is this what we deserve, can we break free

[sandandflannel.livejournal.com]

Who: Everyone
What: The Darkness has taken the Denizens of Light. How will they retaliate, having reached their destination?
Where: Alexandria
When: Sunday, June 12

Koios stood silently looking out of the window of Jagannatha's former quarters. He watched as their enemies rose from the Darkness that had pulled them in, stealing them away from their safe havens and bringing them here, where perhaps all of their worst fears would come true.

Alexandria's sky had turned black. The only things illuminating the false world anymore were a scant few lamps and candles... and the Hearts of the Allies of Light themselves. One had appeared with a fortress of Light, destroying many of the homes around them as Darkness threw her out of its arms. He watched, morbidly fascinated, as one by one, they rose into their cage.

Chernabog glowered down at them from above. He was a fine choice for the role of sentinel, boasting nearly as much power as the First Darkness himself. Koios, as well as the Heartless and Nobodies swarming about below, were nothing short of a safety measure - not that Jagannatha found it particularly necessary. In truth, it was more of a courtesy for the Nobody, a chance to properly boast to the losers, should he wish to take it. But for now, he remained where he was, observing the scene unfold impassively.

If Koios knew anything about the Key Bearers and Refugees, they wouldn't give up simply because they'd been trapped here, in Darkness, with no way discernible way out. No. That would only empower them. But the question remained: what would be their next step?

In any case, he thought, it would definitely prove to be a good show.

OOC: If you were not on the list of exceptions, you are now in Alexandria. Anyone who has any way of sensing the Hearts of others will know that any people native to this world have no Hearts, just as the world itself is lacking one. And yet, not a one of them is a Nobody.

All methods of transportation will fail.

Comments

[firstmaster.livejournal.com]

Jagannatha smiled at the little show his Keybearer put on for him. It was amusing, to say the least.

"Yes," he agreed quietly, sauntering a little closer for a better view. "I think she might make a perfect little Soldier. And she will be serving Darkness, where she truly belongs. Yes, I believe that is an excellent idea."

He continued to close the distance until he was mere inches from her face, where he knelt down beside her. "You see, Hex, what happens when you turn against your rightful master? You could have had one of these, you know," he told her conversationally, gesturing to the Keyblade held over her. His eyes were cold, even as his voice turned pitying. "It's terrible, seeing such potential go to waste. But we may be capable of harnessing it in another way. It's only business, successor mine. I trust you understand." He stood, turning to walk away, and said, "Take it. However you must do it, I want her Heart by sunset."

[hexylady.livejournal.com]

"You got it, Boss!" The Keybearer said with eerie cheer.

Hex only had enough time to gasp.

And then steel was inside her.

Her breath stalled. The entire world went thump-thump/b>.

She tried to inhale. Nothing went in. She tried to exhale. Nothing came out.

Complete... paralysis. Even her thoughts seemed stilled, constantly cycling around 'It's Inside me. It's Inside me. It's Inside me.'

Then he twisted the blade. Thump-thump

It was as if everything inside her was tumbling into a different shape. She inhaled sweet air, but couldn't stop sucking it in. It felt like her chest was going to burst.

And, deep inside of her, she could feel it.

Thump-thump.

Her Heart. He was ripping out her Heart.

"Your... Name." She managed to force out the words, between the air hissing in. "What... is... your... Name... Slave?" There. Even in the throes of death, be ready to screw with people's heads.

"Slave?" Wouldn't you know it, he looks confused. Take the bait, take the bait!

Sure enough, the twisting sensation slowed down. Not a lot, but even a little bit might buy her all the time needed.

"Man... chooses... A Slave... Obeys." More words spilled out of her mouth. "I... want your name... so... Nobody can... kill you." It's a double bet. One, that the 'slave' bull shit actually gets to him. Two, that the thought of facing me, minus emotion, plus super-powers, somehow intimidates him. Oh, wait...

"A 'Slave' you say?" His tone is curious, but his eyes are now boiling with anticipation. "Well, I suppose you could say that. But, in the end, it'll be me who's the 'Master'."

The twist came back with a vengeance, as though it had only taken a break to ratchet itself up a notch. Oh. Are those... My organs I feel.. twisting? Thump-thump


"Now, a 'Nobody' you? That might be interesting. It should make a good challenge, at least. Something to keep my on my toes, and maybe really go all out against. Assuming it doesn't just go the boring road, and just work for Jagannatha, anyway. My name's Ren, by the way. I hope you manage to remember that!"

Stupid... crazy... Minion person.Thump-thump

[firstmaster.livejournal.com]

He paused, taking in a breath and reveling in the heartbeats that echoed in his ears. Young Ren was truly a remarkable subject to have found. Few were as eager to join him as this particular Keybearer had been, and he was definitely proving useful. Certainly, he would be one to keep an eye on, in the long run. But as long as he remained faithful, he would always find a place by Jagannatha's side, with as much to satisfy his Dark whims as he liked.

Jagannatha shuddered as a bit of Hex's remaining Darkness gathered over the spot where the Keyblade had entered her body. It was, in some cases, a slow process. Quite painful for those going through it, as well. But in the end, it was only right. Hex would serve him, whether she liked it or not. True, having just another Heartless run around hardly mattered to him at this point, but there would be one less brick in the wall of resistance he knew they faced.

"You could, indeed, make a remarkable Nobody, successor mine," he decided. "Perhaps even strong enough to retain human thought and form. I look forward to seeing just how strong your Dark Heart will prove to be."

[hexylady.livejournal.com]

The corners of her vision were going dark, and color was leeching out of everything.

A world of black and white was swiftly turning greyer. She could feel everything pooling in her chest, right where the keyblade had pierced her body. Every bit of strength, every bit of power. Every bit.. of Darkness...? It's not... much... but... the shapes... are still there. Long shot... but... Thump-thump.

Slowly, ever so slowly, her empty right hand made it's way to her chest. Shivering like a leaf the whole time, she surprised herself when her hand managed to clutch at the spot of darkness.

Just like... practice... Give shape... to the shapeless... And then... launch it... The tiny little pool of shadow did nothing. Defining shape... One inch, by one inch... by six inches. Edges... Fourty-five degree angles. A Stilleto. Small, and sharp. The shadow quivered.Thump-thump.

Can't... No... Never can't. Just... Try again. Defining shape... It quivered again. Again. The shadow spun, ever so slightly. Again! The Darkness drew itself together again, and then fell apart. AGAIN! DEFINE THE SHAPE!

{ooc:Is what Hex attempting even possible?}

[firstmaster.livejournal.com]

((Mod conference says that, since her Dark magic was ripped from her earlier in the fight, it would not be possible for her at this time.))

Laughter bubbled up from deep inside Jagannatha's chest. So, the would-be witch was going to defy him, even to the end?

It really was too bad. She would have been perfect.

He turned to watch as Hex's Heart was pulled from her, as she tried and failed to conform her Darkness to her will. It was admirable that she could still manipulate it even as pathetically as she was now, he thought as it collapsed again. "Valiant attempts," he commented. "You should quite well that they won't get you anywhere. Not when you are in such undesirable shape, and faced with the First Darkness himself, and yet you still try. I applaud you for getting so far."

Jagannatha clapped for her.

[creepy-son-of-a.livejournal.com]

Seph dashed out of his portal already on the attack. He was aiming to slash at Jagannatha's back as he ran by.

Whether it hit or not the Ten-Chi Ken ceased functioning by the time he was past.

All at once he discarded the weapon, pivoted and aimed a barrage of shadow flares at the keyblader standing over Hex. Allied to darkness or not a shadow flare to the head was bound to ruin anyone's day.

Drawing his sword he opened another corridor to a random spot nearby. Shadow flares would have to do for now. His other spells really weren't suitable for use when there was someone you'd rather avoid maiming in the area.

[hexylady.livejournal.com]

Immediately, Hex rolled away from the flinching keyblader, and lurched to her feet.

It was hard, and felt like like being stabbed through the chest again, when she tried to run. But hey, intense physical pain beats de-Heartification!

Without stopping or turning around, she thrust one arm back, hand shaped into a one finger salute. Hex really wished that she had the time for a witty comeback. Unfortunately, seeing as her surival beyond the moment depended on her getting her ass through that portal now, a flick of the bird would have to do.

I might actually get to live to see this through!

[firstmaster.livejournal.com]

((Running with Shad's suggestion: conceptual weapon breaking next hit))

Jagannatha felt the Ten-Chi Ken begin to tear at him again, but this time, it seemed to snap instead of further damage him. He gave a short sigh of relief at that, and turned to glare at the two of them.

"Get them," he growled. "They are to be mine, Ren, particularly the girl. You would let yourself be neutralized by a mere Remnant?!" His voice grew louder, fiercer with each word, and on the final one, he lunged after Hex, a blade of Darkness materializing from his arm.

[creepy-son-of-a.livejournal.com]

Seph sent out more Shadow Flares, some scattered towards random keybladers, others aimed at Jagannatha. The flares aimed at Jaggy were mostly a distraction as he didn't really expect a darkness based spell to have much effect on this particular foe. He used that distraction to, of all things, throw another rock.

He didn't intend to stay and fight for long with the odds stacked so high against him but, if the escape failed he would take as many down as he could.