A/N We are reaching the climax of the story, and I shall try to do the song and fight justice, but just know I can't do fight scenes.
So without further ado, Let the chaos ensue.
Chapter 11
After resting and regaining their strength, the four companions move to complete the last leg of their journey. To save up on energy they chose to take the long way, so that they aren't relying solely on Plagg's Cataclysm. The group crosses a thin expanse of stone to get past a chasm, and in the distance they can finally make out the entrance to the cavern.
Standing at the base of a large tree, they can see the resemblance to the crest that was on Alya's armor. The tree itself is petrified with the leaves still intact. Nino tries to grab onto one to get a better look, only for the entire branch to crumble to dust. The other three look towards the opening just behind the tree to notice a blue light emanating from further within. The four look to each other and nod, deciding that it is better to get moving than to stay out in the open.
As they move the area gets brighter and is soon bathed in a mystical glow from crystals littering the cavern. The group goes to get a closer look at one, and on each of the surfaces they can see the image of a female with wild bands and sloppy braids. Her eyes are a golden brown, and her skin matches that of Alya. Her dress is in different shades of purple and white, with her shoes a burnt orange.
As they watch, what they can only assume to be a diva's life, They see how she was taken at a younger age than Marinette with only vague memories of her parents. As the memories play out they can see the Diva's life at the palace, and all the training she went through, as well as getting a portrait done of herself. Once the Diva gets to the cavern they begin to see a change in her. Her skin is paler, and her steps are beginning to slow down. the times that the dragon is resting she doesn't even attempt to get up anymore, and soon the memories fade.
Just as they are about to turn away a hand print appears on the crystal, and slowly vanishes. Thoroughly spooked, they four slowly look around to see more memories play out on the other crystals, and soon understanding sets in. "These are their souls."
The three humans look at Plagg before Alya speaks their thoughts, "Mind explaining?"
He nods, "As I told you before, this transformation spell requires the souls and bodies of humans, the souls, many would suspect would come with the body, but it doesn't work like that. Instead they use a conduit to collect the souls to keep them bound to the material plains."
As understanding sets in Adrien asks next. "So these are the memories they have forgotten, as well as their souls?"
Plagg nods.
"Than if we destroy these," Adrien places his hand on one of the crystals, trying not to flinch as a hand appears underneath his. "Than the dragon would be weakened and the girls' souls would be freed?"
Plagg shakes his head, "No one can say for sure, and after watching the memories displayed, I think we need to hurry for your friends sake."
all three nod and continue onward in silence, only sparing the occasional glace at the crystals. As they get deeper in the cavern, the blue glow gets brighter, until they enter an opened area surrounded with broken pillars and a stone arch way in front of a glowing rune. Standing on a platform is a lone figure holding a staff with a fluctuating blue crystal at the head. The figure has a petite feminine form with a long black over skirt and a black shirt with sleeve. Sensing the presence of another, the form turns around and the group can see black shorts and stockings connected by red twisted metal, and the same red swirls decorate her top. The group can see pointed ears poke out from the black fringe that is her bangs as the long red braids swing over her shoulder. On her face is a grey mask in the shape of a butterfly.
At the sight of the elf, Plagg rushes forwards, "Tikki, your OK!"
The others feel nothing but apprehensive to the behavior of the female elf. From the few times that Plagg described her, she was the bubbly and happy one. The elf in front of them however is stone faced and unmoving. Alya grabs Plagg and drags him back, just as Tikki finally moves, but in an attack. Swinging the staff forwards, the lights from the surrounding crystals dims a bit as dark forms bubble up from the ground.
The group can do nothing but stare at the strange formless beings at first. Nino quickly counts and realizes that for each of the crystals they passed, a creature has taken form. Each has a skeletal like structure, with glowing purple eyes that send cracks over their bodies. They all lie hunched over on the ground until Tikki taps the staff on the ground, after that all hell breaks loose.
The forms leap up from their crouched positions, and attack. Plagg tries to break through the ranks to reach his first companion, but is soon overwhelmed and forced to fight. Using Cataclysm on his staff, he is able to push back on the forms, but knowing the time for this attack is limited, he forces himself through. He almost reaches the raised platform where Tikki when one knocks the staff out of his hands and three more get his back. knocking him down to the ground.
Alya does her best to stay ahead, but seeing how she is still healing, she is at a disadvantage. She utilizes her sword to block and inflict blows, but a few lucky hits get through her defenses tucked away in a corner she does her best to lure some of the creatures to wards herself, but with her larger sword, that places her at a disadvantage, and she is soon knocked back against the stone, and her form is shortly over shadowed by them.
Nino tries his best to fight, but seeing how he more adapt in knowledge and studying, that is not much. He uses a saber he borrowed from Ivan, but even with the knowledge on how to use it. he is over come with those that hold experience of combat from the puppeteer.
Adrien cuts down one creature after the other, hardly noticing as his companions fall around him, all that matters now is saving Marinette before it's too late. After taking down another one, he finds himself placed at the foot of the platform, and the form of Plagg's friend. Standing this close, he can see no experssion in her eyes, and the mask adds a black film to hide them from view. Not thinking twice, Adrien holds up his sword, and dashes up the incline goes to attack the kwami that is keeping him from Marinette.
Tikki barely even flinches as the blow comes closer to her form, only bringing the staff in front of herself at the last minute, and seemily stares down at the glare Adrien sends her way. Tikki leans forward and whispers. "it's too late." before pushing him back down the incline where he falls unconscious due to the blow to his head.
Tikki stands straight once again and looks at the bodies that surround her. The forms retreat back to the ground where they go to return to the crystals, forced to reply the memories of their past. Tears slip past the mask and Tikki is forced to remember her own tragic story as the royal army held her down as the mages forced the mask over her eyes. Letting out a laugh as she falls to her knees the tears continuing, and she practically pleas to no one "Please Sing."
Behind the large doors, Marinette sings. Blood staining the rock underneath her feet as well as her lips. With one final note, she collapses like a Marionette that just had their strings cut.
Outside the door, the crystal that decorates her staff glows to a degree that matches the ones around the cavern. Tikki stands tall once again, and in the silence her quiet response echos on.
"History Repeats Itself."
Adrien snaps his eyes opened at the phrase and forces himself up. The Kwami turns, once again sensing life and is shocked to see The blonde that she had just killed.
The blood staining his hair and right sleeve only add to the angered look he sends to her. Tikki summons the souls of those passed once again, but Adrien is ready for them. He dashes through the ranks and brushes past Tikki, who stands shocked as Adrien lightly taps Plagg's staff, that still had magic in it, to her mask, effectively breaking it, and freeing her.
Adrien pushes the large doors opened, and in the distance he sees the form of Marinette standing with her back towards him, only for it to fall away to the truth.
A/N so there we have it, next chapter is the one where Adrien takes on the dreaded HawkMoth and the story ends, but no worries I will include some epilogue chapters.
