TUH: Dicks
TN: Pardon?
TUH: We have dicks.
TN: Um, okay? But I don't know what you're getting at, Herald?
TUH: People that catch up but don't review. Ergo dicks.
TN: Ah. I see what you mean.
TN: Anywho, we have some great characterization in this chapter, don't we?
TUH: Yes. This chapter also contains dick-based moves of our part.
TN: More my part, but you agreed to it. (Trying to help you here)
TUH: They continue to be phalus.
TN: Anyway, any last words before our fans read the chapter?
TUH: Male genitalia.
TN: Um . . .
Chapter XIX
Keep Your Enemies Closer
I'ltorien
August 22, 2010
Wait, I'm alive? was the first coherent thoughts King got as he woke from his dreamless sleep. What had happened previously rang crystal clear in his mind, right down to the paw impacting with his skull, and he was sore to boot in proving it. However, not sore enough. He could tell all his bones had been healed back to full, leaving behind only the lingering sensation that came from the organism still remembering the blows.
After his mental check-up, King sat up, realizing next that he was on a pretty exquisite bed, much more than his, and his room was none too shabby. Compared to this one though? It was pure crap. The king sized bed was laced in silk, and outside it was everything you'd expect from a noble's house from jewel encrusted chandeliers, curtains with better art than most paintings, it just reeked of snob. The room had its own fireplace for crying out loud! And it was there that King realized just who had taken him in, for on top of that fireplace was a very old and charred family portrait. In it, there was a small little girl with green flowing hair grabbing onto the hand of a girl of azure hair as they both backed into an older woman's legs, her face burned off the portrait. At their side was a blue haired boy trying too hard to look as imposing as the man who shared the fate with the woman. It was pretty obvious who was displayed in here.
Yes, the human girl pleaded for your lives, that … wasn't King. King was now cursing the fact that the Quel'Serrar was nowhere to be seen as he looked around the room, trying to find the intruder. As entertaining as your confusion is, I'd rather not believe I am connected to an idiot. I am with you, not around you.
Wondering what the ethereal voice meant, King was surprised as the mirror displayed his right leg gleaming in silver light. He remembered now what he had stored in it. Slowly reaching down towards it, he pulled out the very same stone that the Manakete had slipped into his hand more than a month ago. At first it had appeared to be a simple silver crystal, a rough one at that, no craftsmanship had touched those jagged edges. But it was different today. Today, outside of its silver glow, a small, serpentine golden dragon with a pair of massive wings whirled around the crystal.
I can hear you only if you speak human. I am not giving you a mental bond this easily.
Truth be told, King was more wondering what the hell was happening than trying to speak, but he gave it a shot anyway.
"Who or what are you?" He tried to seem in control and not phased at all, something that was easier said than done.
The what is simple. I am an Esper. The who is something you should be able to deduce. I am the Esper infused INTO you. The tone of the voice was harsh and impatient, as if this conversation had been forced upon it.
This made so little sense to King he barely did more than nod. Espers that had been infused into them … died. They had been sucked of all magical power and distributed into tens of experiments to see which lived. Not only that, this was a stone, not an Esper … unless the Esper was a stone. But-
I should have known against trusting humans to know about us as a species. Understand this boy. Once we Espers die, our essence congregates into crystals we call Magicite. We are immortal in a sense that we shall never stop existing, even if we have to live on as no more than stones. What you are observing is the magicite of the creature which was stripped of its life to grant you powers. That answered so much yet raised so many more questions. King knew not where to start, but he knew he had to before he got interrupted again. And so, he asked.
"What is your name?" the stone then exploded in light, the voice booming in his mind.
I WILL NOT GIVE YOU THE RIGHT TO SUMMON ME HUMAN! King fell back on the bed due to the shock and pain his head was going through. Whatever he had done, it had been the wrong move.
"I … asked for no such thing …" King heaved back, clutching to his head.
You mean to tell me … such ignorance. For Espers caged in Magicite, the possession of the stone and the calling of the name is all that is needed to summon them to do the summoner's bidding. Do you understand what you asked of me?Given said context, King did indeed realize that there was cause for this kind of outrage. He asked the Esper for something that allowed King to use him as he saw fit.
"I do and I apologize," there was an acknowledging grunt on the other side of the line, one that basically waited for a better question. "Can I simply ask you why you chose this time to talk to me? I have had your magicite for over a month now and yet I never felt any attempt at contacting me."
A suitable question at last. The reason is quite simple. Up until now, I did not trust you in the slightest to accomplish what Tiki said you would. However, your thoughts on the Empire and the way you put the safety of your kind in front of an easy victory allow me to draw the conclusion you are less corrupt then the majority of your species. I do not trust you, but I can see a shred of decency underneath the filth of humanity in you, he spoke with disgust and hatred every time he touched anything close to human, something that King did not admonish as humanity had not only hunted and killed Espers for their powers but he had also spent the last seventeen years of his life trapped in the body of a human, unable to speak or do anything against it.
"And … what did Tiki ask of you?" he was still wondering if this was the same Tiki than the one he had read about.
Firstly, yes, she is indeed Naga's daughter. Secondly, she asked of me to assist you if you would ever turn to follow the destiny she had foreseen for you. Now that I can see it in you, I am here to simply relay a message. Were you to take a blood oath to follow said destiny, I would provide you with my assistance, something you direly need seeing your… let's say performance against Caineghis.
King was not surprised with the true reasons behind the Esper. He also did not question if the Esper could see into his thoughts, that much was more than obvious by now. Instead, he was as cordial as possible. There were too many variables for him to answer right now. Too many things to consider… no. He knew exactly what he needed to be sure of. And Elincia was his answer to it.
"I will contact you as soon as my decision is made… Silver," King replied, causing confusion on the magicite-bound Esper.
I beg your pardon? the stone questioned. King laughed a bit and scratched the back of his head.
"Sorry it's just… I have to call you something and your color seems to be silver sooo…" the Esper sighed heavily.
Very well… Little Drake,the Esper retorted, causing King to gag.
"You're… vengeful, aren't you?" he questioned him, reminding himself of the nickname Tiki had used on him.
Yes. Very much so. Until next time, Little Drake. And with that, King felt his presence vanish into a corner of his mind, the magicite losing its glow and the dragon.
"Well that was… eventful…" King said, sitting back down on his bed. Just as he did, he heard a knock on the door. Not having a particular reason to say no, he told the person to come in. He was more than surprised when he saw none other than Geoffrey open the door, their eyes producing sparks by the mere look of each other.
"Elincia wants to see you. Stand and follow me." He said almost robotically, not even trying to hide his distaste in talking to King. King drew a sick pleasure when he remembered flooring the guy in three seconds flat, smirking as he jumped out of his bed to follow the knight. After a few minutes of absolutely NO conversation, the two of them arrived at the entry hall, where King could see Elincia, Lucia and Eighteen conversing. What's more confusing was what Eighteen had the Quel'Delar on her waist… how were they trusting her with that weapon already?
"Ah, finally Geoffrey!" Lucia exclaimed, signaling them to come down. As soon as King arrived, he made sure to ask.
"Pardon my eagerness, but Geoffrey did not answer me a single thing ever since he took me from my room. May I ask why we are here now?" he questioned, more than ticked off about how Geoffrey didn't even bother giving him minimal answers. Lucia shot a burning glare at her brother, who did nothing but ignore it.
"They are letting us go," Eighteen replied succinctly, crossing her arms and leaning against the wall. "I am unable to understand why... It has to do with you from what I could gather." King then turned to Elincia, asking for answers.
"I am letting you two go because of how highly Christina spoke of both of you. I know your stories and I sympathize with you. After seeing you throw your chance at victory to save your sister… I knew your heart wasn't as bleak as the ones I've seen from the Empire." Elincia explained, looking down to the cloth she had on her hands and handing it down to King. As the teen opened the cloth, he saw his Quel'Serrar inside, understanding that Elincia had to wrap it up to touch it due to being a normal human. As he sheathed the blade on his back, Lucia added:
"Of course, Lord Edge, Lady Rydia and the Laguz were… exceedingly harder to convince. Elincia had to resort to telling them about something you may remember from your encounter with Tiki." Eighteen raised an eyebrow at it, yet King simply nodded, he knew what they meant. As he was returning the cloth he noticed there was something else in it. An emblem. Golden with a silver Pegasus on the inside. It was House Crimea's emblem if he recalled.
"Why are you handing me this?" he questioned Elincia. The Duchess closed her eyes, took a deep breath and said:
"I am handing you an emblem that grants you passage into everything my rule encompasses. To deny passage of someone with such emblem is punished with death," Elincia explained, causing Geoffrey and Lucia to stare at her in shock. "I am giving you this so that I may truly swear on my life that I shall tell you the truth and nothing but the truth," King gulped heavily as Elincia spoke the rest of the words. "We did not kidnap Christina. Nor are we in any way involved in that terrible explosion. We found her, treated her, gave her shelter and offered a choice. She chose to side with us and fight… We mean no harm to her, nor would I ever betray her trust. She is as safe with us as we can make her be. If from her mouth come any other words, you are free to take my head as punishment. I swear on it." King lowered his head immediately, even Eighteen lost her composure. They had no idea what they were feeling, the tornado of emotions was far too strong.
"Is that so?" King asked, turning his back on Elincia, in the door's direction. Geoffrey moved to his spear. "Nothing of what we saw on that tunnel will be passed down on the Emperor. Take this as a token of our gratitude. I can only pray that we meet again on better terms…" King said, walking out the door. He had too much on his mind. He could hear Eighteen rush to catch up to him.
"Brother are you…" King stopped her by swiping his arms over his eyes and shaking his head.
"We're heading back sister. There is a lot I have to do back home."
Elincia and her adoptive brothers watched on as they let what could be two of the most prominent threats to the rebels walk out through their front door with no promises of any positive repercussion from this.
"Elincia, what are you planning on doing with this?" Geoffrey asked her, unable to comprehend why they had not only saved them, but healed them and not locked them deep into the dungeons until they swore to be part of their group.
"Geoffrey, I know what you are asking for, but you cannot force people to join us. If they don't join us on their own will, we would be no more than the Empire… and we would be carrying a dagger on our own backs. No. What we must do is wait… and hope…" Elincia said, a final look upon the horizon having her and King lock eyes once again. For some reason, even though King did nothing but break eye contact, she smiled.
HoL:TS
Radiant Garden
September 2, 2010
Riku was just finishing his breakfast when Sora had left with Kairi and Merideth, off to explore new worlds. This left him to what King Mickey wanted him to do, and that was more grunt work. He sat next to Alexia while she laughed and talked with Yuffie and Tifa. Tifa and Alexia had gotten along great, talking earnestly with each other. He had been talking to Cloud when King Mickey cleared his throat to silence everyone. They all turned their faces to him, awaiting for him to address them.
"Okay everyone, we need to make this place safe. Our first matter of business is tending to the victims of the incident at the cup. Once they are taken care of, make sure they are seen to their respective homes, no matter where they live in the universe, got it?" King Mickey ordered with new and fiery determination.
"Memorized," Axel stated. "I'll handle that." He swiftly rose from his chair and headed out the open door, going in the direction of Radiant Health, the hospital of Radiant Garden.
"Okay, now the defenses of Radiant Garden to go up tenfold. I want eyes and ears in every crevice of this place, and a defense unit to back it up. Leon, can you and Tron handle that?" King Mickey inquired. Riku watched with a tight smile. Mickey was taking charge like a king was meant to.
"Of course," he simple replied, heading to the defense parameter computer, already loading up the programs before he could sit down.
"Cid, your job is not that simple," Mickey stated, turning his dark eyes and whiskery face to the old man.
"Ah, I reckon I can handle it," Cid replied, snuffing out a cigarette.
"I hope so. I need you to design not just a new type of ship, but a massive war brigade. I need a fleet of ships capable of holding numerous occupants. On top of that, they have to be outfitted and optimized for war and besieging. Also, I need you to design these ships to be able to penetrate that dark bubble around the world of Olympus. Something is keeping the ships out, and you need to design my new fleet to be able to get in. Merlin, you are to assist him in any way possible, have you two got it?" the King explained. They both nodded sternly before heading in a different direction of the house and outside into the massive gummy garage.
"Okay, we need a watch on the commerce and trafficking of this world. Tifa, Yuffie, can you two handle this?" he asked. They both assured that they could before leaving to go do so.
"Cloud, I need to you to start training every able bodied man, young or old, in the techniques of fighting. Recruit some officers to help you . . . preferably old SOLDIER friends. Train them well, now go!" King Mickey sharply ordered, his fingers digging into the wood of the table.
"Aerith, you are now upgraded to head nurse of Radiant Health. Go there and from now on attend to wounded from all over. Your part to play in all this is more crucial than you think. I also want you to oversee things with Leon. You two are in charge while I'm gone," he ordered. She astutely nodded before heading out the door to go to the hospital.
"Riku and Alexia, I need to you two to go to Destiny Islands and Twilight Town again. Bring Tidus and Seifer up to speed and then ramp the defenses up in those towns. They are more susceptible to invasion than Radiant Garden, so you have to be quick, do you two understand?" he asked.
"Yes sir!" Alexia shouted, saluting for the fun of it as she did so. Riku nodded but asked a question.
"Mickey, what will you be doing?"
"Me?" he asked solemnly, standing up straight for the first time. He looked at the with eyes burning of resoluteness and rage.
"I'm going to win this goddamned war with Maleficent if it's the last thing I ever do. The deaths at the coliseum and those around all the worlds will not go unremembered. They will not have died in vain," he told them. "I'm leaving for my Castle. I'll be back soon," he said.
"Mickey? Are you okay? I've never seen you like this. Why don't you get rest? You've probably been awake for—"
"No, Riku," he replied sternly, but not unkindly. "I will be fine and I know what I'm doing. You two go get ready to leave for Twilight Town," and with that he took his leave outside, ready to head back to his castle.
"Wow, I never knew he could be such a fierce leader," Alexia said in awe.
"It shocks me, too. I've never seen this from him before. But, there's a reason he's the King," Riku retorted with a smile. He stood up from his chair and went for the staircase to his bedroom to pack for the trip to Twilight Town and then to Destiny Islands. It would be nice to see the Islands again, feel the soft sand, breathe in the salty breeze, prepare . . .
Prepare for war.
HoL:TS
"I have a specific mission for you, Alexia," Maleficent said through the connection on Alexia's magical orb. Alexia sat in the bathroom of her room, trying to keep Maleficent's voice away from any that should hear it.
"And what would that be?" Alexia questioned.
Before Alexia could find out what this special mission was, she thought about everything leading up to this moment. After she had left Maleficent's company to go to Radiant Garden again, she had asked Leon fervently for any special work. She had been a "resident" of the Garden for a while now, and had done what she could to survive, usually sleeping restless nights at the homeless shelter. She had been a homeless wretch, and she did odd jobs, cleaned, served food, ran packages; anything it was that gave her a scrap of meat for the week.
She did this for a month or two, and eventually she got known around the Garden as someone that would do just about anything that you told her, and that was what she was like now. Not to mention she had to do the same thing in that horrid world after her own was destroyed. All the hunts, all the meaningless quests, just to get her, her mother, and her then-step-father by. So, it was kind of ground into her to do what she was told when a superior commanded it. And when Maleficent told her this special mission, she seized with fear, wondering at whether she could actually do that.
Ah, but when she was promised the rewards, the future life she could live, she did not question it further. The only reason she actually had questioned it was because of Riku. She did not, by no means, romantically like Riku. No. She did, however, like him as a friend. He was her only friend. She was only playing this well-crafted ruse to trick everyone else. Tifa actually thought they were friends, but in the grand scheme of things Alexia couldn't care less. Yeah she had spent time with Tifa when they were in Radiant Garden, but she had to pick someone to "warm up" to, and Tifa was easiest. Tifa was still sore about Cloud loving Aerith. Tifa needed someone to talk to, and that was Alexia's ticket to keeping her act up.
"Can you handle this job?" Maleficent asked.
"Yes."
"Good, and see to it that it is not a failure," she ordered, the orb wavering back to its moot state. Alexia placed the orb back in the special pouch designed for it.
"I won't."
HoL:TS
September 5, 2010
Twilight Town
"I don't know!" Hayner screamed at Seifer. They were doing a one on one spar during the camp lunch. Riku and Alexia had arrived about halfway in and Seifer looked to be having the upper hand. Sweat glistened off them and the crowd that had formed cheered and jeered.
"What does that mean? You suck, plain and simple. Now, I repeat: why do you let me hit you?" Seifer asked with a cold bite.
"What does that even mean?" Hayner asked, rushing forward with a sidestep, turning and bringing the wooden trainer at Seifer's side. Seifer easily parried it and struck Hayner in the ribs with a dull slap. Hayner hissed in pain.
"Why, Hayner!?" Seifer yelled, hitting him again in the leg. Hayner had just barely missed the block.
"I don't know!" Hayner yelled back, and they went that way for another ten minutes, trading blows back and forth, Seifer questioning and Hayner not being able to answer.
"Watch this," Riku muttered to Alexia. She looked at him with a small smile. Just as Hayner recovered and swung at Seifer, Riku stepped in, the Way to Dawn flashing in its brilliance. He disarmed Hayner and dodged Seifer, sweeping his Keyblade under Seifer's legs and bringing him to the dirt, pointing the Kayblade's tip at Seifer's exposed neck.
"Ah, Riku, good to see you," Seifer said as Riku helped him up. Alexia helped Hayner up as the countless trainees started to disperse, either to have their lunch or wait for more training.
"Hayner, why do you let Seifer hit you?" Riku asked him. Hayner nearly exploded with rage at this question, one he had heard too many times.
"I DON'T KNOW!" he shouted.
"For one," Riku went on as if he were a mentor. "You do not lose your head like you did throughout that entire fight. You keep level and calm. Understand?" Riku asked sternly.
"Yeah," Hayner said, kicking the dirt.
"Second, you let him hit you because you are slow. You need to anticipate your enemy's movements and actions. The second you fail at this, you will lose a battle. Did you see how easily I took both of you down? I studied your movements during the fight. Once I learn, I act, and thus . . . I secure victory," he explained. Hayner seemed to have cooled down and nodded in understanding.
"Good advice, Riku," Seifer praised.
"I try," Riku said. "How are things here?"
"If you'll follow me to the Mayor's office, I'll let you know," Seifer told them. Riku and Alexia followed him through the camp, just like they had before, but things were different this time around.
The obstacle courses were rigorous, especially compared to last time, since there were none the last time they had visited. Seifer made small talk along the way, saying his "Captains" were Fuu, Rai, Vivi, Haley, Don, Gary and Mary. The eight of them had led the trainees as best as they could, and it seemed they were doing a great job at it. From what Seifer said on the way, everyone—every single person—was doing a great job in learning and growing.
As for the camp itself, the grass had been stamped dead in the area. Now everything was bare dirt. Platoons of men and women marched, trained and fought around the camp. It looked like a traditional military camp. The people slept at their respective homes, so there were no tents for sleeping, but there were large canvas pavilions for meetings. The mess hall had additions added to it, and training equipment littered the grounds. Seifer led the two of them down a rough hill and into the town, heading straight to Lipner's office. The sun was setting (how shocking) and the inside of the building was fresh and cool. They ascended the stairs and went into the Mayor's office. It was locked but Seifer had a key to unlock it. Once inside, they all seated themselves and Seifer interlocked his callused hands, staring at them.
"So, I ask again, how are things?" Riku asked him.
"Very well, as I have already told you, but I shall go into more detail. We have had a lot of progress in the basics. Each man and woman can defend well and attack well, but there are ones that are better and some that are worse. But, from where we started, it has been a great improvement," he explained, leaning back in his chair, interlocking his hands again behind his head.
"Aside from that, it seems our sections—melee, range, magic and defense (for everyone)—are all on the same level. Each coordinator has done their job well. We are lacking in range and magic compared to that of melee. Tidus has told me that he has more magic users and rangers than melee, so altogether, I think it evens out.
"We have saved money in any way we can and have made better weapons and armor at our own forge we have set up with the aid of the Moogles. They have taken over all shops in town specifically for the war on Maleficent. Without their help, we'd have no decent equipment. They don't work for free, but they give us nice discounts."
Riku sat there and nodded. He noticed that Alexia was acting oddly again, just like last time. All this news sounded great, but he needed to touch upon the matter of bettering the town itself, and not just the defenders.
"Okay. This sounds great, Seifer. It really does and I know Mickey would be highly pleased. But, he has asked me to come and request more of you. After the attack on the coliseum, he seems to think nowhere is safe, and for good reasons. He wants to ram up the city defenses. What that composes of can be anything from sturdy city walls, to a moat, to anything. I don't know what exactly he means, but he wants it to happen. Make the city safer, that is a new job. I would recommend you take a squadron of your trainees and have them work on this. I know it's not my call, but I would advise it," Riku explained. Seifer nodded.
"Okay. It'll be done. I already know some ideas we can try. Is that all that His Majesty sends?" Seifer asked diplomatically.
"One other thing," Alexia said. Riku looked over at her with a slightly raised eyebrow. He didn't remember Mickey saying anything else.
"Be ready at a moment's notice."
"Thank you for the obvious advice, Alexia," Seifer said coolly. "Also, when you talk to Tidus, tell him I said good job. He's picked up the slack since last time."
HoL:TS
Destiny Islands
September 8, 2010
"Come on now! Faster! I've seen you all do this a hundred times before! Pick it up! Go! Go! GO!" Tidus barked at the recruits running the new and improved obstacle course. He himself had designed and set it up, out in the deep sand and baking sun. He had withdrawn as a melee commander, but instead had taken charge of all things, looking over all aspects and governing each choice. He was shaping himself into a fine young leader without even realizing it.
Males and females of all ages ran in front of him. It was a horrendously hot day. He was without his top apparel, sweat slicking his body and his necklace. They had one more lap before they were allowed a break. Now, he wasn't cruel, but he pushed them. After the cup, he had taken things up tenfold. Mickey had explained to him what Riku was going to explain. He had already worked on the defenses somewhat of the town, all organized by him and his trusted helpers.
With all this success came problems. He and Selphie had broken up, and it was a bitter one. Outside of training and when he was ordering her to do something, they never talked. It hurt him, but he focused on the bigger picture and realized his thoughts needed to be on protecting the islands. Selphie was the first girl he had started to feel something real with . . . not just sex all the time like his previous girlfriends. Tidus would never realize it, but he was turning more and more into his old man, minus the whole leaving forever thing.
That was a small matter, after all.
"OKAY! Go hit the sho- I mean ocean!" he shouted. Yeah, he was still goofy, but there was a time for having fun and working. He tried to mix the two as much as he could. All the recruits sighed in relief. Some ran to the sea, others didn't. He didn't care. Right now, Tidus had to go take a check of the entire camp and see how things were going today. And then he would have to check on the new enhancements on the defenses of the city. But just before he could get on his way—
HoL:TS
"Yo! Tidus!" Riku shouted at his friend. Tidus whipped his blonde head around, shaking his spikes wildly. He broke into a grin.
"Riku! Alexia! Great to see you two! Perfect timing, too! I was just about to go on my run around the camp," Tidus said.
"Good, we wanted to see how things are going," Alexia told him.
"Well come on! Melee area first," Tidus said, beckoning them to follow him. Riku felt at ease with the familiar feeling of sand under his shoes. Alexia was a natural, most likely due to her own, original world. Riku made a mental note to ask her more about her life when they traveled back to Radiant Garden. Much like Twilight Town, The Islands were being led in a military-esque fashion. This was not bias on Riku's part, but Tidus seemed to have a better hold over his forces. Everyone was in uniform for one thing.
"Tidus, why is everyone wearing the same thing?" Riku asked as they walked. Thudding sounded on the air. The uniform was simple. Black plants and a white tee-shirt. Black boots covered feet and a choice of black gloves or none at all was up to the individual.
"It makes them feel like a whole than individual people. They work as one body, think as one body, react to each other as if one brain controlled them. They are more organized this way," Tidus explained as if here were telling the weather.
"I see what Seifer meant," Alexia said.
"What do you mean?" Tidus asked, turning around and walking backwards.
"He said you were doing a good job. He was right by the looks of things," Riku told him. Tidus blushed slightly before turning the right way around. They turned a corner of the island and they saw an arena in the sand. It was large, for it was the training ground for all of the classes, but melee was the first for them to come across.
"I have Jake and Robin covering melee and defense. The two go hand in hand so well that I thought it would be fine. This gives me more time to watch over everything," he explained to them. Right now in the melee pit, there were numerous boys and girls fighting each other, sparring to win. The equipment Tidus had was better than that of Twilight Town, but that hardly mattered. In comparison, these warriors fought proficiently, much better than anyone in Twilight Town. Every move was thought out and exact. Jake stood and watched them, making mental notes. Robin's black hair was disheveled as always and his pink eyes commanded respect as he helped the recruits when the messed up. They used swords of all kinds; short, broad, long, hand-and-a-half, two-handed. There were lances and spears and poleaxes and axes and battles axes and everything you could think of.
"Those two are doing exceptionally well," Tidus remarked, leading Riku and Alexia away from the melee area and into the mage arena. Incantations rang out of it in a dizzying blur. Riku couldn't pick out a single word that was said. There were a lot of mages, all in uniforms and wielding similar weapons. They were all doing well. Everyone could easily cast level one spells. About one fourth of them could cast level two with no problem. A select few could cast level three, but that was with difficulty. The only person that was able to cast a level three with no problem was Sophia. She was down their teaching some of the level three users how to be better while Selphie helped all the level two users. Level one users worked with each other.
"Those two are doing . . . well," Tidus said with a bitter edge.
"Something wrong?" Alexia asked. Riku looked at and followed Tidus' gaze.
"Yeah, girl problems," Riku sniggered. Tidus really blushed this time, turning away from the mage arena and leading to the range area.
"No, we just broke up is all," he said flatly.
"Yeah, girl problems," Alexia agreed, both of them sparing a laugh at Tidus' worth. They came to the last one where Wakka and Morgan were taking things over with ranged. There were shurikens, kunai, chakrams, bows and arrows, crossbows and bolts, some lethal boomerangs, javelins, and even a single blow dart user. Wakka had his blitz ball and was helping those that used strength to throw their weapons. Morgan, though as young as he was, helped those easily with things that launched their projectiles for them.
"Wow, that's an arsenal right there," Alexia commented.
"Yeah it is, and it grows everyday. It's insane how many people want to help. Now, if you'll follow me to my own pavilion, I'll let you in on the advancements in the world defense," he explained, shocking them that he already knew. He laughed at their expressions and beckoned them once again to follow him. They left that area and passed the mess hall and other training courses. They came to a large canvas pavilion. They were led inside where they sat down and faced him just like they had with Seifer.
"Okay, before you give me that whole spiel about 'improve defenses' and whatever, I already am," he told them.
"How did—"
"His Majesty and Seifer told me to be expecting you. I put two and two together, and pieced what Seifer said in there, and wham-o I have defense to stack up on, so let me get to it," he told them, having interrupted Alexia.
"I'm aware of how much I've changed, but that was just overseeing training. I'm still really nervous about protecting this world, it's hard on me. But I think I have the best plan I can afford.
"The only hospital on the main island has been stocked to the gills with new supplies should war breakout on our little paradise. I hope it doesn't come to that, but it may. There have been routes built to circumnavigate the roads to lead people to the hospital in a variety of ways. This idea, along with many more, were really from our parents. My mom, Abigail, your aunt and uncle, Kairi's parents . . . it goes on and on.
"Aside from that, King Mickey let me know that in case of world evacuation, which he said wouldn't happen, then Axel would be sent at top speeds to create those dark portals and lead us to Twilight Town. The same if Twilight Town needed to evacuate, they would come here. It is the fastest way we have as of now. David, our mayor, has sent out packets detailing how to evacuate and what routes to take. In case of an evacuation, all of the parents I just told you will lead everyone orderly to where Axel would be, which is the hospital.
"Going with all this, Firila, the north island, has agreed to log as much as they could for reinforcing walls to surround the city. They have already started on the residential side. On the inside of these walls will be a large trench filled with spikes. We know this won't stop attackers, but it should slow them down enough. This idea was your aunt and uncle's," Tidus told him.
"We have battalions ready and people know where to go in case of attack. My soldiers are ready to fight at a moment's notice," he said.
There was silence as Tidus finished with a modest look on his face.
"What happened to you man? Before you were just whimpering about this and lost. Now you're organized and efficient," Riku said to him.
"The cup happened. We don't want that on the islands. I'm not the entirety behind this. I just happen to be the designated leader," he finished.
"You're doing a helluva job," Riku commented.
"Maybe, but I stress out beyond belief at nighttime. I worry too much. I have an ulcer now and everything makes me jumpy. The leadership is the only thing to distract me, and I find it too ironic that what alleviates my stress also causes it," he told them.
"I'm sorry for this man. We'll stop Maleficent," Riku said. Tidus was silent.
"Then we can get back to school," Riku added.
There was laughter before they continued to talk, letting all the stresses float away. They caught up, but Riku and Alexia would eventually have to leave.
HoL:TS
Aboard the Balmung
September 12, 2010
Alexia turned and twisted in her sleep, restlessly moaning and whimpering in fear. Another nightmare assailed her, but it was different this time, It was something that happened only two years ago . . .
"Run! Now!" Alexia's step father yelled frantically. A massive crash came from behind her fifteen year old body and a rumbling shook the ground. Janet ran ahead of her, scouting the way, seeing if it was clear of those . . . things. Oh god, of all the worlds they had landed on, this was the one they got? Even after two years of living here, she could never rest easily. It was either do or die.
"Dad, come on! This one isn't going to die easily!" she screamed at him. The three of them ran around a corner as a massive hammer destroyed the wall in the hallway they had just been in. They ran down corridors of darkness, torches puttering in their racks weakly. Daylight was just ahead.
"Now!" Janet screamed. Alexia turned her head, looking at the corridor behind them with both eyes, for her right eye was still in tact. The smaller things, the sheer number of them Alexia couldn't quite comprehend, spilled out of the hole caused by the massive hammer. They ran quickly after her family. Alexia cast a spell back at them to slow them, a flaring light spell. Shrieks of agony met her ears and she wanted to cry. The light was so close.
"It's so cold," she felt herself say.
"We'll find a warm fire soon, but now we have to run!" Blake, her step father, told her. The massive creature slammed the hammer down, clearing the way for it, even if it killed the lesser things. And suddenly, they burst into the daylight. The last thing Alexia remembered seeing were the huge red eyes of the beast.
She had woken up hours later in the nearby city. They were at an inn, a warm fire burning in the hearth. Her naginata sat in a corner, blood still streaking it.
She sat straight up in her bed, screaming.
"Shh, baby. It's okay the - are gone, it's okay. - gave us a room. We're in -" her mother said. Her vision and memory faded in and out. She passed out in her mattress.
HoL:TS
"ALEXIA! Wake up already!" Riku was screaming at her, shaking her again, shaking her into consciousness. Her left eye fluttered open and his hand slid on her shoulder, bathed in sweat. Her screaming cut off and she began to cry. She sobbed hard, and the thing that happened next she never expected. Riku sat down on her bed in just his pajama pants and hugged her, bringing her in. She leaned into him, covering him her sweat and tears. She didn't think that he minded. He rubbed her bicep softly and let her cry into him.
"I j-j-just want the nightmares t-t-to stop!" she said weakly in between sobs. She wrapped her arms around him, returning the hug.
"Shh, it's okay, it's just another one of the nightmares," he said quietly. Ever since the first one he had witnessed, she had had five more. Every time he came and woke her up and sat down and watched her. Never had he hugged her and held her. Never had he cared this much for her.
"They're so vivid and horrible," she said, the sobbing cutting down. Her scarred flap that was her right eyelid twitched and she broke into fresh sobs. So many memories assailed her mind and her heart.
"Hey, hey, now. It's okay," and he continued to hold her. Her sweat was now cold and she was freezing, shivering and chattering her teeth. He pulled the cover around her and held her that way. She placed a hand on his smooth chest and felt heat flare through her face. She shook it off instantly.
"Thank you, Riku," she said. He smiled but she never saw it.
"It's nothing. What are friends for?" he asked her. She didn't answer. That was something she never had the luxury of learning. They sat for a while until she had calmed. He let go of her and stood up, heading for the door to return to his own bedroom.
"No . . . don't leave, please," she pleaded. He looked at her from under his hair and consented, sitting down on the floor and looking up at her.
"Well, since I'm here, it would be best if you just told me about your life. Tell someone, so you can let it out, you know?" Riku asked her. She felt nervous about that, but she decided she could tell him some things. He already knew about her biological father, so she moved on to what happened after her world was destroyed.
"Well, after my world went to darkness, we ended up in a horrible world. I lived there for four years. I was young, so the big details elude me, but I remember everyday life. Creatures haunted the world, but not like they may now. I would hunt these after I found a man who sold me the weapon I have now. It was and is special and it came at a high price. It was the only weapon I could find to help me kill this being to save my parents. It didn't matter because they were murdered anyway. After that, I found a spell that would let me traverse out of that world. I could never use the spell again unless I were there, and I'll never go back," she told him. He quietly listened to her, letting her get it out.
"The creatures were horrid. They seemed to have been sent from hell itself, but they never relented and they seemed to be infinite. I killed so many of them. So much blood spilled, and for what? I don't know, it got me nowhere. I took orders from nobles, and did "hunts" and I tried my hardest to protect my family. And none of it mattered, because one of the Four ripped my mother apart!" she screamed, tears flowing again.
"That son of a bitch took my mother and ripped her into a bloody mess. I never thought I would taste the copper of my own mother, watch her heart take its last beat on the ground. I remember how her face turned as white as snow and how the life drained from her eyes. And I could hear my drunk real father laughing. I could feel his satisfaction, and I hated him. I wanted to kill him again. I wanted to do it again on purpose. I wanted to make that bastard suffer! I wanted so much in those days, and it never happened. I was defeated everywhere I turned, and blood followed.
"Then my step father was incinerated! He was killed instantly. He didn't suffer, but I did. That thing killed that last people I ever loved! I have no one left, because of that damned world!" she screamed. Her throat was hoarse and she cried and sobbed. But she went on. The sorrow coursed through her and the fire burned in her nerves. She felt weak and powerful at once.
"My entire life I have been alone, and no matter what, love and friendship gets ripped from me. I was a tool on that world, and nothing more. My brother was raped and murdered. My pappy was murdered. Everyone, dead in my life. Death follows me. And even when we went to a different world, I pulled through the agony to keep us alive! I got us money, shelter and safety. I'm even blind in one eye because of the sacrifices I made for them! I t-tried so hard. And I failed!" she shrieked, her eyes red and puffy.
"I failed . . ." she finished softly and weakly, burying herself into her mattress and sobbing anew into it, muffling her screams of anguish. Riku was up again and holding her.
"You have friends now."
She cried herself to sleep again.
HoL:TS
Radiant Garden
September 28, 2010
They had been at the Garden for some weeks and things were going well, until Alexia received a message from Maleficent. Alexia took the glowing orb into her bathroom again and "answered the call." Maleficent's voice flashed into existence.
"Ah, Alexia my dear. The time has come," Maleficent said calmly. Alexia steeled her nerves and nodded to her mistress.
"Okay, I'm ready," she answered back.
"Good. Sephiroth is waiting for you at the rendezvous," Maleficent told her. "That is all." And with that, the orb flickered to its dull state. Alexia swallowed the knot in her throat and put away the orb, strapped on her naginata and headed out of Merlin's empty house. Everyone was still working on their jobs assigned from the King. He was back as well, doing something with Leon. The only people that Alexia had to fear running into were Tifa and Yuffie, because Maleficent's mission brought her to the traffic and commerce building.
This building was a large skyscraper of sorts that held all the offices and records that stored information on inter-world trade. It also held the control rooms for the traffic setups of the Garden. This building stood on high bluff at a cliff edge. This edge looked over the entire marketplace down below where Sora had bought Kairi her birthday presents.
She walked around the building's structural base and into a nearby ravine in the landscape. Rock rose on either side of her and sun was high in the sky, beating down on this hot day. And standing there was Sephiroth in his normal attire, despite the sweltering weather. The packages sat next to him.
"Ah, the gopher is here," he smirked, slitting his eyes.
"Just shove it and leave already," Alexia spat back. He tsk-tsk'ed at her and waved back his hair.
"I've been ordered to make sure there are no hitches in the plan, now go . . . I'll be watching from afar," he replied and disappeared in a flurry of feathers. The packages, extremely high-explosives, sat there still. She hoisted them and carried them out to the commerce building. It was like a giant looming over her, and how easy it would be to destroy, to land an almighty blow to the the resistance against Maleficent.
She went about placing the bombs made by Kefka. She was careful not to be seen, and the bombs had a magic that concealed them, cloaked them, if you will. She attached them and started the timer on each. She sweated with nerves and vomited all over the ground to her right. How could she be doing this? Why?
Because of the rewards from Maleficent, that's why.
This part of her mind had a point and she continued onward, slowly, but surely. After all the bombs but the last one were planted, she looked around. She saw no one and planted the last bomb. She had done it, and now only time was left. But things never go smoothly.
"Alexia! What are you doing!?" Alexia cringed and turned around to see her "friend" Tifa staring at her with an open mouth and shocked, wide eyes.
"Tifa, it's nothing, I'm just—"
"Shut it! I know an explosive when I see one. What are you doing!?" Tifa never got her answer as Alexia ran for the ravine, leaving the colossal bombs to go off in time. Tifa charged after her, and no one noticed the two run off together.
And alone.
Alexia ran until there was a dead end. She stopped and spun on the spot, facing Tifa. She was blocking Alexia's only way out.
"What the hell is with you!? Are you a traitor!? Are you with Maleficent?" Tifa asked.
"No! Of course not!" Alexia lied.
"Stop lying!" Tifa screamed, tears welling up in her eyes. Maleficent's voice echoed in Alexia's mind.
Kill all in your way.
"Tifa, just let me go, okay? You don't have to get hurt," Alexia tried to reason.
"No! I can't let you go! Why Alexia!? You don't have to be on Maleficent's side! We can beat her!" Tifa screamed, but she had already brought her gloved fists up. Tears streamed down her eyes. Alexia drew out her naginata and readied.
"I'm sorry Tifa."
(Cue: FFVII Crisis Core Soundtrack: The Price of Freedom)
Tifa and Alexia surged at each other. Alexia blocked one of Tifa's heavy punches. This separated the sword end of her naginata and sent it flying to the side, leaving her with just the battle staff side. Alexia swiftly brought the half she did have up and blocked a jab from Tifa. The shock went through Alexia's muscles and skidded her back a bit. She readied for another blow.
A kick came her way instead of a punch and it connected to her guts, flinging her back eight feet, sprawling onto her back, skidding her calves on the cold rocks. Tifa jumped and was ready to slam into her foot first, but Alexia rolled out of the way just in time. She cast a blizzard spell and made Tifa slip around but not fall. Tifa jumped to her and punch hard again, this time connecting with Alexia's arm. Wretched pain shot through it, making the agonizing pain of her gut seem less and far away.
"Fira!" Alexia shouted, scorching Tifa's left hand. The glove began to melt, so Tifa was forced to rip it off and throw it aside where it smoldered on the ground. Blisters sprung out on Tifa's knuckles. That did not hinder her as she beat Alexia again, popping the blisters, spilling pus onto the both of them. Alexia back tracked and cast more spells, making Tifa take her other glove off and slowly doing a lot of damage to her.
"Enough!" she shouted, running forward and kneeing Alexia in the gut, ripping the second half of her naginata away from her and throwing it to the sword half. Alexia was now weaponless and was not a proficient hand-to-hand combatant like Tifa. But she would try.
Kill all in your way.
Tifa hooked a right which Alexia blocked. Alexia tried to jab with her left hand but was easily knocked away. Tifa stretched out both hands and hit Alexia in the chest, sending her back about another ten feet. Alexia rolled with it and felt rocks dig into her flesh, cutting her right arm. Alexia got to her feet and dodged an amazing kick from Tifa that would have knocked Alexia out cold. Alexia captivated on Tifa's stumble and elbowed her hard in the spine, sending her forward and knocking the air from her lungs. Tifa coughed and spluttered as Alexia dashed over and kicked her repetitively. Tifa wasn't aiming to kill Alexia, but Alexia was aiming to kill Tifa. Alexia kicked into Tifa's ribs over and over, finally breaking two of them. She crushed an arm into the ground before Tifa got up, wincing and hissing in pain.
They traded blow for blow, dodged, kicked, and shared a moment of combat high in the ravine above Radiant Garden. Alexia was bleeding all over and was bruised up. Her arm must have been fractured at least and then—
BOOM!
Rapid and successive concussive explosions rocked the earth as the skyscraper's base was blown to bits. They stopped their fight temporarily to gaze as black and thick, oily smoke lifted into the sky. Screams erupted after the explosions and then the building teetered and tottered. After the last one blew, the building's base crumbled and it fell, toppling over into the crowd and marketplace below. A rippling crash raced through their ears as glass, metal, bones and flesh were destroyed. Women, children, men, it didn't matter. Hundreds, if not thousands just died in seconds. Flames flickered from the marketplace and a rock slide added to the mix from the explosions, flying its debris into the panic below. Death filled the air and it was all at Alexia's fault.
"You bitch! You monster!" Tifa shouted. Alexia turned back around and found a massive right hook to meet her face. She flew into the direction of her weapon. She was dazed and the world flickered into bright and dark flashes. She may have seen stars if she wasn't so focused on surviving and staying conscious.
"Why, Alexia? Damn it! Just tell me why!" Tifa shouted as she made her way over. Alexia snatched her sword half and stood up, dizziness flooding her head. She was able to conquer it enough to stab Tifa in the leg. Blood pooled out and onto the ground. She screamed and held her hand onto the wound. Alexia sliced another laceration against her chest. Tifa howled in pain. Alexia crossed three more swipes, cutting Tifa more. Alexia twirled and sliced the tendon of her Achilles's heal. Tifa fell to her knee. Alexia then kicked straight up and into Tifa's chin, sending her flat on her back, twisting in malaise. Alexia stood over her and stabbed her into her gut and twisted slowly, so very slowly.
"Why? Because I have to. Tifa, I never liked you. I am on Maleficent's side. And only you know this. I need to kill you so I can be safe. I need to kill you because I need Maleficent to be happy. I need to kill you because you found me out. I need to kill you for a lot of reasons. I need to kill you because I simply want to . . ." Alexia said with a sick smile. Her body was still as she twisted harder, causing blood to spew out of Tifa's mouth. She began to choke on her own blood and Alexia smiled.
"I need to because Maleficent promised me my family back . . ."
A tug of removing the sword and a tug of piercing Tifa Lockhart's heart.
(End: FFVII Crisis Core Soundtrack: The Price of Freedom)
TUH: Roosters are such cool animals
TN: Let's just focus on the chapter.
TUH: Very well. Alexia was a-
TN: A what, exactly?
TUH: Diiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-
TN: HERALD! Quit it with the gentitalia!
TUH: Alright. Alright. But it will be back. Most likely. Maybe.
TUH: In more productive news.
TUH: Guys, I can't help you more with I'l. Consider this the most blatant hint I will ever give. Yes. Bigger than Sunshine.
TN: Haha, very true that is. And we FINALLY get to see Alexia be more villainous. And we also sympathize with her! I cant decide whether I'm mad at her or sad for her.
TUH: On an outside note, I still think she is something related to the repr-
May the Love of Anuwëy guide you when all Hope is Lost
TorNathan
The Unknowing Herald