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World of Darkness: Learning to Leaf a World Behind
*Outside Shibuya a old tree exists. This tress has been standing within the ancient forest outside Shibuya for centuries. It stands in place like a symbol of everlasting peace. Showing all around that regardless of what may come, we can all withstand life's hardships. This tree was planted after a great battle finally came to an end ushering in a new age of piece for the country of Japan. Many people died in the ancient battle and so this tree stands here as a reminder of all who's lives must be remembered and honored for that sacrifice. Throughout the years, many couples have proposed and been married next to this tree, their love becoming one under a sunset as the wind blows through the trees firm branches. Many teachers have taken children on trips to this tree to teach them the value of life an nature so that they may grow to appreciate the world around them. Here this tree stands, firm and tall.*
*A vortex rips open from within the tree and tears it to pieces before everything likes ablaze. As the flames burn out, smoke rises above and is able to be seen from a great distance.*
*An ominous presence can be felt from the void and yet there is a warm light within it as well.*
*After seeing the smoke, Gamma walks into the area and looks around. Seeing the void he sighs*
It's almost poetic. Such an ancient, beautiful piece of nature, gone in a flash. Would have been better if it was a natural disaster, or a human accident, but I suppose the supernatural will have to do.
Been a while since I've checked anything out. *chuckle* usually the trouble comes to me.
[Kazuma claps at the sudden show that happened in front of him.]
Now that's better, it was getting cold anyway.
[He chuckles to himself.]
*Owain hops onto the scene in front of Gamma, pointing a sword at the vortex.*
Ah-ha! Yet another foul demon has shown it's face here! And...
*He finally looks at Gamma's face.*
Didn't I meet you in that dungeon..?
W-wait, you're not that evil Ice mage, are you?!
*Akari was taking a walk, making her usual routes on her endless journey before noticing that something that should be there... Wasn't*
...
Why did it go away...?
*Gamma sighs and shakes his head*
I'm neither evil, nor an ice mage, though I understand you thinking the latter..... Whoever you are. You were yelling a lot so I kinda started ignoring it.
*shrug*
But yes, I'm the guy you fought in the dungeon for being there. I bet you're so proud of yourself, aren't you?
*The vortex begins shifting and warping as it slowly turns a violent red color before compressing in on itself and floating to the ground. In its place is an uneven looking wooden door. It looks as if it was made in a hurry and has a mixed coloring of black and white with a few spots of blue mixed in.*
That's easy to answer little one, you see, it just burned to the ground because someone felt like it.
[He says to Akari with an innocent smile.]
Which is great because...you know, you HAVE to make way for progress in a place this.
[He then turns to the wooden door that came out of nowhere.]
Now now, what did my parent say about bizarre doors made out of who-knows-what.
Hmm...I don't remember, but it was probably fine.
Any volunteers?
*A rift opens and an Aitome with black eyes walks in, limping on one leg and staring at the destruction, looking downcast
This... is this what I'll become...
*Owain walks over to the wooden door.*
Is you all happen to be so afraid, I suppose I can open this door myself.
*Owain puts his hand on the doorknob, and twists, trying to pull the door open.*
*Gamma looks around at the others before proceeding towards the door*
Well, I don't know about you guys, but I'm bored enough to see what's going on. If anyone cares to follow do what you must. Otherwise.....
*Gamma catches sight of Akari and blinks a few times*
Oh.... Hey kid. It might be a good idea for you to get out of here. It might get pretty scary.
*After a bit of struggle as the door appears to get stuck, Owain manages to pry it open. Beyond the door frame is a strange mist that blocks all view of what's inside. A swarm of butterflies seems to spill out of the door directly into Owain's face as well.*
*Owain reels back a little, swatting away the butterflies that attack his face.*
Shoo demon insects, shoo!
*Gamma sighs and waits for the butterflies to fly out before stepping inside*
They're called butterflies. actually kind of adorable.
For curiosity's sake, do you call everything evil? Or just stuff that happens to annoy you
Hi green guy, and Mister Gamma.
And, I'm not afraid of scary stuff... Look at all the butterflies! So pretty.
No, but I happen to call things coming out of clearly evil vortexes evil.
Nevertheless, onwards, to clear this area of it's plight!
*Owain charges forward though the door.*
[His curiosity rises as he gets closer to the door.]
Well done, loud one!
At least you have something to compensate the lack of brain!
[He pats him on his should with a big smile on his face before going through the door.]
And what's behind door number 1~?
*Alice happened to be walking in the general direction of the group and the smoke, surely she saw it which prompted her to investigate. She arrives in time to witness the opening the door.*
Ah what a familiar sight! Here I thought my tardiness was going to leave me completely clueless for a while too.
*Having shown up the last time a strange door appeared, Alice has somewhat of an idea of what this strange door might entail.*
*Gamma stops and looks back at Akari for a few moments, before sighing and looking to the door*
Look, I really don't think you should follow me. No idea what could happen. But if you wanted to, well, you're your own kid. I'm not going to stop you.
Again, I'd suggest you walk away, maybe look around another part of the forest.
*Owain angrily stares at Kazuma.*
I beg your pardon? I happen to be an aficionado on weaponry and tactics, as well as general swordsmanship, and I do not appreciate being mislabeled!
I, uh, also know how to use staves somewhat effectively. I picked it up from my mother. Oh, and I'm also really good at coming up with weapon names!
My point stands, loud one.
[Kazuma doesn't even bother to look at him.]
I'll be okay. I befriended a bear once.
*Akari looks at Alice* That lady looks strong. I think I'll go in behind her just in case.
*Owain laughs a little, beginning to wander away from the group a little.*
Well, I'm at least stronger than most people where I'm from. That's all that really matters, once this whole catastrophe is over...
Oh I uhm... I mean, I'm kind of strong? I suppose I can try and protect you little girl?
*Alice is clearly of the humble type but she's proven to be a loner before. It might be that she's more-so curious about why this kid is involved in the group but there was that Nyarloli girl last time...*
Thanks strong lady. I'll be your navigator!
*Innocently hops behind Alice like a party member in an RPG*
*As everyone begins entering the misty door they are brought into a black and white room with splotches of blue here and there. At the end of the room swarms of butterflies begin clustering around a figure sitting in a chair. His form is completely obscured by the butterflies.*
???: So, I see some of you have returned, while other have joined as well. You may have noticed, but it was I who called you here this time.
Did you hurt the tree, butterfly man?
What, you wanted us to see the magnificent event that it is you breaking out of your cocoon?
[He puts both hand inside his pocket and shrugs.]
Why the butterflies though?
Not that they aren't pretty or anything, don't get all grumpy at my, suspicious guy.
[He then hears Akari and turns to her.]
So, who brought the little pest?
*Owain puts a hand out towards the figure, posing with his other hand covering his face.*
State your name, possible villain! And why hide yourself behind demonic insects? Show your true form!
I'm not a bug, I'm a kid, green guy.
*Even though Alice had met this person before she still didn't feel completely trustworthy of the figure which prompted her to keep ahead of Akari, as if protecting her from whatever the person could unleash. Upon Kazuma calling the little girl a pest, Alice pipes up.*
Hey greeny keep your eyes fixed on the mystery man alright? If the kid is such a bother to you then I'll watch her back.
*She'd then turn her attention back to ???*
*The figure seems confused by Akari's words.*
???: Tree? What Tree?
*The figure looks over at Kazuma.*
???: I'm not sure how to answer most of those questions. The butterflies weren't my choice and neither was who would end up showing up.
*The figure addresses Owain.*
???: I don't really have a name to give but you must trust that I am not your enemy. I only wish to escape this dreaded world and to do that I need you to do something for me which is why I called you all here.
*Gamma shrugs, apparently not recognizing the figure, however he does overhear Kazuma's remark and glares at him*
She's a person too, brat. I suggest you treat her as such. Wouldn't want something to happen, would we?
*Gamma then glances to Alice*
Don't worry, nothing's going to happen to the kid. Though it sounds like I've missed quite a bit.
There was a tree here, but now it's gone... Did you hurt it, butterfly man?
Oh, uh...
Alright. I'm willing to listen. I want to get out of here too, so I can relate...
So, what is it you need us to do, anyways?
*Owain waits patiently for his response.*
"Green"? Is that really the extent of your creativity?
[He chuckles and shrugs, looking back at the more interesting figure.]
Whatever, this is making me curious no-
[But before even concentrating he looks at Gamma with a big smile.]
Oh, of course, no one here want to see you on the floor, defeated like the weakling you are!
[He opens his eyes, revealing a pair of golden orbs, similar to a snake.]
You know, like every time.
No wait, you won once, and against a mere cat!
Keep up the good work, child.
[After this, he closes both eyes and turns to the man's direction.]
???: Uh...I didn't know something like that was where I opened the door. I'm sorry, this power can be hard to use with the crawling chaos' presence interfering.
You have, Gamma right? I think we've met before but I was here last time a strange door set things on fire.
*After responding to Gamma she'd turn to give Kazuma a glare. She'd rather not keep up a petty argument when more important matters are happening so she hopes her mean expression will keep him at bay long enough for the figure to give the group its orders.*
Oh... Well... I wish you would bring it back.
Is this like one of those things where you have to answer a riddle? I'm good at riddles.
*Gamma looks back at Kazuma and takes a deep breath, instead focusing on Alice*
Yes, Gamma's what I ask people to call me. Afraid I don't recall meeting you, though you do feel familiar.
Regardless, I may as well tag along. Not like I'm doing anything else of course.
*The figure stands up as the swarm begins to multiply and scatter around the room.*
???: As for why you are here, you see, as I explained to the last group who was here this world is corrupted and swallowed in darkness by the crawling chaos himself. As long as it exists it presents a threat to your own world as well as keeps me trapped here. I desperately wish to be set free...
I won't lie when I say I don't really care much about protecting your world. What I wish more for is my freedom and to do that I'm willing to go to any cost to either destroy or rid this world of Nyarlathotep's presence. Of course, I cannot leave this room without the risk of being consumed by the darkness within that world. That's why I require outside assistance to do so.
So I ask, may I have your aid in being rid of this "World of Darkness"?
*Owain grins from ear to ear hearing the stranger's words.*
So exciting! This is a real genuine mission! Alright, I'll do it, friend! Tell me what to do, and I'll do it!
Wow, this is like a game!
If there's darkness I can't explore peacefully anymore, so I'll help if everyone else will. I dunno what to do though...
*Gamma sighs and shakes his head*
Look, this doesn't really sound like my problem. So w...
*Gamma pauses for a moment.... Before he shakes his head again*
Regardless, I guess I can come along. N... Not like I'm doing anything else anyways.
*Gamma looks back at Akari and smiles*
No worries. Just hang back and let us do any fighting. All you should have to do is watch kid.... If you really insist on coming.
Sounds interesting enough.
[Kazuma smiles with much curiosity.]
Sure, as long as I get to see some new and exciting stuff.
Oh...and you're not giving us your name? Isn't that kind of suspicious?
Oh! I know! You're going to say something lame like "My name is not important"!
Well, if this turns out to be some kind of trap...!
[He slowly opens his right eye.]
You will remember mine.
[He then closes his eye.]
For those who don't know, I'm Kazuma, I'm glad to make your acquaintance.
I've come this far to help you mystery man so I guess I can stick around until the end.
*She nods contently before addressing Gamma once more.*
Everyone knows me as Alice so you may call me the same. That goes for you too Kazuma.
*Owain puts a hand on his blade, bending his knees and putting his other arm over his face.*
I'm one known as Owain Dark, the Chosen Hero of this realm! Fear my swordhand, for it can cut even souls from their bodies!
???: Simply I do not have a name that I recall. I've been here for longer than most of you could probably imagine. What I need you to do is not necessarily an easy task. You will have to find the core of this world, for you see this world is actually like a twisted copy of the Nexus you might already know. The crawling chaos will try to trick and deceive you but as long as you stay on task and don't fall to his delusions you will make it through. However, if you do fall for his tricks you shall most likely be killed or worse.
*A door opens up behind the figure's chair as it opens up to a black void.*
???: This is the entrance to where you will find the first step to reaching the core of this world. He shouldn't know of your presence here yet so as long as you proceed with some discretion you should be able to avoid most conflict.
A place I've never been before...
*Akari smiles, gleaming with excitement*
I'll do it... And, everyone, I'm Akari. I'm just a wanderer... I don't like fighting, but I can kinda tell where stuff is... So I'll help the best I can.
So, be killed or deal with edgy kids in a chaotic world, good motivator.
[Kazuma whistles a tune as he waves a small black chain around, heading to the black void.]
Wailing wailing...~
*Owain ponders for a moment.*
If you do not have a name, friend, than I shall give you one!
How about... Meemii! Or... Insecta! Oh, how about Rhopalocera!
Eheh... Maybe we should save the naming for after we actually save him Owain. But to do that we'll need to get a move on.
*Alice heads over to the newly opened path, eager to get this show on the road. She makes sure to turn and keep an eye on Akari as she did say she'd protect her.*
*Owain pouts a bit.*
Fiiiine... let's get going then...
*Owain follows everyone else.*
*As the party descends into the darkness the world begins forming around them into a familiar scene for some of them. They are once again within the twisted forest. The forest is similar to the one within the Nexus but the trees are warped and twisted and the ground is covered with a strange purplish growth. In front of them extends a pathway and far into the distance is a shadowy tree that extends high into the sky. It seems to be moving even more than before.*
*Owain begins to stroll towards the tree.*
Once again, the tree stands before us...
I wonder what it shall offer once we approach..?
"That tree" indeed... I have a feeling that's going to be where we find this world's core. Maybe we should be a bit more careful this time around?
*She feels the need to say that, especially after having noticed the inconsistency with the ground from last time she was here.*
[Kazuma keeps walking forward, not really taking much interest in what's happening around him.]
C'mon, let's just get to the interesting part.
Seriously, do bad guys REALLY have to make US wait this long?
Why not just...you know, come here directly so we can kill him as I laugh at him for thinking he can beat me?
When we find the lost guy, I wanna name him Butterscotch.
*She walks slightly behind the group in case anything popped out. She looks out into the distance at the big tree*
Woooow... It's huge... Like in that one show... Something X something...? I used to watch that...
*Standing behind Alice, Akari clasps her hands together and quietly summons her Persona, Theia. The red-clad woman looks at the atmosphere through large binoculars, sending the signal to Akari's eyes*
Umm... I don't see anything bad immediately... But there might be monsters. We should be careful.
*As the group walks along the path a small cabin can be seen on the side of the road. Did I say small? Because I meant it's literally the size of a doll house. Beside the doll house, a cake can be seen with a slice taken out of it. The cake takes on a blacking color and looks sickly, on top of it a note can be seen.*
Ooohh, a cute house... And a cake too!
*Akari smiles as she approaches the cake, ignoring the note to run her finger through the icing. She tasted it without thinking...*
*Alice didn't immediately recognize the cabin until she saw the sickly cake. She remembers what a tense situation it was to try and put that thing together and would rather keep her distance from it this time around.*
Oh dear... Akari no wait! Get away from there! The last time we were here Nyarlathotep tried to kill us inside that thing!
*The icing of the cake tastes...good? Strange considering it's made out of shado- I mean, made with no love.*
*Owain examines the cake, before trying to read the note.*
I... don't think this cake is good to eat. It's making my sword hand twitch, too...
Probably best to leave it alone.
Huh... It's weird. It's sweet, but it's not like any other cake I've tasted... I think I'm okay though.
*The note is messy and hard to read, but Owain can barely make it out.*
Cake...Please do not cut the cake...
The cake's feeling would be hurt...
Cake is God, the cake will guide us...
THE CAKE GRANTS IMMORTALITY!
*End of Note*
*Owain stares at the note for a minute, before grabbing the curved single edged blade from it's sheath, and trying to slash the cake in two.*
If this note says to not cut the cake, then I defy the note! Be cut in twine, cake-demon!
*twane
*Owains blade cuts into the icing of the cake but is stopped at the cake itself. Suddenly creamy black tendrils form out of the cake like legs and the cake crawls out from under the blade and onto the floor.*
Cake: Reeeegh!
*The cake opens its mouth to reveal a set of sharp candy corn teeth. As it begins growing and size. Multiple eyes that look like gumballs open up and peer at the group as the cake hisses at them.*
What did the note sa-... Oh. What in the world!? Akari get away from that thing!
*Once the cake had revealed itself to indeed be a demon, she'd quickly step forward and try to get in front of Akari. She usually tries to keep her distance from her enemies but due to Akari's positioning she has to get close. At this point she'd bring about Seraph, her angelic persona descending upon her.*
*Owain backflips away from the cake, before quickly dashing fowards at it, slashing it at high speeds and ending up behind it after the attack.*
My sword hand twitches! I'll certainly cut you in half this time, foul pastry!
OOC: Forgot to add my action...
*Once Seraph had joined the battle alongside its human, it releases two blinding blasts of light. Hopefully the cake demon has eyes and can be blinded.*
Woah!
*Akari backs away, behind Alice*
Weird. It's dangerous but, kinda cute...
I-I'll back everyone up! Let me know if you want me to scan it!
*The cake demon takes the brunt of the attack as it screeches in pain while red gumdrops flood out of its mouth. An appendage made of icing extends out to scratch Owain from behind while Alice's light agitates its eyes causing them to begin shooting out at Alice like projectiles.*
**Battle Starto!**
**Party's Turn!**
*With Akari now backing off from the cake monster, Alice would try to back up as well as the eyes were coming straight for her. She takes her spear from Seraph and tries to stab them before they impact her but she misses both of them and they end up hitting her, causing her to stumble and fall over. While down she'd command Seraph lest the monster follow up on this disadvantage.*
Kyaa! S-Seraph unleash your radiant light!
*The angel would send forth a simple, bless-based attack in the form of a three-spear burst, all three of them exploding upon impact should it hit the cake demon.*
[*What appear to be metal wires all at least an inch thick fly out of seemingly nowhere and shoot toward the cake demon in an apparent attempt to impale it. The source of these wires is unknown for the time being, but at the very least it isn't attacking the party yet.*
*Eyeing the fight behind himself, Owain slashes at the icing arm extending out towards him, before following up with another slash at the cake.*
Leave the cake to me! You two just focus on staying safe and providing backup!
**Enemy Turn**
*Without its eyes the cake blindly charges forward but ends up charging directly into a tree instead of at Alice. The 3 spears of light hit it directly and explode in a burst of holy light causing the icing on the cake to begin disintegrating. Owain slashes away the arm that reached out to claw him as it begins to fall off from the explosion of light. When the arm falls to the ground it immediately begins to harden. The wire impales the monster in one of the spots the icing has disintegrated from seeming to strike halfway through to the monster's core.*
Cake: Reeeeegh! Aaaaaagh! *Hiss*!
*Red Gumdrops begin leaking out of the monster before they begin shooting out in all directions in a clear blind attempt to hit everyone. They fly at the same speed as bullets.*
**Party Turn**
E-Everyone! There's someone else here! I don't know if they're good or bad, but be careful!
*Due to positioning, Alice might not be able to cover the others but she makes sure to fall back further so she can cover for Akari. At this point she'd unveil a new trick, putting her hands together and praying as Seraph positions itself in front of her. The persona's six wings spread open wide as a barrier of light is erected in front of it, but the cost of erecting said barrier requires Alice to continue pouring her prayers into it and even then it won't stop side attacks, back attacks, or attacks coming from underneath or above them. Of course the barrier would take on the bless element and any element she's weak to would most likely quickly destroy this barrier quicker.*
*The barbed wires retract out of sight to some source behind the party. In their place, a demon appears in a purple flash. The demon seems to be an exposed animal skull atop the body and attire of a butler. It hold a candelabrum in it's right hand, and blasts fire from it in an attempt to burn the cake monster. A few stray gumdrops graze the demon, but it seems mostly unharmed.*
*Owain is unable to dodge speeding bullets, and takes a good amount of damage, covering his face to make sure the enemy doesn't shoot his eye out.
Once it's stopped, Owain points his sword towards the enemy, glowing with a blue light.*
It's time for...
The Shooting Star Strike!
*Owain rushes the cake, striking it 5 times in rapid succession. Each hit does half damage, but 2 of the 5 hits seems to do about 3x their halved damage.*
**Enemy Turn**
*The barrier protects Alice and Akari from the gumdrop hail. The cake begins breathing heavily as it tries to get up. Suddenly a burst of flames from a candelabra engulfs the cake and thoroughly overcooks it, causing its body to become hard and crack. Owain comes rushes forwards and deals 1, no 2, no 3 strikes before slicing half way through the cake with 1 more and then slicing it completely in half with a final strike.*
*The cake begins to tremble and shake before coming apart into two half on the ground as a shower of assorted candies rain down from the monster's stomach.*
**Battle Endo**
We did it! Is anyone hurt...?
*Satisfied, the demon turns to the humans with a ravenous look in it's eye. It seems ready to attack before it is kicked in the head by a man who appears from behind the group.*
"Ow! Was that really needed Your Excellency?"
*The man looks at the demon dissatisfied.*
Bifrons. If you dare to harm a human without my direct command, I will destroy you myself.
*Seeming to have received the message, Bifrons vanishes while mumbling under his breath. With him gone, the man turns to the group with a gentle smile.*
Hello sons of man, it is an honor to meet you. You seem to have stumbled into a realm not your own, or perhaps I would be more accurate in saying you came here of your own free will? Regardless, the danger here will only increase. I must ask that you return.
*Once the attack had been dealt with and the monster destroyed Alice would cease her prayers and Seraph's barrier would dissipate before the angelic persona rose up and disappeared once more. Alice was still standing but she had suffered some damage from the eyes and some of the bullet-like gumdrops, certainly not anything major enough to warrant attention.*
I can't say I'm completely unscathed but I think I can manage. Are you okay Akari?
*She turns to face her childish companion, glancing between her and the strange man who has now announced his presence to the group.*
I'm okay, strong lady... You were really cool.
*Akari giggled, smiling at Alice innocently. Akari then waved at the strange man, but stayed close to Alice and held the end of her sleeve*
Hi... We wanna go to the big tree.
*Akari pointed towards the tree. Absentmindedly though, she looks over at the candy...*
Eheh... Again with the whole "strong lady" thing huh?
*Once Akari looked to the newcomer Alice would do the same. She narrows her gaze upon him before following up off of what Akari had said.*
This girl speaks the truth. I don't know who you are sir but we can't turn back just yet until our mission is accomplished so I'd ask that you please don't prevent us from doing so.
... I see.
*The man looks up at the tree, his expression grave.*
If you wish to go then I will not interfere, it is not my place to meddle in the desires of humanity. However, that THING'S presence here makes me quite uneasy. If it would not be a bother, might I accompany you?
You've only shown thus far that you aren't too fond of this Nyarlathotep as well so I guess in that case the enemy of my enemy is my friend. I wouldn't mind if you tagged along... er whatever your name is, but I can't speak for the others.
*After giving her opinion on the matter she'd then turn to Akari as if wanting her input as well.*
OOC: Sounds like a plan!
OOC: Yeah, let's continue later, I think Sayaka fell asleep.