YES THIS STORY IS NOT DEAD NOT DEAD I TELL YA!
GOOD EVENING MY FELLOW READERS AND LEACHERS!
HERE ARE YOU REVIEW REPLIES! Once again I thank my awesome co-writer Shadow Ninja Koopa for his assistance!
Kiiroi Senko: Oh just wait for the future summoners it just gets better….hehehehehe….No I have to agree chains are kinky XD ROTFLMAO
JeffreyFai: Good the introductions were supposed to be funny, as for Hikari's obliviousness to Shirou's feelings….well there is a reason…gotta wait for Arc two though! The form Kefka takes on is the EX Mode for Dissidia, which is basically his God of Magic mode he acquires in Final Fantasy VI.
LadyJuxtaposition: Sadly the general will not be the last to bash the poor girl. She lives in a world where her mother is a hero….though…not the best kind of hero…she is far from mean but she….let's just say she likes it when things go BOOM!
Warnings: Blood, death (Manikins…will…die!), OC involvement, maybe some OOC. MAYBE. Still having trouble with some character personalities. ESPECIALLY Kefka...stupid homicidal joker expy!
Disclaimer: The only things I own is my planet and everyone and everything that thrives on it.
And now that is done let's get going to the story!
"Blahblahblah"-Talking
Blahblahblah-Thinking
/Blahblahblah/-Telepathy
Chapter X: Broken Control
Hikari had told everyone what had occurred in the darkness, every last detail. She didn't leave anything out. Cecil and Cloud easily figured out the truth to the Chaos Warriors plans. Terra was to be brainwashed and used as a weapon for them to take the group out. They knew the enemy would be attacking them soon and sought to prepare themselves. Hikari was baffled though. They were ready to fight her, their friend. It was the answers that Cloud gave her that made the blond woman cry.
"I'm afraid this is normal. We are used to it. Terra will be saved this time, as usual." The look Hikari gave him was that of absurd disbelief. Was he serious? This was normal?!
"There is something that you should know," Cloud spoke. "Terra was not a Warrior of Cosmos at the beginning. She once told me that she was controlled by Kefka back in her world and again during the war."
"B-but can't you stop her without fighting?" Hikari begged.
"..." Cloud turned his head away, not daring to look at the girl's eyes. "It's times like this I get sick of fighting." She heard his words and the feelings put into them. He was being truthful. He hated fighting. It showed on his face. When she met him he was distant, besides still talking. Was it because he didn't want to be a part of this? Then why was he here fighting a war he obviously didn't want to? She was beginning to develop so many questions. And it wasn't just her, Shirou and Rei began to have similar thoughts. They were beside her, one pulling out her jewels and the other placing on black gloves.
"Himemiya, we don't have a choice. It's either we fight or we die, simple as that. You of all people should know how that feels." Rei commented to the blonde as she sat there on the bed, mulling over what she was just told. Her growing tears were beginning to disappear, though the guilt still remained. She didn't do anything. She didn't do anything to help Terra. If she had done something instead of being scared, she could have saved Terra or at least helped her. She knew plenty of reinforcement spells.
"I should have done something," She mumbled.
"Let's find her quickly." Light replied. "I would rather not have one of our allies become a puppet for too long."
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The new group of Cosmos Heroes split up into various groups in order to find out where the Chaos Warriors would attack. The Warrior of Light, Cecil and Shirou composed one group while Rei and Firion, and then Kai and Cloud. Hikari had stayed behind with Ace. After learning of the girl's ability to scan areas, the Warrior had asked the female to scan the entire city and to pinpoint any surfaces of power, whether it be evil or good and report them to him. Hikari had agreed and remained on top of an old oriental style temple. It was not like the ones that worship the gods, but rather like one where nobles would reside. Ace and Hikari were in one of the blocks of the ruined castle, Ace scanning the area with his sniper rifle he carried in a guitar case and Hikari had her grimoire opened with a small blueprint of the city. As she continued to stare into the blue light, Hikari could not help but think about the girl Terra. In truth the female had taken an interest in Terra since she first saw her. Terra was a very beautiful young lady with amazing amounts of magic.
But that wasn't what drew Hikari to her. No, it was because Hikari felt a sort of kinship with her. She could tell the girl was hurt, she saw it in her eyes. Unlike the others, Terra had a dark light to her blue eyes, something Hikari was familiar with. She saw it in Cloud's eyes as well but she could see it clearer in Terra's. She wanted to know more about the girl, the one who said she had too much magic, the one who said she wasn't human. When Terra said that, a look of grief appeared in her eyes, like she could cry at any second. She wanted to know more, but then that woman appeared and entrapped them both. Hikari trembled as the memory appeared fresh in her mind, leaving a mental scar on the woman's conscious.
"Hey calm down," Ace's voice broke the girl out of her thoughts. She turned to him and watched him peer through his sniper scope. "Look, I understand your frightened but don't be, I've got your back. Focus on finding Terra alright?" Hikari stared at the older man's back; surprised he was being serious for once since they first met. It was almost as if he was scared of losing his partner.
"Are you worried about her?" She asked.
"Of course I am." Ace said still scanning the horizon with his sniper. "This guy, this Kefka... Have to admit; I am curious on what he looks like." Hikari was amazed. In less than thirty minutes the man's personality did a complete 180. He was no longer making jokes or smiling, the man was completely calm and, through her eyes, almost scary. She knew people could change with the right catalyst but she never seen it done before till now. Ace turned to her however and smiled.
"After we save Terra, you wanna go on a date? We can even bring her along if you want, I wouldn't have a problem with it," Ace smiled. Hikari blinked a few times.
"Like a play date?"
"Yeah, something like that~"
"Okay! I can bring Shirou along!" Hikari's reply made Ace sigh heavily. "Did I say something?"
"No, no, it's nothing…" The young sniper sighed with a hint of sadness in his voice. She wanted to pry more but decided not to and continued scanning the city. An hour must have passed and still nothing.
"I'm bored…." The young man whined.
"I'm sorry…" Hikari apologized.
"Uh…don't apologize, while its cute I don't want to see your face sad like that," The brown haired young man smiled warmly. The priestess felt a bit calmer and smiled back. A chill ran down Hikari's spine. The once warm breeze turned to an icy cold air. Her hair stood on end. She felt an incredible presence.
There was someone behind her….
Ace's hand slowly grasped the gun on his right leg holder and pulled it out quickly, turning around, ready to put a bullet in whoever was there. Just as he was about to pull the trigger he stopped himself. Standing behind Ace…was a clown.
"So you're the pretty boy who has been playing with my doll?" The clown asked as he levitated in midair, seeming to scratch his behind. Shocked was an understatement.
"Wait hold on a sec," Ace cried out, his arms hung at both his sides. "This is Kefka? The scary magic user Terra was scared of?! The one that made her burn fifty soldiers while brainwashed?! THAT Kefka?! I was expecting something scarier than a clown!" While Ace was on his little rant, Hikari began to tremble.
'How did I not notice him?!' She looked down at her grimore and his image was slowly appearing on the map. Her eyes widen in fear. 'H-he completely avoided the spell…how powerful is HE?!'
"Hold it he says, do I look like a holder?" The clown said while landing on his feet.
"Whatever," Ace pointed his gun between Kefka's eyes. "Where is Terra?"
"You want to hear? Do you? In that case…" Ace, lowering his gun, and Hikari awaited their answer from the white faced human, if he could be called that. "I'm not telling!" The clown began to laugh at their faces. Ace growled and pointed his gun at Kefka once more. "In fact I think you two should cool off." At that a large block of ice flew at Ace before stopping halfway. In mere seconds the ice shattered into various smaller balls of ice and began bouncing everywhere [Twisty-Turny Blizzaga].
"What the-They bounce?! What kind of spell-" Ace was interrupted by one of the crystal balls nailing him in the face. Kefka began to laugh again before an arrow of Reiki flew past his face. He looked over to see Hikari with her bow ready to unload another Reiki bolt.
"What have you done to Miss Terra!?" Hikari's eyes raged with many emotions, some anger, some concern, and the most was a desire to see Terra safe. Just seeing those emotions caused Kefka to groan in disgust.
"YOU...should mess with those your own level!" At his command several manikins appeared, causing Hikari to gap.
"Again?!"
"Were getting out of here Hikari!" Ace yelled as he grabbed his sniper barrel and raised his pistol, the exhaust beginning to glow blue. "Didn't expect to use this so soon but here we go! Bubble Blaster!" From his gun came several bubbles that floated over to the manikins. The crystal beings looked at the bubbles in wonder as Hikari and Ace ran.
"What are you waiting for!? Go get them!" Kefka yelled. One of them touched the bubble. Bad idea. The bubble popped, causing several explosions and chain reactions of the other bubbles popping and similar explosions setting off. As this was happening Ace was practically dragging the female down the stairs.
"What was that?" Hikari asked they ran down the steps of the temple.
"It's known as a Shotlock. Basically I lock onto my opponents and blast them with magic or other techniques. Depending on the ones I use I can cause serious damage! Hell I could level a city!"
"I heard of the magic but I heard it's difficult to master!" Hikari exclaimed as they continued to run. During the time Ace had pulled out a black cellphone and was scanning through his contacts for his fellow summoner. Eventually they reached the first floor of thetemple.
"We'll talk about it later! I'm calling-"
"Surprise!" Kefka reappeared before them. Ace gritted his teeth as his hand dialed Kai's cell.
"Now that wasn't very nice. Destroying those poor replicas, what did they ever do to you?" Kefka questioned watching the two summoners carefully, as he began to carefully charge mana into his back, being careful so the two didn't know what he was doing. Hikari stood in front of Ace.
"Aerora!" Hikari called out summoning the wind to entrap the mad Chaos Warrior.
"Oh, a wind spell," He said as the wind surrounded him. "BOOOOOORRIIIING!" In mere seconds he did a front flip creating ethereal wings that not only negated Hikari's spell but was about to impale her [Havoc Wing]. Ace grabbed her arm and pulled Hikariout of the way, taking the hit instead, causing him to fly backwards a bit. "Oh whoops! If only you weren't hiding behind him that wouldn't have happened. I wonder how your team feels having someone who backstabs them?"
"Ace!" Hikari watched as Ace tumbled a bit. "Cura!" She cried out as green leaves surrounded Ace before merging with his body. In an instant the wounds he had healed, though that didn't manage to calm Hikari. A cold shiver ran down her spine. She turned around and saw several columns of lightning heading her way. With a quick spin to the right she managed to barely dodge the onslaught of lightning bolts. Kefka then produced several fire balls each locked onto the priestess [Extra-Crispy Firaga].
'Calm down. Remember what Shishou taught...' Hikari steadied her breathing as the fast fireballs came her way. With ease she managed to dodge them. Her moves were elegant, perfect spins and turns on her heel. For each spell Kefka produced she dodged. In her mind this was similar to the practices she did with Cheveyo. The memories washed anew in her mind. 'Now...Dualcast...' As she continued to dodge, a ball of wind began to form in her hand, though Kefka was unable to see it.
"Grr…hold still will you!" Kefka shrieked firing more balls of fire to bother Hikari while leaving Ace alone. Even so she completely ignored them; simply dancing as she dodged the attacks and constant spells.
'Alright here we go' Hikari thought as spun around the fireballs as she ran towards Kefka slamming her hand on Kefka's stomach as she sent the ball of wind inside. "Aero bomb!"
"Aero what?" The clown said as the ball exploded inside his gut causing him to spin out of control into a wall of the temple.
"Ace!" Hikari yelled as she ran to him and picked him up, placing his weight on hers while dragging him away from the temple with difficulty. His body stirring caused Hikari to stop and sit him down.
"Are you hurt?" Ace groggily shook his head. He stood on his own feet and placed his hand behind his neck, pulling his neck to the right a few times.
"I would be..." His hand slipped form his neck and to his side. In a matter of seconds he held Hikari like a groom would a bride.
"A-ace?"
"I'm not use to girls protecting me, so why don't you let me protect you?" The look in his eyes sent shivers up Hikari's spine. Different from the one's Kefka gave her but still enough to slightly intimidate her.
"Now let's get out of here and regroup with the others," With that Ace picked up his pace a little.
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"Gahh!" Kefka yelled as he pulled himself out of the rubble, blood coming from his mouth as he shook slightly. "I was hoping this would be easy. I didn't realize that girl was able to make a physical spell…" His usual grin turned truly sinister "No matter, I guess it's time for my dear to take to the field. Oh Terra!" He called out as the girl now dressed in a white leotard with a blue jacket over it. White boots and a blue cape finished her outfit. "Go and track them down for papa!" She nodded, her eyes once mirrors to the soul were clouded with no hesitation inside. She will obey her master with no regrets
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"Dammit it all!" Kai cursed to the empty sky. He, Cloud, The Warrior of Light, Firion and Rei were all running towards the old temple where they saw the lightning bolts shoot out. Ace's unanswered call made Kai fear the worst and he rushed back, meeting with the second group along the way. He continued to try and contact Ace's cell, but to no avail.
"He's still not answering?" Firion shouted.
"What do you think!?"
"Rei, get in contact with Shirou, tell them to go to the temple now!" Light ordered, slightly worried for the wellbeing of the summoners.
"What do you think I'm doing?!" Rei said slowing down, trying to contact the black haired teen. Soon they reached their destination. But instead of seeing chaos and fighting, they saw Ace holding a bewildered Hikari in his arms. Naturally Rei had stopped dialing and an exasperated look on her face replaced the calm demeanor. Cloud remained composed with the Warrior, and Firion's left eye twitched.
"Seriously. Even in this situation?"
"What? I can't help it if I don't like to see women hurt," Ace replied placing Hikari down on the ground. "You guys could have told us Kefka was a clown!"
"A clown?" Rei raised an eyebrow before looking at the warriors. "You guys lost to an entertainer? I've lost respect for you…" She said with exasperation.
"They left out the 'magic' part," Hikari trembled as she remembered the spells the clown had used. "His magic was disorganized. There was no pattern, no care in the world of what happened. Magic takes on the form of the person's mentality and personality. His clothing style alone could announce that he was insane but the way he uses magic proves it. I am truly grateful Shishou taught me Ba Gua Zhang. I would be dead without it!" Hikari announced as a stream of tears ran down her cheeks.
"The worst part is nothing seems effective against him. Getting close to him would be the best option but...Who knows what he has up his sleeves?" The sharpshooter rubbed his neck in thought.
"You know that actually hurts a little so how about a... BOOT TO THE FACE!" A voice yelled as Ace went flying slamming into the ground. Kefka landed on the ground where Ace once was, his boot dimly glowing red as he blew a raspberry at the group. Kefka was ready to do the same but the priestess bent backwards and flipped away from the Magick Knight.
"What the hell!?" Rei shouted as she tuned to where the so called clown they were talking about was now standing. Light and Firion both drew their swords in reply to the insane magus' attack.
"Rei, hurry and call Cecil and Shirou. We need them now!" Firion demanded as he got in position to charge forward. Kefka stepped forward and looked at the opposition in front of him.
"Let's see I count one, two, three, four, five, six vs. one. Not fair! Not fair! Call in the reinforcements!" Kefka screeched as he clicked his fingers. From behind him, walking slowly, was Terra.
"Terra!" Hikari smiled, before she saw the condition Terra was in. She was wearing an outfit she didn't wear earlier. And then she got a glimpse of the magus eyes, they were blank, dull. Terra was already under their control. "No..."
"Rei..."
"They are not answering!"
"SORRY! The pup and half-breed ain't gonna save you!~ Terra had a little too much fun," Kefka shrugged.
"Dammit…this is going to suck," Kai drew the blade that rested on his right side. It had numerous runes etched into the blade and looked similar to a straight broadsword with the hilt and the size of the blade like a katana. "Anyone got any plans?"
"I'm afraid I do not know how Terra was brainwashed in the first place," The Warrior of Light answered. "However, stay close to her. Other than her sword she barley uses, she does not have much in the way of physical moves." In a mere second, Terra had switched into a purple, sort of monster girl form. Ace caught sight of this and his face paled.
"OH SHIT!" Ace cried out in fear as several tornados formed around her. Everyone scrambled and ran as fast as they could, away from the swirling vortexes. As everyone managed to get a safe distance, Hikari ran to Ace.
"What is that?"
"Terra's Esper form!"
"SAY WHAT?!" Rei screeched.
"Terra is an esper/human hybrid, and this is her as a freakin' Super Saiyan! Her magic is a hella more powerful when she's like this so don't go-"
"SHE'S SO CUTE!" Everyone turned to the one who shouted that. It was Hikari, hearts developing in her eyes, causing most of the group, sans The Warrior, to gap at her.
"WHAT THE HELL IS THE MATTER WITH YOU!" Rei screamed as the howling winds grew louder, alerting the group that Terra was closing in on them.
"She's purple and she's FLUFFY!" Hikari explained rather ecstatically. "I WANNA HUG HER!" She was about to charge at the girl till the black haired female grabbed her by the waist and held her back.
"That doesn't mean you can fan girl at her when we are in a fight!"
"Calm down," Cloud growled, drawing his sword, his eyes looking at the esper with grief. "Sorry about this Terra…" He then ran forward his sword glowing a bit.
"Cloud!" Hikari yelled "What are you doing?!"
"This!" He then slashed at the tornado causing him to move backwards as Terra's tornado was negated. Terra responded quickly to this and summoned a fireball. But it was different from a normal Firaga spell; the ball was getting large [Meltdown]. Cloud and the Warrior gritted their teeth. They knew what was coming.
"We need a barrier against magic!" The Warrior cried out as Rei and Hikari both acted on his orders, setting up two Shell spells.
"TA" A voice shouted out from behind them. "PI" Blue orbs began to appear in the sky surrounding the two shell maidens. "OCA!" The orbs slammed into Rei and Hikari causing an explosion [Forsaken]. "Wha-HAHAHAHAHA! Aww did you think I would stay out of the fight? Not likely!" The spell Terra was charging was then launched at the men. Kai managed to see it.
"I've got it!" Kai said as jumped in front of it, his blade turning an ice blue with snowflakes dropping off it. "Frozen Counter!" He jammed his sword into the ground, ice bursting from the ground and charging at the spell. As the fire ball hit the ice, it seemed to stop as it froze over. Turning towards Kefka, Kai smirked and ran forward, slamming the ball of ice at the clown. Kefka managed to cast protect and the ball shattered against it. Kai dropped onto one knee, wasting more magic than he expected.
"Hmph. Looks like you're more than just a preadolescence pretty boy-huh?" Kefka's eyes were averted to the smoke, revealing Rei kneeling on the ground, but Hikari still standing, neither of them injured. Hikari's grimoire was in her hands, slightly hovering. Static wrapped around Kefka's hand, ready to cast his spell.
"ZAPPO!" Barrages of lightning bolts surrounded the girls [Zap-Trap Thundaga] but were instantly dispelled by a dome barrier surrounding them.
"Aww a barrier?" The clown whined. "That's no fun... But this is!" His tone took on a devious sound as he placed his hands over his eyes as three blue triangles appeared around the girls, each creating a shadow of itself as it traveled [Trine]. "This is going to hurt!" The triangles slammed into the barrier causing a small explosion. "Did I get them?" The dust cloud revealed the two girls were safe and sound. Kefka's face burned a bright red at the fact they were uninjured.
"Grrr...Playing hardball huh!? Oh my little pet~" Kefka growled before changing his tone to that of a song. Terra's blank eyes widened as she heard the master's call. "I think these two need a little taste in manners." Terra just nodded as she floated over to the girls, charging a ball of flames in her hands.
"Not on my watch!" Ace declared as he fired a bullet at Terra. The bullet dispersed into several smaller ones and rotated around the girl. The bullets created trails that drew binds in the air, each wrapping around the girl, entrapping her.
"WHAT! I thought you were knocked out!" Kefka yelled
"Ever heard of playing possum, you psycho clown?" Ace taunted. "Now give me back my partner!"
"Sorry but she belongs to daddy now~!" Kefka exclaimed. Ace blanched at that.
"Now that's just creepy…" He took aim at Kefka before firing a bullet of wind at the clown. A disgusting smile appeared on the white face as Terra teleported in front of Kefka and took the bullet. The wind sickles dug into her skin, creating slight gashes as blood poured out. Ace's gun dropped from his hand.
"Terra!" He yelled before he glared at the clown. "You monster..."
"Ahh thank you my dear!~" Kefka said patting the cheek of his doll. "See how much she means to me, she even took a bullet for me," He then smacked her on the back of the head, causing Terra to stumble forward breaking her bonds. "That's for getting trapped Babe!" Cloud and Firion gritted their teeth, but Firion dashed forward.
"Firion wait!" Cloud cried out but it was too late. Firion charged forth towards Kefka, pulling out his sword, ready to slash at the clown but Terra got in the way again. In midair the girl summoned a ball of magic and hit the silver haired male dead on. Firion was rebounded back but caught by Kai and Cloud. Just as she had landed on the ground, the mind controlled Terra turned to her left to see Rei chanting. Three balls of red hot flames grew around her.
"Triple Firaga!" With a wave of her hand the three medium sized fireballs raced hastily towards the girl. Terra crouched into a ball shape and she teleported away as the triple flames slammed into Kefka knocking him back.
"HOT! HOT! HOT!" Kefka screamed in pain, wailing about like a cartoon character to try and douse the flames. While the summoner was glad she managed to hit the clown the black haired girl scanned the area, as did the other warriors and summoners. Hikari was still crouching on the ground, not having moved since she placed the barrier spell up.
"How long are you going to sit on your ass!? Hikari, get up!" Rei ordered at the crouching girl. Her words echoed throughout the field. The blond rose to her feet, but her head was still lowered. The air instantly went dry, everything was frozen. This sparked The Warrior's interest as he turned to his summoner. What really caught his attention though was Terra's esper form; it was trembling. This perplexed the Warrior of Light. Why was she trembling? She couldn't be afraid, could she? The esper slowly moved away from the girl as she raised her head. The one timid but kind life inside of her eyes was gone, replaced with a cold, dark abyss. Rei saw the change and she herself shivered but not in fright. Her eyes were cold, almost like a machine.
"What are you waiting for!? Attack her!" The red clad clown ordered. The order was achieved and lightning wrapped around Terra's claw like hands. Rei was prepared to activate shell but an arm outstretched in front of her.
"Do not get in the way..." Hikari spoke in a deeper, monotone voice, a voice so different from her normal high pitched polite tone that it caused several to flinch as the alienated eyes looked at her and the rest of the group. The thunder reverberated off of Terra's hands as the electricity shot out from the skies and surrounded the girl, ready to converge upon her. "Spell: Thundara; a second tier spell branched off of Thunder, the spell of electricity, Elemental magic, Attack spell. Not from the Thunder Dragon King but from one's own body and that of the atmosphere. Second spell: Unknown. Basic structure, control of the central nervous system's cognitive function and motor control." The monotone voice explained, causing Rei to gasp. The thunder drew closer to the black and white clad girl. "Stigma: Spell Intercept. Calculation: 912. Commence. TD912 (Thundara Dispel Nine Twelve)." The thunder seemed to pause before it struck Hikari. It seemed to fade in and out of control before the spell completely vanished much to everyone's confusion.
"W-what the..." Rei whispered. She couldn't believe it. A few words and numbers dispelled the magic. She knew of one word spells that could do the same but not as efficiently as what the blonde just did. What really shocked her though was how specific Hikari was about the spells. She was able to pinpoint the type of spell being cast, how it was being cast, and even disrupt it.
"Let's try that again!" The clown said as static built on his hand, while he placed his other hand behind his back so he could scratch it.
"Spell: Thundara. Skipping calculation phase. Commence. TD 912..." And once again the spell was cancelled out.
"STOP CHEATING!"
At that instant, Kefka unleashed a barrage of Fireballs at the female. Light immediately ran to her defense, his shield raised in front of him.
"SHINE!" White light was released, blinding the clown and pushing back all the arrow projections at the clown, only for Terra to take the hits. A giggle came from the Warrior of Chaos.
"Someone's earned their pay this week. Now crush them!" The harlequin yelled. Terra just nodded as she waved her hand as several orbs of white light appeared [Holy] and where sent at the priestess and the knight. Kai and Firion rushed forward and easily sliced through the several holy orbs.
"Please distract Terra. I will break the mind control over her." Hikari spoke once more, derived of emotion.
"Then allow me to handle that!" Ace rose his gun and pulled the trigger, launched an orb of fire upwards at Terra before shooting a bullet of wind directly at her. The two balls of fire and wind collided before Terra. Just as she was about to place up a barrier the two collided, creating an explosion that sent the girl flying, incinerating her form quite a bit.
"Sorry Terra. But it's for your own good..." Ace showed remorse for his actions. But his guilt was shadowed by what he thought he had to do. Kefka growled.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" He screamed. Terra's reactions were becoming slower compared to earlier. Was he losing his connection over the girl? The words spoken by the Time Witch echoed through his head. "As if that Spoony bard black thong bisexual is stronger than!"
"Spoony bard black thong bisexual?" Ace, Kai and Rei asked.
"...Kuja?" Cloud asked looking at the other warriors who just shrugged. A bright yellow glow shined behind the group, each turning around to see Hikari with her Grimoire, the pages wildly turning. "Beginning scan. Objective: Basis Spell Structure of Coercive Persuasion, Break Down and Counter Spell. Duration: Five Minutes. Commence."
"I'm no genius but I think that means 'Buy me time while I save Terra!" Ace declared as he loaded his gun while Rei brought out several jewels.
"NO duh!"
"Hey Kai you want in?" Ace asked keeping his eyes in his partner.
"Do you need to ask?" The black haired smirked, keeping an eye on the wild clown.
"I don't know what that girl is up to... But…" Kefka said twitching his fingers. "Say good bye to her!" He screeched as he slammed a purplish black orb into the ground. The Summoners and Warriors stood on guard. Nothing seemed to change, until Ace felt his jacket flowing upwards with no wind! Eventually his feet were no longer planted onto the ground, and he was levitating, and he wasn't the only one, everyone else was too!
"Zero Gravity!?" Rei declared. The summoners floated in mid-air as the mad clown snapped his fingers, a morning star forming in his right hand. The harlequin charged at them with the black spiked mace. The Warrior of Light grunted and threw his shield at the clown, managing to capture the Warrior of Chaos and delivering a few sword strikes before having him plummet to the ground. The summoners fell to the ground as Kefka's concentration was broken. Ace grabbed Kefka's mace and destroyed the spikey ball with a concentrated ball of water.
"I hate using magic!" The marksman complained as Rei dispelled the Zero Gravity, causing everyone to land on the ground. "Takes way to much energy which I don't have... Oh well your down a weapon clown boy."
"Oh you act like I care!" Kefka said as he got up before turning around and wagging his butt at their faces. "But did you forget your little cheating Mage. Oh did you? GOOD! Terra kill her!" he shouted at the esper-kin. Terra immediately charged forth, claws ready to pierce the girl's light colored skin. Light's eyes widen as he ran from the clown towards his defenseless summoner.
'I won't make it!' He panicked as Terra was inches away from the girl's throat.
"Scan complete. Calculation: 582. SM 582 (Stall Magic Five Eighty-Two)." Hikari chanted. Terra stalled in her spell casting. Her arms began to tremble. Kefka saw this and glared at the blonde, her grimoire turning pages by itself once more.
"WHAT DID YOU DO!?" Kefka screamed as Terra began to fizzle back and forth between her human and esper forms. Hikari raised her right hand as the book stopped turning its pages and stopped on a page.
"Fantasy Dance..." Several balls of multicolor light circled Terra before slamming themselves into the girl and exploding on impact. Her screams of pain and anguish made Hikari flinch. A small jolt ran through her head as the priestess placed her right hand on her face, life appearing in her eyes once more. She focused her eyes on the scene before her. The red violet orbs widen as the multicolor balls of light continued to attack the girl until Hikari drew out an Ofuda and threw the paper at the girl, the spell instantly dispelled.
"What... Did I do?" Hikari said as she shook her head. Terra fell to the ground in her normal form in pain, twitching every now and again.
"You... Little annoyance!" Kefka yelled. "YOU BROKE MY DOLL! I should end you right now!" Several blue orbs appeared around the area ready to slam into the priestess and her allies. Hikari flinched and tried to activate magic. A sharp pain jolted through her head like lightning, blood slowly coming from her nose and began coughing, spouts of blood appearing from her mouth as well. Luckily the Warrior of Light was around and immediately wrapped his body around the injured females.
"Say good bye!" The magick knight screeched as the orbs charged to where light and Hikari were. A beam of blue light instantly destroyed the seven orbs. Kefka gawked before turning towards the culprit, Cloud. Kneeling, he raised his sword once he saw his leader and his summoner were safe form the attack. To say Kefka was livid was an understatement.
"I HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE YOU!" Kefka screeched as he teleported back to where he came from. At this point Hikari collapsed on the ground, breathing heavily and coughing ever so often with blood spitting out from her mouth. The Warrior placed his right hand on her shoulder, helping her up slightly with his left hand.
"What's wrong?" He asked in a somewhat worried tone. He wasn't sure if the girl needed help or anything but the fact she was coughing up blood meant something.
"N-no...I'm fine…It's…just a side effect…." She managed to say between coughs. The more she did the less blood appeared on her hand.
"Very well. Let's find Cecil and Shirou and move back to the hotel quickly," The Paragon suggested.
"That...sounds...good..." Hikari staggered around until she collapsed on the ground. The warrior immediately caught the girl, the sight of blood pouring from her nose causing him to widen his eyes.
"She overworked her brain..." Rei sighed, for some reason not surprised this happened. "Take her back to the hotel and fix her up, Firion and I can go search for Shirou and Cecil..."
"Agreed," Light said as he carried the blond in his arms bridal style. Cloud managed to pick himself up and followed the warrior with Ace in tow.
"Why can't I carry my partner!?" The marksman whined as Kai placed the unconscious mage on his back.
"One; your personality, two; she is injured, and three; I don't trust you with women in general." The swordsman's words cut through Ace's pride like a hot iron knife.
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"What do you mean we missed the good part!?" Shirou said annoyed that he missed Hikari beating Kefka. About thirty minutes after the group had collected themselves and patched each other up, Firion and Rei returned with the half-breed and his summoner in tow. Cecil woke up and was carrying Shirou on his back when they found him. Once they were back they too were bandaged up by the now awake Hikari who casted Cura and brought out her first aid kit, which like all of her items, was a bookmark.
"You got taken down by a girl!" Ace said mocking the black haired boy, who, in turn, growled.
"Least I didn't lose to a psycho clown!"
"Enough both of you!" Cecil exclaimed, placing a hand on his forehead, as if he was dealing with a headache. "Honestly if it isn't Hikari it's…Actually Warrior, have you seen Terra or Hikari anywhere?" The paladin asked his leader. He scanned the room to find neither the Esper nor the Priestess.
"Terra left a while ago and Hikari followed. Why do you ask?" Cecil shook his head.
"I wanted to know more about this magic hacking you described but it can wait till tomorrow."
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Hikari ran out of the hotel in desperate search of the flaxen haired Esper. She looked all around the entrance then remembered the garden in the back that she was at earlier. Immediately she ran towards the other side of the hotel, passing various people along the way, even bumping into some while bowing in an apologetic manner. Eventually she made it back to the stone garden, and there she saw Terra, staring at her hands like a broken doll. Hikari's eyes soften at the expression the female had on her face. Her footsteps on the stone path made an odd clapping sound, as if announcing her arrival. Terra didn't look up but the flinch she made told Hikari she knew she was here.
"Miss Terra?" Said girl didn't reply to the priestess. Hikari decided to sit next to her on the wooden bench. She gazed up at the moon while silently waiting for Terra. She didn't know for what, but she waited.
"I know what happened... " Hikari turned her head to look at the young girl. She was trembling slightly, her eyes shadowed by her flaxen colored bangs. "I-I couldn't even argue against him this time... Maybe he is right..." The memory of Kefka returned at full force, his taunts, everything he said and one returned like crashing waves against a beach, forceful and unwelcoming. "I am nothing but a beast of destruction!" Terra said as tears began to fall.
"Terra..." The priestess' red violet eyes soften a bit at the words the female spoke.
"T-this power of mine... It's no good to anyone... A friend once told me that power depends on the person who uses it... But all I'm good for is death and chaos... Maybe I should-" Hikari immediately grabbed Terra's hands, startling the girl a bit.
"Hikari?"
"Your absolutely right on one account, power does depend on the person who uses it. But it also depends on the person's mindset."
"What do you mean?" This was something new to Terra. Hikari took a deep breath.
'I have to get this right otherwise, she might feel worse…'
"When Kefka controlled you, did you feel anything?"
"I felt... Scared that I was going to hurt all of you... I was horrified that this happened again and I wasn't able to protect you earlier. Frustration, uneasiness, anxiety, sadness, it was all I could feel!" More tears began to stream down her face. Hikari smiled and raised both her hands, cradling Terra's face in her hands. Her skin was so warm and soft, but pale looking. It was like touching newly fallen snow.
"Terra. There is no such thing as powers that can protect and powers that can destroy. Power is power. There are no exceptions. It is neither good nor evil. But to control that power requires reason, and depending on the personality of the user, the magic will take form." Hikari began explaining softly and slowly, hoping the young half Esper understood. "During the battle your magic couldn't take a solid form because of your conflicting feelings. You were worried about us and didn't want to hurt us. That was reflected in your magic. If your part Esper your magic would have greatly injured us at the beginning of the fight, but it didn't because you didn't want to hurt us. And thus your magic was weakened." Terra's eyes widen as Hikari continued, the tears having stopped but still threatening to flow out.
"Magic, it isn't some kind of miraculous power; it is a talent that works with the flow of energy from outside merged with our thoughts and feelings in perfect sync. Mama once told me, to perform magic, regardless of Reiki or Mana, one must have a strong mind and the ability to focus. The only reason your magic goes out of control, I'm betting, is because it represents your uncertainty and fear." Terra's eyes widen as the girl's words.
"Once you know this, you can conquer your fears and anxieties. Because, Terra, I am positive," The smile on the priestess' face couldn't have been anymore kinder. Terra, for the first time in a long while, felt safe and secured. That smile made her heart warm. "You are a strong and gentle person who can protect those she cares for, as long as you believe in yourself. Just believe, and your powers, they will never go out of control." Terra began trembling once more, but not because of how she was, but of what this girl said. Such soft and gentle words echoed through her mind in a broken record, shattering all the memories of Kefka that resurfaced.
"Thank you Hikari... THANK YOU SO MUCH!" At this point Terra burst into tears wrapping Hikari into a hug. She knew that it wouldn't be an easy journey to gain control of her powers but with someone like this girl, a dear friend like Hikari, the path she must go on will be made with someone she trusts by her side. Hikari smiled. She couldn't remember the last time she helped someone. It seemed like a dream to her. Hikari slightly blushed as she scratched her cheek.
"Miss Terra...I have two requests..."
"Of course," Terra answered softly, wiping away her tears from her green eyes. The priestess moved her hands in a rotating motion, as if trying to figure out if she should ask or not. A stark red blush appeared on Hikari's face, a small smile accompanying it.
"Can we...be friends?" Terra blinked before breaking out into a smile of her own.
"Of course! And the second?" Hikari's smile grew larger, until it receded with her now tapping her fingers together. She was embarrassed, though Terra didn't know why. That is, until the girl breathed in deeply and her smile faded.
"Can...Can I pet or hug you Esper form, at least once!?"
What?
That was her question?
Terra had no clue on what to make of this girl.
"Um…I guess that's ok…" The girl breathed in slightly after recovering from the rather awkward question. Terra focused the magic in her body, causing her transformation into her Esper form. "Is this what-"
"FLUFFY!" Hikari cried hugging the transformed girl not noticing the Esper's face going red. Even so, the girl smiled as Hikari rubbed her cheek against the female's body.
'Fluffy...hehe...she's certainly interesting...Especially since...she summoned him...' Terra thought as the girl continued to pet Terra's head like a child holding a puppy for the first time.
End of Chapter 10
"Thou art I…and I am thou…Thou hast established a new bond…Thou shalt be blessed with the magic of the Hermit Arcana…"
You have established the Terra Brandford Social Link of the Hermit Arcana!
XD All joking aside, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!
Sorry I have been busy with ReImage Digimon World but my Dissidia kick is back and I am now currently editing chapters 11 and 12 so hopefully I can break those guys out soon!
Well till then REVIEW because reviews are the lifeblood of this fic and without them this fic dies from blood loss!