Aright everyone! Longer chapter than usual because we have a lot going on. But let's hope we get to the end of the World and movie. This will be fun!
Even though he had slept on the ground again, Tenebrae woke up refreshed. He was happier and ready for anything.
It looked like it was early in the day. So, he had some time to kill before meeting Shaylex if she even came back to this World. Even if she didn't, he still wanted to stay and figure the World out. There were some big mysteries that piqued his interest.
Tenebrae decided to wait until about noon, before going on his own. He went back to town and grabbed some breakfast. AS he ate, he listened around.
There was news all over, about Ms. La Bouff marrying a prince. But there was no mention of a name.
"We were out for the day, guess news traveled around. But it doesn't concern me or Shaylex."
Tenebrae finished his breakfast and walked to Duke's Café. That seemed to be a popular spot, both for his group and patrons of the World. Tenebrae had guessed it had to do with Tiana. She was a Light that drew in others, even if she didn't realize it. Tenebrae thought this as he leaned against the wall near the door.
Tenebrae felt a portal open close to him, about 30 minutes later. He opened his eyes in time to see Shaylex and Demyx step through a corridor. He pushed off the wall and approached the two Nobodies.
"You guys took your time," he said.
Demyx pointed to Shaylex and smirked. "We'd have gotten here sooner, if this one didn't take her time getting ready today."
The smack to the back of Demyx's head was well deserved. "Hey!" Shaylex exclaimed, "We're here now and ready to destroy more Heartless."
Shaylex pushed Demyx into the café. It looked like they wouldn't be needing his help today. Tenebrae rolled his eyes, as Shaylex walked back out and towards the bayou. Tenebrae followed behind quickly.
They walked on for a bit. Tenebrae noticed there was something off about Shaylex today. When they made it back to the spot, they found the two frogs, he finally spoke.
"Are you okay?" he asked Shaylex.
The Nobody nodded. "Yeah, just had a bit of a restless night," she explained.
At least she was being open with him. He couldn't help feeling happier, as he said, "I know the feeling. At least we're getting closer to the strong Heartless threat that we were tasked with finding."
Shaylex looked confused. "We are?"
Tenebrae nodded. "Oh yeah, after I left, I went around the area and felt a dark presence from close by. If we get close enough, we could get the jump on it and surprise it," he explained.
There was a presence as he had gone to Mama Odie's. But he had wanted to play it safe. After all, the mission was Shaylex's, she needed to be there.
"Sounds like a good idea," Shaylex said. She led the pair back to the clearing where they parted.
Tenebrae felt the Darkness from before. And there was a familiarity to it. Shaylex looked at him with questioning eyes. She must have felt the presence as well, so he nodded to confirm it.
The pair summoned their Keyblades. They walked carefully towards the source of Darkness. The source led them into a darker part of the swamp. The plants took on a darker, sinister vibe, especially the ones that had grown over time.
When they approached a hollowed-out tree, Tenebrae became tense. This feeling, couldn't have been…
Shaylex looked at Tenebrae and made eye contact. After pointing at the tree, she made a series of odd hand movements. Tenebrae was completely lost when she nodded.
When she realized he did not understand, she whispered, "You go around the trunk and hit it from behind. I'll hit it from this side. Got it?"
Tenebrae widened his eyes in confusion but nodded at the plan. He gave a thumbs up and silently moved out of view.
When he was in position, he held his Keyblade in both hands and charged his mana. Purple flames started to pool around the tip. The flame grew as he waited for a signal. The signal came when the trunk was surrounded by wind. He immediately shot his flame at the trunk and it caught fire with the combined spells.
Right before the two spells were loosed, Tenebrae had noticed a figure escape the trunk. He really had hoped that was his imagination when he saw yellow and pigtails. Once his spell was done, he immediately gave chase.
'If that was her…then why was she here?'
Tenebrae tried to keep up, but eventually lost track of the presence. He slowed his pace and looked around. As he walked, he thought about what he saw.
'That couldn't have been her. What could they want with this place? Or are they just here to piss me off?'
Tenebrae found a rock and sat on it. 'It would probably be best if I deal with her now. The last thing I need is for her to meet Shaylex. If they were in the same area, what would happen?' He opened his senses. 'She is gone now, so I should head back.'
Tenebrae got up and stared in the direction he came. He needed to meet back up with Shyalex.
"You shouldn't have chased after me Tenebrae."
Tenebrae internally cursed as he looked toward the voice. He hated he was right, and Hashely was standing before him. Something felt off about the Being of Darkness. She didn't have her normal insane innocent routine going.
"I had to confirm my suspicions that it was you, Hashley," Tenebrae said. He jumped off the rock and walked towards the girl.
Her reaction surprised him. She moved back quickly and put her hands up. Hasley seemed frightful, which was odd.
'She was always ready to kill me before. What changed?' he thought.
Tenebrae stopped and dismissed Kingdom Key D. He showed Hashley his empty hand. She was scared and Tenebrae was hoping it wasn't for why he thought.
Tenebrae approached Hashley with caution, holding his hand out to her. "I can help you. We can face this together." He tried to sound as soothing as he could.
Hashley shook her head and seemed to shrink in on herself. "I can't Tenebrae. He's too strong. You know that just as much as I do." Her voice was so soft, so timid.
Tenebrae knew Heloa couldn't be trusted. "I've gotten stronger since our last fight," he said proudly.
"That might be the case," Hashley said. "But…he…I…" Before she could finish her thought, she gripped her head. Hashley's body started to convulse and spasm. She looked like she was in pain.
Tenebrae rushed over to and held onto her. Seeing her helpless like this, reminded him of when he found Shaylex passed out in the Bayou.
He took Hashley to the rock and helped her get on it. "Hashley? What happened?"
"Another memory." The Being was still holding onto her head. "From my past."
"Your past?" he asked.
"Yes, before I became this, I couldn't remember my past," Hashley explained. "But when I was created, they came back. Every now and again, I get flashbacks that hurt."
'Memories of her past? The similarities…' Tenebrae's eyes widened as he thought. 'No…please no…'
"Wait?" he asked as he stood up and back. He looked at Hashley again and saw more of Shaylex as he did. "What was your name before you became a Heartless?"
"My name? I think… it was… Ashley," Hashley said innocently. She then explained. "I was separated from my body about three months ago, when the World I had spent a year on was destroyed by the Darkness."
'No!' Tenebrae's eyes widened as he thought. 'No! Why didn't I see it sooner!?'
He remembered Shaylex mentioning losing her heart a few months prior. And the time Hashley gave him matched. Shaylex later said her World was destroyed. And Hashley's memories matched that as well.
But there was one more thing he needed to know. Shaylex said Keval knew her or knew her past left. So, he needed to know…
"What was the memory? What other memories do you have?" he asked urgently.
"The memory I saw just now, was when I first learned to wield a Keyblade, when I first got Lost Memory," Haslhley started to explain. "There were two other Wielders. Friends that I had grown up with. Other memories that I have had include hanging out by the fountain in Daybreak Town with friends. There was quite as small group of us. Including him… but he wasn't tainted with Darkness. I… it doesn't matter now." She hugged her knees to her chest, turning away from him.
Daybreak Town was the final piece. Hashley and Shaylex, or Ashley as they were before, were there before the Keyblade War. The group she mentioned, with Keval, had to have been the Light Protectors. But what matter was that he had a chance for a new ally.
"It does Hashley! You're not a full Heartless like I thought you were when we first met." Tenebrae urged her. "You still held onto your sense of self, thanks to your memories. You can fight this Darkness. You can fight him!" He grabbed her shoulders to make her look at him.
"No, I can't Tenebrae. It's too late for me." She warned him. "You best get back to your Partner. She's probably looking for you."
"Not without you," Tenebrae begged. He didn't want to lose a potential ally. "You can leave him, Hashley. You can fight his control."
Hashley was holding onto a silver necklace, before she asked, "But what if I don't want to?"
Tenebrae wasn't sure what that meant. He let go of the girl, taking a step back. "What are you saying?"
"I'm sorry, Tenebrae. I gave you a chance to get out of here. But you just blew it." Hashley pushed Tenebrae.
Tenebrae felt a force much stronger than intended. It sent him flying into the marsh. He got up in time to see Hashley clutch her head again.
'Guess I need to destroy her after all,' he thought as he summoned his Keyblade.
Tenebrae rushed Hashley, igniting his Keyblade and swinging to attack. The Heartless bent backwards, making him miss her. When she stood up, she flowed into a kick that was aimed at his face. He barely blocked the strike before jumping back.
He kept making strikes to try and end Hashley. Each strike missed as she moved and bent in odd ways. Each time she was upright, she attacked him. He was able to block each strike. The cycle continued until Hashley jumped back.
Hashley raised her hands as a black vortex was created around Tenebrae. He could feel both the Darkness and Wind magic as he was thrown into the air. His reaction time was slowed when Hashley appeared above him and kicked him downwards. The force of the kick had him impacting the ground hard enough to make a crater.
Tenebrae was barely conscious, but he saw Hashley land near the edge. He finally noticed her eyes; they were cloudy like she was being controlled. Now they were clear as she looked at her hands. She dropped to her knees, looking defeated.
"I'm sorry, Tenebrae," she said, "But you left me no choice."
Tenebrae saw a portal open next to her. Heloa stepped through not a second later. Hashley didn't even look at the other Being. But Heloa just knelt beside her and gently held her chin to look at him.
Tenebrae stuck his Keyblade into the ground. He needed some leverage as pain shot through his body. He just watched the two Beings of Darkness.
"Well done, Hashley, my sweet," Heloa said, softly. "You have made me proud." He placed a kiss on the girl's forehead.
Hashley seemed conflicted but smiled. "Anything for you, Heloa," she said softly, before looking at Tenebrae.
Heloa followed her gaze and chuckled. Tenebrae barely had a foot on the ground, before Heloa walked up to him.
Tenebrae glared up at the Dark version of his old Union mate. "If you're going to kill me, just get on with it already!"
Heloa actually laughed at him. "Didn't I tell you before, that it was useless to try fighting the Darkness so recklessly? You're lucky I had my girl go easy on you again today. You are far too important for me to kill you." Heloa crouched to be eye level with him. "You know what you have to do, to get stronger if you have any chance of beating me."
Heloa stood up and walked away, towards Hashley. The Being of Darkness looked back to him and said, "Oh, and it's best SHE isn't involved. Wouldn't want to risk losing her too." Heloa took Hashley's hand and made her stand up. The two then walked to a portal.
Hashley had just enough time to look at him and mouth, 'I'm sorry,' before Heloa pulled her close. Heloa had an arm around her waist as they went through.
When the corridor disappeared, Tenebrae yelled to the sky. Anytime he tried to help, it backfired. He knew nothing would ever go his way. He knew he would fail. And he knew what he needed now. He thought that as he fell back and passed out, having taken too much damage from earlier. -
Tenebrae wasn't sure how long he was asleep. He also wasn't sure what to do next. At best, needed to find Shaylex.
Learning that she and Hashley were most likely once one, made her a target. But if that was the case, Heloa already knew. Heloa had to have known, in order to threaten the Seeker. And that threat would be the only reason he wouldn't say a word to Shaylex. She couldn't know about the Heartless version of herself.
Tenebrae felt something on his leg. The thing then moved up onto his stomach, and then onto his chest. There it rested as whatever was on him started to bob. He then felt a tapping on his head, in rhythm to the bobbing.
Tenebrae begrudgingly opened his eyes. He was met with the familiar reptilian eyes of Juju, Mama Odie's snake. In its mouth was a bowl, that it had been using on his head.
Tenebrae sighed as he grabbed the bowl. "Thank you," he said. He sat up to get comfortable and took a sip of whatever was in the bowl.
The snake slithered away, to a lit part of the boat house. Tenebrae realized he was in Mama Odie's home. But he had been in the marshes when he collapsed. So how was he here?
Tenebrae ate slowly as he went over the past events. Luckily, the spice of the gumbo helped to calm him. But what didn't calm him was the information about Hashley and Shaylex; that they may have come from the same person. Hashley's memories matched Shaylex's story, which was much bigger than a coincidence. He finished the gumbo when he heard a conversation.
He heard Mama Odie's loud happy voice. As he listened, he also heard… Shaylex! She was safe. He didn't hear much of the conversation, but he thought it was a good idea to make his presence known.
Tenebrae stood up and dusted himself off. He doubled checked his clothes, they were tattered from the fight and regenerating. He walked into the next room. He saw Mama Odie and Shaylex looking into the tub of what should have been gumbo. Shaylex was having a different range of emotions as she stared at the tub.
As he walked towards them, Tenebrae noticed something in the gumbo. It was a vision of sorts. He saw Keval back in his Union days talking to a younger Shaylex. They were sitting on a roof in Daybreak Town. The pair was side by side, before Shaylex's younger self fell asleep on Keval's shoulder. And that was where he saw the vision end, before looking at Shaylex herself.
The Nobody looked shocked. She was on the verge of tears. Shaylex took a step back and almost fell.
Tenebrae's instinct kicked in and he got behind Shaylex. He was able to catch the Nobody. Shaylex then shook her head and looked up at him.
"Shay are you okay?" he asked her.
"Y-ye-yeah Tenebrae. I am. What about you?" she asked as she looked at his arm, his jacket was still a bit torn. "Mama Odie said you got into a fight."
"Oh yeah." He rubbed the back of his head. He couldn't mention Hashley, not until he got more information. "The Heartless presence was in that tree, but it took off once our combined spell hit. I chased after it and fought it. I don't think it's going to plague this World anymore."
Shaylex stood up. "That's a relief, but Tiana and Naveen are on their way back to town to find Charlotte so she can break the spell. But from the sounds of things, I don't think Facilier is going to let that happen."
"Well what are we waiting for?" he asked, helping Shaylex to stand. "Let's get going."
The two Wielders said goodbye to Mama Odie. They left her home and ran into the bayou. When out of sight, Shaylex opened a corridor. Passing through, the two were outside the La Bouff mansion.
They ran towards town, where the Mardi Gras parade was taking place. They moved through the crowd with ease, both putting their training to work, weaving through it. They needed to find the two humans-turned-frogs.
Shaylex looked to her left and went that way. Tenebrae was right behind her. He finally saw Tiana with the firefly, Ray he thinks it was.
"Tiana!" the Nobody called out.
Tiana looked their way and smiled. She hopped over to them. "Shay! Tenebrae! You're here!" There was no denying the joy in her voice.
"Yeah, Tiana. We found Mama Odie and she told us what you guys were going to do." Tenebrae explained.
Tiana was giddy and shining. "Yeah, we need to get going to find Naveen kissing Charlotte. And then, he's not going to marry her. Ray's just told me that he was going to help me get my restaurant."
"That's amazing, Tiana," Shaylex said, as she knelt to let the frog jump onto her hand then shoulder. The Nobody then took off running. "Come on then, let's go find your prince."
Tenebrae followed behind. "What are we looking for?" he asked.
Tiana looked around before saying, just look for the biggest float with a Mardi Gras Princess about to kiss herself a…" Her focus was on a float in the distance.
All eyes turned to the float. Ray's, Shyalex's and Tenebrae's eyes widened at the sight. On the float, was Charlotte with the Prince from the party. If that was Naveen, how could he have been a frog and a human at the same time. Either way, it looked like a wedding was taking place.
"That can't be right," he heard Shaylex whisper.
Tenebrae saw Tian jump off Shaylex's shoulder and hop away. A feeling of Darkness his attention, and he looked to the source. Facilier was in an alley off to the side. He had a strange doll in his hand.
Before Shaylex could follow the frog-girl, he grabbed her. Tenebrae pointed towards Facilier. The two Wielders looked at each other and nodded. Ray, the firefly, flew past the pair towards the human Naveen's ear, but was ignored and swatted.
Shaylex seemed to realize what that meant. Ray flew away and to a box behind the fake prince. Shaylex smiled and summoned her Keyblade. Aiming it at the box, a light flashed, and the box clicked. Naveen hopped out of the box and onto the fake, both falling off the float. The two Naveens then disappeared into some nearby buildings.
Ray came out from under the float with a strange talisman. He flew off towards what looked like a cemetery.
Shaylex looked to Tenebrae, and the pair nodded. They ran after the firefly, in time to see him talking to Tiana. It looked like he was explaining the talisman to her. It seemed to be urging her to run away with the talisman.
Some strange shadows appeared near them. They didn't feel like Heartless, but they were Darkness. Both Wielders summoned their Keyblades and got ready to fight.
Ray smiled after giving Tiana the talisman. He flew towards the shadows and lit up his butt. The shadows disappeared in the light, screaming in pain.
'Well, that's an obvious weakness,' Tenebrae thought.
The two Wielders used their Keyblades to lead the shadows to Ray. They fell back after a few got destroyed and went to protect Tiana. A slap was heard and Facilier was nearby where Ray was flying around.
The two Wielders ran up to meet him but went on the defensive. They needed to take care of him, but he didn't seem scared. Instead, Facilier walked up to them.
Facilier stopped and spoke, "Now, now my friends. We have a deal, right? You did help get rid of that dark presence plaguing the World. You kept up your end of the bargain; but if you don't get out of my way, I won't be able to hold up my end." He explained while twirling his cane.
Shaylex tensed but held fast and gripped her Keyblade tight. "Deal or not, we're not going to let you hurt Tiana. Or this World!" she declared. "Yes, there was a dark presence and, yes, we may have gotten rid of it. But that doesn't mean one more Darkness still remains."
"Fair enough," Facilier said, as more shadows appeared around him. "You are two weaklings against me and my true friends from the other side."
Shaylex seemed unfazed. Instead, she smiled and took a step forward. "Who said it was just the two of us?" She snapped her fingers. "You're not the only one who can command a secret army."
At her command, some strange looking creatures appeared. They were humanoid, with silver skin. They seemed to be wearing what looked like a peach colored hat and pants. They had on black wristbands, boots and what seemed to be half the Nobody symbol on their chest. The Nobody symbol were on the pants cuffs.
When Shaylex charged Facilier, the Nobodies attacked the shadows. Tenebrae took that as them being allies and followed Shaylex's lead. The pair attacked Facilier, with Shaylex making the first strike. She was blocked by his cane. Tenebrae came up from the side and tried to attack. Facilier jumped back out of range and sent a wave of magic at the two Wielders. They blocked the magic and sent their own at the "Doctor", with fire and ice being shot as retaliation.
This way of fighting kept on for a few minutes. The Nobodies were doing well at keeping the shadows in place but seemed to be losing. Shaylex and Tenebrae kept the pressure on Facilier, but he was slippery and adept with his magic.
"Enough!" Facilier shouted. A wave of shadows erupted from him. They took out the lesser Nobodies and pushed the two Wielders into a tombstone. The concrete wrapped around their arms and legs, holding them in place. Satisfied, Facilier smiled and walked away.
Struggling, Tenebrae couldn't help his anger. They were close but the Nobodies barely helped. "Great plan, Shaylex."
"Well, I didn't see you come up with any good ideas." She didn't seem to be any happier with the situation.
"Where did you get those things anyway?" he asked. He didn't realize she had the ability to summon other Nobodies.
"From me!" Demyx's voice was heard. The sitar player jumped down and smiled smugly at them. "Yep, those Dancers came from me. You're welcome"
'He was hiding!?' Tenebrae thought, as his anger rose.
"Welcome? It didn't help us out because…" He yelled the next part almost loud enough to wake the dead, "WE ARE STUCK IN CONCRETE AND THE STUPID SHADOWMAN IS ABOUT TO DESTROY TIANA AND THIS WORLD!"
Demyx jumped back a bit. "Hey, I'm sorry man. I thought I was helping."
'By not joining the fight!?' Tenebrae thought.
"You tried your best Demyx, but it wasn't enough," Shaylex said. "We just have to hope Tiana can stop him."
On cue, a bright green light illuminated the cemetery. Powerful dark magic could be felt coming from it. In the distance, a large tombstone opened. Many weird voodoo-like things came out of it, including a few large masks. They were singing to Facilier, who was trying to get away. Something strange came out of the tombstone and grabbed the fleeing Shadowman. It dragged him into a green portal, which caused the tombstone to change showing his face looking terrified.
With the Docotor gone, Tenebrae and Shaylex were released from the bindings. They landed and ran to the source. They found Tiana near pieces of the broken talisman. That must have been why Facilier was taken.
Shaylex smiled as she crouched near Tiana. "Are you okay, Tiana?"
Tiana looked at her and smiled. "Yeah, I am. Come on guys, let's go find Naveen. I need to tell him how I feel." The frog girl hopped onto Shaylex's shoulder.
The trio and Demyx headed back to town. They had to find Naveen quick. As they ran down Main Street, they passed by and older short man being taken away by the officials. He was yammering about the Shadowman. They found Naveen talking to Charlotte on the side of the road.
Charlotte looked overwhelmed. Naveen must have just told her the story. "Good gracious, thi is a lot to absorb. Let me see if I got this right," she said. "If I kiss you before midnight, you and Tiana will turn human again. And then we gonna get ourselves married and live happily ever after! The end!" At least someone was getting a happy ending.
"Yeah, more or less," Naveen said to the blonde. "But remember, you must give Tiana all the money she requires for her restaurant. Because Tiana…" Naveen looked up at the brightest star in the sky and smiled, "She is my Evangeline."
"Anything for you, sugar," Charlotte said happily. "Now pucker up, buttercup." She puckered her lips.
Naveen did the same. But he seemed reluctant to do so.
Tiana jumped off Shaylex's shoulder and shouted, "Wait!" She hopped towards them.
Naveen looked surprised. "Tiana?"
"Don't do this," Tiana begged.
Naveen shook his head. "I have to do this, and we are running out of time," he explained.
Tiana looked adamant. "I won't let you," she argued.
"It's the only way to get your dream," Naveen said.
"My dream. My dream wouldn't be complete without you in it," Tiana confessed. "I love you Naveen."
Shaylex and Tenebrae smiled at the confession. Her Light was warming. And Tenebrae couldn't help but think of Laci. Would he get a second chance to tell her?
"Warts and all?" Naveen asked.
"Warts and all!" Tiana had a genuine smile.
Charlotte sighed and smiled. "All my life, I read about true love and fairytales, and Tia you found it. I'll kiss! For you, honey. No marriage required." Charlotte picked up Naveen and Kissed him, as the clocked chimed midnight. Naveen was still a frog. "Maybe that ol' clocks a little fast." She kept kissing Naveen, until he had lipstick marks all over his face. She put him down when nothing happened. "I'm so sorry."
Even without the change, both Tiana and Naveen looked happy. When Louis the gator came close, all eyes turned to him. He had Ray in his claws, the firefly was injured. Tiana and Naveen explained everything to him, even staying together as frogs. The firefly looked happy and closed his eyes.
Tenebrae wasn't the only one to realize what had happened. Shaylex and the others were sad as Ray took his last breath. He and the two Nobodies turned to give the friends their privacy to mourn.
The three of them went to Duke's and ordered some drinks. They toasted to Tiana, Naveen, and Ray. A little bit later, Demyx excused himself and left through a corridor.
The two Wielders watched the parade through a window. Tenebrae nursed his drink as the events ran through his mind.
Shaylex than asked, "What was her name?"
Tenebrae turned his attention to the Nobody, confused by the question. "Huh?" he asked.
"The person you were close to. What was their name?" She asked. He could see he subtle curiosity in her eyes.
He guessed there was no use lying. It's not like the two would meet. "Laci. Her name was Laci," he said, finishing his drink. "What about you? I saw part of that memory Mama Odie sent you. Were you and Keval… a thing?" He wanted to know.
"I don't know. But I think at one point, he must have liked me and maybe, deep down, maybe there was something there. I know I'll figure out my missing memories." She finished her own drink and got up. "Well, should be going to a new would tomorrow… Hopefully, I'll get a message to you beforehand."
"Sounds good he said with a smile. "See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow, Tenebrae." She waved, before stepping through a corridor.
Tenebrae got up as well. He waved good night to Duke and left. The parade was still in full swing, but Tenebrae didn't feel all too happy. He went to the woods on the outskirts and went to sleep. He was going to do one more thing before he left this World. -
And there we go. Another chapter down, and a World explored, though Tenebrae won't be leaving yet.
Again, thanks to Shaylex-Cosplay for giving me content to work with. Fun fact: The fight between Hashley and Tenebare and the group and the Shadowman was all her, I just did it from the flame boy's perspective. And of course, thanks Kale Thunderhorse Lampkin for letting us use Heloa.
I also realized Tenebrae has never seen a lesser Nobody, so seeing the Dancers for the first time was interesting. Anyway, hope to see you all in the next one.
May your heart be your guiding Key!
