Re: A Keybearer's Journey [Azrael] AU Fan-Fic
Chapter Three: Regression of Light.
Now that I come to think. Benjamin thought briefly, with his back turned at the mysteriously placed black imprint that was right behind the sword-bearing youth. I just want to get the hell out of here... Until now, all he cared about was to get the heck out of this place, dream, whatever it was and awaken back to the real world like he was moments before he slept the night before today. Believe it, he was serious in his adoration and love for his friends in his desire to not give up the shield that which the voice said granted him the power to protect the ones that he loved. ...and I want to see them. A boy most would consider too young to believe that he was a mercenary, his friends provided him with some normalcy.
Coast's clear. Benjamin breathed in and then sighed deeply; the sword that he bore on his shoulders was certainly heavier than he hoped it would be. Dang! Who makes something this heavy? Unlike his two older friends, he was still just a kid despite already reaching the time of hitting puberty yet a year or two of mercenary service around the known world has done no favors for him, not even a six pack at that! His eldest friend, Terre made getting muscles so easy. It's a wonder why he managed to get Ura to like him. If only I could get some pretty to like me. Sigh. If only they were still here...
Swish. Swish. Swish.
Hearing the noise coming from behind him, Benjamin's eyes narrowed. Something's behind it. I know it. He swerved himself around and screamed. Oh shit, what the hell is going on. I am going to- He almost screamed as he jumped back as something pulled itself out of the ground and took form. What the heck?
It was a short ugly creature as everything on it was pitch black, just like the dead of night for the key exception of its eyes which glowed a bright yellow color. The only form of illumination in this dark realm and the creature resembled much like an ant, only bigger and with only four limbs. All of them looked identical to one another and were quite short. Two limbs moved around unsteadily, and its abnormally proportioned head dangled as it took a good look at Benjamin and threatened him with what looked to be claws.
Ew. Probably not as scary as I thought, but ugly as a male Viera! He chuckled a bit, calming himself down as he was amused by what he believed to be the black creature's poor attempt to scare him. Ben wasn't going to deny that the thing for those few seconds almost made him want to as the old saying goes, crapped his pants. Well in a few seconds later, Benjamin almost yelped as the creature made a jump for him and caught its claws on the youth's arm. Oh son of a bear! Get this thing off me! Wah! Having his sword on his other arm, he smashed the blade, using its sharp end and cutting down the small monster, causing it to wither away into a bunch of dark particles that dissipated into the air. Corrected. These things can give me a run for my money!
As one was slain, others like it soon joined in the festivities that were about to commence. Man! There's more of these ugly things The monsters flattened themselves on the floor, and began moving around in formation, mostly behind the boy in order to get the chance to have the jump on him. Oh no you don't! thought the brunet, not wanting to have these things get the wiser than him as he turned around and slashed at some of the creatures. Take that! Diminished in numbers, the black creatures nevertheless pulled themselves up and began wobbling around, making the task of finishing them off seem much more easier although more continued showing themselves. Oh dammit, don't jinx yourself!
Seven or eight more monsters showed up and pulled themselves from the floor and eyed at poor, little, out-numbered Benjamin. These creatures weren't much different in appearance except they looked slightly more humanoid in appearance, and slightly is used very loosely here. In comparison to the other ones who were slain before, they had much longer limbs and sharper claws. Along with being more on the danger factor, they probably had a bigger chance to actually pose a threat to the youth. They were bigger and taller than the other ones.
Son of a bear! Won't these guys just stop and leave me the heck alone! Ben asked himself, retreating a few steps as he swung his blade at the approaching horde of monsters advancing towards him. Probably won't scare them off but I might get a lucky blow or two. -Pant- I'm getting tired...must rest. Laziness kicking in.
You must not give up, son of Lancaster! The disembodied voice shouted to Benjamin's mind out of a sudden, quickly re-energizing the youth's drive to slay the creatures as they approached him. You can't just give up like that for it is not how a hero should act. Those Heartless coming towards you are relentless and will not stop until they are burrowing themselves into your body and consuming your heart. Do not give up!
Easy for you to say! Benjamin was fortunate enough to take down two 'Heartless' with a swing. I'm the one doing the fighting for crying out loud!
As long as the light in your heart illuminates brightly, you will never fail in whatever endeavors you must do if you are to do your duty! Let light be your guide! Again, this voice spoke out to Benjamin; her tone almost sounding like she was cheering him on as he fought the Heartless. Being barely educated, he couldn't understand completely what she meant by the light in his heart guiding him but it sort of gave the youth some comfort. He retreated back a bit, only to rush at the remaining monsters, exterminating them with a good series of hits and simple combos. Darkness will surround you at times such as then and you must muster the strength to fight these creatures of darkness. Do you understand?
Hm. Benjamin took the brief reprieve from slaughtering the monsters to think about it. Did he understand what she meant? Probably so but it didn't help him make much sense out of this dream that he couldn't seem to escape from. He nodded affirmatively. I think I do understand. Not everything but enough. More Heartless, a mix from the ones he just slain and the ones that first appeared behind him. Well, I defeated you guys so it won't be a problem. Hyah! shouted the youth, running towards the Heartless, swinging that little bitty sword around and killing them until there were none left. I got you all! Score for-
Ouch! Dang it! Ben groaned as a Heartless jumped him from behind and began chewing the flesh attached to his slender neck. Get off me! He ripped the Heartless off him and threw it on the ground, then ending things before it had a chance to cover by smashing it on the head, causing it to disappear. Another tried to grab him from behind, this time consuming the clothes and skin on his back. Oh no you won't! Raising the sword up high, he swung it downwards and smashed the weapon's hard steel onto the black creature on his backside killing it instantly. Ugh. Of course the price was some discomfort, but it was better than having your flesh torn off by some thing.
This is it! With each Heartless that he destroyed, one or two were always there to keep him busy but he wasn't going to give up this time around. Let your light be your guide! Benjamin dodge-rolled, avoiding an attack from above by one of the larger ones and decapitated the creature, spilling out dark liquids as the creature faded away or sprouted out a heart. He managed to cut down the numbers finally at a more reasonable level, just only two left. Go home! One slash did it and all the Heartless had been slain, only green orbs remained of the creatures.
Hm. What's this thing here? Ben thought, picking up one of the green orbs and looking at it. Hm. I wonder why these things were left behind. As soon it was placed on his hand, it dissolved into the palm of his hand and the brunet sighed happily. I feel...better now. Weird but a good weird.
Just when Benjamin thought it was over, the voice shouted in the boy's mind. Behind you!
There's more? Great. exclaimed the youth, gulping his throat as more Heartless sprung up. No surprise. Oh well. More to fight. Benjamin charged at the monsters pulling themselves out and eliminated them before they had a chance to dangle their faces his way and attempt to fight him. More were appearing but it didn't faze him at all. Is that all you got now! Come on! Give me a challenge! proclaimed the youth as the creatures were cut down by the sword's power.
Just one more. panted Benjamin as he tried to catch his breath while aiming his sword at the thing. And just maybe, all of this would be over. Now for sure, fatigue was getting to the boy and no words this time from some voice was going to convince him to continue while he was in this condition. Spirit's strong but sadly, my body had my spirit beat. Dang it... He was tired and with all those green orbs that could replenish his strength, you think he would have enough incentive to pick one of them up. But I'm tired. Briefly looking down then looking back up, he made an attempt to slash the creature but alas, it flattened itself and disappeared into the darkness beyond.
No energy left in the boy, or at least for now as he slowly descended down to the stained glass. His small, slender body crashed hard into the floor. Pain was null and void, due to the lost of consciousness as Ben's mind blanked out. As the ever-continuing present progressed around him, he was never noticed of the darkness advancing onto the circular area, specifically a liquid-like dark substance engulfed the stage entirely, including Benjamin's body who was secured tightly by several appendages that pulled him in to perhaps the next chapter in this crazy dream...
