With the last lights of day shining down, the group begins to arrive at the temple. Cotton had taken Yoshi with him through shadow travel. Neko shadow traveled with Nina and Wendy. Diesel then arrived in his S-series jet form before transforming back to his default form. Finally, Ethan arrived on foot. Neko let out a whistle. "I would joke saying what took so long, but you honestly made impressive time." He said. "Thanks, I do try my best." Ethan said with a laugh as he stretched his legs a bit. "Still was the last to arrive though. Just sayin." Remmy pointed out. Ethan nearly fell over before straightening up. "Let's just go. We're losing time here!" The bunny stated as he tried regaining his composure. He was about to march into the temple but Cotton stopped him. "Hold on there partner... we must be careful." He said in a serious tone as he picked up a rock and tossed it to the temple entrance. A couple arrows shot out when the rock hit the ground. "Knew it... this place has many traps, we got them deactivated when we got here and took over the place, but it looks like the others reactivated them to slow anyone who might get in the way." Cotton said as he took the lead. "Mind your steps." He stated.
~ Ch.7: Enter the Darkness
The group slowly made their way into the dark temple. Yoshi stayed in the back in case anyone tried an ambush. His sword made a light jolt. "Something wrong Brim? ... You've been pretty quiet since we arrived on this island." The pirate inquired looking over his shoulder at the sword. "I've been on this isle before in life. And I've been feeling a familiar energy. Something I can't quite place." Brim stated. "Could it be the black diamond?" Yoshi asked. The sword shook. "Perhaps... but it is a living energy I feel. If I could just remember..." The sword shook more. "Relax Brim. I'm sure you will remember soo-." Yoshi was saying before Brim jolted again. "Nightmare!" Brim exclaimed. "The black diamond, that shadow beast, I've encountered them before!" He stated as he remembered.
It was a long time ago. Back when my name was still feared around Gaia. Legends of treasure within a storm surrounded island had been told. I had sailed many a days to find it. I finally did... and the legends lied. There was no treasure... just a few small villages. I was going to leave but... something held me back. I couldn't bring myself to leave and then... out of nowhere, he showed up. A dark figure with an aura of shadows, claiming himself as a deity. He was the darkest force I had ever felt, and I knew not what it was at the time, but he wore the black diamond as a crown. He had weaponized the shadows and darkness of night against us. I fought him… and lost half my old crew. After a long battle that ended on this very mountain, I had defeated him. He burst apart into shadows and darkness before fading away. With that done, I took my leave, unknowingly leaving the black diamond of umbrae-mundi behind.
"That gem... I'm sure it was the source of his power." Brim said after recalling his past encounter. "Then we better hurry and make sure that powers not unleashed." Yoshi said as he walked faster. "Let's pick up the pace, we don't have much time left!" Yoshi ordered. "Cap's right, we're runnin out of time!" Cotton stated as he hastened his steps along with everyone else. They rounded a corner into a long corridor with an upper floor balcony type area. Draconis was at the end of the corridor waiting for them. "Oh no." Cotton squeaked as his ears drooped.
The group took a defensive stance. Draconis looked at the group. His eyes then landed on Cotton. "Welp, I should've known you would turn to them Cotton." Draconis said as he stared at the black bunny. "I'm afraid I can't let any of you pass. My life depends on stopping you all here." The shadow dragon said before giving a sigh. He then spun around and blew his shadow flames at the end of the corridor, blocking the only advancing path. Turning back around, he gave an empty stare to the group. "Farewell." He said before blowing a burst of fire at the group. Diesel ran in front and fired an energy shot at the incoming threat. The fireball burst apart and fizzled out as the embers hit the stone walls. Draconis let out another sigh. "Just make this easy... and die already!" He said as he blew a stream of fire to the group. Wendy and Ethan stepped forth and countered with streams of light magic. Draconis then sent a barrage of fireballs only for them to get countered by Diesel and Nina. He clenched his teeth. "Fine then. If you want a fight... then I'll give you hell!" Draconis said before diving into a shadow and charging forth. Before Draconis could make a move, Neko dived to the shadows as well to take on Draconis.
The two shadows charged at eachother. Strike after strike they collided. After a few collisions Neko was tossed out of the shadows. As he landed, Draconis lunged out at him. Before Draconis could land an attack however, he was tackled by Cotton. Before Draconis could retaliate, Cotton turned to the group. "Little mage, light up the ground!" He ordered. With a nod, Wendy channeled light magic through her staff and slammed it to the ground. The ground lit up in a wave of light that spread out from the impact point. Draconis punched Cotton off of him and tried jumping into the shadows. Nothing happened. "Wha-what did you do?" He demanded in frustration. "Blocked your shadow traveling. That's what she did. Hehehe." Cotton said with a laugh before he spit out a bit of blood. That punch had connected hard right with his jaw. Draconis then had a look of fear. Without his shadow travel, he was no match to the group. He was outnumbered and outpowered. "N-no... I can't lose to you guys." He said as he started shaking. "If I can't stop you then Fang will kill me!" He exclaimed. "I would've killed you anyway." Said a harsh voice from above the corridor. Draconis's eyes went wide as he froze hearing the familiar voice. Cotton and the others looked up at the corridors balcony area. "Fang..." Cotton said in fear. "You're pathetic Draconis." Fang stated. "Can't even handle a single task assigned. You will now die with the others." Fang said as he reached out to a lever on the wall. "Useless." He said as he pulled the lever. The temple let out a few loud, strong rumbles before the ceiling of the corridor began to swiftly drop.
