Mystics Apprentice

Perhaps we are just lurking in the shadows. Watching . . . . Waiting . . . .

Elia offered Henry a weak smile, gripping his hand tightly as she closed her eyes and focused her magic. A loud humming filled her ears, and she felt the warmth of Henry's magic underneath her fingers. The ground began to feel unstable around her, her body feeling as though it were growing featherlight as it did whenever she would traverse the folds of time. With Henry's aid, they were starting to leave, but the magical strain threatened to rip Elia's frail form in two. That was when the others came in. Soren, Mariel, Sifrei, Rabiyu, Aura, Arthur, Helios, Mikhail, Alicia, Alastor, Typhon, Eclaire, Xion, Rhea, Rufus, Jynn, Bherna, Dawson, Aqua, Alderon, Athena, and even Yevgeni lent their strength. Their energy combined fueled Henry and Elia. Without their friends, such a massive feat as teleporting them all through time would have been impossible. . . . . . You feel the ground swirl underfoot, and a strange weightless sensation. Your consciousness leaves your body, and if you look down you will see the figures of yourself and friends below you. Wind rushes your face, and suddenly it feels as though you're shooting through time and space. In a mere few seconds time has been rewound. You are surrounded by your friends as they enter the City of Isolation upon the marble slab. Yevgeni and Nergal stand upon the altar, the Source of All Life within the elf's hands. Your consciousness has transported back to this moment. The moment that you first arrived in the City of Isolation. The sapphire crystal still thrives, its energy having not been yet claimed nor consumed. It is apparent that neither Odin nor Nergal are privy to anything being different. Neither were present during the transportation, and thus neither are aware of what transpired. Yevgeni glances at the Source of All Life in his gloved hand, turning it once over in his fingers. It is here, within his grasp. So easily he could use it for his own means right then and there, and yet . . . . He can't. His emerald gaze travels to Jynn, followed by Eclaire, his sister's retainer, to Soren, who respects him, and the countless others whom have placed their trust in him. He remembered Helios and Rabiyu's words, that they all had made mistakes, but it was what they did then, in that moment. The blond let out a defeated sigh, closing his fist around the Source before turning to Nergal. "Nergal, my dear friend," he murmured, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We have done well together, you and I, though I am afraid that our quest will not end in our favor. Please, please trust me in that I know what I'm doing is for the greater good, for the good of the worlds, and for us . . . ." With that he withdrew his hand, taking a step backward and exposing the Source of All Life. The crystal rose from his hand slowly and began to emit a blue glow. "O' great and mighty Source of All Life, originator of what exists and will exist," Yevgeni uttered, his tone authoritative, "hear our plight!" A blinding light surrounds the party as a voice–or several in unison, rather–echoes throughout the chamber. "We have seen great sorrow traverse the plains of existence, both in the past, present, and what once was. Rulers, nobles, servants, guardians, and warriors–what is your plight?" Before the group was a creature, or entity, something that was unlike anything that could be properly depicted. A figure of five were strangely separate and yet intwined, visages of femininity, masculinity, youth, and wisdom. It looked upon the party expectantly, awaiting their response.

The raven-haired youth let out a breath that he didn't realize he was holding. He offered Winona a grateful nod, subconsciously holding his bandaged arm close to his body. He hoped that she did not notice the fresh blood escaping the wrappings. Thankfully there was distance separating the two, and the woman did not seem to comment upon it if she did take note. Perhaps she was too exhausted, and it wasn't as though others were not wounded in like. "You have my thanks," Kolm told her. "I will be right behind you." As he started to trudge away he noticed Galla, who seemed to be in rough shape yet again, with Henry standing alongside her. The cold mage knelt beside the necromancer, one arm over his knee. "You were brilliant out here," he told her. "It would seem that I misjudged you previously. I, erm, am sorry for my previous behavior. It is a pleasure working alongside you." He looked her up and down, considering her a moment before adding, "Where are your wounds? Can I help?" Kolm did not realize that Galla's magic was expended, and instead thought it was an injury that caused her to lie still. He did not overhear Henry and Galla's previous discussion. He began to extend his palms and form a healing aura around her. "Be very still and I will concentrate my healing around your wound. Just tell me where it is so that I can find it." (I'll have Kolm enjoy the festivities after helping Galla :)) ----- With Hektor's attention diverted to Hogarth, Rhiannon smiled sheepishly, slight color rising to her cheeks at Hektor's flattery. The look vanished immediately once the attention of the two men fell upon her again, her expression growing serious as she straightened. "Right." She turned to Hektor and nodded, smiling warmly. "Tea sounds heavenly. I shall meet you in the cafeteria once I clean up a bit!" With that, the blonde young woman outstretched her arms and closed her eyes. After a few moments she was simply gone, as though blinking out of existence. ------ The young woman found herself face-to-face with her own image, her vanity mirror directly in front of her. She arrived in her room in the Haven, where she collapsed on her bed and let out a heavy sign. The mental and physical strains were beginning to take their toll on her. How long would she have to keep up this facade, and what would become of the others if she continued on silently? Soon she would need to speak with her father on this matter, though she knew an audience with him would not be favored by him. Rhiannon splashed cold water on her face, trying to forget about her duties to The Haven, instead musing over what she wanted to wear and what she would order from Uzumeashy.

Wow, you're making progress fast! I'm resting at about 17 hours and only at level 22! I'm spending a lot of time trying to find all of the lucky emblems as I go, though, so that might have something to do with it.

Your Lilith avatar is awesome! It's nice to see another Fire Emblem fan.

Just waiting on a short blurb from @Scrapmaster for Henry concerning the time travel aspect, and we will be on our way to the grand finale. : ) I don't know? I just remember from the past when we were discussing parings that it was stated that Yev was too old for Aqua, though in what manner I don't think was specified. Aqua is 18, while Yevgeni has been on the face of the Overworld for over two millennia. Physically he's probably in his mid-thirties'ish(?), though mentally I would think he is considerably older. Regardless, Yevgeni is incapable of truly loving another unless he gets extensive therapy. The only people that he has ever truly loved was a father that used him, a mother who hid him, a sister who needed his protection, and Ariana, who did not return his affection and betrayed him. While he has connections with Rabiyu, Nergal, and Aqua it would be a very complex matter for him to actually maintain a healthy romantic involvement with any of them (though I have, personally, always enjoyed the thought of a Rabiyu/Yevgeni pairing off-stage because they share so many commonalities). Perhaps in Elrandir's sequel he may open his heart to love, though as it is now the thought of love is more of a brief fancy.

Well, he kissed her hand, something that is customary during that day and age for men to do to ladies, or for servants to do to nobles and rulers. Perhaps there was more behind it, or maybe he was just acknowledging Lady Eliltari with fondness and respect. It wasn't a particularly romantic action, but--it may have had implications. I thought we felt Aqua was a bit young for him, though maybe I'm confusing this with someone else.

Almost there, folks! I'm going to give everyone a quick chance to respond to Elia after Ahriman's demise, and I will post either tomorrow or once everyone responds, whichever comes first.

The False God was no more, and the heroes returned to what little remained of the City of Isolation. Slowly, however, less and less of it existed. The landscape continued to crumble, in its wake fragments of sky were replaced with an ashen gray. A void slowly enveloped them, with no exit in sight. Existence, as they knew it, was coming to a close, just as Ahriman had wished. Elia, now restored, gingerly set Aqua aside and rose, gaze shifting around the deteriorating landscape. How much of the Overworld remained? Was Isopolis the only thing left, and would it uphold the grand demise of life? Probably not. It was only a matter of time before everything ceased to exist. They were too late. A lone tear rolled down the fairy's cheek. Her body trembled, both in fear and anguish. If only there were more time. Time . . . . That was the answer. She had traversed the tides of time before, though did she dare attempt it now? It was unpredictable, and messy business, though if nothing were done they would be destroyed anyway. She could at least try. She rose to her feet, wobbling over to Henry as the ground tremored underfoot. Tenderly she rested a pallid hand against his arm, her face imploring. "You have my sister's powers, right?" she asked tentatively. "I don't think I can do this alone, but maybe together we could stand a change. Walk back in time with me, so that we can right this terrible wrong." She turned to her many comrades. Some friends, others foes that aided their cause. "Everyone! We must work together one last time! With what energy you possess, aid me and Henry as we focus our time magic and take us all back. We all must fix this! We can't let everything end today. Please, I beg of you all." Elia extended her free hand, awaiting for someone to grasp it. It was the princess Athena that strode forward, gripping Elia's hand tightly. "I am with you," she said, to which Alderon grasped his daughter's hand and nodded. "We will lend you both our strength." Though still blind, he nodded toward Henry. "Don't let me down, Dreadnaught." Yevgeni, who still remained weakened after the remainder of his magic was expended, strode forward to take Henry's free hand, if a circle was indeed forming among them all. "There's nothing left to lose, I guess."

How so?

That is interesting that only nine slots are available, since it is saving onto the drive and not a game cartridge. Still beats the 2-3 save files of, say, DS or N64 games, though it's a shame that it is limited. I only just got my PS4 so I don't know how it all works yet, but is there a way to save "save files" onto an external drive? I remember doing this with my PS3, so I figured it may be an option with the PS4.

I just wanted to say great posts, everyone. Very well done. I cannot believe we are so very close to the end! Thanks for making this RP a reality, folks. It has been so exciting to watch this adventure unfold and see everyone's characters grow. Overworld would not be what it is without each and every one of you! There's going to be one event left, before we move onto the epilogue. I hope that you all enjoy the remainder of the ride. Also @Sora's Baby since I'd hate for you to miss out on this final round, feel free to have Aqua start to come to, if you'd like. She doesn't have to remain unconscious unless you want her to.

It's lovely! Your friend did a fantastic job.

It was time . . . . The blond elf, caught in the same freefall, nodded in response to Soren's words. He uttered an incantation and traced a glyph below them with his rapier, which glowed brilliant shades of fuchsia, yellow, and pink before solidifying below their feet. A platform of holy light had been made, though it was not immune to their descent. They still rushed past, but at least the heroes would have some footing. "Ahriman," Yevgeni started, removing his gloves and bringing his glare to meet the falling god. "Destruction of all is not what the world needs, nor what you need. Without existence, what would you have? Without hate, love, conflict, camaraderie . . . there is nothing. And that, I am afraid, would leave you in a state of misery." His magic was waning; the barrier underfoot was taking mass amounts of mana to withhold, and what he planned to do would exert him beyond his threshold. He glanced over to Rabiyu, whom he stood alongside, his blond hair whipping his face as they rushed into nothingness below. There were so many words he wanted to say, so many thoughts that could not make it to his tongue. Instead he offered her a smile and grasped her hand tightly. "Take him down," he murmured, swiftly bringing her hand to his lips where he implanted the faintest of kisses. A custom in the world below, but was that all he intended? Rabiyu would perhaps never know. He then soared above the party, rising to Ahriman's level and looking the god in the eye. "Your reign was short lived indeed, but it is now finished. Say goodbye . . . to existence!" Channeling his magic and that within the air, Yevgeni brought his hands close to his chest, making an intricate pattern with his wrists and fingers intwined. A circle made from blinding light was formed, which shot forth from his body and encircled Ahriman. This spell-binding circle would hold Ahriman and, if successful, would not permit the god to fight back as everyone let out their deathly blows. Meanwhile there was little that Elia, Athena, and Alderon could do. The human king was slowly coming to, awakening moments after the platform was formed. Elia sat alongside him, Aqua in her arms, watching as the others did their work. Without her flight and healing magic there was little that she could do. Athena had taken quite the hit from Ahriman's clutches, meeting a similar fate to her father's as she collapsed in a bleeding heap near Arthynn. She fell unconscious, the left side of her head oozing with blood as her lips grew pale. Her left leg was also twisted in an unnatural fashion, likely indicating that it was broken.

I think it depends on a lot of things (culture, how well you know them, et cetera) but personally I would not do it. I think a swimsuit is too personal of an item to be purchasing for a girl, especially if you are of the opposite gender. Maybe a gift card so that this person could purchase their own swimwear?

Here is a link to our spoiler policy: So long as all conditions are met, spoilers can be discussed in the KH3 section, provided that none are in the title and that spoiler tabs are used within the post itself.

Very interesting. I may give it a go! To be honest I had a lot of difficulty on Proud Mode with the first KH installment, but maybe it is easier?

That is great to hear, especially given its mixed reception. I just ordered a PS4 specifically for this occasion, so I'm happy to hear that the game is good. Can't wait to check it out firsthand!! Have fun!

The exerted force from Hurst came on sudden and hard, which Kolm couldn't resist with his own might. Strength was not his forte, and thus he did not have a lot of it. He was rather small in comparison to most young men his age, making it even easier to overpower him. The mage felt his mace being shoved back toward his neck, to which he released the mace and fell backward to avoid the blow. The wind was knocked out of him as he fell flat on his back, though anything was better than taking a mace to the neck. When he lifted his head he saw the patrician already a short distance away, healing the frozen wound that Kolm had inflicted upon him. "Oh, no, you don't." Kolm rolled to his side, reaching for his fallen mace and springing to his feet. Standing fifteen-feet away from the undead, Kolm jabbed the butt end of his mace into the ground, trails of white-blue magic surging from it. The three trails divided: two alongside Hurst and one directly underneath him. Ice would then surge upward from the ground, reminiscent to small icebergs only considerably smaller. (Will post for Rhiannon after @Scrapmaster posts)

Friendly reminder to please stay on-topic and be mindful of others' opinions. Thank you.

My favorite Organization member is likely Zexion. I like his quiet, studious demeanor, and his past as Ienzo rather intrigues me. Runner-ups would be Axel, Xigbar, and Xion, perhaps in that order.

By the way @Nero Kunivas and @Vaude, I have purposely left Elia's time arrow up for your interpretation in terms of its effectiveness. The length of time that it takes to destroy Ahriman is entirely up to you; the party could defeat Ahriman by other means before then, or the party could also lose before his demise. Though with the end eminent, I figured this may be plausible (plus, I wanted to make the time mage useful somehow, since she no longer has the ability to heal ) Hmm, yes, that does make things rather limited for Mariel . . . . The most that I could suggest would be teamwork. Working in tandem with another player to do combos that would wreak more havoc on Ahriman would be useful, since she could still work with the basics but potentially be aided by another. Given the short duration of time that Mariel has been in the RP, you have done an incredible job with her character development and giving her connections to other characters. Considering there is such a large cast and there was so much to consider you have done beautifully at integrating yourself, so many kudos are in order there. I do believe that @Elrandir is still cooking up a sequel, so hopefully we will get to see even more of Mariel in the near future!

I definitely think avoiding YouTube is a great idea (unless you clean your cache and don't view anything KH-related, which would probably work). However, even once KH3 releases there will still be spoilers aplenty to watch out for, even if it isn't leaked material. We still won't be in the clear once the game is out, so best if we're careful until we actually complete the game. It's crazy how it's so difficult to abstain from getting spoiled when you least expect to be.

–Janus Zeal– There was no way that he was going to let the kind woman carry him. He would rather walk on needles than have to suffer that kind of humiliation. "I can walk," he retorted, perhaps a little too sharply. The trees had been thinning for a while, though now a rocky terrain loomed into view. Cliffs at least fifty feet high towered over the two, seeming quite steep at first glance. Janus was not even certain if anyone could climb them if they wanted to. He turned to glance over at Jaina. "Well, what do we do? I could try to fly over them," he said. "Or we could go around." He was curious about what was on the other side, though said curiosity was also mixed with apprehension. Thankfully they had yet to meet an adversary that they had to draw their blades against, though he did wonder if that time would soon come up on those cliffs. –Vivi– It indeed was a lot for the black mage to take in. He brought a gloved hand to his chin, considering the tale that Zest unfolded. "So you are saying that we have been summoned," Vivi surmised. "To fight and win another war?" This didn't sound all too pleasing to him. Did they have no say in the matter? He was not much of a fan of conflict, and now he found himself being thrust into it with no way home. At least, however, he knew what he was doing here, and had a sense of direction. The mage smoothed his hands over his balloon patched pants. "So . . . when do we meet Materia?" An innocent question, with likely a very complex response.

The raven-haired mage wasted no time in wrapping his arm hastily with the bandage, gaze shifting to the remaining patrician who spoke in his direction, addressing his blood magic. A frown furrowed his brow. "Perhaps I will bestow my uniqueness on you!" With a cry, Kolm charged toward Hurst with uneven footing, mace held over his shoulder like a baseball bat. He swung in a similar fashion, aiming to strike the patrician's head. Releasing one hand from the handle of his mace he extended a palm upon Hurst's right shoulder., and a runic sphere spread out imbued with ice magic. If successful, Hurst would find ice seeping into his very bones, spreading across his shoulder and down his arm, but spreading no further. The strike was not meant to be lethal, but it would hopefully affect the mobility of his right arm. -------- Just as Rhiannon discussed their leave, Hogarth found them and voiced the same, to which Rhi responded with a smile. "That sounds just fine. We will be right there." She turned to Hektor. "Thank you for your help, and for the conversation. I don't know what it is about you, but I find you so . . . easy to talk to." It was true; she did, in comparison to many of the others in Haven. This was going to be both a blessing and a curse. A blessing, because she could finally find someone to relate to once again, and yet a curse because she had to fear revealing too much. Was that why Roderick had to die? Had she revealed too much to him? She just hoped that befriending Hektor wasn't foolish; she would hate to endanger him. She came up alongside Hogarth, glancing out in the direction that Reksis had gone. She hoped that he hadn't gotten lost.