The Clash of Darkness (plot)

[Ellie who has 0%]

Like a ripple in the fabric of space, a dark portal opened softly as a lithe figure zig-zagged out of it. Behind one of the many shrubs that dotted the front lawn standing below the tower-like castle crouched a sleek hooded figure. With a tug of the dark veil, blonde hair stood out as clear as the dawn. The Sadistic Fey was still claded as scantily as usual; the only difference was that her cloak like coat was longer as it zipped down to her mid-section and the lack of her dark train that was attacked to her spankies like shorts, or what other would call leather panties.

A sleek pierced brow arched as she leaned forward a bit to speculate the tower. Her nose twitched with a snort not seeing any resistance outside; this was hardly any fun; the old coot didn't place anything for her to play with, whatever. Glancing back into the dark void, she clicked with her tongue informing her cohorts that the coast was clear...or so it seemed.

With a streaky jet of black, she flowed towards the door with grace. She waited for the others to quickly show themselves; in the mean time, she prepped herself off. Her hand palmed through her hair to make sure there wasn't a single strand out of place. She licked her lips to coat them black, while her fingers began to wiggle before cracking her knuckles. Pushing up her breasts to check perkiness and rotating her shoulders, Arlene was ready for her date, an execution.

Now what am I... her eyes widened at her forgetfulness, but smiled darkly as her thin blades extruded from her fingers.

[Zephiris]

High in the inky heavens an infinite array of stars danced from one horizon to another, burning coldly as they sparkled and spun.

Below them, a proud old man stood gravely at his window. As he contemplated their dance, the lines of age and wisdom pulled his features deep into a frown. Darkness was moving in the worlds tonight. Even here, in his tower, he would find trouble.

Yen Sid closed his eyes. The stars darkened and blinked in warning. He didn't need their caution; he felt the lithe surge of shadow himself as it intruded upon his home. In the moment of still and quiet he sighed deeply. Then he splayed his long fingers and placed his hands upon the windowsill.

With a deafening thunder, the earth around his tower began to shake and roll. The structure itself didn't budge, but all around it the ground had begun to toss and roll like an ocean. Yen Sid's thick brow furrowed ever so slightly, and suddenly pillars of rock shot from the earth around his tower at terrifying speeds, their razor sharp points spearing the night air as they soared upward. Each bar of stone shot up to block a window of his home. Tendrils of stone slithered from one pillar to another, connecting them and encasing the mysterious spire in wreaths of earth and rock. One pair of pillars shot up on either side of grand double door, arching over it and joining directly above it. The mass of strange fortifications pulsed blue once, and then was still.

In a brief flare of light the sorcerer disappeared from his post at the window. He materialized again before the newly framed doorway, his arms crossed in their long blue robes, eyes stern.

"It is a late hour to call upon an old man," Yen Sid remarked gravely from the stop of the stairs. "What purpose is yours, Heartless?"

The mysterious tower stretched crookedly to the night sky, observing its master from behind its magical framework.

[Ellie who has 0%]

"Hm," her nose wrinkled in annoyance as she leaned against the double doors waiting for the others; she doubt her cover could be hiddened for long, so might as well start the party as soon as possible. Brows furrowed in a questioning manner as the earth shook itself; from a distance she can hear something up root itself, and not trusting her position, she levitated away from the door leaving a train of darkness behind her. Once finding solid ground, she turned her head to find spires of rock blocking her previous position, "hmm seems like the old geezer is awake..."

Speak of the devil; in a shimmer of blue he emerged. Arlene's lips pursed as she looked him over as he carressed the details of old, wrinkley, and cranky. Maybe she had disturbed him from an awakening cup of coffee; no matter that wouldn't cease what she had to do today, "I'm here for aaa going away party, and you my billy goat is the guess of honor and falling shining star of the party. With the worlds...turning and falling as they are, a new order is rising."

Her eyes danced up on the tower, "and like some renovations...in with the new...and out with the ooold. You can't say it's unexpected; there's been...enough inventations if you catch my drift."

A specific star she knew was missing, because she had the joy of knocking it out of the sky and into the darkness abyss.

[Doogie]

Even walked out from a newly opened dark portal and instantly knew that things weren't going like he had hoped. First, there was only one being of darkness he could sense. Fortunately it was Arlene instead of that insufferable...thing named Seed. Then as he looked about he could see that the confrontation was about to start. He would've hoped to get everyone together and lead them through the mission in a very calculated manner. Seeing as Arlene was obviously the first one here...that hadn't happened.

First he addressed his fellow Heartless, "Why Arlene! I see you've started the party already. I thought this was supposed to be a surpriiiise party. My dear, you've gone and ruined the surprise. Now the old man will have to tire himself out before the real fun begins."

Then, to the retired Keyblade Master, "Now, Master Yen Sid," adding extra sarcastic emphasis on the word "Master", "I would hope that you wouldn't mind our visit. If you want to make this easier for yourself, I would advise you just stay put while we go about our business. It won't hurt too bad if you work with us." Of course Even knew none of his talking would work. But it was all part of the fun for him.

It was time for the Dark XII to finally have a new castle.

[Zephiris]

“A falling star. . .” Yen Sid echoed solemnly. “Yes. You’ve caused great strife in the worlds. I am not blind to the fate of those you and your brethren have affected. Everywhere your shadow touches, your darkness spreads.”

As silence reigned after the sorcerer's deep voice, and the impatience emanating from the blonde humanoid became almost palpable, a second Heartless arrived from the black. Yen Sid regarded the newcomer – this time a shadow of male appearance – impassively. His face only broke its austere expression to raise a thick gray eyebrow, a movement which cast his features into sharp relief in the gloom. There was another moment of silence after the Heartless' address. Then –

“You are after my tower. Very well, enter.”

And Yen Sid suddenly stepped to the side. From beneath the stone overhang the grand double doors swung slowly inward, revealing the first steps of the giant spiral staircase within.

His fortifications would ensure the interior would maintain, no matter how far the Heartless decided to. . . abuse his hospitality. If they were to carry the proceedings out on the lawn for much longer, the trees would likely come to harm.

And Yen Sid saw no need for that.

[Ellie who has 0%]

"Ooh so you noticed," Arlene smiled and dipped into a mocking bow, "I'm so honored to have caught your attention so. Well darkness do what darkness does best; you should be proud."

Her eyes darted over sensing another and finally Even had emerged to join her; she shrugged her shoulder in mock surprise and bashfulness, "Oh Even it's not my fault gramps sleeps very lightly; well I guess that's what happens being locked up in your tower...no company except the constant reminder of darkness success."

Arlene strutted forward past the sorcerer as Even began talking to him. Like a panther she stalked, but the heartless took in a deep breath opening more openings of the dark realm as streams of black mist starts to leak into the world that swung too and fro in the clashing median of the realms. Her pupils seemed to grow bigger in size as she drank in her native element; her eyes were clouding with darkness as it too began desaturate and tint her hair. Her claws started to click anxiously, while Even commenced to be 'hospital' a word hardly found in a heartless' dictionary or definition.

Personally to the heartless it seemed like a waste; since people of today seemed to have grown a false sense of backbone to oppose anyone and everyone that had a smell of darkness upon them. Sure she loved every millisecond of crushing their silhouette of bravery and welcome them to the realization of reality; darkness was here to stay and wasn't going to be pushed because someone decided to bear their fangs.

Like a tigeress, her head turned with a tilt for she can hear clearer. Her nose wrinkled, while her lips pursed. For a moment she didn't admire how...simplistic it all seemed, but she hadn't decided to strike Yen Sid, since her orders was to slay him if neccessary. Well his heart would be a commendable attribute, and that would be deemed...neccessary for their cause. Yet the placement of his tower seemed to be of higher priority of the future which can out rank one mere heart.

"Oh," Arlene started, "well for generosity for generosity, you have earned a one way ticket."

Her web of darkness had made a larger opening that was even unncessary for portal usage, but it was still adequate in traveling. She rather see the sage step through it and be gone to whatever world it may dump him in. "Well lucky for you, you have options Traverse Tooown, Twilight Town, etc, etc."

Turning on her toes, she began her pursuit of the tower already knowing not to trust it and him fully; then a thought reoccured, can they really claim this tower if he still lived? The rocks had not moved meaning there can always still be a thorn in the heartless back to put up with. Her eyes glanced at Even, and they narrowed as if giving a silent message. For a test, her clawed hand clouded over before throwing a Darkga at the tower.

[Doogie]

Even watched as Arlene opened up multiple corridors of darkness, and Even followed suit, opening up more portals. Afterall, one could never have enough darkness in a world. Some portals he opened close by him, some behind trees, and some close to the castle. After seeing the larger portal opened behind Yen Sid and the glance from Arlene, he knew what she had planned. Even snapped and opened several portals around Yen Sid.

"Now, now, run along. You can take any of those and go to any world you wish. And don't mind the pets. They don't bite...softly."

Even hoped that Yen Sid would just go ahead and make this easy, then Nobody would need to get their hands dirty, for even if he had told Yen Sid that the portals would drop him off in any world, they really would just lead him to the Corridors of Darkness where the darkness could taint the ex-Keyblade Wielder and then his Heart could be used to fuel the Dark XII, and the castle would be free.

Looking to Arlene, he saw a Darkga being shot at the tower. She wasn't going to be the only one to have some fun, so Even quickly followed her lead and shot a Blizzaga at the stone surrounding the castle. He wasn't stupid enough to think that Yen Sid was going to make this easy, even if Even had offered Yen Sid a peaceful way out of this.

Before Even did anything he saw some Heartless coming out of the many portals now scattered around the grounds. "Come out, come out wherever you are. It's time to play, my little minions." Out from the portals came Shadows and Darkballs. Soon more would follow their brethren and nobody, not even the great Yen Sid would be able to defeat them.

This castle would be theirs in no time.

[Zephiris]

Yen Sid stood in silence as portals of darkness flared up beside him, and then flashes of magic spun towards the earthen fortress. The great barriers pulsed blue once as they had before, and absorbed the energy, appearing much the same as they had moments before. Seconds later lesser Heartless began appearing from the darkness.

The sorcerer's iris-less eyes observed. His features were calm slate that none still among the living would be able to read. Emotions such as fear and anger had long since been buried by age and experience within his heart - the former, more so than the later - and it took much to unearth either. Despite the situation, Yen Sid's mind was at ease.

These creatures were young. They were childish, though their youth had been corrupted by their own nature of shadow. And in comparison to him - he, whose age they would not even begin to contemplate - they were but children.

"I have invited you into my home, but the darklings are not welcome," Yen Sid told 'Arlene' and 'Even'. He turned an eye to the clouds of darkness surrounding him."And, alas, I have no intention of leaving."

[/color]

In a flash lasting for less than a blink of an eye, the old sorcerer was gone.

Yet the doors to his castle stood wide, the broad staircase within glowing warmly in contrast to the gloom and darkness outside.

Choose to enter or not, to me it matters little now that your Heartless have gone about ruining the yard. You have one minute.[/blockquote]

[falsetto]

[Oh man, I didn't see this thread. >__< I'm sowwy~]



As the cloaked man took a few steps out of the black portal, his eyes glanced around his surroundings. Corridors of Darkness filled the yard and Heartless trotted around, while their heads twitched in anticipation; hoping that they can get their claws on a heart, preferably, a heart of a mighty sorcerer.

His eyes made contact on the tower which was covered with rocks and boulders. Questions entered his mind as he continued to stare at the earthen armor. Did this so called "almighty" sorcerer do this? If my target can do this, then it's best that I keep my guard up for the battle.

Then, his eyes took him to Even and Arlene, who where waiting casually by the two grand doors. He slowly made his way towards them and stopped once he was close to his two comrades. "What exactly did I miss?" he spoke coldly to Even and not even making eye contact with the Sadistic Fey. His expression seemed blank and he seemed all that uninterested in this little mission. But deep down, there was something burning inside him, like a small flame that was ready to burst into a wildfire. He was ready to face the sorcerer and to test his power to see if he's worthy of becoming a powerful figure in the Dark XII.

[Zephiris]

(( Just making sure - did Rook PM you about joining the thread, Falsey?

*edit*

Clarified with him. You're set. Took me a bit to realize who you entered with, though, don't forget to mention the charries' name in the first post. ))

[xthelonelypuppetx]

[[and here comes Braig on Ansem's orders!~]]

And so emerged the Demented Shot, yellow eyes gleaming with wicked intentions. He had paid a visit to his room promptly before leaving to come out here; now officially in bandages and with a clean set of clothes, the devilish gentleman seemed as good as new... and just as bored as he was before. Though sporting a handsome but maniacal wry grin, there was a hint of boredom subtly hidden behind his rugged features. Braig wanted to be back in the Third District, finishing off the remains of that damned forest. But here he was instead, on orders, at some old geezer's castle. Adjusting his bandanna, the Heartless gave a wave of acknowledgement toward Even, Arlene (Oh, hell...) and Dilan (Even worse!) before turning to the subject at hand.

Scattered across the grounds of the tower were Corridors of Darkness, each letting loose small hordes of their subordinate Heartless. It smelled delightfully of darkness here; pleased, Braig took a good long whiff to clean his nose out of that AWFUL pine scent. On top of that, the realm was nicely caught in a place between dark and light. Really, it was delightfully well-placed. II of the Dark XII found it very homey, a cozy little place with a nice smell and a good view. And then, there was that scent... Ooooh, do I miss that presence... the feel of such power... I'm getting anxious just thinking about it! There was looming a recognized and well-liked aura, an almost foreboding feeling that put Braig in a euphoric mood. His boredom melted with a tide of overwhelming joy at a new challenge.

He's a Keyblade Master. An old one, at that...

The scent reminded him of distant days past... He looked upon those days fondly, regardless of his defeats. After all, the Heartless had gotten to fight two different Keyblade wielders... and how often did people even fight one? However, the Demented Shot had learned from his mistakes; it would do the old man no good to think he was safe, now. Braig's experience in this department could prove useful, and even then, he knew not to jump straight into battle with the old man who smelled of Keyblade and... old men...

"Wellllll, this was a lovely fling before, but now it's a real party, lady and gents." Three Psychotic Kitsunes came to his side, growling and barking, anxious to consume hearts. While they may not have proved incredibly useful, his best companions were definitely capable of distracting. Running a hand through his scraggly, jet black hair, the Demented Shot continued playfully, "Hope you don't mind that I brought a few friends of my own, Even.~"

[[*has been out of a computer for like, ever*]]

[Ellie who has 0%]

"Less making invites, and more actually doing something!" Seriously what's the point in bringing more people if they are going to twiddle their thumbs, while summoning miniscule lackeys that she sure this wizard is not overly pansy enough to rid of them instantly.

"Alright twinkle toes grandpa is still here, so unless your through ejaculating little black specs, then move your arses! He's not leaving until we make him leave and bringing weaklings isn't going to get the job done any FASTER!"

With that the Heartless sped off in a streak of yellow. The first domino needed to be pushed to send everything falling and they were too weak and cautious to even start. Yes survival is neccessary, but a first step is needed to be taken to even conquer. She doubt in history any conquerer ever succeeded by gather people an sitting there doing the whole 'my possee is bigger than your posse'.

Zipping through she entered the tower and milk darkness inside for easy traveling if she had to warp to and fro the realms

[Deleted]

Damnit! He was late! Even was going to kill him. Seed was sneering like no end as he came out of the portal of Darkness, looking at the bunch of misfits he allied himself with. It was really no wonder he was such a mess after all this time with the XII, not that he cared. As usual, he arrived just as Yen Sid was giving the warning so he had no real time asses the situation. Pfft, like he was one to give a rats ass about being careful. And oh ~boy~ did he walk with a swagger towards the others.

"I'm late. I know. Beat with a beaker later, Even." A childish, almost sly smile pressing against his lips with a tilt of his head. Was he teasing and basically asking to be bitched at? Hell yes he was. Expect more from him and you're in for a headache. Not even a nod of respect to the other members, not one. Someone was in a cocky mood.

"Stop standing on your fuckin' feet and let's get this over with, I got important shit to deal with yo." Green hair was flipped as he moved with a step to his heels and sparks at his finger tips. His way of making up lost time meant burning the hell out of this Tower.

[Doogie]

Luckily everyone had started showing up before the fight officially began. A few words were exchanged, along with a few nods from Even to the new arrivals. They were late, but he would deal with that later. Then Arlene decided to take charge and lead the battle into the Tower. Had it been anyone else, Even wouldn't have stood for it. Then, just as he was about to lead the rest of the group into the Tower, another member entered the scene. Instantly Even knew who it was.

Seed.

Wait...wasn't he supposed to have another person with him?[/color] Even thought, as Seed said something to him. Ignoring whatever it was that Seed said, a quick reply came to Even's lips. "You're late. You're supposed to have a pet, if I remember correctly. He isn't here. Also, you will be the last in this group to give orders. Especially considering your actions lately."

Looking at the group, he let out a final command before opening a portal that would lead him to the front door and stepping inside. "Now, go my fellow Heartless. We will take this Tower, and we will destroy anyone who stands in our way." Having stepped inside the Tower, Even looked around, almost admiring the decor. "Why yes, this will be a lovely place for our new castle." Letting out a very "evil-scientist-y laugh, Even called out into the depths of the Tower, "Come now, Yen Sid. We didn't establish the rules of this Hide and Seek game before you ran off. Unless you want to suffer the penalty, come on back here."

[Zephiris]

(( Going to call for posting rounds here. Next ends 1/8 ))

Yen Sid's tower was faced with a threat greater than anything it had known before. Thick, desolate darkness reared insolently at its doorstep, capable of overwhelming it with its combined might. However, so long as the imbecilic creatures favored pride over logic, they would fail. Despite having arrived as a unit, the individual, disjointed attacks upon the Tower would prove fruitless - and entering alone out of sheer spite, dangerous.

Two fair-haired Heartless stepped inside. With a low, almost musical sound, the mysterious fortifications pulsed blue once more.

The male then called out a taunt, goading and confident. A voice answered from the depths of the tower, magnified by some means until it echoed throughout the Tower and reverberated across the yard.

"I think not."

[/color]

Brilliant white circles appeared on the floor of the first room of the tower. They shone there, about a foot long each, dotting the marble unevenly. Each light was passive and still, almost eerie. One smooth shape manifested beneath one Heartless intruder, but for the moment appeared to do nothing.

Yen Sid had returned to his room, infinite floors above and at the same time only a few atop the commotion downstairs. His eyes were closed, his breathing slow. The light of his Heart was focused below. For the time being, he saw no need to travel down himself.

Two things seasoned his logic. His tower’s defense system was that of an endless staircase, which would lead its inhabitants endlessly upward until he told it otherwise. Also, while the Heartless could traverse the Corridors of Darkness to leave the Tower or travel about a single floor, the fortifications he set in foresight prevented them from entering the Tower anywhere but the first floor, and traveling up or down the levels. Only the enchanted portals could serve as gateways for that purpose.

A few moments passed of nothing else. Yen Sid couldn’t pinpoint the positions of the intruders below and outside, but he felt their darkness, and had a broad idea of their location relative to his infinite floors.

With the slightest of shifts from him the brilliant white ovals on the ground level flared upwards without warning. The entire first floor became striped with bars of bright light. They lasted only seconds before dissipating. In the aftermath the room and stairway seemed unchanged, albeit slightly brighter than before.[/blockquote]
(( Your choice on the damage Even and Arlene (and any other lesser Heartless that enetered) took from the beams. (I think those two are the only humanoids inside.) There was a few minute leeway before they struck, so they may not have hit anyone directly if nobody had been standing on the circles; just keep in mind the things are made of pure light. ))