Hit me with your best shot
I've been trying to get back into writing in this fandom. Despite having some ideas, it didn't want to get down onto paper. So, I'm hoping to jump-start through requests. What's the idea?
- I write mostly gen, with hints at het if you like
- I feel like writing some BBS characters or Destiny trio or both, but I'm open to other suggestions too
- Disney (including those movies that haven't made it into KH yet) and FF (VII through XIII is a go. If it comes to FF characters that have already made an appearance in the KH!verse, I'll assume you want me to go with their KH version, unless you specify otherwise) would be wicked
Characters: (Up to three, I'd say, that doesn't count cameos though) ;)
Disney movie:
FF crossover:
Prompt:
Trade: Y/N?
Crossposted to kh_request
For runespoor7
Prompt: Aqua in the Hunchback of Notre Dame
Judge Claude Frollo whirled around - part in alarm, part annoyed at the rude interruption of his contemplation. The sound of the heavy oaken doors creaking open echoed through the dank audience hall. The chief officer of justice stared in disbelief and contempt at the masked youth who’d forced his way in.
“None but the guards may enter this palace without being summoned, you ruffian.” He spat at the odd looking stranger.
The intruder’s body language was far too relaxed for a commoner who’d just committed a serious offence. Calling the nearest guard would not do much good, it would seem. For just beyond the still open doors Frollo spotted the two uniformed men crumpled in a heap with the stillness of either death or prolonged unconsciousness.
In answer to his accusation the boy let out a laugh that to any other man would have sounded eerily hollow. “That’s no way to greet the person, who will grant you what you desire, Judge.”
Before Frollo could snap a caustic retort, he observed first with disbelief and then with growing dread as dark, red eyed creatures detached themselves from the lad’s shadow to sit - oddly swaying - at the ready, in mimicry of domesticated animals awaiting command. Quickly, he pulled the Holy Scripture from inside his robe. “Begone from this place, you hell spawn!”
It did not have the reaction the elder man had hoped for. Faster than the eye could track, the boy - perhaps Mammon in disguise, Frollo wondered - closed the distance between them so that the man could see his own alarm reflected off the polished helmet. “Did you not know that symbols of the Light can only be wielded against the darkness by someone pure of heart?” Before Claude could advocate how his entire life had been the epitome of justice and fairness, the youth leaned in to whisper. “I can give you the Enchantress of the Court.”
Frollo frowned, reflecting on the manners he knew to send a demon back to the Pit. “And what do you want in return?” He could not help but ask. However, he did not at all get the answer he was expecting.
“There is someone I need to meet. My tools have told me he is currently holed up in that church over there with one of your servants, as he was wounded in battle. It is rather frustrating that I can’t get into that place myself.”
The judge eyes widened at the - in hindsight logical - implications. “Sanctuary,” he breathed.
The demon boy shrugged. “Call it what you want. I can make sure the witch you seek will walk right into our arms. Do we have a deal?”
What a fruitful opportunity it was. Claude cared little if this lowlife used his inferior hell spawn to eradicate the threats to his city. He would use the boy - fallen angel? - until no other problems remained. Then he would secure the archdeacon’s aide to banish these supernatural cohorts back to Hell, so help him God.
- x - x - x - x - x -
Meanwhile, Aqua observed the gathered band of outcasts. To be fair, by the letter of the law, they may not all live squeaky clean lives, but that seemed to be a survival tactic forced on them by the discrimination of the city ruler. As Keyblade Master of the Light she could faintly sense the sparks of deep-rooted goodness in their hearts, even clouded as they at times were with a tinge of hopelessness or bursts of doubt about the future.
Aqua had stumbled upon the Court of Miracles by chance in her pursuit of the many Unversed that had crawled up all over this world. Learning about the plight of Clopin and his comrades - after being forced into battle to prove she was not a spy sent by a man named Frollo - she decided to spare a moment to help them return the light to the oppressed city of Notre Dame. As much as she wanted to catch up to Terra again (and drag Ven home before he eventually got into trouble he couldn’t fight his way out of), her title came with a serious duty. One she could not shirk simply because of inconvenient timing.
Now, a plan was in the make to force the corrupt ruler to grant the gypsies full citizenship rights and put an end to his persecution of them.
“Lady Enchantress,” One of the ‘guards’ of the court addressed her, his tone fraught with awe. It was a title they’d granted her after seeing her wield magic in the fight; one that was rapidly gaining popularity in the city streets, it seemed. “The Jester has bid me tell you the men are ready to march for freedom.”
The young woman nodded, donning her full armour. “Lead the way, good man.”
- x - x - x - x - x -
A rare look of satisfaction - more smug than content in nature - crossed Judge Frollo’s face at the sight before him.
In a cast-iron cage on a raised platform for all to see he had dumped the knocked out blond lad the devil boy had wanted. The youth had put up quite a resistance, but his previous injuries proved serious enough that even the incompetent idiots of law enforcement could subdue both him and that fool Quasimodo. The latter really needed to be taught another lesson in obedience once this matter was settled, Frollo decided.
Vanitas had surprisingly kept his word and with new tactics managed to subdue Aqua when they faced off in battle. She was now tied to the stake, struggling towards consciousness. The judge had pondered between the options of verdict he could pronounce. There was the option of ritual drowning of course, but that was said not to work on true witches. And so the pyre it was, which made for a more intimidating prospect and was thus a favourable factor in his plans.
It was time. The crowds had gathered, the other rebels were locked in cages and the sorceress was coming around. The trial could begin. He grabbed her unnatural hair to tilt her head back, his other hand guiding her chin up to force her to look him in the eye. Clear, hauntingly beautiful blue eyes blinked and focussed. Her skin was soft, minus the calluses on her bound hands, her entire form perfectly proportioned. Why, mused Frollo, must wicked temptation be so impossible to resist even to such a pious man as he?
“You have been found guilty of witchcraft through the terrible use of spells and enchantments.” He declared in a loud voice, “The punishment for such conspiracy with Satan is death by burning.” Here he lowered his volume to an insidious whisper. “However, you have one chance to escape eternal damnation.” He leaned closer and her eyes widened. “You can choose your salvation in me.”
For a moment Aqua could only stare into that flame-lit, gaunt face with its sadistic eyes. Was he honestly suggesting? He was! What could she possibly have done to inspire this? First there had been Zack, whose heart was in the right place and who would probably have his own fanclub in a few years, but right now she’d feel like a cradle robber if she were to accept his dating suggestion. Then on the way here while passing through a quiet town, there had been that self-centred, arrogant man Gaston, who was apparently looking for a bride and just wouldn’t take no for an answer. And now this? This venal shell of a man, whose heart was almost overcome by the darkness. And he thought… Her gaze roamed across the scare, spotting Ven, Vanitas and her comrades in turn.
Her cerulean eyes narrowed in determination. “Guess again.”
Her keyblade answered her call, allowing her to cut the ropes which tied her hands. A succession of lightning fast Blizzaras took care of the fire hazard and next a Cure was sent Ven’s way to patch him up and get him on his feet and fighting. It worked, allowing her take less heed of the masked enemy for the moment and square off against Frollo. Right at that instant, a beam of congealed dark energy shot past her and hit the judge full in the chest. The old man staggered, but otherwise appeared to be unharmed.
Vanitas, who was now being driven back by Ven, sounded triumphant. “Now that his heart is fully open, this world has found a solid connection to the darkness. My task here is complete.” He turned to Ven, even as he opened a dark portal. “Glad to see your fighting style is finally a bit less pathetic. It still won’t be enough.” With those parting words he left, the closing portal cutting Ventus’s chase short.
Unfortunately, they still had Frollo to deal with, one now possessed with an unholy power, making him a threat they couldn’t ignore. At Aqua’s command, she and Ven team-tagged their opponent in a flurry of skill and speed. The fight was fierce and short. Breath haggard, the city’s foe sank to his knees, two shimmering keyblades at his throat.
Clopin and Phoebus had taken control and leadership over the city masses. The former captain, who had endured torture and captivity under Frollo before joining the gypsies spoke up. “This man had power granted to him to protect all of us. Instead he twisted the authority bestowed upon him to fulfil plans devoid of honour and justice. People of Paris, will we allow this?”
He got their attention; he got the men and women to think for themselves. Soon people were clamouring for Frollo’s banishment. The captain nodded. “And so, democracy has decided on the punishment for this man’s crimes: exile!”
The previously licking flames of darkness still simmered around the man’s form, but the madness had dimmed down to impotent rage. Displaying new skills, he too opened a portal that would lead him from this world. “Imbeciles and ingrates! After all I have done for this city. But know you this: soon darkness will return to this world and with its power nothing shall forestall my return.” With that ominous prediction, the one corrupted by pride, lust and vengeance left his home world to the celebration of many.
- x - x - x - x - x -
“Well, looks like things are okay now.” Aqua concluded, regarding the festival that was in full swing with a smile.
Ven, now fully recovered and all but bouncing with enthusiasm prodded her. “So let’s go find Terra!”
Aqua nodded. “You’re right.”
As they readied for transport, Clopin came to bid them farewell. “The Court and all of our people owe you a debt of gratitude. You’ll always be welcome here. For you, fair Enchantress, and you, brave lad, are now heroes of the City of Light.”
A/N: Mammon has many different meanings in popular culture. Though he seems more related to matters of Greed, in this drabble I’m simply going with the meaning that he is the son of Lucifer. Frollo would think Vanitas, with his command over the Unversed to be some dark angel after all, in my opinion, and seeing as Frollo has a huge ego, why not think big? ;)
The whole exile thing: leaves things open for sequels to the reader’s imagination.
Frollo’s last five words: a Genesis (FFVII Crisis Core) quote.
City of Light - it sounds awfully cliché in this context, but I couldn’t resist the reference it the capital’s nickname: la Ville-Lumière.
For sparkism
Prompt: Any of Destiny Trio with FFXIII, Fang and Vanille are fav
Spoilers: for the end of FFXIII and same for BBS
----
Merlin explained his findings, brushy moustache quivering in scholarly excitement, with a big book in one hand, two scrolls in the other and occasionally managing to gesture towards Leon, when he wanted data from Ansem’s computer displayed to boot.
The gunblade warrior may not be too happy to be reduced to a research assistant, but no one on the Restoration Committee was going to let the old wizard within keyboard reach of the valuable contents the device held. Apparently, and Cid had been most vocal on that point, Merlin and technology just did not mix. Yuffie had confirmed his rant to clarify that it didn’t matter whether you handed the old coot a half functional mixer, a brand new PHS or an antique radio, if it ran on an energy source other than magic or none at all, Merlin would bust it. And then be affronted, as if the device had personally offended him. And then up and leave to let someone else care of the new problem, while to wizard cooled off with the comfort of a trusty, handwritten book.
None of that really mattered to Sora in the end; his only issue with the situation was that he was supposed to be getting Merlin’s exuberant prattle. And all this just because the wizard had first spoken of a new summon trinket for him to use in battle. So, of course Sora inquired about the summons in question, only to be all but dragged to Ansem the Wise’s now accessible labs to be threated to this long-winded explanation. Which he’d zoned out on after the first two minutes. Luckily, the illustration Leon had pulled up on the computer screen looked interesting enough. A huge beast, every part of its body taunt with powerful muscles, roaring its defiance to the universe as it leapt to smith a world into oblivion. Such an ally would be very useful against enemies like that Groundshaker in the Pride Lands.
Sora snapped back to attention when the books and scrolls were discarded, so that Merlin could search his pocket for the actual summon charm. Quite the chore when you have magic to compress items, the ability to expand the space of your pocket and a bout of occasional forgetfulness that they never tell you comes in a package deal with ‘wisdom of the years’. Out of the blue pocket came a pressed and preserved flower, five stale dog biscuits, a can of raw gummi material, a miniature quill and ink set and what could very well be half of the castle’s library, but eventually the magician was successful in his quest.
The old man wouldn’t hand over the startlingly delicate crystal on a copper bangle, without grave warning of how Sora should only use it in most dire circumstance. At which point Leon saw fit to summarise Merlin’s earlier explanation for everyone’s benefit by drilling caution into the carefree teen’s head.
“That summons once caused ultimate destruction on its own world. Don’t use it unless there is no alternative.” That was Leon for you. He cut all the fancy titbits and other unnecessary stuff to shreds and got straight to the crux of the matter.
When the keyblade wielder shared his observations with the town’s very best - and only, but don’t you dare mention that - ninja, she took the time to ease his confusion, while perfecting her balance by performing cartwheels and handstands on the parapets of the bailey.
“You know how there’s less Heartless around since our big bad battle in the ravine, right? And with the town’s defence system up, running and tighter than Squall’s leather pants...” Sora secretly admired how Yuffie accepted everything and everyone as par of the course. The ninja waved a free hand to emphasize her next point. “And remember: Merl’ didn’t get any action in those fights. Also, it’s been months since he retaught you magic and with everyone all caught up in the restoration... I think he’s been feeling a bit useless.”
Sora really hadn’t considered any of that. Yuffie plowed on, coming to a standstill just long enough to wave her arms about. “So now - poof! - he finds something useful and really big. Bigger than 101 dogs stuffed in one tiny room, bigger than Cid’s ego at a space travel conference - I wish I had that much firepower to throw around! Of course, I don’t need any help to be kickass.” She didn’t seem to realise she was getting a bit off track. But then, it was Yuffie. For all Sora knew, this could all still be perfectly on track, in Yuffie speech. “And now he can share that big news with every one of us. So he does. At length, over and over again. He even mumbled about it in his sleep. Well, there was also something about pandas, some old hag and monsters in there. But I totally I think he rehearsed the speech he gave you.” She winked and he felt rather guilty for having paid Merlin’s efforts so little attention.
“Old man’s as happy as a chocobo. On a racetrack. In the lead. Running after a whole herd of golden females.” She concluded with a big grin. Sora figured he should stop by at the wizard’s for tea next time he visited again. A long, confusing lecture wasn’t such a big deal, if it could make such a difference in a friend’s life.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Sora’s arms trembled under the strain he put them through as a relentless assault continued to batter down on him. He couldn’t lose here! The fates of too many people depended upon the outcome.
It was unsettling. Even though he was wielding two blades and using his fastest moves, his opponent kept pace with him. More so, Sora was being pushed back. Hard. Okay, so defeating Xemnas hadn’t been a stroll through the woodlands either, but this Master Xehanort was supposed to be about Yen Sid’s age, right? Yet the once wise man, who had readily chosen the power of darkness over his duty to safeguard the multiverse, moved fluidly, without hesitation or faltering, as if anticipating Sora’s every move. It pushed the intensity of the fight up his mental list to snuggle close to rank with a match against Sephiroth. Sora blocked another swipe, just a little too slow and winced, almost losing his grip on Oathkeeper. Make that a Sephiroth who wasn’t in the mood to toy with his adversary.
The new wound messed his defence up further. He needed to turn the tide of the battle, but his potions supply had run out and he hesitated to use his regular summons. His friends had proven to be very helpful in battle, but the young keyblade wielder feared they would get clobbered this time. Simply because this guy’s skill level was off the charts.
‘You need a hand and didn’t even consider us? Can’t believe we’re that forgettable,’ an unfamiliar woman’s voice drawled sardonically, seemingly coming from everywhere and nowhere at once. He faltered in surprise and just barely avoided a dangerous swipe towards his heart. ‘Pay attention to the battle!’ The same voice snapped, now sharp with reproach. Sheesh, he tried, but it was her fault he got distracted in the first place. A giggle then. A new voice, lilting, higher, younger and more gentle picked up where the other left off. ‘Looks like you could use your own miracle.’ She reminded him a bit of Selphie in her manner.
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the crystal summons on the bangle on his wrist pulsing with a clear light, as if it had come alive.
‘Finally catching on,’ the first voice sounded mildly exasperated, but Sora thought there might be an undertone of worry to it.
The second one, the girl, took over again. ‘It’s okay now. Call us and we will fight this last battle for you.’
He was still very confused about the technicalities, but he really couldn't afford to stop and wonder as he struggled to bring Oblivion up in time to parry a strike to his head. At this point he’d welcome any help. Only one way to find out. “Give me strength, Ragnarok!”
The tiny gem shattered in another throb of light. Dark particles gathered in its place, growing as it drew on the shadow powers at play on the battlefield. As it grew and gained shape, even the self-proclaimed master of darkness halted his actions to stare in bewildered wonder. “When the war of the beast brings about the end… Ragnarok, omega to the worlds.” The gravelly voice shook with the first hints of doubt at his victory.
As Sora used the opportunity to regain his breath and then push the man back, he also observed that the old illustrations Merlin had dug up didn’t do this summons justice by a long shot. First of all, it dwarfed even the final form that Xehanort’s heartless had taken on years ago. The very ground they stood on shook with its challenging roar as it dove towards the old master in a fearless frontal attack. For any other being that would have been suicidal, but even a fighter of Xehanort’s calibre could only hope to defend against the might of the mythical creature. Sora wisely retreated to stare in awe. Wielding different elemental magics to boot, the beast didn’t just defeat the oppressor of worlds. It obliterated him.
The blinding light of the final assault, couple with the retreating darkness now that Xehanort was defeated had Sora shielding his eyes, thus missing Ragnarok’s disappearance. Next thing he knew, a slender person caught him in a tight hug. What?
“Thank you.” That voice, the girl from earlier. Springy red hair, kind green eyes, pinks, yellows and tinkling beads filled his vision. She let him go, but Sora could only gape. He was snapped out of his shock when a larger hand messed up his brown spikes in a noogie. “Hey!” He protested, turning around to look upon the one responsible.
“Good job, kid.” The other, sarcastic woman was a vision of dark hair, tattoos, blue and black cloth, bangles and a fierce grin. “You did it, saved the worlds.”
The girl performed a little victory dance. “Now our task is complete and we’re free. All thanks to you, Sora.”
The overwhelmed boy could only produce a slight sound of confusion. She clapped her hands. “That’s right! When meeting new friends…” Sora wasn’t sure whether this last statement was directed at him, the woman or even herself. “I’m Vanille and that’s Fang, at your service.”
It finally clicked in his mind. “You are…” He somehow couldn’t bring himself to say it out loud. Looking at these happy, colourful women it seemed such a ridiculous notion.
Fang had no such reservations. “Quick on the uptake, isn’t he?” She quipped at the girl.
Vanille scolded her partner lightly, “Be nice, Fang. It is a lot to take in after all that was already going on.” Focussing on the overwhelmed keyblade wielder she continued. “That’s right, we were charged with a mission to keep the worlds safe from the biggest threat. And so we became Ragnarok, destroyer of darkness and creator of wonders.”
One thing at least was clear, Sora decided with a smile. They sure knew how to make a lasting first impression.
- I write mostly gen, with hints at het if you like
- I feel like writing some BBS characters or Destiny trio or both, but I'm open to other suggestions too
- Disney (including those movies that haven't made it into KH yet) and FF (VII through XIII is a go. If it comes to FF characters that have already made an appearance in the KH!verse, I'll assume you want me to go with their KH version, unless you specify otherwise) would be wicked
Characters: (Up to three, I'd say, that doesn't count cameos though) ;)
Disney movie:
FF crossover:
Prompt:
Trade: Y/N?
Crossposted to kh_request
For runespoor7
Prompt: Aqua in the Hunchback of Notre Dame
Judge Claude Frollo whirled around - part in alarm, part annoyed at the rude interruption of his contemplation. The sound of the heavy oaken doors creaking open echoed through the dank audience hall. The chief officer of justice stared in disbelief and contempt at the masked youth who’d forced his way in.
“None but the guards may enter this palace without being summoned, you ruffian.” He spat at the odd looking stranger.
The intruder’s body language was far too relaxed for a commoner who’d just committed a serious offence. Calling the nearest guard would not do much good, it would seem. For just beyond the still open doors Frollo spotted the two uniformed men crumpled in a heap with the stillness of either death or prolonged unconsciousness.
In answer to his accusation the boy let out a laugh that to any other man would have sounded eerily hollow. “That’s no way to greet the person, who will grant you what you desire, Judge.”
Before Frollo could snap a caustic retort, he observed first with disbelief and then with growing dread as dark, red eyed creatures detached themselves from the lad’s shadow to sit - oddly swaying - at the ready, in mimicry of domesticated animals awaiting command. Quickly, he pulled the Holy Scripture from inside his robe. “Begone from this place, you hell spawn!”
It did not have the reaction the elder man had hoped for. Faster than the eye could track, the boy - perhaps Mammon in disguise, Frollo wondered - closed the distance between them so that the man could see his own alarm reflected off the polished helmet. “Did you not know that symbols of the Light can only be wielded against the darkness by someone pure of heart?” Before Claude could advocate how his entire life had been the epitome of justice and fairness, the youth leaned in to whisper. “I can give you the Enchantress of the Court.”
Frollo frowned, reflecting on the manners he knew to send a demon back to the Pit. “And what do you want in return?” He could not help but ask. However, he did not at all get the answer he was expecting.
“There is someone I need to meet. My tools have told me he is currently holed up in that church over there with one of your servants, as he was wounded in battle. It is rather frustrating that I can’t get into that place myself.”
The judge eyes widened at the - in hindsight logical - implications. “Sanctuary,” he breathed.
The demon boy shrugged. “Call it what you want. I can make sure the witch you seek will walk right into our arms. Do we have a deal?”
What a fruitful opportunity it was. Claude cared little if this lowlife used his inferior hell spawn to eradicate the threats to his city. He would use the boy - fallen angel? - until no other problems remained. Then he would secure the archdeacon’s aide to banish these supernatural cohorts back to Hell, so help him God.
- x - x - x - x - x -
Meanwhile, Aqua observed the gathered band of outcasts. To be fair, by the letter of the law, they may not all live squeaky clean lives, but that seemed to be a survival tactic forced on them by the discrimination of the city ruler. As Keyblade Master of the Light she could faintly sense the sparks of deep-rooted goodness in their hearts, even clouded as they at times were with a tinge of hopelessness or bursts of doubt about the future.
Aqua had stumbled upon the Court of Miracles by chance in her pursuit of the many Unversed that had crawled up all over this world. Learning about the plight of Clopin and his comrades - after being forced into battle to prove she was not a spy sent by a man named Frollo - she decided to spare a moment to help them return the light to the oppressed city of Notre Dame. As much as she wanted to catch up to Terra again (and drag Ven home before he eventually got into trouble he couldn’t fight his way out of), her title came with a serious duty. One she could not shirk simply because of inconvenient timing.
Now, a plan was in the make to force the corrupt ruler to grant the gypsies full citizenship rights and put an end to his persecution of them.
“Lady Enchantress,” One of the ‘guards’ of the court addressed her, his tone fraught with awe. It was a title they’d granted her after seeing her wield magic in the fight; one that was rapidly gaining popularity in the city streets, it seemed. “The Jester has bid me tell you the men are ready to march for freedom.”
The young woman nodded, donning her full armour. “Lead the way, good man.”
- x - x - x - x - x -
A rare look of satisfaction - more smug than content in nature - crossed Judge Frollo’s face at the sight before him.
In a cast-iron cage on a raised platform for all to see he had dumped the knocked out blond lad the devil boy had wanted. The youth had put up quite a resistance, but his previous injuries proved serious enough that even the incompetent idiots of law enforcement could subdue both him and that fool Quasimodo. The latter really needed to be taught another lesson in obedience once this matter was settled, Frollo decided.
Vanitas had surprisingly kept his word and with new tactics managed to subdue Aqua when they faced off in battle. She was now tied to the stake, struggling towards consciousness. The judge had pondered between the options of verdict he could pronounce. There was the option of ritual drowning of course, but that was said not to work on true witches. And so the pyre it was, which made for a more intimidating prospect and was thus a favourable factor in his plans.
It was time. The crowds had gathered, the other rebels were locked in cages and the sorceress was coming around. The trial could begin. He grabbed her unnatural hair to tilt her head back, his other hand guiding her chin up to force her to look him in the eye. Clear, hauntingly beautiful blue eyes blinked and focussed. Her skin was soft, minus the calluses on her bound hands, her entire form perfectly proportioned. Why, mused Frollo, must wicked temptation be so impossible to resist even to such a pious man as he?
“You have been found guilty of witchcraft through the terrible use of spells and enchantments.” He declared in a loud voice, “The punishment for such conspiracy with Satan is death by burning.” Here he lowered his volume to an insidious whisper. “However, you have one chance to escape eternal damnation.” He leaned closer and her eyes widened. “You can choose your salvation in me.”
For a moment Aqua could only stare into that flame-lit, gaunt face with its sadistic eyes. Was he honestly suggesting? He was! What could she possibly have done to inspire this? First there had been Zack, whose heart was in the right place and who would probably have his own fanclub in a few years, but right now she’d feel like a cradle robber if she were to accept his dating suggestion. Then on the way here while passing through a quiet town, there had been that self-centred, arrogant man Gaston, who was apparently looking for a bride and just wouldn’t take no for an answer. And now this? This venal shell of a man, whose heart was almost overcome by the darkness. And he thought… Her gaze roamed across the scare, spotting Ven, Vanitas and her comrades in turn.
Her cerulean eyes narrowed in determination. “Guess again.”
Her keyblade answered her call, allowing her to cut the ropes which tied her hands. A succession of lightning fast Blizzaras took care of the fire hazard and next a Cure was sent Ven’s way to patch him up and get him on his feet and fighting. It worked, allowing her take less heed of the masked enemy for the moment and square off against Frollo. Right at that instant, a beam of congealed dark energy shot past her and hit the judge full in the chest. The old man staggered, but otherwise appeared to be unharmed.
Vanitas, who was now being driven back by Ven, sounded triumphant. “Now that his heart is fully open, this world has found a solid connection to the darkness. My task here is complete.” He turned to Ven, even as he opened a dark portal. “Glad to see your fighting style is finally a bit less pathetic. It still won’t be enough.” With those parting words he left, the closing portal cutting Ventus’s chase short.
Unfortunately, they still had Frollo to deal with, one now possessed with an unholy power, making him a threat they couldn’t ignore. At Aqua’s command, she and Ven team-tagged their opponent in a flurry of skill and speed. The fight was fierce and short. Breath haggard, the city’s foe sank to his knees, two shimmering keyblades at his throat.
Clopin and Phoebus had taken control and leadership over the city masses. The former captain, who had endured torture and captivity under Frollo before joining the gypsies spoke up. “This man had power granted to him to protect all of us. Instead he twisted the authority bestowed upon him to fulfil plans devoid of honour and justice. People of Paris, will we allow this?”
He got their attention; he got the men and women to think for themselves. Soon people were clamouring for Frollo’s banishment. The captain nodded. “And so, democracy has decided on the punishment for this man’s crimes: exile!”
The previously licking flames of darkness still simmered around the man’s form, but the madness had dimmed down to impotent rage. Displaying new skills, he too opened a portal that would lead him from this world. “Imbeciles and ingrates! After all I have done for this city. But know you this: soon darkness will return to this world and with its power nothing shall forestall my return.” With that ominous prediction, the one corrupted by pride, lust and vengeance left his home world to the celebration of many.
- x - x - x - x - x -
“Well, looks like things are okay now.” Aqua concluded, regarding the festival that was in full swing with a smile.
Ven, now fully recovered and all but bouncing with enthusiasm prodded her. “So let’s go find Terra!”
Aqua nodded. “You’re right.”
As they readied for transport, Clopin came to bid them farewell. “The Court and all of our people owe you a debt of gratitude. You’ll always be welcome here. For you, fair Enchantress, and you, brave lad, are now heroes of the City of Light.”
A/N: Mammon has many different meanings in popular culture. Though he seems more related to matters of Greed, in this drabble I’m simply going with the meaning that he is the son of Lucifer. Frollo would think Vanitas, with his command over the Unversed to be some dark angel after all, in my opinion, and seeing as Frollo has a huge ego, why not think big? ;)
The whole exile thing: leaves things open for sequels to the reader’s imagination.
Frollo’s last five words: a Genesis (FFVII Crisis Core) quote.
City of Light - it sounds awfully cliché in this context, but I couldn’t resist the reference it the capital’s nickname: la Ville-Lumière.
For sparkism
Prompt: Any of Destiny Trio with FFXIII, Fang and Vanille are fav
Spoilers: for the end of FFXIII and same for BBS
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Merlin explained his findings, brushy moustache quivering in scholarly excitement, with a big book in one hand, two scrolls in the other and occasionally managing to gesture towards Leon, when he wanted data from Ansem’s computer displayed to boot.
The gunblade warrior may not be too happy to be reduced to a research assistant, but no one on the Restoration Committee was going to let the old wizard within keyboard reach of the valuable contents the device held. Apparently, and Cid had been most vocal on that point, Merlin and technology just did not mix. Yuffie had confirmed his rant to clarify that it didn’t matter whether you handed the old coot a half functional mixer, a brand new PHS or an antique radio, if it ran on an energy source other than magic or none at all, Merlin would bust it. And then be affronted, as if the device had personally offended him. And then up and leave to let someone else care of the new problem, while to wizard cooled off with the comfort of a trusty, handwritten book.
None of that really mattered to Sora in the end; his only issue with the situation was that he was supposed to be getting Merlin’s exuberant prattle. And all this just because the wizard had first spoken of a new summon trinket for him to use in battle. So, of course Sora inquired about the summons in question, only to be all but dragged to Ansem the Wise’s now accessible labs to be threated to this long-winded explanation. Which he’d zoned out on after the first two minutes. Luckily, the illustration Leon had pulled up on the computer screen looked interesting enough. A huge beast, every part of its body taunt with powerful muscles, roaring its defiance to the universe as it leapt to smith a world into oblivion. Such an ally would be very useful against enemies like that Groundshaker in the Pride Lands.
Sora snapped back to attention when the books and scrolls were discarded, so that Merlin could search his pocket for the actual summon charm. Quite the chore when you have magic to compress items, the ability to expand the space of your pocket and a bout of occasional forgetfulness that they never tell you comes in a package deal with ‘wisdom of the years’. Out of the blue pocket came a pressed and preserved flower, five stale dog biscuits, a can of raw gummi material, a miniature quill and ink set and what could very well be half of the castle’s library, but eventually the magician was successful in his quest.
The old man wouldn’t hand over the startlingly delicate crystal on a copper bangle, without grave warning of how Sora should only use it in most dire circumstance. At which point Leon saw fit to summarise Merlin’s earlier explanation for everyone’s benefit by drilling caution into the carefree teen’s head.
“That summons once caused ultimate destruction on its own world. Don’t use it unless there is no alternative.” That was Leon for you. He cut all the fancy titbits and other unnecessary stuff to shreds and got straight to the crux of the matter.
When the keyblade wielder shared his observations with the town’s very best - and only, but don’t you dare mention that - ninja, she took the time to ease his confusion, while perfecting her balance by performing cartwheels and handstands on the parapets of the bailey.
“You know how there’s less Heartless around since our big bad battle in the ravine, right? And with the town’s defence system up, running and tighter than Squall’s leather pants...” Sora secretly admired how Yuffie accepted everything and everyone as par of the course. The ninja waved a free hand to emphasize her next point. “And remember: Merl’ didn’t get any action in those fights. Also, it’s been months since he retaught you magic and with everyone all caught up in the restoration... I think he’s been feeling a bit useless.”
Sora really hadn’t considered any of that. Yuffie plowed on, coming to a standstill just long enough to wave her arms about. “So now - poof! - he finds something useful and really big. Bigger than 101 dogs stuffed in one tiny room, bigger than Cid’s ego at a space travel conference - I wish I had that much firepower to throw around! Of course, I don’t need any help to be kickass.” She didn’t seem to realise she was getting a bit off track. But then, it was Yuffie. For all Sora knew, this could all still be perfectly on track, in Yuffie speech. “And now he can share that big news with every one of us. So he does. At length, over and over again. He even mumbled about it in his sleep. Well, there was also something about pandas, some old hag and monsters in there. But I totally I think he rehearsed the speech he gave you.” She winked and he felt rather guilty for having paid Merlin’s efforts so little attention.
“Old man’s as happy as a chocobo. On a racetrack. In the lead. Running after a whole herd of golden females.” She concluded with a big grin. Sora figured he should stop by at the wizard’s for tea next time he visited again. A long, confusing lecture wasn’t such a big deal, if it could make such a difference in a friend’s life.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Sora’s arms trembled under the strain he put them through as a relentless assault continued to batter down on him. He couldn’t lose here! The fates of too many people depended upon the outcome.
It was unsettling. Even though he was wielding two blades and using his fastest moves, his opponent kept pace with him. More so, Sora was being pushed back. Hard. Okay, so defeating Xemnas hadn’t been a stroll through the woodlands either, but this Master Xehanort was supposed to be about Yen Sid’s age, right? Yet the once wise man, who had readily chosen the power of darkness over his duty to safeguard the multiverse, moved fluidly, without hesitation or faltering, as if anticipating Sora’s every move. It pushed the intensity of the fight up his mental list to snuggle close to rank with a match against Sephiroth. Sora blocked another swipe, just a little too slow and winced, almost losing his grip on Oathkeeper. Make that a Sephiroth who wasn’t in the mood to toy with his adversary.
The new wound messed his defence up further. He needed to turn the tide of the battle, but his potions supply had run out and he hesitated to use his regular summons. His friends had proven to be very helpful in battle, but the young keyblade wielder feared they would get clobbered this time. Simply because this guy’s skill level was off the charts.
‘You need a hand and didn’t even consider us? Can’t believe we’re that forgettable,’ an unfamiliar woman’s voice drawled sardonically, seemingly coming from everywhere and nowhere at once. He faltered in surprise and just barely avoided a dangerous swipe towards his heart. ‘Pay attention to the battle!’ The same voice snapped, now sharp with reproach. Sheesh, he tried, but it was her fault he got distracted in the first place. A giggle then. A new voice, lilting, higher, younger and more gentle picked up where the other left off. ‘Looks like you could use your own miracle.’ She reminded him a bit of Selphie in her manner.
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the crystal summons on the bangle on his wrist pulsing with a clear light, as if it had come alive.
‘Finally catching on,’ the first voice sounded mildly exasperated, but Sora thought there might be an undertone of worry to it.
The second one, the girl, took over again. ‘It’s okay now. Call us and we will fight this last battle for you.’
He was still very confused about the technicalities, but he really couldn't afford to stop and wonder as he struggled to bring Oblivion up in time to parry a strike to his head. At this point he’d welcome any help. Only one way to find out. “Give me strength, Ragnarok!”
The tiny gem shattered in another throb of light. Dark particles gathered in its place, growing as it drew on the shadow powers at play on the battlefield. As it grew and gained shape, even the self-proclaimed master of darkness halted his actions to stare in bewildered wonder. “When the war of the beast brings about the end… Ragnarok, omega to the worlds.” The gravelly voice shook with the first hints of doubt at his victory.
As Sora used the opportunity to regain his breath and then push the man back, he also observed that the old illustrations Merlin had dug up didn’t do this summons justice by a long shot. First of all, it dwarfed even the final form that Xehanort’s heartless had taken on years ago. The very ground they stood on shook with its challenging roar as it dove towards the old master in a fearless frontal attack. For any other being that would have been suicidal, but even a fighter of Xehanort’s calibre could only hope to defend against the might of the mythical creature. Sora wisely retreated to stare in awe. Wielding different elemental magics to boot, the beast didn’t just defeat the oppressor of worlds. It obliterated him.
The blinding light of the final assault, couple with the retreating darkness now that Xehanort was defeated had Sora shielding his eyes, thus missing Ragnarok’s disappearance. Next thing he knew, a slender person caught him in a tight hug. What?
“Thank you.” That voice, the girl from earlier. Springy red hair, kind green eyes, pinks, yellows and tinkling beads filled his vision. She let him go, but Sora could only gape. He was snapped out of his shock when a larger hand messed up his brown spikes in a noogie. “Hey!” He protested, turning around to look upon the one responsible.
“Good job, kid.” The other, sarcastic woman was a vision of dark hair, tattoos, blue and black cloth, bangles and a fierce grin. “You did it, saved the worlds.”
The girl performed a little victory dance. “Now our task is complete and we’re free. All thanks to you, Sora.”
The overwhelmed boy could only produce a slight sound of confusion. She clapped her hands. “That’s right! When meeting new friends…” Sora wasn’t sure whether this last statement was directed at him, the woman or even herself. “I’m Vanille and that’s Fang, at your service.”
It finally clicked in his mind. “You are…” He somehow couldn’t bring himself to say it out loud. Looking at these happy, colourful women it seemed such a ridiculous notion.
Fang had no such reservations. “Quick on the uptake, isn’t he?” She quipped at the girl.
Vanille scolded her partner lightly, “Be nice, Fang. It is a lot to take in after all that was already going on.” Focussing on the overwhelmed keyblade wielder she continued. “That’s right, we were charged with a mission to keep the worlds safe from the biggest threat. And so we became Ragnarok, destroyer of darkness and creator of wonders.”
One thing at least was clear, Sora decided with a smile. They sure knew how to make a lasting first impression.