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khlegacynexus · 2 years

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I own nothing except the stuff I made up

Vs Dhoulmagus!

With the Sun Mirror finally charged. The ship immediately passed through the arch. To cut through to the coast of the Burracrat area coast line. Eventually a dry desolate looking island came into view. As they got closer, Kiro could see a heavy black cloud hanging over a strange building at the top.

"What you're seeing is the Dark Ruins." Ehro said in a serious tone. Kiro could tell he was filled with determination to end the curse as fast as humanly possible. Kiro just felt anxious he had never fought anything of a large scale before. He couldn't even muster the courage the last time the opportunity came up. That just filled him with guilt. He felt like the weakest link in the chain here. Not only that, already he could sense an intense magical power. Even though they were miles away, its presence was intense and fierce from there. No doubt it could've crushed him if it wanted too.

Soon the ship docked and they all climbed off. Ehro lead them up the hill. Kiro soon saw a large white decrepit building. The walls were covered in a chipped white paint with brick sticking out underneath. There were a couple of doors on each side of them. The main building itself seem to have many windows. Floating menacingly out of them and the door however was a sinister Dark Aura. It floated like a thick veil with bright purples and blues but mostly a deep endless black.

"That's a powerful dark enchantment." Amei muttered shivering a little. The usually bubbly girl was showing fear. No doubt she felt that presence too. And Jessica who was keeping herself steady.

"Last time we were here, we charged right after Dhoulmagus. But that enchantment on the ruins had us loop around in a circle right back outside." Angelo explained pointing out a man nearby, "Golding's children, sent mercenaries to seek revenge as well. His men must be nearby."

"Looks like we're all on the same side here," Nanaki noted.

"Sounds good to me," Zidane replied. "Strength in numbers after all," he added. Behind Kiro, he soon noticed a large blue polished crystal spire on a white pedestal in the middle of the area. There were a few in the area but this one was the biggest of the bunch.

"There," Ehro said quietly rushing over to it. Kiro, Yangus, Angelo and Jessica followed. Zidane, Nanaki and Amei hung back. When they got up the small set of stairs Kiro could see an indent on the center of the pedestal that was the perfect shape for the Sun mirror. Right under it was an inscription of some sort that he couldn't read.

"Ehro what does that say?" Kiro asked. Ehro glanced at it as quickly as he could. Kiro felt guilty instantly, he shouldn't have asked. Thankfully Ehro was patient with him.

"It's in a language that's been lost to this world. It's also too worn to read, sorry." Ehro said.

"No don't worry about it, I wasted time by asking." Kiro said.

"There's nothing wrong with a quick question Kiro." Jessica assured as Ehro fitted the mirror into the slot. They turned to watch, the mirror began to shine brightly. It then seemed to charge up power. Kiro with a quiet yelp jumped away. Ehro backed out of the way as well. A powerful beam of light Kiro could feel the intense heat from. Almost to the point he felt a small tingling on his skin, shot out from the mirror and pierced through the Darkness. Light shone from the building almost like it was exploding inside. But as quickly as it entered and lit up the building brightly, it faded away leaving the door way clear.

"That was some intense magic." Angelo whistled. "If, you and Kiro didn't move; it would've burnt a hole right through the two of you."

"The Dark Aura it disappeared!" the man cried out. "So you managed to get the Royal Argonian Mirror! That means we can now fight Dhoulmagus!"

"That's right!" Ehro declared proudly.

"And we suffered for it immensely!" Kiro added with a slight whine. The man chuckled but not at Kiro's joke. Though no doubt everyone on the western continent, if not this world in general; had heard of Prince Charmless. But it seemed to be more the prospect of now being able to just walk in and up to Dhoulmagus.

"Well, then errr, I'll just go and fetch my men!" he said timidly before, running off in a way that didn't suggest any valor to those observing him.

"He's not coming back is he?" Zidane asked.

"Doubtful," Nanaki and Angelo said together. The Blonde sighed slumping over his hangs hanging close to his feet before straightening up.

"So much for strength in numbers," Zidane muttered.

"We don't really have time to be sure," Ehro said hurrying the group along. Kiro had the feeling he was getting impatient to fight Dhoulmagus. Of Course his Childhood friend, home and Master had been cursed. Kiro wasn't sure what he was doing here though as he had no personal stake in this and he had plum forgot to mention he was Corrum's apprentice to Clavius he sighed. But part of him wanted to see this through for their sake.

"At last," Trode suddenly appearing said. "At last we can finish off that despicable Dhoulmagus!" he said with vigor right beside Yangus who jumped in the same pose he did the last time.

"COR BLIMEY!" he shouted.

"The moment is finally here," Ehro muttered.

"Yes, we've been travelling for a long while now. Looking back on all the hard times, I feel strangely nostalgic." Trode said. Kiro smiled a little at this. It reminded him about how his dad felt, about his adventures. It was hard, but they held a place in his heart. Like the good ones. They made Sora stronger and better. Perhaps this journey had done the same for Ehro and his group.

"But this is no time for reminiscing you dawdlers! This is our chance! Dhoulmagus is apparently a bit under the weather at the moment. We must give him a good thrashing! And lift this diabolical curse!" he shouted. "We'll be waiting out here," he quickly added. Alluding to himself and Medea. "I'm sure you won't have any trouble." He said rushing back to the cart. Kiro couldn't blame him there wasn't much he or Medea could do about fighting. The Mirror seemed to keep the Heartless out of this area so that was a plus.

"Let's get going guv!" Yangus said determinedly.

Ehro nodded as they ran inside. As they entered Kiro noticed a wailing blue fire with a perpetual sad face turned to them his incorporeal body quivered in fear the flames making it up flickered wildly. "OOOOH, The Aura of Darkness has been destroyed!" It cried. "This shrine was built in anticipation of our beloved leader, Rhapthorne. The aura of Darkness was its protection from evil heretics." It explained before it let out a shriek. Then it moaned and cried. "You infidels have broken through it! You must be preparing to attack us!" It moaned whipping around the room wildly; before rushing through Zidane who shivered violently, wrapping his arms tightly around himself. The look on his face made him look like he had been violated.

"Brrr…..that was nasty!" he shivered his tail puffing out as much as it could.

Kiro then noticed a large, winged monster statue with horns. It looked down on the group with malevolence. Kiro shivered, it creeped him out. The hall itself was lined with statues of winged demons with a cackling smile looking down on them. Kiro looked up at the wall that was had an enchantment on it making it, impossible to climb Amei tried dispelera on it. It didn't work.

"No good." She sighed.

"Looks like we're playing by their rules, let's look around for a way to get in there." Ehro said.

"I see two doors, let's split up and see if we can find anything." Angelo suggested.

"Good idea." Ehro agreed. "Yangus, Jessica, Angelo and I will take the door on the left."

"Okay me, and the others will go on the right." Zidane replied. The two groups split Kiro deciding to go with Zidane's group. There were a few monsters inside that they had to fight. Which were a lot more intelligent and tenacious then Heartless, also unlike them. It seemed these monsters fought with purpose. But with the help of Nanaki and Amei's powerful magic they were eventually felled.

"Whew…." Kiro sighed exhausted. He used cure to help himself stay in shape.

"They're protecting something," Nanaki growled as they climbed to the second floor.

"Yeah, but what," Kiro asked.

"It's possible Dhoulmagus has enchanted the monsters around here, to act as body guards while he gives himself time to heal." Amei suggested.

"Yeah that's gotta be it!" Zidane replied. "Apparently Golding gave him a thrashing before he was killed. That's what Ehro said." As they made it outside onto the second floor balcony Kiro could see Ehro's group come out from their side. Ehro's side had a large lever which he pulled the group watched to see that from the strange tiling in the floor stairs had appeared. Quickly rushing back downstairs the group reconvened at the newly found stair case. They climbed up and only saw another set of stairs going deeper into the ruins. "Nowhere to go but down," Ehro muttered, of course Monsters of Darkness liked going down underground as far away from the sun as possible. Kiro grimaced at the thought he debated staying behind but he marched on. The presence had become so over bearing and intense like a Wolf eyeing a lamb for food.

Upon entering the stairwell, they saw large menacing looking vines. That Ehro's group recognized as exactly like the ones infesting Trodain castle. Making their way down the stairs, there was a monster that looked like the one they had just seen. But Ehro said that this one was a fire spirit. The last one was called a lost soul. Zidane got in a fighting stance his feet twitching a little as if to jump out of the way at any time. But this Monster however, seemed calm regarding the group with a relaxed demeanor. He seemed to be too awe in something else to consider the prospect that a group were invading the ruins. But he did let out a slight chilling moan. Under the shrill cold cry was a layer of anticipation.

"I felt it! For the first time, in what seems like an eternity, I felt the power of Rhapthorne near me!" He cried happily like a fangirl. His tone quickly changed to one of regret. "But, my lack of physical form prevents me from seeing the Lord of Darkness. Could it really have been him? Could he really have returned to us?!" he asked in sheer hope.

"Rhapthorne?" Kiro parroted in fear. The fire spirit turned to him and laughed eerily the perpetual frown turning into a twisted smile.

"You'll find out light dwellers. Very soon you shall know, and despair as we have Eons ago." He said floating up with a chilling laugh.

"Uhh…..Ehro, did that staff happen to come with a name such as Rhapthorne?" Zidane asked.

"I don't know." Ehro admitted. "All me, Princess Medea and King Trode know is that the scepter was entrusted to his Ancestors. It was never meant to leave the castle….that is until Dhoulmagus showed up." he sighed hotly.

Yangus scratched his head. "I don' 'ave anything against this Dhoulmagus. So I don' share this hate that ya all 'ave. I feel a little left out."

"Don't worry about it Yangus," Ehro assured as they made it to the bottom of the stairs. Knowing Yangus had come along out of the goodness of his Heart. Wanting to repay Ehro for saving his life even after he had tried to mug them.

The second floor basement had a maze inside of it. And already their path was blocked. However they quickly noticed a stair case nearby following the path. They found the switch beside a wall on top of the other walls that helped to barricade them in at first. By following that same path back. Then going through the now open door way, they went into the next part of the maze. They found themselves quickly trapped again. But this time they were on a bit of a loop.

"It looks like we'll need to follow the upper path to proceed." Ehro said as he scanned the area. Kiro was surprised and annoyed to find water at the very edges of the maze. That same water had trapped them from no other way but going back.

"Come on!" he groaned running around frantically trying to find a way across.

"Just stay calm. As long as we keep our cool we can get through this quickly." Ehro assured.

"Oi' guv I found another switch!" he said pulling it. It turned out to be the correct one.

"Good Ol' Yangus." He said. Their only way forward from that point was going up the nearby stairs. Thanks to Yangus, they were able to cross over the wall. Kiro had a better picture of the maze's lay out. He saw another switch on an adjacent wall. They followed the path to a stair case that took them down towards the exit. They ran towards it. The door was closed.

"How do ya like that? We made it through and the way's still closed off." Yangus sighed.

"Looks like we're going to have to try and open it with another switch." Jessica replied.

"I don't like this enchantment." Amei sighed. Knowing they could've blasted their way through. But these walls were most likely lined with Anti Magic which would've caused any spells to fizzle out.

They took a look around. Soon finding a switch that was across from the one Yangus used to help the group move forward. They were blocking the way more. But it was necessary as they made a bridge leading up to a high corner of the room. And at the end was the switch they needed to open the door to the third floor.

"Alright!" Zidane shouted as they retraced their steps back to the switch they pulled earlier at the top of a lone wall and stair case. They completely opened the entrance to the third basement floor. Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs. Kiro felt like he had walked into an Auditorium for a minute. And it some ways perhaps it was. But what lied before them was another maze. But simply one of stairs this time. Ehro looked over the balcony. He was already trying to map out the correct path in his head. But that wasn't the only thing he was looking to see.

"Not good." He hissed. Jessica joined him in looking over the edge. She was about to shout out a name but covered her mouth.

"What is it?" Kiro asked instinctively lowering his voice.

"Trolls." Ehro said pointing to large fat brown colored monsters that had fur loin clothes and large clubs with stone spikes. One hit would turn Kiro into a bloody paste. He shrunk back a little fearful.

"They eat people. We're going to have to get past them somehow." Angelo said thinking for a moment. He then had a thought. If we can snipe them up here. We'll be able to move past them quickly.

"Your Sandman's Arrow ability should do the trick but, will it be powerful enough?" Ehro wondered.

"There's also the fact we might attract the attention of the others if we shoot one and it suddenly drops. They're stupid, not oblivious." Nanaki said. "We'd have to do it quickly."

"Probably like two at a time…." Amei muttered. "Oh! Kiro can turn his Keyblade into a bow. And shoot magic as an Arrow!"

"Well I can ideally. But I lost my power recently. Also I'm not sure if I'd be able to help or just make things worse. If I'm not up to it….then…" he said trailing off.

"We don't really have much of a choice. No one else but you and I can do it." Angelo said as a matter of fact.

Kiro was hesitant. He ran through things in his mind quickly. If he didn't do this they couldn't proceed to Dhoulmagus. They couldn't lift the curse. Nor could they avenge those Dhoulmagus killed. And they'd most likely never get an opportunity like this again. And Medea and Trode would be stuck that way forever. The Kingdom of Trodain would be stuck in its hellish state as well. Knowing that people were suffering wanting to help them. Knowing Sora would do it without hesitation. That pushed him forward to try. "Okay," he said with a wavy yet determined voice.

He transformed his Keyblade into a Bow. Following Angelo's lead he took aim at one a bit further down from where the Templar was aiming. Angelo shot his target quickly. Kiro then shot the other one. Both fell with a thud. The others turned towards the sound but Angelo felled one. The whole thing was nerve wracking he was trying to fire the shot and aim in the span of a few seconds. There was no telling how fast these trolls were. And the one he was targeting, looking right at him made him fumble his shot as fear rushed through his bones with a sharp chill. It instead, hit the troll's gut instead having no effect. Fortunately, Angelo picked up the slack and put it to sleep with another Sandman Arrow. As Kiro's shot did temporarily distract it.

"Sorry….." Kiro sighed.

"Don't worry about it. We got them all and you aced the first shot." Jessica assured.

"That was a close one though." Angelo sighed in relief.

"Yeah, I've done Archery before. But I haven't hit a moving target before, let alone snipe it. And we got their attention I panicked." Kiro sighed. He insulted himself under his breath.

"Hey don't be so hard on yourself. We got them out of the way." Amei assured.

"Yeah a little more practice and this'll be nothing." Zidane added. "Try not to think about what'll happen if you fail. But what you have to do. And how to do it. And next time shoot where you're target is going to be, rather than where it is. Does that make sense?"

"I think so," Kiro replied pondering the words as Zidane spoke them.

"We should hurry," Ehro said. "They could wake up any moment."

"Actually they'll be out for a few hours. Especially the one who got a double dose;" Angelo assured. Kiro chuckled nervously at that last statement.

"Let's try to keep to the left. I think that'll get us to the bottom." Ehro said as they headed down stairs. He was right. They were making steady progress making down a couple flights of stairs running into another Fire Spirit who was looking at the wall before them. Kiro had been too entranced with the high ceiling that had been dug out of earth and rock deep underground to notice the Mural on the wall ahead of them. The Trolls had done a good job distracting them from it as well. Their breath was so bad it smelt like someone had found feces mixed it with rotten eggs, onions and fish. Buttered that on a rotting corpse. Then soaked it in lemon juice, before pouring hot chili pepper seasoning all over it in a thick coating. Kiro hated the smell and dreaded having to pass one of the sleeping ones. He could tell Nanaki was suffering from it more as his ears were flat against his back and his fur had bristled a bit.

"Behold the Mural, oh beings of Flesh and blood." He called to them turning back towards the wall. They all stopped and looked up at the mural was faded but. The Picture was as sharp and clear as a crystal. It depicted a large beast like creature its mouth agape in a malevolent opened fanged, smile. It had a beard bristling out wildly around its almost humanoid like face. It had two horns above both of its red eyes which had been made which large polished red quartz. Not unlike the one, Charmless stupidly bought to feed his ego thinking it was an Argon Heart, wasting all the time they had sacrificed, to put up with him. Because he was too much of a selfish coward to even try to complete the initiation. Above them were two small pointed horns while another curved larger pair grew from the sides of its head.

He noticed these crystals had been enchanted to glow brightly. As for the rest of the Mural the Beast loomed over a bunch of ruins and monsters marching forward as if on command. Two large clawed hands stood far off at each side. Near one was a castle of some kid the whole thing had a starless sky with a black moon as a backdrop.

Kiro felt both in awe and intimidated by the Mural. It made him wonder what had transpired here so many years ago. As well as what horror would be unleashed should these events repeat? The Fire Spirit went on bringing him out of his thoughts. "Behold!" It cried. "The magnificent image of Lord Rhapthorne. Locked in his titanic struggle to bring Darkness to the world. All Worlds!" it declared. "Long ago he created a beautiful, world of Darkness, by filling the ground with the bodies of those who failed to obey him." he cried out in glee.

The group continued on. Leaving the spirit to worship on its own. Whatever this Rhapthrone was they seemed to think Dhoulmagus had some sort of connection with him. "Oi' guv ya tink dose monsters believe that Dhoulmagus is this Rhapthorne Bloke?" Yangus suggested echoing Kiro's thoughts.

"Maybe we'll have to look into it later." Ehro replied as they made it to the bottom. "Maybe there's something in the Trodain Library that can tell us something once the curse is lifted."

They went down the next set of stairs. It was another large room. Not nearly as big as the one they were just in but big enough for its own Mural. This Mural had much more color too it. It depicted a large blue bird above seven figures. A Small boy, a large muscular man. An Abbot, a beautiful woman in a purple dress that looked similar in figure to Jessica. A mage in green clothing. A Tall Templar and a Priest.

Between them, was a strange looking scepter with the top looking like a bird. That had a large jewel in its beak. They were facing against the beast from the last mural but his cape was flapping out forward as if he had just turned. The Beast was seen in a side view as well.

What did any of this mean? Could Dhoulmagus been this Rhapthorne sealed in human form? Was Dhoulmagus, his Nobody? Was Rhapthorne the Heartless then? How, were the Scepter of Trodain and these people connected? Did Xehanort have something to do with this?

A Voice that belonged to another Fire Spirit spoke up just then. Calling out with a chilling moan. "Inside lies, the Holy Altar of Darkness. The Dias built in honor of our lord. Only those who have struck the wings of Empyrea, the Hateful Bird depicted on the wall, are permitted to approach the Lord of Darkness." It said. That Rhapthorne guy no doubt. And now a large bird had been thrown into, the story that had almost no context too as well. The Spirit let out a regretful longing sigh. "But we Spirits have lost all physical substance and cannot hope to move, the demon statues. Oh what a Cruel fate." It moaned referring to the large monsters.

One statue looked like an Orc with a large fur cape. It had a large thick tail, stout but muscular stature and a pair of swords in two of its four hands. It had a gaping open fanged mouth with long upper and lower canines. And large sharp Ox Horns. The other had a large fat bottom jaw, with four smaller fangs of two sizes sticking out from it. It only had two arms but raised a demonic looking lance high above its head. A Large top braid of hair and some large leather armor with a cow tail. Both statues had concentrated streams of magic roaring from their eyes.

"Strike the wings. By moving the Demon statues…Hmmm," Ehro hummed and thought. Zidane looked around the room. He even examined the statues. Noticing a small walk way on one and followed it. He made it to the top where a couple of raised platforms were, one red one blue. He stepped on one and heard stomping. With a yelp he turned and saw the statue stomping as it moved towards the bird in the mural. It over shot a bit. Prompting Zidane to stand on the other one and move it back. Timing when he got off just right where the magic was striking the left wing. In fact it seemed to be a dungeon puzzle like in video games. A Mechanism. The way this Empyrea was depicted its wings were full spread but could in theory be hit by the two beams of magic.

"So that's how!" Zidane said with a large grin on his face. Ehro quickly ran up the walkway on the right one and used the mechanism to aim the remaining statue at the right wing. Instantly the two beams burned away at the bird in the mural erasing it. The Fire spirit ecstatic flew around the room excitedly.

"Thank you, thank you! You attacked the Accursed bird Empyrea for me! Thank you! I can feel it! Lord Rhapthorne's resurrection is nigh! Lead us to the Darkness my Lord. " it cheered flying down the newly opened stairwell.

"I don't think they should be too excited we open the way. If Dhoulmagus, is their new Lord his reign of Darkness won't last very long." Angelo half-joked.

One final stairwell awaited them. Kiro was anxious, part of him begged to run. The magical energy was practically, suffocating now. Kiro could feel his own power completely eclipsed in all aspects to this one. He wasn't strong enough to be of use to them. But he wanted to see this through to the end. He never wanted to be a coward like he was on that horrible day ever again. He noticed Amei turn to a hole in the side of the stairs. She looked inside. There in a small puddle was a small trickling spring of water that was being strangled out. Its glow reminded her of the Mystical Spring.

"What's that?" she asked getting close to it.

"Amei careful!" Ehro gasped running in after him. Fortunately it turned out to be healing water. "Be careful that could've been poison!" Ehro scolded.

"Sorry," Amei muttered sheepishly. "But hey at least we found a quick heal," she suggested, trying to twist her mistake into a positive.

Kiro followed in after the two of them and took a sip. The water tasted sweet, even with the small particles of dirt in it. He instantly felt all the energy return, to his body. Any bruises he had, any aches were gone instantly like he never had them. He cursed Corrum in his thoughts. The fighting and putting Trolls to sleep with magic arrows wouldn't have been nearly as taxing, if he hadn't taken his powers in his sleep. But back at full health and strength maybe he could be of use to everyone now. He went out to let the others heal up. They made it down the stairs.

Before them was one last small stair case with a regal looking door at the top against the back wall. They climbed to it. Ehro opened the door and entered. Kiro wasn't far behind him nor were Zidane's group. Yangus, Jessica and Angelo brought up the rear.

The Room was made of black stone engraved with a strange language that Kiro didn't understand. The Alter was made like a small set of stairs that curved around the room. Candles on everyone stone on each step lined the room. They had dark orange and blood red flames. And a bright dark magic circle. That lit the room in a suffocating eerie purple light. But in the center of the room shining down was a soft blue light.

Above them contained in a large orb of water with several roots sticking out and in above him with a puddle of water suspended by another magic circle, was Dhoulmagus. He was a tall lithe man curled up into a ball. And he definitely looked like a Jester but the glow from the water and its color made his colors hard to discern. But where that spring had come from had made sense now. The Monsters had buried probably a similar spring to the one the seer had near his home. Thinking it was Evil. Well, Evil by their standards anyway. Dhoulmagus had used magic to find it and gather a large amount of it with his magic. And now was using it to heal.

"There 'E is! You ain't gonna slip away this time! Put 'em up Dhoulmagus!" Yangus shouted getting into a fighting stance. Angelo glared up at the healing Jester.

"There's nowhere for you to run now we've got you cornered!" Angelo growled.

"I Made a Promise to my brother!" Jessica shouted readying her staff which glowed brightly with magic. "You'll pay for what you did!" she shouted.

That got his attention sure enough. Dhoulmagus looked down at them. "Well, well, what persistent fools coming after me in here. If I'm not mistaken you're the very same servants, of Trode. I had the displeasure of meeting at Maella Abby." He said before noticing Zidane's group making them get into a fighting stance as well. "And you brought more fools to help you in your pursuit! So! You think you can defeat me and lift your master's curse!?" he asked letting out a mocking laugh. "What Admirable loyalty. But alas I am not receiving visitors at present! I'm healing!" He said firmly as if to show annoyance at being disturbed. "This magic is so overwhelming, that my body can hardly handle it. Such is its power!" he explained.

"The magic is tearing your body apart?!" Kiro shivered exclaiming in fear. It all made sense now that scepter was what he was feeling. It was the source of all the intense power that had only gotten more intimidating as they made their way down. But to be so powerful, that it was tearing Dhoulmagus' body apart?! He had never heard of that before now. The thought frightened him. So much power he couldn't handle it at all.

"A Small price to pay for obtaining such unimaginable might." Dhoulmagus simply answered. "Anyway, you won't be staying long will you?" He asked, condescendingly as he straightened up. Then floated out of the water ball. Kiro could see him clearly now. The Jester outfit he wore had a red and purple stripped tunic. With long tails alternating in red and purple pompoms at the end. Buckled going down the middle was a set of gold clasps. The shoulders were puffy with the rest of the sleeves being skin tight. He wore a purple forked cape at the back with large red pompoms at the end of it. He had black boots and orange pants. His hair was sheet white. Slicked back going down the back of his head reaching to the middle of his back. He had black lipstick and a couple of red markings that looked like scars over his face. His skin wasn't painted Kiro realized with horror. It had become a very pale almost white green. The Scepter of Trodain had a very elegant and very polished appearance. It was the scepter from the Mural. Kiro could see Blue jewels embedded along the shaft. And the large gem in the bird's mouth was red.

"We'll stay long enough to end you!" Ehro growled drawing his sword. "The time has come for you to face judgement."

"Such a pity," Dhoulmagus hummed in response to Ehro's threat. "I'm afraid boy, you won't be able to fulfill your Master's wish." He said sinisterly gripping the staff in his hands before going into a battle pose of his own. "But at least you shall fulfill your own destiny!" he said with sadistic glee. "To die at my hand!" he shouted summoning a couple of copies of himself.

The three Dhoulmagus began swirling around them, Kiro charged at one slashing away but he missed.

"Thundera!" Amei shouted hitting all three, but they seemed to be immune to magic. "What?!"

"Magic won't work against him. Amei you, Angelo and Jessica are going to have to focus on support, while the rest of us attack." Ehro shouted. Amei pouted but nodded. She preferred attacking to supporting. But she kept back as the attackers consisting of Kiro, Yangus, Ehro, Zidane and Nanaki. The Supporting casters cast Accerlatle, Bezerk and Kabuff. Raising their speed, attack and defense; Kiro instantly felt his strength increase.

"So you're trying to strategize are you?" Dhoulmagus mocked as he blasted a powerful Dispelza at the first set support spells before laughing and sending debris at them. Kiro however was quick to put up a Protect spell. The debris cracked the shield a bit but it managed to hold as the rocks fell to the ground.

Nanaki charged at Dhoulmagus while his back was turned. "Down, boy," Dhoulmagus cackled as he used magic to grab the Beast midair. Nanaki flailed a bit before being thrown right into the wall hard. Zidane cried out as he growled and slashed at Dhoulmagus' middle.

Dhoulmagus caught Zidane by the face he lifted the boy off the ground as he struggled to get loose. Yangus used a helm splitter to free the boy and hit him in the back hard. In retaliation Dhoulmagus fired a bunch of vines to tie up Yangus and try to lift him up to slam him hard into the ground.

However a Needle Rain from Angelo which was shots of light from an arrow rained down on the vines cutting them away before they could get the chance. Kiro unleashed a blinding flash of light that distracted Dhoulmagus, allowing Ehro to get a Falcon Slash on him. Ehro slashed at Dhoulmagus twice. He groaned in pain and floated back putting distance between him and Ehro. As Angelo, Amei and Jessica cast another round of support spells.

Ehro meanwhile had taken a moment to use a powerful healing spell called Full-Heal to help Yangus, Zidane and Nanaki back to their feet.

The other two duplicates of Dhoulmagus had suddenly surrounded the support group. The real one had used thorns to keep the attackers from helping them. Fortunately Jessica was ready and put up a Protega spell. Angelo then used two well aimed needle shots to pierce and destroy one of the copies.

Zidane who had managed to weave out of the thorns that Kiro was quickly trying to burn away rushed over to the other Dhoulmagus copy. "Tidal Flame!" He shouted slamming one of his blades into the ground with a strange red and yellow energy that wasn't quite fire. And definitely wasn't magic, because it had caught the copy and instantly made him scream in agony as it faded away. The real Dhoulmagus gasped in shock he tried to quickly cast another spell to make more but then…

"Zap/Thunder!" Kiro and Ehro shouted together destroying the rest of the thorns. Nanaki then blindsided him. Nanaki had then pinned him down and forced Dhoulmagus to try and fend; him off with the staff. Nanaki was trying to push his head over the staff which was pressing up hard against his neck to keep him from getting to the jester. He snarled at him. However Dhoulmagus glared.

"I will not be intimidated by some monster!" he snarled using a powerful burst of lightning to zap Nanaki and throw him off. He prepared to make copies again.

"Oh no, you don't! Blockera," Amei shouted. Casting a red light over Dhoulmagus, his spell instantly failed. Dhoulmagus glared in frustration but sneered.

"Nice try. But you're magic is going to have to be much stronger. For that spell to hinder me. For more than five minutes, such a pity you'll die before unlocking your true potential." He shouted before flipping away from another Tidal Flame from Zidane.

"Star Dust ray!" Nanaki shouted unleashing a burst of sparkling power. It blinded Dhoulmagus but he was able to resist it.

"Did you learn nothing, from your little scrawny friend?" Dhoulmagus mocked. Nanaki merely smirked at him.

"We did that's why I'm the distraction." He cryptically replied.

"Free Energy!" Zidane shouted swinging both of his knives. This then produced a burst of blue energy that hit Dhoulmagus in the gut. Making him fly and flip around in the air. Ehro was suddenly right beside him with a powerful jump.

"Dragon Slash!" He shouted gold flames hitting Dhoulmagus hard with a scream as he fell back towards Yangus who also jumped spinning like a ball with his axe in front of him.

"Helm Splitter!" He shouted unleashing a powerful slicing spin onto the jester who stumbled to the floor. Kiro zipped around, him with Ars Sonic growling with each slash.

"I. Am. Not. Scrawny!" he shouted unleashing one more mighty blow to make Dhoulmagus stumble back. He grinned at them.

"Hahaha! Feisty! You surprise me!" Dhoulmagus laughed. "I never imagined you could squirm for so long."

"Looks who talking! We've got you running ragged!" Zidane boasted glaring.

"Heh, don't get cocky. Had I not been healing, I would've crushed you in an instant!" Dhoulmagus sneered. He then tightly gripped the staff. "But no matter. It is time we brought this little show, to an end!" he declared. Kiro backed away a little feeling magic charge up in the scepter. The intense power of his magic; was towering over him now. His heart raced as Dhoulmagus grinned maliciously at them. "What a pity…What a Pity it will be. To finally say goodbye!" He swung his arm back. Aura around the staff flickering in a bright purple and magenta magic before he threw it forwards to point at them. From the Jewel at the end of the scepter appeared large fierce looking thorns. "Now Witness my true power!" He shouted laughing manically.

Kiro let out a scream in fear. Before dropping his Keyblade. And covering his face with his arms. "Kiro!" Zidane shouted jumping in front of him. The others had done the same thing. And Amei's attempts to block the spell failed immediately. However since they were all behind Ehro. The Vines suddenly stopped at him. They flailed and twisted around the group. But, none of them could touch the heroes.

"How?" Zidane muttered in awe as Kiro slowly opened his eyes. The thorns were hissing and hitting a barrier that had appeared between them. And the curse. Dhoulmagus was surprised as well. He glared increasing the power. The vines were bigger. Larger and more wild. With the thorns as big as small sharp kitchen knives.

"Just hang on! He can't get us. So he'll run out of steam eventually." Zidane whispered to Kiro. Kiro nodded he steadied his breath. He could see the thorns banging desperately around them but they started to close in as Dhoulmagus grinned in mad glee.

"You will writhe in the unbearable agony of these thorns! Forever!" he shouted laughing. The Vines seemed to finally surround them. As the light from Ehro faded. He grinned but suddenly the vines started to burn away and shrivel up fading into dust around them.

"What why isn't it working!? What trickery is this?!" Dhoulmagus shouted. He glared, "you leave me no choice! Now you will face my true might!" he shouted. The staff lit up again. But the magic was a deep purple with a dark inky black. It encased Dhoulmagus into a sphere of Darkness.

Instantly Kiro felt an intense surge of power. It was practically strangling his soul and energy. Kiro felt his feet twitch. But a voice told him to be brave. He took a deep breath and nodded fearfully.

"You can do this you're not alone." It said as light cracked from the orb and exploded forcing everyone to cover their eyes for a minute. When they light faded they all gasped in horror. There was no longer a human in Dhoulmagus' place. Instead there was what Kiro could only describe as a Demon. Or a monster. It had reptilian or bird like clawed feet. It had deep blue skin, underneath its purple fur. This ended at the forearms, top of the head, calves and center of its chest. On top of that it had a large powerful purple tail. It had thick black horns protruding from the top of its forehead on each side. Large pointed ears. And crazed red eyes.

The thing that used to be Dhoulmagus took a couple steps forward relaxed its stance. Its head slightly tilted in a way that made Kiro shiver. It then opened its mouth to take a breath. Hot steam released from its mouth as it settled into a demonic grin. "GWAHHHH AHHHHHH AUUUUGGGG!"

It then curled over in pain. Screaming in agony. Kiro could see the top of its back writhing and swelling and deflating violently. It made him a little sick. But suddenly, blood red wings with purple fur on the back of them burst from his back. Feathers flew everywhere as they flexed then spread out. The wings themselves were gigantic. Probably twenty feet in length.

"Aha hahahahahaha! Hwaaa hahahahaha!" Dhoulmagus laughed in a demonic voice that sounded strained and almost like multiple voices a high pitched one underneath the human one he had heard. "You worthless fools! Prepare to be crushed! You will never pester me again!" he declared before suddenly rushing a Kiro who yelped and put up his Keyblade to guard. A barrier appeared around him but he flew back a bit fortunately he wasn't damaged. Dhoulmagus then summoned the water to surround them as the battle field transformed into a strange demonic and fleshy one.

Amei fired a Blizzara. Dhoulmagus winced a little. But he brushed off the attack and responded in kind with a Kacrackle spell which was like a Blizzaga only the ice had been shaped into spears. Nanaki unleashed another Star Dust ray to counter. To ensure none of them were impaled by the ice.

"Magic affects him now but he's still pretty resistant." Amei noted.

"Well that's something at least. And we're probably going to have to change our strategy." Ehro replied.

Yangus had tried to charge some attack power only for Dhoulmagus to unleash another Dispelega. And he even seemed to be doing that more frequently now. He swung his tail into Yangus knocking him down. When Nanaki lunged at him Dhoulmagus swung his now clawed hands and sent him slamming into the ground.

Nanaki let out a pained whine as he rolled across the floor. He managed to pull himself up in time. As Dhoulmagus unleashed another spear of ice at the Leo-Wolf who dodged; he snarled at the monster.

Kiro slashed at the monster's wings hoping to make it unable to fly. However Dhoulmagus barely felt the slash and used his wing to bat Kiro into a wall. The boy managed to land on his feet and cast cure on himself. He tried again with strike raid but Dhoulmagus used his wings to block the move. The wings merely blocked the move, causing Legacy of Light to fall to the ground with a clatter. Kiro re-summoned it and put up a barrier when Dhoulmagus rose above the group and fired off a barrage of sharp feathers.

The tiny cracks in his barrier; indicated that feathers were meant to kill. Eventually the attack stopped. But Kiro didn't have time to think. Ehro was already attempting to Slash at Dhoulmagus. Kiro then got an idea.

"Demi!" He shouted aiming his Keyblade at Dhoulmagus. And Orb of starry magic surrounded Dhoulmagus and slowed him down. It wasn't making him drop to the ground though.

"I need help!" Kiro called out.

"Demi!" Amei shouted using that magic to try and force him down. He had almost broken free of Kiro's. But she got to him in time.

"Demiza!" Nanaki shouted using a more powerful spell to force Dhoulmagus to stop moving. And slowly but surely he was being forced to the ground.

"They can't keep that up forever! We've gotta hit him now." Zidane shouted. "Tidal Flame!" He shouted hitting Dhoulmagus with all he had. The Demon thrashed wildly from being hit as Jessica used her own Crackle spell to hit him.

Angelo was charging a shining shot and Yangus a Paralax. Ehro used multiple Falcon slashes. To do chip damage, but Dhoulmagus unleashed a burst of energy. That sent them all flying into a wall. And he freed himself from the combined gravity magic.

"We're psyching ourselves up to make these moves do more damage! Light magic should work against a demon like him with no resistance!" Angelo said as a purple aura began to bubble around him and Yangus.

"Guv' we're gonna need ya to pull this off!" Yangus called to Ehro.

"Okay!" he stated charging up tension as well.

"We'll cover you!" Jessica stated as she cast Oomph on all of them doubling their attack power. A Gold aura was mixing in with the purple one.

Kiro glared at Dhoulmagus. He had to be brave now. They were putting all their hopes into this one strategy! Jessica cast Accerlatle on Kiro's group and herself and charged at Dhoulmagus who tried to cast Dispelega on the three.

"Blockra!" Amei shouted. She had just in time disabled the spell for five minutes at least.

"Hey Jess, how long does it take for this tension tactic to reach full?" Zidane asked.

"Seven minutes, which is two minutes we don't have. Also I didn't say you could call me that." She finished suspiciously making Zidane chuckle nervously.

"I know what you're doing you wretches!" Dhoulmagus snarled and lunged at them with the intent to kill. Kiro dodged out of the way. Trying not to look directly at Dhoulmagus in fear he would freeze up.

He had slashed at Zidane and Nanaki and slammed his tail into the girls.

"Cure!" Kiro shouted, trying to help them stay healthy. But his cure magic was too weak to be very effective. Dhoulmagus charged at the three. Ehro glared unable to move without losing the tension. However just in the nick of time, Amei had put up a Protera spell, making him crash into it. Visible cracks and an indent could be seen on the spell.

The last thing Kiro wanted was to be slammed with that kind of force. He got back up shaking his head and snarled at Amei who was dodging from his attacks.

"Amei! Frizzle!" Jessica shouted a large fire ball slamming into his back. It was then followed then by a charging Nanaki. Who was covered in blood red, energy; As he slammed right into Dhoulmagus' back between his wings.

"Fang Sled!" The beast shouted as Dhoulmagus went sprawling face first into the stone. He snarled grabbing Nanaki by the neck lifting him high and slamming him into the ground. Nanaki let out a dog like whine and was out cold. Amei rushed over to him and checked on him. Kiro shuddered staying back in fear.

"Free Energy!" Zidane shouted hitting Dhoulmagus with vengeance. He then rushed at the monster slashing wildly, yet he had expert precision. Dhoulmagus snapped and swiped at him. But Zidane was running circles around him slashing at his wings. Three minutes left. Dhoulmagus unleashed a powerful burst of flame.

Zidane raced around the room. Dhoulmagus forced on him moved to have the fire follow. The blonde kept his body low as he raced forward using his arms and swords to balance. One blade, skid through the dirt charging orange energy as he went. Once Dhoulmagus couldn't hold his breath anymore Zidane charged at him. "Tidal Flame!" Dhoulmagus screamed in pain. However he was able to grab Zidane by the neck with his tail.

"Zidane!" Amei cried rushing forward Charging a large bunch of magic. One minute left. And her Blockera had worn off. And Dhoulmagus knew it. He smiled evilly at her using his Dispelga. To stop her power from charging in her staff; she gasped and had Zidane thrown into her. He quickly ran over to Ehro and the others. Knocking Jessica aside along the way, and charged up his Dispelga.

Kiro however was running towards him. Before he knew what he was doing. Kiro jumped onto Dhoulmagus' back, and stabbed him in the back with his Keyblade. "GAAAAHHHHHH!" Dhoulmagus shrieked with an animalistic cry of pain. "Get off of me! Get off of me!" He screamed writhing thrashing around his wings flailing and flapping. Kiro was holding onto the handle of his Keyblade for dear life. He could feel Dhoulmagus trying to reach back to get him. Fortunately he couldn't quite reach the boy. He was about to slam his back into the wall to get Kiro off, however the minute had passed.

"Kiro move!" Angelo screamed. Kiro looked up. And saw the ball of light that was about to explode. Into shooting stars, Kiro recalled his Keyblade. He then used flow motion to kick off from Dhoulmagus and jump away. He saw a deep purple intense aura leave Angelo. But it still encased Yangus and Ehro. Ehro's hair and eyes had changed a bright purple to match the aura. As the Shining Shot rained down on Dhoulmagus making him scream and writhe in pain. He groaned slowly moving as steam rose from him. Suddenly Parallax surged at him slamming him hard with intense pain he was sent back into the air. Ehro ran towards where Yangus stood. The Former Bandit, his powerful aura dissipating from him as well, lowered his axe for Ehro to step on. Once his companion did, Yangus used all his strength to rocket Ehro towards Dhoulmagus.

"Ally, Oop!" Yangus shouted as Ehro rushed at Dhoulmagus.

"Dragon Slash!" Ehro shouted slashing as hard as he could. The Gold flames had become purple. Dhoulmagus shrieked as a large gash was dug into his chest. He fell to the ground. He held his chest and head in agony.

"No! Not Now! It cannot end now!" He shrieked as light burst from inside of him. He raised his hand upward but turned to stone. The statue stood for a minute. A strange mist rushing from him as he then dissolved. Leaving a pile of ash in its place, Yangus smiled.

"We did it guv! We finally given that Dhoulmagus wot 'e had coming!" Yangus said happily. Ehro nodded in agreement. "He 'ad us goin.' All round the 'ouses eh?"

"Yeah, thank goodness for Kiro, If he hadn't jumped in like that. When he did, that plan wouldn't have worked.

"I didn't do much," Kiro replied, getting up and dusting himself off. "But I'm glad I could help you." Kiro meant that with sincerity. For a long time, it was one screw up after another. Finally he had done something right. It wasn't much. But he had managed to buy them the seconds they needed for Ehro, Yangus and Angelo to pull that plan off.

"Yeahahaha we did it!" Zidane shouted jumping into the air.

"Now Abbot Francisco, can finally rest in peace!" Angelo said happily. "And I'm free to do as I please. How about you Jessica?" he asked turning to the Red head. "Feel better now that Dhoulmagus has got his comeuppance?" he asked but noticed the girl was hugging herself. Her head hanging low. And her eyes dull with sadness. "What's wrong? You can tell me I'm a good listener." He offered softly.

"Defeating Dhoulmagus; isn't going to bring Alistair back. It's hard to know what to feel…" Jessica sighed.

"They say revenge, doesn't bring comfort. Only emptiness, yet forgiveness, isn't for the offender. But rather the offended, that time is definitely a long way off. But maybe forgiving Dhoulmagus is what you need to feel whole again." Nanaki offered.

"Maybe…" Jessica said sadly.

"Wot' you sayin' we shouldn't 'ave gone through all that trouble?" Yangus asked surprised.

"No, as the Seer said, it was the only way to lift the curse. And Dhoulmagus definitely had to go down. But still." Nanaki replied whipping his tail slightly.

As the group talked Kiro let a small smile curve at his lips. But the time had come. While they weren't looking they turned and summoned his Keyblade. Opening a portal, to a new world he entered it he looked back for a few seconds before entering it and it shut behind him.

Kaen however had been watching from above the whole time. He let out a dark chuckle shaking his head.

Special attacks and Spells

Dispelega: The third Strongest version of Dispel. It disables the user's ability to use Magic, for a while.

Blockera: The Second stage of Block. Prevents a foe from using a spell or move for a little while. For one as powerful as Dhoulmagus it was five minutes.

Demi: A Gravity spell that summons an orb of Dark magic. It increases the gravity a bit around the target.

Demiza: The second level of Demi. It increases the gravity around the target a bit more than Demi. But it can be stacked with Demi for an increased effect.

Zap: A Spell similar to Thundera, but slightly more powerful and strikes all enemies.

Cure: Like Heal, it recovers a small amount of HP

Frizzle: A Spell similar to fira. A Giant Fire ball is launched at the foe and explodes upon contact.

Kacrakle: A Spell similar to Blizzaga: Summons powerful spears of ice to impale foes.

Free Energy: One of Zidane's special attacks. Summons non-magical energy to strike a foe 1.5 times Zidane's attack power

Star Dust Ray: One of Nanaki's special attacks. A Light based burst of magical energy. That Nanaki focuses into a beam, to blast enemies.

Shining shot: One Of Angelo's special attacks. Sends an Arrow infused with light magic into the air. Then the spell explodes sending a barrage of light shots. Down on to foes.

Sand Man's arrow: A Special attack of Angelo's shoots an arrow infused with sleep magic

Parallax: One of Yangus' special attacks. He summons demonic energy with his axe. Then Sends the energy at the foe.

Fire Spirit: One of many monsters that make itself at home in the Land of Sages. They are fire based enemies. They rely on magic to cause damage. Several were found worshiping some Creature named Rhapthorne in the Dark Ruins. Some of what they said suggests that they were once human. Dragon Quest IV 1990

Lost Soul: One of many monsters that make itself at home in the Land of Sages. They are also fire based enemies. They look like someone turned a fire spirit blue though. The sole one, we saw in the Dark Ruins freaked out and flew right through Zidane. His reaction was kind of funny. It said something about how the Dark Aura was meant to protect the ruins from heretics. Sounds like, this Rhapthorne guy has his own religion somehow. Dragon Quest IV 1990

Troll: One of many monsters that make itself at home in the Land of Sages. Large Dumb, yet very powerful and dangerous. They can and will eat humans in one to, two bites according to Ehro. And we had to quickly snipe four with sleeping spells. I failed miserably on the second one I was supposed to hit. Thank Goodness for Angelo having excellent aim, or we'd be Troll food! To never run into one again would be a blessing. Dragon Quest III 1988

Dhoulmagus: The One who cursed the Kingdom and its inhabitants. Minus Ehro who seems to be immune to curses. He was a powerful deadly foe. Thankfully thanks to the combined efforts of Ehro's group and Zidane's he was brought down. All I did was distract him so I don't really deserve credit there. But I helped to pull off the plan at least! ^^ Dragon Quest VIII 2004

Whew longest Chapter so far!

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