[ Quest ! ] Echoes of a Realm Once Great

[Fahe Reingard]

As Fahe ran into the portal the world suddenly darkened and changed into a broken mass of land and buildings as well as one dark void below. However it was when the girl asked him who he was that he focused on the group again. "Uh, I'm Fahe," he said to her, "Where did the other guy go?" he asked as he looked around. That was until the more serious of the remaining three kind of addressed him, telling him to go to the west gate with him.

After saying this the man walked towards a gate and after pausing for a moment leaped off onto a floating piece of ground. "Bye for now I guess?" he said as he walked towards the same gate that the man went to. He stopped suddenly at the gate when he saw a marketplace, overhead ships that sailed through the air flying everywhere. That was until Fahe noticed a boy with blond hair running through the marketplace, a sack in his hand he was chased by several guards. Then finally a voice spoke to him "Those of dexterity, prove your merit ahead and the next stage will be shown," it said and then he was brought back to the dark world.

'I guess that's what was why the one guy stopped,' he thought to himself. Leaping upwards he started flapping his wings bringing him up higher, then he simply glided from the one end of the obstacle course to the other finally stopping at this portal's platform, waiting for the man to make it across.

[NPC Bot]

Portal one - Loss

When Max offered his very power to the pedestal, unseen and unheard to his teammates, he could feel something. Something was observing him, looking him over, judging his sacrifice. Shadows out of the corners of his eyes seemed to flicker, but he could never quite see them. When he would be distracted by one, upon looking back, would feel a drain upon his power, his control of water locked away. Before him was the shadowy silhouette of a man in ornate armor, standing opposite the pedestal, where the magical essence of water was held. The shadowy figure spoke, and though he could not see eyes, Max knew it was looking at him.

"You sacrifice power to push forward. Power is your identity, you claim?"

The figure stopped, as if pondering, before turning away.

"Foolish man. As one does not build an empire around power, one should not build identity around it. There are much more precious things in life. Family, honor... Memories... You have shown me arrogance in your sacrifice. All positive I have to judge you on is your will to fight."

Suddenly, Max's magic returned to him, and the shadow figure was gone.

"Proceed, but cautiously. You will meet me far too early if you fail once again."

--------

Portal 2 - Dexterity

Two entered the portal, but the presence had eyes only for the second to go. A winged boy, who disregarded all before him and flew across the chasm. When he landed upon the stone, to Jin, it would appear that he instead vanished, and Fahe would find himself standing before a shadowy figure, ancient and ominous.

"You entered a challenge of dexterity, one to test how you traverse when the true path isn't clear. A test of problem-solving was put before you, and you took the easy way out. You are inexperienced, but regardless, have failed this test. Care not to fail another, lest this world consume you and bring you before me. Move on, and step carefully. And remember."

Fahe's vision would go black, and he would find himself progressed through the portal, as he heard the last words.

"Take a different approach on what seems obvious."

--------

For those who progressed, and anyone who would, in the next room would be another three portals, however, they all seemed inactive without everyone there. In addition, each member would be isolated, unable to see the others. Upon entering, one would hear the next part to the strange story.

"It has been a millennia since I have been trapped in this realm. Once, I fought for the Chaos, an agent of destruction. Before that, I remember little of who I once was. But this realm, the one you have stumbled upon, unfortunate travelers, was formed from those memories of my home, and I have had much time to remember.

This is the site of a great battle, one where many died. I wish I could have stopped it, but I pushed forward with arrogance. I took the easy way around things. My wit was not sharp. Mistakes a beseech you not to make. Lest your living world face the fate of this land.

The fate of Ivalice."

Once everyone was to enter, the true nature of the room would be revealed. Everyone would be able to see each other, but with the addition of a hooded figure - the one they were sent to chase. The figure would turn, alerted to their presence.

"Of course you didn't listen... And now we're all stuck here, together, it seems."

For the first time, the party could tell one mistake they had assumed about the figure. Their voice was clearly feminine. She looked upon Avari with familiarity, recognizing her from before.

"You. I saved you from the Dark Hide. You came looking for answers, and brought friends. I suppose I owe you that much."

Hands raised to hood, and when it lowered, the party could see that the figure had black hair and piercing blue eyes.

"My name is Xion, and I'm going to help you out of here."

OOC: WITH THAT BIG REVEAL, SOME RULES HAVE BEEN IMPOSED UPON THE PARTY. ONE, ANY ATTEMPTS OF SPEAKING OF THEIR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE HAVE BEEN SILENCED BY THE DARK MAGIC OF THIS REALM. SECOND, ALL POSTS FOR CHALLENGES FROM HERE ON OUT WILL HAVE THE CHALLENGE CONCLUDING WITHIN IT, SO AS TO NOT ADD ADDITIONAL ROUNDS.

FOR THIS POSTING ROUND ONLY, THOSE WHO HAVE NOT FINISHED THEIR CHALLENGE ARE REQUIRED TO POST FIRST, MEANING MAX AND FAHE ARE EXCLUDED FROM THIS ROUND. POSTERS, PLEASE DO NOT REACT TO THE APPEARENCE OF YOUR NEW PARTY MEMBER UNTIL YOUR JUDGMENT HAS BEEN HAD. THANK YOU

[Jin]

Jin had more than a bit of a head start on the boy that had been assigned to the gate with him, and while flying gave Fahe a small advantage it wasn't enough to totally overcome Jin's natural speed and agility.

The fragmented land was spaced in such a way that there was no room to run before a jump. Momentum was all but meaningless unless you intended to move in a straight line across the puzzle. At first glance, Jin could tell that would be a bad move.

Using his augmented speed was also out of the question. At bare minimu, he'd become a blur and overshoot his target. That was assuming he didn't land and then skid the rest of the way off wherever he'd put himself to fall into the abyss below.

The best bet was to just be patient and wait for the right opportunity to act. Jin was good at that.

Through the veritable obstacle course of terrain, Jin bounded, waited, watched, and acted. Some fragments were floating by, others were stationary, and some had to be avoided entirely. Cracked footholds didn't exactly inspire the confidence in their ability to hold weight or take impact.

With surprising speed, Jin made his way to the initial balconly, dropping to it and landing in a crouched position. The five foot jump up to the next level wasn't any harder than the jumps Jin had to make to where he already was, but the wall proved interesting.

It was long, narrow, and about twenty feet across. Less of a wall and more of a balance beam, really. It was elevated high enough that climbing it would be a challenge, and balancing would be harder.

But this wasn't anything Jin hadn't been doing in the forests he'd called home ever since he was old enough to walk.

With a quick hop into the air and the reaching out of one hand, Jin swung himself up and over the side of the structure, landing in a sitting position that he stood from with a surprising quickness. Then, like he was taking a stroll down a well-trodden path, Jin proceeded forward with confidence. One foot in front of the other, the heel of the moving foot meeting the toes of the foot holding Jin's weight before pressing down.

Right as Jin was about to hop off the wall, Fahe landed and then disappeared. Jin quirked a brow. He hadn't seen the boy go through the portal, but at the same time he couldn't feel him with his sense. It was as if the winged boy was just...gone.

Heeding it no mind, Jin leapt towards the portal from his position on the wall and entered the portal before even touching the ground. Fahe would either be on the other side, or he would have been taken somewhere else.

The story played out as a voice spoke to him, spinning the tale of one battle or another. It was funny, Jin thought. All those battles, and all that "time to remember," and yet the world drawn from those supposedly powerful memories was fractured, broken, and connected by gates of darkness.

Either the Nightfall was stronger than Jin originally thought, or whoever was talking didn't value their world as strongly as they'd like to think.

It was only after the voice had ceased and Jin had made the observation that the room began to fill up with others.

[Marmadue]

The soft squeeze on his hand reminded Marmadue that he wasn't alone. While it was difficult to feel at ease, seeing what he saw, they didn't seem to be in any immediate danger. He… Couldn't claim to be calm, but perhaps he could say he had calmed down a bit at least, looking down in Avari's direction. Maybe they could make it, if they kept their wits with them. For a moment at least, they had been united with the figure they had chased – but unfortunately, that had been quite short-lived. To get their answers, they would have to… Go after them, deeper into the destroyed realm. It was difficult to not gulp at that realization.

But the Yuke hadn't even noticed the one that had appeared behind them, so focused on what was happening in front of him to realize. Avari seemed to be the first one to actually address something behind him, causing Marmadue to look behind him – and while he had almost expected to be greeted by something that would have horrified him, it wasn't so. It was… A boy. For him it was quite difficult to judge the age, but he would have put him closer to Avari in age than say, someone like Maxwell. Though one thing did stand out about the newcomer, mainly the feathered wings on his back.

"Oh… O-Oh dear," Marmadue winced. The portal was dangerous – that was what he had been told. For someone who was not supposed to enter entering after them… That could certainly be an issue! There could be more than the boy – Fahe, as he called himself – accidentally stumbling in! Or, well, intentionally probably, but they might not have understood what they were doing! The boy certainly seemed confused – though to be fair, the Yuke couldn't claim to be feeling any more certain.

He had hoped that they would stay together. How Jin had just rushed ahead had been a big shock, but for Maxwell to do the same once they actually got in, after the speech of sticking together… Well, it was a big shock. Marmadue's posture was quite slumped as he looked at the man with the red hair, the stranger that had joined their group just a moment before the winged boy.

It was surprising to have that person attempt to console him. At least… He assumed this was an attempt at that. That and taking control when the group seemed like it was slowly being picked to pieces. The idea of splitting up never was pleasant, but, well, there was more than one door. They… Would have to search more than one to find the answers they were looking for, surely…?

"…Very well," the gaze that had fallen down to the ground looked back at the man. Avari already seemed to be ready to go. Why they went where they were going, he couldn't quite say he understood the reasoning. But the way they were split, that he was fine with. They knew nothing of the winged boy, while the red-haired man seemed to be confident in his own abilities, at least. He could explain all to the boy with the wings. And Marmadue was weak, while Avari… Well, she seemed more capable than him in a fight, at least. It wouldn't have been smart to put all of their eggs in the same basket, here. They did not know what was waiting for them on the other side.
"Please, do take care. Make it out of there in one piece, both of you."



Not like he had much of a choice, the girl still holding his hand as she walked through – and surely he would have been dragged along had he not taken the steps himself! The Yuke wasn't given any time to hesitate, pulled through the gate.

Immediately, something forced its way into his mind, causing Marmadue to grimace. A vision, of a place he had never seen, of people he didn't know. The scene, while unfamiliar, was something he was able to piece together. Soldiers gathered around their superior, one with knowledge and strategies. The table, not just a game. It was a fight, perhaps even an outright war. The outlines of a strategy to win, their battle plan. What were just unliving figurines on the map would, with time, become real living people.

As the image faded, sounds came. A voice that slithered its way into him, speaking words that he understood but didn't make any sense, so out of place considering what he had just seen. The final words echoed in his mind as the Yuke finally managed to draw breath, coming back to his senses. His free hand rose to rub the surface of his helmet, a rather useless gesture at trying to ease the odd feeling inside his head. Avari was there, next to him. Seemingly fine, though puzzled. He was too, though his own expression hidden as he looked down.
"Ah… I, I certainly believe so," his voice felt weak as it came out of his mouth to answer her question, both of them seemingly having experienced a vision of some sort. But a realization had crept upon him, a feeling of uneasiness ruffling his feathers. His gaze slowly moved from the girl to look at what was ahead of them–

And indeed, there was someone there – or perhaps something. A shadowy figure, its silhouette reminding him of creatures much like Avari, but certainly a lot more menacing. Marmadue flinched, his first thought of course to get further away from it, but… It did not attack.

It did speak. What be I. The line was still drilled into his mind, having heard it just a moment before.
"Ah. So that was the key," he mused out loud but mostly to himself as he tilted his head. Using one of his hands to stroke the bottom his helmet – where his chin might have been – he let go of Avari's hand to allow that arm to offer support to the other, something to lean against as it crossed his chest. The Yuke mulled it over with himself in silence at first, not having felt very intimidated before Avari took out her sword as if she were ready to fight.

Ah. That was right. If they got it wrong, maybe…

He didn't even want to consider that.

"…I am certain there could be many answers to this particular riddle. The question is if it will be the one they are looking for," the hands lowered, returning to his sides. It was a good thing those words had managed to leave an impression despite having felt like such nonsense at first. Avari didn't seem like she had an idea, but… But he did. Marmadue's hands balled up into fists as he looked up ahead him, at the shadowy figure awaiting their next move. The Yuke took a deep breath and his first step, approaching with care. If his answer was wrong and something happened… Hopefully he would be the only one to pay the price was what he hoped, as he stopped in front of the shadow creature. Well, as close to it as he dared to go, his voice shaking.
"Perhaps… Time?"

[Avari]

Avari
Refugee

Avari watched warily as Marmadue stepped forward, uncertain as to how she should proceed, but nonetheless was prepared to fire off a fireball should the shadowy figure try anything. Marmadue seemed to have measured his thoughts carefully before he approached the figure, so perhaps he had figured out the riddle then. When he answered the shadow's riddle with the word 'time', at first Avari couldn't help but tilt her head to one side in confusion. Then, after mulling it over a moment, it clicked. "Ohhhhh, that's clever! I... never would have thought of that."

She then moved forward to stand at Marmadue's side and looked to the shadowy figure with caution, awaiting its response. Her sword remained at her side, and she was reasonably prepared to deal with any threats that came their way. Avari did not yet understand how this place worked other than how someone seemed to be testing them. What was the cloaked figure doing here? Did they have something to do with the blonde haired man shown in the image both her and Marmadue saw before entering this room?

And what was to come from them passing these 'trials' and reaching the end of whatever this dark place was? Avari couldn't even begin to imagine the possiblities, but whatever the case, they had to meet up with the others, and catch up to the cloaked figure.

[NPC Bot]

Portal 2 - Dexterity

Upon passing through the portal, Jin would feel things freeze, that feeling of somebody there growing on him. However, he would pass through the portal, and before seeing the vision, would be spoken to by the mysterious voice.

"You have shown natural agility and dexterous prowess, and took the long path without a second thought. Shortcuts lead to sloppy work. You have passed."

The message was simple, but the point was across, there was no sense in any more words.

---------

Portal 3 - Knowledge

"An answer is given."

Those words were spoke as soon as the two were in agreement, the shadowy figure stepping forward. Silence was all that met them, and tension filled the air. However, it stepped aside, and was blown away into wisps by an invisible wind.

"You have passed, with knowledge and faith in one's friends. Humility and patience have been shown, traits that will for sure be valuable soon..."

With that, their portal opened so they could progress.

---------

With all the party members through, the next three portals would activate, but no visions would accompany them. Instead, whoever would approach a portal would feel the emotion of that portal (and only that one). The purpose of the portal would be made clear from that emotion, and once chosen, the player may step forth.

A Test of Will: Players who enter this portal fall unconscious, met with a vision so realistic they're partially convinced it is real. In the vision, they will see something long lost, or something that they seek, providing them an opportunity to fulfill their goals, and stay with whatever this object of desire may be. However, it is merely a trick, and the challenger must break through this illusion.

A Test of Choice: Players who enter this portal are met with a vision of two people holding onto the edge of a cliff, about to fall. One must be saved. One person is a young child, obviously not meant to be there, but the other is someone dear or close to them. To pass this test, one must make the choice that is true to their hearts, what they truly think best. Only then will the spell be broke.

A Test of Mercy: Players who enter this test are met with a vision where they stand as the executioner of a young male, while they are told he is charged with the crime of treason and murder. One must deduce the evidence that their mind creates, and find a reason this child deserves mercy. One is unable to let go of the axe until the voice is convinced.

---------
The black-cloaked figure - no, Xion, turned from the party, facing the portals. A sigh came from her as she began to explain.

"I'm partially to blame for all this. This... World, I found it while exploring Realms of Darkness. It's... Different than most darkness, not so hostile. And normally there's no Heartless. But it is true they get everywhere."

She turned back to face them as she continued.

"There's a Guardian spirit of this realm, an ancient and lonely one. He appears to be testing us to see our resolve as warriors. As guardians of the light. From what I gather, he means to make sure everyone in Twilight Town has the will to survive all this... Chaos. But currently, he seems to be holding back something big, something that could change our fates in an instant. And he wants us to be ready."

Xion turned on her heel, and approached a portal, the one of Choice.

"There's no turning back now. Might as well see this through until the end..."

OOC: Please resume normal posting order now. In addition, feel free to take literary liberty on the visions put before you. Points will be awarded for creativity. Try to associate the favored traits of the guardians for your last post into your new one, as well. I expect it won't be much of a challenge, and I look forward to the next round.

[Maxwell Tendas]

OOC: Jade, I am so very very sorry. Final word count is 2577. Officially the largest post i have written ever dince I started RP. I would like you guys to read it if you want, since I feel it's a particularly good piece of my work. However, if you don't have to, I won't blame you for not reading it.

As Max finished speaking, he began to feel like he was being watched. He turned several times, attempting to get a glimpse of his observer, but each time all he saw was a small flicker of shadows in the corner of his eye. He finally gave up trying to find it, sure that once the presence was ready to reveal itself, it would. Until such a time, however, the soldier would be unable to find it.


As he turned to face forward once again he felt a sudden emptiness fill him. That was when he knew it was gone. While he had hoped to feel nothing, he knew he would feel something in the absence of his magic. What he hadn’t expected, though, was how hollowed out, how incomplete is made him feel. It made his heart race, knowing he no longer commanded water. But if that was what it took for a chance to save Twilight Town, and maybe even his homeworld, he would pay the toll.


At least, that’s what his heart told him to do. His mind, however, was screaming at him in agony at the empty feeling left by the absence of his magic.


A shadowy figure appeared in front of him, an ornately armored silhouette. It seemed to study him for several long moments that seemed an eternity, the seconds pounded out by each beat of his heart. The two stood there, staring at each other until finally a voice he could only imagine was the figure’s sounded in his head.

"You sacrifice power to push forward. Power is your identity, you claim?" The voice sounded in his head, deep and ominous. It even sounded displeased. Max’s brow furrowed at the figure’s statement. His magic was a part of him and had been ever since he could remember. Not only that, but it was unique, as far as he knew. Giving it up was surrendering the largest part of the Drydenian legacy Max had in addition to being like cutting off a limb. Perhaps this figure didn’t understand this and thought of him as some power hungry fool.


“i think you misunderstand me,” He replied, fighting to keep his voice steady as the empty feeling inside grew to be almost crushing, “It’s a part o-”


Max’s words were cut off as blinding, searing pain erupted from the emptiness inside, like someone had set a fire in the center of his chest. It was so intense that he immediately cried out and sank to his knees, his forehead coming into contact with the ground as his hands futilely grasped at his chest in an effort to stem the pain.



"Foolish man. As one does not build an empire around power, one should not build identity around it,” the shadowy figure continued as it turned away from him, confirming what he had thought earlier,”There are much more precious things in life. Family, honor... Memories... You have shown me arrogance in your sacrifice. All positive I have to judge you on is your will to fight.”


Max barely registered the words as he tried unsuccessfully to fight back the pain as the empty feeling continued to grow, almost as though it was eating away at his insides. Fear gripped him as he realized he’d made a mistake. Perhaps whatever gave him his water controlling abilities would could kill him if its power was taken. It was either that, or the shadowy figure was going to kill him for his perceived transgressions. Regardless, he was sure he was going to die as the emptiness and the pain continued to spread out…


...And then suddenly they were both gone. The pain, the empty feeling: neither one remained as the shadowy figure told him to proceed, but with caution. The soldier stood up slowly, facing the figure. He could tell that his water powers had been returned to him, but it was still unclear as to what had caused the pain. He had no time to figure it out as he was transported into a new room, totally alone except for three portals like the first but inactive. He looked around for the others, but saw no sign of them. Before he could think to do more, though, the shadowy figure’s voice sounded in his head again.


"It has been a millennia since I have been trapped in this realm,” it said, as deep and ominous as before, “Once, I fought for the Chaos, an agent of destruction. Before that, I remember little of who I once was. But this realm, the one you have stumbled upon, unfortunate travelers, was formed from those memories of my home, and I have had much time to remember.

“This is the site of a great battle, one where many died. I wish I could have stopped it, but I pushed forward with arrogance. I took the easy way around things. My wit was not sharp. Mistakes I beseech you not to make. Lest your living world face the fate of this land.

“The fate of Ivalice."


As the figure’s voice faded, the rest of their group materialized back into existence, plus two: the stranger in the black coat, and a young boy with wings. Max’s hand instinctively went to his sword at their sudden arrival but withdrew his hand as he realized who they were, though he continued to eye the winged boy warily. His thoughts were interrupted when the black-clad stranger spoke up.




"Of course you didn't listen... And now we're all stuck here, together, it seems,” the figure said, surprisingly with a woman’s voice before looking to Avari, “You. I saved you from the Dark Hide. You came looking for answers, and brought friends. I suppose I owe you that much."

The figure reached up and lowered her hood revealing herself to be a young girl with jet black hair and strikingly blue eyes before continuing,”My name is Xion, and I'm going to help you out of here.


“I'm partially to blame for all this,” she began to explain after turning away with a sigh, “This... World, I found it while exploring Realms of Darkness. It's... Different than most darkness, not so hostile. And normally there's no Heartless. But it is true they get everywhere."

She turned to face them once again as she continued, "There's a Guardian spirit of this realm, an ancient and lonely one. He appears to be testing us to see our resolve as warriors. As guardians of the light. From what I gather, he means to make sure everyone in Twilight Town has the will to survive all this... Chaos. But currently, he seems to be holding back something big, something that could change our fates in an instant. And he wants us to be ready."

The girl called Xion turned and walked towards one of the portals, speaking as she did, "There's no turning back now. Might as well see this through until the end…”


Max watched the young keyblade wielder pass through the portal as he wondered who this girl was and why she was there, among other things. He quickly shook those thoughts from his head though and looked at the three portals before walking toward the one on the far right. As he neared it, a feeling of willful defiance seemed to fill him. He ignored it and passed through. As he did, everything seemed to go black…


...And then he woke up back in a large, open room with vaulted ceilings and soldiers strewn about the floor. He instantly recognized it as Fort Sentra, the exact place he had been when the Heartless had taken his world’s heart.


He looked around in confusion, wondering how this could be, and saw other Drydenian soldiers picking themselves up off the floor as well. Max came to his feet first and continued staring around the place in disbelief. How could he be back here? Surely they hadn’t done anything to brings back worlds consumed by darkness.


“Max?” a familiar voice said from behind him. He wheeled around to look, and saw his childhood friend Donovan standing there by the wall. He was left so speechless all he could do was stare.


“What are you staring at? Max, it’s Don,” his friend said, walking over to him, “Do you know what happened? The last thing I remember we were trying to fight the Heartless off, then everything went dark, then I woke up here.”


“Are you real?” Max said to his friend, ignoring his questions. He reached forward to touch his shoulder and was surprised when he actually came into contact with him.


“No...no no no,” Max said in disbelief, “By Azeran, what’s going on? How are you here? How am I here? You were dead and our homeworld destroyed. How is this possible?”


“Uh…you okay man?” Donovan asked, his brow furrowing at his friend, “You’re not making much sense. I mean, I thought we were dead for sure too, but what do you mean about our homeworld…?


“This world Don! Grendam! The entire thing was gone!” Max yelled, grabbing his friend by the shoulder and shaking him lightly.


“Calm down Max!” Donovan said, grabbing him by the arms and pulling the other’s hands off of his shoulders, “We’ve been through alot lately. I think you just need to rest for a little while. Maybe you were just dreaming.”


Max paused for a moment at that last comment. Could it all have really been a dream? The destruction of their world, his discovery and travel across the rest of the worlds, Atlantis, Twilight Town, meeting Erika and Mikhail and the rest? Had it all been a simple dream? He looked around and realized that the other soldiers were staring at them. He looked back at Donovan and nodded his head.


“Yeah...that must have been it…,” he reluctantly agreed quietly. If it had been a dream, it had seemed so real. He even remembered more of it than any other dream he had ever had. The dream explanation just didn’t feel right and yet he couldn't argue with what he saw around him.
“We should probably go check the rest of the fortress for other survivors,” Max said to Donovan, turning towards the doors to the hall they were in. He had taken a mere two steps before Donovan grabbed him by the arm to stop him.


“Max, wait! You can’t go out there,” he said simply, matter-of-factly.


“Why not?” Max responded with confusion.


“The Heartless,” his friend replied quickly, “They aren’t gone. They’re still in the fortress. It’s not safe out there.”


Max stopped at that and turned slowly to look at Donovan, a look of confusion on his face, “How do you know that? You just woke up. Just like I did.”


Donovan just stared at him, and Max began to feel like something was wrong.


“All right, it’s not the Heartless,” Donovan admitted, “But just don’t go out those doors Max. Please.”


“Why? Why should I stay here?” Max replied, confusion plain on his face.


There was a long pause as Donovan stared at him, clearly grasping at an explanation, but finding none. After several moments, Max let out an angry sigh and began walking towards the door again. This time, he did not slow down when Donovan called out to him. Something strange was going on, and he was going to get to the bottom of it, starting with the doors…


As he reached the doors and pulled them open, his jaw fell open. Before him was a strange amalgamation of what he could only assume was the rest of Grendam. Instead of what he remembered, though, the world outside the doors was in flux, reshaping and reforming itself. Every few moments though a section would stop, bringing itself in line with what should have been there. As he stood in the doorway, gaping at what he saw, Donovan came up behind him with a sigh.


“Max, I didn’t want you to find out this way,” he said apologetically, “You’re my friend. I just want you to be happy…”


“What, in the name of Dryden, is this Don?” Max said, turning to his friend, “What is happening here? Why do I have memories of being in other places and with other people. Of other worlds? What is happening here?”


There was a long silence that hung between them as they stared at each other. Things had never been so tense between the two friends before, and it showed in how neither one knew how to deal with it. Finally, though, Donovan broke the silence.


“It’s not real, Max,” he said simply.


“What do you mean?” Max replied sharply.


“This! Me, The fortress, everything here right now is an illusion in your mind, formed from your memories,” Donovan said quickly, holding his hands up in a placating gesture at Max, “Now I know you. I know what you’re going to say. But just hear me out, all right? The illusion is still forming outside this part of the fortress. If you stay here for a while, it’ll finish forming and you can go out and finish living your life out here, at home.


“you’re not going to be able to bring the real Grendam back, Max. It’s just not possible. So why not settle for this?” Donovan continued, a small smile on his face, “Remember that girl from our home village you always had a crush on? Wren, right? She’ll be there once the illusion reaches out far enough. You can live the rest of your life here with her, Max, and be happy at home. All you have to do is stay in here until it’s done.”


As Donovan talked Max just stood and listened, dumbstruck by what he was hearing. Everything he was seeing was an illusion? That, in turn, had to mean the other things he remembered were real. He wanted to stay here and live out the rest of his days at home, but ue couldn’t abandon everyone back in reality like that, especially not the others he had come through the Corridor of Darkness with. They were depending on him getting all the way through with them in case there was a fight.


As he made up his mind, the willful determination that had filled him earlier returned.


“I can’t,” he said quietly, a grave look on his face as he stared Donovan down, “I have people who are depending on me in the real world. Besides, living here would be nothing but lying to myself, and there are few things more foolish than that.”


“Max, please,” Donovan pleaded. As he did so, Max noted how he moved to grasp the sword at his side. Max moved to grasp Quicksilver’s handle and was pleasantly surprised to find it on his hip again. The illusion must be weakening.


With a loud ringing of steel, Max drew the sword from its scabbard and laid the point against the illusory Donovan’s chest, pressing just enough to make him back up before uttering a simple, “No.”


Then, before his ‘friend’ or the other illusory soldiers could do anything to stop him, he turned and ran full force towards the edge of the illusion. As he reached the as-yet unformed parts, he felt a strange sensation of everything twisting and bending around him.


Then, all of a sudden, he opened his real eyes…...

[Jin]

Jin listened to the words of the armored figure that passed judgement on him, praising him for taking the hard way and for his skill. It was the kind of thing Jin had grown far too used to hearing after victorious battles in the Coliseum back on Tamnia, and far too easy to ignore.

They were all there, the winged boy included. Whatever had happened to him at the end of that small challenge was a mystery, and one Jin didn't particularly care about the solution for. So long as he was here and alive, Jin was content to keep going forward the way they had been.

They'd gathered together, each one of them present and accounted for. That was good, Jin thought, there had been no losses. In the end, that was the only thing that mattered. If anyone had been absent…Well, Jin liked to think he’d have crossed that bridge when they came to it.

This new figure - Xion - had unmasked herself. She had indeed been the one that helped Avari, so she must have been at least somewhat capable of defending herself and others. Still, ability had to come from somewhere, and given how Jin learned to fight this girl’s prowess didn’t strike him as an entirely positive thing.

Jin had no appreciation for the idea of yet another child on whatever battlefield this campaign against the Darkness was taking place on. He'd seen too many young soldiers fight and die for causes they'd been forced into back on Tamnia. He'd seen too many kids consumed by the Coliseum in Ornicco to ever let the idea of children fighting a war sit well in his stomach.

"Sounds like this place existed before you stumbled into it anyways," Jin replied to her admission of guilt. "And you've got no hold over anyone here. We act however we want regardless of half-heard warnings. I’m no guardian. I’m a Hikari."

The world was still a fragmented mess. Jin remained unconvinced that whoever remembered it into existence ever really held it in high regard. The Darkness coating it was another sign of some deeper, more selfish motive of bringing it to be.

“Whoever it is that’s guarding this world isn’t any of my concern. I came here expecting a fight or to find my home, and this place doesn’t feel like home to me. If he wants to test my resolve, then he can do it on the battlefield. Otherwise, he’s just a coward.”

The three gates blocking the pathways to advancement let out a heavy creak, their doors grinding open for whoever was willing to pass through. Jin sighed, wondering if this was anything like the last set of trials. There didn’t seem to be anything like an obstacle course or a riddle. In fact, whatever lied beyond the gates was surrounded by some sort of dark mist, obscured by the shadows.

"Everyone take a minute. Investigate the doors, and see what catches your eye," he offered up once Xion had vanished through her choice of paths. The girl was eager to get things done, but when the way ahead wasn’t clear it was best to weight options before charging in headfirst. Especially if all roads were to share the same destination.

He initially approached the gate that the girl had gone through, somewhat curious about what exactly had prompted her through it. Jin closed his eyes, letting the feeling of the gate seep into him. Indecisiveness. Duality. Uncertainty.

This wasn't the gate for him.

Strolling to the second gate, he was filled to the brim with an overwhelming sense of compassion. Worry, concern, and desperation. It was tempting to take it then and there, but there was still one more option to take. Every path had to be considered.

The third gate - the Gate of Will - hit him with nostalgia. With yearning, contentment, and a sense of being at home.

The choice couldn't be any more obvious. This gate was practically built for him.

"Someone else is going to have to go after Xion. This one...it's calling to me," Jin stated coolly. His eyes never broke from the fog-obscured territory just beyond the gateway, and with confidence he stepped through.

All at once, heavily forested fields sprung up around him. The air was temperate, humid, and the smell of fresh rain and ozone clung in to it. The sky was a brilliant blue when you could catch sight of it through the gaps in the heavy forest canopy, and off in the distance the passing thunderheads could be seen.

But what was more than all the humming energy building in his chest. It was a power that belonged exclusively to the forests of Levitara. There was no faking it – no mimicry or machination to replace this feeling in his chest.

Jin knew this land better than he knew the back of his hand. This was home. The home that he’d always known had never truly been swallowed by the Darkness. Not wholly. Not enough to vanish and fragment like the world they’d seen

He set about running in an all-too-familiar direction, hitting every last landmark as if he'd been back in Leviterra just yesterday before he finally arrived to the area he'd once had his house built upon.

The structure that was there was a far cry from what he'd remembered home being, but home had been burned by the gluttonous pyre that was Leviathan well over a decade ago. It wasn't a surprise to see something built on top of the ruins, but what was surprising was that both Kailyn and Trey were standing out front and attending to some sort of fields.

They were supposed to be in Soqus with the rebellion, not hiding out in the backwoods of Levitara farming for a simple life? That wasn’t what he’d been fighting for all this time. Unless Kailyn had up and abandoned the cause after his absence came through.

Kailyn was the first to look up, the sun catching and streaming through her ruby red hair as she did.

"Jin!"

The sudden outburst seemed to get the white-haired boy's attention, and soon the two figures were running out towards Jin with grins on their faces. They drew close to him, Kailyn jumping at him and wrapping her arms around his neck. He breathed her in, the scent of autumn leaves clear in her hair and more powerful than any memory would make possible. This, beyond a shadow of a doubt, was his little sister.

"Where have you been?" Trey asked. "You're away for months without a word, and suddenly you pop up right after the end of the war?"

The end of the war?

"What war?" Jin asked carefully. Tamnia had been on the brink of a battle when the Darkness had first began its descent upon the world. In Jin’s memory, the small creatures had shied away from both him and Levi. They didn’t want to waste time on a battle they knew they couldn’t win.

Levi had relished the chaos, and he’d used the Heartless to get Jin distracted enough to start a battle. It had all been for naught, though. Whatever had happened, the whole battlefield had been swallowed up by the Darkness. Jin, Levi, Kailyn, Trey, and everyone on it had been there.

If a war had started, that meant that Jin had been the only one taken to Twilight Town.

Kailyn and Trey looked back to each other, obviously confused.

"The charge. On Caelum. You weren't...you weren't there?" Kailyn asked.

"No. I'm surprised you think that," he replied. "Not like a lot of other people fight the way I do."

The conversation carried on for hours, Trey and Kailyn weaving the tale of how the forces in Soqus had banded together and come at Caelum and Perothun like a wall. The details had seemed...foggy, but somehow they'd also made sense. Enough sense that Jin knew the whole thing had ended in Caelum’s surrender.

Talks had started a few days ago as to how Perothun would operate now that Caelum had surrendered. The Coliseum in Ornicco was about to be disbanded. Research labs were releasing whatever prisoners they still had. Documents for official citizenship were about to be distributed, and from there the Gifted would be allowed to travel from Soqus to any part of the continent in Tamnia.

Everything was over now, and it had all just seemed so...so easy.

"And what about Levi?" Jin asked, hesitant to hear what might come next. His brother had always been a sensitive subject, and it would be the case now more than ever. There was no way the Leviathan would miss out on a battle of that scale.

"Did I hear my name?"

From the open door, a silver-haired man with heavy-set, drooped green eyes emerged. Jin’s blood caught fire. How could this…this thing that had used to be his brother have the audacity to be in that house? The house his sister and his apprentice had built from the ground up?

Jin charged.

His hands gripped at his brother's collar, a burst of powerful electricity enforcing the attack and thrusting both men into the house and crashing against a back wall.

Levi offered up no resistance as Jin's fists came crashing into his face, each blow accentuated by deepy, navy blue jolts of electricity.

"What the hell are you doing here!?" Jin shouted, holding his attack just long enough for trails of green energy to coat the wounded areas of Levi's face and restore his bruised and burned skin. It was Levi’s most annoying power. His earthen energies gave him regenerative capabilities beyond what Jin could mimic with lightning, and the thing that fueled it was bodies. Too many bodies. Too many deaths by his hands.

"He sided with us in the fight!" Kailyn yelled, having charged into the house after the two. "We wouldn't have been able to do it without him!"

"So you relied on a murderer! He killed so many people, Kailyn!" Jin spat. "Gifted. Perothun. Our parents!"

"What does that matter!?" Kailyn cried back. "We won that war because he held off most of Perothun's forces! He's better now!"

"And what makes you believe that for one second? What makes you think he's not going to kill again?"

"I'm standing right here!"

Jin, Kailyn, and Trey all turned to very irate Levi. Green eyes bored into Jin’s stone grey ones with pupils slit in animalistic aggression.

“I understand that I’ve done things wrong in the past, brother,” the man seethed. “But that holds no weight when it comes to what I’ve done for our cause. What I’ve done for you, Kailyn, Trey. For everyone.”

Jin’s brow furrowed, looking into Levi’s eyes as he thought this all through.

“Let me into your head,” he finally muttered.

The four people in the room were silent, but the determination never faded from Levi’s face. The two Hikari men were both struggling. Jin with the decision of whether or not to trust all this new, strange information, and Levi with whether he could accept Jin’s skepticism.

“That’s what it is? You want to see what I saw? Remember what I remembered?” Levi asked.

“It’s the only way I can be sure,” Jin responded.

“Fine. Do whatever you want.”

With a nod, Jin stretched out with his senses and tapped into his brother’s subconscious.

The corridors of Levi’s mind were as twisted and dark as Jin remembered. It was a labyrinth of twists and turns down cracked, fragmented roads. Jin wasn’t interested in any of them, however. There was something much more important here than memories or feelings. Jin needed to know what had happened to the root of the problem.

“I know you’re here. Come out,” Jin called.

His voice echoed down the twisting, empty hallway, and there was no response. The silence carried on for seconds, and then a full minute before Jin gave up hope. Wherever Levi’s Will had gone, it wasn’t here anymore. The thing that enhanced his powers with his emotions and gave him guidance from his barest instinct when he needed it most had just vanished.

Jin blinked, returning from the world of his brother’s mind with a frown and a disappointed stare.

“Where’s your Will, Levi? It’s gone,” Jin said, almost like he was announcing the death of an old friend.

“Of course not,” Kailyn replied. “We had to kill that to get him to go back to normal. It was hard without you there, but we did it.”

This was all wrong. The Will was an essential part of what made Jin and Levi who they were. Killing it was the same as killing a piece of the person attached to it. Hearing that they’d had to kill it to save Levi…It was a conclusion Jin had come to several times, but one that he’d continually denied and avoided.

“That answer isn’t the one I want to hear, Kailyn,” Jin whispered, turning away and walking out of the house. He needed to clear his head.

He walked. He didn’t know how far he went or how long he travelled, but he walked, and he saw all the sights he’d seen in his journeys through Tamnia. He scaled the Dorani heights, wandered on the beaches of Soqus, ascended to the structured society of Soraria, and traversed the dipping climates of Anellor before finding rest in the ruins of Ornicco’s Coliseum.

Everything had changed, despite looking the same. Gifted roamed the streets freely, displaying powers, using them for the common good instead of fighting for survival, and mingling with the common man that had once feared them. This was what Jin had wanted; what the resistance had been fighting for. Change had happened quickly, and for the first time in years things on Tamnia were looking up.

And yet Jin had returned to the battleground that had raised him with his eyes cast on the horizon and a slow, resigned gait.

This place had been his home once, too. The ring where he’d done battle and grown strong. The ring where he’d faced his brother for the first time since the death of his parents. The ring where Kailyn had knit his wounds back together until there wasn’t a part of his body she hadn’t seen bleeding and broken.

Now it sat in ruin and disrepair. The gentle snowfall of Ornicco had rendered the dome little more than an igloo with a stone foundation. What was it good for anymore now that there was no fighting left to be done, and what did that mean about fighters born and raised like he’d been?

Working together with Leviathan? Killing his Will; the thing inside him that made him tick and drove him forward? That was cruel to both sides – the resistance and him. That was a mistake.

It was too easy.

“Jin.”

The man turned, tired eyes drinking in the presence of a girl. Purple hair. Knit green cap. Lavender eyes. Puffy, red coat. He’d never seen her before, but the air around her was strange enough to call attention to. She was Gifted, but that wasn’t entirely it. She felt more like Trey or Kailyn or even Levi than she did a regular Gifted.

“Who are you? How did you know my name?” he asked, his brow knit in confusion. He knew he was famous on Tamnia, but it was as a menace more so than anyone whose name would be known among common people. This girl wasn’t Perothun, and if she was Gifted she certainly wasn’t nobility.

“I’m someone worried about you. Someone from back home,” she replied.

“This is home.”

And it was, as far as Jin was concerned. Tamnia was here. He could sense and feel his friends and family on it. The air was alive with the same energy of his world. This was his world. His continent. His home.

“Your real home. Not some vivid memory of a world that’s been cast into the darkness. A home where your brother still has his soul and the war still hasn’t happened.”

She walked closer, placing a small, ungloved hand on his chest. Her fingers were warm, but the skin on her hand was paling from the cold. Against his nature, he was worried for her. It wasn’t out of some cry of the natural leadership that had both graced and cursed him. He felt attached to her somehow.

“A home where you still have so much left to do.”

Jin’s lips pursed in confusion. Something, he didn’t know what, thrummed in his head. It was like the energy from Levitara, but different. Changed, slightly. Tinged with something Jin could only assume was coming from her.

“Who are you?” he asked again.

“I’m someone in the dark; someone with a bond to you that hasn’t been forged yet,” the girl said with a soft smile. “That’s why I can be here.”

“That doesn’t make any sense,” Jin said, a smirk adorning his face as he shook his head. “But neither does anything else that’s been going on these past few days. Tamnia is different now. I don’t know if there’s room for me anymore.”

There was a lull, and the girl backed away.

“You’re more than just a soldier, Jin. Your love of fighting is just a part of you. Besides, if you really think that this illusion’s depiction of a perfect world without battle could ever hope to be, it’s no wonder you’ve been stuck here so long.”

Jin bridged the gap, clasping her lightly by the shoulders. “What is it I’m supposed to do? I need to get back if I want to do anything.”

“That’s the hard part,” the girl responded. “You need to say goodbye.”

A harsh gust of wind. A flurry of blown-by snow. The girl had vanished like she was never even there, not leaving so much as footprints in the snow behind to signify her presence. Jin’s hands fell to his side. He knew what she meant.

He looked to the sky in the West. Levitara was in practically a straight line from here, and less than a day away if he really wanted to punch it into high gear. Jin breathed in deep, letting the cool night air fill his lungs one last time before flickering away in a burst of speed.

He reappeared back at the new cabin in Levitara just close enough to see clearly through the open windows. There was a fire lit at the small hearth, and the smell of food radiated outward from the house and into Jin’s nose. It was slightly burnt. Kailyn had been in charge of cooking tonight, then.

“Jin?”

The orange haired man turned. Out of the forest, a head of grey hair cropping out from the forest as Levi emerged, carrying a limp rabbit by its hind leg.

“Still hunting your own game even after the end of the war?” Jin asked, trying to swallow the awkward feeling.

“It’s a matter of taste. Some things just don’t change, brother.”

They laughed, and then they were quiet. There was an awkwardness in the air, like they’d both come to some conclusion of how this conversation was going to end and were hesitant to get there.

“This is all just another illusion, isn’t it? A game that gate’s playing with me?” Jin proposed.

“Yeah,” Levi acquiesced with a sigh. “Yeah, it is.”

The two stood there, Jin staring at Levi as the other man averted his eyes.

“You know I have to leave. The real you is still out there somewhere, and we’ve still got a fight to finish,” Jin started. “Tamnia is still out there. Not here, but somewhere. It still needs to be saved, and I’ve got people back there that might get their asses handed to them if I don’t wake up.”

“I get it. I do. It’s just nice to know that there’s at least some part of you that doesn’t see me as completely insane.” Levi’s weak fist made contact with Jin’s shoulder, and the challenge that passed through both men’s eyes brought on another stint of laughter.

“Thought I heard more than one voice out here,” Kailyn said, suddenly emerging from the house with a plate of food. “So. You’re leaving, then?”

“Yeah.” Jin nodded. “Gotta get back. Moon’s getting’ real low.”

“Trey! Get out here!” Kailyn called. The white-haired boy stepped out of the entryway, looking forlornly toward his teacher.

“I take it you’re here to say goodbye again,” Trey said. “You don’t have a lot of time to waste reminiscing with shadows of the real thing.”


“Kid, don’t try to guilt trip me now. I’ve already made up my mind,” Jin shot back, cuffing the boy on the shoulder. “And if I get back and I figure out you let anything happen to Kailyn, I’m giving you the beating of your life, so stow the attitude. I trained you better than that.”

“Yeah. Yeah, you did,” Trey replied dejectedly. “Just hurry back, all right?”

Jin looked at the three of them, all faces that he’d considered family at one point or another. He stepped back, a small smile adorning his features. Of course this was the way things had to turn out. He got a small taste of home only to have the rug pulled out from under him.

He looked up, a familiar head of purple hair catching his eye. The girl was here again, that same smile and hopeful look adorning her face as she offered him a small wave goodbye.

“I’ll see you around,” Jin said. His glance shifted to Levi specifically. “All of you. I’ll come back strong enough to beat whatever it is that tore you away from me. I’ll get our world back.”

The trees fell away, and the house behind the three of them was soon to follow. The sky faded into the void, and finally Levi, Trey, and Kailyn vanished. The energy still clung to the air, and the purple-haired girl approached him from the distance.

“You know, all of this was just in your head. They couldn’t hear a thing that came out of your mouth. Not the real them, at least,” she said with a sly grin.

“No, but I did.” Jin smiled. “And sometimes I’m allowed to be a little selfish. They’re my memories, after all. Technically you are, too.”

“And that, my dear boy, is where you’d be mistaken. I’m the genuine article; one hundred percent me, through and through. I wouldn’t be here if I was entirely tied to that magical illusion.”

Jin’s brow quirked. He wasn’t sure what to say next.

“But it is about time for me to get going,” the girl continued. “So do me a favor.”

Her hand found its way into his, and she lifted the entwined appendages slowly before taking her other hand and placing it over the back of his palm and squeezing tightly.

“Remember to take care of yourself.”

And with that, she was gone. The world had faded back into existence around him. All that was left to do now was progress forward and wait for whatever judgement was to be found.

"Yeah. I'll try."

Come what may, Jin felt ready to face whatever happened next. He had a world to find. It was like Trey had said. His time to play around with shadows was quickly running out.

[Fahe Reingard]

With a sudden blink in time Fahe found himself in front of a dark figure. Looking around quickly to discover where everything else went, Fahe saw nothing else but the figure. "You entered a challenge of dexterity," it said, "one to test how you traverse when the true path isn't clear. A test of problem-solving was put before you, and you took the easy way out. You are inexperienced, but regardless, have failed this test. Care not to fail another, lest this world consume you and bring you before me. Move on, and step carefully. And remember." Suddenly Fahe felt like he was being jerked as his vision went dark, when the feeling stopped and looking around Fahe saw three more portals.

Again the voice spoke and said "It has been a millennia since I have been trapped in this realm. Once, I fought for the Chaos, an agent of destruction. Before that, I remember little of who I once was. But this realm, the one you have stumbled upon, unfortunate travelers, was formed from those memories of my home, and I have had much time to remember.

This is the site of a great battle, one where many died. I wish I could have stopped it, but I pushed forward with arrogance. I took the easy way around things. My wit was not sharp. Mistakes a beseech you not to make. Lest your living world face the fate of this land.

The fate of Ivalice."

Then with what seemed to be like another blink everyone was in the same room together. With someone Fahe hadn't seen in the original group, but with the cloak it seemed to be the person who went into the first gate to start off. Speaking with a girl's voice which surprised Fahe she said that her name was Xion. Apparently she was explroing this land and it's 'Gaurdian Spirit.' Walking through a portal she disapeared.

Wanting to get some understanding of what was going on in this place Fahe chased after her through the portal feeling as if he were indecisive. "Hey! Xion come back!" he shouted as he ran into the portal. When going through he soon saw a cliff and two figures on it. "H-help," a small voice said coming from the right figure, running towards the voice, it seemed to come from a small child. Looking around for anyone to help he spotted no one.

Him looking around, however, allowed him to notice who the second figure was, Dequis. Letting go of the child Fahe's head started piling with disbelief. Dequis was dead logic seemed to dictate, but here she was, and Fahe could save her. Maybe she could help him try to save their home from the darkness too. It was something Fahe could only dream of till now. "Fahe please help!" she shouted at him.

"Dequis! How are you here?" he asked her. This entire situation seemed unreal. He felt so sad, and so glad at the same time. Something that would make you cry tears of joy but nothing came. Reaching for Dequis he started to pull her up that was until he noticed her wings, or by that fact, lack of them. A feeling of betrayal soon overwhelmed him as he backed away from Dequis. "Your not her," he said with malice in his voice.

Backing up towards the child Dequis started shouting out for Fahe's help more and more. Fahe wasn't even able to look at Dequis as he started pulling the kid up he could hear what seemed to be loose stones falling down. "Fahe, please," she pleaded to him with all her might but Fahe wasn't listening to the false version of his friend any longer. As he pulled the kid up from the cliff top all he could here from the other side is the sound of someone falling.

Looking back towards where Dequis was, there was an empty place where she hung. Turning back towards the child to ask where it lived Fahe found no one there. Looking about the world seemed to be changing. Taking the form of the dark land once again.

[Marmadue]

The compliments from Avari unfortunately lost their positive effect when Marmadue was forced to wait for the shadowy figure's reaction with bated breath, nervous as to what would happen. He could have been wrong. They could have been… Punished. Killed. Why didn't it say anything? Everything was so… Silent. No one moved a muscle. He barely dared to breathe. In fact, he didn't.

Finally, the shadow spoke. It did not say if the answer was correct – and perhaps that did not matter at all. Yet for something with such a frightening appearance, he certainly hadn't expected such encouraging words praising the two!

A portal opened up, but the Yuke did not react to it, immediately. Instead, he was having a hard time not just staring ahead of them in silence, adrenaline still pumping through his veins.
"I… I-It seems that… We are still safe," his voice suggested that he hadn't quite expected such an outcome. But as he turned to face the girl, it didn't seem like he was disappointed. Oh no, he was quite ecstatic, in fact, as he placed his hands on Avari's shoulders.
"We did it! Oh, thank goodness…"

Marmadue let out a short laugh, his tension having found some way to release itself. Straightening himself he turned towards the portal, with a nod. Perhaps they had a chance of getting through here after all!
"I believe there is only one way to go…"

Perhaps one could get used to such strange portals and going through them. He certainly hadn't, but he also wasn't too keen to stay where they were. With Avari in tow, he stepped through.


Only to be assaulted by more darkness wrapping itself around him, the voice he had heard before with the vision forcing its way into his mind once again. Maybe it was supposed to be a reward of some sort, more information given when they played along with whatever it was the voice wanted them to do. And, as they were here looking for answers, it might have been a very good reward indeed.

There was… Regret in the voice, perhaps. Mistakes that had been done. And the fate of the world that might happen to the one they lived in.

What really worried Marmadue, however, was that he found himself alone.

But only for a moment. As the panic had started to set in, the others suddenly appeared, easing his mind. With a sigh of relief, the Yuke held his hand over his chest.
"Ah, this is good. It seems like everyone is… Fine," his body tensed up as his gaze slowly settled on the figure in the black cloak, the very same one that they had seen in the previous room. They were there too, noticing the arrival of the rest of the group. She spoke up – or at least, the voice and even the facial features seemed like they belonged to that of a female of the species, once she lowered her hood and introduced herself as Xion.

"Well met, miss. To those I have yet to formally introduce myself as well, I am Marmdue," he himself answered much in the same vein, ending his introductions with a nod. This Xion person wasn't the only one who didn't know what to call him, after all – and it would have been quite rude to try to hide such information any further when they had a moment of respite! Perhaps they could rest for a moment, see what they had learned and exchange some notes. If they combined their strength, they would surely figure out something!

And for one, Marmadue could agree with this Xion person that the voice seemed to be judging them, nodding even if he wasn't quite sure about the whole story she had seemed to figure out. The one remaining person whose name he did not know, the red-haired man, did not seem to outright disagree either as he spoke up – however, he seemed to be quite intent on picking a fight with whatever the voice belonged to. That was objectionable, though it seemed that the Yuke spoke up from nervousness and caution more than anything.
"A-Ah, sir, I do not think it would be very smart to ah, try to anger– Ha?"

He stirred, noticing movement. While he had hoped for them to have a moment to talk, Xion was already on the move. Just like the previous room, there were portals awaiting them. And just like in the previous room, their mysterious figure in the dark cloak waltzed right into one before anyone else had the chance, the winged boy, Fahe, soon chasing after her. Maxwell chose a portal as well, though instead of following the other two, he took another one.

"…Sometimes I wish they would wait for a moment," Marmadue sighed, defeated and quite miserable as his shoulders sunk. At least Avari and the unknown one were still there, and the red-haired man seemed to at least want to try to learn something before jumping in. He agreed with that, nodding and approaching one of the gates, trying to figure something out from afar. It… Didn't go too well. He couldn't really pick up anything, forcing him to approach slowly and see if that produced different results. He certainly saw nothing of interest, for sure. The portal seemed to be the same as the other one he went through, as far as the looks went. But getting closer, he could almost… Feel something. Something that filled him with concern.

He could almost lose himself into the feeling, snapped out of it by the man's voice. It seemed like he had made his decision, choosing a portal for himself and leaving the two of them behind. This wasn't quite how it went last time, but in a way it felt similar. Once again the two of them were paired together, once again there was one last door no one else had gone to, as if waiting for them.
"It seems like we are in this together again, miss Avari. Last time we took the remaining door, things went surprisingly smoothly. Shall we?" The Yuke tilted his head, looking in the girl's direction. Indeed, should they try to tempt fate, do something different? He had felt a bit uneasy about the portal but… That had been more about him wanting to know what it was about before he could put his concerns behind him.

Maybe he had made his decision back then, as well. Maybe a portal truly could call to someone, like the other man had felt. Gathering what he could of his courage and taking a deep breath, he gave enough time for Avari to make her decision as well before he stepped through himself.

(And this is probably where Avari should stop reading so there's no accidental influencing and our challenge adventures are different! Or accidentally similar because great minds think alike?)



He could hear… Sounds. Voices, speech, their tone not at all pleased. If anything, the impression he got was that of angry, rushed demands. Right, it must have been another vision, he got one of those the last time he entered one of the gates – and Avari seemed to have gotten a message of some kind back then, as well. While it took a moment for Marmadue's eyes to adjust, he could finally see who the voices belonged to. A strange scene appeared in front of him, his own viewpoint above a group of people – no, what they could have only been described as would have been an angry mob, gathered around a stand of some sort in a town square. He… Was on that very stand, like a platform for holding speeches or perhaps meant for performers of some sort. And next to him, if he looked down, there was… A person. A young child with an appearance similar to the other people that had entered the dark portal with him, his arms tied and his body knelt in front of a block where he rested his head – a block that seemed to be much too tall for his height even, the position the child was in quite strained.

But unlike the previous vision where he had been as if an outsider that did not belong, observing quietly… The people down below were clearly looking at him. Talking to him. Demanding.

"…Huh?" Marmadue blinked, confused. Glancing around him, Avari was nowhere to be seen – and indeed, it seemed as if he was able to actually look around! He had that much control here, though he had to admit he hadn't actually tried last time due to how quickly it was over. And last time, he hadn't heard anything in the vision proper, only the riddle that came afterward from another source.
"Kill him! Off with his head! Traitor!" The shouting people formed clear words, but that didn't mean they exactly made sense. Something in the atmosphere did cause the Yuke to start feeling uneasy, another look at the boy revealing how not only was he trembling, but the block and the area surrounding it… Well, it almost looked like someone had tried to wash away whatever the reddish brown stains used to be, but they had already left their marks on the wood and stone.

And looking down at his own hands, they no longer were empty. They were tightly gripping a weapon of some sort, his fingers wrapped around its long shaft. A crescent blade adored one of the ends, spotless with a mirror sheen and surely recently sharpened. Despite its size, it felt like it didn't weigh anything at all, as if it had been made for his exact build in mind. His hands seemed like a perfect fit, as if they belonged there.

In fact, when he tried to move them or let go, they refused, like they were fused in place.

"H-Huh?! The confusion he felt made itself very clear, his mouth only able to form one sound. Was this…? It couldn't be! Marmadue took a shaky step backwards, his knees feeling awfully lot like some gelatinous globs wobbling about, as if they were going to give up at any moment. This was… It had to be one of those executions, right? And somehow, he was in the position of holding the axe that was supposed to perform it!

"Get on with it!" A shrill, feminine voice demanded. No one in the group below seemed to bat an eye at the fact that the executioner was clearly completely confused and most likely had no idea where he was or what he was doing – and what he was doing was highly suspicious. The heart inside Marmadue's chest was racing as he glanced around him, looking for a way out. The axe still refused to come out of his hands, no matter how hard he pulled or tried to shake it or throw it away. It was as if a strange spell had been placed on it – or him – and physical exertion did nothing to aid him.

They seriously couldn't have been asking anyone to kill a child, could they?

"Er, I ah… C-Could someone perhaps tell me what this ah, child has done to deserve treatment like this?" The Yuke's voice was weak as he attempted to get to the bottom of… This. With all the yelling around him, he expected to be ignored, but as he also was the center of all attention, perhaps the ones in the front would have heard him. And hear they did. In fact, despite how his voice shouldn't have traveled very far, the entire group seemed to be silenced in a heartbeat, as if that question had been strange enough to snap their out of their fervor. The boy on the block also stirred, looking in his executioner's direction. His expression, pained, but seeming to be holding back. Though with the way his eyes glistened, it seemed as if tears weren't too far.

"He killed the king!" A response finally came, murmurs of agreement making their rounds through the group. It certainly was a reason to be quite upset, that he could give them. But this child?
"Ah, so… You are telling me that this child of small stature and weak musculature–" Marmadue started with a tilt of his head, a weak but annoyed hey! sounding from below from the child's direction as an objection to his choice of words,
"–Has been able to take the life of an adult of your species?" The king, after all, most likely was older than this boy. And he had yet to seen a species that had stronger children than their adults. Such was the assumption he made, one he would be corrected of if he was wrong – but as he saw it, it didn't quite sit right with him.

"Yes," was the response, apparently one that the group did not consider to be odd. The child already was the culprit in their minds.
"But I didn't do it! I told you!" The boy screamed, mustering what strength he had left – or perhaps it was anger, rather than strength. It certainly seemed like there was a lot of rage welling up inside him, most likely due to what he perceived to be false charges. Even though Marmadue did not know what had happened, it was difficult for him to believe that the child truly would have been a murderer – and even if he had been, an execution wasn't something he wanted to happen!

"Did… Anyone ah, see him do it?" The Yuke asked. A question he did not immediately get an answer for, the group turning to each other, whispering and conversing. Perhaps they did not quite know the answer themselves, either.
"No," a man finally answered from the back,
"But he was found inside the courtyard with the bloody dagger still in hand. A street urchin like him has no place inside the castle walls!"

A troubling turn of events. Marmadue bent over, bringing himself closer to the child's level so they could have a more private conversation, lowering his voice as he spoke.
"This is true?"
"Well, yes! But! I-It wasn't me! I just… Look, I heard that there was a time when the guards were changing shifts and there would be a gap in the security and I… It's not really important!" The boy hissed at him, occasionally raising his voice in anger but it still seemed like he was at least trying to accept the help now that it was being offered. Even if it was offered by the one supposed to chop his neck. The Yuke did not quite accept the answer, still lingering with the hole in his helmet directed towards the boy.
"I believe it would help me understand the situation if you explained yourself," he prodded gently for further answers. The boy did not seem too keen on answering, fidgeting and pouting for a moment before finally opening his mouth.
"Fine! …I thought I could snatch something valuable. The knife caught my eye, but by the time I noticed the blood I had already picked it up and… The guards got me… But I never even got inside the castle proper!"

Marmadue let out a sigh. What a mess this had turned out to be. The child might not have been as innocent as he first assumed, but still, a murderer? An execution?
"For your own good, I hope attempted burglary – especially when you are attempting to steal from royalty – does not carry the sentence of execution. But I shall believe your story."

Straightening his back and looking back at the angry group of people, the Yuke took in a deep breath through the airholes in his helmet. He had a moment to think. Luckily, despite all the urging, he was the one with the axe. He was the one everyone waited for, no one else could really rush in and do the deed if he was too slow – though they could certainly try to pry the weapon from his hands, which they were free to try. It certainly did not budge when he tried!
"When ah, did this all happen?"

Last night, apparently – the question did not even seem to faze the angry mob, even though everyone in the kingdom surely should have known of the murder, especially Marmadue in his position. The child was captured and imprisoned almost immediately, his sentence to be carried out the following morning after sunrise. Perhaps that explained the child's feeble and exhausted appearance, most likely not having had any sleep.
"…There has been no ah, trial? No further evidence? No witnesses? Guilty until proven innocent?"

So it seemed to be, from the sounds of the people. That was… A rather foolish way of handling things. So many unanswered questions. Yes, he could understand the haste, partly. People wanted someone to blame. They wanted there to be justice – swift one, preferably. But did that mean the sacrifice of someone who seemed to be innocent?

"…It all just seems so very strange. His capability to commit the act he is accused of seems to be lacking," once again he could feel a glare like daggers boring through his legs from the child's direction,
"Nor has anyone seen him commit the act, nor has he been seen entering or leaving the castle where it took place. Furthermore, his capability of actually getting that far into the castle to get to the king unseen is also questionable, considering how easily he was caught outside," Marmadue spoke up, mostly just clearing out his own thoughts, but he felt the group might have wanted to know anyway. They probably already knew and didn't care.
"No one has even tried to find the truth."

That wasn't enough though, was it? The truth was that he didn't know what happened, he didn't know this king or this child or this kingdom or anyone else who might have done it. He knew nothing, really. There only were words, accusations and denials. Nothing really concrete. The people had made their mind despite that. He felt like they needed more to think about, something to shake their belief.
If we execute this boy now as a scapegoat to ease our minds and avenge the king, the blood of an innocent could be on our hands. The murder weapon could have found its way into the courtyard and into his hands without him actually transporting it from the place of murder to where he was found. Without proving his guilt, we could also be letting the real murderer get away! Considering the gravity of this crime, a person like that would be a true threat to everyone – nay, the whole kingdom itself!

"I cannot declare anyone innocent with the lack of evidence," the Yuke looked down, gritting his teeth before he looked back up, determination flaring up inside him. Without even thinking, one of his hands let go of the axe as he slammed its end onto the surface of the platform he stood on, letting it stand tall by his side.
"But neither can any of you declare him guilty with no room for doubt! What we need here is a real trial, not to prove the boy guilty but to find the truth, lest we make a grave mistake that allows the beginning of an end!"

[Avari]

Avari
Refugee

"An answer is given." The voice confirmed.

Avari tensed as the shadowy figure stepped forward. She readied herself for some kind of attack she expected from the figure, but instead it stepped away and faded into dark wisps.

"You have passed with knowledge and faith in one's friends. Humility and patience have been shown, traits that will for sure be valuable soon..."

Avari couldn't help but smile as they received confirmation of passing this trial, and the portal forward revealed itself. She turned to Marmadue and told him, "You're definitely the smart one here," Avari chuckled, stepping towards the portal, "Now let's go find the others!" Once they stepped through, however, Avari found herself alone. She called out for Marmadue and the others, but the only response she got was the voice again.

SPOILER: Click to show

"It has been a millennia since I have been trapped in this realm. Once, I fought for the Chaos, an agent of destruction. Before that, I remember little of who I once was. But this realm, the one you have stumbled upon, unfortunate travelers, was formed from those memories of my home, and I have had much time to remember.

This is a sight of a great battle, one where many died. I wish I could have stopped it, but I pushed forward with arrogance. I took the easy way around things. My wit was not sharp. Mistakes I beseech you not to make. Lest your living world face the fate of this land.

The fate of Ivalice."

The voice faded and then Avari could see the rest of the group around her, including the cloaked figure they had been trying to catch up to. "We finally found you!" Avari called out with a grin.

SPOILER: Click to show

But the figure apparently wasn't pleased to see them, as they spoke, revealing a feminine voice that Avari had not noticed before, "Of course you didn't listen... And now we're all stuck here, together, it seems." Based on what the stranger said, Avari could only assume she had tried to warn them not to follow her in through these trials. The figure then turned to Avari, recognizing her from their previous encounter, "You. I saved you from the Dark Hide. You came looking for answers, and brought friends. I suppose I owe you that much." The girl then removed her hood, revealing black hair and blue eyes. "My name is Xion, and I'm going to help you out of here."

Avari hadn't expected the cloaked figure to be a girl, or to be someone Avari's age even. It was surprising, and only made Avari wonder why this girl, Xion, would have come here by herself. "Actually, we thought you needed our help, to be honest." Or at least, that's what Avari thought; what the rest of the party thought, she couldn't really know. After hearing the story about Ivalice, Avari had to wonder what Xion was after here. Xion seemed nice enough though, having saved Avari's life, so she didn't think Xion was trying to do anything bad that would cause them harm. Avari glanced over at Marmadue as he introduced himself, and remembering her own manners, she quickly piped up, "Oh, and I'm Avari!"

SPOILER: Click to show

After Avari's quick introduction, Xion began to explain precisely what her purpose here was, "I'm partially to blame for all this. This... world, I found it while exploring Realms of Darkness. It's... Different than most darkness, not so hostile. And normally there's no heartless. But it is true they get everywhere."
Xion turned to the party before continuing, "There's a Guardian spirit of this realm, an ancient and lonely one. He appears to be testing us to see our resolve as warriors. As guardians of the light. From what I gather, he means to make sure everyone in Twilight Town has the will to survive all this... Chaos. But currently, he seems to be holding back something big, something that could change our fates in an instant. And he wants us to be ready."

To be honest, the more Xion tried to explain, the more Avari became confused by all of this. According to what Xion said, she had been exploring the Realm of Darkness, and found... whatever this place was, and now some guy at the end of this path had something important to tell them all, should they pass his trials? And what did Xion mean by 'guardians of the light'? Sure, Avari wanted to become stronger, and to be able to fight the heartless better, but she didn't really see herself as something so important as a guardian. And what sort of light would they be protecting? Was it Twilight Town?

It was Jin who spoke next, seeming to disagree with Xion about all this being her fault. Avari silently agreed with him, after all, they chose to follow her into the portals, and if they found a way to protect Twilight Town during their journey here, then there was no reason they shouldn't see this through to the end. She was certain that everyone here wanted to protect Twilight Town; it was all anyone had left, really. What Avari didn't agree with, however, was how Jin didn't care about what the protector of this realm had to say. If Xion found it important enough to traverse this place on her own, than surely it was important for them all to take these trials seriously. Marmadue was worried about angering the guardian, and Avari found it reasonable.

"We're a team now, Xion, so let's all help each other okay?" Avari wanted to ask more, about the Realm of Darkness, and the note Xion left behind at the mansion, and why Xion was trying to do all this by herself, but Xion seemed determined to push on, as she stepped through the portal and vanished. Not a moment later, Maxwell quietly stepped forward and chose the next portal over, vanishing into it just like Xion had. And in the next moment, Jin followed him just before advising the remaining party to choose their path carefully. Avari let out a sigh, "Why do these tests have to keep us all separated?" It seemed that even those who were a part of the team were set on acting alone.

She watched as Fahe then went into the same portal as Xion had, calling for her with a sense of urgency. Avari frowned as yet again, she and Marmadue were left with the final portal. She didn't understand why keeping the party separated was a good way to test them as 'warriors'.

"...Sometimes I wish they would wait for a moment," Marmadue broke the silence and sighed as well.

Avari nodded before replying, "Didn't that voice warn us not to make the same mistakes he did?" She glanced down at her feet, thinking for a moment, "I hope everyone's alright."

As Marmadue continued, this time taking the lead towards the last portal rather than Avari going first. She smiled, shaking off her concerns as he reminded her of how smoothly things went in the last portal, "Yeah, we gotta make sure we keep up with everyone! Wouldn't want them rushing ahead without us would we?" As she approached the portal she felt an odd emotion that she couldn't quite place, but it made her feel somewhat sad. Seeing her approach, Marmadue continued through, leaving Avari no choice but to follow and find out what awaited them on the other side. Her last thought before entering the portal was about the voice who told them of the fate of Ivalice, and she couldn't help but wonder who he could have been, before all this. Was he a good person, who made some mistakes? Or was he dangerous?

---

SPOILER: Click to show

The transition to what happened next was... surreal. She was in a place she did not recognize, holding something in her hands that she didn't have before. The sunlight from above was blinding at first, a sight and warmth Avari had not experienced for some time. She blinked for several moments, bathing in it as her eyes adjusted to her new surroundings. She appeared to be standing in some form of courtyard with loose cobblestone underfoot and wood and stone buildings surrounding the clearing. There were many people around, now that she had time to look, most of them dressed in modest cloth or rags: working folk. Eeach and every one of them had their eyes trained on her, their expressions seemingly afraid, or worried. Confused, Avari turned her head, and suddenly found that a knight, clad in steal armor, stood beside her, his face hidden under his helmet.

"This man before you is charged for treason and murder- you know the sentence that must be carried out."

There was no man before her, she thought at first, but as she looked, suddenly she realized the object she had been holding in her hands: an axe, angled just over the neck of a young man forced to his knees, his head hanging over a long stone block and his hands bound behind his back. The man was dressed in commoner's clothing, much like the crowd that had gathered around him. Avari's eyes widened as she pulled the axe away from the poor man's neck, and her hands shook but some unknown force prevented her from releasing the weapon. The fact that she couldn't release it terrified her, and what the knight wanted her to do terrified her even more.

"What? No! I can't just... this isn't right!" She didn't understand. Why was she expected to do something so horrible? Why did it fall to her, a young girl who should never have to witness something like this, let alone carry the sentence out herself! The knight beside her, however, didn't seem to treat her like a young girl at all, based on what he said next.

"Sir, this man killed one of our own, and we have evidence proving he was giving intel to our enemies. You must show them what happens to those who betray us."

She looked down once more to look for some form of explanation, and saw instead of her usual purple coat and other attire, she was instead covered in ebony armor apart from a helmet. She didn't seem to be herself at all, and it was completely disorienting, especially considering that her stature wasn't as low to the ground as she was used to. Whether she was herself or not, the knight beside her still expected her to carry out this painful duty. Was she seeing through the eyes of the blonde haired man she had seen at the first gate? The man who had been speaking to Avari and the rest of the party since they arrived in this strange place?

"I can't... There has to be another way, this isn't right!" She couldn't help but repeat herself in the midst of her panic.

"My lord, if we don't deliver judgment, these people will not take our authority seriously. We are their protectors, we have to remove those who are a danger to us and our people."

Avari was taking deep breaths now, trying to clear her thoughts and how she might convince this Knight that this was wrong. She glanced around at the townspeople again, her mind now telling her that yes, these were her people, and she did need to protect them. However, their worried and scared expressions... they weren't directed at the man before her; these people were looking at her. They were afraid of her. Looking down at the man, she couldn't help but feel that he was also someone she should be protecting. He was another citizen, just like everyone else standing here in the courtyard. Ending his life would be like breaking a promise to these people.

"No." She found more confidence in her voice as she continued speaking, coming to her decision, "Killing this man will make them all afraid of us. It won't make them feel safe."

"He betrayed his country! He is only a danger, my lord! He cannot atone for these crimes."

Avari watched the man tremble on the ground, his gaze distant as he stared at the ground, awaiting his final sentence. Avari could only do what she felt was right, "He is afraid of us too. If we do this, these people will see us as villains... We have to give him a second chance."

Upon hearing this, the man on the ground seemed surprised, his eyes widening as his head turned ever so slightly to look up at her. Avari smiled as she tried to hold back the tears; she saw a person behind those fearful eyes. And she had no right to take his life, nor did she think she had it in her.

"But... sir! He's a menace! A monster!" At this point the Knight seemed desperate to find a foothold in this argument. Avari wasn't intent on listening to him anymore.

"No. As far as these people are concerned, if we kill this man, we will be the monsters."

"And what if others follow his example and betray us just like he has!"

She turned to look at her fellow Knight, "We have faith in our people. And prove to them that we are worthy of being their protectors." She felt the strange force around her hands relax as the axe fell from her grip and clattered on the ground, "We have to regain their trust, and it starts here." She untied the man's hands, and with a big cheesy grin, she held her hand out to him to help him up. The man hesitated, before taking her hand in his and standing up to her height, and whispering "Thank you."

When the vision faded, Avari actually let out a sigh of relief to be surrounded by darkness again. Her hands still trembling, she searched for Marmadue's, seeking comfort this time rather than being the one to comfort him. In this moment, she was glad to have friends around her, and she couldn't help but feel exhausted by this experience.

[NPC Bot]

Worlds lost and remembered.



Judgments made.



Resolve tested.



Such was the trials the five faces, and such was the trials that the five passed. Darkness would fade, and the return to the world they started in would take what seemed to be an instant and an eternity. They would find themselves in a great room, a hall of sort, pillars crumbling that once held a roof. Blue pillars of light, arcing overhead, surged with wisps of darkness, and before them would be a throne. A haze seemed to cover the floor.



Upon stirring and standing, the party would notice two figures, one unconscious, one sitting upon the throne. Xion was the one sprawled out on the floor, but the figure in the seat was definitely alive, an armored head turning to gaze at the waking heroes. Metal shifted as he stood, a great glaive resting against the throne, on its side. The ornate designs of his armor, from the styled chestplate to the flared helmet, spoke of class and power.



"You have passed the trials I set to protect this realm, heroes. Inexperienced, yes, but heroes nonetheless. You have proven resolve, compassion, and wit among you, qualities I have searched for, through this accursed realm for many cycles. Fate seems to have led you to me, and fate has smiled upon you, so it seems."

Gauntlet-clad hands reached up, removing the ornate helmet, revealing sandy blonde hair, blue eyes, and lines that clearly indicated age and wisdom. The man looked tired, worn, but determined, as he stood before the heroes.

"I am Judge Magister Gabranth, of the Archadian Army of Ivalice. Or, rather, was all that. Now... I am merely goddess slayer, and doomer of realms."

Remorse filled his brow, and he turned back to the throne before them, hands clasped behind his back.

"There was a great war in this dark realm, one between heroes of light and champions of chaos. A divine war, one might say, led by the very embodiment of light and dark: Chaos and Cosmos. Unknown to your realm, and of little influence to you, but important nonetheless. I... Was a warrior of chaos, among his first chosen champions. I was taken from my home, without memory or attachment, and given a purpose. Slay Cosmos, to grant Chaos the victory she desired. And I played my part, like a fool. 

As I distracted the guard of Cosmos, my ally struck the goddess down, for good. She... She did not reincarnate, and I exiled myself to a punishment of eternal darkness. But... Not always. I was able, in part, to assist in the defeat of Chaos as well, but in doing so, locked myself to this fragmented world for all eternity. A small price to pay, but one I choose to do so. As I wandered, memory of my home came back, memory of what I was, who I was, and it made me rethink. My world is dead, I watched it die at the hand of a force you are familiar with. The Heartless, they are called."

He laughed, and gestured to Xion, still facing away.

"Though she doesn't remember, this is not the first time I have met this child. Sadly... She still faces her trial, stuck with a choice she cannot make. I know not when she will wake. But she told me of Realms of Darkness, and since, I've felt a power growing... And it has finally come even here. Thus the reason I brought you here."

Gabranth turned to face them again, his once weary gaze now sharp, focused on them.

"You have proven your worth as champions of light. I wish not to intice a war, but a great beast occupies this realm. I am keeping it at bay, but my magicks will not hold it long. Therefore, you are the heralds of salvation for your small world. I have witnessed light within it, a light that must be protected. When the beast comes, I want you to be ready. I will fight by your side as long as I can stand, but one who can truly vanquish such darkness can deal the final blow."

He sighed, then reached into a pocket in his cloak, producing a package wrapped in brown paper and twine.

"These seem to belong to your unconscious friend, I found them after she left. Inside is a strange pendant and some pages of a journal talking about another realm, similar to this. I will answer any questions you have, as well, but make it brief. The presence of light makes it angrier."

[Marmadue]

His heart was still beating rapidly inside his chest, the surge of adrenaline still coursing through his veins as he looked down at the people who had accused the child. He waited for a response, hoping that the point he had made would be agreed with, but… No response came. The people started to fade out, his surroundings turning dark as once more the tendrils wrapped around him and pulled him in before he even managed to let out a sound. His vision went dark – and while it might have seen like unconsciousness had taken hold of him, he was still plenty aware. But in the darkness, there was nothing to see, nothing to hear. Nothing to feel.

Until he felt his palms resting on a cold, dusty surface, his cheek against the cool metal of his helmet. Marmadue could see once more, having returned to the ruined world suspended in darkness. He stirred, his hands pushing him up to his knees to take a better look around. They were all there – as was someone new. Someone clad in armor from head to toe, sitting on a throne. And on the floor nearby, Xion. She was not moving.

Of course the Yuke assumed the worst. Of course it was easy to jump to the conclusion that perhaps it had been the cause of the new person now amongst them, a potential enemy. He froze, his gaze upon the figure and heart filled with fear. He hadn't even noticed Avari beside him until he felt someone's touch on his hand, his head jerking towards the girl who… Also looked rather worse for wear. Not physically, per se, seemingly unhurt and without injuries – that he could see, at least. Ah, that was right, she had disappeared when he had appeared in that strange place! Who knew where the poor girl had been sent off to! Marmadue was nervous himself, but he placed his other hand on top of Avari's, looking back up at the armor-clad man.

Yet the man was not as unknown as he had assumed. When he spoke, the voice wasn't wholly unfamiliar, even though it took Marmadue a moment to remember. Right, the voice… This was him, was it not? Honestly, he was unable to really say if the man was an ally or not considering the story he heard, his gaze glancing in the direction of Xion's body, still unmoving. According to the man – the Judge Magister as he had called himself – the strike that took down the girl did not come from him. At least, in a sense. It was one of his trials, however, that had done it. Would that have been the price of failure?

The Yuke swallowed. If only that had been the worst thing to hear today.

"A-A… A beast?" A feeling of dread crept along his back. Xion too had mentioned something lurking in this realm, but… This man honestly expected them to fight it? Maybe a few of them were fighters, but with Xion out of the picture as well, did they really have the numbers to do something like that? He knew he lacked the skill and the bravery, himself.
"I am ah, slightly worried of the fact that you are choosing warriors with tests that fail to show you their combat prowess… S-Sir," Marmadue was surprised at himself for even being to able to voice something like that, but his gaze was slowly averting itself from the Judge Magister as if he didn't even dare to make suggestions like that to someone with such a… Presence! Even his words failed to be one with the truth: he was very worried, in reality. It seemed like a completely insane plan, even. But he couldn't quite say that, not with the man's piercing eyes staring at him.

That was why he didn't even attempt to retrieve what the man pulled from his cloak, even if it belonged to Xion – and even if it might have very well had some answers. He was curious, of course. But was this even the time to be reading journals of a fallen comrade? It certainly didn't sound like they had much time at all! The Yuke was forced to make his move eventually, with or without Avari. Making his way to Xion, he knelt down beside her to see if there was anything he could do. Most likely not, as she did not seem to injured, but… Well, he figured he should at least see if she was breathing.

[Maxwell Tendas]

With a gasp Max sat bolt upright. His brow furrowed and his mouth pursed in anger as he looked around his new surroundings: a hall of some sort with broken stone pillars and a missing roof with some sort of blue light replacing the both of them. Darkness swirled in great spirals on the other side of the blue-light-roof, looking as though it wanted nothing more than to break through and swallow everything there. As he looked along the hall he noticed the others were all there too, seemingly waking up just like him. He slowly stood as looked to the far end, where he saw the black-armored figure from the visions in the first gates sitting in a throne. Next to him, sprawled across the floor, was the black-clad figure of Xion.

"What did you do?!" Max yelled at the figure as he drew Quicksilver and began advancing on the throne. As he stepped quickly forward, the figure stood and began to speak to them all.

"You have passed the trials I set to protect this realm, heroes," the figure said, the same voice that had been guiding them since they had arrived through the Corridor of Darkness, "Inexperienced, yes, but heroes nonetheless. You have proven resolve, compassion, and wit among you, qualities I have searched for, through this accursed realm for many cycles. Fate seems to have led you to me, and fate has smiled upon you, so it seems."

Max slowed at the figure's words. They were not what he'd expected. Based off of what they had to deal with before, he had expected just about anything but praise. As he continued to speak, the figure reached up and removed his helm to reveal that he was indeed the figure from the visions in the first set of gates they passed through. He had a tired, worn look to his face, though there seemed to be a look of determination to him that Max was very familiar with as well.

"I am Judge Magister Gabranth, of the Archadian Army of Ivalice. or, rather, was all that. Now...I am merely goddess slayer, and doomer of realms," he said as his brow furrowing in what seemed like remorse, turning away from them to face the throne before continuing, "There was a great war in this dark realm, one between heroes of light and champions of chaos. A divine war, one might say, led by the very embodiment of light and dark: Chaos and Cosmos. Unknown to your realm, and of little influence to you, but important nonetheless. I...Was a warrior of chaos, among his first chosen champions. I was taken from my home, without memory or attachment, and given a purpose. Slay Cosmos, to grant Chaos the victory she desired. And I played my part, like a fool.

"As I distracted the guard of Cosmos, my ally struck the goddess down, for good. She...She did not reincarnate, and I exiled myself to a punishment of eternal darkness. but...Not always. I was able, in part, to assist in the defeat of Chaos as well, but in doing so, locked myself to this fragmented world for all eternity. A small price to pay, but one I choose to do so. As I wandered, memory of my home came back, memory of what I was, who I was, and it made me rethink. My world is dea, I watched it die at the hand of a force you are familiar with. The Heartless, they are called."

Max let the tip of his sword rest gently on the floor as he stood there, listening to Gabranth's story. Except for the slaying of goddesses, it didn't sound all too different from his own. Then again, didn't all stories about the destruction of one's home sound the same when the Heartless were involved?

"though she doesn't remember, this is not the first time I have met this child," Gabranth said with a laugh as he gestured at Xion, "Sadly...She still faces her trial, stuck with a choice she cannot make. I know not when she will wake. but she told me of Realms of Darkness, and since, I've felt a power growing...And it has finally come even here. Thus the reason I brought you here."

Gabranth turned back to them, his gaze now less weary and more sharply focused on them all. A suspicious look crossed Max's face as the Judge Magister mentioned Xion was still in her trial. All the same, however, the soldier returned Quicksilver to its sheath and crossed his arms to listen as Gabranth continued.

"You have proven your worth as champions of light. I wish not to intice a war, but a great beast occupies this realm. I am keepin it at bay, but my magicks will not hold it long. Therefore, you are the heralds of salvation for your small world. I have witnessed light within it, a light that must be protected. When the beast comes, I want you to be ready. I will fight by your side as long as I can stand, but one who can truly vanquish such darkness can deal the final blow."

Gabranth retrieved a small package, wrapped in brown paper and twice, and held it out towards them.

" These seem to belong to your unconscious friend, I found them after she left. Inside is a strange pendant and some pages of a journal talkin about another realm, similar to this. I will answer any questions you have, as well, but make it brief. The presence of light makes it angrier."

Max briefly glanced at the others as Marmadue stammered out his doubts about the effectiveness of Gabranth's test having nothing to do with their combat prowess. The soldier couldn't keep a small smile off of his face or a chuckle out of his voice as the Yuke voiced his doubts. It was a good point he made, and it made Max wonder what exactly Gabranth wanted them to fight off. It was true that his description of the 'beast' matched that of any number of Heartless, but it brought one called the Behemoth to mind before all others. In the end, though, there was no telling which variety it was, or even if it was a Heartless to begin with without Gabranth flat-out telling them so.

As Marmadue moved to check on Xion, Max crossed the rest of the way to the throne. His own brown eyes locked onto Gabranth's blue eyes as he took the package, trying to measure up the Judge Magister as best he could. The soldier saw no hint of malice in the older man's eyes, which set him more at ease than he was before.

"If we're gonna have to fight something big, I'll need some access to water if you have any," Max told Gabranth as he began opening the package, "Without it, all I can do is deflect magic with my sword."

[Jin]

Even his home had faded out and his family had been whisked away and the mysterious girl had given him her parting words, Jin still felt the humming resonance of Tamnia's energy in his core. The feeling was constant even in Twilight Town and served as the reason he so adamantly believed his world to still be out there despite repeated insistance it wasn't, but the illusion that he'd been subjected to had brought it on in a strength Jin hadn't felt since his feet last touched the soil of his home.

Had the girl brought it to him? She'd said she was real. A piece of Tamnia, maybe? Jin gazed down to the small pendant that had been affixed to his neck since his arrival to the Nightfall. He'd figured it was a memento of his home, and it too had its own energy separate from the one he felt from Tamnia and the one he'd felt from the girl.

The pieces just didn't line up for Tamnia being gone. There were too many clues and too many hints for that to be the case.

The resonance burned brightly at the fringes of his senses, flickering and wavering as the illusion unraveled and finally dying down to the small buzz in the back of Jin's mind that he'd become so accustomed to since he left. The man shut his eyes in the darkness and sighed, peace washing out of him and frustration filling the void. When he opened them again, the world around him had changed once more. He'd felt the shift this time, not that there was any way he knew how to fight against it. Still, feeling was the first step to understanding.

He was sitting among his compatriots, legs crossed and arms slumped in the gap they created. His head had dipped low, and his fingers were laced together in his lap. It was how he always ended up when he slept anywhere but a bed, and sometimes even when he did. A quick gaze from left to right revealed that he wasn't the only one awake now. The first to stir had been the one with the helmet, and after that had been the one with all the bravado and none of the wit. The others were waking up at a slower pace, but the only one who hadn't moved a muscle since Jin had began his watch on all of them was the cloaked girl. She'd said her name was Xion.

The soldier was already picking a fight, not caring for the girl on the ground so much as how he wanted to smack the man on the throne with the sword he'd already drawn. Meanwhile, the one with the helmet wasn't doing much of anything. It seemed Jin would have to be the one to take initiative for their fallen friend.

His legs swung around from under him, catching his weight and lifting his body to its full height before he strolled to Xion's side and examined the girl. He turned her around enough that he could check her pulse, and holding his hand to her nose and mouth showed that she was indeed breathing. There wasn't any sign of injury either.

While he was doing this, the figure on the throne had begun his explanation of things Jin didn't care to hear. He was neither a hero or a champion. He'd made that abundantly clear to the people around, and if this man had been watching their trials than he should be more than understanding of that. Any attempt to stroke Jin's ego with fancy titles and a sad story would just have to be ignored. Instead, he picked the unconscious girl up and carried her out of the way, sitting her at the base of one of the several pillars of the room that they were now occupying. He'd stay by the girl until she woke, or at least until he was needed elsewhere.

Jin had never been one for castles or other symbols of status. He could have all the wealth in the world and he'd be more than happy to rebuild his simple log cabin in the forests of Levitara and live out his days hunting, fishing, farming, and fighting. There wasn't any need for tall spires or statues made of the most precious metals when you could live out your days doing what you loved for who you loved.

So long as wars weren't calling your name from every corner of the world, that was.

But one good thing about a room so large was that it was more than fitting to his fighting style if whatever beast the so-called goddess killer mentioned decided to rear its ugly head while providing adequate cover for the girl to take her time.

It was still a sort of tragedy, Jin thought. A girl so young presented with a choice she couldn't make with nothing but another fight to wake up to when the impossible decision was eventually made. Children didn't belong on the battlefield, but it seemed life just wasn't that kind.

As usual, the focus of the one in the helmet was on his own safety and the soldier was only concerned with his own preparations for the fight. There was no broader strategy, and no grand plan in place to complete the objective. No talk of sacrificial pawns - something Jin was glad for - and no talk of who would fight from where or how they would organize their small group together. Further, there had been no time to display abilities or describe fighting styles. This was a mess already, and there was hardly any time to clean it up.

"Avari," Jin announced, his voice echoing through the chamber with the projection he'd thrown into it. "I need you back here protecting Xion with our feathered friends."

Naturally, he was referring to the Yuke and the Fifiti, but there were only so many ways to refer to people when you didn't care to learn their names.

For now, that was the best plan Jin could come up with. Keep the most vulnerable of the group in the back and let the fighters with more experience take the front lines. Three on one would be a lot easier to keep up with than six, and on the off-chance that Xion woke up before the fight was over it would give her more opportunity to land a finishing blow.

"And you two," Jin said as his focus switched to Maxwell and their host. "If it gets too rough, fall back and let me do my work."

Jin was no hero of light or champion of order. He wasn't put on Tamnia to push back against Chaos or the Heartless or any of that. He was one very specific thing: Battle. He'd survived through everything Tamnia had thrown at him since the time he was eight years old. Whatever it was that threatened this hollow shell of a world would just have to learn the hard way that the Darkness wasn't going to be able to kill him either.