rikunobodyxiii

So...my intro was going to shorter, but I got caught up in the scene with the twins.

{Azra, Annistha & Zather} As Maverik exploded onto the scene, Azra lurked in his wake, a back pack and duffle on his shoulders. He eyed Blaise closely, but said nothing. His father had spoken several times about his former friend Axel. Was this his offspring? Odd that he would volunteer to come here. Azra paused a moment to take stock of the other two denizens of the Badlands that were shipping off with him. Maverik made sense. He was a troublemaker and doubtless his mother was sending him as part of a plan, the scheming witch. Vita was a surprise, though. Azra knew she and her father were very close. That he would agree to let her go was not what the teenager expected. With the moment reflection on his fellow travelers over, The Moon Wolf started for Donald Duck, but saw he was preoccupied with Vanitas. Azra' face tightened briefly, then he turned to Blaise. "Are you one of the people to report to on this vessel?" He asked the red headed youth, his voice level and calm. Just up the pier, another two passengers arrived escorted by their parents. "I see they spared no expense." Zather commented sourly, looking at the boat with obvious distaste. "What did you expect, grumpy face?" Annistha responded, playfully punching her brother on the arm. "They'd have a cruise liner to pick us up?" "At least y'all got Donald." The Twin's mother, Oni, said encouragingly. "His nephews are old enough to make this trip." A tap on each of their shoulders got the twins to turn around, where they were met by their father kneeling down. Kuri smiled at them, but they could see traces of sadness in his eyes. "Y'all got everything?" He asked. "Packed your tooth brushes? And who's got my package?" "I got mine!" Annistha answered promptly. "Even made sure Zather got his." The Dark Twin have his sister a "gee thanks" look before answering their father. "I've got the package, Dad." He replied, tapping a pocket. "And I'll turn it over when I see him. Think he'll really show?" Kuri smiled broadened. "Oh, I guarantee it." He said. "I know how his mind works." Oni knelt down beside Kuri, she too smiled at her children, but there were a few tears in her eyes. "I'm gonna miss you two." She said softly, hunting her kids close. "What are y'all suppose to do?" "Watch each other's back." The twins said in unison as the hugged their mother back. A few tears trickled down Annistha's checks. "You two got this." Kuri added in, joining the family hug. "Stick together and you got nothing to worry about. We love you so much." The hug broke up with three/fourths of the family whipping away tears. Zather had his jaw tightened, glaring at nothing. When his father placed a hand on his shoulder, he stiffened. "Zather, I know you don't like this, and frankly your mother and me don't blame you." Kuri began. "But we are here for a reason." Oni continued. "We made our choices and found our place. But you two aren't bound to the same fate." "You both have a lot of potential." The twins' father picked back up. "You should be free to explore all your options. Just remember, no matter where you end up, even if you come back here, that we are proud of you and love you." Zather's body relaxed though he still looked angry. He nodded his understanding. Kuri and Oni shared a look, both of them hoping that one day their son would forgive them for this. Annistha, feeling the emotional turmoil from the rest of her family, placed a hand on her brother's shoulder. "Chin up, Zath." The Light Twin said, trying to inject some happiness into the situation. "This is the beginning of an adventure, just like the stories Mom and Dad told us about." "Okay, okay!" Zather exclaimed, rolling his eyes. "I get it. Can we move past this touchy feely stuff? I'm gonna have to be around the people watching this." Kuri, Oni, and Annistha laughed. With kisses all around, the Twins marched shoulder to shoulder to the boat as their parents watched as they held hands. When the twins were about to board the boat, Annistha leapt onto the deck and struck a pose. "Avast! Who capt'ns this fine vessel?" She asked in a bad pirate impression. Zather faceplamed. This had to be a new record. "We already know who it is, Annistha." He said as his hand slid down his face. "Just talk to the Duck." {Val} The morning found the oldest Villiers child finishing a work out routine. She was pummeling a punching back to work out the anger she still felt at missing the boat to go get those kids from the Badlands. It would have been fun and she could get a head start at getting to know the new guys. She was excited about helping them become the good people she was sure they were at their core. At least Blaise went. After a few more punches, Val stopped and closed her eyes. She had to let this go and just get ready for the arrival. What she really needed right now was breakfast. Yeah, that would make her feel better. After post workout stretching, she wandered into the house, hoping Mom was cooking pancakes.

Was toying around with this idea earlier and that it was worth a shot. Did you sill want me to play Riku, Aqua? Character Sheet~ Name: Azra Age: 16 Gender: Male Appearance: Parent(s): Saix and undisclosed female Abilities/Powers: Has training in some basic magic, with a specialty for gravity based spells. Trained by his father in the use of a claymore. Through his mother's bloodline, Azra is a natural lycanthrope. He can transform freely between human and wolf form. Because of this birthright, he is stronger and faster than normal most people. His senses and natural ability to heal are also superhuman. Wolf form; Personality: Azra appears to be as cold and calculating as his father. Back on the Island, he always seemed associated with the more popular kids, but kept away from the limelight himself. While not a fan of the heroes he is going to live with, he respects the power and skill they have to banish the villains to the Badlands. He tends to look down on lazy behavior or overly whimsical people. A quick thinker and an opportunist, he looks forward to what he will be able to make of himself out side of the badlands. From both his parents, he has a hidden well of barbarity and rage, a change that is not only of the mind... Bio: Growing up, Azra was the child at the back of the crowd, silently watching and taking notes. Most children avoided him due to the stories of his mother having a more...monstrous side. Those that did brave his family's reputation found a dependable enough fellow, but one that acted on his own self interests. While some theorized that Saix pushed his son to go to the academy, it was actually Azra's idea. With the secrets of heroes open to him, who knew what power he could obtain...

Hmm. This is a bit grizzly, but I figured one had to die. This certainly makes for an interesting mystery for the last act. One that Mariel will want to get to the bottom of. Well played, Mystics, Vaude, and Kunivas.

Terra was considering his dwindling options for dealing with the laborers when he heard Aqua's successful strike. He turned to see the misfire spray out in a random pattern. He gave himself over to his instinct and training, bringing his Lightsaber around to try to deflect the coming shots. It wasn't elegant or impressive, but Terra was fortunate enough to catch a blast heading for him as he moved his saber blade. The laborers scattered, mostly avoiding the blasts. One seemed to receive a flesh wound while one was hit in the chest and stayed down. Terra wasn't sure if that one still lived. Taking a moment to re-center himself, the Jedi Apprentice glanced this way and that to see what was happening. Aqua seemed okay, but the thief was running for it. Terra wanted to charge after him, but that could leave his friend with an unprotected back. A quick looked confirmed that the laborers were still entent on harm, though he was beginning to feel their doubt. "Aqua!" He called out, placing himself firmly between the laborers and his fellow student. "Use the Force! Trip him up!" A laborer came at Terra with a pipe. He carefully side stepped and sliced at the makeshift weapon. The embers blade of the Lightsaber cleaved through the metal pipe, leaving a glowing stump in the attacker's hands. To regain ground, Terra kicked out to knock the laborer back.

{Mariel: Mystras Camp} After her conversation with Sifrei, Mariel wandered restlessly through the camp. She had to suppress the urge to go crash Shiva and Raiden's meeting. But she had to trust that the Queen was genuine in her desires and that her former charge could protect himself. Hope had seen her thousands of years away from everything she had known. She couldn't abandon it now. To help fight against the anxiety of waiting, she busied herself around the camp, helping with odd jobs and using the healing magic she had left to aid the healers. She sat up with Aura for a time, but went back to her restless wanderings. Her mind turned back to the future that lay before her. If Shiva and Raiden managed to come to some sort of accord, then her next stop was back to the Hosts. While she didn't fear for her own life in this future, she did fear that those who needed her help would be left defenseless. If she could, she would request exile. It would be a blow, but then she could still serve the people of Overworld and the World Below. A fitting fate for a Guardian Angel. It was as she was helping bring food around the camps that Mariel began hearing the rumors of Shiva's death. Part of her feared this outcome, though it had been preferable to the news of Raiden's death. But then she started hearing conflicting reports. Some said Raiden slayed her in cold blood while other claimed that it had been that demon Soren. A few whispered of an unknown assassin. Mariel discounted the idea it was Raiden immediately. He had been an honorable man when she watched over him and she had seen in his eyes at their reunion that he still held held to that honor. Soren seemed likely. He was a demon and betrayal was a demon's way. But it was the last option that worried the Guardian Angel. If it had been an outside force, it begged the question who was making a play. After completing her task, Mariel began gathering provisions for a journey. She knew where they met. She had spent a few hundred years her honing her tracking and woodcraft. There had to be signs and auras to read at the site. Something to give her a lead. She flexed her wings experimentally, but they were not ready to carry her. She would need a steed.

(*facepalm* Good night, everybody) Terra wanted to charge in and wipe that smug look off the thief's face, but he had already felt he bungled the situation before, so he did his best to keep his instincts in check. He was not really concerned with the thief as a threat himself. The difficulty lay if he tried to run and had laid traps. He seemed to be too overconfident then that, though. The sound of voices behind caused Terra to half turn to look behind them. Ah, reinforcements. That's why he was so smug. With Aqua charging the thief, Terra prepared to defend the flank, if these laborers couldn't be reasoned with. "Careful!" Terra called out, brandishing his Lightsaber. "This weapon isn't for show!" That slowed down the laborers, but whatever the thief and promised or threatened them with kept them from abandoning their task. One moved closer, hefting a large pipe. Not wishing to harm these people if he didn't have to, Terra held out his left hand and Force Pushed the laborers back, hopefully buying Aqua more time.

I'm good to go

With the local girl safely with the rest of the Gang, Ina switched to a more general crowd control tactic, teleporting around the beach and eliminating stragglers with Keyblade and Chakram. It was during a retrieval of her throwing weapon that she noticed Alin's new form. "Looking good, sparkles." She called out, giving the brawler a thumbs up. With a few more warp strikes, it seemed like more of the Heartless were dealt with. Ina noticed a group gathering around the local girl. Dismissing and sheathing her weapons, the Keyblade Apprentice ran up and put her arms around Spirit and Ghost's shoulders and leaned on them. "What next?" She asked, her face still a little flush from the fight and heat.

{Francis Ironhart: Destiny Islands: Palace Beaches} The Emperor started on another shrimp cocktail when the first explosion echoed through the palace grounds. Guards were already moving from their discrete postings and heading for their ruler before the smaller charges went off. Luminara Ironhart bounded up from her beach chair, her Keyblade out and eyes scanning for targets as nobles panicked around her. Francis was coughing and spluttering, the exploding causing a shrimp to go down his throat wrong. Without saying a word, four royal guards closed in on Francis with weapons drawn. Four more took up assigned positions and projected a barrier bubble to cover their comrades and Emperor. As soon as the guards laid hands on the Emperor, the vanished in a glimmer of light. Knowing that her grandfather was now protected in his safe room, Luminara pushed through the stampede of nobles running this way and that, nearly injuring a few as she would swing her Keyblade to clear a path. "Captain!" She yelled out to the remaining Royal Guards. "Clear a path for me! I want to find the source of this!" Obeying instantly, the four royal guardsmen formed up on the princess and escorted her towards the source of the explosions. {Silas Ironhart: Destiny Islands; Palace Kitchen} Silas tided up after himself in the chef's office and relocked the munny in the safe. He wondered if there was still time to mingle before the main festivities started. He was checking his chrono when the explosions went off. Tightening his jaw, he dashed out of the office to find the staff in an up roar. He pulled a communicator out of his pocket and keyed it on. "Commander?" He spoke, his voice cold as ice. "Seal off the entire island. No one leaves." {Francis Ironhart: Destiny Islands; Imperial Safe Room} Once upon a time, the Imperial Safe Room was meant to be a command and control center for the Emperor in times of war. Over time, the spartan furnishings and advanced tech was replaced with luxury and opulence. The current Emperor sat upon a chair draped in the skin of a long extinct animal as one of his guards pounded on his back to help him clear his breath ways. "What..." Francis began between hacking coughs and wheezes. "In the na-*cough cough* name of light *cough* is going on! *Wheeze*" "Unsure, your eminence." One guard responded. "Palace guards are checking it out now." "On my bloo-*cough cough COUGH* birthday? The insolence!" Francis tried to bellow, but still wasn't up to it. "Check the commas traffic." The head guardsman ordered. As a guard moved to to follow the order, heading for an alcove of displays, there was a soft sound of metal scrapping on metal. The guards looked to the door first, then looked up at the vent in the ceiling. it hung open and as they watched, a small metallic marble dropped from it. "Everyone ge-" the head guard screamed, but the surge of darkness over took him. Emperor and guards found themselves blinded by clouds of darkness. The Head guard took up a defensive stance, trying to get his other senses to compensate for the lack of sight. He heard something else drop to the floor, then the silken sound of some sort of throwing weapon sailing through the air, he managed to deflect the one aimed at him, but his fellow guards weren't so fortunate. His mind racing, he consider this unseen assailant's next move. Figuring the next and final target was the Emperor himself, he moved as best he could and slashed up with his gunblade, stopping what felt like a pair of blades before they hit Francis. The Guard followed up with an enhanced punch where the assailant should be, but threw himself off balance as he connected with nothing. There was sudden, agonizing pain in his arm as he was stabbed multiple times along it, piercing through the armor. His vision starting to clear, the last thing he saw was Omicron lashing out with one of her dagger, which stabbed straight through his helmet and skull. With the guards down, Omicron went back to the task of inhuming her target. The fat emperor was recovering from the effects of the Blackout bomb as she raised a dagger for another strike. Though fat, Francis managed a dive away from the assassin, his rotund shape aiding in a roll. He ended up on his back and felt out of breath. Terror clutching him, he used some half forgotten defensive training he had and called up his Keyblade copy, holding it in guard position. Omicron' daggers slammed into the weapon, driving it back. The dagger pierced the Emperor's chest, causing him to scream in agony, then black out. Omicron let out a roar of frustration, then seized up. Why had she done that? Where had that come from? Her head started to pound, but she pushed through it and raised her dagger again. She had to finish the job. Before she reached the apex of her rearing, she was hit from behind by a bolt of lightning, sending her flying against the opposite wall. She slammed had and was out like a light before she hit the ground. As the haze of the spell cleared, Silas stepped fully into the room from the large door. He carefully eyed the assassin before turning his attention to his father. The Emperor was alive, but barely. "The emperor is down." He said into his communicator. "He's in critical condition. Get the medics in here!"

Terra whirled around at the sound of the thief's voice. His eyes narrowed as he recognized the man. The pull of the toy from his hand caught him off guard, causing him to look back down the gate the boy had been in. Had the kid kept a grip on the toy, or had he used the Force to pull it out? In the heat of the moment, Terra hadn't been paying attention. He silently cursed himself for being so focused on the thief that he had missed something that had happened right under his nose. Master Eraqus had told him a hundred time to be mindful of his surroundings. "Can't fix that now." He thought as his hand dipped to his belt with practiced ease. "Complete the task at hand." Shifting into a defensive stance, Terra ignited his lightsaber, its orange blade illuminating the tunnel. "Hand over the relic and turn yourself in." The young padawan demanded, ignoring the thief's provoking remarks. "Despite what you think, you are still facing Jedi."

{Mariel: Mystras Camps; Near the Healer's Tent} Sifrei's logic made sense. While of Archangel blood, he had been born away from the Hosts and served a power even the Seraphim acknowledged, or at least, had when Mariel was last among the Hosts. That plus lack of obvious corruption should buy him stiff and uncomfortable attention, but no more in either direction. There were a few Guardian Archons she could trust to get Sifrei out of harm's way just in case. If they still lived. She deeply hoped her old mentor Barachiel was still alive and in a position to help. He'd know what to do. While she was considering contingency plans for getting Sifrei away from the Hosts in case things went awry, a part of her was still feeling oddly about this attention from Sifrei and his apparent willingness to risk much to help her. Romantic attachments were not something Guardian Angels dealt with often due to their duties, so Mariel was unsure if what she was feeling was that or something else. Whatever it was, she wished it would stop. It was distracting. "Ophaniel!" Mariel said in a mock offended tone. She turned back to the Archangel, smiling in a playful way. "Saying I can't worry about my friends while you can is a little selfish."

While proud of her hiding place, Ina had to admit she hadn't positioned herself very well to watch what was going on below her. With Susan's call for action, Ina let out a little sigh as she precariously drew in her limbs so she could peak out beyond the palm leaves. "Let's see, area themed Heartless? Check." She said to herself as she got her feet directly on the canopy trunk. "Local in danger? Check." Standing up with a big grin, Ina summoned her Keyblade. "Show time!" She declared before teleporting down to the ground, her blade stabbing down to impale a crab like Heartless to the ground. Pulling her chakram off her back, Ina hurled it at a Herartless heading for Saros. The sight of her friend cradling a skinny chicken made the Keyblade Apprentice have a double take. She warped over next to Saros, catching her throwing weapon after it scythed through a Heartless. "Yeah, everything Alin asked, with added bewilderment." She said, checking for her next target. The big Heartless was taking heavy hits, so no need to help there. What she was worried about was more water born heartless making for the lady on the boat. There did seem to be some of the crabs still heading for the water. "Hold that thought, though." Ina said to Saros before warping away. She reappeared above above the water ahead of some submerged crabs. She slashed at one while trying to kick the other away. She was thankful it was still only about waist deep for her.

Terra picked up the toy carefully, examining it for a moment. It was made from bits and pieces stitched and stuck together with what was available. One of the arms had been damaged from the fall, a length of wire coming uncoiled from the main body. Terra did his best to rewind the wire before standing up and offering the toy back to the kid. The sight of the scars on the kid's limbs made Jedi Apprentice's jaw to tighten. What had this child been through? "No problem." Terra said, speaking as soothingly as he could. With his free hand, he pulled off his hood and smiled at the kid. "My name's Terra." He continued. "What's yours?"

To you as well, my friend!

Terra tensed up, his hand near his lightsaber when he heard the toy drop. When nothing dangerous happened, he relaxed a little. He was king of glad Master Erawus wasn't here to see how jumpy he was. The arm reaching out made him start again, but he got control faster this time. Was a kid playing down here? Weird place for that, but it was away from other people, and that counted for something. With him not sensing anything ominous about this, Terra gave a little wave to get Aqua's attention. With hand gestures and mouthing words, he communicated "I'll get the toy, you watch the gate." Hoping she got all of that in the dim light, the young apprentice crept forward. "Hello?" He called out as he crouched down to retrieve the toy. "This yours?" He tried to keep an eye on the gate as well, but his hood was making it difficult.

Got plans for a parallel for Nobodies?

{Mariel: Mystras Camp; Near the Healer's Tent} Mariel was mentally preparing to explain to Sifrei why she had to accept the punishment, but his request to go with her caught her completely by surprise. She felt her face redden, causing her to look away. She really hoped this was because of fatigue and the emotional toll of returning to Overworld and the battle. This kind of reaction was very unprofessional. "That could be dangerous for you." She said as she tried to get a better handle on her face. "I'm not sure how the Seraphim will feel about you."

Happy New Year!

Ina laughed at Shadow's "shark attack", and splashing him back. "Always wanted some shark teeth." She cried playfully. Coming to a halt, Ina turned back to face the land, watching her compainions enjoying this paradise. Ghost and Spirit were definitely getting into the mood, while even Saros and Stephen seemed to be enjoying them selves. The idea that Xavier would try to harm this place first settled like ice on Ina's heart, but it melted away with an assurance. "Not on my watch." The Keyblade Apprentice said softly to herself. Susan's call of someone coming pulled Ina fulling back on task. She briefly wished she could just breath underwater to hide there, but that was a kind of magic she didn't know. Instead, she warped up into a tree, spread eagle on top of its canopy. If she had understood where the person was coming from, she should be out of sight. Of course, considering how this adventure was shaping up, this new comer might turn out to be yet another tag along for the merry troop.

Terra's frown of concentration and disappointment melted away with Aqua's words of encouragement. She was right. This was the chance they had been wanting for a while now. The Galaxy might be full of darkness, but their light was strong enough to face it. "Our thief doesn't stand a chance." He said with a chuckle. With some of his sour mood dispelled, Terra stretched out with his feelings. Master Eraqus spoke often of trying to listen to the Force and how it spoke through your instincts. He could feel the life around them and the ebbs and flows of the force. There was also something...else. Something or someone that seemed to shine more than others, but when Terra tried to pin it down, he couldn't find it. He was trying to focus on it when Aqua stopped them and pointed to something on his map. "Huh?" Terra said, bringing his mind back to the here and now. He briefly tried to see if he could find that presence again, but he couldn't find it again. "Oh right, bar on the outskirts." He said, reassembling what his friend had said. "Sounds like a good place to look." Memorizing the route laid out on the map, Terra shut down his datapad and stuck it on his belt. He entered the tunnel, his nose wrinkling slightly at a few odors the lingered there. "Aqua..." he said, still puzzling about the presence he had felt. "Do you...feel anything?"

{Silas Ironhart: Destiny Islands; Palace Kitchen} Silas looked up briefly to give Aurion a polite smile as he finished counting out the munny. This confirmed a suspicion he had had. A point of interest to pursue at a later time. He glanced at a desk clock and grimaced. Time was getting short. "Odd." The Crown Prince commented, looking up at Aurion again. "I will have to have a word with the printers about that." Slipping the munny in a small pouch, he handed the payment to the delivery boy. "Here you are." He said in a generous tone. "Thank you for your service, Aurion." (Detonation at your discretion.)

"You would think they would be happier seeing a Jedi around." Terra replied, his blue eyes watching the populace under his hood. "I know there's not that many of us around any more, but surely they haven't forgotten that Jedi are guardians of the Light, right?" The young Padawan shifted a little uncomfortably at some of the glares he and Aqua were getting. All his life, he had heard tales of the ancient Jedi and their heroism. He remembered the thrill and excitement he felt when he had constructed his own lightsaber. To see the reaction this crowd was giving them, one would think they were thieves or pirates. Feeling confused and frustrated, Terra pulled out a datapad with a map of the city. "Some street signs wouldn't hurt either." He grumbled under his breath.

Ah, many thanks!

All good. Still looks like them. Well done! Do you have bigger versions of them somewhere? I'd love to take a look, if you don't mind?