Hey Wielders, we are back with another chapter and a continuation to the mission. Let's see how well Tenebrae does.
Tenebrae's portal opened in the cellar. He stepped out and admired the barrels for a second. He then went to the door and opened it slowly. When he saw the coast was clear, Tenebrae dashed into the hallway.
'If Cinderella is the Light,' he thought as he progressed, 'Then just like in the Unions, that woman from the manor is the Darkness. I just need to find her and stop her.'
Tenebrae stopped as he felt Darkness surge. Several Heartless appeared, prompting him to summon his Keyblade. The Heartless attacked, but Tenebrae was able to make quick work of them. He continued on, homing in on the Darkness.
Tenebrae went up a level in the castle. Surprisingly, he did not encounter any guards. That worked in his favor as he went to the room full of Darkness.
Tenebrae approached the room and tried the door. It was locked.
'Guess they expected this,' he thought, prepping his Keyblade. 'Too bad, I'm not of this World.'
Tenebrae aimed Kingdom Key D at the lock and undid it. He opened the door slowly, trying not to startle the women inside. He saw the red head, the ravenette, and the woman from the manor. It looked like they hadn't noticed him.
"And what if he comes back with her?" the ravenette girl asked. "What do we do then?"
"Then we simply use the wand's magic again," the woman said with a cruel smile. "Or we can call upon the other power I have attained."
"Sorry, but that is going to be where I intervene," Tenebrae said, getting the three women's attention. He shouldered his Keyblade and smiled. "That 'power' will do nothing for you. Especially if you wield it so recklessly."
"And who are you?" the woman asked, her aura starting to leak. "To know the power I wield? Insolent fool!"
The woman released her aura, covering the room in her Darkness. It then collected in front of her and took form. The form grew to maybe 2 – 3 times larger than any of the people in the room.
The first thing to take shape from the Darkness was a cane with an emerald at op it. A gray hand was curled around it. A red dress came next, it was hemmed with gold around the wrists and neck; a gold corset added to the color. Gems could be seen on the chest, lined down the corset and around the form's waist. A bushy gray tail could be seen coming from behind it. The collar of the dress covered most of the face, besides its yellow eyes. A large hat, that looked almost like connected ears, had the Heartless symbol on it. A golden crown rested on top of that.
"Oh, come on!" Tenebrae complained. Regardless, he got into his stance. "I'll give you one last chance. Surrender!"
"I shall do no such thing!" the woman shouted, pointing to him. "Now my Maiden! Destroy the insolent fool!"
The Heartless swung its cane and launched a vine covered cane at Tenebrae. He dodged forward to avoid getting crushed. He ran to the window behind the woman. Tenebrae boosted himself and jumped through it. As he fell, he grabbed the ledge to give himself some momentum and propel upwards. He ran up the wall of the castle to the roof.
When Tenebrae landed on the roof, he saw a shadow appear in front of him. The Maiden took form and stood before the Seeker. Its yellow eyes flashed and glared at him.
"Now that I'm not inside," Tenebrae said with a smile, "Let's go wild!"
Tenebrae let Kingdom Key D catch flames. When the next attack came, in the form of flying green jewelry, he swung his blade to incinerate it. He then sent his own jet of flames at the Heartless.
Before the flame reached the Maiden, a yellow cat-like Heartless jumped and took the hit. Tenebrae was surprised. Because of the shock, he didn't notice another pink cat-like Heartless come behind him and trip him.
Tenebrae used the momentum and his free hand to push himself back and away. As he jumped back, the same cage from before slammed where he stood. He put some distance between him and the, now, 3 Heartless.
"Of course, it wasn't going to be easy," Tenebrae growled. "Just burn!"
Tenebrae sent a pillar of flames to the small group of Heartless. It hit the yellow cat and knocked it back. It looked burned, until the pink cat released some healing magic on it. The Maiden sent a wave of eldritch jewelry at him, which Tenebrae dodged with some difficulty.
The Seeker switched up his tactic and rushed the pink cat. He scored multiple hits, but noticed it was sturdier than it should have been. He noticed the yellow cat had released defense magic, and the pink cat was able to survive and heal itself.
Tenebrae put some space between himself and the Heartless. He looked at the small group and ran through any strategies he could. Nothing he thought of had hit a snag. It was hard to find a hole in the formation.
'There is one thing I can try,' Tenebrae thought. 'And this World has a Princess of Heart, whose Light can help. I just need to overpower this group and go find the Princess. But for now, I need to let it flow free.'
Tenebrae took a deep breath as he forced his Light down. His Darkness flared as he exhaled and glared at the Heartless before him. He held his Keyblade out and let the Darkness surround it.
Tenebrae took the blade in both hands and rushed the Heartless. The two cats lunged at him. Two clean cuts and they were destroyed easily, releasing their hearts. Tenebrae stopped and blocked some flying eldritch jewelry.
Tenebrae growled and grinned at the Maiden. He let his Darkness rise as his power increased. He mixed his element with his rising power. Purple flames roared to life as Tenebrae charged.
He jumped into the air. Using the momentum going down, Tenebrae cut into the Maiden. In a flash, the woman looking Hearts caught fire. It screeched as it was burned alive.
Tenebrae jumped back and summoned a fireball in his free hand. "And for good measure!" He chucked the fire at the Heartless and was satisfied with the resulting explosion. There was nothing left of the Heartless when the smoke cleared.
Tenebrae was breathing heavily as his aura subsided. His Light returned and pulsed a bit too strong. Tenebrae fell to one knee and coughed a bit. He pulled his hand back and noticed a bit of blood.
'Dammit,' he thought. He looked down to where the room was and saw the guards looking over the balcony. 'I guess they got away. Does that mean Cinderella and the Prince are back?'
"Look out below!" he called, jumping down to the balcony. When the guards reacted and pointed their weapons, he held up open palms and said, "I assure you, I'm an ally. I was tasked by the Prince to help find the intruders."
The guards looked at each other, but kept their weapons trained on him. "Let's hope the Prince can verify that," one of them said.
Tenebrae just nodded and let the guards lead him out. He was ushered out of the room and down the hall. They went downstairs and met up with the King, Grand Duke, Prince and Cinderella in an open room. The king was laying back on a couch, while the Grand Duke was fussing over him. Both older men were shocked to see him, but the young couple seemed relieved.
"Your majesty," one of the guards said with a salute. "We've gone over every inch of the castle. It appears they have fled."
The King sat up and grew red in anger. "Then search my entire kingdom! I want them found and arrested. Immediately!"
The guards saluted and dispersed. All except the one who had a hand on Tenebrae's shoulder. "And this one was found coming off the roof above their room. He claims to have been there on orders by the Prince."
"H-he was," The Prince said nervously. "Thank you so much for your help."
Tenebrae bowed as the guard moved away. "I live to serve, Your Majesty. And if His Highness had no objections, I would like to offer my services. I have a common enemy with you, and I have reason to believe they will try something."
"I see no harm," the King said, laying back down on the couch. "Keep in mind that I am an old man, and my heart can only take so much. Please, please, please, tell me this is the girl you intend to marry?"
The Prince held Cinderella and looked into her eyes. "All the stars are shining brighter, Dad. Just like you said."
The King hopped out of his seat and started dancing with the Duke. "Then what are we waiting for! Fetch the florist! Bake an even bigger cake! A wedding is on tonight!"
Tenebrae couldn't help his chuckle as he watched the two men leave. The change in mood was welcome. He looked over to Cinderella and the Prince and saw them amused as well.
"Will you be staying for the wedding?" Cinderella asked.
"I have no reason to leave," Tenebrae said with a smile. "And like I told the King; I have a suspicion I need to confirm. Though I wouldn't say I'd be part of the guest list."
The Prince nodded. "Well don't be a stranger. We'd love to have you there with us."
"Don't worry, I'll be there," Tenebrae said. He turned to head out the room. "I'll see you both in a few hours."
Tenebrae headed down the halls. Even though everything was heading to a positive outcome, he still had a bad feeling. The woman… she still had the wand and se was able to spawn Heartless. She was dangerous and on the loose. With both those abilities, she was a danger to this World.
Tenebrae decided to make use of his time. He wandered the halls of the castle. He kept his senses open for any traces of Darkness, but none were overly powerful.
After about an hour, Tenebrae found himself out in the gardens. He sat by a fountain and waited. There had been no spikes and he didn't want to get in the staff's way as they worked. Everyone around him was busy with preparing for the wedding.
Tenebrae sighed in content. 'I guess she gave up. Makes no sense in being in the place looking for you. But for her to manifest a Heartless? Her desires are not yet satisfied.'
"Well well, what do we have here? The arrogant fool who dares to stand in my way."
The voice spurred Tenebrae to action. He got to his feet quickly. The woman was faster and used a spell to restrain him. Sickly green light held him in place. Tenebrae struggled the best he could but was unable to break the magic.
"But you are but one more pebble in my way," the woman laughed. "And just like Cinderella, I will rid myself of you. And gain that which is rightfully mine."
"By using your own daughter!?" Tenebrae spat. "One who actually has some good in her? You are too blinded by your own greed and Darkness to realize the people you've hurt."
"Greed?" the woman said, looking genuinely shocked. "You misunderstand. This is about giving my children what they deserve. And getting revenge on that wretched girl."
"Revenge? Revenge for what?" Tenebrae growled. "She did nothing to you! If anything, she should get revenge on you for what you did."
"What I did?" The woman's aura flared. "I kept a foolish girl in check. And I'll do the same with you. Begone!"
Before Tenebrae could react, everything turned green. He felt a shift in both magic and gravity. It felt like he was being transported. When the green light parted, Tenebrae fell.
"It took him only a short time to realize where he was sent. He fell near the side of a cliff. Tenebrae looked down to see the water crashing the cliffside.
"Seriously!?" he yelled.
Tenebrae was able to reach out and grab the cliff face. It scraped his palm and fingers as he slowed his descent. When he finally stopped moving, he was able to catch his breath. He situated himself on the cliff.
"She was out to kill me," Tenebrae growled as he climbed. "Of course, she would. I'm not from this World, so it makes sense. But I need to get back as soon as I can."
It took him a bit of time, but Tenebrae was able to climb the cliff. He stood on the edge and looked at his surroundings. He was far from the castle, but it was in view. It still would take him some time to get back.
"Good thing I've worked on my portals," Tenebrae said. He reached out and summoned a portal. When he felt a magical whiplash, he closed it and growled. "And of course, she would find a way to block my magic. Guess I need to go on foot."
Tenebrae started to run back. He regretted not having another way to get around. He was glad to have the endurance to make the journey if he needed to.
'I just hope Cinderella is okay,' he thought. 'She would be the main target. I was just an obstacle.'
As Tenebrae ran, he felt another wave of magic. It was far from him, so he tried to push his muscles to their limits. Even using his magic to boost his speed, he needed to get back quickly. He needed to know what had happened.
After a few minutes, he had to rest. Tenebrae leaned against a tree, taking steady breaths. He used his senses and couldn't find the source of the magic from earlier. But he did feel something else.
"Tenebrae!"
The Seeker looked behind him and saw Cinderella. She was on the back of a horse and looked worse for wear. Her dress was tattered and stained. Her Light was still strong, so she was still hopeful.
"Not that I'm not glad to see you," she said, "But how did you get here? You were in the Palace, right?"
"I was," Tenebrae said, walking up to the soon to be Princess, "But the woman with the wand got the jump on me. She was able to restrain me and sent me away."
"Stepmother did?" Cinderella looked surprised.
"Stepmother? You're related to her!?" he asked, shocked.
"Well, not by blood," Cinderella said. "She married my father before he passed away. But that doesn't matter. Need a lift back?"
"Please."
With Cinderella's help, Tenebrae got up onto the horse. The two rode back to the castle as fast as the horse could. Tenebrae could notice the horse was tired but was pushing itself. It wasn't long before the horse brought the two to the castle.
The two of them disembarked and ran up the stairs. A pair of guards stood in front of the door and barred their entrance. Tenebrae took a glance inside and saw another Cinderella. The one beside him was arguing with the guards.
'We need to get in there,' he thought.
Cinderella must have had the same idea. She motioned to the two mice on the ground. Jaq and Gus scurried up the legs of the guards. This caused the guards to break rank, trying to get rid of the mice. Tenebrae and Cinderella took their chance and ran inside.
Tenebrae and Cinderella made it to the altar. Just in time to see the fake…
"I…don't," the fake Cinderella said, shocking everyone in the audience.
"Anastasia?" Cinderella seemed the most surprised.
"Cinderella…" Anastasia said, sadly. She looked to the Prince and was about to say more.
"Spoiled little ingrate!" All eyes turned to see Cinderella's Stepmother step from behind a curtain, with the black-haired girl. "I've given you everything you ever wanted, Anastasia."
"But I want someone to love me for me," Anastasia said.
The King stood up in his chair and called for the guards. Many guards came from the sides and front of the altar. All of them rushed the Stepmother.
She seemed to have other plans. Pulling out the long white wand, she chanted the words, "Bibbity-bobbity-boo!" and aimed above. A swirling green cloud appeared above. Tenebrae could feel the magic it released.
The Stepmother pointed to at each group of guards. When the magic hit them, they turned into Soldier Heartless. The Heartless surrounded them.
Tenebrae summoned his Keyblade. He noticed the Stepmother used the wand like a baton. The Soldier Heartless went after the Royal party.
"Get back!" Tenebrae called, rushing the few Heartless near the King.
He coated his Keyblade in magic and struck one of the Heartless. When it turned back into a human, he smiled.
'Just like I thought,' he thought as he struck another Heartless. 'My magic can cancel out hers. Especially since she used it on me. I have her energy signature memorized.'
Tenebrae wasn't close enough when he noticed the Stepmother aim her wand at Anastasia. Cinderella stood in front of the scared look alike. The Stepmother seemed to find more enjoyment with Cinderella's bravery. When the magic surged towards the two women, the Prince got in front of it with his sword drawn. He was able to deflect the magic towards the Stepmother and black-haired girl. Both disappeared in green sparkles. The swirling green cloud disappeared soon after, and the remaining Heartless turned back to normal guards.
Everyone in the audience looked on, stunned. Tenebrae sighed and dismissed Kingdom Key D. It looked like the danger had passed.
Anastasia took Cinderella's hand and smiled. "This is the real Cinderella," she said, taking the Prince's hand in the other. She joined the two together. "Your true love."
Cinderella and the Prince smiled at each other. Tenebrae could see and feel the love the two felt for each other. He also noticed Anastasia move away as the couple had their moment.
"It's you," the Prince said with a smile.
Anastasia walked down the altar steps. She walked over to the wand and picked it up. A few people, Tenebrae included, tensed when she did. What happened next did surprise him.
"Bibbity-bobbity-boo," Anastasia chanted, pointing the wand to herself.
The magic from the wand sparkled around the woman. It dispelled whatever was placed on her. In a matter of seconds, she went from looking like Cinderella, back to the red-haired girl Tenebrae saw before. Her face was sad and full of regret.
The King slumped in his chair and said, "I can't take much more of this."
Tenebrae had a smile as he watched on. Cinderella went up to Anastasia, who handed her the wand. The two shared a brief hug, Cinderella saying a small thank you. Cinderella used the wand, both women saying the incantation. Another woman appeared on a stone pedestal.
The woman had white hair hid under the hood of a blue cloak. The blue cloak and dress fit around her form. She cracked her back like she hadn't moved in years.
"Goodness, I certainly am stiff," the woman said, stretching out her muscles.
Anastasia walked up to the King. She placed a hand on his shoulder to rouse him from his stupor. When she had his attention, she opened her hands, revealing a small seashell.
"Your Majesty. I don't deserve this," Anastasia said, handing the seashell to the King.
The King looked at her with the look of a caring father. He took Anastasia's hand and closed it over the seashell. He smiled at her and said, "Everyone deserves true love."
Anastasia had a look of surprise. The surprise slowly turned into a smile as she hugged the seashell close. She gave the King a hug.
The woman in blue was given the wand. With a wave of it and the incantation, she was able to repair Cinderella's wedding dress. She then walked up to the couple.
"Would you like me to return you to your former lives?" the woman asked them. When the two looked at each other and asked what she meant, she replied, "Why yes. You see, you two…well… you were already…" When she noticed the look between them, she just smiled and said, "Oh, never mind."
The King stood up on his footrest and crossed his arms. "Well! Does anyone want to marry my son?"
Cinderella looked into the Princes eyes, smiling. "I do."
The priest, who Tenebrae just now realized had passed out, woke up and finished the ceremony. He promptly passed out again.
Cinderella and the Prince kissed to seal the deal. The King sat back in his chair and sighed. Tenebrae joined the rest of the audience in clapping and cheering for the new married couple. Anastasia had a happy smile on her face as she watched. Flower petals rained down and Tenebrae saw Jaq and Gus tossing them. The Prince and Cinderella embraced before giving each other another kiss.
Tenebrae watched with his own smile. The Light from them was strong. He even figured out why it was strong. Cinderella had to have been one of the Princesses of Heart. And with her Prince, she'd always be a shining Light for this World.
Tenebrae turned to leave. 'Guess I can stay a day. Gotta make sure no one else messes with the timeline,' he chuckled as he thought. 'Though, to change an entire timeline is impressive. But the end was still the same it seems.'
"Oh Monsieur!" Tenebrae heard the Grand Duke call to him. "Please wait!"
Tenebrae stopped just outside the door. The Grand Duke was out of breath as he approached.
"Will you not be staying with us tonight?" the Grand Duke asked.
"I'm planning on heading to an inn," Tenebrae said. "I'm not needed here."
"The King wanted to extend a room to you though. As well as have you join us for the Wedding Banquet," The Duke explained.
"Really?" Tenebrae was genuinely surprised. After a bit of thought, he nodded. "I am humbled and would be honored to join. I am also incredibly grateful for the hospitality."
"Then right this way." The Grand Duke lead him back inside. They went to a dining hall, where many guests were already sitting at various tables. The King, Prince and Cinderella were at the head table.
Cinderella noticed him walk in and waved at him. Tenebrae waved back, before taking a seat at a nearby table.
The King stood up and gave a small speech regarding the new married couple. Those at the party applauded before they started eating. There was various chatter as everyone ate.
Tenebrae just kept to himself. He listened to the conversation around him, but just kept eating. He spared glances at the couple. He noticed the Light they shared and smiled to himself.
'I guess this World should be fine,' he thought. 'This Light will protect it.' -
And there we have it everyone! I hope you all enjoyed this and the last chapter, and figured out the movie I used to write them. Like I said, I enjoyed the movie and it was the first time I had watched it.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed it and look forward to the next chapter. May your Heart be you guiding Key.
