A Calling...of Darkness

[Orestes]

In the floating, swirling miasma of darkness that was the World that Never Was, a sudden explosion of power resounded from nowhere. A portal borne entirely of shadows erupted from the surrounding air, growing in density and intensity until a single, shadow-like appendage reached out from the hole.

Orestes Tane, the Lost One, stepped out of the portal, taking in a deep breath of air. Sighing, he gazed around at the darkness and felt a rush of power flow into him. This was his home, where he belonged, and he had work to do...

Sitting down cross-legged on the ground, Orestes probed the Darkness with his mind, searching out the one familiar presence that he respected and feared...Atticus, the Fallen.

Master...I call out to you because I have need of your aid...I need instruction. Come to me. Tell me your bidding, and I will execute it...The time has come for me to begin fulfilling my true potential. I await your answer, Master...

Orestes closed his eyes, remaining in the lotus position until his awaited reunion...

[Atticus the Fallen]

"I trust you're finding your new form to your liking...?" a voice whispered all about in the dark room in which the man was sitting. "Far superior to the frail thing you left behind..." From behind, a dark creature stepped forward. His raven wings fluttered, and his glowing yellow eyes pierced the darkness as he came into view, brushing past Orestes' left shoulder.

He paused with his back to the man, looking up. "I would have expected your aclamation to take a little longer, after destroying your nobody and absorbing the darkness that animated it... Quite impressive for a newly formed Heartless..." he commented, then turned to look at him appraisingly.

"You will have a vital role to play in upcoming events... but for now I have to go to the Opera House. In the meantime..." he paused, thinking a bit. He turned to face Orestes fully, his hands behind his back as he spoke. "... let's see just how far down the rabbit hole you're willing to go. Literally..."

With a gesture, Atticus created a corridor of darkness off to the man's right hand side. "Beyond this, you'll find Wonderland. Destroy it," was his final word before floating backward and disappearing through his own corridor to the Opera House...