Castle Oblivion Third Act: Crossing of the Revenge-Seekers
*The war finally begins! Today's episode introduces:
*Jin - A character thought up by Katana001.
* Shara Night - A character from the mind of Theblackbloodwriter
-Enjoy!
Snow continues to fall mercilessly upon the grounds and structures of Castle Oblivion. Inside, Those whose hearts have fallen to darkness converse of the war to come. A large gathering begins to form in the main hall, starting with Axion, Salem, Elena, Xavier and Irocu. "I'm afraid I'm a bit new here...", Salem says with bored indirection. "Someone mind explainin' this whole process?" Irocu shrugs apathetically. "Why don't you just ask Shadow...?", he retorts. "He's the one who organized this little meeting..." Roxas enters the hall, shortly followed by Axel, Luxord and Artemecia; none of them seeming remotely pleased. "Where does Shadow get off?", Axel exclaims with arms folded and eyebrow raised. "Who is he to call us to some stupid meeting?" Roxas rolls his eyes and leans against the nearest wall. "Doesn't matter...", he replies. "The more people that show up here, the less authority the rest of us seem to have..." Axion releases a rigid sigh and folds his arms as well. "The only one exempt from this thing is Yoru, and she's never around for too long at a time anyway.", he says. Luxord eyes Salem, then the pouch of playing cards at Salem's waist. "Hey, lucky!", he calls out with a grin. "Up for a quick game?" Salem grins and unholsters his cards. "Fine by me, friend...", he says with a grin of his own. "But don't blame me if you lose out big..."
"The gambling will have to wait", came a voice from the doorway. Salem and Luxord immediately snap to attention as Shadow walks by, not sparing them a single glance. "We have more important matters at present..." Everyone turns their attention to Shadow as he stops in the center of the hall and turns his back to the group, facing the front door. "It would seem the war is beginning ahead of schedule, as I planned...", he says with a slight tone of boredom. "That gives us the advantage in finding the Dark Keyblade..." Artemecia takes a step forward. "This Dark Keyblade we've been hearing so much about...", she interjects. "What exactly is it...?" Shadow finally turns to the group, his voice intensifying. "Long ago, during the first Keyblade War...", he begins, his arms spread to emphasize the span of time between then and now. "Two Keyblades were created by beings who watch over human life. To balance and eventually quell the conflict of the ancient Keyblade wielders, they forged and bestowed upon the universe these Keyblades; one of light and one of darkness. The Light Keyblade, christened 'Manus Deius', is the target of Kingdom Hearts at this very moment. Should they find it, then our only option is to find the Dark Keyblade, 'Mano del Diablo', and engage the wielder of the Light Keyblade in a struggle for supremacy..." Xavier adjusts the satchel at his side and begins taking notes. "Why do we have to get involved with the Light Keyblade at all?", he asks in between pen strokes. "I thought the Dark Keyblade was our target.
Shadow materializes his own Keyblade and examines it purposefully. "The two Keyblades our separate factions seek are linked...", he says. "They have the thaumaturgical power to grant any wish their wielders hold within their hearts, but only as long as one exists. Once we obtain the Dark Keyblade, its true power will only awaken if we use it to destroy the Light Keyblade. In obverse, should Kingdom Hearts acquire the Light Keyblade, they must but destroy the Dark Keyblade with it in order to have its wielder's wish granted. That is why time is of the essence..." Salem makes his way to Xavier's side and buries his hands in his pockets. "What did you mean when you said you planned for the war to start early?" Shadow once again turns his back to the group, this time slowly making his way outside. "That is none of your concern, and I'll thank you to stay in your place...", he replies. "What did you just say?", Salem barks, his hands tightened into solid fists. Xavier puts a hand on Salem's shoulder, his expression pleading him not to do anything irrational, but Salem simply shrugs his hand away and makes a beeline right for Shadow, who simply points his keyblade over his shoulder at his attacker. Instantly, Salem's eyes shift to black and a dark aura emanates from his body as he doubles over in pain and squirms back to the group, gasping for air. Xavier helps Salem to his feet, and the group watches Shadow leave, making sure he is no longer present before speaking.
"Maybe you'll take my advice next time, eh, Salem?", Xavier asks with narrow eyes and a half smile. Salem simply looks over to his companion, breathing heavily and parting hair from his face. "I could've...taken...him...", he says in between breaths. Axion taps his foot impatiently and quite suddenly makes his way to the front door, Keyblade in hand. "I'm not afraid of Shadow...", he says in a careless tone. "And if the war's already underway, I intend to get out there and figure out what the hell's going on... Anyone with me?" Irocu spasms his neck with a devious chuckle and joins Axion at the door. "If it means a chance to knock a few skulls together...", he says, throwing his arm around Axion's shoulders. "I say let the good times roll!" Artemecia brandishes both her handguns from her coat and joins the two of them in the doorway. "I've got a quota to fill...", she says. "So you'll have to make room for one more." Xavier sighs deeply and scratches his head. "As much as we'd love to join you...", he says, picking up Elena. "Elena, Salem and I are preoccupied. Apparently, Xehanort wants us to do some digging. We're to find out all we can about the old Keyblade War, and report back to him with anything interesting."
The trio of Axion, Irocu and Artemecia exits into the snowy wasteland outside Castle Oblivion. In the distance, visible from any angle, is one massive plume of smoke, spiraling into the air as several explosions come rolling down the far away hills. Small avalanches occur in rapid succession, sending wild torrents of white icy mist roaring across the open space. The three follow the dark plume to a a steep cliff, at the bottom of which, rages a battle in full swing. Two figures are locked in combat with Lucian, Xittan and Drake . The forward figure, male, combats Xittan's energy-projected attacks with his own unique series of spells. Xittan releases a beam of pure Nothing, and the stranger answers with a surging blast of white-hot flame. The two attacks collide and spark a flash so bright that all combatants cease their activity to shield their eyes. When the blinding light subsides, Only Lucian, Drake and the other figure remain on the ground below. Xittan and the male figure are now darting about the sky, hurling wave after wave and blast at each other. Lucian nods to Drake, who charges ahead at the female figure, who brandishes a staff and parries away Drake's first attack. The two clash for lingering minutes as the harsh wind tosses snow about them. In a concisely-timed blur, Drake grins as he reaches to the ground with his free hand to grab a fistful of snow, then tosses it into the air. "There!", he yells. "Lucian, now it's your turn!" The female raises her arm to her face to block the snow, and Lucian comes leaping through it, giant sword gripped tightly in both hands. He gives a mighty downward swing, his weapon howling against the frozen wind, aimed right for the staff-wielding figure. However, she regains her vision just in time and holds her staff at a firm horizontal to block the blow. Though she avoids taking damage, the force of the impact sends her sliding backward on her feet. Drake takes the opportunity to dash forward and close the distance between him and his target, his keyblade dragging behind him along the ground, kicking up a brilliant mix of snow and sparks. The figure plants her staff firmly in the snow and uses it as a support as she vaults backward and blocks Drake' s incoming skyward slash.
Meanwhile, in the air above, Xittan and the male figure zip competitively from one place to another. Xittan lands one successful blow; a sudden and unexpected flare of energy, sending the male figure careening into the side of the cliff, creating a small crater. Xittan moves to finish off her downed opponent, but an abrupt shotgun-blast of lightning flares from the crater, sending her flipping backward and crackling with static. She stabilizes herself after much effort to find the crater is now empty. A telltale burst of air above her causes her to look up, where she finds the figure, falling with unholy speed, a blade of pure fire emanating from his left fist and another of pure lightning emanating from his right. He puts them together in a deadly cross and increases his descent speed, but Xittan covers one hand in energy and surrounds herself in a sphere of protective space. The figure's blades vanish on impact, and the two begin to clash with energy-covered fists and feet. A well-placed somersault kick sends Xittan twisting to the ground below. The figure follows and lands gently beside his partner, surrounding them both in a ring of flames as Lucian and Drake prepare to advance.
"Who are those two...?", Axion puzzles out loud. "Their hearts are just as dark as ours..." He sighs and cranes his head over to Irocu. "Well, most of ours anyway..." Irocu bows his head, apparently taking Axion's last remark as a compliment. Artemecia simply tightens her grip on her weapons. "Whoever they are...", she begins, the slightest signs of excitement curving her lips. "If they're with Castle Oblivion, then they'll need some help, won't they? Besides, all this standing on the sidelines and watching isn't getting us anywhere..." Axion rubs his chin and glances skyward. "I don't know...", he says. "This could be more trouble than it's worth... What do you think, Irocu...?" He waits several minutes for a reply before turning to Irocu's position, only to discover him gone. He and Artemecia look down to find Irocu, already sliding down the side of the cliff with his claws dug deeply into the rock; letting out a chilling laugh all the way down. Artemecia shrugs to Axion, who simply rolls his eyes. The two of them leap over the side of the cliff after Irocu, weapons drawn. Picking their targets straight away, Artemecia comes to the aid of the female figure, diving at Lucian, separating him from Drake. Axion and Irocu stand back to back with Axion facing Drake and Irocu backing up Artemecia. Xittan rejoins the group, weapon drawn. "You don't have a prayer now!", Irocu jeers, his claws trembling in anticipation. "It's five-on three, and the longer you keep me waiting, the worse your odds will get!"
The male figure drops his wall of flame and steps through. "The name's Jin.", he says through eyes that crave destruction. "I want you to remember that name after I blast the lot of you to Hell!" He looks back to the female figure and gestures to their enemies. "Shara, go on and get in their heads a little..." She steps forward and squints at Lucian. "Hmm..." She leans on her weapon pensively. "This one's got definite daddy issues. Hmph, don't tell me that's why you're here. Couldn't wait to see your old man?" Her grin deepens. "You want to kill him, don't you? See the surprise on his face as you stand over him, weapon in hand to strike him down...? Well, let me tell you something... You can't. The only thing in your future is eternal sleep. You'll break down and drop dead before you even lay eyes upon him, I guarantee it!" Drake nears Lucian and spans an arm out in front of him in an attempt to hold him back. "Don't listen to her.", he says. "Focus on this fight for now." Lucian glares at Shara and tries in a rush of blazing rage to silence her, but Artemecia steps into his path and opens fire with both weapons. Forcing himself to calm down, he uses his sword as cover to take the gunshots and makes his way to Artemecia. The two swing in unison, his blade catching the steel of her orichalcum handgun. She gives a short laugh and begins to exert force on the blade, pushing him back. Surprised by her strength, Lucian pushes back and the two break away.
Xittan twirls the chain of her weapon, and glares at Jin, daring him to attack. He audaciously does so, covering both hands in dark energy and charging with blistering speed. Xittan brings her arm around full circle and the end head of the chain comes ripping through the cliffside at her attacker. "Let's see if your hands are as quick as your mouth!", she says tauntingly. Utilizing the energy surrounding his hands, Jin holds one hand to his side and repels the weapon. Behind him, Drake performs a rolling slash in Jin's direction, but is forced into a block as Jin dodges and swipes at him with his other hand. Xittan projects energy along the chain and brings it around for another attempt at Jin. Being distracted with Drake, Jin fails to notice in time and is sent tumbling backward by the impact. Drake leaps into the air and prepares to finish Jin, but Irocu appears above him and sends him skidding through the snow with a straight-kick, giving Jin time to stand and return to Xittan. Axion charges Drake, Keyblade held in attack position, but suddenly finds himselfself immoble, frozen in place. Artemecia looks over to Lucian, who is concentrating deeply on Axion, stopping time in his small area of space. She smiles with interest and takes aim at Lucian, breaking his concentration. "Everybody back!", she yells dominantly, training both guns on Lucian. "If anyone takes this one down, it's gonna be me!" Irocu chuckles after blocking an attack from Drake. "Found yourself an object of interest, have you?", he asks bluntly.
Lucian rolls his eyes at Irocu's words. "Interest this!", he yells, bringing his blade around for a horizontal attack at Artemecia, who ducks beneath it and prepares another shot. Axion leaps onto and then off of Lucian's blade in mid-swing and brings his keyblade down on Xittan, who turns away from Jin to block the attack and retaliate with a back kick, followed by a bolt of energy, sending Axion flying backward into a snowbank. Irocu drags his claws along the ground and gives a whole-bodied uppercut to Drake, who catches his balance in midair and points the edge of his keyblade toward Xittan, who charges it with a shot of Nothing energy. Drake swings the charged Keyblade in a vertical arc, sending a huge crescent wave through the air, flinging Irocu and Axion into the side of the cliff. Her immediate attention now free, Xittan quickly looks around. "Wait a minute...", she says at the end of her inspection. "Weren't there five of you...? Someone explain why we've only been fighting three of you this whole time...?" As if rehearsed, Jin appears in the air above the group, hands engulfed in bright red flames. He unleashes a downpour of fire upon a seemingly empty spot on the ground below. Suddenly, Shara appears directly below the firestorm, twirling her staff above her head. The flames manifest themselves along the edges of the staff, and Shara slams one end into the ground, sending a red-hot wave several yards ahead in every direction. Xittan and Drake are thrown back by the sheer force of the wave, and land side-by-side in the snow several feet away. "I didn't think they'd be this well put-together...", Xittan says, breathing heavily. "What's the plan?" Drake sports a defeated look and sighs. "Looks like 'Mission Failed' this time...", he says. "We'll have to fall back for now..."
Lucian stares Artemecia down. He'd stopped time Around her to give himself an opportunity to dodge Jin and Shara's attack, but she didn't seem to be affected by his powers at all. She'd moved out of the way just as he had, not even a bit slower than she was before. Apparently, his confusion showed on his face. "What's the matter?", asks Artemecia, advancing slowly. "Your little time tricks not working for you?" As she nears Lucian, he prepares his weapon for another round. "What the hell are you...?", he asks as she circles him. "I could ask you the same thing...", she replies before quickly lunging at him for a melee strike with both handguns. He blocks quickly and returns with a swing of his own, but Artemecia rolls sideways and trains the golden handgun on his head. Instinctively, Lucian brings one hand around to swat the gun off course. Both of them stagger to the side and attempt to strike again, resulting in a heavy clash of their weapons; their faces just inches from each other. By now, both are breathing heavily and exhausted from the extensive use of their powers. Drake's voice breaks Lucian's focus on the struggle. "Hey, Lucian!", he calls. "That's enough for now! We have to fall back!" Axion folds his arms and dematerializes his keyblade. "They won't dare bother us on our own territory again.", he says. "Artemecia, we're done here too..." Irocu grunts in disappointment and points one twitching claw at Drake. "I'll get you next time, boy!", he declares before joining Axion, Jin and Shara. Artemecia gives a sigh of objection and breaks away, leaving Lucian to fall face-first in the snow. "We should do this again sometime...", she tells him teasingly as he sits up and shakes his head. "What do you say we pick up here next time we meet, hm?" Lucian stands, sheathes his weapon and joins Drake and Xittan on the other side of the cliff. "It's a date.", he says with a grin. The group from Castle Oblivion vanishes in unison as Drake approaches Lucian and puts a hand on his shoulder. "Um...", Drake begins. "You are aware she tried to kill you, and almost succeeded, right...?" Lucian stares blankly at Castle Oblivion and sighs. "I know...", he replies. "Isn't she great?"
Inside Castle Oblivion, Shadow observes Axion, Irocu and Artemecia return with Jin and Shara. A figure hidden in the darkness of the room's unlit corner leans against the wall, a blade the same size and make as Lucian's slung over his shoulder. "So, the kid's made up his mind, has he...?", the figure asks in a gruff voice. Shadow turns from the window and nods. "It would seem so.", he replies. "Do with him what you will. I care not for the...personal issue... between the two of you... Just bear in mind that until further notice, you fight for me. Not for Xehanort, not for The Judge, but me alone... And make no mistake, I will punish your conversion..." The figure hoists his weapon onto his back and growls. "Tell yourself what you will...", he says on his way out of the room. "But rest assured, after I'm done serving you, there'll be hell to pay, should you bother me again." Shadow returns his attention to the window and clasps his hands together behind his back. "You can come out now...", he says, seemingly to his reflection in the window. He continues to watch the reflection as a mirrored image of Vanitas appears behind him in the glass of the window. "So, what's the word...?", Vanitas asks, closing the door and locking it.
"Nothing for now...", Shadow replies, finally turning to face Vanitas. "But I want you to keep an eye on my old...Project. I may have been wrong when I assessed him as useless... He may come to prove his worth to me after all..." Vanitas nods obediently before sinking down into his shadow and vanishing from sight, leaving Shadow alone in the room with his thoughts...