Enchanted Dominion Raid: The Swarm

~♥ Welcome to the raid, kupo! Here is some information you need to know before you start posting. There is a limit to the number of times a character can post. This is so a fight won't go on and on, kupo. For these particular raids the limit is 10. On the last post, characters will need to prepare themselves for the end of the battle whether that be by retreating, setting up final defenses, sacrifices, etc. A warning will be given on the last post to remind you. That's all and have fun, kupo! ♥~

The townsfolk gathered in the courtyard of the grand, ancient castle, in hopes that their leader, Faye would provide them with the protection they so desperately need. Outcroppings of heartless were forming throughout the day, a few isolated incidents quickly spread to a titanic issue that reared its ugly head mere hours ago. It was as though darkness sought to envelope the entire world that the queen dares to call home. But, without a single response from their ruler, despair joins the ranks of darkness, seeping into the hearts and minds of those crying for their queen.

And, with all their voices coming together as one, they’d make themselves a target for the oppressive darkness that dares to swallow the world. A few shadows, a dozen in number, are the first to break up the lines of civilians waiting by the main gate. Cries of horror ring out, creating a domino effect of sorts. Women, children, men, it mattered little once fear tightened its grip. A mob of them tries to escape, merely trampling their means of protection. The guards knocked over during the frenzy are among the appetizers for the darkness.

That in and of itself drives their hopelessness further home. As more are brought into the hoard, the number of shadows increases rapidly. One dozen, two dozen, five dozen. More citizens are slain, eaten, and otherwise forced to join the ranks of the shadows. Once a hundred have swarmed the groups, the screaming ends swiftly. Naught a dozen or so remains from the initial string of attacks.

It’s then, a low rumbling can be heard among the ensuing chaos. What was once a small attack force has rapidly built into a near literal sea of darkness. The darkness that has gripped this area in its oppressive claws has managed to summon the bulk of the force set on destroying this peaceful world. Shadow heartless interlink with one another, forming many large snake-like appendages that reach for the sky.

The Swarm has arrived….

Dark times loomed ahead of this world of magic, of fairy tales and wonder as the guide book mentioned through out its lengthy descriptions. Nothing really spoke of cataclysms ahead of time while reading up on this world so it was a wonder if at all this was an attraction or not. Salem was among the many welcomed outlanders to set foot upon this land in favour of tourism and friendly trade. He was greeted by this titanic scene of ash and darkness storming over the entire sky in mere moments as a monstrous beast appeared from the mountain tops creating a panic throughout the town just a few hours after he had settled down after a stroll and readying his lunch.

The sight of the demon was quite frightening with it slowly seeping in the young man of divine blood as a true face of terror, almost hauntingly so it could devour him in a single breath. He could barely hear the sounds of cries around him as people ran past with great haste. Thankfully one of the trusted guards of this kind world acknowledged him as a innocent despite his otherworldly appearance, a black skin tight leather and some colourfully boots and revealing open vest.

“Child!” the man cried out to the boy hearing only hearing that titled whisperer to him a few times before finally realizing who the guard was addressing. Snapping back Salem's attention fell to this metal clad warrior, nodding in understanding of his position, the situation and the orders to retreat back to the castle courtyard with the other civilians.

It wouldn't be hard to find the location as the masses lead the way in sheer fear of death along the streets.

Entering the safe zone alone but safe with the other town folks the half-breed rested his thoughts with these people, natives to this world and a few strangers like he dotting the crowds. Despair was a common theme as he looked around, the crying children and mothers, the elders praying to the divine for salvation.

No time for hope when all is strife

Salem found himself trying to step away from their pits of hopelessness, sitting in a corner while drowning out the people's emotions with his own thoughts to ward off his own doubts about this threat. It was only when the soft cries of sadness erupted into screams of terror did he finally take the time to notice and witness the darkness over taking this area. Countless numbers being overtaken in a short time as the dark shadows grew stronger and more numerous by the moment.

This sight called back his will to stand up and fight, conjuring his large daggers in hand he leaped from his spot dashing to a falling couple, slashing with magic of his blade in hand and sending two of the random shadows at their feet back from where they came from then shouting at the human pair to flee, smiling at them in the end to try and lift their spirits.

Salem stood still alone now as the humans all were fleeing randomly around him, their fellow neighbours cries filled his ears as the sight of the enemy at hand now was in full view of the half-angel. A single shadowed multiplied by at least hundreds of hundreds towering ahead with only devastating intent. The jewelled hair boy could feel his confidence melt away at the fame heartless materializing in front of him in a monstrous cluster. But there he stood readying for anything, firming griping his daggers and readying his magics as his own assurance started to break away from this threat. He shook a little from the odds but knew better then not to try his best in the art of war and combat.

He had trained harder been through too much to break under the real life conditions. But his training couldn't compete with the real thing, this might prove his test into manhood but also risked his journeying ending prematurely. But he had to try and fight. Maybe it wouldn't be too bad? His own optimism trying to mask his inexperience, set on repeat as the monster would draw closer.

He didn't know what the correct way to act or do in the face of this terror but he only thought now to fight if nothing else would come to mind.

Capricorn flew off a building, spinning as his sword slid through multiple shadows. He began to pounce like a panther, from one's back to another, a stern, serious look on his face. He was angry for his loss at Camelot, and he still had wounds on him now. But he ignored the pain. The warrior was driven by a sense of pride, to never be defeated by anything inhuman ever again! He killed them, number by number, ignoring their heightened sense. Their stronger than average powers... Capricorn just wanted them dead.

And then he felt it, a huge gash into his back, a shadow had gotten him. He fell to the concrete ground, screaming civilians all around him. The man's vision went hazy, but he through himself to his feet and fought even harder. Growing stronger with every damage placed against his body. If he could find a partner, then he could get through this. He had already cut through at least thirty of these things alone, Capricorn needed a plan to wipe them all out in one sweep...

But how?

The presence of magic was enough to garner the attention of the mob of shadows clinging to one another, causing the large stalks to slither their way towards Salem. Civilians unfortunate enough to remain closeby were flattened by the oversize cylinders as they move, others were pulled by vicious claws into the makeshift “mouth” of the beast. Any and all who were consumed never made it out any part of the creature at all, as though they became part of it in an instant. As more shadows fall to the twin daggers of the half-angel, The Swarm rears its trio of tendrils back, swinging them with colossal strength. The sheer size and consistency should be more than enough of a warning sign to its raw physical prowess.

And, while the child would be forced to fight alone for a time, the wounded warrior would find his own situation to be just as perilous. Seeing as how his capabilities were enough to dispatch them, despite his injuries, the heartless seek each other out to join their comrades. Hand in hand they stack one on top of the other until a large, hill-like mound rose to staggering heights, two tendrils linking with the main body act as its arms. Dozens of beady yellow eyes make up the two giant orbs of this abomination. Believing Capricorn to be an easy target, the monster rears back, an orifice forming in the center of the dark blob.

As though it were vomiting, the heartless unleashes a tsunami of shadows his way akin to a pressurized hose releasing water. Both would do well to watch out, as the seconds tick on by, the heartless formed upon each other would slowly morph into a single entity. Should they be left alone for too long, the duo might find that the castle itself may come alive with these things. In fact, the time spent together now is more than enough to increase their output. A red-hued aura hangs heavily upon the shadows used in the creation of these objects, giving off a deadly sickening feeling which reverberates throughout all in attendance.

Throughout the distraction caused by its sudden appearance, the remaining shadows that weren't ordered to attack hung back for a few moments, using their innate abilities to sense more of their kind, they were able to easily pick up another insanely powerful monster. The darkness, which it exudes in excess, is more than enough to entice them into abandoning the battle completely, instead they move to combine themselves with whatever sweet creature was producing that ominous aura. Four thousand heartless break from the main body, rushing through the forest to the mountain in the distance. One by one they disappear into little dark spheres.

Swarm A (Salem) Skills Used:

Swarm B (Capricorn) Skills Used:

Swarm C Actions:

Doubt still trouble the boy's mind as did the fear beyond his understanding, a monster known as the heartless now clumped together as this beast of mass ready to kill them all. As the group of monsters stood ready to strike Salem pushed himself aware forth with his will as the sheer sight of the of the heartless consuming the innocent people with no more then a touch as it swapped away from its tendrils. He stood there almost in awe at the shock and speed of this clump of monsters, bathing in themselves like flowing river while causing quakes that shook the battle flied of the courtyard of the innocent.  The sheer force of it knocked Salem off his feet, falling face forward into the dirt before he pushed himself back up and on his feet to avoid the swing before retreating away from is amassing body but feeling up the bruised side of his cheek now.

It seemed to be heavily focused oh the divine while also seeking out the weak heart to amass into self for however a grander size it was trying to obtain. He couldn't let their lives being wasted like that, mere speaks of dust to the storm it just wasn't the right thing to do seeing strangers slaughtered by the handful. The land might be destroyed but maybe he could get the people out to their saviours or at least buy them some time, few moments left to enjoy life while they could. All he could do is try right now, there had to be a reason for his being here today.

Turning at the heel as the dust cracked and covered his red shoes as he touched the earth, filling the ground with his powers and bringing it to life under his command. They raised into a towering height trying to match the swarm's seize and height while charging quickly at it. The earth rippling along the surface like water as Salem rode on top of it, speeding past the massive number of shadows and trying to block its path for the time being while getting in front of it to try and slow its progress.

Salem in the mean time jumped off from the moving earth standing before it meekly but holding his daggers high up to state his intent while further enchanting his surroundings.

Once more he infused the stone around him with life, having it float around him before they crumbled away, leaving behind heavier minerals around that bounded together dancing in spheres of metal. On command just as he changed his daggers together forming his mighty bow. Just as he pulled back and the arrow appeared in shimmering light the metal sphere's pointed towards the mass of shadows.

Each pull conjured more stone's from the created behind him, shooting a an arrow of light towards the enemies the  metal fired off at the same time multiplying the projectiles by at least a three times the amount trying to bombard it attacks. Salem pushed himself to quickly the pace of his shots while also focusing on the barrage as much as he could.    


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Skill used

Spoiler:

Weapons changed into a bow firing arrows of Light

This will be the final boss post, kupo. The Heartless have attained victory. You will be allowed one post to respond. Remember, do not continue to fight a hopeless battle. To do so will result in death, but that is up to you. Your fate is in your hands. Sometimes the best tactic is to retreat, Kupo.

The castle shield had fallen, shattered by Chernabog’s  fiery spear and ushering the swarm of shadows and Heartless into the grounds, allowing them the entry they had so desperately craved. Queen Faye fell to her knees, weakened by the amount of energy she had projected into the barrier, and she felt the sting of the devil’s blade if it had pierced through her own heart. Her dragoon protector came to her side, lifting her up into his arms.

“I will get the queen to safety.” Xander said, moved towards the armored Pegasus that had been readied in preparation of this moment.

“No” Faye said, weakly, forcing Xander to set her down on her feet. “I will remain with my people.” The wave of darkness was growing heavier. They would not last long. “Pull all our soldiers back to the castle. We make our final stand in the throne room. Have the mages place wards at every entrance and raise one last holy barrier. Protect my people for as long possible.” She closed her eyes. “If we fall, we fall together. Make the Heartless work for this victory.” Her archmages gave a solemn nod before issuing out their queen’s orders.

Doom seemed to be inevitable for the Enchanted Dominion. Strangely enough, the Heartless began to pull back their forces. Slowly, reluctantly one by one… even Chernabog and the Swarm seemed to have some hesitation--the Swarm eventually leaving the battlefield. Chernabog, on the other hand, attempted to push on alone.

The intensity of the battle was quite fantastic, so much so that Salem could hardly recall as the near number of times of death knocking out his recent memory. But he was bloody, worn and tired from the fight his clothing and armor tattered away that would need a lot of recovery time in a less dangerous place.

He seemed to whittle down as much as he could from the swarm, reducing its own health and number just as much as his own was lowered pools. Things were looking grim almost fruitless now with the tide turning violet and him on his last leg. But then as if by divine intervention the heartless pulled back ignoring the varying humans but still it did not feel as all was well.

Falling into his knees heavily breathing and sweat drenching his form while the strength left in his body, both magical and physical was right at its limit for him. He could barely open his eyes, near deathly grasping something out form his item space picking a sliver stone and muttering a phase hidden only to him.

Salem's body would vanish from this world, taking great magics amount from this hard craft item vanish off from his person taking him personally to the only place he could visualize clear enough, a place close to his heart, his room. Thursting him onto his comfy bed, still giving him enough pressure to cough up blood. Just at the smacking a green stone emitting a soft and soothing aura slowly healing his wounds but it would take time to recover.

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