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Post by therunawaygirl on Sept 21, 2020 7:04:28 GMT -5
Although she had expected something like a retaliation, what the figure had done was out of M’Lyn’s comprehension. She had meant to shoot as a distraction, sure, but what followed after was out of rational thinking. It was truly an impossible-to-beat enemy —something M’Lyn couldn’t really stand for.
She didn’t really retort back, too injured to make out words, as Kujo carried her out in a flash. Able to at least stand, the Miqo’te glanced over as Kujo looked her way while leaving her on the floor, the mood much the same in between them. She frowned, not really willing to part ways when the enemy was impossible to beat, even if Kujo’s intentions weren’t selfish.
“How, exactly, can you ‘keep them busy’, when you yourself are someone they’re after?” M’Lyn asked back, frowning, “Won’t they just tire you? Even you’ve got your limits, Kujo —don’t you dare playing them off—” “I thought I said you’re not going anywhere.”
The dark whip broke through the seeping mist growing thicker by the second, startling the Miqo’te fiercely. It searched to ensnare Kujo once more, seeing how he was currently the aim of the dark figure.
Cling! A flash of bright light cut through the dark whip just a few inches away from ensnaring Kujo, forcing it to retract. Within the blink of an eye, Jack was standing there, now more collected after hearing what he needed to jump back from the deep abyss of his past. Alice managed to catch up, panting a bit seeing that they had suddenly rushed there.
“Huh… You’re here?” the figure spoke, “Finally taken care of your pity party or what?” “Stay away. From my team” Jack groaned. “Ha —You can’t keep your wits about you together, and yet you dare saying that?” the figure snickered, “You couldn’t keep your previous team safe, could you?”
Jack’s grip tightened, but he wasn’t recklessly diving in anymore. Alice, although slightly shaking, wasn’t showing her fright —something the figure noticed. The whip was back to its hands, quickly thrown Alice’s way, but Jack slashed it away.
“…You’re not you anymore, are you?” the figure asked, smirking, “Just now —this isn’t who you usually are… I think I know you well enough to state that.”
The team was all there —even if the mood was a broken one, and the sense of comradery was lost after countless arguments. Both Kujo and M’Lyn were bitter at how Jack had acted previously, and currently they didn’t want to give him the time of day. Even though the siblings had made peace with one another, there was still a pair to be taken care of.
“I know I owe you two an apology” Jack said, “And an explanation… And maybe a chance to hit me in the face” he added with a smirk, glancing over his shoulder before turning towards the figure, “But right now… We’ve got a place to clear up.” “I think you’re aware, though, that you can’t really hit me…” the figure taunted, giggling. “Wanna say that again for sure?”
Jack quickly dashed towards the figure, although it hardly moved. It wasn’t until Jack missed his attack on purpose that the figure shuddered. The hit had landed —how, it was unclear. A second attack, now directly aimed to ending the fight, was avoided as the figure moved out of the way, both with a mix of fluster and annoyance.
“What—?!” “…Heh —how you like them apples?” Jack asked, raising his chin up high as he smirked, “I can hit you after all.” “…” the figure groaned, annoyed. “You better run” Jack threatened, “I ain’t gonna let up here —I’m winnin’ this whether you like it or not.”
The figure continued groaning, and it didn’t take long before it left, only the Shadow Heartless remaining. While Alice took her distance, still trying to remain strong, Jack poised himself for a fight. Most of the Shadows previously had left along the figure, only a small group remaining.
[Battle! 15 Shadows]
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Post by hoodwink on Sept 21, 2020 12:11:41 GMT -5
M’Lyn’s retorts caused Kujo to click his tongue in a good humored exasperation. If anything it was his own fault for truly thinking that she’d agree to his plan easily. ”I thought I said you’re not going anywhere.” They didn’t have time to come to a compromise as an annoyingly familiar voice reached them in impressive time. Cling! Kujo had seen the whip coming, thanks to his Akogare’s galaxy gaze, but he was mildly surprised to see Jack arriving at the scene. ”Huh…you’re here?” It seemed the figure was more surprised than anyone, however. Kujo remained poised in front of M’Lyn, knowing she was already wounded and wouldn’t be in the best position for the annoying battle brewing. What is he planning? Did he have a plan? Jack had a determined look on his face, but it wasn’t the same as before…
The figure seemed to notice, too, commenting how Jack ‘wasn’t him’ anymore. ”I think I know you well enough to state that.” Raising an eyebrow, Kujo’s galaxy eyes narrowed in suspicion at the dark figure. They talked a lot about Jack…but I had assumed they were simply lying to try and get a reaction out of me. Was what the figure saying true? Were they someone connected to Jack? ”I know I owe you two an apology. […] But right now…we’ve got a place to clear up.” Looking at the guy in question, Kujo gave a faint smirk and an exasperated sigh as he crossed his armored arms. ”Yeah, we know.” He hoped Jack knew that he was going to take him up on each of those offers. Well…maybe not the last one—unless M’Lyn was willing to use her magic on him after.
Then again, it looked like she’d need to use it on herself, first. As Jack dashed forward, Kujo was surprised to see a hit land against the figure, catching the motion with his special vision. What the—? It had to be something to do with that weird sword of his—the ‘key’, as the figure had kept calling it. What’s the deal with that weapon…? It could also have to do with the fact that Jack and that enemy were 'linked' by some sort of connection... As the figure disappeared in its usual mist, Shadows began to take it’s place, though now only a small group. Remaining close to M’Lyn as he readied himself, Kujo unleashed his KitaruShi, an insane torrent of armored fists and feet exploding against the Heartless as his shimmering aura brightened and bursted out. With Jack at the head, Kujo would hover mid-range, keeping both Alice and M’Lyn’s positions in mind as he rampaged against the mob.
Where the hell did they run off to? His gaze searched the area around them as he fought, wondering if the dark figure would return. Glancing over at Jack, he couldn’t help but remember his earlier suspicion. Someone close to him, huh? Would he have any idea, though? Probably not, or he’d have mentioned it a while ago…
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Post by therunawaygirl on Sept 21, 2020 13:34:40 GMT -5
The battle was on. Moving almost imposingly fast thanks to the blade in his hands plus his naturally gifted speed, Jack was made a blur as he hacked into the Shadow Heartless in front of him, cleaning through with ease. Focused solely on battle with a newfound optimism, he smirked with confidence. Alice remained behind, rushing to M’Lyn’s side in order to offer some support, thing the Miqo’te appreciated greatly. A few Shadows had noticed the weaker members, aiming to attack while they were vulnerable.
“Oh no, you don’t!”
In the blink of an eye, Jack had moved in front of the pair thanks to his Brandish, staggering a bit after the attack defeated the Shadows, yet Jack was able to quickly recover his footing and keep on fighting. It was true that the wounds littering his body from earlier had dullen his better form, but the boy wasn’t going to allow that to stop him.
He had a point to prove, after all.
Kujo’s attacks would fend off most of the mob near him, defeating them and dispersing in a black puff of smoke. Only a few Shadows remained, enemies that were quickly defeated by a Thunder III spell and more of Kujo’s assault. Jack dismissed his weaponry in a flash of light, sighing as he turned towards his team with an apologetic smile.
M’Lyn, having regained her footing, was the first one to take action. She walked towards Jack, who looked back in mild confusion, and smacked! him with no remorse a single time. Jack clicked his tongue after the hit settled in, yet a faint chuckle escaped him as he rubbed his hand against the sore spot.
“Ouch…” he said, laughing a bit. “Are you done acting like a spoiled brat, then?!” M’Lyn asked exasperated, “Or are you still going to act like one?!” “Sheesh, I know that already!” Jack said, before bowing profusely, “I’m sorry —both of you. I acted like an idiot back then… I should’ve just kept my cool when I knew you two were covering my back." “…” M’Lyn frowned, and before long, she smacked Jack upside the head. “Hey —what was that one for?!” Jack yelled, surprised as he jumped up, “I know I gave you a shot to hit me, but that’s 1 too many!” “Honestly, you deserve a lot more from my parts. And don’t even get me started with how many Kujo thinks you deserve.” “You… Did bring it upon yourself, you know…” Alice told Jack with an uneasy, faint smile, “Giving them that chance and all…” “…Heh…” Jack smirked, looking his sister’s way, “Don’t you got somethin’ to say, sis?” “…” Alice nodded, bowing down as she apologized, “I also need to apologize… For letting myself get carried away by fear. I was also being a nuisance to you all.”
Alice remained bowed down, and Jack sighed a bit. He walked to her side, much for her surprise, before he placed his hand on her head and kept it somewhat locked in place as he bowed down, allowing Alice to pay the coin back and force him there with her own hand, until both M’Lyn and Kujo accepted their apologies.
They weren’t moving otherwise, although their smiles as they kept looking down would prove that they didn’t mind it at all —neither did.
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Post by hoodwink on Sept 21, 2020 14:42:14 GMT -5
Shadows dissolved bit by bit until finally the Heartless were destroyed completely. With Kujo’s fused state and Jack’s decisive strikes, the ‘battle’ was short lived. As the coast became clear, M’Lyn took the first opportunity she could to deliver her smack—bringing a faint smirk to Kujo's usually stoic face. His light aura shimmered and faded, as well as the heart-shaped armor that signed his fusion with his Akogare, his galaxy eyes returning to their usual emerald as he dismissed his powers. ”I’m sorry—both of you. I acted like an idiot back then…” It seemed whatever had been bothering him before had faded for the most part—or at least, he had a better grasp on it all.
Despite the annoyance and frustration it had caused, Kujo wasn’t the type to hang onto things fruitlessly. As M’Lyn lashed out a second time, the man made his way over to his comrades, glad to see Jack returning back to his usual self. Or maybe it wasn’t his usual self…maybe something had changed for the lasting future? ”I also need to apologize…” Alice’s apology took him off-guard, though his brow didn't stay raised for too long, as he understood her point. Seems like they both did some growing, huh? Walking up to the bowed siblings, Kujo’s knuckle was swift as it landed on the back of Jack’s head. Though the man held back as much as he could, it would certainly feel like a dumbbell falling onto the guys skull as the muscular man gave a stern yet warm nod down at Jack. Clearly the free hit had allowed the man to vent his frustration in an agreeable manner.
”As long as it’s over now...” It seemed Kujo had already moved it behind them—not being one to ignore people’s actions. Jack showed the only thing Kujo had asked of him to—a want to change. It didn't even matter if it succeeded right away, the want was what was most important. There wasn’t much else to be upset about now. His other hand landed on Alice’s head, though it wasn’t formed into a knuckled fist, but instead open as he simply patted the girl’s head, albeit his hands were certainly heavy. ”Looks like you’re stronger than you look, too.” He didn't mean it as an insult at all. Alice's initial reaction to the Heartless and combat had actually been somewhat expected, albeit more dramatic than Kujo had thought. The fact the girl continued to brave such situations for their sake was enough to maintain a high level of respect for their trusted Navigator. The tease was good-humored as he removed his hands from both siblings heads, resting his hands on his hips as he gave a mostly forced sigh and shake of his head. ”Who would’ve thought you’d both be so much trouble.” Glancing over at M’Lyn with a knowing look, figuring she could relate to the comment, Kujo crossed his arms and decided it was finally time to get them all back on track.
”C’mon—we still got problems to figure out here.” Acknowledging their mistakes and reconciling was all well and good, but they also couldn’t forget that time was somewhat pressured on them. The longer they lazed around here being sappy, the more Heartless could potentially harm the world. ”And we've got to make up for lost time.” His last comment was delivered to Jack, a faint smirk twitching at the corners of his mouth. It wasn’t delivered with his usual harshness when annoyed, instead replaced with a gruff humored jab. It seemed the man really was willing to forgive and forget, so long as Jack and Alice took accountability. As for M’Lyn…well, he figured she’d come around eventually, if she didn’t forgive them right away. Glancing between the three, Kujo rested his gaze on Jack last as he asked his question. "It's clear that that figure from before knows you. You mentioned an 'explanation' before, is that what it's about?"
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Post by therunawaygirl on Sept 21, 2020 15:28:34 GMT -5
“OW!”
Jack flinched as Kujo delived his own blow, it definitely packing a heavier punch than M’Lyn’s previous jabs. He couldn’t help but rub his hand on the sore spot as he glared at Kujo a bit, although a faint smirk remained as he did so.
“Damn, that one was hard…” he muttered, amused.
As for Alice, she didn’t get back up until feeling someone’s hand patting her head, with some annoyance to it as the weight lowered her down a bit. ”Looks like you’re stronger than you look, too.” The comment thrown her way caught her off-guard, and Alice’s face quickly turned red. Jumping back with a pout, she flailed her hands in embarrassment.
“I-I’m—!” Alice began to complain, although her embarrassment was too much for her to handle alone.
Jack laughed aloud after seeing his sister’s face, to which she could only reply by hitting him childishly trying to make him stop, although not that that would help. Alice was clearly flustered, unable to process things the right way, her face red as a tomato as she didn’t expect anything thrown her way other than, perhaps, an “it’s okay”.
M’Lyn nodded vigorously as she acknowledged Kujo’s comment, her arms crossed in her chest as she frowned. She let go a bit after, grabbing onto a staff from her arsenal and conjuring Medica. The healing wave took care of most of the wounds the team had overall suffered (all but Alice) during their previous battles, allowing them more or less a better room to keep ongoing —thing Kujo was somewhat rushing.
Not that the rest of the team disagreed —they had to make up for lost time.
Hearing Kujo mentioning how the figure seemed to know him, Jack perked up, somewhat clueless. It was a thought that had crossed his mind, as the figure’s voice was awfully familiar, but he couldn’t recall who it belonged to. What he could guess was that, whoever they were, they were definitely from Milennia.
“What I wanted to explain wasn’t that, but… You’re not wrong —it feels like I know whoever that is” Jack acknowledged, looking back at his teammate, “That figure’s voice is damn familiar, but… I can’t put a face with it. I’m sure that they’re from Milennia, though —there’s not a lot of people I met outside, before we met you.” “Still, what ‘explanation’ did you have in mind?” M’Lyn asked. “Well… About the points I mentioned earlier, for example…” Jack pointed out as he looked up to the twilit sky, “Or about that voice that keeps talkin’… Although they’re silent again…” “Those points… You mean the ones we’ve had to search for?” “Yep” Jack nodded, “There’s 7 in total —6 of them being here. We apparently already walked by the one that’s not here, but… I can’t put my finger on where it could’ve been. In any case” the boy quickly dismissed it, “That fountain where we fought that copy of myself was one of them —and we cleared it. When I, uhh… When I bolted out, I also cleared another spot —the alleyway you all found me at” Jack noted, “That makes 2 out of 6. I’m pretty sure this is another one. That leaves us at 3 cleared, 3 more to go here. That last one could be tricky…” “So, we just keep chasing Shadows?” M’Lyn groaned. “Hey, look at it the bright way!” Jack jumped back, “If it’s just Shadows we need to worry about, then we’re cool!” “You’re the one that suggested not splitting —or did you forget that already?” “Keh…”
Alice perked up while Jack and M’Lyn bantered, running towards the fence keeping the hill safe. Jack perked up seeing his sister run off like that, as she looked over the fence in attempts to being of some help. Her gaze was focused, something Jack knew her for. Aside M’Lyn’s keen hunter eye, Alice had a sharp view for a regular person. She pointed out at the distance, sure of what she’d seen.
“There —that’s 2 other Shadows” she mentioned, jumping back to the floor, “If we follow them, then they’ll lead us to the other spots, right?” “…Yeah” Jack nodded, and then turned towards Kujo and M’Lyn, “I’ll stay with Alice. You guys either stick together or split —the less time we take, the better.”
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Post by hoodwink on Sept 21, 2020 15:59:35 GMT -5
Kujo couldn’t help but frown a bit as Jack admitted to not really having a full idea around the identity of their attacker. No lead there, then. They were back at square one. ”Still, what ‘explanation’ did you have in mind?” Hearing Jack’s explanation around the ‘points’ in town, Kujo couldn’t help but gaze around the area for a moment—wondering exactly what signified these ‘points’. I guess it’s only something a local would know… Then again, it wasn’t thanks to Olette and the others that they had learned about the ‘points’, but the ‘hunch’ Jack’s bizarre ‘key’ had given him. ”That leaves us with 3 cleared, 3 more to go…” It seemed despite the chaos of prior events, they had been making surprisingly good progress. He couldn’t help but allow his expression to sour at the thought of fighting more Shadows, though.
”Tch—damned pests.” They were easy enough to kill, but persistent and always in packs. Seeing Alice begin to scout out the area, Kujo blinked in mild surprise before giving a faint grin. He was glad to see her returning to her usual Navigator duties—even if it was on site. ”There—that’s 2 other Shadows.” Their targets had been sighted. Jack began to administer the order to split up in order to tackle as many points as they could as quickly as possible. Hearing him decisively break up into a team with Alice really affirmed how he had gotten over whatever had been bother him from before. ”You guys either stick together or split—the less time we take, the better.” Kujo glanced over at the Miqo’te with a slightly competitive glint in his eyes as he offered a mild sneer.
”How about it? Think you can beat me to it?” If there were only three points left, and Alice and Jack made up one team, it would make sense for him and the Miqo’te to go solo. They could tackle all three points at once, leaving only the last mysterious one to find. With the decision made, he only allowed himself time to jab at M'Lyn a little before he used the speed from his Akogare to give chase to one of the nearby Shadows Alice had seen. Hopefully it would lead him to one of these ‘points’—as it was hard to resist the urge to destroy the weak Heartless on sight.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Sept 21, 2020 16:14:48 GMT -5
M’Lyn looked at Kujo with a stoic gaze, noting his sneer as he issued his challenge. The Miqo’te sighed, shaking her head as her arms remained crossed. The siblings knew what that meant, however —not exactly a good sign for either of them, but perhaps for Kujo it would prove a nice diversion.
“You believe that you’re safe just because of that power of yours, then?” the Miqo’te asked, smirking back at him coldly, “I don’t think I need to say much more than that. In fact… I don’t believe I’ve shown you what a Keeper of the Moon can do during their hunt, have I?”
The team was set —Alice and Jack were together, while M’Lyn and Kujo each would take a different path. The Miqo’te spread out in search for the Shadow they were missing, while Jack, Alice and Kujo chased after the ones the Navigator had seen. All in all, they were back to being a proper and organized team.
Jack and Alice chased their Shadow to the entrance of a few tunnels, while the one Kujo would end up chasing would drag him all the way to where they had arrived to Sunset Station —particularly the steps. The Shadow melded with the ground, calling over a few of its comrades as they met the man in lavender to comply with his annoyance.
Thankfully, no other civilian was there —otherwise, it would prove even more annoying for Kujo to deal with, even if his mood had lifted from earlier. The annoying enemies would lurk closer and closer as they felt the strong presence, not fearing it anymore and attacking relentless in order to obtain their bounty.
It seemed that, whatever the figure had done before leaving, it made Kujo a new enemy to get rid of —and for that, it further increased the Heartless’ relentless hunger.
[Battle! 20 Shadows]
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Post by hoodwink on Sept 21, 2020 18:34:16 GMT -5
All in all, the usual dynamic of the team seemed repaired. Spurned on by Kujo’s challenge, M’Lyn had agreed to go solo—her last retorts still amusing him as he followed the Shadow to the train platform they had arrived at. ”Here?” Though vacant of civilians, it quickly became littered with Shadows—their yellow eyes greedier than usual. It’s almost like when they look at Jack. The Heartless seemed more focused than usual—though it was difficult to discern if their behaviors had changed or if it was simply due to Kujo being the only nearby heart. ”Tch—whatever.” Grimacing at the enemies that appeared, Kujo shoved his hands into his pockets as his Akogare emerged at his side in a burst of light. The only upside to this situation was that if this was anything like the other spots, it seemed the stairs themselves were a ‘point’.
If all I’ve gotta do is destroy them… It would be an easy task. As his guardian crossed its arms, it began to shine with a bright aura as the Heartless began to close in. With a sudden twisting flourish, the specter uncrossed its arms, the light around it bursting forth as countless heart-shaped blasts cascaded across the battlefield from its chest. Opening with his DokiDoki ability, Kujo began to calmly walk towards the mob as his Akogare began to rain melee attacks upon them. Hovering close to Kujo, it would lash out from all directions, using its incredible speed to deliver punishing punches and kicks.
He didn’t want to waste too much energy on such small-fry, after all.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Sept 22, 2020 6:51:51 GMT -5
Kujo’s assault would definitely leave a dent on the first mob of Shadows, some disappearing completely, but a few managed to somehow resist his attacks. Even though heavily weakened, the Shadows seemed too focused on Kujo to actually admit defeat —although it would be more annoying than anything.
It wouldn’t take long for the man to finish the fight, dispersing all of the Shadows within mere blinks and with no effort at all. Nothing apparent would happen, other than no more Shadows showing up —the coast was clear. The figure didn’t approach either, seemingly accepting their prior defeat, knowing that, if it came to it, it would most likely be locked in battle once more.
So, for the time being, Kujo would be done with his task.
Jack grunted as he slashed at the last Shadow in his path, Alice taking shelter not too far away, yet far enough from the battle’s reach. The pair had run into a fairly large group, but nothing Jack couldn’t handle —they were small-fry, after all. Alice came out of hiding, shaking but not showing fear anymore, knowing that, despite the situation, she couldn’t afford being vulnerable —something Jack appreciated, as it means his sister was growing. Even still, Alice still couldn’t help but search for reassurance from her brother, who replied by patting her head.
“So much for actin’ strong, huh, sis?” Jack teased, receiving a childish punch while Alice pouted, “Okay, okay —I’ll stop.”
The boy straightened up, reaching for his com in order to contact the rest of the crew —scattered as they were through Sunset Terrace. As he was doing so, a somewhat creepy sound traversed through the tunnels, Alice hiding behind her brother while she clutched onto his jacket, much for his amusement. “W-What was that?!” Alice asked, eyes closed shut. “Y’know that’s just the wind, right?” Jack asked, smirking, “It did sound like someone, though, didn’t it?” “O-Oh…” Alice’s face reddened once again. “Sheesh, sis —you really need to get your game together!” “You’re one to talk!”
Once again, Alice punched Jack with clear embarrassment. After she finished her little tantrum, Jack reached for his com, this time successfully contacting the rest of the unit, while Alice decided to look around to satisfy her own curiosity.
The tunnels weren’t too dark, but quite long and seemingly endless, reaching who knew what destination. There were lines of different colors with text following it, indicating most likely where each path led. Alice let go of her brother’s jacket as she investigated on her own, but making sure she didn’t stray too far in order to avoid getting lost.
“Kujo, M’Lyn —where are you guys?” Jack asked, “Alice and I are done on our end. How ‘bout you two?” “I’m chasing a Shadow right now” M’Lyn replied, “This shouldn’t take too long —although the nuisance did take its sweet time showing up.” “Roger. Kujo, if you’re done, let’s meet by that street with the ferry. Y’know which ones, right? Alice and I’ll be waitin’ for ya there.”
As Jack finished, he turned towards his sister, tilting his head in confusion as the girl examined the tunnels. She seemed almost absorbed by them with uncanny interest, thing Jack couldn’t help but chuckle at.
Sometimes, Alice was truly just a curious girl.
“Somethin’ caught your eye?” he asked. “…Yeah” Alice nodded, turning towards Jack, “I kinda wanna see where these all lead to, but…” “We don’t got time for it now” Jack explained back, “We gotta regroup now —we should have all 6 spots here cleared. Now we just gotta brainstorm and see where that last one may be.” “R-Right…”
With that said, both siblings left the tunnels, heading for their rendezvous point where Kujo would find them if he came to regroup with the rest.
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Post by hoodwink on Sept 22, 2020 8:23:05 GMT -5
Sighing as he stood alone on the staircase, Kujo’s Akogare disappeared once the battle ended. He still didn’t fully understand what was happening here—a fact that annoyed him to no end. ”Kujo, M’Lyn—where are you guys?” Jack’s voice crackled over the comm device in his ear as he scanned the area with a final glance, making sure no more Heartless would appear. ”I’m chasing a Shadow right now. This shouldn’t take too long—“ Kujo couldn’t help but smirk as he reached for his own device. ”Looks like I win, M’Lyn.” He hadn’t really taken their earlier competition seriously, but knowing the MIqo’te she’d bristle at his jab, a fact that lightened his mood.
”Roger. Kujo, if you’re done, let’s meet by that street with the Ferry. Y’know which ones, right?” Indeed, he had passed such a street during his earlier excursion through the town, after he and Jack had had their ‘disagreement’ in the alleyway. ”Yeah, I’ll be there.” Shoving his hand back into his pocket, the tall man began to walk towards the rendezvous point. Looking around at the mostly deserted Terrace, Kujo couldn’t help but find this world a bizarre place. The sun still hadn’t set, despite the sky indicating it would since they arrived. What few people he passed seemed so…normal. Relaxed. Carefree. It’s like they had no idea about the threat looming around them in the dark. Tch—just like home. SanFransokyo hadn’t been much different, in that regard.
Though his home world was much larger and populated than this one, both worlds citizens carried on with their everyday lives. Oblivious to the Heartless threat as they continued to till and toil away in the mundane. For some reason, the revelation soured his mood a bit. After walking for a short time, Kujo would make it to the spot where they had agreed to meet, waiting for the other two to arrive. Though he kept to himself, the large stoic man would be keeping an eye out for any sign of further enemies, not lowering his guard despite their progress.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Sept 22, 2020 11:02:35 GMT -5
Kujo’s light jab towards M’Lyn was replied by an amused huff, but nothing much. It seemed M’Lyn was quite focused on getting her part of the job done, regardless if there was competition in it. The Miqo’te wouldn’t be by the streets when Kujo arrived. Jack and Alice were waiting, the girl waving her hand to greet Kujo as he approached. Relieved, in a sense, as they began to regroup once again. Jack was a bit thoughtful, although that broke as he noticed his comrade returning.
“Hey” Jack greeted, “Went well, I take it?” he added with a light teasing jab.
Alice smiled a bit, giggling after noticing her brother’s tone. In a sense, Jack had gone back to who he usually was —optimistic and upbeat, yet without missing the business-like characteristic that meant gathering intel. Quick to get in gear, Jack began to showcase the last problems they had to solve.
“So —I mentioned that there’s 7 places total, right?” he asked rhetorically, “If M’Lyn’s able to cover her spot, then that makes 6 —meaning we’re missing one. But I’m pretty doubtful that it’s anywhere around here” Jack mentioned, troubled, “At the same time, though, I’ve got no clues as for where else it could be.” “Wouldn’t it be at a place where the Heartless react the most?” Alice asked, tilting her head. “Maybe… But where could that be…?”
Jack frowned, crossing his arms in thought, while Alice tilted her head after seeing him so focused, only to smile with unease. Him, on the other hand, tried to figure out where the last spot could be. Alice’s question helped, if only a little —it could be just a place where Heartless happened to react a lot. But where was that?
While he thought, M’Lyn jumped to greet them, having finished her part. A playful put was written on her expression as she glanced towards Kujo, indicating that, despite having “lost” the little challenge, she didn’t mind at all, instead quickly focusing on the thoughtful boy as he tried to find any spot that might’ve been of importance.
“We’ve already been there —that much, I’m sure of, ‘cause that voice told me…” Jack thought, frowning, “But… Wait…”
There was a place that fitted the description! There had been a place where, at first glance, the Heartless hadn’t attacked, but did so after something happened. The Old Mansion, back at the Forest by Twilight Town —there was no mistake that was the last spot they had to search in order to find the world’s core.
“The Old Mansion!” Jack shouted suddenly, “That’s the only place where the Heartless were stirred after we showed up!” “…When you opened the gate —right? That’s when the Heartless began to react” M’Lyn said, her gaze narrowing down with suspicious, “You’re saying that’s the last place?” “It fits the pattern, though! Err…” Jack was quickly taken aback, but shook his head, “Argh —there’s no time to explain! We need to get there —and fast!” “But we can’t just wait for a train to come pick us up, can we?” M’Lyn asked, arms crossed, “That’d take time —thing we cannot allow ourselves.” “Guh…” “…Maybe those tunnels we explored?” Alice reminded, “I think one of them led to the Train Station back in the town…”
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Post by hoodwink on Sept 22, 2020 14:41:35 GMT -5
”Hey.” Seeing Alice waving and hearing Jack call out, Kujo walked over to the pair, giving a brief nod in greeting as he arrived. Seeing Jack back to his usual self was a relief, not that the stoic man’s face would betray any of it. Hearing him begin to get back into gear, Kujo grimaced at the mention of the last place they needed not being nearby. Of course it wasn’t, that’d be too easy. ”Wouldn’t it be a place where the Heartless react most?” Besides scattered around the Terrace, the only other place they had seen Heartless was when they had began to appear in that town. And in the forest we landed in… Now that Kujo thought about it, the forest had been where the Heartless were most active. What else was in the forest, besides…
M’Lyn jumped out to greet them just as Kujo was beginning to piece the puzzle together—her ‘late’ arrival bringing a faint smirk to his face. ”The Old Mansion!” Jack shouted out suddenly, causing Kujo to turn back towards him with an affirmative nod. ”I was just thinking the same.” It was in the heart of the forest, where the Heartless had been most present, after all. ”But we can’t just wait for a train to come pick us up, can we?” Crossing his arms in thought, Kujo couldn’t help but frown a bit in thought. Getting back to the town on foot would be an easy task for him, as he could simply run on the train tracks using the speed of his Akogare. Realistically he’d only be able to carry two people at a time at that speed, though…
”Maybe those tunnels we explored?” Kujo raised a brow a bit, not having seen any tunnels himself. If it cut underground though, it was bound to be faster than walking back the way the train had come. ”It’s our best bet, by the sounds of it.” Glancing down at Alice, Kujo nodded before gesturing to the siblings. ”Lead the way.” Despite the mysterious figure being gone for the time being, Kujo didn’t trust their absence for a second. On top of that, the longer they spent making their way to the world’s core meant more chances for the Heartless to wreak havoc. They had defeated those in town that they had come across…but that didn’t mean they would stay gone.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Sept 22, 2020 15:41:51 GMT -5
Alice nodded with determination, same as Jack. The two didn’t waste a second as they led the way to the tunnels, rushing as much as possible. Even though they were all on the same track, not all of them had the same capabilities —evident as Alice tried to keep up. Jack glanced over at her as she tried to keep up as best she could. Jack glanced over at Kujo, determined in his decision.
“You go on ahead” he said, “We’ve got the coms up and runnin’, so there shouldn’t be an issue if you rush ahead. Out of all of us, you’re the fastest. So, hurry up and wait for us there!”
Jack’s gaze was unflinching, knowing full well what they could do. Given that Alice would slow them down even if she did her best, they couldn’t lose any more time. If Kujo rushed down alone, he’d be able to gain some time they needed —stall long enough for backup to arrive and win the “game” the figure had proposed.
M’Lyn seemed to agree with Jack in that regard, nodding firmly to assure his decision. The tunnels were well signalized, showing with lines on the walls which one led where. One would show where the Train Station was —an impossible-to-miss line showcasing the path. Although the team would follow the same path, one would dash through it in order to make their way as fast as they could to the Old Mansion.
If Kujo were to rush ahead all the way to the Old Mansion, he would find a few Shadows here and there, but none focused on him or in the town at all, instead looking their way into the Mansion’s gates, that were now open for anyone to enter. Yet despite the amount of Shadows gathering there, the odd figure would be nowhere to be seen —not a single trace of its mist in sight.
Just what were they after? As the Shadows grouped more and more, a massive tide would sweep upwards, much in the same fashion as the other times before it.
There was no doubt about it —that location was where the world’s core was located.
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Post by hoodwink on Sept 22, 2020 16:35:57 GMT -5
Making their way to the tunnels, Kujo would notice the painted markings on the floor, stretching from the entrance into the looming darkness beyond. ”You go on ahead.” Listening to Jack explain, the man couldn’t help but nod in agreement. It made the most sense, having him reach their goal ahead of time to secure the location for them. Giving a nonchalant shrug, the stoic man shimmered with a faint aura as his eyes began to shift into a reflection of a starry sky. ”Don’t make me wait too long.” Despite the rather brusque and stoic delivery, surely the team would be able to see the jest in Kujo’s words as the light around him brightened before he disappeared down the tunnel—a bright purple streak slicing through the darkness.
It took no time for him to break back into the golden twilight as Kujo exited the tunnels, emerging at the empty brick plaza out front of the Train Station. The markings along the floor had been easy enough for him to follow, despite having never traversed them. He had to give this world props—it was much more friendly to outsiders than his own, in that regard. None here. Continuing his blinding pace throughout the town, Kujo noticed the lack of Heartless. Though it was a good sign, it made him suspicious. If they decide to show up again… If Jack’s odd weapon could work—there was no reason something in his own arsenal wouldn’t. They won’t catch me unarmed next time. It was a dark threat occupying him as he made his way through the familiar underground tunnel that led from the town to the forest.
Coming to a sudden halt as he exited the path, Kujo took in the forest around him. Littered with the occasional Heartless, all yellow eyes seemed distant and distracted as the creatures made their way towards the team’s goal. ”Tch—of course.” It’s like they existed to annoy him. Scowling as his Akogare emerged by his side, Kujo began walking through the forest path, his guardian making quick work of the Heartless littering the way. Making his way through the forest at a normal pace, the man finally emerged at the end of the path, finding the small yard that stretched before the mansion gates mobbed with Shadows. ”Can’t I catch a break?” Sighing to himself as he shook his head, Kujo couldn’t help but feel a pang of annoyance towards Jack.
That bastard tricked me into clean-up duty. It was his own fault for falling for it. Whatever. He was already here, so there was no point in waiting around doing nothing. Walking directly for the mob of Heartless, Kujo glared in aggravation as his guardian cracked its armored knuckles, hovering at his side and readying itself for the coming onslaught. Time to get this over with. Once they secured this point, the ‘game’ would be over. They’d find the world’s core. Maybe I’ll start getting some answers… About the Heartless, and about that ‘key’. Mulling these factors over as his Akogare began to attack and brutalize the swarming Shadows with punishing combos, Kujo would begin to make the team’s arrival a safe one.
Having already cleared the forest, he would simply have to clear out the courtyard to make sure everything went smoothly.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Sept 23, 2020 3:50:34 GMT -5
Jack grinned as he saw Kujo dash ahead, imitating the speed of light with the help of his Akogare. The trio rushed as fast as they could to catch up, although their speed kept by human standards (even though M’Lyn had Miqo’te standards to follow). They couldn’t leave Kujo waiting —not when they were so close of figuring it all out.
Their run through town would be unbothered, aside crossing paths with Seifer and his gang, but neither paid them any mind, much for his annoyance. Jack was focused on getting to Kujo’s side and putting an end to the ill-mattered game the figure had proposed, while also figuring one or two things aside of it all. Once they made their way to the Forest, with only a few Shadows in sight, Jack turned towards Alice as he managed to catch his breath.
“Wait for us at the Almira, okay, sis?” he ordered, “If it’s anything like last time, it’ll be way too dangerous to keep you around.” “You sure that’s a good idea?” M’Lyn asked, stopping her race. “The Heartless are focused on whoever that was wanted —the world’s core. I’m confident they’ll ignore everything else at this point.” “Then…” Alice placed one clenched hand on her chest, nodding, “I’ll help you from there.” “Lock the bridge one you’re inside, just in case” M’Lyn adviced.
Alice split paths, knowing exactly where the ship was, all the while Jack and M’Lyn rushed their way to where Kujo was waiting. The massive tide of Shadows had formed, although Kujo had cleared most of the Shadows that wanted to take part in it. Poised and ready for battle, Jack brought forth the Keyblade, the blade shimmering in his hands.
“Huh —looks like I keep underestimating you…” the voice spoke, cocky. “Heh… I guess that’s a good thing for me, then —I can keep impressin’ ya.” “Yeah, right —I’m not so easily impressed, anyways. You should’ve known that by now, though, right?” “Well… Maybe I’ll figure it out later. On how to leave an impression on ya.”
M’Lyn had taken a bit of distance, seeing that she was mostly relied on for support at the backline, since in the end, Jack and Kujo took their fighting style close and personal. Grabbing forth a rod, M’Lyn readied her magical arsenal, as the looming Demon Tide surged forth in assault, aiming for the two front-liners.
Once again, the battle between light and darkness clashed with them in the middle.
[Battle! Demon Tide]
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Post by hoodwink on Sept 23, 2020 8:27:25 GMT -5
As the Heartless began to form together in order to form a familiar and massive one, Kujo scowled until a burst of light caught his attention. Jack emerged with his odd weapon, M’Lyn following him up from the back to offer support. Alice must’ve gone to the ship. With how much he had cleared the forest of enemies, it was the safest place for their Navigator for sure. ”Looks like we were right, Jack.” All of the Heartless had indeed gathered, just as they had hypothesized. Not that it was anything to celebrate about. He’d have preferred them being wrong. ”Let’s get this over with!” As the Demon Tide surged forward directly towards Kujo and Jack, it’s charge would be met by Akogare, armored fists like small blinding suns as they flashed.
Using his Wakeru ability, the Demon Tide and the guardian would clash head-on. Kujo seemed as confidant as ever as he stood with his hands in his pockets before the writhing mass of Heartless snaking and twisting through the air. The question now is what to do about the Mansion… Glancing past the Heartless and at the old dilapidated building, Kujo couldn’t help but wonder if the ‘core’ was the mansion itself, or something within. Perhaps it was in a different location altogether. They had no way of knowing, not until the enemy was defeated.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Sept 23, 2020 9:07:22 GMT -5
”Let’s get this over with!”
Both Jack and M’Lyn nodded as the battle begun. The mass of Shadows was met with a myriad of punches, forcing it back. M’Lyn followed with Astral Fire, the fireball hitting its target straight and chipping away a fair amount of Heartless. Jack dashed from behind Kujo as he took the front, the Keyblade in his hands shimmering in light as he aimed to strike the Demon Tide out of the air, barely connecting as he fell back to the ground. The boy clicked his tongue as he saw his attack miss just by a hair, but a voice in his ear would give him the confidence he needed.
“It’s headed straight for M’Lyn!” Alice’s voice rung crystal clear through everyone’s comms, “If you hit it now, it’ll most likely be unable to head back up in a while.” “Heh —on time as usual, sis!”
The Miqo’te braced herself, dodging at the last second thanks to the Navigator’s guidance. Alice was perched from afar, finally returning to a dynamic she was more comfortable with, without missing her chance to support the team in any possible way. Once again reunited, the Brigade wasn’t about to give up when they were so close to their goal —losing wasn’t an option anymore.
Jack made use of the chance to attack the Demon Tide as M’Lyn dodged its assault, the hit connecting true and cutting through the Shadows, most of them defeated by the blade’s light, but still not enough to deter the enemy as a whole. The Tide rose upwards after receiving the hit, almost a bit dazed, which would open an opportunity to attack it whenever it would come back down to attack —its aim once more being Kujo.
Even though Jack was an interesting prey thanks to his Keyblade, it seemed that the man in lavender and his Akogare had posed a more interesting target —surely, the figure’s doing.
[Battle! Demon Tide]
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Post by hoodwink on Sept 23, 2020 9:32:56 GMT -5
Successfully halting the Demon Tide’s charging attack, Kujo tsked a bit as he saw Jack’s swing miss. If only that thing was a little longer… The odd weapon was surely something that continued to come in handy—but it didn’t have much reach to it. ”It’s headed straight for M’Lyn!” Guided by Alice’s calm and steady directions, the Miqo'te was able to dodge the attack, avoiding harm with ease. The Brigade seemed to be a well-oiled machine once more, all members working seamlessly together. As Jack’s next hit landed and sliced through the Shadows, Kujo couldn’t help but acknowledge how good of a team the siblings were. Take one without the other, though… Well, they were both working on their individual weaknesses. It was nice to see them compliment each other’s strengths so easily, though.
Rising back up, lashing and twisting as though it were dazed, the Demon Tide quickly resumed its rampage as it charged back towards Kujo. Me? Sure, the Shadows back at the Terrace had paid him a little extra mind, but he hadn’t been sure if it had really been the case or not. It seemed the figure had indeed done something, though, as the Heartless were much more focused on Kujo than usual. Good. Not that he minded—if anything, he preferred it this way. It made it so he didn’t even have to move, standing perfectly still as the creature writhed its way back towards him. Readying its fists once more, Kujo’s Akogare greeted the Demon Tide again, shouting out with a powerful yell as it’s fists lashed out at an impressive speed.
While it was focused on him, who could actually manage to hold the Heartless off toe-to-toe, Jack and M'Lyn would be able to flank it's weaker spots.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Sept 23, 2020 10:16:25 GMT -5
Jack turned to see the Demon Tide attack Kujo, although his teammate managed to keep it at bay quite nicely thanks to his Akogare. The boy smirked as he charged once more, the Keyblade in his hands feeling stronger by the second. While M’Lyn chanted a powerful Thunder spell, Jack’s Keyblade crackled with electricity, connecting his Shocking Blitz as the orbs of lightning swiftly hit their mark. The empowered lightning attack chipped away quite the amount of Shadows, and Jack momentarily saw the core keeping them together —an orange, gruesome-looking mass, almost in the shape of a heart, like the muscle. Quickly, Shadows tried to cover it as the Demon Tide surged upwards and away, although not fleeing the battle.
Its aim was the world’s core —whatever stood in its path, the Demon Tide wanted to devour it. It wasn’t like Jack, M’Lyn and Kujo would make that easy for it, though.
After the Demon Tide took its distance, snarling as it reconsidered its options, Jack didn’t waste a second, moving impossibly fast in order to land a finishing blow. M’Lyn supported him with an Umbral Ice spell, the spiky orb of ice hitting its mark clean, stunning the Demon Tide for a second and allowing Jack to deliver a punishing downstrike after jumping up thanks to the momentum. A blinding light shone after Jack’s blade cleaning cut through the Demon Tide’s core —what kept it together. Disappearing in light as the massive Heartless released its heart, Jack had landed on the floor after having cleaved through the enemy. His gaze, surprisingly, was calm —relieved, perhaps, as the menace had disappeared for the moment.
All that was left was finding the world’s core, and closing it. After that… The world itself would stay safe from the Heartless menace.
“…D’you see that, sis?” Jack asked with a confident smirk. “Yeah —great job, all of you!” Alice cheered, calmly. “Are you staying at the ship?” M’Lyn asked, after she dismissed her rod from battle. “Hmmm… Not quite —I’ll sort some of the info you guys gathered back when you checked this place for the first time” the Nav replied, “I’ll join you later, though —for sure!”
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Post by hoodwink on Sept 23, 2020 11:01:30 GMT -5
As the Demon Tide recoiled after being flanked successfully, Kujo’s eyes narrowed as they noticed the flash of orange within the Heartless. Sure enough, the being acted fearful for a second, recollecting itself in the air as Jack and M’Lyn continued a long ranged assault. Unlike the others, Kujo’s Akogare was severely limited in distance, needing to remain within a five meter distance of him to keep its form. Content to allow his teammates the burden of finishing the Heartless off, Kujo calmly surveyed the mansion grounds as he and his guardian stood at bay. Doesn’t look like they’ve come back yet… His guard was still up, though. That mysterious figure from earlier was heavy on his mind.
SHING! A blinding light suddenly caused Kujo to squint and scowl, raising a hand from his pocket to shield his eyes. Thankfully, everything his Akogare saw, he saw too. Jack’s clean cut through the Demon Tower’s core wouldn’t go unnoticed—he had really come a long way from when he had first gotten that weird sword. Hmph—it’s almost scary how fast he’s progressed. Before having the bizarre weapon, Kujo recalled seeing Jack struggle to maintain a safe battle against a few mere Shadows and Soldiers on his own—limited to whatever crafty items he had up his sleeves. Now though, he was more like a legitimate swordsman. ”D’you see that, sis?” Kujo crossed his arms as his guardian disappeared in a flash of light, a faint smirk on his face.
Some things don’t change, though. In all honesty, he was glad to see Jack returned to his usual self. Scanning the area while the others talked, Kujo’s eyes narrowed at the old mansion. Hm…so far nothing’s happened with it. If it was the core, wouldn’t it have reacted? Was it somewhere else on this world that they hadn’t found yet? ”I’ll sort some of the info you guys gathered […] I’ll join you later, though—“ Now the only question was where Alice would be joining them.
Gesturing to the old building behind them all, Kujo’s tone expressed his mild exasperation. ”Looks like this was just one of those ‘points’, but not the 'core' we need now.” There weren't any other places they knew about that they hadn't checked, at least. Pence and the others had mentioned the Terrace, the mansion and... "The clock tower...?" Kujo found himself voicing his thought aloud, blinking in mild surprise at having just remembered the last 'spot' mentioned to them. "Tch—I'd forgotten, since it was a bust before." It hadn't been one of the 'seven points', but what if it was still important? Returning his attention to Jack and M'Lyn, Kujo shrugged. "If you don't have any other ideas, we could try there."
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