Summary: Xemnas, in a mad act of desire, has chosen thirteen new targets to turn into heartless. It's his belief that their hearts will finally complete Kingdom Hearts.
Characters: Olympian Gods and Organization XIII.
Universe: Game
Warnings: Mild violence and mild language.
Dedication: I dedicate this story to Apollo, for without him there would be no literature, and I would have no writing skills.
Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts, nor do I own Percy Jackson.
Falling Skys, Ch 7
He was an enticer of conflict, elite in the confines of battle. He was strong, able to hold his own against even Lexaeus for a short while. He was powerful, resting upon the second highest throne in the organization. And, above all, he was a master of corruption, well attuned to the weapon of words, the damage a seed of doubt could cause.
Xaldin did not love, for he was a Nobody, nor did was he truly able to feel happy. Yet, on rare occasions, Xaldin did have some semblance of elation, some connection to the euphoria that he so expertly remembered. And when he succeeded in bringing corruption into someone's heart, that was the closest he ever was to feeling joy.
Xaldin was good at his job. He was grate at his job. Xemnas had even gone so far as to say he was the best at his job; Xaldin had had many jobs, all but two of them successful. But Xaldin didn't care that Beast had remained whole, or that Vaan had resisted his silver tongue. All he cared about, at the moment, was bringing his target over, into the dark.
Xaldin walked, an air of arrogance surrounding him. He knew his target was near; the magic acting on New York would ensure Xaldin's target would be near. Soon, Xaldin would be able to truly unleash his power, truly test his skill.
"Who in Hades are you?" Xaldin stopped his movements as the words reached his ears. He stood still, a rigged statue of black against the bright backdrop of an empty New York. Xaldin's target stood before him.
"Does it matter? You'll fight me regardless of knowing my name." Xaldin said.
"Honor demands I ask your name."
"Why?" Xaldin drew out the word, flexing his voice. It had the desired effect, causing the target to hesitate, ever so briefly, unnoticeable to any but the trained eyes of Xaldin. "Why do you alone among your family care about honor?"
"What do you mean?" The target asked, drawing his sword.
"I know the other gods don't place much faith in you intellect, but surly you're able to think. So, why not try it now. If your family had any honor, would they stick you in a position to be hated by nearly everyone? Why would your father gift your patronage to another of his children, forcing you to share?"
And that did it, as Xaldin knew it would. His target charged forward, sword curving down towards Xaldin. Gusts of air began to swirl around Xaldin, effectively protecting the Nobody, as well as blowing down his hood.
"You know, I met your mother once, long ago. It was back when I still had a heart to give." Xaldin paused, twisting his shoulder to avoid being stabbed. "Do you know what she had to say about you? No, I don't suppose you would, since she avoids you like the pelage. It's odd, isn't it? She seems to prefer Apollo, the son of another woman, to you, the flesh of her own loins."
"Stop it! Stop talking. Stop moving. Fight!" Xaldin's target was beginning to slip, beginning to believe what he was hearing. Soon, Xaldin knew, this battle would be over.
"Another interesting bit of information she happened to let slip was that she considered trying to kill you, in place of Hercules, but had to settle for him since he was mortal."
And it wasn't Ares' fault. The magic lacing Xaldin's words finally overwhelmed the god of war's mind, building up like a dammed river. And Ares gave in, at last overwhelmed. Ares, god of war, son of Zeus and Hera, lowered his sword, darkness taking root in his heart.