Shadows Swarm

*Monu waves and heads over*
===
Safian:<(He saw me talking.)>
===
*Seeing that there's nothing else to do, Eve dark corridors make to the World That Never Was*
---
*Artexi shows the new arrivals the lamp*

<We won.>

Axel<Niiiiiiiiice. So, we gonna take it back to the Organization?>

*Abu lands on Nero from a tree or something & pulls his hood down. When Nero reaches up, he grabs Genie's lamp & heads for Aladdin. He blows a raspberry when Nero pulls his hood back down. Nero waves the Keyblade around, smoothing down his hair. He keeps stepping towards Abu, then turning around.*

N"That's--you're so--I'm gonna--whatever!"
===============================
*In the Gray Area, Senthose is drinking tea with his Mushroom Mimic.*
===============================
R"So the solution is obviously to keep talking."

T"You seem...different."

R"Hmm...no, I'm pretty sure I'm acting the same as ever."

T"Are you sure? Maybe the darkness is getting to you, again."

R"Oh, don't be so paranoid. Hey, why don't we go somewhere? Just the 2 of us."
--------------------------------------
*The Moogle lands, looking deflated.*

<Ares...Kupo...or maybe Hephaestus, for the sword.>

*A little to the right, a Moogle in red armor with a Spartan helmet waves at them, & so does another to the left, with a marble peg leg & a hammer.*
--------------------------------------
*The Moogle eventually comes back with a book called "The Pantheon" that depicts Mt. Olympus.*

<Here you go, Kupo!>

Azuma: "Sorry. Maybe someone with a hankering for agriculture will come along. Thanks though."

He goes to the represenative of Hepheaestus while Xyukuse slinks by as if he doesn't want to touch anything to get to the represenative of Ares.

Hitomi goes to a moogle that presumably has dark hair that has leaves in it or however Artemis's moogle would be described.

===================================

Taiyo: "Thank you."

Safian<(I'm trying to be quiet here. I agree with Thiera, you're acting a bit odd.)>
===
*Monu nods at the Moogle.*

<Indeed, thank you.>
---
*Eve heads over and sits near by*

<So where did you find your friend here?>
---
Artexi:<We should destroy it.>

*Similar. Longbow at its chest, quiver on its back, leaves in its pompom & for earrings, & tiny antlers.*

Artemis Moogle<Kupo, are you interested in being a defender of the forest, Kupo?>

*The Ares Moogle brandishes a sword at Xyukuse.*

Ares Moogle<Whattayouwant! KUPO!>

*The Hephaestus Moogle taps his peg leg.*

Hephaestus Moogle<The Lord of the Forge always keeps his champions stocked with the best equipment, Kupo!>
-------------------------------------------
Athena Moogle<No problem, Kupo!>

*Euryale takes the book over to a table & opens it. Lilith heads over to join her.*

E"God of War, God of Strength, Goddess of Earth...how do I choose?"

L"Gee, maybe you should read their profiles, to see the specifics of what they stand for?"

E"That's a good idea. You're so smart."

*Lilith smiles & blushes.*
------------------------------------------
T"Maybe we should just take a quick look."

*She summons the Oathkeeper, but Roatha grabs her hand. Thiera stares at her hand, wincing.*

R"No need for that...he could hurt you. It's not worth the risk, whenever there's really nothing wrong."

T"Roatha...you're hurting me...."

*Roatha slowly lets go. Thiera massages her hand.*

R"Haha, whoops, guess I don't know my own strength. But that just shows how concerned I was. Because your safety is important. Right?"

*Thiera looks at Safian. Roatha makes sure to smile at the lioness REALLY wide.*
=================================
S"He just showed up in my bedroom one day. This breed seems to have evolved specifically to mimic the Organization members."
=================================
*Axel bites his lip.*

Axel<But...if we destroy that lamp, & Al frees the other Genie, then we won't have anything to show for coming here.>

*Genie flies around Al, leaving sparkles that turn his clothes back to his princely attire.*

Genie<Aw, you don't have to do that for me, Al. You & Jasmine have a great thing going! You can still make yourself a Prince again! Just say the word, I'll take care of everything, 15 minutes or your money back!>

*With a flourish of his hand & a puff of smoke, he conjures a pizza, & begins shoving slices in everyone's mouths.*

Xyukuse: "For you to stop waving that sword around for starters. Second, tell me about Ares."

Azuma: "All right, keep talking."

Hitomi: "Yes."

===================================

Taiyo: "Which one sounds most interesting to you?"

Eve:<How...interesting. Have anymore appeared?>
---
Artexi:<We killed some asshole. Doesn't that count for something?>
===
*Safian looks between the two humans*

<What?>
===
Monu:<I agree.>

*He grins broadly*

*Roatha abruptly turns, shrugging.*

R"Hey, if you don't want to, that's fine. I'll just go do something else."

T"It's not that. I really think--"

R"No, I get it."

*Roatha looks back over his shoulder, still grinning.*

R"See, I overheard Lilith talking about how you still act like a kid. Guess this must be what she meant."

T"She wouldn't...you must be confused because of the--"

*He raises an eyebrow & crosses his arms.*

R"Wait, so you're saying I imagined that argument you 2 had back at the arena?"

T"Well...no...but...."

*Thiera dismisses the Keyblade, staring at her feet.*

R"You see? It's not that there's something wrong with me. There's something wrong with you."

*Her head snaps back up to look at him.*

R"Oh, you know what I mean. You're just upset at Lilith. Maybe you should talk to her, instead of lashing out at people."

*Thiera's eyes begin to tear up.*

T"Why are you saying all of this?"

*Roatha sighs, shaking his head, & begins to walk off.*

R"You know, I just don't think this is going to work. We should probably keep some distance between each other, from now on."
------------------------------------------------
L"You're both too nice."

*She pulls her braid over her shoulder & starts fiddling with the end.*

E"I don't know...Ares sounds like kind of a brute. Oh, she looks cool!"

*Euryale points to a picture of [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.].*
-------------------------------------------------
Ares Moogle<Ares is the mighty God of War, Kupo! He won't take sissies who can't handle a bit of sword in their faces!>

Hephaestus Moogle<All you gotta do is bring him a rare material for forging, Kupo! Or bring it to one of his Moogles, Kupo!>

Artemis Moogle<Kupo, if you can protect the boars of Calydonia from poachers, the Mistress of the Moon will gladly accept you!>
======================================
Senthose<I haven't been counting them.>
======================================
*Axel scratches the back of his head.*

Axel<Well, my mission was to bring home some useful magic....>

*Nero stares at the lamp.*

N"If we bring him back, he basically has to keep granting our wishes forever."

*Aladdin finally swallows the pizza slice that was shoved into his mouth.*

Aladdin<I know what I want my last 2 wishes to be! First, show her where her heart is! Then, live your life free from the lamp!>

*Genie's manacles fall off. When they hit the ground, they flash brightly, changing into some kind of a crystal ball filled with blue smoke.*

Genie<But--but you could have had it all! The fame, the fortune, the girl!>

Aladdin<Ah, I'm tired of pretending to be somebody I'm not. I'm sorry, Jasmine.>

*He & Jasmine embrace.*

Azuma: "All right, where's a good place to look?"

Hitomi: "Where is Calydonia?"

Xyukuse: "Let's see if you belong then."

He call the Chaos Ripper, pointing it at the moogle, drawing the attention of the other two.

Azuma: "Idiot."

===================================

Taiyo reads the page, sitting near Euryale, closer than neccesary.

Safian:<If you're going to act that way, get lost.>

*She snarls and steps in front of Thiera*
===
Monu:<What is her domain?>
---
Artexi:<Yeah, until he manipulates someone to get free.>

*She looks at Aladdin*

<Thanks?>
---
*Eve stands up*

<Well, I must go back to my research.>

*That she does*

R"Uh, yeah, that's clearly what I'm doing. Does the kitty need glasses?"

T"Wait, we're supposed to be friends, you 2 shouldn't fight."

*Roatha turns around, laughing & pointing at Safian.*

R"'Shouldn't fight'? Thiera, it's a wild animal! And I thought you were s'posed to be smart."
-----------------------------------------------------------
E"The forests, the hunt, the moon. She values strong, independent women who respect nature. I'm totally all of those things!"

<<<SHH!>>>

*Euryale winces again.*

E"(Sorry...again.)"
-----------------------------------------------------------
*Artemis's Moogle does the flying thing, handing Hitomi the flyer with the map on it.*

Hepheastus Moogle<The Calydonian Boar's tusk is very rare & useful for crafting blades & other tools, oddly enough. Kupo.>

*The Ares Moogle hops onto the Chaos Ripper & begins running up the blade, stabbing at Xyukuse's face.*
==============================================
*In her lab, a Mushroom slightly shorter & more slender than Senthose's is wearing one of her lab coats & clinking beakers together.*
==============================================
*Aladdin looks over.*

Aladdin<It was the right thing to do. She's right, you know. Abusing magic for personal gain is never a good idea.>

N"Oh, shove it, you stopped using magic & now you're back to living on the streets. Don't even get the girl. So why should we be as dimwitted as you?"

Axel<Maybe we should see what Senthose says?>

Xyukuse dismisses his Keyblade and resummons it in his other hand. With his free hand, he begins to use Dragon Tempest.

The two stare at each other wide eyed.

Azuma: "Is there anything else? Maybe some kind of metal?"

===================================

Taiyo: "What other ones are there?"

*Safian nudges Thiera away from the asshole*

<Thiera, you're smart. Really smart.>
---
*Eve takes one look at the mushroom, then goes to lay down*
---
Artexi:<Get lost, jackass. Jasmine values honesty.>

N"Like that means shit when the law says that she has to marry a prince."

Sultan<Oh, confound that law! Well, am I Sultan, or am I Sultan? I decree, that from this day forth, the Princess can marry whomever she chooses!>

Jasmine<That's great news!>

N"What, that your dad has alzheimers? Is it seriously that easy? He just...says some shit, & the problem is solved? And it took him this long to remember that?"

*The guards emerge from the palace doors. Nero turns, opening a Dark Corridor with a wave of his hand.*

N"Whelp, that's my cue."
==============================
*The Mushroom lays on the floor.*
==============================
*When they next look, he's gone anyway. Thiera doesn't respond, she just covers her eyes & tries not to make too much noise.*
---------------------------------------
*Euryale passes the book to Taiyo.*

R"So, how's trackin' that Organization goin'?"

*Lilith jumps & turns around.*

L"I didn't notice you coming in."

R"Yeah, you wouldn't, would you?"
------------------------------------------
*The Moogle poofs behind him & lunges at his back.*

<Well, there's the Chronos Stone, from the Underworld. Oh, but you don't want to go there.>

Azuma: "I'd much prefer to do that."

Xyukuse cartwheels away and starts wrecking shit with Slag Assault.

===================================

Taiyo: "Eep! Where'd you come from?"

*Safian starts nuzzling Thiera*

<Let's go find Lilith.>
===
Monu:<Roatha, what has gotten into you?>
---
*Artexi rollls her eyes then looks back arcHasmine and Aladdin*

<Eh, good luck.>

R"Well, Taiyo, when a man & a woman love each other very much--oh, but you wouldn't know about that. Heheh."

*He stuffs his hands in his pockets, rolling his eyes over to Monu.*

R"What do you mean? You're probably just confused because you don't know me very well. I mean, when's the last time we said more than 2 words to each other? We're not exactly friends."

L"Where's Thiera?"

R"Last I knew, she was crying her eyes out because you said she acts like a kid. Which made me realize that we weren't right for each other. So, thanks for that."

*He reaches for Lilith's shoulder, but she jerks away.*

L"You rejected my sister because she was upset?"

R"Huh? I thought that's what you would have wanted. 'Focus on the mission, toughen up....'"

L"That isn't what I meant!"

R"Then what DO you mean? If you're going to be barking orders left & right, don't you think they should be, y'know, clear?"
----------------------------------------------
T"I don't want to see her!"
----------------------------------------------
H. Moogle<You can't even fight in the Underworld, Kupo. It's cursed. Not to mention crawling with monsters, lately. Kupo, one wrong move, and who knows what could happen to you. Step in the wrong stream & you could use your memory, or even your life. Kupo.>

A. Moogle<Maybe you could work something out with Artemis, Kupo!>

*Meanwhile, the Ares Moogle rockets up & stabs Xyukuse while he's in mid-jump.*
====================================
Jasmine<You too.>

Aladdin<Wait, don't you want to look at that?>

*He points to the crystal ball, which Abu is trying to roll away. The monkey stops & grins at them sheepishly.*

Genie<As for me, I'm off to see the world!>

*A map appears in his hand.*

Genie<Hitting the beach!>

*A Hawaiian shirt & sunglasses appear on him.*

Genie<Taking plenty of snapshots to send back to the newlyweds!>

*A camera appears in his other hand, before all of that stuff disappears, & he transforms into Tigger.*

Genie<T-T-F-N! That's, "Ta-ta, for now!" Hoo-hoo-hoo-hooooo!>

*He bounces on his springy tail, rocketing into the clouds.*

Azuma: "It's better than the alternative."

Hitomi: "That might work."

Xyukuse calls up the Frolic Flame to block the attack and swings in with the Chaos Ripper.

Xyukuse: "I could get used to working with a God you represent. Where do I sign?"

===================================

Taiyo: "Why are you being such a jerk?"

*Artexi goes and grabs the ball*
---
*Monu stands up*

<Roatha, take it outside. We are trying to accomplish something here.>
===
*Safian rubs up against Thiera*

<You did nothing wrong!>

R"Right, right, why would ANYONE want to be mean to such important heroes? Why, if it weren't for your--"

*He gestures at the Pantheon.*

R"--Ah, study time, here, this city would still be overrun with the Organization. Because half of them wouldn't have left from boredom. And Princess Aurora wouldn't have her heart ba--"

*He points to Monu, walking around the table.*

R"Oh, right, you're still working on that one. Well, I owe THESE 2, at least!"

*He claps his arms around Taiyo's & Euryale's shoulders.*

R"While I was fighting Oogie Boogie, they--uh, I dunno. Did stuff?"

*He stands up, pointing at Lilith.*

R"And who could forget our fearless leader & her dear old mummy, who know so much about Senthose's plans, because they're the ones who trained him in the first place!"
============================================
"...I know, that's why I said--oh, nevermind. Let's just go find a team to join."
============================================
*The mist parts to reveal the Castle That Never Was.*
============================================
H. Moogle<If that fails, Kupo, you could both just join the Lord of Forge!>

A. Moogle<Or the Princess of the Gods, Kupo!>

*The Ares Moogle falls on the ground.*

<I like the cut of your jib, Kupo. You're in!>

Xyukuse stabs the Chaos Ripper into the ground.

Xyukuse: "Where do I meet him?"

Hitomi: "Where do I meet Artemis?"

Azuma: Not a whole lot I can do.

===================================

Taiyo ignores that guy 'cause he's a dick.

*Safian leads the way, pretending to be a pet lion*
===
*Monu's face is expressionless, however he sits right back down at the table*

<So Taiyo, who else is in the book?>
---
Artexi:<What?>

Ares Moogle<You don't need to.>

Artemis Moogle<She'll be in the forests of Calydonia, Kupo!>
==================================
*Roatha slams his hand down on the book & sets it on fire.*

R"Oops. Well, I'll just be going now."

*He starts to walk off, but Lilith grabs his arm.*

L"Hold on, you can't just destroy the city's property without paying for it!"

R"Really? 'Cause I think I just did."

L"What's with you? Did something happen that you're not telling me?"

R"Lilith, nobody told you shit. In case you haven't noticed, you Order scum can't tell what's going on right the fuck in front of you."

*Lilith lets go & steps back.*

L"...What do you mean, 'you Order scum?'"

R"Uh--well, there's a simple explanation. You see--oh screw it, I'm not Roatha, you idiots! And you're so stupid that you wouldn't know if I hadn't come right out & told you!"

*He scratches his head.*

R"Then again, maybe that's just my unholy acting talent."
========================================
Jasmine<What is it?>

*Axel looks inside.*

Axel<Senthose collects hearts from the slain heartless. Yours probably just got sorted in by mistake. I'm sure that's all.>
======================================
T"Uh...I don't know where you're going, but...there are legends of these gods in my world. Assuming that they are accurate, the goddess of wisdom should be Athena, a couple miles southeast of here."

Xyukuse: "Oh. Kinda figured I'd get to meet the team leader, but oh well."

He turns to face the other two.

Xyukuse: "Judging by your struggle, I won't be seeing either of you two in the ring."

He Dark Corridor's back to the castle.

Hitomi: "Where is the forest from here?"

Azuma: "I don't think this is going to work out. Sorry for wasting your time."

===================================

Taiyo falls back in her chair, considering a book up and caught fire in front of her.

*Monu looks over at Taiyo*

<Are you alright?>

*He laces his fingers together and looks back at roatha*

<What exactly are you trying to accomplish here?>
===
<Ok, lead the way.>
---
*Artexi nods slowly*

<I guess I have to go get it. Thanks again Aladdin.>