Rise & Fall

~Arendelle~

*Euryale gets out of the way just in time as both Sorcerers are shredded, their cubes disappearing along with them. At this point, Vega notices Euryale has dashed straight towards him, tossing her Keyblade to block his escape off from behind as she stands in front of him with her arms spread.*

E"Alright, no more running! You're gonna tell us everything about the Organization even if I have to beat it out of you! Starting with why you loosed your cronies on the castle if you were just gonna lose control of them!"
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Duke<Is that a threat, boy?!>

*The guards advance menacingly.*
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Anna<What are you talking about?>

L"That answers that question."

*Once they climb the stairs, Lilith tries the door. When it doesn't budge, she taps the handle with the Oathkeeper & it slides right open. The natives enter ahead of Lilith, looking around in awe, to the point that Olaf even falls over. Lilith just quickly sweeps the room to see if Elsa is there, eventually spotting a shred of blue cloth on the top of the staircase, disappearing into the balcony.*
===========================
~Land of Dragons~

*As the orbs are deflected harmlessly away, the dragon swerves aside, rushing them. Meanwhile, lightning bolts are falling all around them.*

N"Swerve aside but stay close to it, I'll handle the lightning bolts!"

*So he swings the Keyblade around them, repelling said lightning with Dark Dance.*
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*They appear to be alive, just unconscious. This, however, puts her right next to Hayabusa, who screeches & flies at her head, raking his talons for her eyes. Thiera protects herself by erecting a quick Bark Barrier, causing the Neoshadows to catter. Those attacked by Azuma are unphased, spin on their heels when touching the ground, & dive at him & the clones from 3 directions with spinning kicks. Mulan ducks low, aiming a flaming sword strike at the Hun's heel as Chien Po tries to hit him with a 2-hand spike from above. In response to all of the attacks, he stabs his sword to the ground & flicks upward, creating a burst of rocks that Mulan evades by rolling out of the way. Chien Po isn't so lucky, hits the wall, teeters against his balance, & falls off.*

Naturally, Vega assumes a defensive stance.

Vega: "After you assassinated Vexen, I began to make my way out, as you know. Axel was dispatched to stop me. He failed and his Dark Corridor remained open causing the Nobodies to flood in."

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

Irritum takes a step back.

Irritum: "Have you not seen the Heartless?"

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

Hitomi armors up and dismisses her glider, using her own flying abilities to slow her fall and firing Wisdom Shots at the eagle.

The clones aren't important, so Azuma blocks the incoming attack, countering with Wolf Impact.

Eve:<(Anna, you should go to her. She wasn't too excited about having guests last time I was here.)>
---
*Safian summons her glider, diving after Chin Po. She attempts to drag him onto her glider*
===
*Artexi does as Nero suggested, swerving around the dragon. She fires Sparkga at one of the shoulder spikes*

~Arendelle~

E"Yeah, I did assassinate Vexen, & don't you forget it! So you turned traitor & they decided to execute you? Hmph, seems fitting."

*She nods in satisfaction.*

E"Give us 1 good reason why we shouldn't finish the job they started."

Hans<That is for the Queen to decide!>
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Duke<What in the world are you prattling on about this time?>
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L"I'll stay here & keep an eye on the Organization. If you run into any Heartless, just give us a yell."

Anna<Thank you both.>

*She bows at them, which Lilith returns, before she runs upstairs, slipping briefly. Lilith does not seem to notice, for she is busy glaring at Eve & running her finger longingly over the blade of the Oathkeeper.*

Anna<I'm okay!>

*Once she disappears in the room above, Kristoff & Olaf just kind of awkwardly walk around, taking in the scene.*
=============================
~Land of Dragons~

*Chien Po is much too heavy & is just dragging Safian down with him. Hayabusa's talons clang across the armor & it's carried off by its momentum, squawking as it's hit from behind by Wisdom Shots. Meanwhile Mulan is trying to dart & weave around Shan Yu's sword attacks. The Azuma Clones are destroyed by the Heartless, but the 3rd Neoshadow is knocked back. As Thiera's attackers turn around, she grows thorns on her Keyblade & throws it over them, causing 1 to become tangled & frozen & another to begin withering away. The 3rd simply tears through & rushes her again.*
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*It shatters & the dragon flaps its wings to hurl them away, before turning & flying for the city again.*

N"It's decided we're not worth the effort!"

Vega: "Yes, they frown on treason. Also I know how Senthose was able to defeat someone who was his superior. And what world they're in. Good idea to know that less they turn those methods on any other sorcerer. Like the one in this world."

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

Irritum: "You don't. Or of the other enemies of this world."

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Azuma spins around, using Ice Storm on the Neoshadow going after Thiera.

Hitomi continues her flight, pelting the eagle with Thunder from the Pain of Solitude.

*Artexi fights the wind, aiming at the dragon's other spike. She cats Sparkga on it*

Artexi:<We can't let it!>
===
*Safian does her best to slow Chin Po's fall, hopefully finding somewhere to place him*
---
*Eve crosses her arms*

Eve:<If Elsa really didn't get any training, we'll need to find someone who can teach her how to control her powers.>

Monu:<Like who?>

*Eve shrugs*

Eve:<I have no idea. Maybe someone else with similar powers is around, but I tend to doubt it.>

~Arendelle~

L"Oh right, like you're not implying the Organization!"

Kristoff<Well...my family might be able to help.>

L"Your family is also ice witches?"

Kristoff<Not...exactly....>

*While they're talking, there's a sound like ice shattering & Anna screaming. Lilith regains her Keyblade & immediately darts forward, ignoring the stairs & instead using Ivysnatch to scale the wall. Kristoff also decides he's too good for the stairs & grabs the vine trailing in her wake. Olaf tries to climb behind them, but his arms fall apart & his body segments begin rolling across the floor, except for the segment with legs, which soon gets up & runs into a wall.*
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Duke<Young man, the only enemy I see around here is the suspiciously-dressed peasant trying to invade the royal palace! Now, go on! Shoo, shoo! The kingdom's trade-able goods aren't for you to take!>

*He makes a little shooing motion.*
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E"Most people do frown on traitors. That's why we're not particularly fond of the Organization. So I suggest you talk fast."
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~Land of Dragons~

*She can place him atop his friends if she wants. In fact, that is where they land, after the weight causes them to topple off of her glider. Up above, the Doomed Neoshadow finally withers away into nothing. Thiera swaps out for Oathkeeper, drifting closer to Azuma & using her aero spells to blow the 3 Neoshadows that aren't dead or immobilized away.*

Shan Yu<You will all bow to me!>

*Eventually Mulan pins his sword to the ground with her own & elbows him in the face, Mushu breathing fire at him for added measure. As Hayabusa is stunned by the lightning, the smoking bird hits the ground, apparently dead.*

Th"We should focus our efforts on Shan Yu, he can most likely summon many more Heartless!"
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*The wind is strong enough that there's pretty much no fighting it, & by the time they're able to move, the dragon is far enough to easily evade the spell & fly over the village.*

N"This type of enemy focuses on range, but it's also big. We need to get close & stay in its weak spots. It looks like it's stunned whenever those spikes on its shoulders are destroyed. Maybe we can corner it in the mountain pass beyond the destroyed village."

*Eve summons her glider and flies up, while Monu just plain flies up*

Eve:<Anna?!>
---
*Artexi nods, then focuses on catching up to the dragon before it clears the pass*
===
*Safian jumps back up on her glider, flying back up near Shan Yu. She lands and dismisses her glider, then bounds over to Mulan and Shan Yu. Safian claws at Shan Yu's sword arm wrist with flaming claws*

Vega: "Eve created machines that suppressed your master's magic. She is currently in this world, searching for the Queen."

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

Irritum backs away. There's bound to be another way into the castle.

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

Azuma gliders up heading towards Shan-Yu, grabbing Hitomi as she flies along the way, so while he's airborne, she can pelt the Hun with magic.

~Arendelle~

E"Lilith & Monu know about that, they'll take care of it. So, you turned off her magic & ganged up on her with all your buddies? Wow, what a big, tough guy you are."

*She shoves him 1-handed to emphasize her point.*
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*The guards eye him carefully as he walks away & the duke whispers something to them.*
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*Lilith points her Keyblade at Eve & gestures for her to back off. Kristoff helps Anna, who clutches her chest, weakly at first, but quickly growing strength.*

Anna<I'm fine--I'm fine.>

*She directs the 2nd utterance to Elsa, who looks pretty upset but quickly turns away.*

Elsa<I can't help you with the kingdom. Go back.>
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~Land of Dragons~

*As they fly, the dragon does an abrupt sort of roll so it can face them. The walls & ceiling of the pass become surrounded by an electrical barrier as the dragon anchors itself & charges a large ball of lightning in its mouth. Meanwhile, the wall closest to them shoots a horizontal lightning bolt in their direction.*
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*As Thiera floats past, she uses Zero Gravity to force the Heartless into the air & continues to the Hun, skating backwards & firing Wisdom Shots at the Heartless. Mulan moves her sword into a reverse grip & slices at the Hun's throat, but darkness begins to seep from his wounds. With a mighty roar, he blows his attackers back & becomes surrounded by dark flames. Gesturing towards the eagle, it becomes enveloped by darkness as well & gives a shriek, rising back into the sky. He then charges Safian with a whirling slash, now even faster than she is.*

He doesn't falter because of course not.

Vega: "I won't justify my involvement. What I can do is prevent it from happening again, starting with this world."

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

Irritum slinks off elsewhere when out of sight of the guards. Getting over the wall is going to be difficult.

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

Azuma flies alongside Shan Yu while Hitomi fires Wisdom Shots at him.

*Eve doesn't respond as she lands and dismisses her glider. Monu approaches Anna, summoning his keyblade. After a moment, Eve slowly follows behind him*

Eve:<I'm glad you're not hurt.>

Monu:<What happened? If you're injured, I can heal you.>

*Meanwhile, Eve shoots a glance at Elsa*

Eve:<Your majesty, if I may speak frankly, you're the only one who can stop this storm from spreading. Kristoff here says his family might be able to help you.>
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*Safian shadow travels behind San Yu, then sends clones to slam into him and explode*
---
Artexi:<Hang on tight!>

*Artexi flies above the horizontal beam, or below it if there is not enough clearance above. She then begins swerving to make it harder for the dragon to target the glider, while firing the laser into its mouth*

~Land of Dragons~

*The bolt isn't so difficult to avoid, however another one starts to form at their new altitude, which Nero informs her he can't block because it forms at both ends.*

N"...And I don't think we can dodge that attack as long as we're on this Glider either! But I think we'll be safe if we squeeze close to the walls without touching them!"

*He points to the Heartless's feet, which unlike its horns & mouth, are not gathering lightning, but which the walls nonetheless must make room for. Whatever they want to do, they'd better do it fast, because in addition to the aforementioned horizontal lightning bolt, the Heartless exhales, releasing a torrent of lightning in their general direction.*
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*Shan Yu hits her before she even finishes sinking, lacerating her repeatedly & throwing her against the wall. The nearby Heartless pay no heed to her, because when they land, they just hobble around in confusion. Thiera glides towards her, but winds up clashing with Hayabusa when the eagle swoops towards her. Noticing the potshots hitting him, the Hun makes a flying leap at Azuma, his darkness flaring & his sword outstretched. Mulan rockets after him.*
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~Arendelle~

*Roots shoot out of Lilith's Keyblade & jab Eve once she gets too close, but outside of the distance necessary to impale her. Lilith glares coldly at her.*

L"I suggest backing up when someone points a sword at you. Next time won't be a warning."

Elsa<...My sister told me about Olaf. So if I cannot make you leave, then I just have to create someone who will!>

*She whirls around, beams of ice magic firing from her hands. They impact the floor, swirling together to create a [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]*

Elsa<I am sorry, but you made me do this! Chase them away from the castle!>

*The monster roars & chases after them.*

L"Speaking of backing off when warned--"

*She runs past Eve, Kristoff dragging Anna away soon after.*
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*While Irritum is poking around some back alley like a creeper, ey hear something on a nearby roof.*
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E"You can't justify what you did, & even if I believed you, how would you stop it? You haven't told us anything useful that we didn't already know, or could have guessed."

Hans<I appreciate that you have many questions, but since you keep referring to the fate of this world, I think it high time that you answer mine as well."

Vega: "By eliminating the Organization, of course. Which won't be an easy task with the power they've acquired, and I'm not just talking about their monsters and machines. Or what they've handed over to people in other worlds."

Still wary of Euryale, Vega moves so as to make eye contact with Hans.

Vega: "Such as?"

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

Irritum follows from the ground as glidering up would be a bad idea currently.

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

Azuma pulls back while Hitomi casts Flood Water on Shan Yu.

*Eve glares at Lilith*

Eve:<Princess Anna....>

*Monu turns around, ready to get between Eve and Lilith if necessary*

Monu:<Let's just focus on...>

*He is cut off by the sudden appearance of the snow monster. Monu casts Skyclimber on himself before grabbing Lilith and jumping off the balcony, heading for the exit. Eve summons her glider, heading in the same direction*
---
*Artexi dives down, aiming for the position between the wall and the dragon's feet as Nero indicated*
===
*Safian staggers to her feet, snarling. She sends a fireball at the eagle attacking Thiera, weakly moving in that direction*

~Arendelle~

*This leaves poor Kristoff & Anna to take the stairs, with the monster bounding behind them.*

Olaf<Who's that?>

Anna<Elsa made him!>

Olaf<Really?! Does that make him my little brother? I'm gonna call him "Marshmallow!">

L"Less talking, more running!"

*The monster chases them outside, but keeps going even when they reach the cliff. Kristoff starts jamming pitons into the mountainside while Lilith turns & brandishes her Keyblade.*

L"I don't think she gave this thing specific enough instructions! Get down while we hold it off!"
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*Ey find eirself going in circles, because it is clearly following em.*
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*Euryale moves to block him off so he can just barely see Hans.*

Hans<What is this "Organization" & what "power" do they have?>

E"The gang in the black coats, they spread monsters into this world, pretending to be your friends, when what they really want is to destroy your kingdoms. As for the other thing, that's what I'd like to know!"
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~Land of Dragons~

*As the gap is too narrow for the Glider to fit properly, it scrapes against the wall, throwing up sparks. Nero figures he can take the time to score decent damage with a Dark Firaja to the face, & when the Heartless realizes what's going on, it dismisses the walls & flaps its wings in an effort to get back into the sky.*
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*Safian distracts Hayabusa enough for Thiera to catch its claw in the empty space of Oathkeeper & bash him into the ground, dazing him. She comes to rest near Safian, drizzling healing pollen over her. At this point, the movements of the Heartless become less erratic, & they turn towards the pair. Azuma evades mostly successfully, but the wake of Shan Yu's attack sends the Glider wobbling off-course. When his speed is shaved off, Mulan begins attacking him from behind with flaming sword slashes. Between that & having run headlong into Hitomi's spells, Shan Yu is looking a bit ragged, his darkness starting to fade. He performs a spinning attack to throw Mulan away & land back on the ground, darting towards Hitomi & Azuma again.*

*Eve lands and dismisses her glider, summoning her keyblade. She yells over the wind. Monu lands as well, then casts Tornado on Marshmallow*

Eve:<If we get separated, you should go with Kristoff to see his family! Hopefully they can help Elsa!>

*Eve casts Fusion on Marshmallow*
---
*Safian roars and leaps on top of the downed eagle, slashing at him with flaming claws*
===
*Artexi takes the opportunity to hit the dragon in the face with Spark Raid*

Vega: "The power to hand control of the Heartless over to others. Such as the 'angels' Vexen gave you control of. Until they see an opportunity to strike at you."

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

Irritum: "Show yourself."

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

Azuma works to steady the glider while Hitomi casts Thundaga using her Keyblade on Shan-Yu.

~Land of Dragons~

*When the Heartless takes flight, its horns are severely cracked & pieces are starting to fall off. This makes its motions noticeably more jerky.*

N"I don't think it can take much more."

*In other good news, the walls vanish & stop blasting them with electricity. The bad news is that the dragon turns & claps its cymbal feet together, dropping a rainstorm of bombs as it continues on over them & towards the checkpoint outside of the capital.*
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*The lightning bolt hits Shan Yu dead on, & Mushu adds to it by spitting a bunch of fireballs that come down like meteors. Mulan rolls & darts forwards.*

Mulan<For China!>

*She slashes him right through the throat while he's still reeling from the attacks. Fortunately, the darkness consumes him, leaving nothing behind but his sword, & sparing them the gruesome sight. The eagle, which it turns out was actually a falcon the whole time, likewise vanishes under Safian's attacks. Meanwhile, all across the city they can see the Heartless retreating before the imperial army, & when Thiera sucks up the Neoshadows with Magnet, they are destroyed in a hail of cannon fire before the trio come running up.*

Chien Po<Sorry we could not be of more help, it took us a while to rouse and find weapons.>

Yao<Ah, I shoulda known they'd be no match for you!>

Ling<Looks like the Hun became the Hun-ted!>

*Yao stops waving at them to glare at Ling for that joke, but everyone shuts right the fuck up & bows when the gates open. Turning to see Shang escorting a robed & long-bearded man, Mulan quickly bows as well. Thiera figures "When in China, do as the Chinese," & follows suit.*

???<I have heard a great deal about you, Fa Mulan. As well as of the unusual company you keep.>
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~Arendelle~

*Nothing happens around Irritum.*
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E"Nothing we don't already know."

Hans<I see...so you must have been framed by the Organization for the attack on the Queen.>

E"Yes. They wanted us out of the picture so they could be free to do as they wished. So we stayed behind to watch from the shadows while our friends left to guard the princess."

Hans<Can you be sure Anna is safe?!>
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Olaf<I'll help too!>

*As the little snowman runs forward, Marshmallow roars with dismay & the spikes on his back become more pronounced. He punches the ground, causing the loose snow under them to fall away, casting them all down the cliff. Kristoff grabs Anna & Lilith grabs his hand before shooting a vine to wrap around the nearest rock, but the weight & speed of their fall easily snaps it. Olaf passes them by, yelling "wheee!"*

As Euryale apparently doesn't know when she's not being spoken to, Vega stays quiet.

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

Irritum carries on, going towards the palace walls, watching the rooftops.

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

Bowing as they've apparently landed too.

*Eve summons her glider, diving after Anna and Kristoff. She grabs them and attempts to pull them on before landing and dismissing her glider. Monu does the same, except he grabs Lilith before landing*
---
*Safian kind of dips her head to the emperor*
===
*Artexi weaves around the falling bombs while attempting to catch up with the dragon*

Artexi:<Deflect as many as you can!>

*Artexi aims another Spark Raid at its shoulder spikes if she can see them, otherwise aiming for its head*

~Arendelle~

*Irritum eventually sees a Shadow jumping between rooftops.*
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*The Gliders wobble from the undoubtedly difficult maneuvers, before they all land roughly in snow. Kristoff starts brushing Anna off.*

K<Are you alright?>

A<I think so...why are you looking at me like that?>

K<It's just...did you always have 2 white streaks in your hair?>

A<No! How does it look?>

K<--Fine!>

A<You hesitated.>

K<I did not hesitate.>

Olaf<You sort of did. Hey, could somebody grab my butt?>

*The snowman's head hops over & gestures with his eyes to his lower body, which repeatedly walks into a the cliff face. Meanwhile, Lilith pulls herself & Monu up from the snow in great agitation.*

L"Well, the good news is, we taught her something about controlling her powers."
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*Euryale points in Vega's face.*

E"You stay right here! If you move from this spot, I'll bury you in a fissure, & if you're lucky, it'll crush you!"

*She then backs up towards Taiyo & Hans, keeping her eyes locked on Vega & making the "I'm watching you" gesture.*
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~Land of Dragons~

*Though not really intended to be used that way, Nero tries to use Zero Gravity to shield them from the bombs, which proves surprisingly effective. Realizing they have to get closer to have that kind of accuracy, he uses Collision Magnet to latch onto the dragon's tail & begin reeling them in as it flies over the gate to the Imperial Road.*
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???<You ran away from home, stole your father's armor, allied with foreigners to impersonate imperial soldiers, deceiving your commanding officer & bringing great shame to the Chinese army, &--in the end--you have saved us all.>

*Mulan looks up in surprise to see that the old man is bowing his upper body towards her. If they look around, they'll see that the citizens & surviving soldiers have also assembled in the square to bow. The man soon stands.*

???<Captain Li Shang, please present Fa Mulan with the enemy's sword, so the world may know what she has done for China. And let her know that she has a seat on my counsel if ever she should accept.>

Shang<At once, Your Excellency!>

*As he runs over to get it, the Emperor turns to address the Order.*

Emperor<I owe all of you a great debt as well. I will not ask where you hail from, or why you decided to fight on our behalf, only if you have any requests to make of me.>

He's not even making any gesture to leave nor is he put off by her threats.

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

While it would be a good idea to eliminate the Shadow, it'll probably attract the attention of some asshole more than they've already done.

*Eve dismisses her glider, brushing snow off herself*

Eve:<What about Anna's hair?>

*Monu also dismisses his glider, brushing snow off himself and Lilith. He similarly looks agitated*

Monu:<If you say so.>
---
*Artexi waits until Nero pulls her in close enough to hit the spike with another Spark Raid*

~Arendelle~

*Euryale leans in to whisper to them.*

E"(So what do we do about this guy? We can't just leave him to wander around unsupervised, but I'm not fond of having a member of the Organization around either. He might be able to tell us more about them, but he hasn't been very useful so far.)"
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*Evidently Irritum is having a staredown with a Shadow. It starts preening its antennae with its claws.*
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Kristoff<It's just that it seems to be turning white.... Y'know, I think I've seen something similar to this...I bet my family would be able to help. They actually don't live too far from here. It should only take a few minutes to get there, once Sven finds us.>

*He blows on a whistle that doesn't seem to make any noise. Meanwhile, Olaf spots one of his arms wriggling out of the snow. He hops to it & it bashes his face into the ground a few times before he's able to get it on. Pulling the rest of his torso out of the snow, he drags himself towards his lower body. Lilith leads Monu out of earshot of the others.*

L"This isn't really working out...I think we should contact the others & see how soon they can get here."
===========================
~Land of Dragons~

*The spike breaks, but the dragon does a barrel roll, causing Nero's line to snap. Meanwhile, lightning bolts are still falling on them.*
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*Thiera looks over everyone who seems to be ignoring the Emperor & clears her throat.*

Th"Thank you, Your Excellency. All I could really ask is that you send word to 'the Order' via Moogle Message if the Heartless return, or if any foreign strangers in black coats start making trouble. The Moogles know where to find us."

Emperor<Is that really all you want?>

*Thiera glances at Safian, then back to the Emperor.*

Th"Perhaps if you have anything a lioness might enjoy. Other than that, I have no further requests."