Welcome to Gaia! ::

Kyle's head dropped a bit as she said that, sighing as he took it in. That might completely ruin the point he was about to make. However, it was still worth a shot.

He had to try.

He had to convince her.

"Then do you feel the encroaching Darkness?" he asked, lifting his head back up, a determined look in his eyes. "Do you feel it poisoning as much as of your seas as it can? The world itself is buckling under this plague. With the hundreds of worlds all combined, every ounce of Darkness has been able to consolidate..."

He stood up and walked to the bars of the cell, looking almost desperately toward the 'heathen' goddess. "If you can feel that, then you know what we're up against. If we leave our forces spread too thin, we'll be swept away. That's why we want you- need you to come back to our strong-hold once this is all said and done. You're immortal, but alone against this blasphemous tide..."

"You may hate us for what we do, but... if not for us, then consider doing this for the millions of other innocent lives that might be lost," he finished, and though his face was still even with the bars, he couldn't help but look toward the ground, his eyes narrowed. "And for those that are already gone."

[[Cue: Am I Not Human]]

"Yes... I'm aware. I'm aware of all that..." Louis said while sitting down in a slouched over position, making his face unreadable from that angle, "...and I don't care. My existence... what worth is it really? What am I truly capable of succeeding in doing? Can I REALLY save all of these idiots from the hell they've built for themselves? What good does it make anyway? If I can't help protect even one from pain... even after sacrificing so much..."

The seal is weakening again...

Louis lifted his right hand to stare at the brilliant red stained on the surface, glowing against the pitch black backdrop, "So much blood on my hands that I can never wash off. If I can't succeed at this much... how will I ever find forgiveness for myself...?"

...his heart still isn't strong enough.

"But maybe..." Louis put his hand on his chest where the arrow struck, the spot around it cut out where the blood would be, revealing just pitch black in its place, "if I was to sacrifice myself... to protect them this once... I could be redeemed."

Is this it...?

...I'll do it.

"However..." Louis raised his gaze slowly from his hand to his feet in front of him.

You're cooperating... surprising...

...I won't let your actions be the end of him.

Darkness spread from his chest out towards his shoulders and abdomen like veins over his skin as Louis continued to speak, "...if I had power. More than just my own..."

You won't be able to help him again...

Darkness spread an inch a second over the arcanist's body, and by the time his eyes became visible to the Bloody Executioner, all that remained were his face, hands and feet. "... I just may be able to succeed."

...I know.

Louis' eyes locked with Ajora's, for a moment his expression remained empty, then in sudden shift one side of his lip curved up sharply, revealing a sharp toothed grin, as his eyes struck a viscous chord, "Do it..." Darkness sped up and covered the rest of his body, leaving only two bright yellow gleams. The eyes rushed forward into Ajora and engulfed him in the darkness, "kill them all."

(*sigh* Totally re-done. Sorry, Kyle, you must have had an aneurysm when you read this post...)


A sense of falling, escaping from the burning flare of ruthless, raw sadism. Was she falling, or was she running?

Darkness. But, this was familiar, comforting. It wasn't Darkness, but the cool respite of the darkness inside, a secluded haven within herself. Sayrike had never been unconscious before (well, other than sleeping, or those two times she had some teeth removed), so it was kind of weird. After the initial involuntary flight response wore off, the first thing she did was chide herself.

God, did you have to faint? I mean, really, that's, like, textbook weak-girly-girl. I'm so embarrassed.







"Stop."

The foreign voice interrupted Sayrike's whirlwind of worry and self-criticism. Startled, she called out, What the--?! Who are you? The black void changed as Sayrike began to recall and imagine the way CLAMP drew their xxxHolic comic when Watanuki communicated with spirits. She mentally saw a representation of herself--jeans, t-shirt, hair down, like she usually was--sitting on some invisible piece of darkness, her thoughts appearing as oval bubbles above her head. The mysterious voice was in golden, slanted, and elegant script posted in front of her.

I am a part of you, now, bonded with you when you entered this world.

Wait...you mean that you're my summons?

If that is an easier way for you to think of me, then yes. You can summon forth my aid...if I you willing to allow it, that is.

Uhh...thanks, but--

The primary reason that you have not sensed me is that you do not wish for help. Your independence is admirable, but as such you would rather remain the sole source of the effects of your actions. You want to retain sole responsibility--and sole control--over your life. You are quick enough to take the blame for any wrong you have caused, and you see it as a burden you must take yourself. Hence, according to you, I am unneeded, and you do not wish to trouble me with your problems. Of course, this is all a perfectly fine way of living, and I do not have a judgment or opinion on the subject.

Wow, spot on. Though, really, I already knew this about myself, and I don't really need your approval for how I live my life because, well, I guess I'm one of those people who just needs the approval of him or herself. But, I guess since you're kinda connected to me then you've figured me out pretty fast. So...why are you here now, then? Sayrike took a cross-legged position on the ground, grateful that she wouldn't have her legs fall asleep like usual since, well, she didn't really have them here.

I found that, in this instance, you were calling for protection from the intrusion from the sudden heavy influx of Darkness. I attempted to shield you from the worst of it and also provide a suitable foil to your...scattered emotions, so as to help you recollect yourself as quickly as possible so you may return to your senses.

So...does this mean that I'll be hearing you from now on? Have you, er, 'awakened' yet, or whatever they call it?

As of this moment, yes. I am here in your service.

I...I'm not really sure I'm comfortable with this. Does that make you my slave or something?

I was born upon your arrival to this world. You are, essentially, the reason for my existence.

Umm...okay, yeah, this is terribly kind of you, but I don't think I really want a servant or a slave or anything. It's...really uncomfortable for me. Sayrike shifted in her seat, embarrassed.

I can feel your thoughts. You think that you would be happier without my presence. If you wish to cut off our communications again, that is acceptable. I will follow your orders after all.

See! That's what I don't want. I hate this subservient crap. It should be your own choice, dammit, even if the choice is to be an obedient doormat! Now I feel even worse, thinking that you're only here because I give you existence, and that existence is a life of servitude. She threw herself back, lying on the ground, exasperated. Sorry. I'm a little more blunt when speaking to myself. But, really, I think I'd...well, I'd rather not force you to do things for me that I can do for myself, or at least try to do under my own power.

If that is your desire---I mean to say that I will respect your decision and leave you at peace. I do not wish to be a burden to your mind.

Thanks. Well said, and I appreciate it.

But, might I say this? Living for yourself--for your own happiness--can be a very happy existence, and it is not a wrong choice. In fact, I agree that one should live for the joy of life. However, they road in which you are pursing this path is one of independence and self-reliance. You do not need me to achieve this, and so I shall remain dormant inside of you as long as you choose this path. But, if you ever find yourself going down a different road in which you would be more accepting of my assistance, then know that if you need me, I am here for you, a companion in your heart. I am more than just a servant; I have my own thoughts independent of your own, my own likes and dislikes, my own expectations for the future. I do not mind simply observing you from afar, but please know that I am more than just a slave.

Sayrike knew when she was being chastised, and the guilt increased with the silence between them. The speech bubble began to fade as the darkness began to lift.

A more gentle feeling emanated from around the masked girl, trying to soften the tension. "Now, I think you have been away from the world long enough. Since you are going to cut off our connection again, you may not remember me very well when you wake up, but I believe that something of my presence will remain. I wish you luck and happiness, "Sayrike." Until you need me once more..."

Sayrike turned away and ended the link, burying it within herself. She didn't think she could stand knowing that she was the cause for the enslavement of a spirit, no matter how willing the entity was. She kind of felt like she had been playing God, which put her on edge. No, better to forget this right now. Better to forget...

The light enveloped Sayrike, and she awoke in the ruins of the village.

~END~

As the Avatar of Chaos opened his eyes, he found himself in the center of... nothing. There was solid ground beneath his feet, but the light of his Station was completely cut off by a thick veil of Darkness. Within moments of opening his eyes, however, a flood of contorted, ancient entities appeared in plain view, surrounding his Station like a legion comprised of hollow shells with naught but black insides and golden eyes, all gazing down upon him.



Nicholas stared at the many creatures staring back at him; unconsciously his throat tightened. Out of fear, excitement, confusion...he was not certain. He opened his mouth, attempting to speak, but his voice was caught and he felt himself panic.

Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, brea-

Oh, just get on with it. There is blood to be shed and I will not let you waste anymore of my time, you insolent whelp!

How f*cking dandy. The summon who's never around unless he needs to f*ck up my day. You b*****d, you've caused me nothing but grief so far. Where's that nice power boost you promised me? All you've done is puppet my body and make me destroy one of the coolest places in the Disney fandom, you no good f*cking sunuvab-

ENOUGH! You ignorant child, quit your senseless arguing with me! The reason why you are so weak is because you refuse to accept it in the first place! You are always holding yourself back because you're afraid to hurt people, afraid of what reprocussions it might bring. You are a worthless host and a pathetic mortal! I could have had freedom, instead I have merely traded one prison for another! Have anything to say about that, you inferior being!?

Nick was frozen in place, his eyes dull and staring off at the creatures who stared back at him. Chaos' words had stabbed him in the chest, and he knew them to be true. He had always abhored fighting, the idea of one person harming another in a serious manner. Yet, he would always go home, turn on a game console and beat the living crap out of anyone or anything he could in the game. Hypocritical, pathetic, worthless, and inferior. His day was just going well. But that was going to change, and damn Chaos! He was pretty much alone except for his summon, so he had to tolerate the b*****d.

...You're right. I am pathetic...I can't even beat you in an argument. So, let's try this again, Chaos. I let you use me to enact your revenge on Ultima, and you give me your power so I may do what I wish to. You may be an arrogant p***k of a deity, but I will tolerate the bullshit you spew in exchange for your favor.

He gazed up at the many creatures again, then yelled, "My path is that of the shadows, the Darkness, the side void of light!"

Nicholas was quickly enveloped in an aura of Darkness which began to shrink unto nothing as the contorted choir spoke its response.

Ajora merely nodded toward Louis, his eyes on the Mateus-soldier and his hand still holding the sickly heart. He raised a brow as he analyzed the Scion's new Heartless host before shrugging, a light chuckle escaping his throat; the heart began to float off to the side of the platform. "Well, alrighty then. Try not to get in the way, hmm?"

{ Cue : Black - Homestuck Vol. 4 }

Another Heart appeared in his hand, looking just as depraved as the one before; it only remained in his metaphorical grasp for a moment before hovering off as well. He soon lifted his other hand, and like a steady stream, hearts appeared out of each, flowing off to the sides of the platform, all as sickly and corrupt as the ones before. This didn't stop until there were twelve hearts, forming a perfect circle around the platform like the numbers on a clock, with Ajora at the center.

"What better place for a ritual than an Altar, hmm?" he asked Mateus, his back facing the Heartless as he faced the dark horizon opposite the World Amalgam. The question was obviously rhetorical, from both the tone and the fact that the Replica continued with the process without waiting for a response.

His arms spread wide, he lifted his head toward the black oblivion, golden eyes open; his arms quickly became enveloped in an onyx aura, crackling with crimson bolts of energy. As this happened, all twelve hearts were quickly enveloped by spheres of Darkness, swirling and consuming the already-blackened hearts. Then, without warning, a wave of Dark energy pulsed from Ajora-- causing the spheres of Darkness to begin trembling, morphing into various shapes and forms.

Though Mateus couldn't see it, as someone possessing the body of a Heartless, he would be able to feel the forming connection between Ajora and the Darkness-- the true Darkness. As someone with the eyes of the Heart-Thief, he could see the mass fluctuations of dark energy in the hearts of those before him, despite the fact that they were already pure Darkness.

And as a Scion now innately connected to the Black Sentience, he could hear their abominable chorus as Ajora attempted to look beyond the Veil. The onyx aura now enveloped Ajora's entire body, and from his position on the Altar, black energy began to grow and seep into the platform.

Without warning, large tendrils of Darkness erupted from the ground around Ajora, lodging themselves into the twelve hearts and injecting them with some unique form of corruption. Their forms seemed to become even more unstable, randomly spiking or rippling, though after a few seconds they went still... before growing into various, humanoid bodies.

Most of them seemed utterly unique, though there were a couple repeats. Each grew to be uniquely monstrous in appearance; four arms, fin-like wings, even a hovering tail instead of legs. What they shared were missing parts.

However, wisps of black smoke began to rise; their forms were still too unstable, due to their unstable Hearts. And so, Ajora pushed harder-- the veil would be forced to shift.

The skies themselves reverberated with a pulsation of Darkness, a violent gust begin to twist around the area; once more, large tendrils of Darkness appeared, this time from the very sky, descending and curving straight into their chests. Suddenly, the parts of their forms that had been missing before were made of manifest, purple energy...

... and vicious masks appeared covering their faces, each with seven eyes.

However, with every passing moment, Ajora's own heart was slowly being overcome by the same corrupting energies, just as before. The corruption eroded, consuming the majority of his heart. Very little of him remained...

Except a single spark. Not a spark of light, but a spark of will-- and that spark erupted with the strength of a grand conflagration, pushing out the poison with a pulse of Darkness not seen since the Pearl; Ajora's top was ripped to shreds, revealing his bare upper-half, the large Command Seal glowing on his back, and the blood-red wings fully sprouting from his shoulder blades.

The eruption of power consumed the Altar in Darkness, and with Ajora's new strength, he pulled from beyond the Veil the last components of stability-- the Darkness. Twelve specters of the Occuria blinked into existence, revolving around him in a blur and spreading to the hearts-- where they stopped, remaining visible for just a moment, before sublimating into the respective Heartless.

The winds died down; the tendrils retreated back from whence they came, and the Darkness began to recede back into Ajora. The Replica, despite unleashing the full depths of his power, fell down to one knee, exhausted and breathing heavily.

From the 12 o'clock position, a winged Heartless strolled toward Ajora; his legs seemed like awkward wedges jutting out of his abdomen, as if he were more meant to fly than walk. As he neared the Replica, he offered his cold, armored hand for him to grab-- which he did, slowly rising to his feet.

[ Heartless Created:

• 1x Unnamed Winged Heartless
• 1x Unnamed Female Archer Heartless (Picture's male, imagine a female with armor over the breasts)
• 1x Unnamed Four-Armed Hovering Heartless
• 1x Unnamed Female Dervish Heartless
• 1x Unnamed Male Dervish Heartless (Imagine the same energy-limb-replacement, but on opposite sides, since Joe's right-handed)
• 1x Unnamed Fin-Winged Heartless
• 1x Unnamed Mage Heartless
• 1x Unnamed Berserker Heartless
• 1x Unnamed Assault Heartless (Imagine this with four energy-arms instead of two.)
• 1x Unnamed Assassin Heartless (imagine both his arms are energy, but covered in partial armor like the Female Dervish leg)
  
• 1x Unnamed FEMALE Cleric Heartless (Feeeemaaaale)
  
• 1x Unnamed Female Tri-Faced Heartless (imagine this as a base, except her arms are solid and crossed, her head has a mask for the front, rear-right and rear-left, and there's an energy-hole in her core.)

Also, instead of 6 eyes, they each have 7. If ANYONE is interested in doing concept art to make them a bit more unique and... define-able, then I would just LOVE YOU. ]

As the Bloody Executioner regained his composure, he flexed his crimson wings, much like getting used to new limbs. He had never pushed himself to such an extent; he'd never drawn on the full potential of his malevolent form because, quite simply, he'd never had to. He'd had enough power normally to accomplish any goals he'd set, or otherwise could accomplish them without any power at all. But now... so much at his fingertips...

When Mateus spoke up, Ajora craned his head over his shoulder, lowering his wings to look at the Frozen Scion.

"I am honored to have reignited your faith, Mateus," Ajora spoke, his enunciation slower and more formal than usual. For the briefest of moments, Ajora questioned why he had even spoken before remembering that this power had been derived, essentially, from fusing himself with the Bloody Angel.

"Still, not so good for the headache," he mused, shaking his head somewhat as he turned around to face the Esper; the seals on his upper arms seemed to emanate energy just as the one on his back. The Heartless each strolled forward, though not too close. Rather, they simply tightened the circle around Ajora, awaiting command. "And now that I'm done with that--"

The Prophet closed his eyes, taking calm, steady breaths as he reverted back to his original form. The seals ceased their glow, and his wings burst into a cloud of bloody feathers, each of which soon disintegrated. With a relieved sigh, his dark red shirt reformed, as well as his black blazer. The pressure that had been exerted on the Altar seemed to let up.

"So, you are to come with me?" he asked, looking toward Mateus with curious golden eyes. "I'll be intermingling with quite a few newborns, so I hope you can play nice."

"Good, good-- ah, that reminds me," he muttered, pulling out an envelope--the very same that Elleon had given him before her departure. Opening it and looking on the contents, he discovered it was an invitation... to a ball... tonight.

"My, it seems I've been asked out on a date and I didn't even realize it," he mused, looking somewhat surprised at the invitation, which was to be presented upon arrival as a ticket of sorts. "And here I've been, squandering my time away. How very un-chivalrous of me."

At that moment, a Corridor of Darkness opened at his side. Out of it stepped... another Ajora, dressed identically as the original.

"Come with me, Mateus, we shall depart for the Dutchman while this one partakes in his pleasures," the second Ajora spoke, chuckling as he did so. The Corridor remained open. "As for the Midnight Crew, I suppose you should wait here until further orders-- I'd hate for my new toys to get jealous of you."

"What do I even wear, I wonder...?" the first Ajora mumbled aloud as the first spoke, still gazing at the invitation in thought; it seemed the leading role had been delegated to his twin, as he was off in his own world. "Ooo, what if it's a masquerade...? I've always wanted to go to one of those..."

Without much more than a wave of goodbye, the first Ajora was swallowed up by his own Corridor, leaving Mateus with the second.

"Rude," the second griped, a teasing smirk playing at his lips as he watched his predecessor disappear. "Well, come along, I suppose it's better if I go first, in case they randomly decide to attack you. Neophytes can be so childish-- did you know one of them blew a hole in the Dutchman? I mean, really."

If Mateus had some response to make, Ajora would have waited to hear him before entering; otherwise, he would have strolled into the Corridor, leaving it open for Mateus to follow.

"It's cool," Anthony quickly responded. "I'm just here to help in anyway I can. I'll wait."



Lucian snorted. "Write you out of the script," he quoted, finding it amusing given his original's cinematic background. "That's a good one. I'll have to use that when I meet, well... myself."

Unfortunately for the fallen knight, his original never played a single Final Fantasy game and has no idea who this handsome man dressed like an expensive hooker was. He turned to Not-Amy and said, "You wanted something to do. Well, here's your chance. I'm sure a man in a buttcape isn't all too difficult to handle."