was because he lost a fight. Given his emotions before he left, the Miqo’te considered that it would be more exhaustion after winning a battle rather than losing it.
She had some hope on Jack’s abilities, after all.
Alice fidgeted a bit as she pinpointed Kujo’s location —not too far from where they were now. Yet her mood wasn’t the best to head there and meet her brother, who was clearly troubled by something and now currently injured. M’Lyn sighed once more, annoyed, before contacting Kujo through the coms.
“We’ll be there as soon as we can” she informed, “Alice’s not exactly in the best of moods, though, so this might take a while… I’ll rush there if there are any Heartless that give you trouble —although I trust you can keep them away from an injured and helpless person?”
Kujo’s shake caused another groan, this time with a following reaction. Jack struggled a bit as he broke from the darkness of sleep, feeling the trail of blood going through his face all the way to the brick floor, leaving a small pool beneath him. He looked dazed, although with obvious reasons.
“…Kujo…?” Jack glanced over, noticing his hand still in his shoulder, all the while his voice was broken and somewhat silent, “What are you… Doing here…?”
Jack groaned once more, one of his hands going to his forehead. As he did so, his fingers got stained with blood, forcing him to click his tongue. Although most wounds were mostly taken care of with time, whatever had gotten a faint trail in the old one was a different case. The boy pressed his hand against the small opening, trying to pressure it so that it wouldn’t continue bleeding, all the while he sat properly, resting against the wall behind him.
“…” Jack glanced around the dark alleyway, still dazed, “Where’s… Alice and M’Lyn…? …I thought I told you guys that we can’t split…” he groaned, but sighed, “Although I hardly followed that thought, did I…?”
He was sullen, but not because of what was happening, but rather about what happened. His memories a turmoil of emotion, they had taken hold of Jack after having won his battle against the Shadows that served only to vent his anger. Yet even that didn’t feel enough… Jack’s resting hand clutched into a fist as his face soured into a scowl.
There was still too much he wanted to vent out, but his body wouldn’t answer, almost as if it wanted him to go back into the nightmare, allowing him at the very least some rest.
“You’re forcing yourself…” the voice spoke, belittling. “What else do I do? I failed to protect them… I failed to protect something I cherished…” Jack’s scowl hardenered, “Am I supposed to watch as yet another thing is stripped away from me, right in front of me?!” “The longer you think about it, the harder you’ll be trapped in this real nightmare. Can you really afford losing sight of who you are now?” “Then tell me —who am I supposed to be?! What am I supposed to do?! I can't figure shit out on my own —I'm helpless! The only thing I'm good as is giving others trouble! I can't even keep a promise... A promise I...”
His thought suddenly cut off, Jack closed his eyes shut, holding his emotions back, yet with enough anger to hit the brick floor beneath him with the help of his fisted hand. All the while, the voice returned to being silent, unsure on what answers to give the struggling key-bearer.
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Post by hoodwink on Sept 19, 2020 19:03:21 GMT -5
”We’ll be there as soon as we can.” Sure enough, it seemed Alice was still pretty shaken up. Clicking his tongue in minor annoyance, Kujo supposed it couldn’t be helped. He’d have to sit tight with Jack until they could manage to get here. A groan caused him to pause from reaching back up to his comm to respond, planning a witty retort for the Miqo’te, instead glancing over at the now stirring Jack. ”…Kujo…?” Finally. Standing up from his crouched position, he gave the guy a second to collect himself. ”I thought I told you guys that we can’t split…” It took a good amount of effort not to send Jack back to sleep at that comment, as Kujo grit his teeth and halted his clenched fist. ”Tch—shut up, you hypocrite.”
For a moment he turned away, glancing back down the alleyway to make sure no Heartless or other ‘enemies’ had arrived. He still didn’t know what had attacked Jack. Thud! The sudden pounding of fist on brick caused Kujo’s eyes to dart back to find Jack hitting the floor—a clear look of frustration on his face as his eyes were screwed shut. Leaning against the brick wall of the alleyway, Kujo sighed as he crossed his arms, looking at the wall across him. ”I don’t know what’s going on with you—but you need to pull yourself together.” There was a sternness in his voice, but it wasn’t really harsh—just blunt. Looking down at Jack from the corner of his eyes, Kujo remained against the wall with a blank expression.
”You’re acting too impulsively—“ His eyes hardened a bit as he frowned. ”—it’s annoying, and idiotic. Ever since that message showed up, you’ve been running around in a panic.” Pushing himself against the wall, Kujo kept his arms crossed as he turned to face Jack. ”If your sister getting hurt scares you that bad—do something about it and protect her.” For a moment, Kujo sighed, uncrossing his arms and shoving his hands in his pockets with a mildly disgusted look. ”You’re not doing that by running around and getting yourself beat up. You're not thinking of her at all!” Remembering Alice’s words before he had left, when she had clung onto his arm, Kujo’s teeth clenched for a moment as his face shifted into a stoic mask of sternness.
”All you’re doing is throwing your responsibilities onto us. I’m tired of cleaning up after your mess.” Didn’t he understand his role, here? It had been the main source of Kujo’s annoyance since that bizarre computer room. ”Stick by her side. M’Lyn and I can deal with anything else out of reach. We’re better at that than being your replacement.”
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Post by therunawaygirl on Sept 20, 2020 4:13:38 GMT -5
”I don’t know what’s going on with you—but you need to pull yourself together.”
Jack scowled, not looking at Kujo as he began to berate him sternly and blunty. The boy knew he was being watched from above —since Kujo was standing up whereas Jack was sitting down, a fact that annoyed him. He couldn’t help being mad —not when he knew that what he was doing was stupid, irrational and overall annoying.
“I know that…” Jack mumbled, as Kujo continued his speech. It didn’t stop with the first batch —Kujo just kept on going. The longer he did so, the harder it was for Jack to maintain composed. It all rang true, though —it wasn’t like Kujo was spitting lie after lie, trying to down-grade him (even though it wasn’t the case). The only thing keeping him at bay was his own weakness.
“I f*ing know that!” Jack yelled, quickly standing up as he glared at Kujo, holding back as much as he could with little to no results, “I don’t need you to tell me I’m being an idiot! I f*ing know I’m being a bother and a freaking brat —I know that!”
Jack slammed his fist against the wall he was standing against, looking down with a darkened look. It was hard to keep his tears back, to remain calm knowing full well that he was in the wrong, no one else. But it was inevitable —not because his pride was stepping in, but rather his past.
“I know I’m not doing shit right, but what else am I s’possed to do?!” Jack asked, “The only thing I know to do right is running away —hit-and-runs! I’m not someone who knows about constant combat, nor someone who’s had to fight while protecting another!” Jack raised his gaze towards Kujo, a cold and bitter one, “You don’t know what we’ve gone through, though, Kujo —not you, not M’Lyn” his fists clenched, “You didn’t have to worry about finding shelter every single f*ing day… You didn’t need to run around, trying to scrape off of anything just to not starve… And you certainly didn’t have to f*ing hide every damn time you saw people, in fear of being captured, aprehended or killed! None of it —all while trying to protect your baby sister the best you could!”
He was lashing out —that much was obvious. His past had come to haunt him at the worst possible time, although whether it was a random occurrence or a planned one, no one could say. Jack’s eyes were teary, but he was doing what he could not to cry —he couldn’t cry, not at a time like that one.
What was he supposed to do? He was supposed to be a leader, and guide them all through their mission, but it had all gone from bad to worse in a matter of seconds, and Jack was losing his footing. Yet he wasn’t one to rely on others he simply considered “comrades” —he couldn’t entrust Kujo or M’Lyn his more personal responsibilities, since he didn’t know them as well as others.
If it were Jake or Elena, the matter would be different —but they weren’t there.
“I’m doing what I can —the only thing I know how to do right…” Jack continued, his breathing ragged, “It’s the only thing I know how to do right… And I f*ing know it ain’t enough…”
He could hear it —the high-pitched noise of a gun being triggered, leaving a faint pinging in his ears. He could feel every wound made to him that day —every hit he received. It was inevitable —Jack couldn’t run away from all that. It was a part of him, after all —although not one he embraced. Rather, it was a part he rejected.
“So… If you don’t wanna deal with my baggage, you can f*ing leave…” he stated, “I don’t need people telling me what I’m doing wrong… I know I’m being a f*ing idiot, but I can’t seem to do anything else…”
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Post by hoodwink on Sept 20, 2020 11:47:13 GMT -5
It wasn’t until Jack finally reacted to Kujo’s berating that the man finally understood what Alice had meant back there. Tch—nothing but excuses. This definitely wasn't a side of him he was used to seeing. He let the guy say his piece, though—it was obvious he needed to get it out. It’s not like Kujo had chewed him out expecting him to stay silent, either. Listening patiently with his usual stoic expression, Kujo stood quietly and let Jack vent his frustration, though the look in his eye would betray his mild disgust. ”I’m doing what I can—the only thing I know how to do right…” Kujo merely sighed, his arms crossed as he listened to the rest with visible annoyance. ”I don’t need people telling me what I’m doing wrong…I know I’m being a f—ing idiot,”
Finally hearing enough, Kujo clicked his tongue against his teeth as he reached out with a large fist and grabbed Jack by the collar, glaring down at him. ”Then do something about it already! I don't care what!” He had resisted the urge to slug him a few times today, though each time it was getting harder. ”I’m tired of hearing you whine! All you have to do is stick with her, it’s not f—ing rocket science.” Pushing Jack away in visible disgust, Kujo shoved his hands in his pockets as he turned away, beginning to walk at a casual pace back towards the street. ”If you’re doing something wrong and know it—there’s no helping you. You're just too scared to try to change or do anything different.”
It was a harsh assessment, but Kujo had never been known for holding back. Jack had mentioned his past, facing hardships he couldn’t have ever known about—but the man simply couldn’t excuse the guy’s behavior for something as shallow as that. Everyone had shit they had to deal with—it’s not like Kujo was demanding Jack get over his own baggage. He simply wanted Jack to be honest with himself. If he couldn’t protect Alice, then he shouldn’t act like he could, and vice versa. If he acted the part of the leader—he had to act like a damn leader. ”Stay here. Alice and M’Lyn are coming to pick you up.” Turning to give Jack a final glare before he left the alleyway altogether, Kujo’s departing words were spit out bitterly, his annoyance clear.
”I’ll go take care of the mission. I’m not following around some wanna-be captain who keeps forcing his responsibilities onto others.” With that, Kujo turned and walked away, leaving Jack to his own emotions and fate in the dark alley. After turning the corner, Kujo would reach up and press the button on his comm device. ”You should’ve come instead, M’Lyn.” He was annoyed at how wrong his decision had been. The sooner they got this damned mission over with the better. Using his Akogare, Kujo leapt onto the nearest building rooftop, his eyes transitioned into the galaxy gaze of his guardian as he surveyed the area around him. Hm…a higher spot? Noticing a winding pathway that seemed to cut through the small villa and rise towards a steep hilltop in the near distance, Kujo figured it’d be a good place to start.
At a higher ground, it’d be easier to search for Heartless, which would lead him to these ‘points’. Tch—that idiot. Despite himself, he found himself mulling over what had just occurred. Why didn’t Jack get it? All he had to do was be there for his sister now—the past didn’t have anything to do with what they were doing now, so why bother with it? M’Lyn and him could easily take care of any other threats, so why was it so hard for the bastard to just stick by his sister while she was here, instead of running around haphazardly? It seemed the dauntless man had a hard time sympathizing with others, seeing as how he typically faced most things head-on with zero doubts. His sureness in himself was one of his most powerful traits but also a blaring flaw.
Making his way to the steep hill by leaping from roof-top to roof-top, Kujo allowed his annoyance to fuel his speed as he would make his way to the top of the large hill.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Sept 20, 2020 15:01:07 GMT -5
Jack was caught off-guard as Kujo grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, his shock evident for only a second, before he continued to scowl. Hearing him mention how Jack had to step up his game was infuriating —things were easier said than done. And given how many things had happened up until that moment…
Jack didn’t have it in him to simply “step up”. It wasn’t a matter of it being a hassle or not —but rather, what he lacked was motivation. Even if his only point of focus was protecting what he cherished —in that case, Alice—, Jack couldn’t pull himself together. A selfish and stupid promise he’d kept to himself was getting out of hand because of his past suddenly jumping in to haunt him.
He knew he wasn’t getting any pity —he’d lashed out without thinking.
“You're just too scared to try to change or do anything different.” Jack didn’t reply, nor did he stop Kujo from leaving, already knowing that asking him to stick would be useless. Both of them were set in their ways, neither giving onto the other. Slowly but surely, his emotions were spiraling under control. His face darkened, and fists clenched, Jack scowled.
“Then just put an end to this!” he thought, although he wanted to shout it, “Just put an end to me already!”
It was clear that his mental state wasn’t what it once was, but he couldn’t afford showing weakness at a moment like this. If he could, he would’ve ended it himself long ago —he’d lost himself in the dark long ago. For the longest time he knew how incapable he was when it came to protecting anyone —he’d failed once before.
How was he supposed to know better, if the only time he had to prove himself capable had ended in failure?
“There you are”
M’Lyn had stopped after seeing Jack looming in the dark, still looking down and with his face darkened, trying to calm himself down. He didn’t even raise his view to meet his comrades, instead slowly diving deep into the darkness.
“Jack…” Alice’s voice cracked. “I take it Kujo left?” M’Lyn sighed, having heard his commentary through her comm, “Seriously —you’ve been acting too unlike yourself, and yet you say nothing about it.” “…” Jack didn’t reply at all. “Whatever —if you’d rather keep quiet like that, be my guest” M’Lyn dismissed, bitter, “Just be aware that what you’re currently doing will only end in disaster.”
M’Lyn waved her hand as she turned around, not bothering to heal Jack’s wounds back to perfect health, instead deciding to chase after Kujo in case he needed support. Knowing Jack, he wasn’t going to move for a good while, and being honest to herself, she wanted the siblings to talk it out.
If there was anyone capable of helping Jack emotionally, it was Alice —no one else would be able to do anything about it.
The girl knew what the Miqo’te wanted, and sighed, troubled. Alice knew she had to step up someday, but she didn’t think it’d happen soon. With another sigh, she approached Jack, who remained looking down and troubled. As for the boy, he didn’t move an inch, instead looking down as he mulled onto the memories going through one more time.
“Jack…?” Alice’s faint voice forced him out of thought, catching him off-guard. “Ah—W…. They left…?” Jack groaned, and then sighed, “C’mon—" “No”
Alice grabbed her brother’s hand, stopping him in his tracks while catching him off-guard once more. She was looking down, knowing that she had to hold her tears and fears back, if she wanted to settle things right. Jack looked at her with confusion, but didn’t pull back either.
“Alice…?” “It’s because I’m here, right? That you’re acting this way…” Alice said, her voice cracking, “I’m right, aren’t I?” “…” “If… If I’m being a burden to you, then…” Alice began to tear up, yet not looking up, “Just forget about me… You don’t have to worry about me, if I’m—” “Stop” Jack pulled Alice close to him, hugging her tight, “You’re not —I’m just… I’m just being an idiot…” “H-Hey…” “You’re not a burden, Alice —you’ve never been” Jack closed his eyes shut, trying to hold his tears back, “I’m just the idiot one who doesn’t know what to do… I can’t get a grip, no matter what…”
Alice flinched a bit after Jack pulled her for a hug, but replied it soon after. She knew her brother better than anyone else, after all —she knew he was trying to remain calm, and not show any weakness. She couldn’t have known, however, that the reason he did that was because said weakness was what costed him the lives of people once before —very important ones.
“I’m sorry… I…” “It’s okay —I should also apologize…” Alice said, “I… I should’ve known better…” “You were scared —you couldn’t control it…” “Maybe not at the moment, but definitely after… I shouldn’t just let it… Take control, y’know?” Alice smiled faintly, “I’m here, okay? Just… Just tell me what I need to do, and I’ll do it —it’s always been like that, remember?” “…Right” Jack nodded back. “But” Alice pulled back, pouting a bit, “Don’t run off by yourself, okay? You’re not alone anymore —and I shouldn’t be the one telling you that.” “…Heh” Jack patted her head softly, smiling a bit, “You’ve grown a bit, haven’t you, sis?” “This isn’t growing up, though —it’s common sense!”
Jack chuckled a bit, his eyes still somewhat teary, but he was back to a better mood. It helped to know that, even though both siblings felt guilty on their own way, they were willing to make up to progress further. Jack knew he was being an idiot, but not receiving words of support when things had gone sour didn’t help him jump back up with his usual optimism. Even if Alice was the one to offer that support —being that she was the one Jack worried about and wanted to protect—, it was enough for him to get in gear. Similar way was for Alice, whose fear had taken the best of her and remained vulnerable when the worst had already passed. She could’ve easily gotten back up into a better mood, but she hadn’t.
Both had been in the wrong, one more than the other, but that didn’t matter anymore —that was now water under the bridge. However, Jack’s gaze was still tainted with a faraway pain, one Alice noticed immediately, and one she knew perfectly.
“Something’s still bothering you, though…” she mentioned, sullen. “…Yeah… That came back to haunt me…” Jack replied, looking away, “Y’know what I’m talkin’ about, right?” “I do. …You didn’t tell him, did you? Kujo, I mean” Alice received a shake, which only made her sigh, “The same thing with M’Lyn, then… You’ll have to tell them eventually, you know…” “I’m aware, but… It’s still too fresh in my mind to just… Mention it without feeling… Well, y’know…” “Just be aware of it —you don’t need to spill your guts now.” “…” Jack nodded, “C’mon —let’s catch up to Kujo and M’Lyn. We gotta back ‘em up, right?” “Right!”
Kujo would arrive at the hill without issue, nothing really showing up —no Heartless, no nothing. Looking around would help him not, as the hill itself was devoid of anything. The air was stale and empty, as well, although perhaps that would be a reason to be wary…
“Ah… You came by?”
Dark mist would swirl around, not really taking form immediately or in front of Kujo. A pair of arms would then wrap themselves around Kujo’s neck, the figure almost pushing itself over him as their face leaned closer to his ear, whispering.
“You’re bold… Coming all the way here on your own, knowing I’m lurking around…” it giggled with a faint touch of malice, “I was hoping the key-bearer would show up, but… You’re just as intriguing…”
Another giggle followed as the mist dispersed, the figure now taking form behind Kujo. Although it did so, the thick black mist would cover every inch of the hill. A crooked smile formed itself across the figure’s face, a female voice speaking with childish curiosity.
“In any case… What brings you here? I didn’t think anyone other than him would move to these spots…” the figure spoke, “Speaking off, where is that loudmouth? Whining off somewhere because of what he’s gone through?” after a bit of silence, the figure giggled, playfully, “Was it really that bad, I wonder? Having been tortured so hard just because he chose to remain silent through it all… It costed him a pretty penny, given how he lost people so precious to him back then… Had he just spoken up, then maybe he wouldn’t have lost them… Humans are truly intriguing, don’t you think?”
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Post by hoodwink on Sept 20, 2020 15:34:40 GMT -5
Kujo’s eyes narrowed at the emptiness on the hill. It was a little too quiet. ”Ah…you came by?” It was as he suspected—the voice was all too familiar. So, they were lurking around, after all. His stoic face flickered in annoyance as the hands wrapped themselves over him, a face leaning in. ”You’re bold…coming all the way here on your own,” Though it would have been a simple thing to gain distance with his powers—Kujo wanted information. They were still running around blind. Not that I can trust anything they’re going to say. As the mist dispersed, reforming itself behind him, Kujo didn’t bother to turn his body, keeping them in sight with a harsh glance over his shoulder. He was aware of the spreading mist devouring the hill, though there wasn’t an ounce of doubt or worry etched into him.
”In any case…what brings you here?” The figure seemed carefree, enjoying itself as it began to question Jack’s location, past and motives. His annoyed frown turned into a scowl as he finally turned to face them, his Akogare emerging in a burst of light, hovering at his side. ”You like to hear yourself talk, huh?” Pulling his hands from his pockets and cracking his knuckles, Kujo sighed a bit as he shook his head. ”Humans? I couldn’t think of anything more boring.” He really couldn’t catch a break, it seemed. ”I know you’re just a projection—so there’s hardly any point wasting my time with you.” His emerald eyes glared as he pointed at the dark figure. ”Unless we're finally going to meet face-to-face, that is.”
Giving a dark grin, Kujo’s Akogare remained at his side, poised and ready in case things turned south quick. ”Otherwise, this conversation’s over.” If they refused—he still had to figure out what to do about the mission. If they’re here…this must be one of those ‘points’. Glancing around the area, Kujo began searching for anything that might affirm his suspicion. His guardian kept its galaxy eyes trained on the specter as they waited for its answer.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Sept 20, 2020 15:55:53 GMT -5
The figure smirked, bringing one of its hands to its face as it chuckled. Kujo’s comments were amusing to it, rather than threatening —in particular, how he felt about his own origins. Humans, boring, then? The figure laughed softly, shaking its head with amusement.
Kujo’s offer was clear —he wanted the figure to reveal themselves, but that would hardly be possible. It sighed, shrugging with little to no care. It wasn’t like Kujo could do something, as previously shown during their first meeting by the Train Station. If Kujo wanted to fight, he’d see himself in an easy losing position —that much, both sides were aware of.
“Sorry, but I can’t exactly meet you face-to-face, as much as I’d like that” the figure apologized with a fake concern, “I can’t travel the way you do —and so, I use these projections to know what lurks in the worlds outside my own. All things considered, though, this is far better in my eyes, since I don’t need to worry about fighting!” it brought both hands together, singing praise, “Still, you seem a lot smarter than that loudmouth of a key-bearer… You’re here for information, ri~ght?”
The figure leaned forward, its smirk still evident. Much preferring Kujo’s approach, it seemed willing to exchange information with him, although what the figure wanted wouldn’t exactly be easy to accomplish… But that wouldn’t deter it.
“Well… If you’re willing to meet half-way with me, then we can get to an agreement, can’t we…?” it giggled obnoxiously once more, “Then… I think I’ll start with my piece… Just what is your power?” it asked, cunning, “So strong, so resilient… Why is it that the Heartless want to devour it so badly? Do you know?”
“Or, rather… Would you let me see what’ll happen if they’re this close to devouring your heart? I think that’s more interesting…”
The mist thickened, swirling menacingly as a pool of darkness formed beneath Kujo’s feet, much in a similar way as the one he’d gotten stuck in last time, back at the forest. He would suddenly find himself sinking deeper and deeper, the darkness not letting go at all. Nothing but thick, black mist surrounded him, the figure’s silhouette the only thing distinguishable from the darkness.
“I’m eager… I’m almost throbbing with excitement…” it said with a giggle, “Just how will it taste, I wonder…? That resilience of yours… How much longer will it take until one can finally break it down…?” “…Kujo?” M’Lyn’s voice would echo through his com, as the Miqo’te searched for him, “Where are you? I’m coming to you. Jack and Alice are alright —mostly just making peace with one another…”
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Post by hoodwink on Sept 20, 2020 16:27:41 GMT -5
”Sorry, but I can’t exactly meet you face-to-face, as much as I’d like that!” The comment caused Kujo to raise a brow—hearing how the figure couldn’t leave their home world. What kind of world would they be from? Despite having a humanoid shape, there was no telling what kind of person they were, or where they came from. ”Well…if you’re willing to meet half-way with me,” It seemed that the figure could be bargained with, though they were a rather shady type to strike a deal with (no pun intended). ”Then…I think I’ll start with my piece…just what is your power?” It seemed Kujo had caught their curiosity, a fact he regarded with chagrin. As the mist began to thicken and swirl, the man and his guardian prepared themselves, a look of clear annoyance on the hosts face.
So much for a deal. He’d have to merely avoid it for now, until he could find the source. For all he knew, it was lying about being on another world. There was no reason for him to stop in his search here. Surprisingly the man remained calm and collected as he began to sank into the darkness, crossing his arms a bit as he tsked in irritation. ”You're world must be pretty boring for you to spend your time like this.” As the darkness began to envelope his form, a blinding light would begin to burst through as Kujo’s Akogare seemed to meld into his form.
BLING! Bursting up and into the air, Kujo radiated with a bright aura, his body armored in familiar Purple Heart plating. In place of his usual emerald gaze were his Akogare’s starry ones. On his back were long translucent pixie-like wings, allowing him to hover slightly above the ground as he loomed with his arms crossed. ”Tch—your type’s the worst.” Giving the figure a glare as the darkness raged around the area, a familiar voice crackled over his comm. ”Where are you? I’m coming to you.” At least Jack and Alice were doing alright. Did he step up, after all? Stretching out an open palm before him, Kujo used his other armored hand to press on his device. ”I wouldn’t bother. The damned projections here.”
FLARE! FLASH! A large surge of light blasted forth from his open palm, forming into a heart-shaped projectile aimed directly for the figure as Kujo used his Kagayakashi ability. He knew it most likely would do little to no damage, but once colliding with the ground, it would explode into a burst of light energy, causing a flare-like effect. During this time, he’d use the moment of opportunity to scan the area. Tch—I should’ve taken that damned ‘key’ with me. Frowning as he searched for signs of his hunch being correct, Kujo knew he had little time before he’d have to figure something else out.
For now though, with his Enraged Heart activated, it would be a simple matter to fend off the attacks until he could figure out what he needed.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Sept 20, 2020 16:53:51 GMT -5
The flare of Kujo’s Kagayakashi would be a blinding one, but it’d hardly gain Kujo an opening window. Snap! A dark whip broke through the light, searching to ensnare Kujo as he hovered over the dark pool beneath his feet. “Where do you think you’re going?” the figure’s voice broke through, “I’m not letting you escape —if not using you, feeding off of your energy will be more than enough” the figure smirked, “I’m not letting such an interesting test subject escape —not when I can have it.”
M’Lyn looked over at a distance, having finally caught up to where Kujo was. He’d already warned her about the figure they met before, and as such, she was concerned. She could see the dark mist swirling, but nothing that indicated Heartless in the area. She stood up properly, readying an arrow to shoot from a distance, seeing herself high up above a rooftop.
“Kujo, I can see you” M’Lyn said, making use of their comm devices, “If I walk in, we’re bound to find ourselves in trouble —I’ll remain at a distance for now, but I don’t plan on leaving you alone.”
She finished her speech as she shot forth her arrow with uncanny precision, the devices in her Miqo’te ears helping with the accuracy. The figure seemed to notice however, and the arrow missed its mark —not that it would hit. While the whip moved on its own, searching to trap Kujo back into the pool of darkness, the figure turned towards M’Lyn, who perked up sensing a chill.
“Hmm? Someone wants to barge in?” the figure asked, a cold yet amused tone, “That won’t do… Either you stay out, or you come where we are…”
M’Lyn couldn’t react on time, the mist suddenly swirling around her and trapping her within, in some sort of cocoon of darkness. The figure moved a finger, and the cocoon moved swiftly over from the roof the Miqo’te was standing, to then toss it against the floor of the hill with brute strength. The cocoon broke, and M’Lyn’s body was tossed against the floor, the Miqo’te hissing in pain as she rolled a bit through the floor.
“You’re a nuisance” the figure dictated, “Not interesting in the slightest —I already know what I want from your kind and your world. So, why don’t you kindly disappear?”
M’Lyn struggled to stand up, glaring at the figure who smirked back at her. In a second, a mass of Shadows rose from the pool of darkness, threatening their distance to the Miqo’te. Injured as she was, she could barely stand up, the Shadows going ever closer towards her…
[Battle! Mysterious Figure of Darkness, countless Shadows]
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Post by hoodwink on Sept 21, 2020 3:24:10 GMT -5
”Where do you think you’re going?” Snapping in the air, the dark whip would narrowly miss as Kujo’s speed while fused with his Akogare was steadily ramping up. ”I’m not letting such an interesting test subject escape—“ Scowling in annoyance, Kujo readied himself to launch another attack as he surveyed the area—M’Lyn’s voice crackling in his ear all the while. ”Kujo, I can see you.” She should have just kept her distance. This was a losing battle if they were unable to harm the projection. The mere fact that it could work such powers while also being impervious was frustrating enough, let alone having someone else to look out for. Whiz! Missing with the arrow, M’Lyn’s position was quickly found.
Knowing that attacks didn’t work against the figure, Kujo didn’t bother with the opening that was created by them turning their attention to M’Lyn. Twirling above the ground in order to avoid the whip’s continued nuisance, the shimmering man bounded and leaped her way as the Miqo’te was swallowed up in a massive cocoon of darkness. If attacking it doesn’t work… It stung his ego a bit, but there were few other options. It’d be best if they could simply evade the confrontation for now. As Kujo emerged at M’Lyn’s side, countless Shadows began to rise from the pools of darkness.
”Tch—I told you not to come here.” Giving the Miqo’te an exasperated glance, Kujo rolled his eyes a bit as he crouched down and grabbed her from the floor. ”Attacks don’t work. This fight is pointless.” Thankfully the two typically thought similarly—meaning M’Lyn would most likely come to the same conclusion upon hearing this news. Well…maybe not the same one, as Kujo was planning something, after all. ”Don’t complain. You’d slow me down, otherwise.” He delivered the teasing jab with a faint smirk as he picked the Miqo’te up, using both arms to keep her above the ground as he draped her legs over one arm and supporter her back with the other. Despite his form radiating a powerful light aura, it wouldn’t harm her as Kujo moved with blinding speed.
SWING! Sweeping out with a powerful spinning axe kick, Kujo made quick work of forming a path through the Shadows that had come nearest to them—his translucent wings flickering with ease as they aided his movements. ”You should fall back. Go find the other ‘points’ Jack mentioned while I think of a way to deal with this.” Leaping from the area quickly being swarmed with Heartless, Kujo’s form seemed to shimmer even brighter for a moment as he was about to land. WHOOSH! A powerful gale would slice through the hilltop as the man and Miqo’te disappeared within the blink of an eye. Blurs of greens and reds would cascade around them as Kujo brought M’Lyn to the bottom of the steep hill, at the start of the winding dirt road many locals typically walked leisurely.
We don’t have too long. Kujo’s jaw clenched in annoyance as he realized how backed into a corner they were. Setting M’Lyn back down on her feet, the hovering man stared at her with a stern glare in his galaxy eyes. If I don’t deal with them here, they’ll just keep hounding us. What was he supposed to do against the projection, though? Unable to hurt it as it was able to command the forces of darkness even from that distance… ”I’ll leave it to you guys. I’m going to keep them busy.” While he fought the mysterious projection, the others could secure the other ‘points’ in the area. Kujo’s hope was that they could get to the world core while he kept the figure at bay. It didn’t really matter to him that the fight was fruitless—as whenever the man was backed into a corner, he merely fought harder.
They were pressed on time, so Kujo was already preparing to burst back to the battlefield—but there would be a moment M’Lyn could cause him pause, if she disagreed with the plan or held him up with a plan of her own.
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