This chapter is too long! I definitely think I over-did it this time.
Narrator: "45 pages Times New Roman, 12 font? HELL YES YOU OVERDID IT!!"
Riku: "Dude, it's quality, not quantity that you should strive for."
But I did! I've delved into nearly every single character's self during the course of this chapter!
Maioko: "Yep, I even get to have the first person point of view. So hah Acronos, I get something you don't, and you're the main character!"
Actually, the whole point of that was to enhance both your depths, and also your relationship.
Acronos & Maioko: "Guh!"
Hah! Victory is mine!
Sora: "I'm still nowhere, and you still haven't named Riku's girlfriend. I like that you introduced a cast of OC villains."
Don't worry; I'll add a few more here and there. I think I'll include some even you might know.
Sora: "Gulp. Everyone, lets train! It might affect the strength of our story versions!"
Narrator: "And surprisingly enough, everybody followed him."
Yeah, let this extremely long chapter begin!
Disclaimer: "Author does not own all legally licensed articles mentioned in the story herein. Author does not own anything but plot and characters… Beep!"
Evil creature of Satan! DIE!!! (Insert massive destruction)
Acronos shifted in his sleep, and woke up. Stretching a bit, he looked around. What he saw startled him. He was no longer at the inn, but lying down on the ground outside. Looking around further, he found no landscapes similar to where he'd been.
Acronos: "Computer, where the hell are we? Computer, computer!" There was nothing on his wrist. Getting up, Acronos tried to calm himself down a bit. Closing his eyes, he tried to hear or sense something. What he found surprised him greatly, he had a sixth sense that told him that he was on a different world, but as to why, he had no idea. His sixth sense told him there was a save point somewhere nearby, but not exactly. The scenery was dull and foggy, with structures reaching up but the tips were covered in fog. It was way too quiet, nothing was making any noise, and I mean nothing, no birds, no insects, no animals, nothing. It seemed to be vaguely technological, in fact, the structures looked like skyscrapers... (To save myself some time and effort, I'll just get straight to it.)
Acronos: "Holy! This is New York! Looks like I'm in the middle of a cloud though." He appealed to his sixth sense for a place that sold maps. It pointed him in a direction and he followed it to what had once been a newsstand. The place looked like it had been rushed out of, and several magazines were scattered on the ground. Acronos picked one up randomly, but put it back on the counter, albeit hesitantly, Playboy. He checked the stand and found a standard Time Magazine. He checked the date.
Acronos: "It's the day I left. Everything is probably from then too. Heh, the last day on earth, and somebody was still concerned with making Playboy, Geez. Map, map, map, here we go! Okay sixth sense, show me where I am." His hands turned to a page and pointed to somewhere near New Jersey. He sighed and asked for a save point. His hands grabbed a National Geographic and pointed to where the keyhole was.
Acronos: "Concentrated points of magic function as save points, so the keyhole does too." His sixth sense gave him a location and put a picture of a small but fully stocked jet in his head.
Acronos: "I suppose it's not stealing if everybody's gone. Hey wait just a microsecond, why didn't everyone come back?" His keen eyesight took notice of a strange lump in the middle of the road. Going up to it, he found that it was a person. His symbol reacted, this man had no heart. Acronos looked around again to see that scattered around the ground were thousands of civilians, unburied. Acronos looked away. For a moment, the thought of a mass burial by burning the bodies flashed in his mind, but it left just as easily since it would make no sense. He shook his head, and wondered again why nothing had been restored. His sixth sense answered in Jath's voice. It said that the worlds capable of creating a master's keyblade gave up tons of their energy when the keyblade was extracted from its heart. If that world had its heart stolen and was left unsealed, even a revival spell that worked wouldn't do anything.
Acronos: "So this is all my fault. Bye-bye keyblade, I'd rather a world be safe than keep up my journey." His keyblade responded that it wasn't so simple, and that he'd have to seal and revive the world before he could return it. Acronos swore, gave up on it for the time being, and started walking. After a while, he came to a bridge. The tips towered over him and were also covered in fog. It suddenly started to snow, a blizzard. Some shadows rose from points, and a few nobody as well. One lunged at Acronos. He spun around, drew the keyblade from wherever, and slashed at the thing. It flew back, but wasn't dead. Acronos swore again and figured they must be stronger since they had the world's heart. His blade hurtled forward in a demonic arc, and cut through the heartless in a finishing strike that killed it. Another came at him; he ducked under the attack and cleaved through its stomach, spun the blade, cut through the neck, and then stabbed it. Another one came at him; he hit this one with an overhead slash, followed by a stab, and then a kick. The battle continued onwards for some time, and Acronos found that a Nobody could be absorbed, and also gained one of their summons. A bunch of Wyverns came from above. Acronos used the large blade to block them all at once, and counterattacked, which killed every single one, (counters are more effective since the opponent is off guard). Another one, this one black and purple, came at him, but he absorbed it gaining his second summon for this world. The water next to the bridge, with the fog, made it seem like there was only white, nothing else. In the middle, some black gathered and a Darkside arose, but this one had larger wings and claws. It looked sort of like a fallen angel. It raised a claw and struck, but Acronos dodged.
Acronos: "If everyone comes back, they're not gonna like the giant hole in their bridge. " He landed, and it struck again, but Acronos blocked this one. He managed to throw it off, and got ready for the next attack. In the distance, he heard a wolf howl.
Acronos: "And here I was thinking everything had died. " A very large green wolf ran at them and bared its fangs. They were white as marble. The eyes were yellow, with a blue center. The green fur was long and flowing, with black streaks in a few places. The feeling of power coming from this thing was immense. It charged at the Darkside, and began ripping and tearing at it. The heartless roared and tried blasting the wolf with dark energy, but it dodged every single blast. It jumped back and howled loudly, and the moon came out from nowhere. The scenery changed to a canyon, with wolf being on a higher rise than the Darkside. It howled again, and from the moon, large meteors rained down, doing heavy damage to the Darkside. The heartless then swatted the wolf away like a doll. Acronos, wanting to save at least one earthen creature, ran in, jumped up, and cleaved through the Darkside's head, delivering the final blow. He landed back on the bridge, and looked at the wolf. It had a gash in its side, so Acronos cast Curaga on it, healing it. The wolf spoke in his head.
Wolf: "Who are you? Your scent is similar to mine."
Acronos: "I am Acronos, the keyblade master, and one of the last living humans from Earth. You are?"
Fenrir: "I am known as Fenrir, lord of all wolves. I had heard the master of the key would come from this world, yet I doubted it. Ever since my clan, along with the rightful lord, was destroyed, I have been on the quest to destroy these abominations. Are you capable of destroying them?"
Acronos: "Not now, not entirely. I can set up this world for being healed though."
Fenrir: "Ah. What do you need to do this?"
Acronos: "I need to get to the keyhole, the heart of this world."
Fenrir: "Take me with you. I can be of assistance in your journey."
Acronos: "How would I take a large green wolf with me?"
Fenrir: "Hmm… Let us bond our spirits. I believe you would call this getting a new summon."
Acronos: "If you so desire." Fenrir turned into a fuzzy ball of green light and flew into Acronos' heart. Acronos clutched the point, and then nodded. Fenrir came back out and offered him a ride. Acronos gladly accepted and the two ran off, Fenrir running faster than the wind that was no longer around (since wind can be from 1 to 200 mph, I'll say that it was 60 mph normally and 220 if necessary). Acronos' sixth sense hit him at one point and he told Fenrir to stop.
Fenrir: "I can sense you. You're still learning to control your sense of life. It has many names, but I may be able to help you with it. It is saying to get something for your mate, from where she once lived. I see where it is, I shall take us there."
Acronos: "Why does everyone mistake Maioko and me for lovers?"
Fenrir: "It is something that always happens, love is noticed by outsiders far easier than by the two involved."
Acronos: "I'll keep that in mind if I ever start noticing anything in that genre about Maioko." Fenrir ran them to Maioko's old house. Acronos entered cautiously.
Acronos: "I wonder what I'm supposed to find here?" On a table was a box, and it was locked. Acronos felt that this was one of the things. His sense led him to what looked like a room for parents. There he found another box, but it wasn't locked. Acronos felt that he shouldn't open it, so he placed both in his pocket dimension. Fenrir took them to the airport Acronos had seen, and he found a good plane there. It had autopilot, full gas, and seemed very sturdy.
Acronos: "Just a moment, this is a military unit." Shrugging it off, he climbed in and set the coordinates. They took off, and Acronos gave flying the plane a shot. He knew next to nothing, Fenrir obviously wasn't much help, and he ended up setting it on autopilot and reading the instruction manual. After some time reading it, he determined what was the exact speed that he could go at for the entire flight and still have some fuel left over. This was actually a very high speed since the plane was light. After a half-hour of flying top speed, Acronos lowered it to a sane speed, turned on the autopilot, went in the back, and got some sleep. He awoke to Fenrir poking him, saying that according to the funny squiggles, they'd be over the island in two minutes. Acronos looked around, and saw that all his summons were wandering around. Fenrir explained that he'd gotten to know them and accepted their stories, so he didn't need to kill them. Acronos nodded, got into the cockpit, and flew them over the island.
Acronos: "Wait, umm, how exactly are we supposed to land?"
Fenrir: "Point the craft downwards, like this." He pointed the craft directly down, and Acronos began yelling as the plane spiraled to the ground. At the last few moments, he pulled it up, and they managed to make a really rough landing.
Acronos: "Ugh, I suppose any landing you can walk away from is a good one..." He indeed walked away, and all his summons had returned to wherever they were staying. The island looked very pale. The fog was supremely thick, and the ground looked like all the life had been drained from it. Acronos searched, and found the keyhole. He quickly sealed it and unsealed the barrier, and then teleported to the gummi ship. He picked up his computer that was on the seat. He shook his head and put it back on. Using the warp, he got to FFVII quickly. He transported himself to the save point at the inn they'd been at. The innkeeper greeted him, saying that he hadn't seen him leave.
Acronos: "I don't think I saw myself leaving... Is anybody up yet?"
Innkeeper: "That young lady who was with you most of the time. Ahh, young-"
Acronos: "(Stops him) Stop right there. You don't want to finish that sentence." The innkeeper shut up and Acronos mentally thanked Lulu for being scary enough to copy. He went outside and saw Maioko on the rooftop, watching the sky since the sun hadn't risen. He jumped up and walked to her.
Maioko: "(Calmly) Where'd you go last night? I wasn't expecting you to wake up at four AM."
Acronos: "Earth, though not of my free will."
Maioko: "(Sarcastic) Really?" Acronos silently pulls out the two boxes.
Acronos: "I didn't open either of them."
Maioko: "What are these?"
Acronos: "They're from your old home."
Maioko: "I don't have the key to the locked one." Acronos taps his keyblade against it, unlocking it. He stands up and started to leave, but Maioko grabs his wrist.
Maioko: "You don't have to leave." He nods and simply looks away. Maioko opens her box and smiles, smirks and laughs hollowly. She opens the other one, and finds something strange and specific inside it. Her eyes widen and she pulls out a small amulet. Inside is a message that she reads, and tears come to her eyes. From the box she also extracts a pair of gauntlets, stronger than her current ones. She puts them on, and also the amulet. Going up to Acronos, she puts her arms lightly around his neck in a tender embrace.
Maioko: "(Quiet and sincere) Thank you." Acronos puts his hands over hers.
Acronos: "You're welcome." They stayed like that until the sun rose. They separated.
Acronos: "(Smirking) So, feel like testing your new weapons out?"
Maioko: "(Smirking) Sure, if you feel like getting beaten."
Acronos: "Nah, I feel like winning." The two settled into stances, got ready, and charged. The sounds of their combat echoed far and wide, but neither was winning. After a while everybody came outside and saw the sparring match. They all lowered their voices.
Tidus: "Wow."
Auron: "Their technique is in top shape."
Acane: "It's more than that, they seem to be dancing."
Auron: "They are fighting in tune, the combat is restricted, more to train each other than to win. The combat inspires awe in us because of how perfectly in tune they are with one another, and how perfect the form is."
Selphie: "Ah, I guess this is their own version of romance. The warrior's romance."
Irvine: "Poetic. True as well. Wow."
Acane: "Irvine's in awe, now I've seen everything."
Kairi: "Yeah, but I doubt you heard them last night."
Irvine: "Ah, was that exquisite song of origin from the two of them? Love does tend to sing well."
Acane: "(Staring open mouthed) You didn't think she meant..."
Irvine: "Foolish acts are only that, acts. At least for me, I merely enjoy the reaction." Acane continues gaping at him, and Auron calmly closes her mouth. Acronos and Maioko finally got tired and jumped down.
Acronos: "That was a great workout!"
Irvine: "So, now where to, oh fearless leaders?"
Maioko: "Acane, you're the one with the worlds."
Acane: "(Regaining composure) Uhh, let me check... Another video game, FFX this time." Acronos looked at those from that world and frowned a bit, worried. Nevertheless, they went aboard the gummi ship.
Maioko: "Okay Acronos, set a course for the world of Final Fantasy 10!"
Acronos: "Uhh..."
Maioko: "What?"
Acane: "First off, that's improper grammar. Setting the course just means that he needed to determine where we need to go and how. That was done a while ago."
Acronos: "Yeah, I've already set each turn, each movement, I've set the guns in proper alignment, I've prepared each barrel roll..."
Selphie: "Barrel rolls? No!" She goes to a nearby wall, grabs two seatbelts and straps herself to the wall.
Acronos: "Uhh, when did we get those seatbelts?"
Computer: "Scanning... Unknown time, seatbelts were not within this vessel before present time."
Acronos: "Uhh, okay... Umm, right. Uhh, we still have to, Uhh, get Tifa?"
Maioko: "Right... Yeah, you guys are right."
Acronos: "(Regaining momentum) Then I'm engaging the overly fast, super warp-drive! Muahahahaha!" He put the ship into warp and everyone was thrown back except for Acronos and Selphie.
Selphie: "(Yelling over the noise from the speed) What happens if we hit something?!"
Acronos: "The ship explodes, and we crash and die in the flaming inferno that was once our ship!" Selphie, along with everyone else, began screaming as if his or her lives depended upon it. There! I have been in one place too long, so I'm going to Hollow Bastion to check up on the people there!
Hollow Bastion
Cloud, realizing finally that no matter what they did, the barrier wouldn't be broken by physical means, sat down to brood over ideas. Everyone else was still trying means such as dynamite, and Cid got pissed off enough to try a head butt, which still didn't work. Cloud remembered something, the Beast had believed, used his will, and that had gotten him here. Cloud got up, his brooding momentarily done with and headed to the library. He looked around and found a book he sort of liked and grabbed it. He pulled, no reaction. He gave it a good tug, but again to no avail. Grabbing it with both hands and putting his feet against the bookcase, he began pulling with all his might, straining every muscle, and calling forth as much strength as possible. He continued to tug on it and Squall and Yuffie entered the library. Yuffie stopped and pointed to Cloud. They both looked like they were trying really hard not to laugh out loud. Something gave way for Cloud, but unfortunately it was the bookcase. His feet ripped a hole in the wood, startling him. He looked around, slightly puzzled, and started to pull himself out. Squall and Yuffie were now both laughing out loud by now. Cloud looked at the book that was still just slightly out of place, mocking him. He was now officially pissed, and gave the book a good punch, but it didn't work. Deciding to try something new, he tapped the evil book. It suddenly smacked the bookcase, and the whole thing fell over on him. Sephiroth came in; hearing the laughter, and saw the bookcase fall on Cloud.
Sephiroth: "On one hand, I can laugh at Strife. On the other, I can preserve my image. Laugh at Strife, preserve image. Laugh at Strife, preserve image? (Sees Cloud rise from the wreckage with a board impaled upon his longest spike) Yep, definitely going to go with laughing at Strife. " As Cloud began pulling at the board, Sephiroth began laughing with everyone else. Squall was holding his sides, while Yuffie was on the floor, beating it with her fists and crying from too much laughter. Now, I don't hate Cloud, in fact, I think he's an okay person. My excuse, (and his), for this behavior was simply that it was early in the morning and Cloud is not a morning person, worse than everyone else. The coffee he'd drunk a while ago finally kicked in, and logic returned to him. He noticed that the board was made of plywood. Instead of trying to pull it out, he just whacked it in the right place, breaking it in two. He saw that Cid had come in a while ago and was also laughing. Taking the two boards, he flew up using his dark wing, smacked Cid with a board, smacked Squall, then Yuffie, and then Sephiroth, making sure to break the board on his head. Everyone looked at him enraged.
Squall: "Dead man walking." Cloud took one step back in mid-air. Everyone started running at once, Cloud at front, trying to avoid being killed. They ran past Aerith, and Cid stopped, out of breath, (He smoked for a while, and his body still hasn't recovered).
Aerith: "A chase?"
Cid: "Yeah, Spike."
Aerith: "Cloud? What time is it...? Oh boy. Library?"
Cid: "Yep, one bookcase in ruins."
Aerith: "Sigh, the librarian can't like us by now. Give me that." She grabs the giant belt and takes it since Cid holds all his tools in it.
Cid: "Argh! My pants!"
Aerith: "... I'm not going to honor you by turning around for that."
Cid: "Sorry, couldn't resist."
Aerith: "You're a strange guy."
Cid: "And damn proud of it too!"
Aerith: "Wow, you haven't cursed in a while."
Cid: "Had no particular reason to."
Aerith: "You need a reason?"
Cid: "Good point." They laughed a bit, and Aerith went to repair the library, since Cid still had to chase after Cloud. An hour later, Cloud was brooding next to the book, with an anime bandage on his head. He tugged the book again, but still had no effect. He got up close and studied it, and found a really tiny, little switch next to it. He poked it and a trapdoor opened under him. Before he could call his dark wing, he fell screaming. He landed in a beanbag chair, a very comfortable one at that. He tried to get out, but felt as though he was being sucked in.
Cloud: "A quicksand beanbag chair, how odd." He pulled himself out and took a look around. He was inside a lab of some sort. There was a large computer, and another bookcase. Cloud found a book there that seemed to be more visible than the others. In there he found all of Ansem's reports, but they were far more detailed. Cloud read them all and shook his head.
Cloud: "We had a ruler that was crazy, no wonder this place is like it is." Looking around again, he noticed a wall that looked way too plain. He looked at it a bit, and poked a random point. A bunch of giant vats appeared from behind it, one with tons of hearts, and many others with darker things. Cloud took a step back, somewhat horrified. Looking at the hearts, he could feel the world tugging at them. Raising his fist, he was about to crack it open, but something told him not to, just yet anyway. He saw a dark shape, sort of like Ansem's guardian. He was looking at it when its eyes opened suddenly. It ripped out of the glass vat and connected itself to him. The computer turned on as Cloud held himself in pain.
Ansem: "Good day. I suppose you found this lab, what did you do, rip the bookcase out? Oh well, currently there's a bit of darkness connecting itself to you, right?"
Cloud: "No s*** Sherlock."
Ansem: "Well then, just so you know, this should advance your strength and such, since darkness is all. Do try not to destroy everything, would you?"
Cloud: "Ugh, damnation upon you. Huh, it stopped?" The guardian pops out of his back, and it looks oddly like someone he once knew.
Guardian: "(Raised eyebrow) You? A man just can't die in peace these days. Oh well, I guess I've got to save your sorry ass now."
Cloud: "Do I know you?"
Guardian: "Rufus Shinra. We were enemies back on our world."
Cloud: "Ah, so those visions my crystal showed me were true."
Rufus: "Yes, most likely. So, what's going on anyway?"
Cloud: "Well, I've been using the power of darkness for some time now, so that must be why you can have your original personality. Wasn't your hair and orange-blonde? (It shifts to that color) oh."
Rufus: "My hair's back, so is my sense of self, I think I might like this partnership, Strife."
Cloud: "Why do you and Sephiroth call me that?"
Rufus: "That's your last name."
Cloud: "Do Sephiroth, Aeris, and Yuffie have them?"
Rufus: "Yes. In order, Hojo, Gainsborough, and Kisaragi."
Cloud: "Hmm, I just don't recall ever having these things."
Rufus: "Sigh, Ansem took away some of your memories to study when you first arrived. Small portions of all your hearts are in that vat."
Cloud: "I should break it then."
Rufus: "Sure, go ahead, not like I care."
Cloud: "Remember, if I die, you die again."
Rufus: "Good, your personality is returning. Hmm, how about this: You separate from me, I give you all the dark powers I have, and we both go looking for your 'light'. After I get a shotgun."
Cloud: "What the hell, you're not exactly the kind of company I'd like to be attached to."
Rufus: "Whatever." They separate, and Rufus tells him that he can teleport into any shadow, anywhere.
Cloud: "Well that makes my search a whole lot easier."
Rufus: "I doubt it. Your friends will doubtlessly want to come along, so you're going to have to train with this technique so that you can support the strain." Cloud nodded and broke the vat with the hearts. All of them flew away, save one that impaled itself into his chest, returning plenty of his memories. He nodded, grabbed Rufus by the wrist, and got them both outside.
Rufus: "Not bad, I half expected you to be unable to make it past the door with both of us."
Cloud: "I already told you I have some experience with the whole dark power thing." Cloud then teleported himself somewhere else. Rufus sighed and shook his head and left to go introduce himself. Meanwhile, Cloud had teleported all around Hollow Bastion, to places he didn't even know about. He finally decided to try going to another world. He landed on the clock tower of Neverland. Giving a small cheer, he left for another world, and another, and another, and another. He teleported randomly, simply testing the extent of his power. Finally he got a bit tired and decided to stop for a moment on a world. Unfortunately, this world appeared under siege. He looked up and saw what remained of a sign saying "Raccoon City".
Cloud: "I've got a bad feeling..." Looking to his left, he saw a guy talking to another one. Being curious, he walked up to the two. Both were zombies, one whose face appeared to be rotting where he stood, the other almost normal. The one with the rotting face spoke as Cloud took a step back, quite freaked out.
Zombie 1: "Lying scum! That cream wasn't hypoallergenic, I need moisturizer, NOW!!" Cloud started walking backwards, now verging on terror. Turning around, he saw a horde of zombies walking slowly towards him. They were speaking, oddly enough.
Zombies: "Sausages... Sausages... Sausages..." Cloud was officially freaked out now and backed up into a zombie he hadn't noticed earlier.
Zombie: "Brains!"
Cloud: "AHH! OMNISLASH!!!" This immensely powerful and crazy Limit Break incinerated all zombies in the vicinity. It also broke Cloud's sword.
Cloud: "Awww damn, it took me forever to repair it the first time that happened!"
Rufus: "That was a pathetic blade."
Cloud: "Now where are you?"
Rufus: "I made sure we still had a mental connection so I could still save your sorry ass, like I'm about to do. Call on your darkness to recreate the strongest blade you ever remember using." Cloud does so, and a giant blade that's thicker than his old one, and made of a blue and purple crystal replaces his broken sword.
Cloud: "Sweet! It's my old Ultima Weapon!" He sees more zombies. With a demonic chuckle he strides towards them. After that, he decides he can do just about anything with his new powers, so he goes to try and talk his friends into a new adventure. Now, I'm not going back to Acronos and his journey just yet, in fact, I'm going opposite of there. I'm gonna see how the bad guys are doing!
A Dark Castle Far Away
Blasphemy strode towards the castle; he'd just gotten away from last meeting Acronos.
Blasphemy: "Sigh, the day I understand one of these heroes is the day I become one. Heh." He strolls confidently into the castle and meets up with Jafar.
Jafar: "Good day, master."
Blasphemy: "Again and again I tell you that you serve my master, not me."
Jafar: "Whatever you say, master Blasphemy."
Blasphemy: "Sigh." Their current "master" comes running in. He's kindly been given the nickname "Mal".
Mal: "Oh dear heavens!" From out of the shadows another villain appears. He's wearing a black T-shirt with long sleeves that were rolled up to the shoulder, and the rolled up portion is white. He's wearing jeans, and has short, blonde hair. He's the youngest, but actually very strong. He prefers the name Lance for whatever reason.
Lance: "Dude, at least say 'oh darkness', it fits the setting and crud like that."
Mal: "I could care less, but there's an intruder in our castle!"
Lance: "Huh?" He pulls out two short swords facing forward, while Blasphemy draws his scythe. A mouse scurries by.
Mal: "Oh no, the mouse! Kill it!" Both his associates sigh.
Blasphemy: "You do it, Lance."
Lance: "Ah, but I got the roaches last time."
Blasphemy: "And I got the mosquito, so it's your turn."
Lance: "Damn, and I hoped you'd forgotten the mosquito."
Blasphemy: "(Raised eyebrow) I blew holes in the wall. How could I forget that blasted bloodsucker?"
Mal: "Hurry, it'll get away!" The mouse was harmlessly sniffing around. Lance pointed a finger at it and got lazy, summoning a shadow heartless to do it. Mal sighed in relief.
Mal: "When the master gets here, the first thing I'll ask-"
Lance: "After you finish groveling for no real reason."
Mal: "Hey, I don't grovel, I just show my respect. Anyway, I'm going to ask everything to be exterminated from this place."
Lance: "The dude likes the whole mossy, overgrown, rat hole thing." Blasphemy calmly walked away, he wasn't the chatty type, even though he and Lance could stand each other. Wandering through the castle, he came upon the kitchen. This was a very striking place, since the walls were stone and there were vines on some portions of it, while every single bit of kitchenware was either crome or stainless steel. Blasphemy always smirked when he entered the room. In here he found the closest thing they had to a comedian and hero, a thief who wielded two daggers back-handed and a double-bladed pole-arm. The fellow was a likable sort, and merely joined because he had nothing better to do. He had short, spiky red hair, and wore a gray T-shirt and blue pants. He was a bit of a liability with his honor code and dislike of killing, but he always got his jobs done. Right now the fridge was open and he was inhaling anything in reach. Judging by how he was eating, Blasphemy made a mental note to order some more food. The other fridges all had infinite supplies of food that would never spoil, but the food all tasted weird. Due to that, this was the only fridge with regular food, and thusly the only fridge eaten out of, unless it was an emergency.
Blasphemy: "Eating us out of castle and home Zidane? (No, not from Final Fantasy IX, he just heard the name and liked it)"
Zidane: "(Nods)" Blasphemy sighed, shook his head and left. In the hall he bumped into a guy he mildly disliked, and who absolutely hated him for no apparent reason. Last he'd heard, this guy was from a book. He used his last name instead of an alias like the rest of them, and called himself Malfoy.
Malfoy: "Blasphemy... How good to see you. Had a pleasant encounter with the keyblade?"
Blasphemy: "(With total calm) Go f*** a sheep Malfoy."
Malfoy: "Argh! You b******! I should destroy you!"
Blasphemy: "Then what's holding you back? Could it be the fact that without magic you're a complete pansy with no physical strength of your own?" Malfoy starts to pull out a wooden wand, but Blasphemy already has his scythe at his head before Malfoy can even draw it halfway.
Blasphemy: "You're pathetic." He walks off as if nothing happened, leaving Malfoy to wonder about how to defeat him once and for all. He reaches what passes for a living room, and in there finds another guy he disliked, but could at least stand. He went by the name of Oni, and quite simply worshipped the darkness. Other than that and his rather painful training, he had no life. Oni had great control over the darkness, but was weaker than Blasphemy physically and they were about even when it came to magic. It was said that he'd gotten his own world consumed, not even knowing about the heartless. He'd been picked up for no real reason, but had turned out to be a good asset otherwise. Oni was bald; dark skinned, wore no shirt, and had black sweatpants on. He was extremely calm normally, but talking about anything related to darkness or light got his energy going. He looks and acts like a Yoga guru or something.
Oni: "Good day. How are you feeling?"
Blasphemy: "A bit bored and confused, but other than that I'm fine."
Oni: "You are bored? I have a thing that should alleviate that feeling."
Blasphemy: "More dark training?"
Oni: "(All-knowing chuckle) Yes, but there is someone here who we did not invite. He bears us no ill will, but you might wish to discover his identity."
Blasphemy: "(Raised eyebrow) For once you actually gave me useful advice, thanks I guess." Blasphemy calmly strides out the door and starts to let his senses look for the intruder.
Oni: "He is near the entrance to the moat. Where you keep your plans, I believe?"
Blasphemy: "Huh? If you know what I'm planning, then why don't you report me or something?"
Oni: "Your plans work in our favor since you want to destroy the light. I do not fear for my cause simply because darkness is invincible, no matter how hard you try, you cannot destroy it."
Blasphemy: "You'd be surprised." Oni didn't say anything, so Blasphemy took that as his cue to go find the intruder. He hoped for some sort of challenge in this one, nobody presented much challenge anymore. His 'friends' and Acronos' group actually had some potential, but he still was bored. He went to his hidden place, the place he stored all information he wished hidden, and found Lloyd calmly sprawled on the couch, reading a book.
Blasphemy: "Hello?"
Lloyd: "Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to intrude, but I thought those other people weren't really that trustworthy-looking, so I came here."
Blasphemy: "Sigh, so does everyone know about my one secret spot?"
Lloyd: "You left too much energy and emotion into this place, anyone with a mind for it could find it, no trouble."
Blasphemy: "Guess I'm moving then. So, what brings you here?"
Lloyd: "You saved my life, I owe you a rather large debt. I came to see how I might repay that debt."
Blasphemy: "You owe me nothing, I felt like trying out the whole hero approach for once, so I did."
Lloyd: "I'm no hero either, but I do have my honor."
Blasphemy: "Ah, yeah, honor. Well, how about a few drinks and something to eat, on you? I haven't eaten in a bit, and I could use a dose of being roaring drunk."
Lloyd: "(Sighing) C'mon, be serious!"
Blasphemy: "Fine... Why not just help me out a bit? I could always use another ally."
Lloyd: "Fine, I'll help you destroy all worlds."
Blasphemy: "No, that's not my objective. Right now all I need to do is test Acronos."
Lloyd: "For...?"
Blasphemy: "Lets just say I've got my own reasons, ones that I can't disclose at the moment."
Disclaimer: "BEEP!!"
Blasphemy & Lloyd: "What the hell is that?" A lightning bolt falls from the sky and ceases the existence of the Disclaimer.
Lloyd: "That was odd, and random."
Blasphemy: "Yes it was. So, will you aid me?"
Lloyd: "Of course."
Blasphemy: "You don't know what you've gotten yourself into. I need you to get this entire room to another world, any world just so long as it's well hidden from energy detection or visible location."
Lloyd: "I know a good place, and I've found that my teleport works between worlds."
Blasphemy: "Good. The world of Final Fantasy X, rewind time so that it's right at the beginning of Yuna's pilgrimage. Ask on that world for the exact specifications."
Lloyd: "I have gotten myself into trouble again, haven't I? Anything else?"
Blasphemy: "No, I'll take care of the rest. After you're done, take a break wherever you want. If you want to stay here for any reason, just say I invited you. If anyone disagrees, kick their ass."
Lloyd: "Simple, I like it." Blasphemy left the room, and it was covered in green light. He calmly wandered off.
Blasphemy: "So bored. Maybe that dark power boost wasn't such a good idea, there's nothing interesting to do anymore. Hmm, I'd better find a world with exceptionally strong monsters, give them heartless powers, and then maybe I'd get a challenge. " He summoned up some energy, and started to look around for what might be a challenge. Back with Acronos.
Traverse Town
Acronos: "That was awesome! Who's up for a second round?!" Everyone looks at him, their mouths still open in screams.
Acronos: "Hello, people? We were never in any danger, I just swerved near that giant meteor to scare you."
Auron: "... Yes, and you certainly... Accomplished your goal..." Acronos shakes his head.
Acronos: "Well, you guys get to stay here safe and sound while I go get Tifa, hopefully not getting lost in the process. Well, I'm off!" He jumped back into the gummi ship. Everyone stood completely still for a few minutes, screamed again, shook it off, and went to look for something saner than letting Acronos on battle high drive. Bungee jumping off the peak of the gismo shop was considered, and attempted by Maioko. Meanwhile, Acronos had found a CD in a compartment somewhere, and it was now blaring full volume on the speakers. It was pretty good rock, so he didn't mind the volume. Upon reaching Destiny Islands, (Narrowly avoiding death in multiple instances), he turned the music off. He landed and jumped a couple yards down smiling crazily.
Acronos: "Oh boy, I think I'm hyper. Better calm down. Hello? Tifa? Hmm, do I even know where she lives on the islands? Crap. " He wandered around the kid's islands for a bit, but found nobody there. He remembered the other islands, and checked where the residential islands were. Jumping into a boat, he began paddling over. After a few minutes he made it and was surprised how nice it looked.
Acronos: "That's what I'm missing in my house, a more tropical atmosphere. Gotta get some palm trees and a hammock." He walked around aimlessly for a bit, but didn't find anyone. He stopped and called on his sixth sense. It pointed him towards the Port Islands. Jumping once again into the boat, he paddled over to that section. Reaching for his sixth sense, he quite suddenly found himself on the wrong end of a pistol.
Thug: "I don't suppose you have some spare change for a poor fellow like me?"
Acronos: "(Raised eyebrow) I thought the general standard of living here was too high for need of many crooks and thieves."
Thug: "Here, maybe, but not where I come from. Didn't you ever think the Port islands might be a small intersection of worlds?"
Acronos: "Oh great, another place to seal."
Thug: "I'd suggest you hand over all your money, unless you never want to see another day of your life."
Acronos: "(Smiling childishly) Well, it's not like I'm poor." Reaching into the pocket dimension, he pulled out one of the pots from Onimusha. The thug looks really surprised and left his mouth agape. Acronos pulled out some more valuable things, and the thug was practically drooling. Finally Acronos settled on a nicely sized hunk of gold.
Acronos: "This should be worth 3000. I'd recommend you change half of it to cash, and hold on to the other half, just so you don't mess up the economy."
Thug: "Hey, what about all that other stuff?"
Acronos: "(Raised eyebrow) You don't need more than 3000 to start up a new life here."
Thug: "I said to give me all your money and valuables, now hand them over!"
Acronos: "I'm telling you that you don't need anything more than what I'm giving you for a nice and comfortable life."
Thug: "Save it for someone who cares, now hand everything you have over!"
Acronos: "You're pushing my kindness here, I'm willing to give you what you need, but I will not satisfy your greed."
Thug: "(Loads gun) It seems you don't have much of a choice."
Acronos: "(Now a bit ticked) Actually, you'd be surprised." In a flash, the thug no longer had a weapon.
Acronos: "You should've kept your weapon closer and less of a target."
Thug: "Guh? That's it, you're going down!" He swung at Acronos, who dodged as if the man was in slow motion. He swung again, pulling out a small knife in the process.
Thug: "Now what are you going to do?"
Acronos: "Since you obviously have no idea how to strike the heart, your blade will do direct damage to my flesh, and mine to yours. My question is this: are you skilled enough to hit me?" The keyblade appears from nowhere, in all its power and glory. The thug stares at it, a bit scared.
Thug: "What the hell kind of weapon is that?"
Acronos: "A sharp one, which has a longer range than yours." The thug draws back to attack, but finds a bullet neatly lodged in his throat and drops down dead. Acronos is shocked, since he'd planned only to give the guy enough cuts to make him flee. Standing above and a bit far from the thug was a guy whose main color seemed to be crimson. He wore a cape of that color, brown pants, a rust-red headband, had long black hair, sharply pointed boots with some sort of iron covering, a completely iron or gold glove, (similar to Cloud's, but his takes up his entire lower left arm), and was pointing a long rifle at where the thug used to be. Tifa calmly walked up next to him.
Tifa: "Sigh, Vincent, did you have to do that?"
Vincent: "Your friend appeared to be in trouble."
Acronos: "Hey, Tifa! Could you tell your friend that wasn't very nice?"
Vincent: "(Raised eyebrow) You'd have preferred death?"
Acronos: "(Walking to them) Nah, I was just planning to scare him into running."
Vincent: "You do realize that leaves you open for attack at a later time? He could have killed you in your sleep."
Acronos: "Yeah, but…"
Tifa: "Sigh, it doesn't really matter now, does it? Anyway, Acronos, what are you doing back so soon?"
Acronos: "Your world was a dud, it was still sealed, just that there was a lot of darkness to the area."
Tifa: "Ah. Well, meet one of my friends, Vincent."
Vincent: "(Holsters gun, raises un-clawed hand) I have heard of you, keyblade master."
Acronos: "(Shakes hand) Sigh, why does everyone call me that? Don't answer if you don't mind."
Tifa: "Where to now?"
Acronos: "Traverse Town where I left everybody. Chances are they're still standing around perpetually screaming."
Tifa: "…?"
Vincent: "Let me guess, you got hyper one way or another and have a reputation for crashing?"
Acronos: "(Nods repeatedly)"
Vincent: "Sigh, I thought as much. Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask if you'd take me somewhere. My usual means of transport are currently, missing."
Acronos: "Do I want to know?"
Vincent: "Even if I knew, I'd still doubt it."
Acronos: "Right, any place in particular?"
Vincent: "You haven't seen a woman named Yuffie by any chance?"
Acronos: "Hmm… I think I've heard the name mentioned somewhere…"
Tifa: "No, at least not in our travels so far."
Acronos: "I know it was some place familiar… was it Traverse, or Hollow Bastion?"
Vincent: "…Could you take me to both places?"
Acronos: "Sure I guess. I suppose Kairi might think they know where Sora is, so she won't mind."
Vincent: "Sora? Medium sized kid, really spiky brown hair, red jump-suit, crown necklace, a keyblade?"
Acronos: "Yeah, why, you seen him?"
Vincent: "Yes, we met on my world for a moment, and later on in a place with some strange person in a spider-oriented costume swinging around."
Acronos: "Might he still be there?"
Vincent: "I doubt it, he said he was just leaving."
Acronos: "The world was unsealed?"
Vincent: "Yes, if I recall."
Acronos: "Yep, Sora's following the same mission as us."
Tifa: "Why don't you take us both, and we can all head to Hollow Bastion?"
Acronos: "Right, lets mosey." Both Vincent and Tifa stop for a moment, a memory seeming to pass through their heads.
Vincent: "Amazing coincidence. Might you know a man called Cloud?"
Acronos: "I've heard the name… Final Fantasy 7, and he was also at the coliseum and Hollow Bastion! We're going to the Bastion!" Acronos found a save point nearby, and they got on the gummi ship. Locating Traverse Town, they warped there instantly, with no incident.
Acronos: "Hello? Sigh, is nothing ever easy anymore?"
Vincent: "My question is, was it ever?"
Acronos: "Point taken and noted."
Tifa: "Lets try the hotel."
Vincent: "The alley sounds like a better option."
Acronos: "I'd say the gizmo shop, so why don't we split up?"
Tifa: "Sure."
Vincent: "The manner of locating each other?"
Acronos: "Send up a flare."
Tifa: "How?"
Acronos: "Uhh, on second thought, lets just stay in the Second District and we should be able to find each other easily enough." They all went to their respective sites. Tifa found Auron and Acane still debating over their fighting techniques, and told her that they were staying there to buy the rooms if Selphie came back. Vincent found Kairi in the alley, and they talked about not being near those they once knew. Acronos found everyone else doing something crazy. Maioko was doing push-ups using one finger on the edge of a pillar, Lulu was meditating, Selphie was bashing her head against the wall, and everyone else was bungee jumping. Acronos shook his head.
Acronos: "Alright already, I get it! I'll try to drive more sanely." Everyone immediately jumps down and he leads them to find everyone else.
Tifa: "Well, that's everybody."
Acronos: "Yep. Lets head to the FFX world, and I'll try not to destroy our ship this time. Oh, wait! We're going to make a short stop at Hollow Bastion, okay?"
Selphie: "Why?"
Kairi: "Sounds familiar somehow, wasn't that where Sora sealed the final keyhole?"
Acronos: "Yep. I'd like to check how everything's going there, see if we meet anyone we know."
Maioko: "Hollow Bastion, the giant castle? Cool, I've always wanted to see a giant castle on another world!"
Acronos: "Right then, lets go." They reached Hollow Bastion without incident, especially since Acronos had driven at a sane speed and didn't use any barrel rolls. They disembarked.
Acronos: "Hmm, it smells cold around here."
Irvine: "Huh? You mean there's a scent to it?"
Acronos: "I don't know, but there's a slight scent in the air, and I've found
that the same scent is usually around when it's cold, or when it snows."
Tifa: "Hmm, (Looks at sky) I think you're right, we'll need to leave if we don't want to get snowed in."
Kairi: "C'mon, we have some time left, let's check this place out!"
Maioko: "Yeah!"
Acronos: "Sigh, (Shakes head) I suppose I did take us here, no sense in leaving just yet." They jumped up through the rising falls, and Kairi seemed the best at it, as if she knew exactly where to step and when to jump.
Acronos: "Kairi, you're good at this. When'd you learn to jump around with such precision?"
Kairi: "I don't know, I just feel like I know what to do."
Acronos: "Hmm… Weren't you born here?"
Kairi: "I wouldn't remember, silly!"
Acronos: "Right, you're the same as me, forgot." They all continued until they reached the castle, where they found a rather large heartless horde sitting around doing nothing. Everyone drew their weapons and started to charge, but Acronos just walked forward calmly, surprising them enough to stop them. He walked up and poked a Large Body, it woke up from being asleep, looked at him, and then fell right back asleep. Acronos shrugged good-naturedly, and motioned for everybody to sheathe their weapons. Cautiously they followed, but no heartless did anything but look at them.
Maioko: "And why exactly are they not attacking?"
Irvine: "This is freaky…"
Kairi: "I don't get it, why are they even here?"
Acronos: "Dunno, maybe they teleported here like the rest of us?" Going inside, they found a guy with spiky red hair chatting merrily with some of the local residents.
Zidane: "Look, the heartless won't attack anyone, the world's sealed. There may be residual ones left over, but they can't do anything."
Rufus: "Look, I'm guarding this place, so I can't take any chances."
Zidane: "Sigh, would it help if they ceased to exist?"
Rufus: "If you do that, then you can wander around as you see fit."
Zidane: "Okay! (Snaps fingers)"
Kairi: "(Looking outside) Oh my gosh, the heartless all just disappeared!"
Zidane: "See, told you."
Rufus: "(Smirking) Feel free to look around."
Zidane: "(Stomach grumbles) Got any food?"
Rufus: "Sigh, I think there's a snack bar in that direction, (gestures in a vague and general way)"
Zidane: "Okay. Do you want anything?"
Rufus: "Huh? Umm, no thanks, I'm still mostly composed of darkness, remember? No stomach to feed?"
Zidane: "(Pats shoulder understandingly) I pity you my friend… Bye!" He runs off into Hollow Bastion in his newfound quest for lunch.
Acronos: "…"
Auron: "… …"
Selphie: "… … …"
Irvine: "… … … …"
Maioko: "… … … … …"
Kairi: "Okay, enough with the silence. Who are you?"
Rufus: "Rufus Shinra, at your service, princess."
Kairi: "Huh?"
Rufus: "Sigh. Ansem turned me into a prototype guardian, so I'm mostly composed of darkness. I can sense the light in your heart, and such."
Kairi: "Oh."
Acronos: "Can we look around?"
Vincent: "Hmm… Shinra…"
Rufus: "Oh, hello Valentine. How are you doing?"
Vincent: "Fine. Yourself?"
Rufus: "Aside from technically being dead, just fine."
Vincent: "Have you seen anyone I might know?"
Rufus: "Who do you have in mind? I know a man named Squall, Sephiroth, Aerith, and…Yuffie, was it?"
Vincent: "(Shocked) You've seen her?"
Rufus: "Yes, but I'm sorry to say that she, along with Cloud and the rest of the group departed a few minutes ago for some other world. I do believe Cloud's objective was to look for his 'light', or some silly thing like that. (Looking at Tifa directly) Now who could he have meant?"
Tifa: "… Do you know where they went?"
Rufus: "Uhh…no… Hold on; let me see if I can get in touch with Cloud. Oh, don't try and strangle me to talk with him, he won't hear anything but what I say… Cloud? Do you hear me, you one-winged excuse for a side show?"
Cloud's voice: "Since when have your insults become that fluent, Shinra?"
Rufus: "Such contempt! Well, I might be forced not to say what I just found out."
Cloud: "Really? Why am I not surprised?"
Rufus: "Too bad, and it had to do with your quest…"
Cloud: "… Start talking Rufus. You know I can make you."
Rufus: "Sigh, yes I remember that we're still somewhat attached. Well, the keyblade master is here to see you, and Valentine as well."
Tifa: "Hey, what about me?"
Acronos: "(Rolls eyes) Oh good God, don't make me intercept your magic and use it myself."
Rufus: "You can do that?"
Cloud: "Huh?"
Rufus: "Sorry, the keyblade master was giving me a bit of a threat."
Cloud: "Oh? I highly doubt it, but do you mean Sora?"
Rufus: "No, the true master."
Cloud: "…Huh?"
Rufus: "We've been over this Cloud."
Cloud: "… I'll be with you in a minute, guys! Sorry, what were you saying?"
Rufus: "Forget it. Just chat with him. Go ahead key-boy, make due on your threat."
Acronos: "Sigh, a test? Consider it passed." The communication shifts to him.
Acronos: "Mr. Strife, is that you?"
Cloud: "Whoa, Mr., just Cloud if you don't mind."
Acronos: "Okay. Well, could you come back to Hollow Bastion for a bit? There's someone who wants to see Yuffie, she might know him."
Cloud: "Who?"
Acronos: "Vincent Valentine rings any bells?"
Cloud: "Vincent? I thought he was dead!"
Acronos: "He's right next to me, just chat, I'll translate."
Cloud: "Vincent, how have you been?"
Vincent: "Aside from meeting with the heartless, I'm fine. (Acronos relays)"
Cloud: "Okay. So, you looking for Yuffie? No, not you, I'm talking to the keyblade master. Yuffie quit poking me! Argh! Sorry, but I'll have to talk again later."
Acronos: "No, hold on! Get back to Hollow Bastion, quick!"
Cloud: "Huh? Oh s***! We're under attack, I'll talk later, goodbye!"
Acronos: "Hold on! Connection lost, damn."
Rufus: " 'Under attack'? I'm outta here; it's my job to help them out. See you in a bit."
Vincent: "No, wait a moment!"
Rufus: "Sorry, no time. Hmm, try the world of FFX! (Teleports)"
Tifa: "No!"
Acronos: "Don't give up, we were going there anyway! Besides, it's not like they have any reason to leave right now."
Tifa: "Sigh…"
Vincent: "… So close… Fate must hate me. Oh well. Leave me here, I would only slow you down."
Acronos: "Hey, now wait just a second!"
Maioko: "Actually, he's right Acronos. Besides, there's more of a chance that he'll find his, Uhh, I'll just stick with 'friend' for now, here. Yuffie will have to return, if only to restock on items. Probably in the future, but still."
Vincent: "Indeed. Perhaps slumbering here would heal me of whatever sin I have brought upon myself again. I doubt it though, leaving two behind is far worse than simply one."
Computer: "And nine is a sin unto itself."
Vincent: "Correct. I shall stay here, if you do not mind."
Acronos: "… Okay, but only if you really want to." Vincent nodded.
Maioko: "What, we're leaving so soon?"
Acronos: "I think so."
Tifa: "Not like I need to get there instantly, you guys can take a look around."
Selphie: "Wahoo! C'mon, lets go Irvine!" She grabs him and they run off, actually it's more like Irvine is trailing behind, being dragged by his wrist and Selphie is running ahead happily. Auron shakes his head.
Auron: "I wonder if they have a weapon shop somewhere around here?"
Acane: "C'mon, your weapons are already damaged? Ha! Mine are just fine; even after all I've put them through. (Her spear simply falls apart) Okay, maybe not."
Auron: "C'mon already, the magic will attach to any weapon you choose." They walk off to find some place with weapons.
Acronos: "Oh no, the dreaded groups! No fate, I shall not fall to thee! Run away!" He does so, disappearing into the shadows.
Maioko: "(blinks) Uhh?"
Kairi: "The similarities between him and Sora are amazing sometimes."
Tifa: "…" She walks away simply, leaving everyone else.
Tidus: "Hmm…" He wanders off; and Yuna goes in a different direction.
Wakka: "Now what am I supposed to do? (Hears the telltale sounds of sports) Well, that may just do it!" He runs off.
Lulu: "It appears the groups are only those that want to be, I think Acronos didn't need to defy fate. I'm off." She blends into the shadows and disappears.
Maioko: "Why does everyone disappear into the shadows?! (She creates a large fire to light the room, but finds no one there besides her and Kairi) Freaky. So, if I remember correctly, you wanted to check out the castle too?"
Kairi: "Yeah, for some reason, this place feels familiar. I want to know why."
Maioko: "Okay! Lets go!"
Kairi: "Where?"
Maioko: "(Enthusiastic, but then slows down, her smile turning into a bit of a frown) Uhh, good question. Usually Acronos is around with his maps. I'm not really the best when it comes to directions."
Kairi: "Really?"
Maioko: "(Rubbing back of head) Yeah, even though I traveled a lot when I was a kid, I still never learnt to tell directions."
Kairi: "That's okay, I think I remember some directions. Wanna see the library?"
Maioko: "Cool!"
Kairi: "Follow me!" On the second level of the room, (it's a circular room with two floors), Blasphemy watched. After rubbing the pain out of his eyes from Maioko's sudden flare, he shook his head and also became one with the shadows. Back to Maioko and Kairi…
Maioko: "Wow! This place has a ton of books!"
Kairi: "Yeah, neat isn't it?"
Maioko: "Hmm… I can't read this book?"
Kairi: "Why not?"
Maioko: "It's in some strange language."
Kairi: "Where's our navigator's computer when you need it."
Maioko: "Are you still on about that? Acronos has made most of the decisions around here, I'm not the leader, he is!"
Kairi: "Mai, he's made the travel decisions because he's our navigator. Besides, he doesn't like the whole leadership thing, probably fears letting us down."
Maioko: "'Mai'? Since when am I 'Mai'?"
Kairi: "Since I felt lazy and shortened your name."
Maioko: "Oh boy, I'm more suited to my full name, but whatever floats your boat." They wandered around a bit more, and went upstairs, not noticing that Acronos had found a location where there were bookcases on all sides, and was now reading all the books there, using his computer to translate. Back upstairs, Kairi directed Maioko to a lift that eventually led to the upstairs portion of the entrance hall.
Kairi: "I didn't know this was here."
Maioko: "I thought you knew everything around here."
Kairi: "No, I just know a tiny bit, like you'd know a place you've lived in for a while, even if you left for some time."
Maioko: "Oh, well then, shall we go looking for everyone?"
Kairi: "Nah, let me show you another place." She jumped onto a platform that was descending, and motioned for Maioko to follow. She did, and Kairi eventually led them to the place where Sora fought the Ansem possessed Riku.
Kairi: "I remember this place, it's where Sora sacrificed himself to restore the hearts to the princesses of heart."
Maioko: "Hold on, I was under the impression he was alive."
Kairi: "He is, he turned heartless for a while, but, well, he turned back."
Maioko: "Is there something you're not telling me?"
Kairi: "(Blushing a bit) Uhh, no?"
Maioko: "C'mon, tell me! It's about you and Sora isn't it? Haha, I'm right, you're blushing even more! Tell me, I wanna know! You kissed him, didn't you? Ahh, the power of love conquers all…"
Kairi: "No, c'mon! I didn't kiss him, You know you wanted to. Shut up, stupid mind. But then why are you still searching for him? You know you love him. Shut up. You're as bad as Maioko, aren't you? You can't see that you two are made for each other. I'm telling you to see that you need to shut up! "
Maioko: "If you didn't kiss him, what happened then?"
Kairi: "Umm, I tried to protect him from some heartless, and the next thing we knew, he'd suddenly returned. I recognized him, even in his heartless form. Strange that he was only a shadow and not an invisible or something."
Maioko: "Oh. Well, love still conquers all I suppose, even if you won't admit it, (nudge, nudge)"
Kairi: "Yes, I suppose you and Acronos do make an invincible team… (Nudge, nudge)"
Maioko: "What? Oh boy, don't be bringing this up again. Do I have to spell it out for all of you? I, don't, love, him! Get it yet?"
Kairi: "Just giving you a taste of your own medicine Maioko. Besides, I don't believe either of you is in love."
Maioko: "Huh? (Surprised)"
Kairi: "At least, not yet anyway. I have a feeling that when the time is right, you'll know how you feel. Acronos probably will still be in the dark, you know how he spazzes, but I think even he'll understand what's what."
Maioko: "… So I understand the final keyhole was here or something?"
Kairi: "Nice aversion. Yeah, this is where Sora found the keyhole. Odd thing was that it emitted darkness when it was opened."
Maioko: "But how can it be the final keyhole if we're sealing worlds now?"
Kairi: "I… Don't know. Maybe it's the final keyhole because it would lead to everlasting darkness that would cease the existence of all keyholes?"
Maioko: "That sounds reasonable. Hmm, did you notice it just get colder all of a sudden?"
Kairi: "Yeah… (Draws staff)"
Maioko: "Lets slowly walk to the door, and hope whatever this is doesn't notice us." They edged back, but broke into a run after a bit. Exiting the room, the temperature rose a few degrees.
Maioko: "You think we should bar the doorway?"
Kairi: "No, lets just lock it." They did and left.
Maioko: "You know, I've seen most of this castle from the inside, where's a good outdoor view?"
Kairi: "Hmm, give me a second…"
Maioko: "Holy! That's a Corinthian column!"
Kairi: "So? They're common around here."
Maioko: "No, but the thing is that the people on my world, some ancient people, the Greeks, invented these columns! How could they possibly be on both worlds?"
Kairi: "Hmm, either someone left your world and nobody knew of it, or maybe some ideas are common to people in general?" They both wondered about it until Kairi suddenly remembered where to go.
Kairi: "Oh yeah, there is an outdoor view you might like, follow me!" Both girls ran for a while until they reached a door. Kairi looked at it, and pushed at it a bit. Maioko smirked and told her to let her try. She gave it a shove, but nothing happened. She began attacking the door, trying to get it open. She raised her fist to perform Final Heaven, but when she used it, she sent herself flying because the door had opened easily.
Maioko: "Ugh, what kind of door is that?"
Kairi: "One that was locked?" Maioko smiles sheepishly and gets up. The two go for a bit until Kairi spots a nice cliff, and they both go up to it. Maioko looks in awe; the castle is magnificent from this angle. Kairi looks at her expectantly, like a child showing off a new secret or something.
Kairi: "You like?"
Maioko: "Wow. This is a great view! Thanks Kairi!"
Kairi: "I'm glad I found it…" She sits down, with a serious expression on her face. Maioko looks at her, and figures she needs some time on her own.
Maioko: "Umm, Kairi? I'll be over there at the village if you want to look for me." She sets off, not expecting an answer. Once she reaches the village, she marvels at how small it is, versus how many people there are.
Maioko: "Hey, what's up with this place?"
Random person: "Well, we were only recently returned to the world of the living when our hearts were freed from their prison by Cloud. Most of our stuff was intact, but we've been forced to start from scratch. Not much trouble actually, since we have some extra energy that we needed to burn off anyway."
Maioko: "Why don't you guys live in the castle? It looks big enough."
Random person: "It is, and we do live there for the time being, but most of us want to live outside, the castle just feels too empty these days."
Maioko: "Why, are there too few of you guys?"
Random person: "Not exactly, it's more that most of the people who used to live in the castle, King Ansem's servants, the nobles, some of the prisoners, and even a few of the beggars are all gone. Most likely used in one of his experiments, never to see light again."
Maioko: "Hold up, 'King' Ansem? Since when did that freak end up as a king?"
Random person: "Sigh, before his studies on the heartless, Ansem was a kind and generous man. He was a sage, and ruled kindly. I do believe the heartless drove him mad with power."
Maioko: "Oh. So he should be pitied?"
Random person: "No, not really. Most of us are sorry that a man like him had to go mad, but first his ambitions must be stopped, and only then may we pity him or feel sorrow."
Maioko: "…Oh. Thanks."
Random person: "Certainly!" She wanders off, leaving Maioko to think a bit.
Maioko: "So the heartless drove even a formerly kind, generous, and intelligent man like Ansem mad? What's stopping us from doing the same? I mean… Oh no, Acronos! He absorbs heartless with ease, and he keeps getting stronger. I know he's a nice guy with a strong heart, but even he must have a limit. You forgot to mention brave, and handsome. Who are you, and shut up! You know what I'm talking about. Besides, don't worry, lovers are supposed to compliment each other. 'Lovers'? Yeah right, Acronos isn't that kind of guy, he spazzes if someone tries to kiss him, remember? Hmm, that could be used as blackmail… Sigh, you know what you feel, admit it to yourself already. You love the boy! First off, Acronos isn't a 'boy', second: no I don't! I just want to ensure his safety and well being, that's all. As does he, but he wants you to smile and laugh. You do know romance is based around deep compassion for one another, the feeling that if they're in pain, so are you? Since you both feel that, you must be in love. No we're not, so stop saying that! Geez, everyone and their grandma is saying I love the guy, when I don't! Perhaps it's that they're seeing what you refuse to see? Exactly, I refuse. People, or my minds, whims will not lead me around any further. If I fall in love at all, it will be of my own accord, and nobody will tell me what to do, not even you! Great, I'm having an argument with myself. I must be going crazy. If you use that sentence at all, I swear I will find a way to pummel you into submission and do so. (Her mind is silent) Good. " By this time, she'd wandered some distance, and was now standing in front of a restaurant. She blinked, not remembering going here, but figured she must have been moving while thinking and hadn't noticed it. At a seat, she noticed the guy with red hair from before. Curious, she walked up to him.
Maioko: "Hey."
Zidane: "Hey there."
Maioko: "Who exactly are you?"
Zidane: "Can't tell you that (winks) but my friends call me Zidane."
Maioko: "(slightly raised eyebrow) This guy should meet Irvine. Why?"
Zidane: "Why what? Why live: 'cause I feel like it. Why fight: Same reason. Why the name: I liked it. Why not my real one: secrecy, if I'm ever found out, they will never know my name, Muahahahaha!"
Maioko: "Who's 'they'?"
Zidane: "(Stops suddenly) You know what, I don't actually know. It's probably just a figurative concept implying whoever's there at that time."
Maioko: "Hmm, probably. So, any particular reason you're here?"
Zidane: "I think I've given enough free answers for today, now you answer my questions in exchange. Why are you taking such an interest in me?"
Maioko: "I'm curious. You made the heartless disappear instantly, I want to know who you are and where you can get such powers."
Zidane: "Oh, that's easy, your boy- (sees Maioko's look and notes her gauntlets)- Uhh, pal Acronos can do the same to an extent. To move them somewhere you just gotta pull a little energy from your heart, dangle it like bait, and then throw it somewhere else. Anyway, to your first question, I'm just here for the food; we were running short, so I felt like going out for lunch. I also like exploring newer areas, so I felt like coming here. Did you know that the Disney Villains all took up residence here? I wanted to see where such an odd bunch hung out. Now answer one of mine since I gave you a freebee. Umm, aha! Do you know... the muffin man, no, where are your friends?"
Maioko: "I'm not gonna ask how you knew that, so… Nope, I have no idea where anyone but Kairi is."
Zidane: "Okay. Just felt like asking, and I knew about your friends because I saw you with them. Now, if you feel like another question, you'll have to answer one of mine again."
Maioko: "Hmm, (Going on a feeling) do you work for anyone, and if so, who?"
Zidane: "Truth or Dare huh? Actually… Hmm… I work as a thief for hire, sort of a mercenary. Currently… Hmm… I'm working for a guy we nicknamed Mal."
Maioko: "'We'?"
Zidane: "Tsk, Tsk, Tsk. Now you have to answer one of mine… Umm, what are your measurements, no just kidding, don't hurt me. Uhh…"
Maioko: "You really should meet my friend Irvine."
Zidane: "Who? Why do you say so… dammit!"
Maioko: "Hah! I win that round, double or nothing too, so I get another freebee. Irvine is my friend with the sand-colored trench coat, you should meet because both of you are perverts, and he likes playing mind games too."
Zidane: "I am not a pervert! Slightly twisted in the head, probably, but no pervert. (He says this with an exaggerated face that makes Maioko laugh)."
Maioko: "(Laughing) So, who's 'we'?"
Zidane: "Uhh… My associates and I."
Maioko: "Go on…"
Zidane: "Now it's my turn."
Maioko: "Nope, that wasn't a question."
Zidane: "(Impressed) Damn, you're good. I think I got myself in over my head, cause now I have to find a way not to lie and not say something I really shouldn't say."
Maioko: "What, you're friends with Blasphemy or something?"
Zidane: "(Would be sweating if he wasn't a good actor)… Nah, we all have aliases. Let's see, there's Lance, Oni, Malfoy, me, Mal, genie, a guy who never told us his real name but likes the name Blast I hope she doesn't see through that, and…that's about it."
Maioko: "'Blast'?"
Zidane: "Yep, that's what I call him anyway."
Maioko: "Are you sure he never said his real name?"
Zidane: "Yep."
Maioko: "You're not lying?"
Zidane: "Trust me babe, I haven't lied once during this entire conversation."
Maioko: "Hmm, I think you're not lying about not lying."
Zidane: "… Right! Sorry I took so long, my brain froze for a sec there."
Maioko: "Are you a fighter?"
Zidane: "Who trained you?"
Maioko: "Uhh… (Thinks back) I've had many trainers, my parents, some various martial arts schools, an old man in Japan, some guy taught me to forge in Damascus, I learnt to use short swords and knives in just about every place, and I worked on my endurance and strength in Russia. So, are you a fighter?"
Zidane: "Guh… Yeah, I use daggers back-handed and a double bladed pole-arm. I learnt from all my associates when it comes to technique, but I got my cunning and strength from the streets and my jobs."
Maioko: "Okay, you sound strong enough. Wanna spar?"
Zidane: "No thanks, I'm really full still. I won't charge you a question on that. (Looks at the sky) I think I should head home. Later babe."
Maioko: "(Rolls eyes) I still say you and Irvine should meet."
Zidane: "Probably will." He walks off. Maioko looks to the sky as well; it seems very dark and seems ready to collapse.
Maioko: "Oh boy, why do I get the nasty feeling there's gonna be a storm? Because you were good when it came to getting lost. You know the whole nature thing, sensing storms is normal for you. Where's the whole me and Acronos crap? More important idea: if you don't feel like catching pneumonia from a blizzard, get inside and take everyone with you. For once, you gave me a good idea. " She walked briskly forward and commented that it seemed like a storm to someone. They nodded and said they'd tell everyone to go inside the castle. She saw the weapon shop out of the corner of her eye. Entering, she saw no one, she asked the owner.
Owner: "Two people, one with a katana and the other a spear and double swords? Yeah, they're in there practicing." Maioko walked in and found them very busy; the two were fighting with tons of strength and showing off as much as possible. She shook her head and told them to come with her, since a storm was brewing. They stopped, nodded and followed her. They found Kairi next, and she got up as she noticed them and they all went inside.
Kairi: "Why don't we find Acronos, he usually is good with finding people." They nodded and searched most of the Bastion.
Auron: "Ugh, this is taking too long. Maioko, where do you think he might be?"
Maioko: "Why're you asking me?"
Acane: "It should be obvious by now that everyone thinks you two are in love or will be. Just get used to it."
Maioko: "Sigh… Library, kitchen, any place with weaponry or fighting, all of these places are where he might be. Running, they checked the library, even where I mentioned Acronos was before, but no dice. He wasn't in the kitchen either. When they asked, they found that there were twenty-seven different armories in the castle, and everyone was coming in now, making wandering around more difficult.
Maioko: "ARGH! We'll never find him in time at this rate!"
Acronos: "(Walking up behind her) Find who? If you need someone located, I'm the guy to come to."
Maioko: "AHH! Dammit Acronos, you scared me!"
Acronos: "Sorry."
Maioko: "Ugh, just find where everybody is, okay?"
Acronos: "Actually, I got everybody together, we were just looking for you guys."
Tidus: "Yeah, there's a storm coming."
Selphie: "I heard it was a snowstorm, a blizzard!"
Acronos: "Really? I expected rain, must get cold fast around here."
Kairi: "Actually, it's usually warm, but there's always a snowstorm, sometimes even in hot weather."
Maioko: "Acronos? Please tell me you already got rooms."
Acronos: "Actually, I was planning to find everyone and leave while the weather allowed it."
Selphie: "We still have to find Tifa and Lulu!"
Lulu: "Did someone call me?"
Selphie: "AHH! Don't do that!"
Lulu: "Sorry."
Acronos: "Any idea where Tifa is? I can't locate her on the map of this world."
Auron: "Strange."
Acane: "Doesn't your map cover where just about everything is?"
Acronos: "Yeah, either she's got some sort of cloaking, or she's not on this world. I'll broaden the range a bit… Hmm, nothing still. I'll try a link to the darkness… Nothing again, what's up with this?" Tifa comes up behind them from the shadows.
Tifa: "Perhaps your computer is a bit too specific. Try a more general scanning." Acronos did so after jumping from the surprise.
Acronos: "Oh, you're right, it was set too specifically. Thanks. Now, lets get the rooms!"
Person: "I'm sorry, but there aren't any specific rooms that can be rented. If you find a place that doesn't have anybody in it, feel free to stay there."
Maioko: "Awww crap, not again. Huh, what's Acronos doing? " He walked off and called forth his shadow heartless.
Acronos: "Umbra, become shadow and check if there's a free spot anywhere nearby. Try to find some place safe and comfortable." It nods, disappears, and reappears a few moments later. It looks at Acronos and after looking at it strangely, he nods.
Acronos: "Umbra tells me there's some space in the library. Also, the room with the final keyhole is being avoided like the plague. It's a bit cold there since there's no heating, but other than that it's okay. He also says that the blizzard is getting worse, and trying to leave would chance destroying the gummi ship. It's also freezing out there. I guess it's up to our leader to decide." Everyone looks at Maioko.
Maioko: "What?"
Acronos: "Remember, I'm navigator, I give the options, you choose. If you want me to choose, I can also do that."
Maioko: "Umm, how much room is in the library?"
Acronos: "If we go now, there's enough room for five people."
Maioko: "Hmm… Uhh, I guess it's up to everyone." Everyone starts to head to the keyhole and Acronos begins to prepare a fire. Maioko shakes her head and follows. They all wander there, and Maioko unlocks the door. They're all hit with a blast of cold air. Acronos goes forward and creates a rather large flame in the center of the room, and changes it to black so it won't distract anyone. The cold seems to affect him, and he goes to the rise that's above everything in the back, and leans against the wall. After thinking a bit, he calls forth his keyblade and leans against the wall with it leaning next to him, in the crook of his arm.
Auron jumps up to where Riku once sat above the keyhole. Acane gets bored and grabs a seat away from the fire, near a pillar. Tidus sees the path next to the keyhole, jumps up to it and falls asleep with one leg swinging from the side. Yuna finds a spot next to a warm computer and decides on it. Acronos shifts from his position, gets up and throws sleeping bags to everyone. He then sits back down, but doesn't appear to go back to sleep.
Lulu finds a nice, shady spot and conjures up another flame to keep warmer. Wakka finds a spot near her, because he wants to keep warm too. Irvine grabs a spot in the center of the area, along with Selphie nearby. Tifa was sleeping near the door, making sure to be facing it, while Kairi changed her mind and went to the library. Maioko looks over at Acronos, concerned.
Maioko: "I'm just being paranoid. Sleep time. Maybe some place closer to the fire will be nicer. " She grabs a spot near where Acronos is, but closer to the flames. I feel like bringing something new to this, so now view the story now from Maioko's point of view!
I suddenly open my eyes, for some reason something feels wrong. Hmm, now why could that be? I look around, everyone's sleeping soundly where he or she first was, but some positions have changed. Tidus appeared to have rolled over in his sleep, and now has his head nestled in Yuna's lap, aww how cute. Haha! Auron fell over too, but he got caught on something sticking out, he'll have one hell of a time when he wakes up. Irvine seems to have rolled nearer to Selphie, I don't know if it's intentional or not. Wakka and Lulu are sleeping back to back, both looking very serious, cool.
I turn over, and notice no Acronos nearby, oh great, he just had to get up and leave, and he knows that makes me get up, Geez. Where could he have gone this time, Vegas? Sigh… Why do I get the feeling he's nearby? Hmm, guess I'll look for him.
I get up silently; I don't feel like disturbing anyone. Jumping down noiselessly, I slowly walk to the door, but Tifa gets up. She asks: "Huh? Oh, just you Maioko. Where are you off to so late?" "Acronos seems to have felt like wandering and woke me up, I'm gonna go look for him." I respond. "Sigh, be careful, there's probably something around here you might want to avoid. The standard of living here isn't exactly high, so the night may not be as safe here as it is on Destiny Islands." "I'll be fine, remember, my weapons are constantly with me?" "Still… Have fun." She nods and falls back asleep.
I go through the door, and I don't see anything, it's pitch black around here. It seems that even though Acronos' flame was black, it did provide some light. I summon some magical energy and create a small fireball to light my way. Raising it above my head, I take a look around, still nothing. I leave the room and keep looking, but I can't seem to find anything. This is annoying, where could he be? Sigh… Why do I keep feeling a nagging in my head? Hmm, it's like a directional sensor or something, why not, I guess I'll follow it.
I head upstairs, and after a bit, I find a smaller door. Opening it isn't pleasant; I'm hit with a blast of cold air, which is not fun, especially since I've been pretty warm inside here. Damn, it's frickin' freezing out here! I start to think this annoying nagging is just trying to kill me or something. Curse my decision to change into sleeping clothes and not change back! Brr… Hey, who's that? Huh, freaky… This guy's let his long hair go in front of his face, keeping shadows in front of it, and it's spooky…
Hey, that's Acronos! I go to talk with him, but he raises one hand ever so slowly, his nightshirt billowing around him. How can he stand this weather? He's probably wearing less than I am! Huh, one snowflake slowly drifts down; it's rather large and looks like a feather… Pretty… It falls into his hand, and he clenches his fist around it, and slowly brings it up in front of his face, still in shadow due to his hair. Wow, creepy and cool at the same time, a new record I suppose.
His keyblade appears at his side, but I think it was only that I didn't notice it before. This is strange; it's like a silent reverence, a sort of a prayer or something… In a way, it's terrifying. Hey, my earlier fear, maybe the power is corrupting him, maybe this is some sort of dark ritual? Hmm, maybe not… For some reason, I can sort of see into Acronos or something, his soul perhaps? It's bright, a golden light that feels warm. If this is his soul, then I like it, warmth and light, two good things to have on a night like this. Maybe that's what's keeping him warm?
The darkness surrounding this balcony was almost absolute, save for my small fire, with the stars overhead, piercing through the thick veil of clouds. Still covering his eyes, Acronos turns his head in my direction slowly. Yikes! I probably look like I was a kid caught with her hand in the cookie jar or something. He just keeps staring at me, but then again, I wouldn't know if his eyes are closed or something…
We've kept up this staring contest for a while now, I think it's been an hour, but then again, I wouldn't know, would I? I blink. He turns away, and calmly jumps up to the roofing above the balcony and keeps on jumping up and up until he reaches the top spire of the castle. He doesn't expect me to follow him, does he? Wait, a challenge? Heh, neither he nor I can resist a challenge we think we have a chance at. So be it, I'm going up.
A few minutes up, and I'm starting to regret this, it's colder as I go higher, my grip keeps slipping, I looked down once and almost squeaked, (Thank God I didn't, that would be too embarrassing for my image), and did I mention the cold and the snow? 'Cause it's really snowing harder up here, I can't imagine how Acronos jumped up here, I'm climbing it like a rock wall…
AHH! Damn, I fell! Might as well close my eyes and watch my life flash by… What, no film? Hey, am I still falling? I slowly open my eyes, but as I open them, I realize keeping them closed might have been better, Acronos caught me by my wrist, and is looking at me concerned. All the mystery that seemed to shroud him, that sense of him being an enigma, it's gone when I look in his eyes again, they're just as happy, (or in this case, concerned) as they usually are. To think, I was almost scared of him? This guy wouldn't hurt anyone unless he had to.
"Are you okay?" He asks, ever the polite one. I think I won't start berating him for leaving until we get down, I'll go with a more truthful approach. "Fine, just fine. How the hell did you manage to jump all this way? Second off, how can you stand the cold?" "I don't know, snowy weather always affects me a bit" as he stares at the night sky and the falling snow, he lifts me so I can at least sit without his assistance, "I think snow is one of the most beautiful sights nature can offer. The spring's blooms are nice, but that's a bit too cheery for me, and it's only an external thing that lasts only so long. Summer's calm is pleasant, but it's almost boring. Fall's harvest moon and leaves are indeed pretty, but they fade fast. Snow however, is beautiful on the outside, and always inspires deep thoughts if you look at it, especially in the night. Plus, it leaves grudgingly, making you go through a nice workout to free yourself of it. I love snowy weather… A bit cold to be sure, but I still love it."
He's still staring out at the night. Wow, that was really deep… I thought he was just the kind of person who helps out everybody and has a sense of justice, a hero of the light if I do say so myself, but here he is, spouting something almost poetic. The sense of mystery has returned to him… Which brings up an important question: Do I even really know him? I mean, I always took him for face value, as if he wore all his emotions on his sleeve, and he always made it look like he did. I really don't know him as well as I thought. Try to learn more, stay closer to him. Oh no, not you again. However, that is a valid point, if I stay closer, then maybe I'll learn more about this side of him.
It's interesting, he's almost two people: one of the light, and another of the dark, and both are as pronounced as the other. If he's both and neither, then what exactly is he? Ask around, this element is something that very few people know of, or understand. Being primarily of this element is really rare. Try to find out more about him. No matter how much you say you don't love him, you're still curious, maybe that's enough for you to spend enough time with him. Hmm… I agree that spending more time will yield more results, but for the last time, I do not love him.
My mind shuts up, and I stare out at the night with Acronos. I hate to ruin the moment, but I can't help shivering. The mystery disappears instantly and his usual concern returns. I sneeze. "We really should go inside, it is rather cold out, isn't it?" "I'm fine. Oh, and Acronos?" "Yeah?" "Would you mind not keeping everything to yourself? In case you haven't noticed, you're not alone; we're all here to talk about anything you're thinking of. Now get back inside, you know I can't get to sleep if you're wandering around." With that I manage to jump back down to the balcony without any trouble, (Yay, that was really cool!) only to fall on the ice, (No, my poor image!).
Oww, that actually hurts! I only thought it would sting or something. Acronos calmly reaches down, and I grab his hand, a bit sheepishly. Not because I'm afraid of holding his hand or anything, it's just that I completely ruined the moment I'd set. "I think you're right. Keeping stuff inside isn't too good an idea. Disguising it in a mask of light, or a mask of toughness, both aren't right." Hey, now wait a second, was he referring to me? You do keep a lot of things bottled up. Acronos knows less of you than you know of him, unless his ability to judge people's characters extends to being able to understand them. Shut up.
We go inside, and Acronos takes his earlier position, but this time rolls out a sleeping bag. He crawls in and falls asleep quickly, or at least, I think he fell asleep. I set my small fire to being black, and let it float above me. I crawl into my sleeping bag and get some well-deserved rest. The next morning, (back to normal point of view), everyone woke up normally. Acronos got up first, as usual, and then every other person randomly. They all woke up to some food on a table in front of them, courtesy of Acronos and his habit of waking up early. Eating hungrily, the discussion switched to what to do next.
Tifa: "So, where to?"
Acronos: "FFX of course. Not only is it unsealed, but your friends are there."
Acane: "Which brings up the point, how many worlds are left?"
Acronos: "Hmm, I think there were ten at last count, let me re-check." He pulls up the chart, and counts five worlds, including FFX.
Acane: "Wow, how'd Sora manage to seal all those?"
Irvine: "I don't think he could get to each of those worlds so quickly."
Acane: "But then, that would imply…"
Acronos: "Another keyblade master or wielder… I think it's Riku."
Kairi: "But how, Riku's keyblade unlocks hearts, not seals worlds."
Acronos: "I don't know, perhaps there's someone helping him?"
Kairi: "Hmm…"
Maioko: "Well, it doesn't matter much, now does it? Lets just focus on the world we're sealing. At some point or other, there's going to only be one more world, and then all the keyblade people will meet. That means you'll meet Sora, Kairi!"
Kairi: "(Blushing) Shut up Mai."
Acronos: "Did you call her 'Mai'? Hmm, interesting nickname."
Maioko: "Don't you start too!"
Kairi: "Muahahahaha! Another victory for me!"
Maioko: "Shut up Kai."
Kairi: "Interesting nickname…"
Maioko: "Sigh."
Acronos: "Well then, lets mosey!"
Maioko: "Argh! No, no, no! You've gotta sound more like a leader!"
Acronos: "(Smiling) but you're leader, remember?"
Maioko: "If you start acting like one, you've gotta play the role right. Now, it's not 'lets mosey', it's-"
Tifa: " 'Let's move out!' Right?"
Maioko: "… Huh? How'd you know what I was going to say?"
Tifa: "An extremely long winded coincidence that involves me telling you most of my past. Which I obviously won't say."
Acronos: "Okay then… people, move out!"
Maioko: "Finally!" They all proceeded to the nearest save point, which was right outside in the next room. Aboard the gummi ship, everyone busied himself or herself doing something. I think I'm going to add more depth to my characters, prepare for more stuff that changes characters! Lets start with Irvine, shall we?
I went into the room that was used for training, mainly because holograms were projected. "Ship, I need some target practice!" Some bulls-eyes appeared. That's a bit too easy for me, but it'll do for what I have in mind. I suppose everyone with a weapon does this, but when I do target practice, I usually can think better than any other time. Loading my gun, I aim and fire, a bit off from the center. Sigh, my aim's off, along with my concentration. I aim at the next target, still a bit off. I start firing at a faster pace, trying harder to hit the targets. Sigh, why's my focus off, what's going on to get me this off? Hmm… Perhaps it's this entire journey; it's worn you out. Being off the Islands for so long isn't normal for you, and this much company isn't usual either. Shut up. I'll admit to the fact that I'm still not used to the whole group thing.
I'm a sharpshooter, because of that; I'm supposed to be alone for the rest of my life. I've accepted that. I suppose that's why I'm always looking for a cheap thrill, just to know that I can at least have some sort of company. Now though, I have friends apparently. It's weird to have so many friends, I mean seriously, it's almost scary. To be honest, I was just getting used to the fact that Selphie's my girlfriend, I mean, I'm still not used to the idea itself. I suppose what Maioko calls my perversion is simply that I don't understand yet that I'm not going to need any more cheap thrills.
Maioko, that's odd, I related something to her, as if that's normal. Isn't that what friends do? I'm still unsure what the concept behind friends is. Maybe if I just keep up my usual personality, I'll learn what being friends with someone really is. I doubt it, trying to explain unity to a loner is impossible. You'll never understand friendship, and that'll only end up hurting Selphie. You leave her out of this. What, you're trying to protect her now? C'mon, you know all she is to you is a longer lasting thrill. … I thought I told you to leave Selphie out of this. You had better. If I know nothing else about being around people, it's that you've gotta be loyal, through thick and thin!
Acronos walks in, and sees the targets. My aim's horrible today, I've even missed a few of them, damn my lack of focus. He looks at me, and for one fleeting second, I think he looked through me. He takes a look at the target, raises his arm, lets it snap forward, and that shoots a dart into the center, and right on through it.
"Irvine, your focus is way off. What's up man?" Yep, he looked straight through me. I guess I'll try telling the truth for once. "Oh, nothing much. I'm just a little, umm, confused about some things." "Really? What about? Maybe I can be of some assistance. I know a thing or two." "Could you help me understand what the deal with friendship is? The only thing I understand is that friends are loyal to each other, but that's it." I swear, that look of surprise is strangely sincere.
"Well, this is a bit difficult to try and explain. Being friends with someone, I suppose that means that you both share common ideas, and can stand being around each other, in fact, you'd probably prefer being around them than being around other random people. Could you tell me exactly what you're not getting, maybe I can help more then."
"… I'm a sharpshooter. Because of that, I'm supposed to be feared, mistrusted. I'm supposed to be a loner, the loneliness of the sharpshooter you might say. Now suddenly I have a bunch of people traveling around with me, (I take a shot at a target, missing), and not one of them fears me, or gives me any reason to keep to myself. I'm used to living by cheap thrills, just 'cause there'd most likely not be anything else in the world. Having something, someone to depend on, that's new to me. I just want to understand how someone can not be alone? (This shot pierces through the center of another)"
"… Hmm… Think of it this way. Your weapon, you can depend on it through thick and thin, right? Friends are like weapons, tools, but more than that. Friends are there for you, like your weapon, but they'll still be there for you even when you're not strong enough to lift the weapon. Friendship is the ability to truly laugh with another person, the ability to shed your masks, to be happy around them, to be sad, to be angry, and to have them accept your emotions because that's who you are. True friends are people you can trust. A good friend is a person that you can have a fight with, and still end up friends with each other later on. I guess a friend is someone that you trust with your true spirit, stuff you just wouldn't share with others."
"So a friend is someone who can understand you?" "Yes and no. They can usually understand you most of the time, and when they can't, they'll either try and make you reconsider, or just accept what you're doing as part of who you are. Well, lets take a more personal example, shall we? I'm standing here, and you've trusted me with the fact that you didn't quite understand something. Would you have told a passing heartless what you just told me? (I shake my head) That's exactly my point. You trusted me with part of yourself, and I tried to understand, and also to help you. Friendship is, lets say, a connection of mind to mind, and trust to trust."
I sort of understand that. "I think I get that, thanks Acronos." I take one last shot, and the bulls-eye now has a neat, large hole in its center. Acronos tosses a dart at another one, breaking it from the base, and nods to me. I fill it full of bullets while he sends darts ripping through it. The bulls-eye lands on the floor a tattered heap of paper scraps. "Ship, put Irvine on a higher level of targets." Floating targets appear, moving quickly. I think he can see me salivating and he walks out. (End Irvine's point of view)
Acronos stepped out of the training room, and hears a bunch of gunshots, followed by the distinct sound of targets hitting the floor. He smiles and nods in satisfaction. Walking to the bridge, his computer mentions something in the engine room, and he heads over to go fix it. Shifting again, we find Lulu in the company of a good book. She reads a passage there, and it lets her mind wander a bit.
Hmm, this person seems to be having quite the amount of troubles. Sounds like a bunch of people I know lately. Heh, a group this large, it's unusual for me to be surrounded by this many people. Oh well… hmm: his little brother looked up at him in anticipation, what was he going to say now? Little brother, eh? That's funny, Wakka's always treated like the big brother of the group, and I suppose everyone looks at me like the older sister. (I allow a smirk to grace my face) Tidus probably not only looks up to me as an older sister, but also fears me as the person who checks up on him.
I suppose Yuna will ask my approval if she wants to tell him she loves him. (I shake my head) I don't know, though, the way she's been acting, if I say no, she'll probably just go against me anyway. I think Tidus is actually a good influence on her, he's bringing out her strong will more and more. I suppose this is good for her, now she can spread her wings without fear.
Acronos… Where'd his name pop up from? Hmm, do I trust him yet? Selphie probably would berate me, but I still keep my eye on him for whatever reason. However, he continually shows signs of darker powers. I suppose each and every time he's had them, he's either controlled himself and made tremendous effort not to do anything rash, or used them to further our purpose. Acronos is more than he appears, perhaps that's why I don't trust him; I like to know about those I spend time around. Take Wakka for instance, I know him, and most of his secrets. Some of his secrets he keeps, but I can always tell how to handle them. Oh, I've gone off on such a tangent, I really must get back to reading, and then maybe I can consult these books, I'm sure I saw something on spell casting somewhere. (End Lulu's point of view). As Lulu raised the book to continue reading it, she smirked, finding it almost done. In the nearby hallway, Auron passed by. He walked for a bit, and then turned around and walked the other direction. Lets see what's going on in his head, shall we?
I keep walking down the hallway. Maybe I should turn around and just start pacing a bit. Wait, pacing? No, I have an image to preserve, but hey, who cares? I still think pacing isn't a good idea, maybe something to eat? No, not hungry. Is there anything in particular that I need to do? Hmm… Guess I'll join Irvine in the training room, maybe working on hitting flying targets is a good idea to improve my accuracy. I wander back towards the training room, and Irvine comes out looking very happy indeed. He looks like he just had a great session of combat, and had an important question answered beforehand.
"Hey Auron, what's up?" "Going to train." "That's cool. It's still set on flying targets, so you might want to remember to change it to suit your preferences." He strolls off with ease. Odd, he usually pesters me about how I'm going to train or something. I enter, and find the room devoid of but one flying target. It seems that it was loaded wrong, and has a broken wing or something. How noble, Irvine let it live. "Ship, I need some flying targets. I want them to be quick, agility improvement." I bark out. The hologram projector complies and soon I'm in a room full of bugs. A bit too full for much dodging, but I can fix that in no time.
As my blade cleaves through a couple of them, my mind begins to loosen its focus. So, we're heading to the world I came from. I suppose nobody else remembers the world sending us here to rescue it later on, mainly since I was the only one dead at the time. (I smirk) I died, how pathetic, yet I still lived on, as a memory of sorts. It doesn't matter now, does it? I'm going back to my old world, and I'm not about to take this one off. Perhaps kicking some ass over there will make my life seem just a bit more my own. (Another target falls to my blade). Actually, it should be interesting; perhaps there will be a second Tidus on that world… Oh God, two of them? I don't think I can handle that, but it doesn't really matter. I think that's enough, I'm back to normal now. I continue slicing through the bugs until there are none left. Instead of continuing, I decide to stop and go get some rest. On my way out, I bump into Acane. She seems distracted, so I won't bother her. (End Auron's point of view, switch to Acane.)
I walk into the training room; didn't I just push past Auron? I'm too distracted, must kill something! "Ship, I want the fastest targets available!" The room blurs to make itself larger, and a bunch of ninja appear. They're moving way too fast for most people, but I'm not most people. Running at them makes them seem to move almost slowly. My speed is unmatched, and I doubt if anyone could possibly hope to outrun me. Acronos might have a fighting chance, but I'd still win when it comes to speed and agility. Speed training's good, I haven't done anything but strength training for a while. I stuck with that so I could be even, and not depend totally on my speed. This is actually relaxing; maybe there'll be rapid targets where we're going? Aww who am I kidding, of course there are, I learned how to move this fast against the targets on that world. I can't believe that the time period was sent forward a couple hundred years, with me being too far away to be affected. I bet anyone there will look at me and wonder why I'm not dead yet. Perhaps they'll think I'm an unsent, a dead person who's still alive only because of their need to stay in the world of the living. (I shake my head, and almost loose my target) Nobody will recognize me; I didn't exactly make many friends there. The only person I could trust was my sis, and she's dead now. I don't even know who to damn, the Sin spawn that took her away only was testing me, and Bevelle is a city with innocent people in it. Damned Sin. I didn't believe that monster was created from people's sins, and the Sin spawn confirmed my suspicions. Why, oh why did it have to be so strong, though? If I had managed to not get caught by the heartless right in the middle of our fight, my sister wouldn't have had to use the Final Aeon. Grr, damned Yevon! Damned religion! Damned lies… Sigh, why did I even mention my world to Acronos? Perhaps because it was unsealed? I know that, but why not some other world? How should I know, you're the one who did it. Sigh. So, how exactly are we going to do this? The world has been advanced to its future, and somehow still existed without a heart. Now that it's heart has returned, what effects will being sealed have upon the whole world? A very messed up world indeed, one that must have spawned very messed up people. Fortunately, I'm not one of them; I was born to an angel and a human, so luckily I'm not as messed up as everyone from my accursed world. Hmm, but why did Auron know slang from Spira? Could he be from the world? It would be very interesting. Hmm, didn't Acronos look at nearly everyone worriedly? Could they all be from my world? What's going on anyway? I wish somebody could just understand all this. The final ninja falls to my spear. I decide some meditation might help me out, and leave the room. (End Acane's point of view.)
The new world came up, and the gummi ship announced that they were here. Acronos rushed up from the engine room in coveralls, grease and oil flying from his hair, (now a ponytail). Skidding to a halt in front of the screen, he began landing preparations.
Maioko: "Umm, Acronos? Why are you wearing coveralls?"
Selphie: "And your hair… well, I'm not complaining about the style, but you do realize it looks like its been dipped in oil, right?"
Acronos: "(Distracted) Yeah, it mostly likely has been. I was working on the engine just now, and the ship provided me with some work clothes. It seems that there was a blockage of fuel, and I needed to remedy it. It kinda goes without saying that I got dirty."
Irvine: "Dude, take a shower. No offense, but the keyblade master can't really make an entrance in coveralls looking like a mechanic."
Acronos: "Okay, give me a few minutes." He runs out the door really fast.
Ship: "Landing in five minutes." Four minutes and fifty seconds later, Acronos ran through the door looking very clean, but his hair wasn't as spiky as usual, and dripped water a bit.
Lulu: "No time to gel your hair?"
Acronos: "Gel? You think I use gel? Hold on." They all walk outside, onto the streets of a metropolis.
Acane: "I don't remember any part of Spira being this advanced, machines were forbidden." Acronos shakes out his hair vigorously, uses the heated wind spell, and it just spikes itself messily.
Acronos: "See, no gel. Acane, you've been here before?"
Acane: "Uhh, long story."
Acronos: "Okay then, anyone want to leave?" Nobody raises his or her hand. "Okay then, lets go." Going forward a bit, they end up near a large dome. There are some guards in front of it.
Guard: "Do you guys have your tickets?"
Acronos: "Tickets? Uhh, no, we're new here."
Guard: "Right. Sorry, but you'll need a ticket to watch the Blitzball game. I'm afraid it would be next to impossible to find them at this point."
Acronos: "Right, thanks." They all walk away.
Maioko: "So, anyone want to watch from the top of the stadium anyway?"
Acronos: "Huh? But we don't have any tickets."
Maioko: "Why would that stop us?"
Irvine: "I like how you think. Anybody got a grappling hook?" They all stare blankly at him, while Acronos ransacks his pocket dimension. Just as Lulu is about to tell him that it would be pointless to look anymore, he pulls a rather long grappling hook out of the pocket.
Acronos: "Yep, I've got one right here. What 'cha need it for?" They all stare at him in surprise, but Irvine takes it in stride.
Irvine: "Thanks Acronos. Now, is this long enough…? Yeah, I think it might just do it. Who here can throw the best?" Everybody automatically looks at Wakka.
Wakka: "What're you looking at me for, ya?"
Maioko: "You can throw best, so take aim."
Wakka: "What do you… (Dawns on him) Oh. Uhh, I don't think that's such a good idea, ya? What if we get caught?"
Maioko: "What if we get caught? (She cracks her knuckles)."
Wakka: "Okay, but I still don't think this is too good an idea." He grabs the hook, spins it, aims for the roof, (the dome is more in the style of the Coliseum), and launches it. It fastens nicely to the edge, and he tests it's sturdiness. Finding it appropriate, he hands it to Maioko.
Wakka: "Ladies first, ya?"
Maioko: "Wow Wakka, you're made for this kind of thing!" She climbs to the top rather quickly. Selphie steps forward, but Acronos puts his hand in front of her.
Acronos: "Selphie, I really don't think you want to climb this rope right now."
Selphie: "(Pouting) Why not?"
Acronos: "Umm, without sounding too odd, your clothes?" She looks down, notices that she's wearing a dress, and blushes a bit.
Selphie: "Right you are. I'll wait down here with Lulu."
Lulu: "…"
Acronos: "Okay, Irvine, you go up."
Irvine: "Why me?"
Acronos: "You were the second to suggest it."
Maioko: "Hurry it up, the game's gonna start soon!" Irvine takes the rope and starts climbing. Everybody makes it up in time, and Acronos pulls the grappling hook up when everybody's done.
Acronos: "Can't forget this important little thing." The dome starts to close, and rock music begins blaring out at them. Acronos looks at the game, and his vision allows him to get a decent view. After scanning the game for a bit, he pulls back, shocked.
Acronos: "Whoa! I didn't expect!"
Tidus: "Expect what?"
Acronos: "Uhh, that move should be illegal!"
Tidus: "Really, which one?" A player is thrown bodily from the game.
Acronos: "That move." The game continues until the ball is sent really, really high. A player jumps up after it, and sets up to do a kick. Acronos has to tilt his head to see the guy, but the shocked look on his face makes him turn around and jump up himself. In the distance, he sees a gigantic tidal wave fire blasts of energy at the dome and the city.
Acronos: "Crap! Everyone, get ready for some serious shaking!" The dome starts shaking madly from the blasts. Outside the dome, the player who'd noticed the wave stood up and looked around, and noticed two things of importance. One was the fact that his mentor was standing nearby. The second was the large red circle growing larger with each passing second on the wall next to him. He jumped away, and with great timing, because right at that moment, the circle exploded outward with a mighty cry of "Ultima!"
Acronos: "And that, my friends, is how you escape from a collapsing building."
Auron: "And here I was thinking that it was best to escape before the place collapses."
Acronos: "Well, this is assuming you don't have that option."
Player: "Auron! Uhh, why are there two of you? Is that a second, little, me?"
(Older) Auron & Auron: "Two Tidus'? Just great." Both look at each other for a moment and nod. Tidus and his older counterpart stare at each other, and just keep staring.
(O) Auron: "C'mon. We've got to get moving." Older Tidus shrugged and followed, while the younger Auron got everybody else to follow. Soon they'd reached a point where a bunch of pod-scale things dropped out of the sky. The older Auron calmly handed the older Tidus the same sword younger Tidus had. He slashed clumsily, and fell down. Acronos could barely contain his laughter. Older Tidus got up again, and this time took a better stance. Everyone took up his or her stance and began to hack through the annoying monsters, which older Auron identified as Sin-scales. After slicing and dicing many of them, they reached a really large monster. It looked like a black missile, with a writhing tail behind it, and several tentacles where the tail and body connected. Acronos looked at it and wondered what it would attack with. Maioko looked at it and the image of it skewered came to mind. Everyone attacked the thing rather quickly, but kept having to heal because the creature kept using Gravity. Finally Acronos just yelled out to stop healing; its only attack was Gravity. The beating proceeded without a hitch since they didn't need to heal, no matter what, Gravity can't kill you. The thing died and disappeared in a poof of strange little lights.
Acronos: "What are those?"
(O) Auron: "Pyreflies. They make life and magic go. Anything and everything that has energy is most likely made of pyreflies."
Acronos: "Oh, that's good to know." After the strange boss thingy, they came upon a blue sphere.
(O) Auron: "This is a save sphere. It restores energy, and gives you visions of the future sometimes."
Acronos: "Oh, well, that's useful, now we can get back if necessary." Moving forward only a bit, they were surrounded by many, many Sin-scales.
Acane: "Sin-spawn, Sin-scales, this is starting to sound like my first journey!"
Acronos: "Huh, what do you mean?"
Acane: "Long story, I may tell you later, much later." A few slashes, and the annoyances ceased to be, but were immediately replaced.
Acronos: "Uh-oh, this could be a problem."
(O) Auron: "Hmm… Look, there's a tanker, attack it and we may just have a way out of here." The people with physical weapons began hacking at the connection of the tanker, while those who preferred magic blasted any Sin-scale foolish enough to try and attack from the rear. Finally the tanker fell, and the resulting explosion gave them time to run away from the overly large amount of Sin-scales. They all jumped and managed to get to a higher ledge. Older Tidus barely caught on to the ledge, along with a few others. Everybody helped each other, but they expected the older Auron to help the older Tidus. The fact that he didn't was surprising. A large 'eye' formed over them all, and older Auron began to listen to it or something.
(O) Auron: "You are sure? Fine then. (He picks up older Tidus by his collar) This is your story now."
Acronos: "Older Auron, what the hell are you doing?"
Auron: "Guys, I think he sort of has a point."
Maioko: "Huh?"
Auron: "In case you haven't noticed, we're being sucked up into that vortex." Everyone was indeed sucked up, each with different reactions. Maioko began blasting whatever was taking them in, and Acronos tried to absorb some of its energy. Unfortunately, this didn't really work and they were all sucked in, and apparently knocked out. Acronos woke up in a bleak place to an alarm from his computer and a large headache. The sky was dark, he was on a fragment of rock, and everywhere the eye could see was water, and also some ruins far in the distance. He looked around, but saw nobody. His eyes widened, as he looked around more frantically. Taking a deep breath, he yelled out a curse in the language of the Elves, which is far worse than our curses. From far in the distance, he heard an elongated "Hey!" He responded with an elongated and loud "Hello!" the other person asked, "Where are you?" After a moment of contemplation, Acronos yelled back, "To your northwest!" His hearing told him someone was swimming towards him, so he took the time to address his computer.
Acronos: "Sigh, computer, what's your alarm going off about?"
Computer: "Warning, damage incurred. Transfer through massive magical vortex has damaged my circuits. Certain functions have been disabled."
Acronos: "Okay, what's disabled, and how long will it take to fix?"
Computer: "Currently repairs aren't fully possible. Outside parts and data are necessary. Map function: offline. Data recording: online. Translations: online. Hologram function: offline. Currently this unit's capacities extend only to recording data manually and using it. Excess functions are mostly offline."
Acronos: "Oh crap. That means I'll have to search this entire world for everybody."
Computer: "You also no longer have access to getting to the gummi ship."
Acronos: "WHAT!"
Computer: "Repeat: gummi ship access is unavailable until parts are located. Listing…" A list of some various parts and stuff appears, and files itself away. Acronos shakes his head, and notices that Tidus is coming near him.
Acronos: "Hey Tidus. Oh wait; you're the Tidus of this world, never mind. I suppose I have to introduce myself, don't I?"
(O) Tidus: "Whoa, slow down there a bit. 'Tidus of this world', what do you mean?"
Acronos: "It's a long, complicated story. I'll tell you when we're not in any danger, okay?"
(O) Tidus: "Okay, sure. So, you know I'm Tidus, star player of the Zanarkand Abes."
Acronos: "I didn't know the 'star player' part. I did see your most recent victory though. Did you really have to throw the guy out of the pool? Anyway, I'm Acronos, the keyblade master." They shake hands.
(O) Tidus: "Keyblade, what's that?"
Acronos: "This." The keyblade appears in his hand.
(O) Tidus: "Weird weapon. Oh well, I suppose it's everyone for themselves, eh? So, you have any idea where we are?"
Acronos: "Don't you?"
(I won't bother with the "O" since he's the only one for now) Tidus: "Nope."
Acronos: "Great, and me without my friends to help me out."
Tidus: "Well, at least they came with you."
Acronos: "Yeah. Lets go, I can feel some memories of this place coming back."
Tidus: "You mean you lived here?"
Acronos: "You know that long story I'm going to tell you eventually?"
Tidus: "Oh, right. Any idea where to go?"
Acronos: "Straight ahead." They swim onwards for a bit, and eventually stumble across a blue circle with some writing on it. Neither of them can read it, but the computer translates it.
Acronos: "Says something about the 'Thunder Plains', ring any bells?"
Tidus: "Nope."
Acronos: "Okay, so I suppose this is worthless to us then." Going forward some more, they reach dry land. After checking out the area for items, they reach a ledge, only to have it collapse and throw them both in the water. Acronos comes up sputtering for air.
Acronos: "Argh! Cold!"
Tidus: "Yep, now what?"
Acronos: "Well, I think there's an entrance of some sort over there, but it's underwater."
Tidus: "So? I can hold my breath a really long time."
Acronos: "Well then, I'll have to find a way of holding air underwater… Aha!" He casts Aeroga, which seals air inside for him to breathe. Smirking, he dives down and they look around until they encounter some fish-things. After some slashes, there's only one, which another, really huge, fish comes along and eats.
Acronos: "Eep, big fishy." Tidus nods, and they start to edge towards the door, only to have the thing notice them and charge. They both swim out of the way, and begin hacking at it. It makes an attempt to eat Tidus, and Acronos is forced to retreat both of them from the battle into the entrance.
Acronos: "Blast! I hate running from a battle."
Tidus: "Yeah, but we couldn't have defeated that huge thing."
Acronos: "Well…"
Tidus: "If there's one thing Auron taught me, it's that you should choose your battles wisely."
Acronos: "Yeah, I suppose. Well, now what?"
Tidus: "Good question." They walk forward a bit, and Tidus complains of the cold. Acronos creates a medium sized fire in the center of the room. Tidus immediately runs to it and warms himself, since the place is extremely cold.
Acronos: "C'mon, lets explore these ruins, I have a feeling something's here that would be useful."
Tidus: "Aww, but the fire's here." Acronos summons the fire to him, and that brings Tidus along with it.
Acronos: "It's a magical fire, I can lead it where I need it, now lets go already!" They eventually stumble upon a room with a bunch of statues and a really large symbol in front of the door. Acronos punches it, but to no avail. Thinking a bit, he points his keyblade at it, and the seal breaks after a moment. They enter and Acronos looks at the glowing glass covering a statue that's part of the floor. Thinking a bit more, Acronos keeps thinking about some random holy thing to this world's religion…
Acronos: "Aha! Tidus, what's Blitzball for victory?" Tidus shows him. He takes a step back with one foot, raises his arms, then stands normally again with his hands making a circle with the right over the left, and bows. A lady appears above the statue. Tidus jumps back in shock, while Acronos just smiles.
Lady: "One of you called?"
Tidus: "Uhh, I think I did."
Lady: "However, you are not a summoner. You are though, keyblade master."
Acronos: "Hey. If my memory serves, you're the fayth for Anima, right?"
Lady: "Yes I am. I am also the mother of a prominent figure in Spira today, his name is Seymour, have you heard of him?"
Acronos: "No, we're new here."
Lady: "Ah, Sin? I felt it pass."
Acronos: "Yeah. So, can you let me have Anima?"
Lady: "Hmm, I am afraid I can't. You are not a summoner like the others on Spira. I cannot give you Anima."
Acronos: "Oh, too bad then."
Lady: "I can however give you another summon. His name is Odin, and I am certain he won't mind you as his master. The image of a man with rather large antlers, and huge sword, armor, and a horse at his side appears.
Odin: "So you are the keyblade master, eh? You don't seem like much."
Acronos: "Watch yourself. Appearances can be deceiving."
Odin: "(Laughs heartily) But then again, you do have a strong spirit! Yes, I won't mind helping you out. Hey Fenrir, move over, will ya?" The image of Fenrir pops up.
Fenrir: "Odin, my friend, it has been too long. How have you been lately?"
Tidus: "A giant wolf that talks in my head, this is too much."
Acronos: "Sorry man, but you'll have to get used to it if you plan on sticking with me. Weird stuff follows me around like a moth to the fire."
Odin: "I've been okay Fenrir, except for being defeated. It wasn't even an honorable loss, and not even on my home soil. I can't just take that sitting down."
Fenrir: "Admirable sentiments. Let all three of us fight together, and we shall be unstoppable!"
Odin: "(War cry)"
Acronos: "Lets kick some ass!"
Tidus: "(Getting into it) yeah, lets do it!" The lady smiles calmly and mentions something to them.
Lady: "Excuse me, but I must mention something to you. As much as I love my son, I can sense that fate has not been kind to him. I would recommend that you keep your distance, and if you cannot, keep your eyes on him."
Tidus: "Will do, ma'am." They stroll out, and decide to take a nap back in the central room. Acronos awakened first, when he heard a noise. He looked around and saw some sort of four-legged monster looking at them. He gently poked Tidus.
Acronos: "(Whispering) Tidus. Tidus, man wake up!"
Tidus: "(Groggily) Huh? Did I fall asleep?"
Acronos: "Shh! There's something here watching us. Look over there." He does so and his eyes widen in surprise. It suddenly springs to life and charges at them. Tidus jumps back to avoid it, while Acronos got up instantly and blocked, and was holding it off a bit. Tidus jumped in and slashed a few times, while Acronos managed to free himself and then attack. They were both surprised when the doors exploded outwards, revealing a bunch of people. The female, (most probably the leader) cracked her knuckles and stepped in to help them.
Tidus: "You're on our side, cool!"
Acronos: "Less talk, more fighting!" The person didn't end up as helpful as they thought, instead doing less damage with a weaker claw. When she stole a grenade from the monster, Acronos jumped back. Tidus, deciding to follow Acronos' lead, did so as well. The grenade exploded on impact and killed the thing. They all did their respective finishing moves. Acronos' was to slash in an X in front of him, twirl his blade around, make it disappear, and laugh once at his now dead opponent. The people came up to them, and took out weapons, placing them to Tidus and Acronos' throats.
Acronos: "(Dangerous voice) Take that weapon away from my throat this instant unless you wish to have your arm broken." The person understood none of this, and began yammering, and Acronos caught the word 'fiend' somewhere in there. Finally he'd had enough, grabbing the guy's wrist, he elbowed him in the stomach, and threw him over his shoulder. On the ground, he placed the guy's own weapon to his throat.
Acronos: "Unless you put down my friend, this guy won't have a head for much longer." The girl who'd helped them appeared to speak English, and began to speak.
???? : "Wait! Don't do it!"
Acronos: "Oh, now you talk, not when you could have warned him."
???? : "I'm sorry, but please take the dagger away from my brother's throat!" Acronos was the sympathetic type, and he did so, but he made sure to throw it far away and jump away from the guy. He then had a gun pointed at his head. The person said something in the different language, but Acronos' mental instincts told him he was saying 'bye'. Ducking forward, he smacked the guy in the stomach before he could fire, whacked him on the head really hard, and was about to continue, except for the fact that he now had many guns pointing at him. They began yelling really quickly. Acronos slowly turned his wrist and looked at his computer. (For now I'll just state the translations as if they were all speaking the same language)
Person 1: "That makes it certain, this one is a fiend. Who else would attack another?"
Acronos: "Perhaps someone desperate to be freed from the weapons aimed at him?"
Person 2: "Oh, so it talks?"
Acronos: "Yeah. Now, we can either resolve this situation the easy way, or the hard way."
Person 1: "I wouldn't be the one making threats if I were you."
Acronos: "The hard way involves me summoning my blade, my heartless, Odin, and Fenrir. You do not want to mess with my summons."
Person 3. (The guy Acronos floored): "A summoner? Well then, I suppose we have even more reason to take you with us."
Acronos: "As I said, the hard way ends with either you or me dead. I'd suggest the easy way since I can dodge bullets."
Female leader: "You can dodge bullets?"
Tidus: "A little help here?"
Acronos: "Working on it."
Female leader: "Look, I don't want any senseless bloodshed. Just tell us who you are and why you're here."
Tidus: "Lets see. In order: I'm Tidus, he's Acronos, and we're just here because Sin dropped us off." They all look surprised.
Acronos: "Hmm… Sin. (They look around)… SIN! (They look around even more startled, aiming their weapons) This could get interesting."
Tidus: "What's this Sin thing anyway?" A collective gasp.
Acronos: "Look, we're still in danger of being attacked while we're here, so lets just go to wherever you are, and talk there."
Female leader: "Right. Everybody, move out!" They all left and got onto a ship, which led them to a point off shore. On board the ship, Acronos met Irvine.
Irvine: "Acronos!"
Acronos: "Irvine! Good to see you! How'd you end up like this?"
Irvine: "These guys speak some strange language, and they decided they liked me. That leader girl was really nice, but they still don't feel like untying me."
Acronos: "I'll work on that."
Tidus: "Anyone else here hungry?"
Acronos: "(Stomach grumbles) A bit, but I'll last for another hour or so if I have to." The leader girl came out and put some trays with food and water in front of them. Tidus begins to eat very quickly. Acronos sighs and eats the food at a more reasonable pace. Tidus starts choking, grabs the water, and gulps it down.
Female leader: "Hey, you ate too fast!"
Acronos: "Yep. Tidus, learn some discipline."
Tidus: "Sorry, I got really hungry."
Female leader: "Anyway, can we get some basic information across?"
Acronos: "Okay. He's from Zanarkand, and I'm from, well, it's a really long story."
Tidus: "We're safe, so start talking."
Female leader: "Oh, I'm Rikku by the way. Hey, how can you be from Zanarkand?"
Tidus: "Well, I'm the star player for the Zanarkand Abes, haven't you heard of us?"
Rikku: "No, can't say I have. No team's played Blitzball in Zanarkand for a long time. It was destroyed 1000 years ago." The expression of shock on Tidus' face goes without saying.
Acronos: "Wait just a sec, we can't possibly have slept for a thousand years. I remember fighting the things that destroyed Zanarkand just a few hours ago! Well, maybe longer, but still…"
Rikku: "Much longer. Anyway, you mentioned Sin, you're probably just experiencing its toxin."
Acronos: "Sin's toxin? What do you mean, I haven't been injected with anything."
Rikku: "No, it's more of something you breathe in. Being close to such an evil force causes you to forget stuff. You don't remember much, and who knows what the full effects of it are."
Tidus: "No, it can't be."
Acronos: "No way we have amnesia. I already have some amnesia! I can't get it twice, can I?"
Rikku: "Dunno, it might be possible."
Tidus: "Hmm… (He stares out into space)"
Rikku: "Well, we're willing to let you stay with us, but there's a catch."
Acronos: "Isn't there always?"
Rikku: "I suppose. If you want to stay, you've gotta work."
Acronos: "Huh? That's it? I was expecting to do that anyway."
Rikku: "Yeah, besides, if you stay with us, maybe you'll find a way back to your Zanarkand!"
Tidus: "… Yeah, yeah your right!"
Acronos: "okay, what do we have to do, scrub the deck?"
Rikku: "We need you to dive, don't worry, I'll come with you. We'll be looking for something important."
Acronos: "I've got a question. What was that language from before?"
Rikku: "Al Bhed. We're a civilization ourselves; we've distanced ourselves from Yevon and its religion. Mostly because we want to use machines."
Acronos: "Ah. One last thing, mind untying my friend? (Gestures to Irvine) He'll work if he has to."
Rikku: "Right. (She says something in Al Bhed and Irvine is freed.) Anyway, you want to learn anything in particular about fighting?" Acronos walks away as Rikku and Tidus begin talking heatedly about the basics of fighting. He wanders around the ship and finds a small sheet that says the letter 'a' in Al Bhed. He just shrugs and goes to talk with the other Al Bhed on the ship. He finds out some stuff by chatting with them, after apologizing of course. Finally Rikku says it's time to go. Acronos casts Aeroga and dives in after them. Irvine is left to do dishes or something. They descend for a while until they reach some underwater ruins. Tidus sees a console and pokes at it, and was about to bash it until Acronos steps in rolling his eyes. He gets some data on it quickly from his computer, and works with it, opening most doors.
Acronos: "There are still some security devices working, you might want to watch your back." After some more exploring, they end up in a room with an octopus of some sort, a violent sort though. They attack it once or twice, but it goes to the other side of the room. They stand still for a moment, regaining energy, but it comes back and hits them with a charge attack. While it's in range they attack it some more, but it goes to the other side. Tidus signals a pincer attack and they nod, going to positions fitting a pincer. The annoying thing dies after a bit more damage and they all smirk. After a bit, they head down further, and Acronos sees something very strange.
Acronos: "What exactly do you want to do? (Rikku points at it, and then points up). Oh, I can do that." He swims to it, but she stops him, shaking her head. He casts Aeroga on her too.
Rikku: "Thanks. You've gotta be careful with this, it's really old. If you just lift it, the whole thing may break in two." Acronos nods, and they return to the ship. Onboard, Irvine greets them.
Irvine: "Hey guys. They're making me clean stuff, and I think one of them is telling me to make the food again. I am a little proud that I can cook well enough, but there's a point where I draw a line, you know?"
Tidus: "Well, at least you can tell them that through Acronos or Rikku."
Irvine: "True." Acronos goes to the Save Sphere to recover, and Rikku calls them over. Before they can say anything, a giant whirlpool appears nearby. The ship rocks heavily, and Irvine is thrown overboard. Acronos jumps in after him, with Tidus behind him, half falling, and half diving. They all black out and hope for the best. Meanwhile in Bevelle…
Acane: "Crap! I can't believe I was sent here of all places! Without any of my friends to boot!"
Auron: "Still not a morning person?"
Acane: "You? Well at least having you around will help to prevent me from burning the city down."
Auron: "Let me guess, long story? I don't really need to hear it. I'd rather like to know if someone here knows me, I think they might."
Acane: "Well, at least you're not the asking type." They wander forwards and are greeted by a guard.
Guard: "Hello and welcome to Bevelle. Ah, Auron. Have you gotten… dare I say younger?"
Auron: "Hmm, do I know you?"
Guard: "Not really. Plenty of people know you from your pilgrimage, so expect some praise. Feel free to look around the city."
Auron: "Hmm…"
Acane: "Your pilgrimage?"
Auron: "I have a feeling I don't want to know." They set off to explore the city. Back at Zanarkand, Maioko wakes up to a bunch of ruins.
Maioko: "Oh great, this place was totally annihilated while I slept. I guess Acronos will berate me for being able to sleep through the apocalypse. Hmm, where is he? For that matter, WHERE IS EVERYBODY?!" She wanders around, and encounters the stronger monsters that happen to be in the area. They don't really pose any trouble, and eventually she finds her way through the rubble of the dome. She enters a temple of some sort. After some time spent navigating through it, she reaches a lift finally. A rather large beast guards the lift however.
Maioko: "Why do I get the distinct feeling I'm not wanted?" She plows through the thing and leaves it there to rot. Going down the lift, she finds a save sphere.
Maioko: "Great, now I can wait aboard the gummi ship. Hmm, nah! Hold up, I don't even have that option for some reason, oh boy. Looks like I'll have to find Acronos. Hmm, if my memory of this game serves, the main character will end up on Besaid Island. I think Acronos will probably be there too. Chances are that he'll follow the entire pilgrimage route. Guess I'm going backwards. Now what exactly was in, this, direction… " She finds herself in a room with a broken statue in the ground, like where Acronos and Tidus woke up. From the wall in front of her, a strange man walks out and asks to see her eyes. She looks at him defiantly, and he shakes his head.
Man: "You have indeed seen much, and have faced many trials, but you are not a summoner. Hmm, I think the lady Yunalesca wishes to speak with you though. Go see her; perhaps some of your questions will be answered. Oh, and make certain never to fear caring for someone." He walks off, and fades away. Maioko stares after him, mystified, and then walks into the wall he came from, passing right on through it. Inside, a woman wearing next to nothing with white-blue hair greets her.
Yunalesca: "Hello young one. Why have you come to Zanarkand, the city of the dead?"
Maioko: "But this was just a metropolis the last time I was here!"
Yunalesca: "Ah, I see. You were transported by Sin, and your aggravating it allowed it to only transport you through time. You are correct in assuming your friend is in Besaid. He also has another person you know with him, and will meet with another person you know soon."
Maioko: "Okay, cool. So, who exactly are you?"
Yunalesca: "I am an unsent, here to instruct summoners on how to attain the Final Aeon and giving Spira hope again."
Maioko: "Giving hope? But usually hope prospers where there's nothing else left?"
Yunalesca: "The people of Spira are so used to the cycle of death, that only the hope for a Calm is all they have left."
Maioko: "Ah."
Yunalesca: "But you, you are not subject to that. You can leave Spira once you reunite with your friends; you are not part of the cycle of death. I wish you to become stronger. I will give you a summon, receive it now. (Gives her Dust Devil). When you next return here I shall grant you yet another summon if you are strong enough to receive it. Actually, I think I shall grant you another one right now, but there is a small difficulty with it."
Maioko: "What's that, and thank you."
Yunalesca: "This summon cannot be used by one person, so its powers were broken in half. I do not know who holds the other half, but only with them are you capable of using this summon. It is extremely powerful. It's name, (stated like an old memory), its name is Bahumat Zero." To shorten things, I'll say that Kairi and Tifa end up on different portions of Kilika Island. Selphie ends up on the Moonflow, and looked at it fascinated. Tidus ends up on the Thunder plains. Wakka ends up in Luca. Lulu ended up in Macalania and got very lost until she stopped to ask for directions, but that only got her even more lost. Back with Acronos, Irvine and older Tidus…
Acronos: "(Sputters and wakes up) Oww, what hit me?" He saw Tidus and Irvine nearby and was happy that they hadn't been separated. A Blitzball hit Tidus on the head, waking him up.
Tidus: "Argh! What was that for?" Some guys over on land were yelling greetings and asking for their ball back. Tidus smirking, swam underneath it, pushed it into the air with his head, jumped up, and gave it a really powerful kick. The ball went forward really fast, but curved enough so that the captain of the people could dodge it. He gave a "Whoa!" of appreciation, and looked very happy. Acronos and Irvine looked at each other and said the same exact thing. "Not another Wakka!"
Wakka: "Hey, do I know you guys?"
Tidus: "Nah, most likely not, but these guys seem to know both of us or something. I'm Tidus."
Acronos: "I suppose you're not going to comment about the whole 'star player of the Zanarkand Abes' thing, and instead decide to go with saying Sin's toxin got to you so as to prevent a painful discussion of your past and the fact that we've most likely been thrown a thousand years into the future? Wait, that reminds me, A THOUSAND FRICKIN' YEARS? CHANCES ARE THAT I SHOULD BE DEAD AND BURIED! THE GUMMI SHIP PROBABLY DOESN'T EVEN EXIST ANYMORE! ULTIMATE DAMNATION, WE'RE STUCK ON THIS WORLD!!!!! Ahem, sorry about that. Had to get it off my chest." After a moment of staring at him in shock, Tidus spoke.
Tidus: "Actually, I was just getting to the whole 'star player' part, but now I think I won't."
Wakka: "Uhh, you've already said it, ya?"
Irvine: "(Whacking his head repeatedly against a tree)."
Wakka: "(Whispering to Tidus) What's with these two? I think you're the only sane one here, not counting us, and you've been near Sin too long."
Tidus: "Shows the company I usually keep. Uhh, I honestly don't know, the one who just exploded said he'd tell me when we were safe."
Wakka: "Lets get you all to the village, maybe you can remember something there, ya?"
Acronos: "How can you remember something you never learnt?"
Wakka: "You're crazy, and you're a philosopher, great, just great." Irvine continues bashing his head until a coconut knocks him out.
Irvine: "Phew, I thought it would never hit!" He promptly passes out.
Acronos: "(Shaking his head as he picks him up) Doing that is bad for your head. (Looks at the Blitz team still staring at him) … Look people, I'm not going to explode again, it's just better to get your emotions out before they take over, you know what I'm saying?"
Blitzball player: "Ya, I suppose you're right. Name's Keepa."
Acronos: "Nice to meet you. Where to, oh mister Wakka?"
Wakka: "Hey, not mister, ya? I'm not that old. Just follow me." He leads them to a beautiful lagoon, and pushes them all in. Acronos manages to come up, and starts shouting at Wakka for pushing him in with an unconscious victim. After a bit, Wakka begins to ask Tidus to join his team, but Tidus cuts him off and agrees. Both believe he might meet someone in Luca. They all swim for a while, Acronos pointing out treasure chests and Tidus getting them. They eventually reach the village, and Tidus goes to scout out the area and learn more about Spira. Acronos' memories come back a bit, and he remembers just about every detail from this game. He shrugs and goes to where he knows Tidus wont check until later. When Tidus next comes out, Acronos tosses him some items he'd found in a secluded corner. Acronos left Irvine with Wakka, and followed Tidus into the temple. When he'd heard about a summoner being in there, he shook his head, rolling his eyes.
Priest: "But the strangest thing was that I could have sworn I saw two of the same people entering, one was younger though. I probably shouldn't have spent the night praying." At this Acronos' ears perk up.
Tidus: "What's up?"
Acronos: "One of my friends may be here. Lets go take a nap."
Tidus: "Yeah, I'm kinda tired. Things are way too complicated. I just want to get home. Question is: is there a home I can go back to?" He begins to brood, while Acronos drags him to Wakka's. Wakka offers both a place to stay, but Acronos declines, saying he'd prefer sleeping in the trees. He does so, jumping into the palm right above, stretching like a cat, and falling asleep easily. When Tidus and Irvine came out, he jumped down from being asleep as if he'd been awake.
Acronos: "I suppose you want to check on the summoner?"
Tidus: "Yeah, it's wearing on my nerves."
Acronos: "Okay, lets move out." They go inside the temple again, and after some chat, Tidus gets fed up and enters the interior of the temple, the cloister of trials. Acronos follows, saying he needs to make sure Tidus lives through the puzzles. Irvine goes in too, saying he'd rather stick with his friends. Acronos found Tidus beating on random walls, hoping to open something. He pulled out his sword and was about to start whacking the door, when Acronos went and placed his hand on it calmly. A glyph appeared on the door and on a nearby wall.
Acronos: "Dude, just follow me, I think I remember how to get past each cloister. They're not too difficult, just look where you wouldn't expect anything to be. Poke stuff and you should solve it easily enough." Tidus nods, and Acronos goes and solves the entire puzzle, making sure to get the destruction sphere and such.
Irvine: " 'Destruction Sphere'? Doesn't that sound a little, bad?"
Acronos: "They're trying to teach you to be humble. These spheres lead to useful items and a powerful Aeon later on, and the Yevon people are trying to teach that having too much stuff is bad for your spirit or something."
Tidus: "How do you know all this?"
Acronos: "I'll try and condense this. There are many worlds besides this one. Most revolve around one area, like this one. There are little things called heartless that are trying to destroy worlds. I seal worlds and prevent the heartless from destroying them. I've been to many worlds. My world was an intersection of many worlds' knowledge, so a video game based on what's going to happen from now on was made. I played that game and kicked it's ass. I remember nearly every puzzle and such, so I can help you out with gaining items, strength, enemy encounters, all that good stuff."
Tidus: "Wow. Do you know what's going to happen to me?"
Acronos: "You'll die."
Tidus: "What! I thought you said it was a video game?!"
Acronos: "A good book and a good video game both sometimes have character deaths. Anyway, you'll only die if I don't figure out a way to stop it, and by God I will!"
Tidus: "So you're gonna save my life? From what exactly?"
Acronos: "Hmm… (Waving finger in front of face tauntingly) Can't tell you yet. It would ruin the surprise. Anyway, I'll tell you when the time nears, but chances are that you'll know anyway."
Tidus: "What do you mean, I accept death calmly?"
Acronos: "Yep."
Tidus: "That sounds a little far-fetched."
Acronos: "Yep. Trust me, it won't happen. If I have to carry on the magic with my own mp, I shall do so."
Irvine: "So, are you gonna tell us?"
Acronos: "Nope, just leave hints. Lets move." They solve the puzzles and are lead to a chamber. Wakka meets up with them all, and chats with them, giving a few warnings. The lift beneath them starts to descend. In the next chamber, they meet up with a bunch of people, the summoner's guardians. To save room, I'll have to skip to where both Yunas come out of the room with the fayth, and the older one greets them.
(O) Yuna: "I've done it. I've-I've become a summoner!" She falls in a faint, and the blue furred bipedal lion catches her. Younger Yuna looks at her fallen older self with surprise, and casts Cure upon her, but to no avail.
Yuna: "I guess it's lack of spiritual energy."
Acronos: "Hey Yuna, what's up?"
Yuna: "Acronos? I didn't know you'd be here. Tidus! It's you… Wait, no, you're this world's version, never mind."
Tidus: "Huh?"
Acronos: "Leave it, you don't want to know."
Tidus: "Right."
Acronos: "So Yuna, any idea where everybody else is?"
Yuna: "No. I've been talking to everyone, and I think the best opportunity to find them would be to travel with my older self. Chances are that since we'll be traveling Spira, we'll all meet at some point or other."
Acronos: "So it's decided then. We shall play out Final Fantasy Ten!" In the corners of Spira, all his friends felt some strange energy, and decided the best idea would be to head in the reverse of what everyone called the 'pilgrimage route'. Blasphemy shrugged and left, while Lance decided to have a little fun around here, since nobody knew him.
Acronos: "No… More… Reading! (Collapses)"
Maioko: "Can't… Survive… Any… More! (Passes out. I direct her into Acronos' arms)"
There'll be some interesting events occurring when they wake up.
Narrator: "Throat… … Dry… … … Can't… Breathe. (Passes out completely)"
Oh boy. Is anyone else still alive?
Sora: "Umm, nobody besides me and Riku."
'Riku and I'.
Sora: "Oh yeah, sorry."
Riku: "Did you have to subject the readers to this kind of torture?"
Yes, I suppose I did. I felt as if I needed to increase the lengths even more. If you can read this in one day, I congratulate you.
Riku: "And I pity you for having too much free time."
… Anyway. I don't know if the next chapter will be longer or shorter. Review and tell me which you'd prefer. (Whispering to self: less, less, less, less, less, less…)
Disclaimer: "Author does not own all legally licensed articles mentioned in the story herein. Author does not own anything but plot and characters… Beep!"
Why won't you DIE!!!! (More destruction)
Riku: "You know, there's only so many times you can use that."
I suppose, but bashing something is always good, and usually lasts as long as the idiocy lasts, I mean, look at Barney.
Riku: "NO I DO NOT!! I mean, uhh, what do you mean? (Sweat drops)"
… Not gonna comment. I thought that was something Sora would do.
