Kingdom Hearts Eclipse - Chapter 1

[HollowHero]

Re: Kingdom Hearts Eclipse

As Mephiles continued to zig and zag through the winding passage ways below he stopped suddenly as he spotted Ogen and two other people. He slowly steps into a alley way.

"Damn two others got to him first. Now what do i do? Do i play with them? Do i risk it? Well so long as i stay in control. But first let me do a little check for myself."

Mephiles places his hand on the ground once as his eye glow blue.

"Ah I see now. Aiyana and Animus. So that's who they are. Now then..."

Mephiles holds out both of his hands as he summons the Oblivion Keyblades. He takes a deep breath in and out trying to calm himself. But the urges kept on growing. He knew he couldn't control them anymore. Mephiles tilts his head left and right cracking his neck. As he opened his mouth he exhaled a small amount of black vapor.

"I can't do it anymore. I'm going to have some fun. Matter what the risk is."

Mephile scales the building as he stares at Ogen, Aiyana and Animus. As more black vapor begins to gather around Mephiles he begins to mutter to himself.

"Where is he? There? Here? I can't see him there's too much light. Let's subtract two."

As Mephiles raises his keyblade he fires three dark projectiles at Ogen, Aiyanna and Animus. He slowly begins to walk towards them as the black vapor begin grow.

"Will you three play with me? YES! Let's play!"

 

[OmniChaos]

Re: Kingdom Hearts Eclipse

"...Ogen? What're you doing here? I thought you went with the others..."

Ogen stared blankly for a few minutes, searching the recesses of his mind to find the name that went with the girl. He knew that she was one of the twins, but he always got the names mixed up. Now, was she the happy one or the one with anger issues?

"You're Le--no, Aiyana, right?" Ogen asked, hoping that he was with the nice one, regardless of her name. "Wha-what are you doing here? And what do you mean 'went with the others'? What's going on?"

Before Ogen even received an answer, the twin proceeded to grab his hand and started to pull him along with her, though Ogen doubted that she would be able to pull him very far, she was able to pull him far enough to cause Ogen to fall back onto his back. Furthermore, her pulling was starting to not only hurt his arm, but his back was being rammed into the side of one of the shingles. Ogen pulled his hand free from the twin's grip and, sorely, pulled himself back up, rubbing the small of his back.

Come on, we need to go, we can't save Radiant Garden...The Eclipse King is just too strong."

Ogen's heart sank and he suddenly felt sick to his stomach. His heart beat began to steadily climb higher and higher, racing as Ogen began to panic. Beads of sweat formed along the boy's brow, quickly followed by an army of sweat that charged out from beneath the boy's hair. Ogen glanced left, then right, then back to left, searching panicky for nothing in particular. It was just the anxiety taking over.

"but Miss Aiyana is right; our top priority is to evacuate the city."

Ogen, being pulled from his short-lived state of panic, snapped his head in the direction of the voice, his eyes setting upon Animus. There was someone who would be able to keep order in these times. But he was wrong.

"No," Ogen said with a raspy voice, struggling to get to his fear-weakened legs. "You're wrong..." Now on his feet, Ogen was able to see the hell that the Eclipse King had brought. A battle being waged at the training ground, a flood of Reavers, and massive, black spires that rose from the radiant garden like parasitic weeds. He had seen it once before, while under the care of the king. The black spires. They must be what is causing the onset of darkness. He shook his head and turned his attention back toward Animus.

"If the situation at the castle is...relatively under control, then we should try to stave these drones off for as long as possible. I've given most of the others instructions to do the same."

"We can't!" Ogen shouted in objection, breaking the boy's characteristically quiet demeanor. After he quickly realized what he had done, Ogen drew back his voice and calmed down. "I-I mean..." Ogen paused for a moment, a little embarrassed for loosing his temper as he had. "This town is now just a death trap. Should we, if by some miracle, be able to hold off the Reavers and somehow fend off the relentless attacks of his generals, The Eclipse King would simply mow us down. There is no way we can stay in Radiant Garden and still live. We have to escape while we can." Ogen paused and looked out onto a figure he could only assume to be the King. "Besides, the Eclipse King is only after us. He won't harm any civilians."

"We have to find Master Ansem or Leon," Ogen said, uncharacteristically taking charge. Ogen couldn't quite put his finer on it himself, but there was something inside of him that was urging--no, it was commanding him to do this. He could feel it, welling up deep from within his heart; feeling as if it were ready to explode outward. "We... we have to find a Gummi Ship. And we have to get as many other keyblade wielders as possible. We don't have much time."

The feeling Ogen had felt earlier grew stronger, but now brought with it pain. An unimaginable pain attacked Ogen's chest, feeling like what Ogen only assumed to be a heart attack, only worse. It struck, it stabbed, it pierced Ogen's very essence in an unbearable pain. Ogen collapsed to his knees and threw his head back, letting loose a blood-curdling scream. Through all the pain, Ogen was able to see three incoming attacks, but quickly lost sight of them as a black light erupted from the focal point of the pain. The pain spiked and Ogen, unable to take it anymore, fainted. However, his torso remained upright, held in place by a strange, black energy.

"Who dares attack me?" Ogen asked. Except, it wasn't Ogen. No, another voice, one that was both malicious and dark, spoke through the lips of the unconscious Ogen. A black mass shot out of Ogen's body, protruding from the spot of the light. The mass resembled an arm, except it was not solid, as it seemed to move fluidly and, at times, detach and dissipate, almost like a mixture between water and fire. A matching arm shot out of his body quickly afterward, and the pair of arms grabbed onto the outer rim of the light, pulling it out further. The two arms continued to pull, doubling the size of the erupting light. The two arms pushed against Ogen's body and lifted out a large, black mass, a body, from the look of it. The mass lifted itself upward, taking to the air. It was, in appearance, nothing more than a blob of dark matter, the two arms attached to each side of it. Attached to the bottom of the mass, a long, black strand connected it to Ogen's body, entering him through his chest.

"Such insolence," the dark voice stated, pouring out from Ogen's lips. The black mass lifted its two, massive arms out to its sides. The three projectiles struck the mass's body and arms, causing it to ripple at the points of impact. The projectiles, however, did not come out the other side, and the mass dropped its arms to its side, the rippling effect dissipating. "Yes, let's play."

 

[Professor Ven]

Re: Kingdom Hearts Eclipse

Abel's laughing, his puerile clapping of hands sealed his fate. A pity. Sea-grey eyes came ablaze, appearing as searing cerulean coals, the flaming Keyblade in his grip turning by arm and hand's allowance, a thin yellow-red line stretching from its pronged end to reach up to the top of the gravity-induced dome. It sliced the metaphysical structure in half, and as the grandiose cell faded to nothingness, his free hand lifted, fingers and wrist twisting and directing, as the shield of gravity was gone, enlarged slightly, sent straight towards Abel's giggling cranium.

"Adieu." With the swiftness and agility unlike anyone else of his age, Quel'loyen leapt from wall to wall, reaching a rooftop, and rushed towards the Castle, black coat whipping at his heels, the reflective white spots keeping the ever-encroaching darkness about him lit. It comes once more, the Void.

As he trotted and hopped to the next building, close to the Castle Gates, he looked to his left, and saw them. The mechanical whirrings and clickings of the Reavers, their numbers incalcuable, limitless. They marched with inhuman steps, their lifeless sensors watching for anyone, anything that dared take breath. Several Wielders were trying to stave off the assault, dying in vain amid explosions and cries of sorrow.

He felt naught from this. To feel such sorrow is merely to invite the darkness. Harden the heart for war, and let it be soft when peace returns after. Tal'shendar relinquished his Keyblade, requiring both hands, as they flowed about before him in almost a conductor's waving.

On the ground far below, amongst the ranks of horrifying, undaunted Reavers, great shafts of red and gold light appeared, as flower-petals appeared, spinning out in an octagonal shape, carving the machines like mere blocks of cheese. A reversed platform of gravity appeared underneath his feet, lifting him up to better see the theatre of battle. As the shafts of fire dissipated, he summoned a finale: five giantesque javelins appeared above him, and at his direction, flew straight and fleetingly at the ground, all blasting back Reavers around them on impact.

As the last javelin hit the ground, a thick line of Gravity-induced magic connected all of them, forming a pentagon, trapping many of those vile slaves inside it's walls, as the shield went up over it, crushing the Reavers caught inside the cantrip. Quel'loyen felt a slight pain in his temple, and sent his platform floating towards the Castle, disembarking into the Grand Hall, amid refugees and defenders in a state of panic.

"They will be here soon! Everyone to positions! Posted guides, see to evacuations!" his voice echoed throughout the chamber with a semblance of authority, as people moved towards the awaiting Gummi Ships beyond a set of corridors and hallways. Tal'shendar strode swiftly with a sense of purpose, his boot steps heavy, ringing throughout the silent chambers and walkways, eyes alert, watching every corner and archway with readiness.

And then he saw three figures, or was it four? That shadow? He looked towards the man younger than him, tinted spectacles clutching his face; a boy spoke in a harsh, almost inhuman manner a few seconds prior. And Aiyana?

"Canto'so, DeCavis? Hands are needed - why dally in this indecision?" Intrusive eyes watched the three of them closely; everything from their facial expression to how their feet moved was questioned. I am still Primus Ser'lus. If they must die, then so be it.

He made no move to summon the Keyblade to his grip, coat rustling with the slight breeze, the white dots reflecting the now-receding sun, shrouding Tal'shendar's face in a ghostly, pale light, as the disks themselves began emitting their own primal glow.

 

[Ordeith]

Re: Kingdom Hearts Eclipse

Magnificent! Utterly extraordinary...! Tremors of dark power radiated from the boy Ogen's form, rippling through not only the air but through Animus himself. In response, the darkness of his own heart flared violently, like a surge of black bile in his throat. The lenses of his spectacles clouded to the point that they were nearly opaque.

With some considerable effort, Animus suppressed the brewing squall within--and instead turned his gaze to the black maelstrom that had at last revealed itself. Ogen's heart, once a forbidden tome, had now divulged its black secrets all at once. This was no disease of the heart, the assassin realized. It's a parasite that burrowed deep inside. Who would have ventured...that the complacent, lifeless shell belied such a thing!? Here lay the strength of heart that marked one of the Keyblade's chosen; the creature had no doubt siphoned it all away.

Meanwhile, the other being of the dark, one who had no doubt been attracted by the sudden influx of darkness, had been rendered powerless by Ogen's own living shadow. He still remained but a few yards away from the group, however, and could only be considered a threat. Immediately raising a Reflect barrier around himself and Aiyana, Animus leveled his Keyblade, eyes alertly flitting between the two dark creatures. "Aiyana, steel yourself!" he ordered. "You'll need to help sustain this shield--because I haven't any idea whether one will strike, and when."

Despite his preoccupation with the sudden outbreak of violence on the rooftop, the assassin couldn't deny the presence of another. From somewhere above, the unseen eyes bored into the back of his skull, a subtle undercurrent of pressure--hardly noticeable amidst the chaos.

The presence was distinct nevertheless, and stood in contrast with the saturated darkness.
Don't think for a moment that you've passed by unnoticed, old man. Not for a moment.

 

[LongLiveLife]

Re: Kingdom Hearts Eclipse

Hunter flew, feet first, through the air, knees pressed to his chest, back parallel to the ground. The rushing air cut through his clothes like a knife. Through squinted eyes he saw the blurred outlines of Scuttlers all around him. At his speed, they seemed to coalescence to a single smooth metal smear. Hunter’s focus, however, was set on the Reaver that stood, perfect, in his trajectory. His eyes were locked into its frame like two blue lasers, never relenting, even when his heel crashed into its iron armor. The armor resonated and Hunter felt it buckle inward as, in the space of a half second, all one hundred and fifty five pounds of his mass came to a sudden halt.

Crimson runes bloomed at the juncture between Hunter’s feet and the metal Reaver. The Scuttler had not fully registered it was being attacked before a vermillion column of fire erupted from the soles of Hunter’s shoes and reduced its head to a molten ripple. Hunter drove his feet further into the skull and pushed himself off the falling creature, arching his spine skyward in a smooth backflip. Beneath him, grazing through his hair, was the swift movement of a projectile. Malik had launched an ice shard that had all but missed his brother, so perfectly timed that even Lady Luck would pause for a double take. Hunter landed deftly on both feet and threw his head up in time to watch the icicle plunge into the Reaver’s mechanical skull.

Hunter turned to face Malik, grinned and shot him a quick thumbs-up. They had been fighting for all of five, ten, fifteen minutes? It was too difficult for Hunter to keep track and focus on the battle at the same time. All he knew was that winning this battle through brute force would not succeed. There were too many of them. Bodies of fallen Scuttlers littered the stretch of the road. This one makes one hundred and two, but for every one we kill, it’s like a hundred come to take its place.

Malik gave a half-hearted smile and followed with a shrug. He, too, was beginning to realize the futility of attempting to stall the Reavers. “The civilians!” Malik shouted. “Most have retreated to the Castle; we should do the same. We’ll do more good protecting them there than risking our lives out here.”

Hunter nodded, and they both ran, backtracking the way they had come. Each fallen building they passed struck at Hunter’s heart—and, as their telepathic bond betrayed, at Malik’s as well.

When they reached the square, Hunter reeled, and all thoughts of even reaching the castle perished. Even from his distance, he recognized the summoner of the ethereal black mass for who he was—Ogen. To one side, shrouded in the spherical shimmer characteristic of a Reflect spell was Aiyana and Animus; on the other, outside the sphere, was another Keyblader, whose name he did not know. They were in combat; of that much he was certain. Now the question was: was Mystery Keyblader fighting because Oden had gone rogue, or was he fighting because he was allied with the King?

“Do you even need to ask?” Malik was already running ahead. “One guy’s become a portal for some demonic black force, and two are hiding from it behind a shield. Friend or foe, if he’s lost it, Ogen’s the biggest threat here, and until that black convolution goes, that's what he’ll continue to be.”

Muttering an incantation under his breath, Malik swept his hand in an arc in front of him. Beads of light emerged from the path and flew in curved streaks toward the black sphere. When faced with evil, Malik thought, banish it with Holy. Light the darkness.

 

[Eva]

Re: Kingdom Hearts Eclipse

The sight itself was a rare and unfamiliar one. One moment, the three had been talking and urging Ogen to leave, the next an attack. Suddenly, a thing seemed to come out of him, though what exactly it was she had no idea.

What was going on?!

Her thoughts had cost her--she hadn't even been aware of the attack until Animus had brought up the barrier to block it. No way... Biting her lip, Aiyana shook her head as she regained her composure. No, forget it, it happened. This is battle...No fear, no thinking. It was unfortunate, but it wouldn't happen again--she would make sure of it.

"Aiyana, steel yourself!" he ordered. "You'll need to help sustain this shield--because I haven't any idea whether one will strike, and when."

"Yes, sir!" Aiyana replied, mimicking his actions as she held out her left hand, summoning Floral Fallal at her side. Keeping herself on her toes, the girl braced herself for what was to come. Her senses were opened, her mind was cleared of all thoughts--any and all worries would have to wait. Don't think, just react. She nodded slightly to herself, though raised her keyblade. At its tip sprang a small burst of light, though it was not one of sole protection; she was setting up her Barrier Surge, just in case.

Ogen isn't the enemy...but... She looked at the opponent who had attacked. I guess...I'll follow his lead...
_____

Bouncing on the heels of her shoes, Leilani was getting antsy. Her sister hadn't returned and her thoughts were wild. Everyone who couldn't defend themselves were here, boarding the ships, though no figure of authority was in sight just yet. At times like this was when one needed to be calm and take charge. Too bad Leilani wasn't that type of person. Of course, one of those types did arrive, and gave instructions.

Damn it, Ai, where are you? She paced back and forth, her eyes constantly darting towards the door. Almost as soon as she looked back at the ground, she felt the power of their keyblade shift away from her. She's in a fight?! You're kidding me... Leilani groaned, tugging at her bangs. Leave, and have the civilians get themselves out, or stay in case something happens? The choice was one that had Leilani go crazt, but as time passed, she had to make her move.

Against her better judgement (again), Leilani ended up exiting the castle, and began a sprint and hectic search.

 

[Chromatic]

Re: Kingdom Hearts Eclipse

The power of darkness, as little of it as Anton was able to effectively muster, proved to be enough to keep the small Reaver force at bay. Half the bunch he had sprung his initial assault on was down; not totally broken, but just as good, immobilized, or otherwise on some manner of fritz. The rest, he had fled from, much of the lot pursuing him off the understanding that he was the one who had downed their comrades, and hence a threat to be swept away. Five or six had chased him from the training grounds, over to a stretch of road that lead back into the town, or what was left of it after the cacophony from moments earlier. Looking along that road, the young spook could see the endless river of mechanisms hell-bent on making Radiant Garden the site of the Rebellion’s grandest and saddest of graves.

He knew immediately that the embrace of despair had wrapped around the last true stronghold of the Rebellion he had so dearly worked to defend. It was an embrace he knew, having lived in it constantly as a Halloween Townsperson. But even this accustomed take on the morbidity of death and destruction wouldn’t let him out of his mindset that what was happening had to be stopped before it grew to an excess. He stopped at the road, the encroaching stampede of machines pounding the ground hundreds of yards away echoing through the newly formed veil of darkness that had come in hand with the air of hopelessness and defeat. “It’s time for Anton to lay down arms,” he said, giving a smirk to the pair of flaring robotic eyes gazing out from mere feet away from him.

The machines gave a lurch forward. Anton gave a downward swiping motion with his scythe. A flash of light heralded the creation of a small set of orbs, circling his body violently as the Reavers moved forward. The machines were caught in the orbs’ revolutions, but Anton did not stay back to take in what damage he had done them, if any at all. As soon as the orbs dissipated, he was on the run, down the path headed towards the castle, where he figured the task of making a stand might be more easily achieved. Oh the tricks I could pull on those silly creepy-crawlies, he mused to himself as a sprinted down the path. The narrow and maze-like corridors of the castle were perfect for springing booby traps. The idea was stimulating, and, unwilling to be late to setting up a defense, he picked up his pace towards the castle.

Passing through outer gates of the stronghold, he came to a halt. In the stillness that had fallen around the keep, he heard a close but faint trace of footsteps. Seconds later, the sight of a familiar face, a Keybearer’s face, cut through the shadowy veil as she (the Keybearer) sprinted towards the castle exit. In a split decision, Anton pulled to the side, and placed the handle scythe down, crossing the girl’s path. It might have been mean to go tripping allies in the midst of a losing battle, but it was best for pulling their attention, and would have been meaner still to not give them warning of what lay ahead of them.

((Yeah, that last bits is pretty much for Eva; be tripping Leilani. Figured I have to try and interact with someone at this point)).

 

[HollowHero]

Re: Kingdom Hearts Eclipse

"No wonder why. There was a piece missing. And now here it stands before me."

Mephiles smiled at the black mass protruding out of Ogen's body. Even though his mind was falling part due to the insanity he could feel it. He felt like a child at a candy store unable to choose because he wanted them all.

"I see a barrier. Argh... I'm sorry to say that even that won't hold me back for long."

Mephiles stabbed his Keyblades into the ground hunching over. His back seemed to move and twist about. Suddenly a pair of jet-black arms burst out of Mephiles’s back. This seemed to relieve his pain as he exhaled even more black vapor. The arms seemed limp at first hardly even moving until the hands slowly reached down grabbing Mephiles’s head. As hands slowly moved downward, they latched onto Mephiles's shoulders.

Slowly a large black mass was being pulled out it seemingly had no form. However, the mass twitched and turn, twisted and bent seemingly trying to assume a form of some sort.

"Stop it. That's not what will be needed."

At those words, the mass stopped moving. It slowly began to sink as the arms began to change shape. The fingers and thumbs began to grow outward becoming longer and a black substance covered the space in between each finger and thumb. By now, the hands resembled giant bat wings.

"Much better."
___________

"That was the Eclipse King right?"
"I know what you are thinking and the answer is no."
"But,"
"We don't even have a Keyblade how can we hope to fight him?"

For once Mai knew Ryoko was right. What could they do? They did not even have a Keyblade. However, Mai was not willing to give up.

"But how will we know we can't beat him unless we try?"

Ryoko sighs and throws her hands up in defeat.

"Alright I give up. But if anything happens and I mean anything we run got it?"

Mai nods as Ryoko points at the castle on the map.

"I think we should start there."
"Alright."
"Huh?"

Ryoko felt a sudden chill run down her back. She could not describe it but it felt familiar to her. Ryoko turned around see the black mist in the distance she felt like she needed to go there.

"Mai come on!"
"Wait Ryoko!"

Ryoko took off in a full sprint as Mai followed her.

"I need to know. What is this feeling?"
______________________________

"Ah…it’s coming this way. That won't due it's not time for the reunion yet."

As Mephiles clenches his fingers together, he could feel it.

"Even though it's sealed the connection is strong."
________________________________________

As Ryoko rounded the corner, he found herself in a pool of darkness sinking.

"What is this?! Crap! Mai!"

Nevertheless, her warning came too late as Mai rounded the corner she walked right into the pool of darkness too.

"What the?!"

Mai said in surprise whatever this was it was not letting go. As Mai looked over to Ryoko, she reached out to her as Ryoko did the same. They were so close but just a little out of reach of one another. As a full minute passed they had sunk down to their necks and just as they were about to go under they locked hands. In the darkness, Mai struggled to think of a way out.

"Do not fear."
"Huh?"

Mai opened her eyes but it did not matter if they were open or closed it was too dark to see anything. Moreover, the darkness felt like it was trying to strangle her it was hard to breathe. Mai heard it again the voice in her head.

"Do not fear. So long as you grasp the light darkness will never take your heart."
"Light what light? It's too dark to see any light here."

Suddenly Mai felt her hand being guided by some unknown force. She felt her hand grasp something in the darkness. It was metallic and cool to the touch. Mai could see once more the darkness was becoming visible from some sort of light source. As Mai looked up, she watched the light bend and begins to take form.

"This is?"
"Now take hold of that power!"

A beam of light erupts from within the darkness shooting up into the sky of Radiant Garden the light is bright enough to be visible to everyone.
_______________________________________________

Mephiles turns his attention to the beam of light and smiles.

"She awakened. Good..."

Mephiles turn his attention back to Ogen and the others. Mephiles grabs his head in pain as the mist disappears. Mephiles takes a deep breath clearing his head.

"Damn it's getting worse. It's time for me to pull out."

Mephile snaps his fingers as the wings disappear a Corridor of Darkness opens. Mephiles picked up his Keyblades turning back to Ogen and the other before taking his leave.

"I want you to think about what i am going to say. The people of the world will betray you in time. Why fight at all? Why risk your lives for those who will persecute you later? You think they look up to with hope. While underneath the resent you. You have power they do not, in time that resentment turns to fear. And out of fear people will do whatever they deem necessary to feel safe once more."

Mephiles walks into the Corridor disappearing from sight.

 

[OmniChaos]

Re: Kingdom Hearts Eclipse

Its attention had been drawn to the mysterious man before it and the dark mass, unprepared, took the brunt of an unexpected and, frankly, uncalled for light-based attack. The dark being let out an ear-piercing screech through the lips of Ogen as the light sliced through it like a hot knife to butter, causing it to largely loose its physical shape and, instead, deteriorate into a black, chaotic cloud of darkness. It didn't say a word. It didn't need to. The heavy, labored breaths that poured from Ogen's lips said all that needed to be said about the black mass's current standing. It was hurt. Not simply because of the light-based attack, but also due to the fact that it was relatively new and that its physical form had not been fully developed, resulting in the black mass being unable to withstand the attack properly. The black mass, now partially recovered from the attack, or rather the unexpected shock of the attack, let out a ferocious roar.

"You idiots!" it cried in rage, directing its voice toward the owners of the attack. "You dare attack me!? You dare put Ogen's life in jeopardy!?"

The black cloud of darkness, though not speaking through Ogen, swirled and moved in such a way that its anger and fury was completely obvious, now slightly resembling the form of a tornado. After a moment of its fury-based dance, the black cloud of darkness withdrew, slowly seeping back into Ogen. A strange sound, which sounded like a mixture of both Ogen and the dark being's voice, resonated from Ogen's lips, moaning and groaning in, what sounded like, slight pain as the black mass continued to withdraw into Ogen's body. It looked like molasses slowly pouring from a hole and collecting in a large, black mass, only in reverse. Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime, the last of the dark being slurped back into Ogen and the boy, once again conscious, rose, in an unsteady, ungraceful fashion, to his feet as he tried to get a grasp of his surroundings.

"Wha-What happened?" he asked, slowly rubbing his head. "Last thing I remember was this bright light and--"

Ogen raised his hands to his head, clutching it tightly as tears rolled down his cheeks from the pain. Blood slowly ran down the side of his face, seeping out from beneath the fingernails that he was digging into his head. Finally, the pain overtook him, and Ogen, with no other way to help relieve the pain, threw his head back and let out a yell.

"My-My head!" Ogen somehow managed to cry between shouts of pain. The voice sounded strange, demonic even, as if two people were speaking at once. The more Ogen spoke, the louder the second voice became and his voice became softer and softer. "It-It hurts!"

Ogen's cry quieted to whimper, his body still held in the exact same position, before he lowered his head to meet eyes with one of the twins, specifically the one that had launched the attack. Malik, was it? Though his gaze was not met with Malik alone, but also with the mysterious stranger. Ogen's eyes were cold, belonging better to a murder than a fifteen year-old child. They were the eyes of one that was determined, confident, and was not afraid of anything. Suffice to say, they were most certainly not Ogen's eyes.

That was not a very nice thing you did, Malik," a familiar voice rang, obviously now calmer than before. "I thought you considered Ogen a friend? If so, why attack him? Why attack me? Did I show any ill will toward you? Did I show any ill will toward Ogen's comrades? Then why attack? Did my appearance frighten you so? If so, then how about this? Am I so imposing now? Do I still seem like a threat?"

Ogen, or rather the being that now controlled Ogen, turned his full attention back toward the mysterious stranger. His voice took a darker turn as he began to address the man that attacked them.

"As for you, you have long-overstayed any sort of welcome that you had here. I suggest you leave. Now."

With that, the being lifted Ogen's hand out in front of it and, with a brilliant white flash, summoned Ogen's keyblade, Deus ex Machina, to him. In a fluid, unnerving, precise movement, the being, without saying another word, lifted Ogen's keyblade and pointed the end of the blade toward the mysterious man. Darkness gathered at the tip of the keyblade, blotting out the beautiful sun that formed its teeth like the dark, forewarning clouds of a storm. With a strong blast, the darkness shot off the end of the keyblade, taking the form of a long, black spear as it flew toward the mysterious man with deadly intent. The man had, however, already retreated into a corridor of darkness, saying something that held no interest to the being in control of Ogen before he left. The spear of darkness continued its path and tore through the vanishing corridor, deeply impaling the side of the building behind it.

"Now that that's been dealt with," the being said, lowering Ogen's keyblade. He turned his attention toward the two behind him and, still, made sure that Malik, as well as his twin, assuming he had caught up, knew that he was addressing them as well. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Umbra, stalwart guardian and Ogen's shadow."

---------​

The Eclipse King stood tall, proud, watching as the once beautiful and light-filled garden of radiance was once again casted black, hollowed and ridiculed by a blanket of shadows. Yet another in a long line of worlds that met the same, inevitable fate. And soon, the last of the worlds will follow in suit. Destiny was inescapable. And then, everything will truly have begun. But that was matters best left for the future, for the present required the tyrant's attention at the moment.

And indeed it did, as a keyblade came hurdling toward the king's head from out of nowhere. It slightly impressed the king that someone would take aim at him, but, none the less, it was still a fruitless effort. With little concern for the keyblade apparent in his movements, the Eclipse King simply rose his free hand and, with great ease, caught the keyblade's shaft just as it was about to strike him. The Eclipse King, obviously unimpressed by the extent of the attack, dropped the keyblade, which vanished with a bright flash before it had hit the floor. Back to its master, no doubt. And, once again, the king was left wishing that there had been more to the attack.

"You bastard!"

The king turned his head in the direction of the voice to set eyes upon a young boy, not possibly over the age of twelve, holding a light-blue keyblade out in front of him, his legs and posture ready to strike.

"My, my," the king said, taking a step toward the boy. The boy, in turn, flinched a bit, but retained his ground. "All run in fear from me, yet one stands his ground? Tell me, are you not afraid of me?"

The boy couldn't even muster out a response to the king, who grew closer and closer with each step he took. A few more steps and the king was upon the boy, standing tall before the young, inexperienced keyblade wielder.

"Faced with death, submerged in fear, yet you remain." The king's voice almost sounded in awe as he spoke about the young boy. "You very well may be the bravest person in this world. Tell me, young one, what is your name?"

"J-Jarod."

The Eclipse King paused for a moment, as if he were thinking heavily upon a matter. "Jarod," he finally said, "I will not forget your name anytime soon. I will also personally carve it upon your tombstone."

As that last word left the king's lips, he raised the Inselberg high into the air, mimicking its namesake. The blade shimmered a bright white light as the tyrant began to bring the blade down upon the boy.

The next few seconds passed like a lifetime. The great sword, shimmering like a star on a clear night sky, began a slow, sad death march, dropping down like an executioner's axe upon a man's neck. The boy almost seemed to have predicted the king's move, as he was already in the process of lifting his keyblade up to meet with the blade of Inselberg. With not even the tiniest second to spare, the boy set his stance just as the blade of the great sword made contact with it. There almost seemed to have been an instant look of relief on the boy's face when the sword made contact with the keyblade, the familiar metal upon metal sound slowly resonating. The boy had saved himself, at least for the moment.

However, the king's power proved simply too great. After a short-lived moment, the great blade Inselberg broke through the boy's keyblade and continued its path downward. There was not even time for the boy to change the expression upon his face before the blade was upon him. It ripped through him quickly and easily, and the boy, still standing with the same expression of relief upon his face, died instantly and painlessly. The Eclipse King turned and bowed his head slightly, offering a silent prayer as the two halves of the boy fell down.

With the training ground now empty and his marshals on the move, the Eclipse King began walking toward the castle, where, he could only ass, the keyblade wielders planned to hold up to protect the citizens that had nothing that needed protection against.

 

[Rhapsody]

Re: Kingdom Hearts Eclipse

Choked sobs escaped, coming from the end of a dark alleyway. In between the faraway scuttle of the passing Reavers, and the malignant odor of Death as thick as the ominous haze that licked at the desolated paths and skies of the once radiant garden, the faint cries could be heard nor concerned by no one….

"Stop it. Crying will get you nowhere."

Save for just one.

The lingering spectator approached casually, standing tall over the sobbing heap hiding in the alleyway. A depressing sight, it was. A boy, no older than the age of ten from the looks of it, had ducked his face between his chest and knees, shaking, quivering in obvious fear. So much the opposite of the dark, enigmatic woman before him. Proud and tall she stood, not a trace of emotion on her features. Dead. Seemingly unaffected by the chaos that went on just outside the sanctuary of the condensed alley walls.

And unaffected she was, because Calpurnia had seen it all before. Like an eerie sense of deja vu.

More than once had she seen Reavers of all kinds hunt down the Keybladers one by one - attacking and destroying. More than once had she seen the dark, shadowy spires break from the ground and rupture what little sense of safety that remained within the fated world's citizens. Seen the Haze, the thick, foggy blanket that draped over the sky. She had seen all the tell-tale signs of pending disaster before, and had very much been apart said disaster at one point in time.

No doubt about it – the Eclipse King was here, and this world would soon be his for the ruling. And this child might perhaps fall with it if he didn’t move to safety. And fast.

Calpurnia tried once more to rouse the boy, her tone unsurprisingly even. "Come on, on your feet. You have to keep going." Yet, still, not one move from the boy. Not even a flinch, a jerk to acknowledge her presence. She groaned, crossing her arms as she shifted her weight to her left foot. So it's like that, huh? Ugh. This was going to be a bit harder than she thought. Admittedly, she was hoping for the sobbing child to high-tail it out of the alleyway upon her presence. Or to look up. Or jump to his feet. Or... something. Anything, really! But no, nothing from the kid. Not so much as a smidgen of movement. The older teen angled her head off to the side, blinking. Weird. Usually younger children his age tended to react pretty much the same way (or at least along the same lines) whenever Calpurnia came within distance. Scamper back, frown, boggle their eyes... cry. They did it all.

All except, well, outright ignore her.

Incoherent whimpers - 'Jarod, Jarod, Jarod, where are you? Jarod?' - left the shaky child in irregular intervals, taking absolutely no mind to the older teen hovering feet from him. Under any other circumstances, Calpurnia would have left the child. She never cared before, so why now? Kids were never fond of her, and vice versa. But something kept her planted to her very spot. Rooted, unable to leave the cowering child's side. An eerie feeling tingled in the back of her head, as if pressuring her to do more than see to the child's physical well-being. A bothersome sensation, it was. Very uncomfortable, one she could not simply overlook.

At last she summoned that bit of hardness in her tone - hardness so familiar, so very much her. "Walk, I said. Go on, get up. You're gonna make it." To further motivate the broken boy she added a jabbing kick to the surprised child's rear, pushing him unceremoniously to his side.

That did it. Now rid of his miserable musing, the child peered up. He was filthy and stained with dirt all over, and through bouts of hiccups her stuttered out, "But my brother -"

"Is fine I bet." She looked up for a moment, thinking of a distinct haven, a place for all citizens to go to in a dire time...

Oh, of course!

A sharp glance was thrown back to the boy, followed by another rough nudge from her foot. "Go to the Castle. It's not safe out here, by yourself." As if sensing a presence right then and there, hazel eyes flickered uneasily left and right, searching for,... For what? A Marshal to jump from out of the walls? A sigh emitted from her parted lips, followed by a small rock from her head. Paranoia. A nuisances at times. And other times, a nifty little life-saving prickle. But not now; they were fine, currently. Safe.... For the time being. Hazel irises jerked back to the younger child, peripheral vision catching the shift of a body to a stand. That unease still present in the boy's innocent gaze, he looked to Calpurnia, a child seeking comfort in his newly-discovered "mother".
A notation that Cal might scoff at.

"My brother... Will he be there? Waiting for me?"

A small 'click' reverberated from the walls of the alleyway. Her clenching jaw. About ready to crack under the pressure of her teeth grinding together.

‘Annoying… Bothersome… Kids….’

Calpurnia raised her shoulders, taking on a tight grin in which a blind man could have seen right through. "Sure. Why not." Her obviously tight grin and deadpan tone seemed to fly right over the younger's head, his own toothy smile flashing in return and stretching his face to almost unheard of proportions. So... Mission accomplished? Not so fast. Just as the boy, upbeat now with the surely gratifying news of his brother, began to side-step Cal, he halted, one foot half-way in the air. The next words from his lips came a bit at random... "Will you come with me?"

...But nonetheless caused the older teen to raise her brows. A stir - something, she wasn't sure what - prickled in her gut.

It never crossed her mind. Following him to make sure he made it home never once crossed her mind. Spectators didn't get involved with the battles. They observed. They watched the events unfold. But were never involved. "No. Can't. Sorry."

Defeated, the boy’s blue eyes fell downward, head sinking and submerged in sadness. "Oh, okay then." Like a light bulb flicking back to life, his countenance brightened within seconds. “Maybe next time then?” With a giggle the child skipped out from the alleyway, Cal tailing behind with a grimace, just relieved to be rid of the boy and ready to take off from -

"Oh, hey!"

...There.

Cringe, halt, and glance. Thrown from over her shoulder, the stone-cold hazel gaze said it all: I'm losing patience. Make it quick. Whatever it is.

"The name is Joss, by the way!" A toothy smile full of glee once again stretched his features. "It was to me'cha, Miss!" And quick as a shot the boy scampered off the opposite direction, running home. Into the impalpable, ominous veil he went, alone and oblivious to the eerie silence of Death all around him.

Just that sparkling smile of hope, innocence lighting his path.

Cal didn't understand it. This churning in her gut, the ringing warnings in her head - 'Follow, follow, follow him!' - urged her to tail the boy, see to the boy's safety. Urging. Nagging. Insisting. Too strong to ignore, too strong to debate with and bring up the fact that she was only a spectator to these events – nothing more. Her stomach did flip-flops. Go? Or separate? Go? Or Separate? She thought leaving was her best option, but…

Instinct begged to differ. And funny how instinct never lied, either. A fact in which she herself could not deny, and learned through basic experience. Yes, experience was her greatest teacher, her greatest asset. As was instinct.

It was decided.

Cal turned on her heel. She was going to regret this, she knew. Experience also taught her to heed that achy feeling that bubbled in her stomach whenever trouble suspended in the air. Nine times out of ten, it was right.

Tsh. To hell with that. Instinct, it seemed, had won over her conscious today.

With a click from her tongue the girl took off deeper into the thick haze, her gait quickening to an all out run.

 

[Ordeith]

Re: Kingdom Hearts Eclipse

Even after the billowing shadow retreated into the boy's form, it was all too obvious that the parasite retained full control of Ogen. Despite the Eclipse King's black spires issuing dark energy into the air, Animus could still sense the dark flood that had washed over the boy's heart. There lies the strength of a Keybearer... The assassin regarded him curiously for a moment, then dispelled his Reflect shield and approached Not-Ogen.

"Umbra, is it?" Animus asked. "Well, I am glad to finally make your acquaintance." From his tone, he might have been inquiring about a suspicious dish on a restaurant menu--nothing so dangerous as a sentient projection of darkness.

"Animus DeCavis--although I'm sure that's known to you. I don't wish to sound rude, but I detected your presence, deep inside Ogen. As something of a scholar, I can't help but express my curiosity....but I suppose now is hardly the time for an interview! The Reavers' approach is accelerating, if anything." The touch of playfulness in his voice dropped as the gravity of the situation made itself apparent.

Animus strode over to the edge of the rooftop and pointed towards the castle, where the fleeing refugees could still be seen pouring inside. Already, the Eclipse King's mechanical horde was biting at the mob's heels, picking off any stray citizens left unprotected by a Keybearer. "I ensured that word was sent out for Gummi ships," he explained, "but I haven't any idea when they'll be arriving. Until Leon brings more information, our only remaining option is to defend our position at the castle...or else create a diversion." A playful undercurrent crept back into his tone.

"The most striking pieces in this invasion are those carrier ships," he continued, turning to face the advancing army. "And I invite everyone present--Hunter and Malik as well, please--to examine one of those vessels: Unlike our supple, malleable Gummi ships, these carriers have been crafted from untold tons of metal. I would wager that just one of them could supply enough metal for an entire building...or perhaps a barricade?

"From time to time, I've seen the castle engineer, Daedalus, attack them successfully. With as many capable people as we have assembled here, I'd imagine we would have little difficulty doing the same, if we're careful. If the main route to the castle can be blocked by one of these, the majority of the Reavers would be unable to attack the castle in unison--buying the Gummi ships more time. What say you all?"

______________________________________________​

While formulating the exact procedure outlined above, Animus kept a tiny fraction of his mind focused on the old man, lingering somewhere behind them. Of any one denizen of Radiant Garden, the enigmatic Quel'loyen was Animus's greatest cause for concern. From what strange world did you drop? You not only look, but you see, from what I can tell of your heart. By all means, continue glaring at me from afar...but don't be shocked when you find those eyes plucked out of your skull.

 

[Nalin Calhoun]

Re: Kingdom Hearts Eclipse

Darkness retracts its hand ​

Flowers grow where foulness once rooted ​

The Radiant Garden, ​

a Beacon of our defiance...​

Everask had arrived in the Radiant Gardens a month ago this day, and in that time, he'd already grown quite comfortable with the place. The grand city was a marvel of modern technology, and it was simply astonishing how quickly they seemed to turn the ruins of Hollow Bastion into a thriving metropolis. The white haired lad felt more at peace in this place so full of light, and purity. It was enough to dull the pain that seemed ever present in his left arm where Mortalitas hid within. Everask examined his arm. It was covered in something like a second skin made up of solidified darkness. It was part of his flesh and he could feel through it, but at the same time, it was foreign, like a parasitic creature that leeched from him his purity, his goodness and his stability. The fingers of the dark hand ended in knife sharp talons of dried blood red and the whole appendage seemed to be uncomfortable in a place such as this. The darkness within was like a wolf with its hackles raised in anticipation of a fight. ​

At the same time, his void white right arm seemed to move easier than normal, as if it was completely at peace. The purity it gave of was relaxing in contrast to the paranoid misgivings of Mortalitas. Anima was always calm that way. To say that they were alive would be misleading. More accurately, one could say that they can perceive and feel because they contain portions of Everask's being inside of them. Unlike normal keyblades, they form a symbiotic bond with him, making them living organisms of a sort. Without his keyblades, Everask would shortly die. Not only would losing them reverse the healing of all the damage he'd taken from stepping too deeply into darkness, but losing the blades would be like losing a portion of his own heart and soul, which would also kill him. Luckily, they are essentially inextricable. As his arms are the blades for the most part, even cutting them off wouldn't do too much. ​

Everask walked towards Ansem's castle, the place he'd been calling home for almost three weeks. The boy still marveled at the structures magnificence. Many of the other keybearers there gave him a wide berth, seemingly perturbed by his condition, and by Mortalitas. Some of them even went as far as to verbally damn him an abomination or at least a freak of nature, for which he still chooses not to respond to. Several trainers recommended that he bandage or cover his dark arm, but he defiantly refused to. Why should he be ashamed of what he was and what he'd done? That arm was the just one more thing that the Eclipse King had taken from him, directly or not and he would use it to kill him regardless. ​

As he stepped through the main entrance of the castle, he noted the many soldiers pepper with a minority keybearers that conversed and trained in the halls. They all had personal quarters, though mostly shared with another. Everask had been put in a small room alone however, mostly by his request, and partially at the request of others. The white haired lad didn't mind. Solitude had been his only companion for some time and that didn't need to change. One keybearer in particular caught his eye. Kelith Jordan, a rowdy fellow, and probably Everask's biggest critic. The boy's keyblade was named WhisperSilk and was capable of cutting through an object and delaying the effects of the slash until the desired moment. When Everask had first met the boy, he took a swing right through Everask's dark arm, and hours later, the wound simply appeared as if he'd been given it right then and there. Worst of all, his blade was very tricky to see. Light bent oddly around it, and cloaked it from sight to some degree, so it was hard to gauge the exact dimensions of the weapon. ​

Everask had refused to engage the boy in a number of duels in the past, and Everask didn't want to accept him now. However, when Kelith strolled over looking haughty and arrogant, the boy felt my left hand clench. The other keybearer stopped several feet in front of Everask and looked him square in the eye. The boy was just an inch or two taller than Everask was, but he wasn't intimidated. Size didn't matter much in a duel anyways. With a smooth drawling voice, Kelith called out, ​

"Who bets that I can defeat this freak today?" The other keybearers nearby perked up. "If he doesn't chicken out as usual I mean." More people came close and jeered at Everask. The boy simply took it in, and then let go. Everask was not going to be baited this way. Kelith put an arm out to his right and the white haired boy could faintly perceive the distortion in the air that was essentially all that could be seen of WhisperSilk. Without asking for his acceptance, he simply swung the blade at Everask viciously. Without thinking, Everask reached forward and Mortalitas caught the unseen blade in mid swing in a powerful grasp. The arm of dark flame, mist and liquid gave off small sparks of black lightning that trailed down WhisperSilk, burning the boy's hand somewhat. Mortalitas's Hand had formed first, and then behind it, the handle and the rest of the shaft. The darkness on the Everask's arm began to writhe and burn furiously. The black of his eyes began to grow past the normal bounds and soon covered the whites completely. ​

"Let me be Kelith. I'm not in the mood to fight you. Not now. Not EVER!" Mortalitas thrust the boy's blade away from him and it dissipated in an aura of light. "Leave me be." he said, as Mortalitas faded back into his arm, and the darkness resettled into smoothness. Silently, he walked past the boy, and headed towards his quarters.​

 

[Professor Ven]

Re: Kingdom Hearts Eclipse

He once more felt the overbearing weight of an Age cascade down upon him. Decisions! Decision is a word thought up by spineless, spilfering fools who reek within the bowels of indecision! The Endless Night took the weak, for did I not command it? Are not the blood of thousands still falling from mine own fingers as kin to water? The Light purged and saved, and I left those unworthy to their own demise in the bleak darkness! I am Quel'los'telkare'loyen! Tal'shendar, First Instructor! It was my duty to instruct the World in what peace was valued for, was it not? Am I not still Primus Ser'lus?

The fiery gaze of his oceanic vision was ever alert, as he strode towards Animus and Aiyana, the other figure gone, the boy, whose name he knew naught of, troubled, the shadow-fiend sent away. Footfalls grew distant to his hearing, as Quel'loyen embraced the Nature of War, its tenets sending all sorrow and, softer emotions, into a rout at the back of his mind. Tal'shendar's voice casually crept into existence, upon hearing Animus' folly of a plan, or so he believed.

"Perhaps DeCavis' plan is plausible. We merely need methods of escape, as, of course, we know all too well that the Eclipse King would love nothing more than a few more Wielders of the Dark, willing to volunteer their services or turned against their will." After all that has transpired today, I know all too well to trust any in our ranks. The Prophet of Darkness' minions were fools to appear so early - and yet so close!

Animus DeCavis. Almost a little too comradic for his own good, and, as Maestro Requesciat would say, "one more poor fool to watch over now, and kill later." Oh, yes, I will be waiting, and watching, always; and may I wield the Light to cleanse any corruption in the Rebellion's refugee horde.

"Animus, Aiyana, would you be so kind as to allow me assist in this endeavor? This ki'rhal board is finished." The white, full circles still illuminated the darkness around him, as Quel'loyen's eyes burned invisible holes into the spectacles of the meticulous scholar for a brief second, before catching sight of the younger girl. He ignored the boy, whose name he did not know. Was she not in Abel's presence earlier? A pity. I have never been loved for my impatience when wroth with anger.

"Let us begin, shall we?" Begin the purge. No mercy. No retreat.

 

[Eva]

Re: Kingdom Hearts Eclipse

Of all the times to go and get lost, it had to be NOW. While not too far from the castle, Leilani was hesitant to go too far; given the ten minutes she had given Aiyana, she assumed the girl couldn't have gone that far; that and, well, the fact that a giant thing heading her way limited Aiyana's possible location. Still, she was so caught up in her own thoughts that she tripped over her own feet.

Flailing her arms in an attempt to keep balance, gravity took hold and she fell to the ground. "Ow!" She yelped, though after a look around, she realized she hadn't tripped herself; someone had done that for her. She had accidently summoned her keyblade in the proccess, thinking it had been an enemy. "Oi, oi, oi!" Pushing herself off the ground, Leilani rounded on the meanie head. "This is NOT the time to be palying tricks, man!"

With a few deep breaths, she calmed herself, though she still gave a weary eye to him. Was it an accident? Something intentional? Was he trying to stop her? Or did he do it for the lulz?

_____

Aiyana blinked a few times at the plans, as well as that...thing introducing itself as Umbra. It was a curious thing, but she kept quiet and just listened to what was happening. While she may not have gotten every detail, the plan would be to make a diversion. Or was it a blockade? Oooh, I should've paid more careful attention! She silently berrated herself, but nothing she could do about it now. Not like she could go back and reread the script, so to speak.

When addressed, Aiyana perked up, somehow standing up straighter. "Of course, sir." She agreed immediately, though her keyblade dissapeared from her hand. Huh? Aiyana looked at her empty hand. ...I thought Leilani was still at the castle...?

 

[Rhapsody]

Re: Kingdom Hearts Eclipse

Another sharp turn around a corner. Like the other turns and curves before it, Cal had stumbled and almost lost her footing in an attempt to keep up with the scampering child, Joss, who had appeared to somehow require the legs and reflexes of an Olympian runner. The kid was booking it, even putting Cal, whose agility was supposedly her forte, to the test.

Yet another sharp curve to the left, and with it an order, simple and commanding, left her panting lips: Slow the hell down! For all she knew, this kid might be the death of her. What if a Reaver, long behind its brethren in the path of destruction, had caught up to them? It was possible, after all. Too much running could attract unwanted attention to the pair. And as silent as it seemed, who knew what was lurking just beyond the haze? It was impossible to tell or say.

What if... what if... what if...

So many worse case scenarios crossed her mind, it was a wander how someone could take into account such horrendous (and even some absurd) possibilities all at once. But again, experience lent hand in this. It taught her to evaluate and examine all possible situations when in the clutches of battle. Anything could happen, anything was possible, and Cal was very much aware of this. Unlike the boy, whose gait still did not seem to slow an ounce even after her command. Maybe he just didn't hear her? Yes, that had to be it. Cal tried again, calling out rather forcefully: "Slow the hell down!"

That got his attention.

Joss jolted in his steps, perhaps surprised by the fact that Cal had decided to follow him. Though instead of stopping, he did nothing but throw a smile, full of teasing, over his shoulder. All without missing one beat in his hurried steps. Cal glowered, ever growing annoyance swirling its nasty tendrils in her gut, gripping her, overwhelming her mind and beckoning her to just leave the boy to himself and have a Reaver take care of him. Obviously, the child wasn't well-educated in the universal rule of minding one's elders.

Smug little bastard.

Just as she closed in the gap between herself and the boy, ready to pummel the snotty little child in the head, the child did something a bit unexpected at the beginning of the next turn. He stopped. Right in his tracks. Puzzled, she, too, slowed her steps and came to a halt just behind him, tracing his blank, wide gaze...

And meeting with a severed body. Lying right there, in the middle of a path.

Cal steeled herself, glancing around with caution, alertness in her eyes as she searched for the familiar face of a Marshal. Mentally she traced back to a year ago, remembering their distinct faces, their names, running down the list. A flicker of movement up ahead caught her peripheral vision and confirmed her fears.

Actually, no. Her initial fears involved running into a Marshal. Not the Eclipse King himself.

A slew of inaudible curses left her lips to no abandon, her wide, alert, and (though she would dare not admit it) panicked gaze never once leaving the clad figure in black. Perhaps.... he had yet to see them? They were facing his back, after all. Nonetheless, Calpurnia took no chances. Instinct kicked in, a hand swooped out to the side of her, fingers flexing at the air, clawing at it as a spiral of black tendrils swirled and laced in between the spaces of her digits. In a shimmering display Faucille was summoned.

The next seconds went by in a blur. Even before Cal could react, Joss, the child beside her, sprinted forward, closing in the gap between the enigma and he. Fifteen feet... ten feet... five feet... By then he had grabbed at the ground and came back up with a small rock. It went flying, meeting right at the King's head. "Monster! You monster! You killed my brother! You killed Jarod!"

Blasted child! He was sure to grab the Eclipse King's attention if they hadn't already!

 

[OmniChaos]

Re: Kingdom Hearts Eclipse

"We will surely have to do both," Umbra responded, glancing at Animus from the corner of his eye. There was something about this man that rubbed Umbra the wrong way. While he claimed and appeared to support the rebellious cause, he had a certain feel to him, not that unlike the King and his Marshals, one that stunk like the aroma of a rotting carcass. It very well may have just been a touch of over-protection from the guardian, but still... He simply could not shake that feeling that stabbed at his gut. A blockade--and I agree, a Carrier Reaver would make for a fine one--may do well to stall the Reavers, but it would be naught but tissue paper to the King's might, make no mistake about that." Umbra turned Ogen's head, tilting it upwards slightly as if to smell a scent in the air. The boy's face scrunched slightly, as if a foul smell had invaded his nostrils. "Even now his scent grows stronger, his presence growing as a great shadow with every step he takes. It won't take very long for him to reach the castle and, when he does, no amount of metal, barriers, or prayers can protect you from the cold steel of his blade."

"If you are to get a barrier set up in time, then you will most likely require the assistance of Daedalus," Umbra continued. He raised his thumb and index finger to his lower lip, as if to visually express his current meditation on the subject, and began to slightly pace across the roof. "And in order to keep the Eclipse King from the castle, he'll have to be distracted long enough for the Gummi ships to arrive. Now, I very much doubt anyone would be able to hold their own against him in combat for very long, if at all, especially if he decided not to toy with them during the fight. Therefore..." Umbra's voice trailed off slightly, ending in soft, incomprehensible mumbles.

"In that case, I will have to distract the Eclipse King myself."

---------​

The Eclipse King did not move. He stood perfectly still, looming as tall and as proud as ever, like a black obelisk, so grand and powerful, that rose above grass and grain, sand and sea, and above mud and men, rising past the domain of the clouds, through the heavens, and punctured a mortal wound into the belly of the sun, soaking the ebony spear of darkness with the warm, yet fading, light of life. He simply stood there, a being of nightmares, fear itself, a simple man that transcended all understanding of power and became a god. He stood there, unmoving. A statue as cold as the deepest depths of space.

"Yes," he finally spoke, his voice resonating with the power of a gunshot. "I killed your brother."

The Eclipse King turned and faced the boy, as well as his little, lost sheep, Calpurnia. His voice still resonated in the air, as powerful as when it was spoken, yet just as sympathetic as well. No malice nor any hint of anger rose from the man's tone. It was calm, sympathetic, and, arguably, even slightly sad. As strange as his tone may have sounded, however, the King's words took not from his overpowering presence nor from the undeniable and overwhelming sense of danger one may have felt.

"Let it be known that your brother took blade to me, not the other way around." A hint of respect lifted from the king's voice as he continued. "Of all the able-bodied keyblade wielders, of all those who are the hope for this pipe-dream resistance, he was the sole one to raise his blade to me and the only one to fight me in an honorable dual. And for that, I hold great respect for the boy's bravery, especially for one to be so young, and I provided the boy with the best I could: A painless and noble death." He placed his hand on the boy's head, who, unsurprisingly, jerked back in opposition. The Eclipse King smiled. "You seem to take after him quite a bit. Take his bravery in your hands and live on."

The Eclipse King turned his attention from the boy and placed it upon Calpurnia, his smile fleeing his face the moment he caught her eyes. Such defiance. He could feel the hatred she held for him resonate from her eyes. A thick, black hatred which fuelled her, motivated her. It made her strong, and, therefore, made her valuable, so much so that her previous abandonment held no sour taste in the King's mouth.

"As for you, Marshal Calpurnia." The Eclipse King's voice was strong and forceful, as a commanding officer's would be when speaking to his troops. "I can only assume you have enjoyed your over-extended leave, but it is time that you return. You have much to do and many more wielders of the key still to hunt. It is time you stopped acting like a petulant child and started acting like the warrior you were meant to be. I will have you back." The Eclipse King lifted his sword, pointing it toward the ex-marshal. "One way or the other." His voice drew soft. "Do not make me kill you."

 

[LongLiveLife]

Re: Kingdom Hearts Eclipse

Hunter opened his mouth to explain the misunderstanding, but he found that words had all but left his tongue. Malik had made an uncharacteristic, foolhardy assumption, one that earned no favors and injured – even if in slight – a friend. Already, Animus had taken charge and filled the silence with a plan to barricade the Reavers’ attacks. The Eclipse King will tear right through it, Hunter thought. His might is what brought our retreat here in the first place, what brought Malik to attack Ogen. Eyes trained on the back of his brother’s head, Hunter closed the distance from Ogen and the remaining crowd, fuming. Rest assured, it will not happen again.

Malik flinched. For better or worse, his telepathic bond with Hunter kept no wrath between them hidden.

‘…distract the Eclipse King myself,’ Umbra finished.

They were plunged into silence, and the stalwart’s words hung heavy in the air. Did the guardian really mean to throw into the heart of peril that which he was meant to protect?

‘Not a chance,’ Hunter said. ‘You may be strong enough to last more than a few seconds in combat with The King, but Ogen, like the countless Keybladers that have fallen before him, is not. We cannot let you so brashly risk his life. Or your own.’

‘It’s because I thought you were endangering his life that I attacked…’ Malik’s gaze faltered and his eyes fell to the ground. ‘Sorry.’

‘In any case, why would you wish to do battle alone when you are surrounded by warriors – both of the Keyblade and without – who are willing and able to help? Battling the Eclipse King alone is a suicide mission, and it’s rational that we allocate our resources proportional to the task’s demands, not inverse to it. Malik and I will follow you—‘ Hunter was suddenly aware of his brother’s presence pushing in his mind.

‘No, Hunter, I think Umbra’s right; if all the Keybladers are obliterated, there won’t be anything to distract the King from. And you forget: Aiyana and Animus are Keybladers, too, neither with a giant shadow mass to guard them. We’d get the most utilitarian benefit by ensuring their goal succeeds, and that the castle does not become the cage where the remaining Keybladers in this World are trapped and left to perish.’

Hunter frowned. Junctures like these, with no clear directive of right and wrong, and with each fork showing equal chance of failure and success, had always been difficult.

‘Fine. Just keep Ogen safe until we finish building the barrier. We’ll send assistance then.’ Despite his inner doubt, Hunter maintained a firm voice. The last thing the Keybladers needed now was for morale to fall. He nodded at Animus. ‘We need a Carriage Reaver; and we also need Daedalus, right? Finding one gets us the other. I saw Daedalus last pulling himself – or rather being pulled up by his mechanical arm – onto one. And I remember it heading for the Castle, as well.’

Malik’s lips parted in a grin. ‘Saves us the hassle of lugging all that metal across Radiant Garden.’

 

[Endless Strategy]

Re: Kingdom Hearts Eclipse

Galom stood peering down, his mind a mix of guilt, fear, and rage. His eyes were set on the scene unfolding below, one involving an angry boy, an older girl, and the Eclipse king himself.

Galom had actually been lying in wait from the start. Moving himself to the position the large warship was to land, the avid collector was able to observe the beginning of the end for Radiant Garden perfectly. He had seen the Eclipse king emerge and summon a small tornado by his own strength. He had seen the hordes of Reavers come scuttling into the city. The Reavers, while menacing in their own right, were not overly intelligent. They seemed to be programmed to spread out and advance on Radiant Garden in droves, leaving their point of origin behind. Because of this oversight, Galom was more than capable of staying out of harm’s way, and with absolute caution, he took to following in the Eclipse King’s footsteps. Soon they had reached the town’s square, and it was there that the world had been plunged into shadows. While this act enraged Galom, it had also frightened him, and so he had sought shelter on the covered rooftop of a house half destroyed by the King’s earlier efforts. His new vantage point allowed him to clearly see the King’s deliberate march forward at what he thought was a safe distance. In his mind he was preparing a plan for attack, while secretly hoping something would save him the pleasure of doing so. To answer his prayers a young boy had arrived, and fallen in a matter of moments. No mercy. Galom began to swell with guilt. His inability to act had forfeited a young boy’s life. Others were sure to follow. He had almost taken action right there, but again he hesitated. He was still afraid.

And now two others had arrived, beating him to the punch once again. Without a second thought, one of them had landed the first successful “blow” on the man that Galom despised more than anything. The girl seemed just as ready to fight, if not as eager. The Eclipse king’s words were the last straw.
"I can only assume you have enjoyed your over-extended leave, but it is time that you return. You have much to do and many more wielders of the key still to hunt. It is time you stopped acting like a petulant child and started acting like the warrior you were meant to be. I will have you back." Then he had raised his sword to her.

Something inside Galom snapped, and he began reaching for the black sphere he kept at his waist. “I’ve waited long enough” he thought, his rage conquering all fear. “He’s already killed thousands of people, one right before me. More importantly, he’s ruined the worlds, scattering their beauty to the winds. He shows no hesitation in doing these things. And on top of that he’s trying to convert another to his cause?!”

Placing his hand on the sphere, it immediately became like cold liquid in solid form, and he reached his fingers into it. Thinking “Bazooka” he grabbed hold of a cold metal handle. The Eclipse king had just finished talking, and his attention was now on the girl, now was his chance. Pulling on the handle until the sphere expanded outward to accommodate the entirety of the weapon; he took the full form of the large, black bazooka and hefted it on his shoulder, taking aim at the Eclipse king.

“If a boy can hit that guy, then why not me?” Galom encouraged himself, throwing his last thoughts of doubt aside. “I’m gonna blow a hole right through his chest, then I’ll take that fancy blade of his for myself. It’s a crime for someone like him to have something so beautiful. I’ll kill him, end this war, become a hero, and add to my collection, all in one blow!!!” Galom declared, his thoughts reaching a fever pitch.

“Trick or treat!” Galom yelled, making his presence known as he pulled the trigger, launching an explosive pumpkin towards his soon to be vanquished foe.

 

[Rhapsody]

Re: Kingdom Hearts Eclipse

No, Cal wasn’t about to fight, even if her current defensive stance might have hinted otherwise. In no way was her current posture respectful, to say the least – not like her knees hit the floor in worship or anything. But it was guarded, steeled as she kept a sharp, wary eye on the other. Because truth of the matter was this: She could never be too relaxed around the King. Underestimating him could mean her life. Since the first time she laid eyes on the black knight, Cal had never kidded herself into thinking she could take on the Eclipse King. Today was no different. To think that she was capable of defeating this man, single-handedly, was naive. No, the King was far stronger than her - perhaps stronger than any of the individual keybladers. That was something Calpurnia was unafraid to admit.

But, hold it.... Was he mocking her? Calling her a child, like her actions were akin to that of a spoiled kid not having her way and running amok in a house? She frowned at that, holding her tongue just in time to prevent a slew of sarcastic retorts from escaping her lips. The creases of aggravation quickly eased, an incredulous look taking hold of her countenance when the sword was raised to her. This had happened before; yes, she remembered this sword. Death's Scythe pointed right at her and ready to reap. How long had it been since that sword was first raised to her, the unspoken, yet clearly known ultimatum presented to her as crisp and clear as if it was issued only days ago: Join the Army, or die. Of course, Cal had chosen the latter, so initiating her downward spiral into Hell.

And now, back to the present, came another eerie bout of deja vu for the second time that day. The ultimatum was still the same, but instead of timorously submitting to his wishes like so long ago, she could do nothing but carelessly mull the choices back and forth in her head, as if somehow detached from the outcomes of either options presented to her by the King.

Finally, after a brief silence from the older teen, she spoke out. "'Marshal', you called me. 'Marshal Calpurnia'." Her eyes flickered, and for an instant, deep within the throes of her irises, reverberated a deep, age-old loathing towards the King. "I no longer go by that title, pops."

Father. What used to be a term of unending dedication and loyalty from the keybearer, was now a sarcastic term of disgust towards her former superior. The title reached far back, back to when she had, through her own stupidity, regarded said King as her "Father" as a title of endearment and devotion to the man who had spared her life for a chance to be born anew. Father... Pfft! How stupid she had been.

Her hands raised to either side of her shaking head, taking one step back and flashing a smirk to the King. There was something... playful about the gesture. Like she was messing with him. Some nerve! This man could kill her with just a simple raise from that sword! Don't push it, Cal. It's not time to die just yet...

"Hey, hey. By all means, don't mind me," she said, suddenly taking on a light note in her tone. Easy, careless. "I'm a spectator now. Just taking in the sights, y’know? I'm quite happy sitting this one out and seeing how this revolution of yours plays out, rather than going through all the trouble of picking sides." She dropped her arms back to her sides, another cautious step back accompanying the relaxed gesture. "So without further adieu, I’ll just be on my way...”

Something off in the distance caught her gaze, hazel irises flicking off to the side discretely before resting back on the King. Did her eyes deceive her? A weapon aimed in her direction? The gunner couldn't have mistaken Cal as the enemy, right? Could be possible, what with her conversing so casually with the Eclipse King like this... Another flick of her gaze quelled her anxiety somewhat. No, not her – the weapon (Whatever the hell it was – a bazooka? Cal could have snorted. Flashy.) was tilted a bit off angle. At the King.

Woah, gutsy! Attacking head-on? He might as well have been signing his death certificate! Not that Cal was going to stop him. Oh, no! If anything this could really work in her favor.

If she didn’t royally screw up.

And there it was, the signal that Cal had been waiting for. A sure battle cry from the stranger on the roof. Smirking, her hand flicked out in mock salute. "Ciao."

Running away again. It was a risky move - perhaps just as stupid as attacking the King outright. But it was her only option. Did she have any other choice? Well, yes. She could stay and fight. Do the honorable, heroic thing. Actually live up to her obligations as a keyblader and protect what was left of Radiant Garden.

Oh, screw that.

Side-stepping the sword, she made a break for it, just as the ghoul-skinned male pulled the trigger. Her plan was riding on the idea that the King’s attention may switch to the stranger on the roof and, therefore, leave room for her to escape. But who was to say that the King had already caught on to the lone rebel's plan of attack, that he was just one step ahead of Cal? Well, no time to consider that now… She started to sprint off, taking the Eclipse King’s original path, all while roughly pull Joss's wrist to her side and take him with her. Whatever the hell was fired from that weapon, Cal just hoped it would be enough to gain the King’s attention for just enough time.

 

[HollowHero]

Re: Kingdom Hearts Eclipse

"Heh one is making good progress. The other one however is a little slow. I should speed up the process a little. And then things will begin to grow interesting."

Mephiles thinks to himself as he walks through the Corridor of Darkness.

"After all we'll meet at my old home..."
____________________________________________________________________________
As the ray of light began to fade Mai, felt her beginning to drown in the darkness.

"Why? You told me not to fear. So why are we still trapped in here? Huh?"

Mai felt her body being pulled down by something below her.

"Pulled? No wait a minute I'm falling!"

As Mai falls out of the darkness and lands face down, Ryoko lands on top of her.

"Ow..."

As Mai lifts her face she can feel something stuck to it she begins to wipe it off as she feels it she realizes its sand.

"Sand? Did we land on a beach?"

As Mai rolls Ryoko off and sits up straight, she is at first blind by the sun but her eyes adjust quickly. Mai slowly stands up staring out towards the ocean.

"I've seen this place before. Huh."

Mai looks down at the object in her left hand. It was something she had not seen before. The blade and teeth of the object are silver, the rainguard is blue, and the guard is bright gold. The teeth of the object were in the form of an outline of a crown.

"What is this thing? Argh! My head..."
"There is so very much to learn. You understand so little."
"The Keyblade if only it were in more...capable hands."
"Key...Blade..."

Mai says staring at the object sighing.

"So this is a Keyblade huh. This reminds me…"

As Mai turns her attention to Ryoko.

"I really hope you're not dead. Wait a second..."

As Mai listens closely, she suddenly realizes that Ryoko is asleep.

"Only you. I swear Ryoko you are the only one I know to nap on a beach. WAKE UP!"

Mai says bring down the flat part of the Keyblade down on Ryoko's face.

"WHA I'M AWAKE!"

Ryoko says sitting up right. Ryoko stretches and yawns as she cracks her neck.

"Ah much better. Where are we anyway?"
"No clue..."

Mai replies listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the beach.

"The pain continues to grow. Will my mind really fall apart?"
"Mai!"

Mai snaps out of her train of thought and turns her attention to Ryoko who is points to Mai's left. As Mai turns to look, she watches as a Corridor of Darkness opens and Mephiles steps out.

"Take a look at this tiny place."

Mephiles says waving his hand toward the body of water.

"To the heart seeking freedom this island is a prison surrounded by water."

Mephiles watches as Mai's surprised look turns into one of anguish and pain. Mai falls to her knees holding her head in pain.

"Ah...ah the...pain. ARGH!"
"Mai!"

Ryoko said rushing to her side hoping to be of some help.

"What's wrong?"
"I can hear it. Those words repeating in my head. Please...make them stop."
"What did you do?! Who are you?!"

Ryoko yelled in anger at Mephiles. However, Mephiles was not even paying attention to her his attention was focused on Mai.

"The process hasn't finished her heart hasn't mended. The pain is proof of that."

Mephiles thought to himself. Smiling he summons his Keyblades.

"I have done nothing. I am an enemy!"

As Mephiles swings his Keyblade shooting two purple blasts at Ryoko. Ryoko is too stunned to draw her sword but Mai deflects the shots at the last second.

"This pain is nothing. They are waiting for my answer."
"Will you accept and take our pain?"

Mai feels the pain slowly subsiding.

"Until then I cannot stop moving forward."

Mai aims the Kingdom Key at Mephiles and says.

"If you are an enemy then I will defeat you."
"And I will walk forward with you the whole way."

Ryoko states as she draws her sword.

"Heh heh HAHAHAHA! Then I welcome you to harsh reality ladies."

Mephiles says as darkness begins to seep from his body.

"There is no escape. There is no certainty of winning and also...there will be only Endless Despair."

Mai rushes forward trying to keep her footing in the sand as best as she could. Mai brings down her Keyblade as Mephiles blocks it easily. Mai summons a small fireball in her right hand. Mephiles drops his Keyblade in his left hand as he grabs Mai's wrist stopping her attack.

"He's good."
"Fly."
"Huh?"

Mephiles kicks Mai in the stomach sending her rolling across the sand. As Mai lands in a sitting position, she sees the chance and throws the Keyblade at Mephiles.

"Even after being attacked she still strikes back."

Mephiles picks up his Keyblade as he deflects the thrown Kingdom Key. Ryoko jumps onto the bridge above using it as a boost she jumps even higher as she sets her sights on Mephiles she swings her sword unleashing a purple blast of thunder.

"Thunder Fang!"

As Mephiles hold both of his Keyblades to deflect the attack Mai sees her opportune moment wrapping her fist in flame she closes the gap instantly. Mephiles's eyes meet Mai's just as her fist slams into his stomach. Mephiles is too surprised to strike back as Mai continues to barrage him with a continuous volley of fast punches.

"RAHHH!"

Suddenly Mai felt that there was something wrong, very wrong. She could not place her finger on it either.

"What is it? What is this feeling?"
"I want to destroy you..."

Mai felt a chill run down her spine she wrapped her right fist in flames and went for Mephiles's face. However, she stopped as the flames died out Mai looked down as a black fist had slammed into her stomach. Suddenly a second fist reaches up and grabs Mai's shirt collar pulling her down as the first fist slams into her face. Mai is sent skipping across the beach like skipping a stone. Mai lands several feet from the dock and quickly faints from the impact.

"MAI!"

Yells Ryoko who turns her attention to Mai.

"Too slow."

Mephiles was already upon Ryoko holding his hand near her heart he blasted her towards Mai. As Ryoko, lands near Mai she suddenly felt drained the blast had not caused any real damage or injury. Ryoko slowly tries to lift herself up but can only get a bit before her arms felt like giving out. She watches Mephiles out of the corner of her eye. The fists had disappeared and Mephiles was walking over to the katana Ryoko had drop during the blast.

Mephiles's Keyblades vanish as he picks up the katana he slowly walks over to the Kingdom Key he had deflected earlier picking it up he turns to Ryoko. Ryoko finally fell down passing out as Mephiles looks at the both of them. He tosses the weapons at their sides and turns away spiting some blood into the sand.

"I can't wait. You two will be fun. It shall be fun to watch your bond become your undoing."

Mephiles snaps his fingers as Mai and Ryoko are swallowed by darkness once more. He then turns his attention to the sun as he holds out his hand pretending to grab it.

"Soon...very soon."

As a dark creature appeared behind Mephiles, he smiles.

"Glad to see you all together again. Guardian."

The Guardian folds his arms as if in response. A Corridor of Darkness opens as Mephiles walks towards it the Guardian vanishes.

"Soon Solaris shall be mine."

Mephiles enters vanishing from sight.
____________________________________________________________________________

As Mai and Ryoko appear back at Radiant Garden on the rooftops, the Kingdom Key disappears from sight. Mai slowly comes too but her eyesight is a bit fuzzy as she breaks her nose back into place the pain gives her a small jolt. As Mai looks around she can see four people nearby lying against the rooftop, she summons the last of her strength.

"Someone...Anyone...PLEASE HELP US!!"

Mai screamed at the top of her lungs hoping Umbra and the others heard. With no more energy, Mai passes out.