Well here you go Chapter three, not much else to say.

Disclaimer: I myself do not in any way shape or form own any part of the Square Enix Co., or the Kingdom Hearts Franchise. All plot strands and links belong to that of Square Enix, and FireLuigi08. Most characters are of my own creation (if one comes up I will tell you if it belongs to me or not).

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Chapter III

Darkness

The walk down the ruins of Spyria was a long and drawn out one. Between the impediments of Afitel's wounded side to Torren's constant rambling on about everything from, his family in distant cities which Afitel had been sure he had never seen on any map what so ever to things like how to pitch a tent properly, the walk had taken much longer than he had expected. Torren had obviously carried Aftiel a very long distance away from where he had fallen in the battle. It seemed as if he had taken him to the far side of the valley, away from the destruction. For this he was grateful, for the company of Torren he was not. For now he only seemed as if to be a pain on the ears and something to fill the sound-deprived void that was the space between them. But comforting Aftiel was the large sword and rapier he carried with him. Although worn with dents and scuffs the dark silver blades looked as if battle worn.

Well I can either assume that he stole them, or he has experience in battle, Aftiel thought to himself. Maybe he can be of some use until I heal completely. As they reached the center of the valley where the battle had occurred dead bodies of soldiers began to look more common. Their fatigues ripped to shreds on the bloodied bodies of his fellow soldiers. The rank scent of rotting flesh tore through his nostrils and burned his eyes like the dry black smoke from a fire. His eyes watered furiously.

"Here, take this." He heard Torren say from the back of him. Torren was standing with his arm stretched out and motioning for Aftiel to take what looked like a black handkerchief. "It'll dull the smell a good bit."

"Thank you." He replied indifferently and continued on across the valley.

"So why did the heartless leave them bodies here." Torren said anxiously.

"I don't quite know." Aftiel said with a tone of sudden surprise. "Usually they absorb the hearts of the people they kill. They must have been in some kind of hurry to leave them untouched… sort of."

"But then why would they take the time to destroy the city."

"I'm not entirely sure… unless… no they couldn't be… my God." Aftiel's eyes widened with the realization of what they were trying to get at. He sprinted wildly towards the pile of rubble in front of him ignoring the burning pain rushing through his body.

He dashed towards the center of where the city once stood. Tripping over large pieces of stone he finally reached where the state building once stood. He dropped to his knees and began to heave pieces of rock aside.

"What in the heck are you doing with that?!" Torren said breathlessly from chasing after Aftiel.

"Its here, it has to be here! They couldn't have gotten it! They couldn't have!" He was speaking frantically and digging ever deeper in vain, it seemed.

"Now hold on just a dag-gon minute here." He pulled Aftiel away from the hole he had dug in his wild episode. "Just what in the name of Sam Hill are you diggin for."

"The book, The Script of Twilight. I- I was supposed to… to keep it safe." His head sunk into his chest with despair.

"So you mean that it was sorta your job then?" Torren said with a spark of curiosity in his voice.

Aftiel still faced the ground in shame. "After my parents died the embassy took it upon themselves to have me guard the tower where the Script was kept." He turned himself over and sat atop the rubble where the tower once stood. "It was more like a punishment than the privilege they made it out to be."

"Well now that just sounds-" Torren was cut off by the sight of a rift tearing through the space about ten feet in front of him.

A man clad in layered black armor stepped from the darkness that embodied the portal. The shades of the armor ranged from pitch black to an ominously dark gray that were arranged in order with the layering of the plates. His gauntlets had spiked prongs emanating from his forearm, which were almost identical in size with his fingers. A flowing red cape was clasped to his breastplate what was adorned with a symbol Aftiel did not recognize. The emblem was also etched in black on the cape now hanging lifeless at his back. The man's face was a pale white color, his hair fell in his face hiding the right side from view. The eye that was visible was a bright red matching his cape. He wore two silver earrings, one on each ear, which were crafted to precision into the same symbol on his breastplate. Oddly enough he was unarmed, not even a small dagger was to be found on his person, dressed as he was.

"Then you'll be glad we took it from you." Aftiel was chilled to the bone by the man's eerie tone of voice. "But don't you worry, it is in… capable hands now. After all, the dark chaser has big plans for this world of yours.

"And now what may I ask would that there be." Torren spat back defensively.

The man closed his eyes and a smirk appeared on his face. "I didn't come here to address you, commoner. So if you would kindly leave me to my business-"

"Not a dog gone chance I'm leav'n."

"Fine then." The man stretched his arm forward and darkness began to flow around it as if to consume him. A mass of it consumed in his hand and began to take the shape of a blade. Its handle was a deep crimson and was wrapped in black cloth for grip. The pommel was shaped in the form of a twisting design carved in silver. The pitch-black blade rose up from the hilt and was emblazoned with runes that Aftiel knew as Darkness' Reprieve. The one edge that was sharpened was ivory white and edged with craftsmanship even the greatest smiths of his time could not match.

The man pointed his blade at Torren's chest and Torren's face was immediately taken over by fear. "Forgive me, I usually don't kill without introducing myself."

"We- well that's aw- awful nice of ya." Torren said shaking with shear terror.

"You shall know me as Zekiel, commoner." And with that he lunged forward and embedded his blade in Torren's chest. His head lurched forward and blood began to pour from his mouth his muscles began to seize up and he fell dead on the pile of rubble upon Zikiel removing the sword from his body. Aftiel watched in horror anticipating his own death next.

"So now where were we?" Zekiel said calmly.

"How could you do that to him?" Aftiel said in shock. "How could you kill him? He- he never did anything towards you."

"Oh, but you are mistaken, Guardian." Zekiel snapped back.

"What did you call me?" Aftiel replied slightly confused.

Zekiel began to laugh loudly and became enraged. Blind fury showed in his eyes more intense as the moments passed.

"THAT WAS MY POSITION AND MINE ALONE! DO YOU HEAR THAT SYN! I DEFY YOU! YOU CANNOT REVOKE MY DESTINY!" Zekiel sprinted towards Aftiel blade at the ready. He stabbed towards Aftiel's throat, but missed and hit solid rock as he rolled to the side out of the way of danger. Zekiel again stabbed with the same result. Aftiel stood up and placed his hand on the hilt of his sheathed sword. Zekiel ran wildly towards him "I'LL KILL YOU." He slashed horizontally at Aftiel's head but missed as a result of Aftiel ducking out of the way. Aftiel then ripped the broken sword out of his scabbard and thrust the scabbard against Zekiel's chest. He then slowly brought it away to reveal the rest of the blade sticking out of his adversary. Zekiel stumbled back with surprise strewn across his face and fell to his knees dropping his black blade at his side.

"Well, that's a first." He said calmly. The look of surprise turned into a slight smile and he pulled the blade from his chest. "Another time then, Guardian." Slowly Zekiel rose to his feet and opened another rift. He walked through without even glancing back and was consumed by the darkness. Aftiel walked forward to follow him through but it was closed off before he could reach it.

After burying Torren among the ruins of Spyria he crafted a makeshift grave marker out of Torren's broadsword and rapier. Before continuing on he picked up the blade, Darkness' Reprieve and clasped it to his belt. He then began trekking towards the nearest town, Kirran, with the sun high overhead and the wind urging him on to his destination.

-during these goings on-

Zekiel walked through the portal into a large dimly lit room. Torches producing black flames were set around the circumference of the room. A man clad from head to toe in black armor sat atop a large throne, his keyblade neatly placed beside him. Zekiel kneeled in front of the figure. "I have returned Sire." Zekiel said formally.

A deep voice replied to him "And, what news have you brought me, Zekiel. Have you reclaimed your status?"

"No… your Excellency, but do not fear I will in time." Zekiel said hesitantly.

"That time had better be soon, Zekiel, or I will have to take matters into my own hands." The figure stood from his elegant seat. "I must converse with Syn. You may leave."

"Does he know of our goings on here, Sire?" Zekiel said fearfully.

"No, and he will not as long as you keep your doings as covert as possible. Now leave me to my business." The figure motioned for him to leave and Zekiel followed his orders.

"Thank you, Lord Osoroku."

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As always hope that you liked it and all comments and criticism are welcome.