Vanigx had gotten inside the building with Alexiel and the others while overhearing their conversation and noticing the strangers named Kairi and Goofy before smiling . “You guys seem familiar. By chance, did you know Cloud, Tifa, and Cid? They kinda taught me everything I know.” He then looked towards Alexiel before blushing darkly as well. “I suppose that’s exactly what I like about you, Alexiel. You’re such a sweet and beautiful girl who worries about everyone and wants to make people happy. I can’t exactly explain, but I genuinely feel happy for once when I’m around you. It’s almost like you’re the reason that spark of light is getting bigger and brighter by the moment in my heart. It feels nice. Thank you.”
Alexiel could sense that Raziel-san was tense about something related to his world. However no matter how curious she was about the subject, she wouldn't push the topic. There was a reason, something that affected him greatly. She however stood firm, she wouldn't ever directly ask him, unless it was something that he wished to discuss, overall that wouldn't seem to be the case. Alexiel internally sighed. All she wanted to do was have everyone try and get along. It was a uphill struggle, but she would do whatever she needed to do, to make sure that everyone would get along.
Alexiel could sense that this world was charged with a magical, almost ancient magic. The spirits here, they were as if nothing changed in this world, although time moved on, without caring about them. This world has seen many changes, it surprised Alexiel. 'Where could the spirit of this world be at?' she thought to herself.
'You are not ready yet, child of the light. You will find us when it is time to...in the mean time you will need to prevent a ancient, evil presence from returning to this world or you will need to destroy it.' She heard the voice of what sounded like many echo in her mind.
She clutched her head, it was painful to hear so many voices at once. It wasn't the amount, it was the power behind those voices.
Alexiel was then assaulted with feelings of defiance and pain. She clutched onto her stomach, it was making her feeling sick to her stomach. She felt like she was going to vomit. Although she was trying to hide it from the others. She then felt what felt like a thunder spell, but stronger run through her body. It made her muscles tense up. 'Something more is going on here...' Alexiel could tell that Ardeth-san was possibly hiding something, however she didn't want to accuse him. He may have reasons for keeping knowledge from everyone.
However when she looked up, she saw a few medjai warriors, ones that have died honorably in battle, and pointed towards the building that Ardeth was headed towards. Alexiel looked towards Shiva, Kairi and Goofy. She motioned to follow. 'My summoner...something is bothering you isn't it? You may be able to hide it from the others, but you can't hide it from me.'
Alexiel nodded, 'You know me too well, Shiva.'
'Young Summoner from another world. If you wish to become stronger, you will need more allies. If you dare try to earn my respect, and power...find us...come to the lost city of Hamunaptra. Once you end up there, we will tell you more.' The voice echoed into her head. Sounding familiar but she couldn't place it.
'Hamunaptra...who was that? Could I trust what they say...' However she then went towards the museum and when she entered she saw many ancient items which had there own story to tell. She then looked in awe. "Where is Hamunaptra?" Alexiel spoke unintentionally out loud and looked over the various ancient maps that were in the museum, along with the other artifacts. She saw some items written in Ancient Egyptian, she was looking over some of the history when something she saw bothered her, 'Hom Dai?' From what she read, it was something only reserved for the worst offenses.
For what seemed like hours, but was actually only minutes, there was something calling to her, she worked her way over to it. Oddly enough it was a tale. saying that this world was once nearly destroyed, by a powerful and dangerous evil. It was only through the power of the three kings, and ancient magics, although it did not destroy the evil, it sealed it away. "However if the dark evil enemy were to return, the world would be in real danger, unless the power of the three kings is used again..." Alexiel wasn't aware that she was actually speaking in Ancient Egyptian. She looked around embarrassed, hoping that no one actually heard her. 'What is the power of the three kings? Could this be a powerful heartless? This tablet was recently found. One of those pictures, it looks like... could it be?' It caused the wheels in her mind to grind.
"....Summoner?" Shiva then placed a hand on Alexiel's head, and used a gentle ice spell.
Alexiel then jumped slightly, Shiva couldn't help but giggle slightly, "You were lost in thought again, my summoner."
Alexiel then giggled, "Sorry Shiva." Alexiel noticed that Shiva was still carrying Master Riku. Kairi and Goofy were not too far behind.
Kairi then smiled, "Thank you Shiva, for carrying Riku."
Shiva smiled, "It is nothing, Princess of Heart. He is actually quite light for someone like myself, even though he is quite muscular."
Goofy looked around, "Gawrsh, what is this place?"
Alexiel smiled, "It is a museum, they typically display things from the past. Like bones, stone tablets, paintings...there are many different types of museums." She was trying to keep it simple. "It sort of a hub for knowledge from the past, you know, besides libraries. Sorry I am likely confusing you."
Goofy smiled, "I get it, thanks for explaining Alexiel. Ah-hyuck."
“You guys seem familiar. By chance, did you know Cloud, Tifa, and Cid?..."
Kairi and Goofy turned and then Kairi said, "There names seem familiar..."
Goofy nodded, "Gawrsh, of course, We have meet them before..."
“I suppose that’s exactly what I like about you, Alexiel. You’re such a sweet and beautiful girl who worries about everyone and wants to make people happy. I can’t exactly explain, but I genuinely feel happy for once when I’m around you. It’s almost like you’re the reason that spark of light is getting bigger and brighter by the moment in my heart. It feels nice. Thank you.”
Alexiel's blush darkened, "I have not done much really...the light that grows in your heart, grows from you, I have not done anything to warrant your gratitude." She then looked away, "As for worrying about everyone it is just in my nature. I just want to help those who need it..."
Meanwhile near where Ra and the captured Medjai were, she was hidden by shadows, and she looked on and she couldn't help but laugh to herself, "What a fool..." She then still hidden by shadows, 'He seems like a truly foolish and in denial, working for the darkness, however truly obsessed with the light.'
"Noctis is a fool for employing mortals obsessed with the forces that go against him." Rocial said to no one, and then vanished just as quickly as she appeared and ended up near where the warriors were currently at, but kept her distance, however she saw Alinara, 'Foolish...Termagant' She was still hidden by her shadows, no one would see her. She decided to observe the area. 'I wonder whom should I pick on next...'
Shiva looked to her summoner, 'My poor summoner...' However Shiva thought it best not to start another argument, she would however keep a close eye on Vanigx, for she still did not completely trust the one that could summon Dark Bahamut. Shiva still holding the unconscious master in her arms. 'We hope you will wake up soon, Master Riku.' She said to herself.
Alexiel looked to Shiva with concern on her face., "Are you alright, Shiva?"
Shiva nodded, "Thank you for your concern, my summoner, but we are alright, really. We were just lost in thought."
Nearly everyone in the museum turned to glance at the group at the mention of Hamunaptra. A few scholarly types merely scoffed and then went about their business once again, while most others either seemed somewhat intrigued or started to eye the group warily. Two people in particular - a rather thin fellow and a bespectacled woman wearing a not-so-flattering dress suit - immediately started to approach the group, as did a broad-shouldered man entering from the side, the latter holding a cup of water in his hand.
“Hello...” The man with the cup said, exchanging awkward glances with the other two and with the new arrivals. Seeing the weakened Raizel, the man promptly handed him the cup of water.
“There you go.” The man with the cup said as Raizel took it and began to drink. “It’s alright, you two. Turns out we have a mutual friend.”
“We do?” The thinner man asked, he and the woman now visibly confused. The woman straightened up.
“Why don’t we all have a little talk in my office?” The woman offered, ready to lead the group there if they accepted.
Vanigx looked around at the rest of the group before looking over at Alexiel. “I’m gonna stick with Shiva so we can keep Alexiel and Riku safe. Hopefully my training under Cloud and Tifa will do me some good on watch. I refuse to risk Alexiel’s friends getting taken.” He then steeled his mind and body with his Keyblade holstered on his back ready to fight at a moment’s notice as he gently hugged Alexiel and nodded while blushing. “Thank you for your words of encouragement. I guess I’ve got someone worth fighting for besides my own world, Alexiel. I just hope that when all is said and done, we can see each other under normal circumstances. In the meantime, I’m just glad that I’m getting to know you and Shiva. I get it. My past is messed up. It shouldn’t hold me back from looking towards the future. If I let my shadows hold me back, I’ll never improve not just as a person, but as a warrior and a man who has been growing very fond of you. You see, until I met you, Cloud, the others, and Shiva, my heart was like a dark desert in the abyss. It was dry, closed off, and it couldn’t find a way out. But thanks to everyone here, I think I’m finally ready to leave my past behind and give it everything I’ve got moving forward.” At that exact moment, Vanigx had the biggest and warmest smile on his face as he lovingly held Alexiel in his arms and kissed her very gently on the lips.
Last edited by DracoDeathtalon; 09-22-2020 at 07:08 PM.
Raizel looked all around the museum seeing all of the different artifacts that were around them and full of magical power. Each object intrigued him with how much magic was in this world. The power in this world was all old magic. However, unlike his home world only the Artifacts had any magical power. There was not a single person that had any magical power, and he doubted this world was anything like his own so he found it odd.
Then someone approached him handing him a glass of water which he had gratefully drank. Then the mention of a mutual friend and the offer to go to the woman's office. It was only then that he looked around and saw that there were people staring at them. Giving an audible sigh he looked to the two.
“I think it might be best to follow these three to this office. A conversation in private might be the best option. Would you be so kind as to show us the way.” Raizel said without much of a fight. In this world he doubted Magic and anything to do with it are widely known or accepted. Especially with everything that admits magic were only the things that were kept behind glass.
Once they reached the office, Raizel turned around and looked at the plainly dressed people. “So, what is this all about, and who is our mutual companion?” Raizeel asked wanting to get this information out of the way. About four members of their party were missing, and that ment this could be any one of their worlds.
Spoiler: Ra and Sohail in the Aribic lands - part Two!
The Medjai paused to contemplate what they had just heard, some of them more successful than others at hiding their emotions in the matter. But if what Sohail said was true, then they truly had no choice in this matter. One by one, the Medjai signaled their submission, even if only for now.
As Sohail’s blood continued to flow from his injuries and the man spoke the words that he hoped he would have, the Medjai finally began to submit to their will. It might only be temporary, but for now that was all he needed. As long as they reached the two items he needed them to then all was well, and they would live just a bit longer. He had no interest in killing his own people, but if they didn’t do what they were told he would have had to.
“You will have four hours of rest. Better make the most of it. I am expecting you all to get to the items I am looking for by tomorrow. If not Who knows what will happen.” Ra said as he walked over to the Elder, and bent down next to him. Picking him up out of the puddle of blood, and making his way through the Medjai.
Once he was out of the group the heartless would make sure nothing happened while he tended to Sohail’s injuries. Not taking long to reach the room that would be the man's new home for the time being. This was Ra’s room, and he laid the medjai down on the second bed in the room removing the restraints to his wrists then turning him on his back.. Moving over to his bed he pulled a small scroll out from under the bed and returned to the elders side. He opened the scroll, and read the ancient language written on the page. The scroll began to glow, and the cuts to Sohail were healed, and a small portion of his stamina returned. The writing on the scroll disappeared after the use.
“Stubborn old man.” Ra said as he knew Sohail would have regained consciousness.
Sohail’s eyes opened very slowly. The cuts he’d endured were now gone, as were the restraints binding his wrists. By all accounts he was healed, but not completely, and he still felt very weak. Clearly Ra knew better than to risk Sohail fighting back, at least for the time being.
Nevertheless, Sohail heard with some satisfaction as Ra called him a stubborn old man. Ra may have gotten what he wanted for now, but it had been more difficult than he’d hoped for, and Sohail found a certain comfort in that.
Ra looked at Sohail as the man was still not in the best of shapes, but at least he was still alive. Yet he could see a slightly satisfied look in his eyes. He believes that he won if only a little.
"If you think that the Medjai are safe think again. Especially since they are as stubborn as you."
“The Medjai have never truly been ‘safe’. We learned to accept that fact long ago.” Sohail said, his voice still very hoarse as he began to assess his surroundings. He was apparently no longer restrained or confined in any way, and was now lying on one of two beds in a separate part of the tent, or possibly in a different tent altogether. Forcing himself to sit up, Sohail assessed his own condition as well, which was far from perfect, but Sohail was sorely tempted to make use of what could very well be his only real chance. Only the memory of his fellow prisoner’s warning prevented Sohail from trying to escape despite his weakened state with his captor so close nearby.
“What makes your master think he can control the creature?” Sohail asked. “Imhotep’s will in life was strong enough to defy death itself, and the Hom-Dai has only strengthened his resolve all the more. He cannot be so easily commanded. Your master has nothing to gain by releasing him.”
Ra looked at Sohail as he could tell what he was thinking. Knowing that the Medjai leader was only behaving because of the possibility of his people suffering for his actions. Though, Ra was not going to be taking any chances that it would keep him behaving even if he was not in the room. Then the anticipated question was asked. How his master believed he could control the creature. The matter is a simple thing to Noctis, but since this man knows little to nothing about the ruler of the Darkness he could understand how Sohail would have this question.
"Noctis is not as weak as you might think he is. Do you think that us Wraiths didn't have strong wills? Each of us was strong in the light, all strong enough to be blessed in many ways. Yet, we fell to the Darkness and now we are what we are. Servants of the Darkness who despised the light and their hypocritical ways. He might even grant the creature a wish for his services. I have no idea what Noctis has in mind. I just know he wants the creature, and I want something elses that is buried here. In fact you might not believe me but what I told you when we first met was true. Your son carries a blade like I once carried. So, even your son is not safe from the darkness." Ra said as he kept his guard up just in case the man tried to make a run for it.
Sohail’s face was a carefully controlled mask as Ra spoke. There was one bribe that Imhotep would surely accept, and Sohail had every reason to believe that Noctis could and would offer it to secure the creature’s cooperation. The creature was a massive threat in and of himself, but any foe that could harness the creature as his own personal weapon and not fear for his own life was not to be taken lightly.
Then Ra mentioned his own personal search for something else that was buried at Hamunaptra, and that he once possessed a blade just like the one Ardeth had. The constant threats against Ardeth continued to unnerve Sohail, but he had to trust that Ardeth would not falter.
“Some may be harder to redeem than others, but no one is ever truly beyond hope. Not even you.” Sohail replied. “Your master did this to you because you posed a threat to him, just like the others do now. Ardeth, Harry, Draco… they were each given a blade, and were attacked for it. He may never admit it, but he fears them, just as he would surely fear you if you escape his control.”
Ra just looked at the man with a blank face as he spoke about how he was not beyond redemption, and how Noctis was afraid of him and his fellow Wraiths. This man had no idea about how wrong he was. Noctis didn't fear them. He wanted strong slaves to do his bidding, and since the darkness has no such beings he would need to make his own.
"If he was afraid of me he wouldn't have even tried to recruit me. He was the Pharaoh's most trusted adviser, and he talked the Pharaoh into convincing me to seal the blade away. So, that no one being would have more power than the Pharaoh. I obeyed this order." Ra said as he chuckled slightly.
How much of a fool he was at the time! To not question the man he swore loyalty to. To not see the truth of what was going on and what was about to happen. How could he call himself a warrior of light and fall to such darkness.
"I sealed the blade away and buried it in the city of the dead. Then I lost my light, and became what I am today. Redemption is only a dream for me. I can't disobey Noctis. He has made sure of that." Ra said as a black snake with a purple belly crawled into the room. "Magic has created us and magic binds us." Ra said placing his hand on the elders shoulder he squeezed the shoulder tightly. "Only a fool tries to save the damned."
Sohail listened patiently to Ra’s explanation, and now it was all becoming clearer. Yet again the mysterious blades played a role in this story, with Ra being made to abandon his blade at the Pharaoh’s command and subsequently corrupted. Ra continued to insist that he was beyond the point of redemption, but Sohail still had to disagree.
“That is what Noctis and his kind want you to think, because it makes you easier to control. This curse has you bound because you were tricked into accepting it.” Sohail replied. “I may not yet know how, but there must be a way for you to be set free; if that makes me a fool, then so be it.”
Only then, however, did Sohail hear the hissing of a snake entering their section of the tent, and he tried to get up in spite of Ra’s grasp on his shoulder.
“What are you doing?” Sohail asked, noticing the odd coloration of the snake. He could only assume that this was Noctis’ doing, which would not bode well for any of them.
Holding tight to Sohail's shoulder to not let him be able to get up. He just looked at a man that wanted to help, but lacked knowledge. Could this man free him from the Darkness? Shaking his head he banished the thought. No one can save them from the Darkness that consumes them.
"If you knew everything then you would see how pointless your wish to save me is." Ra said as the snake hissed and approached the two men. It slithered up Ra's leg and onto his lap. It hissed at Sohail as it looked at him.
"This is my pet, and the one that will be guarding you. Making sure that you do as you are told." Ra said as he closed his eyes for a moment. Taking a deep breath before opening them again. Picking up the snake and slowly allowed it to crawl into the Medjai.
"As you suspect this snake is poisonous. Though he won't bite you for no reason. As long as you follow the rules nothing will come out of this…" yet before Ra could finish his sentence a voice filled the air.
"Ra, have you acquired the creature?"
"Not yet."
"Then make the Medjai work faster. I want him now. Undine has played their card and sent the warriors to this world first. I will give them two more days. After that their lives will be forfeit."
Sohail remained perfectly still as the snake hissed at him and then slithered onto him. He knew not to make any sudden moves with the snake nearby, especially when it was mentioned that this particular snake would be guarding him. Then a voice sounded in the air around them that could only have come from Noctis, ordering Ra to speed up the labor of the Medjai in response to the impending arrival of warriors led by someone named Undine.
Sohail carefully schooled his features to hide his reaction, but already he began to process this news. Could these warriors also wield the key-shaped blades? Could Ardeth be among them? Both were highly possible, but the Medjai were being given only two days to find the creature, and failure to do so would mean their death. These warriors, whoever they may be, were now their only hope, especially with what little time the Medjai were being given to unearth the creature.
“Two days?” Sohail said incredulously. “It would take at least three weeks to reach the chamber where the creature was last seen, and even longer to search the chamber itself!”
Hamunaptra was a vast necropolis covering a massive area, all of which had been completely buried beneath the sands after the creature’s defeat not long ago. The available accounts of the creature’s last known location within the city were invaluable to the search, but not even that knowledge could fully compensate for the sheer impossibility of digging through tons of earth to reach the ritual chamber in only three days. The Medjai were fully prepared to die if it would stop this evil... but would it really, in light of all of Noctis’ boasting?
Ra stiffened slightly at Noctis' words. He didn't want to kill the Medjai. Even though he was now a Wraith he was still one of them. Yet before he could say a word Sohail spoke up. This might not boad well for his cause, but there was nothing he could do about it now.
“That is not my problem. Your people have had days to get further along than they have, and now time is up. The bitterness of your people has caused this to happen. You have only two days to reach the chamber. If your people don’t reach the chamber in time then they will forfeit their lives. It is as simple as that.”
"Master Noctis. I know you need the creature as soon as possible, but if we work the Medjai to death it will take longer to get to him. Can you give me four days to complete this task?" Ra asked as he hoped Noctis didn't read too much into his request.
There was a long pause before Noctis began to speak once more.
"Are you able to complete this task at all? It sounds like you are trying to buy the Medjai time." Noctis said as there was yet another long pause. However Ra didn't answer the question that was asked. All he did was keep his mouth shut. He knew that if Noctis wanted he could activate the curse placed on him. Then force him to comply with his wishes.
"You have been loyal for many years. I will grant you three days to complete your task. If the Medjai don't find him in that time I will personally see to the destruction of the Medjai. Do you understand Ra!" Noctis said in a serious tone as the stone turned off.
During this conversation the snake wrapped itself around Sohail's shoulders and hung there loosely. Hissing slightly as it looked as it went to sleep.
"Three days. That is all the time your people have to finish the dig. If they don't reach the creature by then they will die."
“Then you may as well end it now.” Sohail said, utterly appalled by this whole conversation. Noctis’ refusal to see reason would be the end of them all one way or another, but there just might be one last card left to play.
“Perhaps that is for the best.” Sohail said grimly. “Kill us, and whatever leverage you have against Ardeth is lost. And if it really matters as little as you say, then we may as well stop wasting our efforts and simply accept our fates.”
“Don’t just throw your lives away for something this trivial. If you die here there is no coming back. How would Ardeth feel to lose everyone he cares for just because of your pride? He will be left alone to fight his destiny.” Ra sighed as he just shook his head. The Medjai were stubborn and he knew all too well how stubborn they can be.
“I have no desire to die, much less to sacrifice my own people.” Sohail explained. “But your master’s demands would see us all dead no matter what we do. Three days is not enough to find the creature, not even if we all worked ourselves to death. Unless we have more time, there is no way for us to survive.”
It took all of Sohail’s resolve not to break down in that moment. Noctis truly meant to condemn them all, and the Medjai’s chances of survival were dwindling with every word Noctis uttered. Their last hopes, it seemed, now rested with this Undine and the warriors they were sending.
“Master Noctis doesn't care about you or your people. He didn’t care when he took me away from my people. Don’t think he will care about if your people have to work to death. He has a goal and there is nothing on this earth that will stop him. He will get what he wants even if he has to enslave all the other Medjai tribes as well.” Ra said as he moved to Sohail’s side and as he placed a hand on his shoulder squeezing it tightly. “Your son will not be able to save you. Just do as you are told.”
“And what exactly does your master intend for me, now that your little demonstration is over?” Sohail asked, sparing a glance down at the snake that had spent all this time wrapped around his shoulders. Ra had said it was here to guard Sohail, but just how much leeway might it allow him before it decided to strike?
"As of right now Master Noctis has no plans for you. Everything that has happened since your arrival was my doing. Master Noctis was just going to keep you imprisoned in that cell.” Ra said as he realized that Sohail was looking at the snake. “Don't fear the snake. He won't bite unless you break a rule. No sense being so stiff." Ra said as he removed his hand from the man's shoulder as he moved a couple of steps away from the man.
“I will use you in any way necessary. You are my leverage, and that is all.”
Sohail listened to what Ra said and nearly responded, but kept silent. There was only one way Sohail could be used as any meaningful leverage, and if that was what Ra intended, then there was only one thing Sohail could do. He would have to find some way to escape, or die trying. In the meantime, however, he could at least make himself useful to his people now that they needed him most.
“Then let me see my people.” Sohail requested. “If leverage is all you need, then there is no point in keeping me away from them.”
Ra just looked at Sohail as he didn’t know what he was thinking, but when he asked to be allowed to see his people that was not something he could allow at the moment. Keeping them separate was a necessity at the moment.
“No. There is no reason for you to see them. If something was to happen Master Noctis will likely make me kill you on the spot. Then make me kill all the other Medjai that are here.”
“I can keep them under control if that is your only concern, but do not forget that they last saw me bleeding out on the ground. Some of them may already think you’ve killed me.” Sohail pointed out. “If you don’t calm their fears, if they demand answers and start an uprising, would your master not also kill us all then? Or if some young upstart barges in here, thinking my life is in danger, would he see us all dead then?”
“There is that. However, you could do the opposite as well, and either way you and your people will be dead. Though, they might not work if they think you are dead. You have a good point. Yet, I can’t allow you to be able to speak with them. So, if you are willing to be gagged, I can let them see you if only for a moment.”
“I can accept that, if that is what it takes.” Sohail replied. He was not looking forward to being gagged again, and that would certainly make communication more difficult, but it was better than nothing. Part of him noted that more such meetings may be necessary to continue reassuring the tribe that he was not being harmed, but there was no need to bring that up now. Besides, if he and the tribe behaved well enough, they just might gain enough trust from their captors to at least make their situation a bit more bearable.
Ra looked as Sohail as the man agreed to being gagged in order to see his people. That is how far a leader would go for his people. Closing his eyes for a moment he reached into his pocket and pulled out the same gag that had been used earlier. He opened his eyes once more and moved beside Sohail handing him the gag. “Put this on yourself. I want to see how far you are willing to go for your people.”
Sohail looked down at the sash and braced himself, but otherwise did not hesitate. If this was what it took, then so be it. Undoing the knot, he then opened his mouth slightly and pulled the cloth inside without a sound, pulling it tightly enough for it to stay in place without being too uncomfortable. He then bit down on the cloth as he reached to tie the ends of the gag behind his head. After that he stayed silent, and did not move except to put his hands behind his back, recalling how Ra had bound his hands earlier.
Not hesitating Ra tied the Medjai elder’s hands that he placed behind his back. Sohail was a man of his word, but Ra woud need to make sure that he did what he needed to do. Checking the gag he made sure that it was securely in place. From there he grabbed the man's arm and led him out of the room once more the Medjai were still eating at the moment. Yet if Sohail tried anything he would have to deal with it. However, for now Ra believed that this man wouldn’t do anything too stupid. This was just going to be a short visit anyway.
All eyes were on Ra as he brought Sohail out once again. Many of them looked on with dread, knowing exactly what Ra had done to Sohail the last time, but Sohail could also see relief in their eyes. It seemed Sohail had been correct. Quite a few of them had thought he was dead, but now he clearly was not, and in fact he no longer seemed to be injured.
Sohail patiently looked around at the tent, taking in more details of their surroundings. Now was not the time to start trying to leave secret messages or doing anything else to break Ra’s fragile trust in him, but if their survival would eventually depend on such measures, they would have to be prepared.
The captive Medjai watched Ra uneasily, unsure what the man intended to do now. So far, however, he was being harmless enough, and Sohail was making sure not to show any visible distress, so the Medjai controlled themselves for now.
Ra once more moved Sohail to the center of the room, and he did something different than last time. He moved the Medjai leader to the pole in the center of the room, and then he pushed Sohail against the pole and used a rope that was secured to the pole to tie Sohail to the pole. From there Ra looked to Sohail.
“Now your people know you are alive and well. However, what will be the price that will be paid? There is nothing free in this world.” Ra said as he didn’t really want to do this, but if they thought he was soft then they might try something unnecessary.
Sohail looked toward Ra once more, turning a bit more tense now. What ‘price’ could the man possibly be talking about? Sohail had done his part as promised, and the Medjai were behaving themselves as their captors had wanted. Whatever progress both sides had achieved could easily be ruined with just one wrong move, and Sohail tried to warn him as much, although the gag prevented him from voicing his warnings clearly.
Ra could hear the noises that were coming from Sohail and knew exactly what he was trying to hint at. Though no matter what something had to be exchanged for this little meeting. A small smile formed on his face as he summoned the heartless into the tent. As the heartless gathered in the room he just turned to his fellow Medjai.
“Your break is now over. Time to get back to work. Also I am letting you know that if you don’t work hard then your Elder will suffer for it. His meals will be withheld if you don’t work hard. So, his health will depend on all of you.”
Sohail’s eyes widened as he looked up at Ra. Earlier Ra had given them at least a few hours to rest, and a pang of guilt washed over Sohail as he realized their time was being cut short in exchange for this brief visit. It had been crucial to reassure the other Medjai that he was alive and well; some of them had seemed on the verge of starting a vengeful revolt just now. But now they would barely have to get by on whatever rest they had just managed.
Not only that, but now Ra had stated point-blank that Sohail was to be held hostage to ensure the Medjai’s cooperation. He could get by for at least some time without food if that was what it took, but he could not say so while gagged. But on the other hand, that sort of threat could also compel some young upstart to try to break into Sohail’s prison to try to free him, and without a voice in the matter as of right now, Sohail was unable to dissuade them from such drastic measures. He could only hope that the older and wiser Medjai could instill caution in them on his behalf.
In any case, Sohail resigned himself to this being the last he would see of his people for a while. He would not make them lose another second of precious resting time on his account.
The threat worked to a point. This was not the way that he wanted all of this to happen. However, there is nothing he could do about this. He was the bad guy and this was how they acted. He couldnt show them any mercy if he wanted to stay himself. All of the others didn’t have any attachment to their home worlds. Well all except for one other, but he had multiple personalities. To him that didn’t count as someone that was like him. He had no reason to care for other worlds but this was his home, and these were his people. Yet, he couldn’t do anything about it.
“Don’t think about trying to do anything stupid. Work hard and everything will be fine. Your Elder will live and so will the rest of you. Now, go and dig.”
He then waited for the heartless to escort all of the Medjai out of the tent and back to work. Once they were gone Ra walked over to Sohail and untied him from the pole and escorted him back to his room. Once in the room he untied the Elder’s hands, and removed the gag once more.
“Welcome back to your new home. I do hope that you enjoy your stay. Now we will need to go over some ground rules that are for your safety. Your little friend around your neck is not there for show. He is there to ensure that you follow the rules that I am going to set forth.” Ra said as he then pushed Sohail onto his bed.
"There are only a couple of rules. First you are not permitted to leave this room. Second, you are not allowed to scream for any reason. Third, you are not allowed to speak to any of the other Medjai without me present. Fourth, you are not permitted to attack me or remove the snake from your shoulders. Those are the rules that you must follow."
Sohail listened quietly to the rules, staying as calm as could be expected. In all of the rush of the last few minutes, Sohail had nearly forgotten about the snake, but now he felt its presence even more keenly as he was pushed onto the bed and the rules of his captivity were firmly established.
“I understand.” Sohail said, knowing better than to argue with his captor right now. Now that the rules had been set, he would need to find more creative ways to deal with this situation, especially with this Undine’s forces apparently on their way. In the meantime, though, he would have to bide his time and watch for any opportunities that may present themselves.
Now that everything was in place there was one more thing he would have Sohail do before he would leave him in peace. Waling over to the night stand within the room, Ra picked it up, moved it over to where Sohail was sitting, and placed it in front of him. Then pulling a piece of paper and a pen out of the drawer, he placed those in front of the man as well.
"You are going to write a letter to your son. Telling him exactly what is happening to you and the rest of the tribe."
Sohail spared a momentary glance at Ra, but did not hesitate to do as Ra instructed. He had his suspicions, but this could be his only chance to contact his son, and he would not let it go to waste. Smoothing out the paper on the nightstand, Sohail picked up the pen and began to write.
Spoiler: “Sohail’s Letter”
Ardeth, my beloved son,
I pray this letter finds you in good health, that you may know what lies ahead. Much has happened since we last saw each other, and I have since learned more about the path fate has chosen for you. Your enemies are conspiring against you as we speak. Even now, they demand that I write this letter to you, to tell you what has become of us.
The entire Heru tribe has been enslaved. As I write this letter, every able-bodied man is being dragged out into the desert and forced to dig through the ruins of Hamunaptra, while the rest of the tribe must wait to tend to them during what little time they have to rest. I alone was spared because our captors deemed me more useful as a hostage, but now I am kept in a separate place, cut off from the others.
Our captors are led by a man called Master Noctis, who claims to be more powerful than the Creature himself, yet he seeks to force the men of our tribe to unearth the Creature for him. I do not know what Noctis intends for the Creature, but he says that if the Creature is not found in three days’ time, he will kill us all and then move on to the other tribes. I fear this is all nothing more than a suicide mission; my appeals to Noctis for a more reasonable amount of time were all ignored.
Noctis mentioned a band of warriors approaching here, led by someone named Undine, and there were two boys — Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy — whom Noctis had imprisoned for wielding key-shaped swords like yours. I suspect these chosen ones may make valuable allies for you if you have not found them already, but I cannot be sure that they will reach us in time, or even if they would save us if given the chance.
In any case, Ardeth, it is now clear that your mission must take priority over all else. I will do all that I can for our tribe, but no matter what becomes of us, you must not let your enemies distract you, not even for me. You were chosen for a reason, and I trust that you will do the right thing when the time comes.
I love you, my son.
Finally setting down the pen, Sohail let out a quiet sigh and moved away from the finished letter.
“It’s done.”
Ra read the letter that Sohail wrote to his son, and it was far more detailed than it needed to be. However, everything was in order. Before Sohail had a chance to pull his hand back Ra quickly grabbed one of the man's hands. This hand held a silver ring that most Medjai elders wore. Ra removed the ring from Sohail’s finger.
"I will be taking this as well." Ra said as he held tight onto Sohail's hand. "Your son and I have more in common than you might know." Ra said as he then dropped the elder’s hand. "You shouldn't get your hopes up. If he fights this war he will lose."
“Like I said before,” Sohail said calmly, “you don’t know my son like I do.” He left it at that, even as his emotions threatened to get the better of him. For all he knew, that letter could be the last contact he ever has with his son, especially since Noctis’ impossible demands left little hope for the future of the Heru tribe. But even if they did kill Sohail, he had to trust that Ardeth would succeed. He was an honorable man and a very capable warrior, and had already done more than enough to make Sohail proud.
Ra turned his back to Sohail as he knew that the elder had his faith placed in his son, and it was a misplaced trust. Yet he had a small part of himself that hoped that he was right. "Let's hope you are right. Because if you are not then your son will die by my hands."
“Not if I stop you first.” Sohail hissed, his composure starting to waver slightly at the threat to his son’s life, but then he quickly recovered. He had already learned the hard way just how much control their captors currently had in this situation. All the same, however, these threats to his son’s life continued to anger him, especially now that he was currently powerless to stop them. But a lot could change in the few days they were given, and Sohail would do all that he could for his son and for their tribe in that time.
None of the three strangers said a word until everyone was safely inside the office. The skinnier of the two men immediately closed and locked the door behind them, and then the taller man spoke.
"I'm Rick, this is Evelyn, and the shifty fellow over there is Jonathan..." The taller man said, quickly getting the introductions over with, and earning a mildly annoyed scowl from Jonathan in the process. "Now, we don't know any of you people, but I'm assuming you're all familiar with one Ardeth Bay."
"Ardeth Bay?" Evelyn's eyes widened, alternating glances between Rick and the visitors.
"Oh no, not this again..." Jonathan moaned, running a hand awkwardly through his light brown hair.
"But I don't understand. What would Ardeth be doing with a group of outsiders?" Evelyn said to Rick, then immediately turned to face the visitors. "No offense."
"None taken." Luna said brightly on behalf of the group. "Ardeth did leave in a bit of a hurry though, and I'm not sure why. But it was nice of him to make sure you brought the water for Raizel."
“Right…” Rick said after a brief, slightly awkward silence. “Anyway, Ardeth wanted me to tell you guys something very important…”
He passed a sidelong glance to Evelyn and Jonathan, causing Evelyn to turn tense and Jonathan to fidget even more nervously than before.
“But just to make sure we got the right people…” Rick continued. “He said to ask you about something called ‘the Heartless’. Ring any bells?”
Spoiler: EARLIER...
Ardeth did not wait long for a reply before splitting up from the rest of the group. Raizel was anxious to get inside, and anyone who was surprised at Ardeth’s proposal stayed out of it for now. Unaware of Lowell’s presence behind him, he walked toward a nearby marketplace while the others entered the museum.
Once everyone else was gone, however, Ardeth did not continue toward the marketplace, but instead circled back toward a side entrance of the large building that the others had gone into. There stood a tall, broad-shouldered man wearing a white shirt, blue bandana, and tan pants, as well as a gun holster on each of his brown suspenders. The man took one look at Ardeth and eyed him intently, recognizing Ardeth but not being particularly pleased to see him.
“O’Connell.” Ardeth said politely, inclining his head toward the man.
“Please don’t tell me this is about who I think it is.” O’Connell said, clearly annoyed. “I thought keeping him locked up was your job, not ours!”
“This does not concern the creature, my friend.” Ardeth explained quickly, taking a brief moment to look around for something in particular before continuing. “There is a new evil in this world: one that claims to wield power far beyond that of the creature.”
“And now you need my help to take care of it?” O’Connell said. “No offense Ardeth, but I finally got my life back on track for a change. The last thing I need right now is to go running after monsters all the time.”
“That’s not why I’m here.” Ardeth said, taking another quick look around. “There is a group entering the museum as we speak. I need you and the others to meet them there. Tell them all you know of the creature and the Medjai, but only them. They must be warned of the dangers of this world.”
“Okay…” O’Connell trailed off slightly. “And you can’t just tell them yourself because…?”
“I must warn the Medjai of this new evil, and you and I both know how they usually treat outsiders.” Ardeth said, to which O’Connell responded with a grim nod.
“Ask them about the Heartless; they’ll know what that means.” Ardeth said. “And take some water with you. One of them is ill; he is not used to the climate here.”
Lowell followed Ardeth all the way to the point where he saw him conversing with another man, one who he doesn’t recognize, but the man’s appearance and being armed shows he is someone that could handle himself. Lowell kept quiet for a moment, but decided to speak up at around the time the water was being mentioned by Ardeth. Seeing that they were likely close to finishing their conversation, “yes...hello. Ardeth, correct. And hello to you too, Mr.O'Connell. Lowell, in case I haven’t told you yet. Anyways, are you heading off somewhere?”
Ardeth and O’Connell both turned to face whoever had just spoken. O’Connell stared dumbfounded at the stranger, while Ardeth recognized him immediately, speaking up first in response to Lowell’s question.
“Yes, but I must go alone. Where I am going is not safe for anyone else.” Ardeth explained. “O”Connell will explain more to you and the others inside.”
O’Connell alternated confused glances between Ardeth and Lowell. Apparently this was one of the ones Ardeth was talking about, but why Ardeth would entrust someone like this with such sensitive info was beyond him at the moment.
“Hm...nope, going with you. Back home, we get things done more efficiently by working together.” Lowell declared as he gave Ardeth a surprisingly stern stare, showing no signs that he isn’t going to back down on his decision to stay and let Ardeth go to the Medjai alone. “I’ve never faced these Heartless yet, but I doubt it would be a good idea to fight them alone.”
“Also, I would just follow you again like I did just now.” Lowell pointed out, crossing his arms after pulling the scarf down to show his face some more. Displaying more of the expression he was giving Ardeth, affirming that he will do what he said without a second thought.
“You got guts, I’ll give you that.” O’Connell said with an amused smirk. There was definitely no stopping this guy from going with Ardeth one way or another, and O’Connell had to respect that, even if now usually wouldn’t be the best time for that.
“Alright, but stay close.” Ardeth said, seeing no more point in continuing this argument. “Outsiders are usually killed on sight where we’re going, and I can only do so much to prevent that.”
“I’ll go find the others you told me about.” O’Connell nodded to them both. “You go.”
And with that, the three of them split up, O’Connell entering the museum through the side entrance, while Ardeth turned to walk through the marketplace toward the docks at the end of the road.
Lowell smiled as he nodded to O’Connell’s complement, then fixed the scarf to cover the lower half of his face. Then go to follow Ardeth, letting him take the lead. Though a little unnerved about the ‘being killed on sight’, he is confident that Ardeth will be able to prevent that from happening. Though hopefully, they may consider him not a threat if he willingly disarms himself.
“Any words of wisdom in what I should do or be aware of?” Lowell asks, while walking in pace with Ardeth as they travel. “And is it far from where we are? And...what is this about keeping him locked up? Heard your friend mentioning it.”
“That story is best left for when we have a moment alone.” Ardeth said, his eyes shifting warily across the crowds as they neared the docks. “But I will say this. The one being ‘locked up’ will become a plague upon this world if he is ever released. My people have guarded his tomb for more than 3,000 years, by any means necessary… and by some means that I now realize were not necessary at all.”
Ardeth’s face took on a grim, somber expression as he said that, just as he knocked on an office door.
“I left you and the others behind to avoid that.” Ardeth explained. “But you mean us no harm, and so I may be able to protect you, but my protection only counts for so much.”
Wilhelmina had joined the others for the moment quietly considering what to do while they waited around for Ardeth’s return though she noticed something odd, Lowell was also missing. Thinking it to be a bit odd she decided to see if he got left behind or perhaps lost. She emerged from the building back into the bright desert sun cautiously looking around for a hint of where he could be when she caught a glimpse of Lowell slipping in an alleyway. She quietly followed to find that Lowell seemed to be following Ardeth who was talking to another strange man. They seemed to know each other which put her at ease as she listened to the conversation transpire between the three men. Once the conversation seemed to come to an end Wilhelmina shrank back to hide herself as Lowell and Ardeth walked by her hiding spot. Her curiosity got the best of her as she decided to secretly follow behind them for now.
Wilhelmina stayed hidden easily enough through the marketplace with all its crowded bustle. As Ardeth knocked on a door, however, the man who answered it immediately searched around and caught sight of the white-haired woman looking at them. He shouted at her in Arabic and tried to shoo her away, but Ardeth recognized her immediately and calmed the man down before turning to face her.
“How long have you been following us?” Ardeth asked, awkwardly caught between Wilhelmina’s arrival and their contact’s suspicious glances. Bringing along one outsider would be complicated as it was, but would he end up having to bring more? Or perhaps Wilhelmina could return to the others and assure them that Ardeth and Lowell were alright?
Lowell stood silent and watch the scene being transpired before him, seeing how Ardeth have to calm his associate with Wilhelmina now being here. He also hadn’t noticed during the trek all the way to here, so now Ardeth is in a difficult position from what he can tell. Though Lowell really wished he could understand what was being said, as he listened to Ardeth arguing with the man who they’ve met after he’d open the door.
“So...you followed us huh?” Lowel casually asks from Wilhelmina, while waiting on how Ardeth is gonna handle this. As Lowell has no idea on how to help with this, new world...new rules...new stuff to experience.
Leaving the marketplace seemed to leave little to no place for her to hide at this point, but the pair had stopped at a door. She soon realized there wasn’t any real place to hide any longer with the man that opened the door was yelling at her. She couldn’t understand much since she strengths were with ancient languages for magic purposes and a few others, but her brain was in panic mode and being yelled at seemed to make little sense of what he said. Her body was tense as Ardeth approached hoping he wasn’t also going to yell her.
“I’m sorry… I...I was looking for Lowell since I noticed him go missing, when I found him I saw you both and I ended up following you both here,” she replied cautiously to Ardeth playing with her fingers to distract herself from feeling more uncomfortable. With a soft sigh and a nod she turned her attention to Lowell, “I did… I just wanted to make sure you were alright and didn’t get lost. I didn’t think I’d end up going this far until,” she replied with an apologetic shrug then continued, “I would hope you wouldn’t send me back on my own, I’d hate to get lost and waste your time since you seem to be in a hurry.”
Ardeth gradually calmed down, seeing Wilhelmina’s visible distress. She was not wrong about getting lost; it was very easy for someone to get lost in this city, and not everyone here was trustworthy. Surely Wilhelmina could take care of herself; she would not have been chosen for this war if she could not. But to just abandon someone in a place they didn’t even know just wasn’t right. Ardeth excused himself from the earlier conversation with the man at the door - who was now eyeing Ardeth with disapproval - and then turned back to Wilhelmina.
“I will go with you if you need an escort,” Ardeth said, “but…”
He trailed off, giving Lowell a wry look. Now that Lowell had insisted on going with Ardeth, there was no way for Ardeth to tell Wilhelmina to turn back without making himself look like a hypocrite. Sighing sharply, Ardeth continued.
“I am sorry for not telling anyone myself,” Ardeth said, “but you must understand that it was to protect all of you. Outsiders are usually killed on sight where I am going, and I may not be able to protect anyone who goes with me. I told Lowell this as well,” Ardeth added wryly, “but he insisted that he would follow me no matter what.”
After listening to the two talking between them, nodding sagely to some of what was being said as he stood next to Ardeth and Wilhelmina. Arms crossed as he pondered with his eyes closed, trying to think of something. Then once Ardeth appeared to be finished, after pointing how insistent he was in going with Ardeth.
“It appears you may be stuck with us, and maybe…” Lowell leaned in close cautiously and whispered for Ardeth’s ears to hear only, eying the man that had answered the door earlier. “Perhaps...if we tell them we’re not of this world would ease their worries, or would that not help at all?”
“There may be another way.” Ardeth said after a moment of thought. He turned back toward the man at the door and spoke to him in Arabic, this time with a much more frank and serious tone. The man’s eyes widened in shock and disbelief, but Ardeth’s expression did not waver in the slightest. There was clearly no more room for argument, so the man at the door said one more short sentence before retreating inside.
“I told him the truth.” Ardeth explained. “The evil we face is worse than the one my people are used to, and only we have a chance of defeating it. I’ve accepted full responsibility for bringing you this far.”
With that settled, he turned back toward the others.
“He will return soon with tickets for the next boat downriver. Once the boat leaves, there will be no going back.” Ardeth continued, turning to face both Lowell and Wilhelmina. “There is still time if either of you wish to return to the others. Are you both sure you want to do this?”
The young woman shook her head then sighed in response, “No, I understand that you mean to protect everyone, but I believe Lowell is right. What would happen if those creatures come here and attack you or anyone that you’re with? You can’t fight them alone, it would seem that none of us would do well on our considering what has happened… I would like to accompany you and Lowell if you would allow it. I’d feel comfortable fighting alongside you since I think we can work well together and I’d like a chance to get to know Lowell, but I don’t want to make you uncomfortable,” she replied considering her options. She could try her hand at trying to remember the way back or stay if Ardeth allows her to since following was out the question.
As she mulled over her options she watched as Lowell and Ardeth speak for a moment before Ardeth went back to talk to the man that yelled at her earlier. After a moment the man retreated back inside and Ardeth joined her and Lowell once more, so she turned her attention back to the pair. Wilhelmina gave an apologetic smile for the trouble she has caused, “I’d like to stay if that’s alright with you,” replied shifting slightly looking to Lowell for his answer.
Lowell silently waited with Wilhelmina as they both watch Ardeth speaking to the man in their tongue, giving her a reassuring smile. Then look toward Ardeth as he explained to them the plan of action from, and it didn’t matter if they go back. Lowell isn’t gonna let Ardeth deal with this alone, nor does Wilhelmina it seems.
“I’m fine with it, hopefully the three of us could handle any confrontation with these thing we’re up against.” Lowell replied with a casual shrug, liking that the truth was enough to ease Ardeth’s colleague’s mind on the two of them. Then something occurred to him after Ardeth’s explanation about a boat ticket, not having heard of such things back in his world.“Also, what is a boat?”
The man at the door promptly returned with three tickets and a couple of large bags, handing them all to Ardeth and then giving him a series of directions. After that, the two of them said their goodbyes, and Ardeth began to lead the others out toward the docks.
“You’ve never seen a boat before?” Ardeth asked, genuinely confused for a moment, but decided not to question it too much as he led Lowell and Wilhelmina toward their boat. With each of his newfound allies apparently coming from entirely different worlds, it was not too far-fetched for boats to not exist in some of them, at least from what little he knew.
“This is our boat.” Ardeth explained briefly to Lowell, handing their tickets to the attendant, who promptly called on a crew member to escort the trio to their cabin. “This journey will take three days down the river, and then two days by camel across the desert. For now, if either of you would like to rest or find something to eat, I can show you to wherever you would like to go.”
“Oh! Thank you, Ardeth. That was rather quick,” she replied softly, taking care not to get lost as she followed Ardeth to the boat he had mentioned. She looked over the boat seeing that is wasn’t make of material that she could readily recognize, but she wasn’t too surprised figuring the material used in her homeworld would be different from a desert environment that she wasn’t too used to, but she was slowly adjusting to the bright sun and the heat figuring the change of clothes was rather helpful.
Wilhelmina nodded in response to Ardeth explaining how the journey would be turning out. “Camel? I see… I look forward to seeing what a camel is,” she muttered considering taking a moment to look at her book but figured it was best to wait until she was on her own. “I’d like to familiarize myself with the cabin for a moment, but after that would you mind showing me where to get food? I am a bit peckish and could use some water,” she replied feeling a bit nervous about traveling to a these new places but she also felt excited to see what was to come.
“Huh we don’t have such large pockets of water for the need of these boats, but still a nice show of craftsmanship.” Lowell remarked after looking over the boat they’ll be going on for their trip with Ardeth, and then follow the two as they’re escorted to their cabin. After getting to them and Ardeth explained the length of travel would be about five, three on this boat and two more on something called camels. “I also look forward to what these camels are, also...Ardeth if you don’t mind. Could I perhaps examine your sword, curious of how it was forged?”
Ardeth couldn’t help but smile slightly at Lowell’s request. He really was a curious one, but there was no shame in wanting to learn more about Medjai blade smithing, and there was a small dining area they could all go to once they were settled in. As the attendant opened the cabin doors for them and then left to escort the next group, Ardeth set down their bags on a table and let Lowell and Wilhelmina enter before closing the door, locking it to give them all a bit of privacy while they were settling in. While Wilhelmina explores the cabin, Ardeth took out his Medjai sword to let Lowell see it and even took the time to tell him a bit about the history behind its design.
The boat left the dock and took off soon afterward, by which time Wilhelmina was ready to go and eat. Ardeth opened the cabin door again and called on another crew member, who promptly escorted them to the dining area.
Last edited by Lady Celeste; 09-28-2020 at 06:02 AM.
Alexiel felt eyes borring into her back, 'Was it something I said?'
Shiva still holding Riku in her arms, 'It is hard to say my summoner, however do not pay them too much mind.'
Alexiel sighed internally to herself, 'I just hope I haven't disturb the world order...'
Alexiel then wondered if she possibly offended anyone with her speaking in a what many consider a lost language? However it was hard to deny what was right in front of her, although worn with age, someone with an unusual weapon, together whom Alexiel would have to assume was users of magic. Although most of the text as well had worn away, she could make out a few words. Whoever had the unusual weapon used it to attempt to seal away the evil mentioned on another tablet. However Alexiel presumed that since the world was still around, it was successful. 'However why did it only seal it away?' Alexiel then once again felt herself becoming lost in thought.
“Why don’t we all have a little talk in my office?”
Kairi saw that Alexiel was lost in thought, "Hey...Alexiel...we should go too." she gently grabbed Alexiel's shoulder.
Goofy nodded, "Gawrsh, we should follow the others."
Kairi and Goofy grabbed Alexiel's hands with Shiva following behind, still carrying Riku. Which snapped Alexiel out of her thinking and wonder. When they finally entered the office, Alexiel was feeling slightly cramped with everyone in here, and she felt slightly even more concerned when
The skinnier of the two men immediately closed and locked the door behind them...
Alexiel then was unsure about why they needed to lock the door? Was this a trap possibly set by Noctis and his forces? She let go of Goofy and Kairi's hands in case she would need to summon her keyblade.
"I'm Rick, this is Evelyn, and the shifty fellow over there is Jonathan..."
Alexiel then sensed that the one named Jonathan, didn't quite like being called that. Which the wave made her feel nauseous; however, from the other two, they didn't seem like the kind to be on Noctis' side. However considering how Noctis himself tricked her, she shouldn't take any chances. She looked over to Raziel-san, and wondered, "Are you feeling better, Raziel-san?"
"Now, we don't know any of you people, but I'm assuming you're all familiar with one Ardeth Bay."
The tall one, named Rick spoke. 'Are these Ardeth-san's allies?' Alexiel thought to herself, as then she felt a pair of arms wrap around her, and then heard Vanigx speak,
“Thank you for your words of encouragement. I guess I’ve got someone worth fighting for besides my own world, Alexiel. I just hope that when all is said and done, we can see each other under normal circumstances. In the meantime, I’m just glad that I’m getting to know you and Shiva. I get it. My past is messed up. It shouldn’t hold me back from looking towards the future. If I let my shadows hold me back, I’ll never improve not just as a person, but as a warrior and a man who has been growing very fond of you."
Alexiel's face completely turned very bright cherry red. Although she could easily break the hug, she felt herself unable to move, 'Wait...what? I didn't do anything really...' then the last three words rang in her mind, '...fond of you.'
Alexiel's eyes got as big as dinner plates, while her face was still cherry red. "B..but...I...I..really didn't do anything...I..I...don't deserve your kind words..." She was cut off when,
Vanigx had the biggest and warmest smile on his face as he lovingly held Alexiel in his arms and kissed her very gently on the lips.
Alexiel was shocked, unable to move from that spot, 'I am not worthy...What if you already...'
Shiva still holding Master Riku, her eyes turned from Sapphire to Cobalt blue, and dropped the temperature around Vanigx, and grabbed his shoulder, "Have I not told you to not make my summoner uncomfortable?!" freezing his shoulder, "Cool yourself, Romeo, otherwise I'll be more than happy to do so on your behalf." Shiva said very coldly.
Alexiel snapped out of it and placed a friendly hand on Shiva's, "Shiva, please I'm ok...just shocked is all...Thank you though, you are always with me to protect me."
Shiva simply nodded, and let go of Vanigx's shoulder, Alexiel turned to Vanigx, "Please do not waste your kind words on someone like me. Any changes you feel or see, is because it is you that is making the change...All I have done is say words...People change because they want to, not because they are told to. You are seeing that for yourself, anything that you want to change...do it for yourself, not me or anyone else."
Alexiel then sensed something from Rick, it was almost like a form of brotherhood? Ardeth must trust Rick greatly to have him isolate us. Alexiel had a look over, 'Wait...we are all not here...' Alexiel was already that Alinara went on her own, what she was doing, Alexiel did not know. 'Ardeth-san, Big Sister, and Lowell...where did they go?' Before Alexiel could think any further she heard Rick say,
“Anyway, Ardeth wanted me to tell you guys something very important…”
Before Alexiel could question him further on that, Rick then added,
“But just to make sure we got the right people…He said to ask you about something called ‘the Heartless’. Ring any bells?”
"That question is of varying degrees with us all..." Kairi of all answered first. "The heartless are creatures of darkness, they have yellow eyes, and they attack people to release their hearts."
Goofy then chimed in, "Its not just people's hearts, they seek to destroy worlds as well."
Alexiel was not sure how to answer, "The heartless...they can take on many forms..." she paused feeling waves of various feelings...she felt herself becoming pale.
'Are you alright my summoner?' She felt Shiva ask her without speaking out loud.
'I sense...various emotions, they are not new, but took time...where ever they are, it took time like a ripple in the water travelling a great distance.' She held her head. 'I...I will be fine, Shiva. Please continue to protect Master Riku...'
"Is there a place that we may allow this young man to rest..." Alexiel started to ask motioning towards Riku, still currently in Shiva's arms.
Kairi nodded, "Is there somewhere...?"
Still in the back of Alexiel's mind, that voice from earlier, the one that mentioned Hamunaptra...the voice was definitely that of an Eidolon, but what would an Eidolon be in this world and why?
Rocial grinned evilly... 'So that foolish boy...' she laughed to herself. 'I can use that to my advantage...when the time is right...'
"I know who I will go after next...however I need to pay a little visit to someone...and obtain some information..." her red eyes glowed softly.
Rocial casts a illusion spell, casting towards the leader of Medjai, and the one who would know much about her next target. She then spoke directly into Sohail's mind, casting an image of herself as she looked in this world, 'You, elder of Medjai, I propose a deal...all I want in return is information...in exchange...I could set your fellow Medjai free, So tell me, are you willing to listen?' Her red eyes glowing.
Meanwhile, the real Rocial she was still hidden by her shadows, 'It seems they think that dividing themselves is a good idea hmm? With Master Riku still unconscious, they are still not united...However I will consider all my options before I take any other actions...'
Vanigx sighed as he nodded while blushing. “I understand, Shiva. I want to protect Alexiel as well. I’m rather fond of her because of how smart, kind, and beautiful she is. She’s also brave and strong thanks to you helping. She may think she’s unworthy of such praise, but the truth is far from that.” He then continued to listen to the strangers closely as he concentrated to summon Dark Bahamut outside in order to keep the building secure. “Relax yourself, Shiva. I sent Dark Bahamut outside to protect the building. If anything slips past him, we’ll work together to take care of it.”
Raizel didn’t have any problems or apprehension for the three that led them to the office and the locking of the door afterwards. Everything that was happening was normal for him, and he held no fear of those that have no magical power. Unless these three were suppressing their power, he found that very unlikely since The only magic he felt was inside of this building’s objects, and not from any of the people. As he waited for everyone to calm down he just stood in the room with his arms crossed and his eyes closed.
Then the trio was introduced by the man named Rick who had approached them giving him some water and mentioning Ardeth. Now the small group of people from this world seemed a little antsy when Rick brought up Ardeth's name. Alexiel asked if he was feeling better. He opened his eyes and looked at her with a neutral look.
“The effects of the bright light outside have faded for now at least, as for the other symptoms they have subsided. Howerer, this place is still too hot for my taste.” Raizel said as then Vanigx and Alexiel started their back and forth again.
Vanigx once again made a move on Alexiel that even he could see made her feel a little uncomfortable. The child that was trying to find his way in this world had seemed to latch onto her. Maybe it was her kindness that made him want to only acknowledge her, and only help her. Raizel has watched his actions, and they seemed to only revolve around the woman he was now holding in his arms. He was also growing tired of the fact that… Raizel decided it was not the time to think on such matters. He only wanted to say one thing.
“Do this on your own time. There are more important things we should be concentrating on.”
Then Rick mentioned the heartless, which brought the conversation back to the situation at hand. Kairi was quick to answer, then Goofy, then Alexiel, but their answers didn’t have the whole truth.
“The Heatless are creatures that are born when they are attacked by another creature of darkness, in most cases a heartless. Their heart is stolen, and thus the heartless are born. Depending on the strength of the person's heart, the heartless can assume different shapes and forms. It will also determine the strength of the heartless. The Heartless have no conscious thoughts, at least not the lower level ones. They only have one instinct, which is to try and find the heart that they lost. This is what causes them to attack people. That is unless they are following the orders they are given.” Raizel said not even realizing that he had no idea what he was saying until the words were finished. How did he know this information? He didn’t know the little black creatures from his world were called Heartless until recently.
Then suddenly Alexiel became sick looking once more and it seemed her flaw of being able to sense others emotions was having a negative effect on her. Yet by the way she spoke it must have been the residual effect of emotions that have traveled. Then Vnaigx said he summoned Dark Bahamut to monitor the exterior of the building. This could be a big mistake on their part. The residents of this world might not be able to see him since they didn’t react to a woman that was blue, but their enemies surely would be able to see the creature. That could lead them to attacking this town to get to them.
“Call that creature back. If our enemies see him, what do you think will happen to this city?” Raizel asked as he was slightly angry that the child didn’t think before he acted. How did he survive in his home world?
----------------------
Noctis was walking down a hall with a strange *man that seemed to float a couple inches off of the ground following him. The man didn’t have any restraints of any kind, however they were being followed by a **boy with short white hair whose face was covered by a mask. They walked in silence for a while before the man that was floating began to speak.
“Noctis, are you really sure that you are wanting to start a war. You as the guardian of Darkness against the Guardian of Light. Is it really necessary for you to do?”
“The light started this fight. I am just going to finish it. Besides, I will never forgive them for what they did. You already know this Canus.”
“That doesn't mean that you should involve the other worlds.”
“They are as guilty as ‘they’ are. Don’t think otherwise.”
Alinara had kept close to the group for a bit as they had entered the world, but after a few minutes she quickly dashed where she was out of sight but still had an eye on the group. She focused upon the world, feeling out it's balance as best she could before she pulled a crystal from a fold of dark fabric. She raised it to her lips, whispering into it. "We've been sent to a world of heat and sand. A desert world. The world is muddled, the forces of balance in a state of flux. Perhaps the force of Light in this world has put forth all it's energy to keeping Darkness sealed. I'd have to spend more time attuning to the world to really understand. The warriors themselves are still in a state of disarray. Some have already gone off on their own. Others are meeting with natives. I'll send another report as needed."
She tucked the crystal away, melting into the shadows as she dashed off where the others went. She didn't make it into the room before the door locked, but she didn't need to wait long for a way in to appear for her as she listened. The foolish child sent his dark aether out of the room and all Alinara needed to do was latch onto it like a shadow and enter the room like that while it was still forming into his summon. She slowly faded into sight inside the room, sitting atop of a bookshelf as she spun a dagger in her hand. She still looked like an arabic assassin, her smile lost behind fabric as she looked down at the group.
"The heartless are the army supplementing the forces of Noticis. A force that I need for taking back my own world. In the end, they are but a tool to be used and Noticis is the one that holds the keys to the shed where the tool of heartless is held." She stopped spinning the dagger. "Heartless are just instinct without a commander though, however even without commands they are a force to be reckoned with. Without a keyblade, only certain people strong of heart can strike lasting blows upon them. Those that are strong of heart if you want to be poetic about it. Alternatively you can think of people that are strong willed."
I am the blade of shadows embrace. Just because I am a user of an unholy power doesn't make me evil. For without light, a shadow cannot exist.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Heson Shadowbane is on discord! For those friends of mine that want to keep in touch with me just send me a message and I'll give ya my deets.
Bookmarks