With the clock continuing to work against them, everyone eventually found themselves on a boat. With everyone noted and accounted for, Aux quickly got off the boat, and gave each boat a hard kick before hopping back into his boat. As the time began to work against them, No Heart had managed to pass all the obstacles in his way. With no oars to paddle the boats, the three vessels continued to sail at an unreasonably slow pace. As they continued to float along the water, their player pins from Shibuya began to glow white. A thin white veil revealed itself. This veil was the Realm Line. The tethered pathway between the realm of light and darkness. Only their players pins are what gave them access. As No Heart bypassed all their defenses, he began to dash towards them at a breakneck speed. Nothing slowing him down he was prepared to reach them in seconds... 3 seconds remaining. The boats continued to move slowly as they were now just an arm's length away from the Realm Line. 2 seconds remaining. No Heart was so close that he could easily do anything to prevent them from leaving. Cast stop on their boats? Fire a bombardment of devastating spells? Pulled them back with some powerful magnet spell? The thought alone of what he could do were torturous. 1 seconds remaining. With just a few more inches to the Realm Line, No Heart was almost on the edge of the water. To the surprised of everyone, No Heart made a massive Skid at the water's edge. A small wave passed by hit boots as he simply watched them leave. Nothing but silence could be heard as the ocean waves were heard in the background. The boats managed to pass the Realm Line, disappearing from No Hearts sight, as all the keyblade wielders could do was watch as they left his sight. Was he letting them go? And if so, then why? So many questions this enigmatic man was hiding. From beyond the Realm Line the boats began to separate from each other. The boats couldn't be pulled together no matter what was done. The boats were heading off in different directions of North, East and West. As the people reached out from each other they would drift further and further apart. From where No Heart was standing, he turned his back on the sailing boats and began to walk off. He stopped at the player pin Hikaru had dropped. Seems Aux had missed it. No Heart picked up the player pin as his clawed glove examined the marking. "I tried to give you mercy." No Heart crushed the player pin in his hands before sprinkling the pieces onto the sand. "And now... nothing but pain will await you." . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . End of Part Two Spoiler: Part Two Battle Report BATTLE REPORT Game Level: PROUD MODE Final Play Time: 1 Year, 6 Months Posts: 2,316 Amount of players who participated: 17 Amount of players remaining: 11 Disney Worlds Visited: 8 Player Average: Level 43 Total Roleplay Chapters: 29-30
These cut scenes actually make me happy for so many reasons. The Disney plots don't feel just shoehorned in. They feel like their participation is more than just a basic level. The conversations between Sora and them feel like they could belong in a Pixar film. And I believe part of that is thanks to the KH team working with the Disney and Pixar folks to give the characters and films a better respect. The dub work is also just impeccable and, the sync work is believable enough and the character models are gorgeous.
Aux placed a foot on the boat as he looked back to see who was behind him. Kaida and a dark haired boy were already on it. He didn't really want to face Kaida right now after everything that had happened, but it would be out of place to switch boats after already picking this one. Not to mention his standings with other people weren't any better. [Aux is on the boat to Ohana Island] No Heart is stalled for 12 more seconds
The two girls helping him to get out of there were right. Much as he wanted to make No Heart pay for all his manipulation and control. Despite being under control, they were still his actions. And if Hikaru were still around, he'd want to see them safe. He'd want to protect the people he was traveling with. Taking a page out of his friends' book, he patted both Luna and Ignis on the back before snapping back to his senses. "I'm fine," he spoke before turning to No Heart. No Hearts clones at this time had faded away, while No Heart himself began to walk slowly towards the group. Almost as if he wasn't even pressed for time. Aux knew of his former master's power. He was relentless with a vast array of strength, speed and magic. "We have to get out of here..." He looked ahead to where Hikaru had perished. He had dropped a few belongings that Aux didn't want to have him leave behind. "Make sure everyone gets on a boat!" He yelled back to Kaida before racing towards the small pile. He jumped down and punched his fist into the ground, creating a giant wall to appear in front of No Heart. "Guardian's Wall!" He cried before dashing forward and collecting all his frend's belongings. While Reluctancy would hold him back, The Guardian wall would also be able to hold him back for a small time. He quickly raced back to the boats, Hikaru's rings and other items now filling his pockets. He stood in front of the boats with his fists held to his face. No Hearts with his keyblade was slashing through before finally stopping and waiting for the spell to wear off. He waiting patiently, just staring at them as tension grew. (OOC - Select a boat that will take you to a knew world. BOAT 1 will take you to Arendalle [Frozen World] BOAT 2 will take you to Native Grounds [Pocahontas] BOAT 3 will take you to Ohana Island [Lilo and Stitch] You may continue to deter No Hearts efforts until everyone is on a boat. Only 5 may be seated per boat) No Heart is stalled for 10 seconds...
Shiro patted Karina on the back before turning to leave. "WELL BEST BE ON OUR WAY. QUICKER WE INVESTIGATE, THE QUICKER WE CAN RETURN." Charlie's eyes glared as Shiro turned his back on them. He needed him to be in Shibuya. He already had Mizu, but he needed both of them to be in the Reaper's game. The thing about Shibuya, is you couldn't leave until you won the game. That's the only reason why Shibuya was chosen as the destination to take down the members of the order. There would be no place to run for them. "Sure you don't wanna just get on with it?" Charlie asked politely. "I mean there's plenty of time to look for your place after ain't there?" "KIND OF YOU GOOD SIR, BUT I'D LIKE TO INVESTIGATE WHILE THE TRAIL IS STILL FRESH." Shiro turned, prompting Karina to follow. Charlier tried not to show any outward anger as he clenched his fist. He waved goodbye with his other hand. "Try not to be too long then." Charlie looked back at the other members still standing. "Guess I'll get you lot on the leaderboard." "Name's Alex Mr big man," a laid back and cocky voice spoke out as teen in punk clothes made himself more visible. His blonde hair extending to his shoulders, he walked forward with little to no regard for those around him. "Can also add this dude onto the list aswell." Bringing forth Echo beside, the boy formerly known as Ventus stepped forward. "Some nasty dudes at him under his control, but I saved him. Your a lucky kid ain't yah?" Alex said, nudging Echo. "Yes," Echo replied without emotion. He's still kinda acting like a robot, but I think it'll wear off over time." Alex was being very friendly and non-chalant about the whole deal. He turned back to the group, examining them all carefully. Looking for any major strengths or weaknesses that stood out. "So uh. Whats the deal with you guys?" Finlay walked forward, inspecting the young man. He looked him up and down and stared his eyes down. "Yah got the lad from his captors eh?... Isn't that just convenient considerin' how strong their lot is?" He glared more before standing tall infront of him. "Well the first thing you gotta know is...." He took out his Axe, and held them in both hands. "Mah name is FINLAY of the LOGANACH clan. My friends call meh Fin. I don't see any of you as friends, so you can call me Finlay! I am the lord and Chief of the village of Drankar! Slayer of the Mythrilbeast! Commander of the Dragon Guard! Conqueror of the Eastern Isles, and their women- And before you ask, It was consensual. Savior of the Jorgen seas! Son of Angus the Invincible and Thor's champion of Thunder! I am Finlay Loganach! THE DYNAMIC VIKING!" He stood tall and proud, waiting for the praise and awe. Alex shrugged with his hands in his pockets. "Cool. I'm Alex. I like guitars and redheads." As the group continued to speak to each other, names began appearing on the leaderboard. Aeira Alex Arctus Dastgir Finlay Koa Luther Melus Mizu Rydia Vallus Ventus "Looks like we got even numbers. I'll be gettin' your players pins I suppose. Don't go anywhere, I'll be right back." He said, walking away from the group.
Aux knocked away Ananta effortlessly as well. "Take one instead of four then! If that's how it's gotta be to save four people. I accept that... Just please let them go!" Kaida's words resonated to Hikaru as he watched her stand there defenseless. She was doing what any noble person would do and putting herself first. His eyes twitched as he watched Aux charge at her from a distance. Every second, Aux inching closer and closer to destroying his friend. THEIR friend. No Heart kept dividing them. Constantly pitting Aux against them. Testing their light over and over. Hikaru was sick of it. The never ending fighting. His head hung down as he didn't want to watch. As he closed his eyes, hoping it was all a dream, They quickly opened with shocking revelation. Hikaru could stop this. He didn't know if it was going to stop No Heart, but it could give them a chance. He looked back up at his friends, trapped in their own binding prisons. Flashes of memories appeared while everything slowed down even further for him. Flashes of memories began to enter his head. How they first met, or just the smallest most insignificant interaction. Even if he was called Krowley, he replaced the name with Hikaru in his head. He wanted these memories to be his and no one else's Tears began to roll down his cheek as he tried to stop his lip from quivering. All the experiences he's had in each world... The things he'd seen. Tears began rolling down his cheek one after the other. These people made him who he is. And he could never thank them enough for it. "You're not turning them against each other," Hikaru said softly, before summoning his keyblade and casting a quick Aero spell around himself. The burst of wind was enough to knock No Heart off his back for a second. The MAster watched as the blue haired boy ran towards his friends. " It's pointless. You will always fail. Nothing you do matters because you don't exist. You're nothing. " No Heart fired continued bursts of Firaga as Hikaru ran towards his friends. A couple spells manage to hit him in the back, but he pressed onwards. His hair covering his eyes and tears contined to roll down his face. Burning fire spells hitting him in the back as he stumbled with each hit. I don't need to be real. "AUX! KAIDA!" He yelled charging in with key in hand. His feet made a halting skid as he caught Aux's eye again. The three of them were in a triangle formation just have a dozen feet apart from each other. Hikaru wanted to say so much to them. He wanted them to know just what they did for him. What they made him feel. He didn't care if he was real. Those two helped him look past it. One last memory of the three of them seeped into his mind. Hikaru had just received his keyblade and joined Kaida and Aux for training. Lea was even nice enough to take a picture of the three of them together. That day. That day was where he felt he belonged. As Aux quickly pivoted to deter away Hikaru, Hikaru's face looked up and smiled. "Thank you for everything..." Hikaru spoke. That line wasn't just to his two closest friends. It was for everyone. Everything went dead silent. He twirled his keyblade around and aimed it towards his heart. "See you later," he smiled. Without a moment's hesitation he pierced his heart. A blinding light resonated across the field, his body turning to twinkles of light as his arms fell to his side. The keyblade in his hand dispersing from view. His eyes closing slowly as he continued to smile. Every person he'd met appeared individually in his final moments. he remembered hugging the both of them in Shibuya. The blinding light burst forth as the light enveloped Aux, casting off his dark armor for his casual clothes. A powerful orb of darkness was seen running from his body as the remnant could no longer live in it's host body. The light in his eyes had returned as he shook his head. He took a few steps before falling to his knees in disbelief. "No... No no no no you IDIOT!" He yelled before punching the ground. "AAAHHHHHH!!" He let out a fierce cry of anger as he hung his head and remained on all fours. Hikaru has left the party.
OC accepted
Shiro looked to Aeira. "WHILE I'M NOT ACCUSTOMED TO THE IDEA OF DIVIDING OUR EFFORTS, I MUST GET YOU TO THE REALM OF LIGHT QUICKLY. OUR ENEMY IS IN THEIR ELEMENT HERE. WITH THE OTHER KEYBLADERS HAVING A HEADSTART ON US, WE NEED TO FIND A WAY TO CATCH UP." Shiro nodded his head away from the group to prompt her to follow him to investigate where Lea and Yue had vanished. "Rest assure Shiela... I'll take extra special care of them," he grinned looking back at the new arrivals. "And I see we have a new arrival. Welcome to the Reaper's Game. I'll be your game master Charlie..." He said in reply to Dastgir. "And don't worry, I have some others arriving soon that will help even the group."
Feeling a Gravity spell hit him, Aux's darkness raged on, as he stepped slower and slower, this time feeling more weight being put on his body. Marching more slower and slower towards Kaida. As his eyes remained fixated on her, AJ stood in his way this time. Small fragments of his with him in the mark of mastery exam caused him to hesitate for a few milliseconds before the remnant took the reigns back. The gravity spell was taking it's toll, only making Aux more determined as darkness began to envelop his body, forming silhouettes of claws and wings around his body. Aux has activated Dark Aura: Level 2! With his body lighter to avoid the affects of the gravity spell, Aux hovered above the ground before backhanding AJ with his fist, sending him back a dozen feet away from them. "Begone thought," he commanded in his dark monotone. As Aux stepped closer towards Kaida, Hikaru quickly jumped onto Aux's back and tried to pull him back by his neck. Aux soared higher with his dark wings as he reached his hand behind his back and threw him over towards the real No Heart, where Hikaru was subsequently pinned down by him, with his arm behind his back. With all distractions gone, Aux charged down at Kaida from above. A large burst of smoke was created from Beuce's attack, before the No Heart clone rushed out of the dust cloud and clothes lined Beuce. The man was smacked to the ground, No Heart's foot pressed against his chest triumphantly. Pointing the keyblade to Beuce's face, the clone spoke; "Scary isn't it? The feeling of despair." "Knowing everything you do won't matter in the end." Another clone parried away Ananta's fire spell back at her as the clone cast several Triple Firaga spells at the girl. "You try to convince yourself you're making a difference. But you're not." Another clone cast two powerful blizzard spells freezing Luna and Kel in place. "I am the one in control here." Another clone said, as Stratos just used Zantetsuken against him. Waiting for the delayed reaction of critical damage, the attack Stratos used on him didn't react as the clone's afterimage faded. The clone showed up behind Stratos, having just used his own Zantetsuken against the boy, causing a large amount of damage to him. "The sole reason you've gotten this far Is because I allow it." Another clone cast a powerful earth spell, interrupting Steel's speed and causing him to tumble, before No Heart grabbed Aislinn and knocked her into Steel "Because as you can see... even a fraction of my strength is still enough to stop you." The clone Ignis just mocked ran towards her and performed a powerful combo before knocking her towards Steel and Aislinn. No Heart then pointed his keyblade towards her and cast a powerful bind spell, causing a static ring to wrap around all three of their bodies and bring them down to their knees. No Heart held up Hikaru's head and made him watch as Aux attacked Kaida. "Light and Darkness... always at war with each other. But it doesn't matter to me who comes out the victor. Because in the end, I win."
Accepted.
"Typical," No Heart claimed, summoning six clones of himself to surround himself with. "Divide and conquer!" he commanded as the clones scattered to defend the original. Aux still in the process of attacking Kaida wasn't heading his friends words. "Expunge the light," he calmly said, making a powerful punching motion at Kaida. Hikaru quickly cast a blizzard spell at Aux, whose fist was frozen solid. "This isn't you anymore Aux!" Hikaru yelled as he tried to run towards the two. Unwavered, Aux punched his frozen fist with his free hand, as he shattered the ice away. "Destroy all bonds. They will only make you weak," he mindlessly continued.
Everyone is no longer stopped!
Shiro nodded his head to Karina's request. With Aeira's input, he had come to a conclusion. "WHILE IT IS WISE TO INVESTIGATE THESE FINDINGS, PERHAPS IT IS BEST IF WE DIVIDE OUR EFFORTS. I SHALL TAKE YOUNG KARINA, TO INVESTIGATE THE LAST KNOWN LOCATIONS OF YUE AND LEA. BUT BEFORE WE DO, WE SHALL TAKE THE REST OF YOU TO TAKE PART IN THE REAPER'S GAME. THAT INCLUDES YOU AS WELL MIZU. BEING A MASTER ALREADY, THEY WOULDN'T LET YOU TAKE PART IN THE EXAM." Mizu didn't seem to like this idea. "But we're a team! Why would we split up!" "IF WE DIVIDE OUR EFFORTS, YOU CAN TAKE THE MAJORITY OF THE GROUP AND GET TO THE REALM OF LIGHT FASTER! "But it would just be you two." "WE WILL BE FINE LADY MIZU. I ASSURE YOU, WE CAN OURSELVES," he smiled, while holding a thumbs up. Shiro looked up at the town facing them as he kicked open the gate. "EVERYONE. WELCOME TO THE UNDERGROUND OF SHIBUYA!" The group arrived at Shibuya, as the streets were empty more or less, with a few straggling reaper's game participants were seen walking around. Shiro looked around for any sign of an authority figure. This was quickly met when a bald, dark skinned man approached them. He was a goliath of a man, being just shy of Shiro's height by a few inches. "Well well well, looks like we got some new players," the man spoke. His voice was that of a raspy Australian accent. He wore a tight black shirt, jeans, rings on his fingers, and his belt was just a giant chain wrapped around his waist. Shiro shook the man's hand. "SUCH A DELIGHT TO SEE A MAN IN SUCH GOOD FORM! A GRAND CONGRATULATIONS ON KEEPING SUCH A PHYSIQUE. I AM SHIRO. AND I WOULD LIKE TO ENTER THESE SIX INTO THE REAPER'S GAME." Shiro pointed to Mizu, Koa, Finlay, Vallus, Aeira and Arctus as he shook the man's hand. "AND WHAT MIGHT YOUR NAME BE MY GOOD MAN?" The man smiled confidently. "Name's Charlie. And don't worry... I'm sure I'll find a good match for their sills. I'm the game master. And a tough one at that." Charlie looked to the other participants. "What about the girl?" "THIS GIRL WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE MARK OF MASTERY EXAM. I WISH TO BE HER PROCTOR FOR SUCH AN OCCASION. MIGHT I SPEAK WITH A MR. MEGUMI KITANJI? I WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS WITH HIM ABOUT SUCH A MATTER?" "Oh you didn't hear?" Charlie asked, peaking his interest. "The UG is under new management. But provided you put in the hours, I'm sure I could put in a good word for you," he smiled, keeping his eye on the others. "WONDERFUL!" Shiro burst out. "IS EVERYONE PREPARED?"
Hikaru was stopped. Kaida was stopped. Beuce was stopped. Stratos was stopped. Aislinn was stopped. Ananta was stopped. Kel was stopped. AJ was stopped. Steel was stopped. With little reaction time, all players were getting stopped one by one, with no signs of restraint or resistance. It was as if a force outside their circle was ensuring they wouldn't leave. Only Ignis, Luna and Aux remained unstopped. As Ignis braced herself, she was frozen quickly before she could freeze. Ignis was stopped. Luna's brain was frazzled, as she panicked for a moment. Stepping back a moment, she too was stopped. Everyone was now Frozen in time accept for Aux. He pivoted quickly as he tried to look around for the threat. Luna was stopped. "SHOW YOURSELF!" He barked, summoning his keybalde. As he said, this, a large clanking of heavy armor was heard. Aux turned around slowly, recognizing that sound all too well. The footsteps belonged to No Heart. The one who started it all. "I don't know if they have chess in your homeworlds... but pawns don't normally move until they are told to." No Hearts voice was distorted, and his voice impossible to match. He was just seen gliding past several stopped wielders. Every wielder in the area, was unable to move, but was fully conscious of the events happening around them. "No Heart," Aux softly spoke in disappointment. "I was growing concerned when my apprentice hadn't reported in. But then again, you seem to have been full of disappointments lately haven't you..." "How did you find us?!" "Such disrespect. Someone seems to have gotten their memories back. Pity it was late as it was..." "Answer me," Aux growled harshly. "Same way I keep tabs on Vanitas and Nequa," No Heart pointed to Aux's keyblade. Aux looked down at his keyblade in confusion. He was currently using the same golden keyblade Hikaru gained in his dive to the heart. "You only see. What I allow you to see." With a wave of his arm, Hikaru's golden keyblade turned back into his original dark keyblade that No Heart had given him. Aux shook his head as he dropped his keyblade. No Heart laughed. "Seems your redemption is short lived. I had such high hopes for you as one of the thirteen darknesses too... And with your temper, you'd hardly be considered one of the seven lights." Aux looked at his own hands as he gripped them. All that effort he tried to make in helping everyone was wasted. He was just a giant tracker to them. "You've caused me to rewrite many of my previous intentions. In fact," No Heart turned to address everyone. "All of you have. And I can see with your eyes frozen in fear, you must find me to be some sort of villain, but in fact, I'm just the referee..." He began to saunter to each of the wielders and inspected them. "My plan was simple. Find 13 darknesses and 7 lights from scratch and watch them grow into powerful warriors. These warriors would then clash in an epic battle where in the end, I would gain the X-blade and control Kingdom Hearts. for my own reasons of course. But then... you just kept growing. When I last checked in Deep Jungle you were but 7 lights." He was right. In the beginning it was just Kel, Hikaru, Anora, Kross, Lars, Leo and Noroz. "For one reason or another, more began to join you. And others left you. Whether it was out of abandonment, pride, or a changing path, they left. And while those that remain have proven their strength, I just can't have any more lights. Aux looked to the floor as he gripped his fists. "Why are you here?" Before he took out his keyblade, he looked to Aux. "I came here to see you finish what I started. You were sent to the realm of darkness to finish Operation Pandora." Aux was confused. "But you never gave me a target..." Sho kidnapped him before he could receive the information. "I thought it was obvious." Aux thoguht for a moment before turning to Kaida. He immediately turned back to No Heart and scowled at the Master. "No..." he replied quietly. "Then I suppose I'll just have to keep killing your new friends one by one until you change your mind. I've already taken one life today. I see no reason why taking more would strain my conscience. All in the name of balance." He summoned his keyblade and pointed it towards Steel's head. "I can take four lives today, or you can take one. The choice is yours. Aux was in a major conflict with himself. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before walking in silence over to Kaida. She was frozen right in front of Hikaru as he faced his two friends with a very dark decision. They were completely frozen in time. He couldn't even tell if they could see him or not. Aux summoned his keyblade as he looked at each of them. He sighed as he looked at Kaida's frozen expression. "I'm so sorry," he said before turning around to face No Heart, having come to his decision. He took his Darkgnaw keyblade in one hand and grabbed the end of it with the other. he pushed down the keyblade over his knee and snapped it into two separate pieces. He looked at the broken blade before delivering another glaring gaze at No Heart. "I wanted to see if you're darker side would intervene and decide for you... but I suppose I'll just give you a little push." No Heart snapped his fingers, causing Aux to writhe over in pain. "I don't know how your abductor shut off the remnant. But I can always reactivate it at a moment's notice. And all because you gave up your light..." No Heart pointed to Kaida with his other hand. "Now dark apprentice. Destroy her." Aux continued to remain on his hands and knees, trying to fight the dark control. His arms shaking and his his head smashed to the ground, he was facing dire internal conflict. A lot of loud struggling later, Aux eventually fell silent. His body was re-encased in the black and white armor everyone had seen him in prior,. "Yes Master," Aux replied as he walked menacingly towards Kaida.
"Thanks... means a lot." Hikaru smiled happily at Stratos' remark. With the black coats gone, all that was left for the twelve of them, was to cross the great divide along the water on the edge of Destiny Islands. Along the shoreline were 3 boats that appeared from the faint glow of their player pins. As if the pins were permitting them access to cross the realm line between light and darkness. As far back as time could tell, voyageurs traveled to new worlds via sea or sky. This was their ticket back to the realm of light, and it was an opportunity they needed at this time. Hikaru approached the boats from a couple meters away. The boats were small, but large enough to hold four or five people in it. "Hmm, looks like we'll have to split up into different boats," Hikaru said in observation. "Dibs on the left one!" as he began to dash forward, the sound of a clock stopping was heard as Hikaru froze immediately in place. His body lifeless as his eyes twinged in confusion. Aux approached his friend and looked back to Kaida. Seeing as how she used stop magic before, it was only natural to assume it was her. "Ha ha, very funny. Now unfreeze him so we can get a move on."
[VOLUME 1] - CHAPTER VII - CHARLIE'S GAME At the gathering of the Red Society. Nequa in a newly fashioned purple cape sits non-nonchalantly on a throne made of keyblade. Delta and Zulu by her side, Hotel approaches with Melus and Luther walking in front of him. "You seem to be lookin' just peachy. Guessin' yer all better now?" Nequa stretched. "Oh I'm just wonderful Hotel dear, thanks for asking! and who are these two?" "New toys!" As Zulu reached out, two shots fired from Hotel. "Mitts off nutjob. I consider them more like recruits." Nequa shook her head. "Didn't you get the memo? Auditions were over weeks ago." "Maybe so. But these two just took care of Tango. Right after he got rid of Lea too. Damn shame." Hotel pulled out a cigar and stuck it in his mouth, before lighting the end of it with a lighter. "Perhaps new recruits is something to look into." Delta spoke out. "With Juliet's demise and Uniform's dismissal, this puts our group down to ten." Nequa whined in annoyance before looking at the two. "And are you two... interested in joining this little party?" Melus stepped forward a bit, looking at the revered leader. "If one of your guys was able to take out Lea so easily, arguably the most experienced one there, their side doesn't exactly look like a side worth banking on."Luther also spoke; "We've been fighting a losing battle from the start. Sometimes you simply need to go with the winning side."Nequa seemed rather amused. "Wow. Your loyalty is so easily flexible and I love it!" She sat properly to get a good look at them. "Well a bit on the young side, but nothing wrong with some young blood." Hotel spoke as he exhaled heavy smoke. "Youngins have already been debriefed. Seem pretty into the idea." "Well goody!" Nequa replied before X-Ray strolled in. "Yo Neq!" An older teen with blonde hair to his shoulders, rocker clothes and silver chains showed up. This was the one they called X-Ray. "Just got back and saw Uniform get completely wiped by a bunch of keybladers and black coats.... It was awesome!" He looked to Luther and Melus. "What's with them? New vessels or something?" Delta shook his head. "On the contrary. Possible new allies to replae Juliet and Uniform." X-Ray shrugged. "Whatever. And I kept an eye on those black hooded guys like you wanted. They're all headed to Shibuya." Delta smugly chuckled. "Just as predicted... They're attempting to re-enter the realm of light." "Yeah, but this time they got two of the order guys with em. A small chick with blue hair and some buff dude," X-Ray informed. "Your vessel! Along with another member of the order!" Zulu exclaimed. Nequa sighed. "Well it looks like Operation Pandora was a bust. Still I got one and so did Tango. 2/7 ain't bad. Unless you got that DJ kid." X-Ray remained silent before answering. "It's handled." he said, before slouching into one of the lesser seats in the room. "Well let's just say 3/7" Nequa said, before looking back to Melus and Luther. "And seeing as you two are so eager to join. I do hope your loyalty with me is more... shall we say loyal than your last group?" "W-we'll see... for now you're already doing better, so you've got me," Melus replied. "Well, The Black Coats were barely managing to hold together as it was. With the two of us defecting, that drops them down to six. Lea was the only one with any sense, and now that just leaves that....Kar-Kiara girl in charge. She has a mental breakdown from the stress of tying her shoes in the morning. I'm more likely to listen to you than her, at the very least," Luther added. "Sounds like fun, X-Ray replied before getting a stern look from Delta."What? I was kidding, jeesh..." "Oooh, fun. I do so enjoy branding new members. Think of it like... Initiation that really hurts."Melus and Luther looked at each other. "I don't follow.""Are we to be cattle, then?"Hotel rolled up his sleeve to reveal a glowing red "H" on his arm. "Its like a tracker. A pledge both physical and mental so she can always keep an eye on you." "It also gives you full access to travel between both light and dark realms," Delta informed. "I... haven't seen the realm of light in so long..." Melus said silently. "I see. Keep a little tighter of a leash than the others to make it so that they don't...well..." Luther said as he gestured to himself and Melus. "On the contrary." Delta revealed a scarlet "D" on the back of his neck as he spoke. "We all have one." X-Ray shows his scarlet X on the back of his palm and Zulu showed the red Z on his own face by pulling down on his eyelid and sticking out his tongue. "And how exactly do you go about this branding?" Luther asked. Nequa raised her hand and clasped her fist as a searing pain was etched into Luther's chest, engraving a scarlet "V" onto him. Luther groans in pain briefly "Well, I suppose I can't say I didn't see that coming..." Luther took off his shirt to look at it. "V For Victor, cuz you're a winner kid." Nequa shot a quick finger gun his way before turning to Melus. "What about you cutie? Where do you want it?" Nequa asked. Melus looks around conflicted a moment as to whether or not she wants to even answer But eventually sighs and points towards her right shoulder, "Here's fine, hot stuff." "it's funny because it burns," Luther joked. Nequa raises her hand and burns a red "F" onto her shoulder, making it burn harder than usual. "Only I get to make fun pet names." Melus rubs her shoulder and manages out through gritted teeth, "Noted." "So what does hers stand for?" Nequa was about to speak before turning to her advisor. "Ummm... Delta?" "The letter was available. F stands for Foxtrot" Nequa clapped once. "Yes! Exactly that. Welcome Numbers 11 and 12!" "Which is which?" X-Ray asked. ".... Delta?" "Seeing as how Victor was branded first, he takes on the 11th rank." "And there you go," Nequa finished. Melus and Luther talked amongst themselves. "So we're numbers and not letters?" "Well, you anyway. Im 'a winner' apparently" "Ah yes, the majestic letter 'winner'." Delta began to educate them. "In a sense, you're letter represents your new identity as one of Nequa's followers. Your rank is merely a formality." "So who replaces Tango? Much as I respected the Spaniard, that still puts us down a man," Hotel asked. "I got a guy who was meant to replace Uniform, but replacing Tango is just as good. And that reminds me. Delta, please fetch Lima for me." Nequa ordered. Delta leaves the room to fetch her. "So where are your keys? Thought that was like a requirement or something," X-Ray asked. "Well we've already been branded so apparently not, unless we get more as a membership bonus than the world's more beta tattoo."Luther said. "Wait, they were?" Melus looks to Hotel, "I wasn't briefed on that part." She looked back at arm and moves sleeve to look at shoulder and massage the area cause it was still hurting, "I mean if Lea could get a keyblade, it can't be that hard or special to get, can it?" "Not for a master anyways. I give them as tokens of my appreciation," Nequa said. "Meaning you gotta earn em," Hotel replied Delta brought in Lima, who is more chipper than when she was at the last battle she was in. "Oh! New members! Hi, I'm Lima, it's so nice to meet you guys!" She went forward and shook Melus' hand. "I know the stinging hurts, but trust me, if fades after a while. Whose this? Is he your boyfriend. Oh my god, that's so cute!" Delta raised his hand. "Lima. Please." Lima piped down. "Right. Sorry..." "He's not my boyfriend... he's all sword. I'm more into sheaths," Melus replied. "Nice..." X-Ray commented. Luther looked mildly surprised, followed by mildly disappointed, but says nothing on the matter. "So what now?" "Now you get to see a demonstration on discipline." Nequa looked to Lima. "Why did you go and run out on your post?" "I did? I mean, right... I did. Very sorry..." Delta glared silently at her in suspicion. "And that's completely understandable. We all have to run sometimes to fight another day. But leaving at a very crucial time for your master is not gonna fly so easy. I'm afraid I have to use you as example." Lima seemed confused. "Example of wha-" Several keyblades flew from Nequa's throne and stabbed her in several places against the wall. Blood leaking from her mouth, she died immediately with her eyes wide open in horror. The sight alone was distasteful. Nequa turned her head to Foxtrot and Victor. "Get the picture?" Luther stayed silent for a moment "... Doesn't.. doesn't that mean you need another replacement now?" Melus mumbles to him, "If you don't shut up she's gonna need two more." "No. I'm done with all that. Not enough of a people person to interview someone new. I only got my last group because I had them all kill each other. Besides, I only need three of you in the end..." Nequa replied. Luther perked up a bit at this "So, as long as you have three left at the end, it's fair game between us?" Hotel cocked his firearm. "If you think you can, son." In the meanwhile, Nequabots were cleaning Lima's corpse as Delta watched closely. Luther smirked at Hotel and shrugged "Maybe later. I've already got an extra element, maybe I'll collect a few more while I'm here." "Well I take it you don't want us just to kill each other. So what else did you need new tools for?" Melus asked finally getting over the shoulder pain. "If you really wanna show off your guts, I got an assignment for yah. Charlie needs a couple of volunteers to keep those black coats in check. He's off already applying to be game master. Was thinking He could get these two as well as X-Ray and Echo." Hotel requested. "Aww bummer... I JUST got back. Can't one of the others go?" X-Ray whined. "My sentiments exactly! You can't go using my new toy! I have many improvements to make!" Zulu insisted. Looking back at the conversation, Delta spoke. "As it stands, Hotel, Zulu and I have our own assignments." "Also Kilo is still rather upset at not being chosen to assassinate Kaida. Kid seemed to really look forward to it, so I thought I'd give him a break and Whiskey is just out having her own fun. I'd really not want to interrupt her." Nequa informed. "Well, I suppose it's a good thing I didn't have any attachments there." Luther replied. "Wait, you're putting us back near them already? Seems like a..." Melus looked towards her mark and clicked her tongue and continued, "Nevermind. Still, sounds... relatively amusing..." X-Ray sighed. "You guys are gonna make this dramatic aren't you?" "I'm a performer, drama's in the game. But if you mean causing a scene, I don't think so." Melus informed. "Well you better ensure my Echo doesn't get a scratch on him! Or you will feel the wrath of DOCTOR L!" Zulu threatened. X-Ray groaned loudly. "UGGGGGH Why are you so laaaaaame?" "I thought you were Z?" Luther asked. "It's just like, his really weak stage name... Get a better one, dude." "Enough. You have your assignments, now move out," Delta commanded. He handed two sheathed Void Discs to Delta. "For the members of the order. Make sure they are at the very least, deterred..." Nequa sat back comfortably in her throne. "And the show continues..."
Shiro looked down to Karina, who was curious if he would take over. "HAHA!" he chuckled softly. "REST ASSURED YOUNG MISS, I WON'T BE TAKING YOUR LEADERSHIP ANYTIME SOON. YOU ARE STILL IN CHARGE OF THAT GROUP OF YOURS. BUT I WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ADMINISTER YOUR MARK OF MASTERY EXAM!" Shiro walked passed her as everyone was saying their goodbyes. After Mizu had finished her apology, Kaida had replied with a witty retort, causing the young master to pout. "Oh Ha Ha! Here I am, trying to make a heartfelt apology, and you go and throw it in my face! Well if you expect any sort of leniency from me now on, you can just forget it!" She crossed her arms and looked away from Kaida before Shiro walked by and picked her up by her collar. "HOW SWEET OF YOU TO CARE FOR YOUR FELLOW COUNCIL MEMBER LADY MIZU..." "I'm doing no such thing!" "IT WAS WONDERFUL TO SEE YOU AGAIN LADY KAIDA!" He placed his other arm on he young master. "I AM VERY PROUD FOR WHAT YOU'VE ACCOMPLISHED. YOU KNOW, SEIZA MENTIONED THAT YOUR HOMEWORLD HELD NO SOURCE OF LIGHT. I CAN SEE NOW WHY YOU PROVIDED ALL THE LIGHT THEY NEEDED," he smiled valiantly before marching off with Mizu. "This isn't over!" she yelled back, pointing as she yelled. "You hear me?!" As Mizu was being carried, she realized something. "Wait a minute... where'd the rabbit go?" "RABBIT?" "Oswald... he's gone." Mizu all of a sudden looked at Finlay. "Well don't be lookin' at me! I didn't eat him! Fella musta scurried off in the scuffle." Shiro stood nonetheless on his choice to leave with the Black Coats. "WELL WHEREVER HE IS, I'M SURE HE'S FOLLOWING HIS OWN PATH. AS SHOULD WE... NOW LET'S MOVE OUT!" (Black Coats have returned to their roleplay thread)
Aux raised an eyebrow to Karina's threat. Granted she had every right to be defensive, but he had trouble taking them literally. Hikaru walked over to Karina quickly as she was rallying her own group. "You're always welcomed back when you're ready." He held out his hand to shake hers, with her recorder being held in his palm. Back with the Black Coats, Finlay was picking up his belt as he beat his chest. "Finlay is always prepared for the next battle." He looked down at Karina's keyblade. "But aye, that could be a problem... The keyblade is how that lot has been trackin' us. Not tah mention, we're stuck in the dark realm, meanin' we're still on their turf." He looked down. "Kind of puts a low blow on things." "WELL IF YOU'RE PLANNING TO RETURN TO THE REALM OF LIGHT, YOU'LL NEED SOME ASSISTANCE." Shiro slowly sat upwards as he tried rubbing his leg muscles to get feeling back into them. Mizu quickly ran to Shiro's side. "You shouldn't be getting up so soon!" "REST ASSURED YOUNG MIZU, I RECOVER QUICKLY." He looked tot he other wielders. "THIS CREW DEMONSTRATED A GREAT DEAL OF IMPROVEMENTS. AND SEEING AS HOW THEY CAN PASS ON THE KEYBLADE, I CAN ONLY DEDUCE THAT THEY'VE TAKEN THE MARK OF MASTERY EXAM." "Great! So we can go with them back to the realm of light and-" "I'M AFRAID IT'S NOT THAT SIMPLE... IF THEY'VE BEEN GIVEN PASSAGE BACK TO THE REALM OF LIGHT, THAT COULD ONLY MEAN THEY'VE ACQUIRED THE SAME RIGHT OF PASSAGE THAT YUEE AND RIN MADE YEARS AGO..." "The Reaper's Game..." Mizu realized. "CORRECT. IF WE CAN GET YOU LOT THERE, I MIGHT HAVE A CHANCE AT BEING ABLE TO BE YOUR GAME MASTER." "Worked when Yue got us in!" Hikaru confirmed. "WONDERFUL!" Shiro rejoiced. "NOW THAT JUST LEAVES... WHAT TO DO WITH YOU." He looked directly at Aux as he was slowly regaining feeling in his legs. "I know it must be... easy to doubt me," Aux began. "But regardless of what becomes of me, I still want to help." He looked to Hikaru and Kaida. "Because apparently that's what we do." Hikaru held a thumbs up as he grinned. Shiro slowly got to his feet and used his keyblade as a walking cane. "START FROM THE BEGINNING..." Aux sighed. "It all started when some one named No Heart showed up... He was a man shrouded in armor, but he promised me answers. Like how to reclaim my memories and become stronger. I knew it was obviously leading down a dark path but... something inside me didn't care." "YOU WERE BEING TRAINED BY THE MOST ELITE OF WIELDERS... WHY WOULD YOU ACCEPT HELP FROM SUCH A CORRUPT INDIVIDUAL." Aux was about to speak, but kept his mouth shut. "WELL?" Hikaru looked at Aux and ended speaking on his behalf. "Because he gave me his light..." "Hikaru-" "It's fine," he reassured his friend. "Back when Kaida took her second Mark of Mastery, I was very sick at the time. Turns out it was because my heart was... unstable. Aux gave up his light to keep my whole. And the reason I was incomplete was because... I'm a replica" He gulped at that last bit. Mizu stepped back a bit. "But... those are illegal aren't they?" "INDEED," Shiro claimed. "And the man who was responsible for taking Aux's memories and creating me... that's Kurt. Who, like Aux said.. was the one taking control of Krowley from the beginning." Shiro took a deep breath as he took this all in. "SUCH BETRAYAL AT THE HAND OF OUR CLOSEST COMRADES...." He looked back up at Hikaru. "YOUNG MAN, I DON'T FAULT YOU FOR YOUR EXISTENCE. BUT YOUR CREATOR WILL HAVE TO ANSWER FOR HIS ACTIONS ONCE WE APPREHEND HIM..." He looked back to Aux. "AND THIS... NO HEART FELLOW. WHAT DID HE WANT FROM YOU?" Aux thought back. "He took myself, and two other wielders as apprentices." "Nequa and Vanitas." "Right. In the beginning, our mission was simple. We were tasked with recruiting THREE users of darkness. I spent most of my time going from world to world, trying to corrupt others... I still have trouble forgiving myself for that." He recalled what he had done in The Great Forest, Beast's Castle and Deep Jungle. "Nequa on the other hand wanted keyblade wielders. She had a list of names of people she wanted us to capture. The THREE she would chose to be keyblade wielders. I have no idea why since that wasn't a prerequisite..." Terra, Aqua and Ventus could have been some names. Their whole journey began with Eraqus asking for help to find his pupils. All this time. No Heart was behind everything. "Why would he want you to do that?" Mizu asked. Shiro's eyes widened. "BECAUSE... HE'S TRYING TO RECREATE THE X-BLADE. HE HAD EACH OF YOU THREE TRY AND TO RECRUIT THREE MEMBERS EACH. WITH NO HEART, THAT MAKES THIRTEEN! BUT THEY STILL NEED THE SEVEN LIGHTS. THE ORDER WOULD HAVE BEEN THE PERFECT CANDIDATES..." Shiro scratched his head as he thought. "SO WHY WOULD HE TRY AND BE RID OF US?..." "I don't know," Aux answered honestly. "I didn't question beyond what he taught me." "WELL WE WON'T GET ANY ANSWERS BY SITTING HERE." He slowly rose. "MIZU, PREPARE TO TRAVEL. WE MUST ASSIST THESE OTHER FIGHTERS IN RETURNING TO THE REALM OF LIGHT." Aux seemed surprised. "That's it?... Aren't I... y'know? Unfit for service?" Shiro placed a hand on Aux's shoulder as he passed him. "SON, YOUR PAST MAY HAVE MOLDED YOU. BUT IT DOESN'T DEFINE YOU... WHAT YOU DO TODAY ONWARDS. THAT'S WHAT DEFINES YOU. YOU FOUGHT VALIANTLY ON THE SAME BATTLEFIELD AS THEM." He took his hand off and began limping away. "WE MOVE OUT IN FIVE EVERYONE! BEST SAY YOUR GOODBYES!" With Shiro's mind made up, Mizu made her way over to Kaida. She slowly made babysteps as she got closer and closer to her, swallowing her pride. A few light taps on Kaida's shoulder to get her attention, she took a deep breath. "Ummm.. Hi... I know that I've been... for a lack of a better term; unladylike towards you since you joined the order." She sighed as she thought about Rin. "All my life I was told that I was special and had tremendous talent. It didn't matter much to me until Rin vanished. Then all I wanted to do was never be caught off guard like that again." She looked back up to Kaida. "And then you came along. And for some reason I wanted you to never succeed. And I know that must make me sound horrible. But it's only because I thought that being in the Order didn't matter as much as I thought it did. I mean.. One of the strongest keyblade masters to ever live gave his seat to YOU! Someone who never wielded a keyblade before. BUT..." She inhaled deeply for this part. "All my training didn't prepare me for being knocked out and kidnapped. With me barely putting up a fight. All that talent and experience was... meaningless. And you've succeeded to much since then. It almost feels like I've fallen behind," she chuckled. "But I guess what I'm trying to get across is... that I'm sorry."
As Aux watched from a distance, he remained somber. While it was a nice scene watching this once raging girl try and attack him, her anger was quickly calmed within minutes by the people around her. Hikaru and Kaida had met these people who trust and believe in each other. A feeling he didn't get to have for a very long time. He could only look down at shame in himself. Karina to him, wasn't memorable in the slightest outside for possibly her rage. But this moment is what would define her to him. A woman willing to put her past aside for something greater. He stood in silence as they all rejoiced to her and her newly regained keyblade. It was moments like this where he felt very out of place. Sure, he could help them fight, but the moments that involved trust were just too... unearned for him at this point. He had his darkness silenced, but not his past actions. Seeing this did give him hope though.
Hikaru could see the situation escalating, but before he could try and settle it, everything that was said was said. Unfortunately he could see Karina was hurt in the process. He watched more events unfold as Beuce began reciting what sounded like the keyblade inheritance ceremony. It was only confirmed when Kaida continued to recite it. More and more wielders began to chime in, as Kel, Stratos, and Luna followed. Being the first one who met her when she first appeared in the SOS. He wasn't necessarily close with her per say, but she helped the group a lot in many ways. While the rest of the wielders were handing her the hilt of their keyblades, Hikaru wanted to prove further to Karina that her contributions matter. "In your hand, take this key." "Then through this simple act of taking, so long as you have the makings" "Its wielder you shall one day be." "And you will find me, friend—." "No ocean will contain you then..." "No more borders around, or below, or above..." He quickly reached into his pocket and walked alongside the other six reciters in his party as he held a closed fist in front of her. "So long as you champion the ones you love..." Hikaru looked down at his closed fist. "I had these rings made for everyone to show my appreciation for the sacrifices you've all made." He opened his closed fist, presenting a silver ring with the engraving of 'SOS' on it. "And that includes you too." He flashed a reassuring smile as he looked down at the ring. "They say the keyblade chooses it's wielder... But this time, instead of having it choose you again... We're choosing you." He presented the ring to Karina as he looked directly at her. "And it's your choice now too."
