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Post by MeadowSong on May 6, 2010 23:04:10 GMT -5
[glow=purple,2,300]A lone black shadow crept up the magnificent crystal steps to the highest peak of the Castle of Nowhere. Standing alone before the creature stood a horn-crowned figure, clad in all black save for her pale-green hands and a long, thin face. The woman glared down as the little shadow met its master, and she let it know of her anger. She collected her golden, emerald-topped sceptre from her right hand and slammed it hard on the marble floor. A loud "click-ping!" emanated off the walls, and the shadow shivered in fear.
"So you have returned," said Maleficent, her voice fresh and clean. "Though I expected you to bring him here!" When she noticed the violent shaking of the tiny Heartless, she softened up. "No matter, no matter. In good time, my little friend, I shall have assembled a brand new campaign. This is the Era of Darkness, and I am its Mistress!"
Maleficent turned from the Heartless and stared up from her place beneath the heart-shaped moon.
"Find Shego. Bring her here, at least, if you can manage. I shall send her in. She's from that world, from what I recall. I highly doubt that the good Doctor Drakken will be able to resist the call, then. Now go!"[/glow]
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Post by Atticus the Fallen on May 6, 2010 23:25:17 GMT -5
As the little shadow ran off to tend to its duties, another kind of darkness began to weigh down the atmosphere of the room... Leaning against the wall behind Maleficent was a creature that radiated a kind of darkness that was simultaneously soul-crushing and inviting. It looked like a man, for all terms and purposes... yet it wore a tattered cape and elegant dresswear underneith. Raven feathers at his collar concealed most of his face, while the darkness below his wide-rimmed hat cast everything else into total shadow, not allowing even the faintest shimmer of light onto his features. From the dark depths of those shadows, two burning yellow points would glow outward, seeming to sear into the very soul, reading your every secret, your every dark desire... On his chest was emblazoned the symbol of his brood, the Heartless. In his arms was another of the shadows, shivering lightly at the rage of the woman not far from his position, yet he stood perfectly still and calm, stroking the thing like one would a child...
"Does it do your heart some good, to abuse my family so?" he asked, his voice echoing all around as if he were everywhere in this place, seeping from every dark corner in this world on the edge of darkness. "They only wish to serve to the best of their ability... and they will..." he set the creature down here, standing to his full height, which closely matched that of the witch-queen barking orders. "They're good at following commands... they will serve as they always have, oh great mistress..."
He walked closer, his bootsteps echoing in the chamber creepily. He stood right next to her, not caring if she felt the urge to attack or not. He knew he could overpower her easily... but it wasn't the body he was interested in, not by a long shot. "Might I ask a question..." he whispered, eyes burning forward as though watchign something unseen.
"Your allies have failed you in the past... why surround yourself with such weaklings?" His head slowly turned, those hellish eyes watching for any flicker of emotion that benefitted HIS cause, though he disguised it so well with apparent loyalty. "Is it because you know if they're as strong as you, they'll look for a place to stick a knife?"
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Post by MeadowSong on May 6, 2010 23:50:07 GMT -5
[glow=purple,2,300]Taking a breath, Maleficent stroked the feathered back of her small pet seated atop the emerald sphere of her sceptre. She grinned, that wicked, evil mouth curving upward.
"I had a feeling you would come and see me," she said. Diablo, her raven companion, hunched up and squawked angrily at the shadowed figure. "Now, my pet. Is that really the way we treat guests? Even those uninvited?" She turned to face the intruder, her yellow eyes piercing his person, gazing him up and down. "You know, I do believe I warned Pete not to let you in until I called for you. But now that you're here, I suppose it would be best to make the most of your visit. And to answer your question, I recruit them because they benefit me. Having a deep reserve of Heartless on call is all fine and well, but having allies with hearts can also make for lovely agents in places only they can venture."
A loud, high-pitched cackle could be heard in the distance, and Maleficent merely pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration.
"Blast it all, I had hoped I would have more time...Atticus, I believe that we shall need to continue this discussion another time, unless you'd like to stay and watch."[/glow]
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Post by Atticus the Fallen on May 7, 2010 0:03:45 GMT -5
Atticus tilted his head lightly, not in agitation but to simply acknowledge her disapproval of his being there. He was compelled to correct this. "Let us not forget, my queen, we heartless follow you because it benefits us as well. Many has the heart fallen that came by your guidance... But if you dislike our company so much, perhaps the sudden disappearance of entire legions is a small price to pay to be free of our nuisance?" In other words, he was letting her know he'd pull them all out if she was just so opposed to his little visits.
Then the cackling came, and the annoyance was clear on Maleficent's face even as the dark mage turned his attention elsewhere in the castle, as though he could see through walls. "It would seem your poppinjay is requesting your immediate attention, my queen..." he muttered. He then looked to her as she made her statement.
"His company does not bother me... The manic energy he puts into his brand of evil intrigues me. Perhaps I'll stay, if only to sample the clown's latest antics..."
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Post by MeadowSong on May 7, 2010 0:24:04 GMT -5
[glow=purple,2,300]Contemplating all that the Waltz had said, she muttered a curse under her breath. Once more she heard the jester's frightening laugh and she turned to the center of the chamber, where a light of sparkling orbs of electricity danced in loops, announcing his presence.
"And so steps forth the queen's jester..." she said, bowing low as Kefka stepped out of his parlor trick of an entrance. "Greetings, Kefka. What brings you so far from your world to see me? Did I not tell you that I would come to see you when I had your assignment?"[/glow]
[glow=gold,2,300]"One thousand and fifty-one pardons," Kefka cried, striking a dramatic pose. "But this simply could not wait even fourteen seconds!"[/glow]
[glow=purple,2,300]She tapped her foot on the marble, and folded her arms together. "Well?"[/glow]
[glow=yellow,2,300]"Oh-ho! Getting a bit testy, are we? Ho-ho-ho, ha-ha-ha-ha! You are so droll! Never fun, never! Never! Ah-hem...but no, really..." he cracked his knuckles and sat down on the cold floor, his legs crossed. "I went to the place we discussed, but wouldn't you know it? The goodie-goodies have already been there. At least that's what I'm telling you now."[/glow]
[glow=purple,2,300]She stared at him, a blank expression on her face, though her brow was twitching. "...they've taken it? When? Where? Why did you do nothing to stop them? Could you not have taken a moment to at least SEARCH for them?"[/glow]
[glow=yellow,2,300]Kefka scratched his head. "I thought it would be much more fun this way, to be honest. They all flock together, and eventually they will fall into my trap. And then I will painfully end their miserable little lives."[/glow]
[glow=purple,2,300]"You are such an incompetant fool; I should have taken your heart the moment we met...on the other hand, Kefka. You have proven useful in other fields. Perhaps I shall give you another chance."[/glow]
[glow=yellow,2,300]"Oh, goody! I assumed you'd send me on another boring mission to take some precious item."[/glow]
[glow=purple,2,300]"Not at all. From now on, you shall follow Atticus, here, around until I call you back. He is your stand-in master until such a time."[/glow]
[glow=yellow,2,300]"Oh?" He tilted his head to the side and looked Atticus up and down. "Oh, I wasn't aware we were supposed to come dressed in drag," he said chuckling, and stood up. "Very well, then, Maleficent. I shall do as you say, for a while." He raised his hands up above his head and clapped them thrice. Three harlequin-like shadows rose from his own, and wiggled around in strangely terrifying dances. "I am ready when you are."[/glow]
[glow=purple,2,300]"Oh. And Atticus, if you see Shego on your way out, do tell her to come see me."[/b][/glow][/font]
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Post by Atticus the Fallen on May 7, 2010 0:36:07 GMT -5
The dark mage looked over to the jester as he began laughing and hooting it up and telling his little tale. The heartless wasn't entirely sure of their plans, but frankly he didn't care. Shy of wanton slaughter, Atticus couldn't possibly care less what they did, so long as the heartless thrived. And let's face it, when Maleficent schemed, his brood did in fact benefit greatly. That fact was evident even in Kefka's happy brood. Apparently, some heartless had taken a great liking to the clown and had agreed to be molded into his image. It was cute, in a sick, twisted sort of way.
"Very well..." Atticus muttered when Kefka was put into his charge. He already knew how best to make use of the clown's... talents... He looked to the manic would-be-god and nodded. "Let's go..." he said simply, turning on the spot with all the darkness of the room wrapping around him, instantly using a corridor of darkness to transport himself and the clown to a world far removed from here. All that was left of him was his voice echoing in the hall...
"My family will bring her here presently. A little patience, my queen..."
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The Heartless Army
Another Heart
"Those without hearts are those without mercy."
Posts: 81 
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Post by The Heartless Army on May 8, 2010 20:13:56 GMT -5
Atticus was good to his word. The heartless began to swarm in a neat puddle in front of Maleficent, creating an exit portal from the dark in-between places that the Heartless roamed.
They would deposit a green-clad woman before the self-proclaimed mistress of all evil, scattering not too long afterwards. The woman might experience some... side effects of the use of a Corridor of Darkness, some of which being a SLIGHT weakening of the heart, due to the massive amounts of darkness that exist in the portal and the ambush tactic the Heartless used to get her here. If one is not careful in the corridors, one could easily become lost...
They retreated to the corners of the castle, watching from their hivelike collective inky pools with teeming yellow eyes all observing every motion that went on. They were greatly interested in what was going to happen next, as it could greatly influence what was to come...
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Shego
Another Heart
Y'know, for someone who's supposedly a mad genius, I'm not seeing much of the "genius".
Posts: 298
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Post by Shego on May 8, 2010 20:38:29 GMT -5
Shego would emerge from the dark corridors, trembling, quivering in unprecedented anger towards the redhead, along with the rest of the world. She was at a point of desperation, wanting to punch or kick at anything that stood before her, only to find an ominous-looking woman with a similar skin complexion as her.
The anger was there, but she had become rather puzzled. Was this the future? Was the woman before her, herself? What's with the bird? What in GODS name was she wearing?? Did Drakken blow her off?! Was she... a WIDOW!? Well, either way, she was certain the guy had it coming.
The thief continued to stare at the woman, raising a dark eyebrow as she continued to examine, until she came to a conclusion:
"So YOU are the one who brought me trouble?!" The thief's hands would glow a soft green, warming up, "Even if you ARE me, you should know I HATE bad trips!!"
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Post by MeadowSong on May 8, 2010 21:17:54 GMT -5
[glow=purple,2,300]The woman held sceptre in hand, and raven on her shoulder. She smirked, and approached the newcomer with practiced, cautious steps. She did this not out of fear, as she knew her power was far greater than anybody else's. She simply did this to intimidate.
"Welcome, Shego. I am Maleficent, Mistress of All Evil." She bowed lightly, and then panned the chamber with her piercing gaze. "Where is Doctor Drakken? I had assumed that you would bring the bumbling blue oaf to me on your journey here."
She began pacing; irritated as she was, however, she wouldn't take out her anger on someone so promising. She looked Shego up and down with a sincere smile.
"You will do well here, under my great tutelage. Welcome to the Other Side, Shego." She moved forward, close to Shego, and pressed her open palm on the other woman's chest. Black energy started swirling around her wrists.
"Shall I see about making an outfit more befitting for a servant to great, then?" She grinned. "What I grant you will boost your physical strength by threefold, as well as give you the power to open up Corridors of Darkness. When you have proved your worth, I will give an enhancement to allow you to summon your own Heartless."[/glow]
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Shego
Another Heart
Y'know, for someone who's supposedly a mad genius, I'm not seeing much of the "genius".
Posts: 298
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Post by Shego on May 8, 2010 23:30:46 GMT -5
The thief's lips would curl downward, and stretch back into a sneer. She didn't know who this WOMAN thought she was, NO ONE rested a hand on her so freely! Shego swung up to slap the woman's hand away, and backed away into a fighting stance, her eyes glowing an intimidating green, like her hands.
"Hey hey hey- whoa!" The woman's eye twitched slightly as she held up a glowing finger towards said 'Mistress of All Evil' and spoke in a low tone, "Mistress of Evil or Kumquats, NO one KIDNAPS me for kicks... I don't recall ever AGREEING to be your SERVANT and--"
There was a light pause on the younger woman, her hands slowly fading in the light department. Her eyes seeming calmer, but without lowering guard, "..... threefold, you say...?"
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Post by MeadowSong on May 9, 2010 13:55:22 GMT -5
[glow=purple,2,300]Maleficent grinned, and tapped her sceptre down a couple of times in contemplation. She caressed her fragile hand and stared at it, deep in thought. Looking back up to the younger woman, she stepped forward again, closing in on the woman fast.
"Yes!" she exclaimed. "Exponentially greater, in fact. Threefold is nothing compared to the awesome power it truly holds. All light fades in the darkness, Shego, and with the dark comes phenomenal power."
Thinking back to some words she shared with her former ally Jafar, she smiled again, only this time it was a sad, longing one.
"What say you, Shego?"[/glow]
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Shego
Another Heart
Y'know, for someone who's supposedly a mad genius, I'm not seeing much of the "genius".
Posts: 298
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Post by Shego on May 9, 2010 16:29:22 GMT -5
Felt a little uncomfortable with the woman's advances, but she would still hold her ground, not breaking eye-contact with the witch. Her green orbs would stare deep into the other woman's eyes, as if searching for something.
" What's the catch?" the thief would ask, an eyebrow raised further than the other, in question, " No offense, but it sounds TOO good an offer to just be given... and I don't know what you are going on about, this light and darkness thing, all I see is a dark woman that seems amped in destroying the world or ruling it or whatever..... I like it-- at least more than Drakken's penny-worth ideas..."
The thief was honest when she had to be. She raised her arms high enough to cross them, her black hair still from their wind-less surroundings. Even the highlight green of her checkered catsuit seemed dim with the environment.
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Post by MeadowSong on May 9, 2010 16:44:13 GMT -5
[glow=purple,2,300]Maleficent took a step backwards and began circling Shego very slowly. Diablo took flight and went counter-clockwise in a similar fashion.
"But of course, my lovely. There is always a, how you say, catch. You can't receive something without giving up something. What I offer you does, indeed, come at a price. All I ask for...is your soul. Your allegience. And, when this is all over, your heart."
She cackled her nasty witch's laugh and made her way across the room where a black and purple throne had just risen and sat.
"Being the Mistress of All Evil's proxy in the other worlds, as well as my right-hand, Shego, will allow you glories beyond what today you comprehend as menial tasks. You wish for power? I offer it. You seek infamy? You're very close. Accepting my offer is far better than letting one of my other servants play with you. And trust me now when I tell you...what I will do to you is nothing compared to what he can cook up in that manic brain of his."[/glow]
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Shego
Another Heart
Y'know, for someone who's supposedly a mad genius, I'm not seeing much of the "genius".
Posts: 298
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Post by Shego on May 9, 2010 20:13:58 GMT -5
"But of course, my lovely. There is always a, how you say, catch. You can't receive something without giving up something. What I offer you does, indeed, come at a price... "
Shego listened carefully to the witch's words, staying in place, but turning her head to follow the woman as much as she could, before looking to the other side, to connect with the other green-skinned woman again. She would keep her arms closed, "Here we go..." she mumbled, before she heard the woman continue.
"...All I ask for...is your soul. Your allegiance. And, when this is all over, your heart."
"Ehh... I don't know about my soul, but as long as you are the highest bidder, which clearly you are-- you'll have my allegiance." The thief blushed darkly, misinterpreting the last part; she held her arms and cringed a little in an almost shy manner, "wait...MY...heart? Hold on!"
The thief backed away a little, holding her hands up, "Whoa whoa whoa, um, yeah- see... We just met aaaand you are cute and all-- but I don't technically SWING that way... I mean, sure- I'm after this red-headed cheerleader, but it's strictly on a HATE to DESPISE basis..."
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Post by MeadowSong on May 10, 2010 7:53:53 GMT -5
[glow=purple,2,300]"Eh...Swing that..." She was mildly confused, but when it finally reached her, she simply chuckled, and bit the tip of her pointer finger. "Shego, dear, you are truly the perfect candidate for my apprentice." She stepped up from her throne and inched closer again, pressing her hand up to Shego's chest once more. "But the heart I'm after...is here."
Then she gave a thoughtful look at the woman's face, pondered over what she had misinterpreted, and then considered it. "Er...yes, well...my offer stands, and I grow impatient. There are matters to attend to that simply can not wait. I have plans that need to be put into action, and your stalling only makes for an enraged queen."[/glow]
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