It took quite some time, but after hours of reviewing the basics, learning of what the spell was capable of, its limitations, the basis of its construction, and rehearsing its summoning sequence, my Múinteoir’s spell Samhain was finally within my grasp. Samhain…who’ve thought that Múinteoir would have such a devastating move up his sleeve? Hehe…I almost feel sorry for the poor fool who ends up prey to its clutches. …Almost.
“Forgive my asking Múinteoir, but whatever…inspired you to create such a spell?”
“Well,” Merlin coughed to clear his voice, “let’s just say that I was…a little upset at someone when I planned this move out.”
I raised my eyebrow and asked, “Morgan le Fay?”
“You’re very close, but no. Care to try again?”
“Not really. If I stay any longer than I already have…those fools back at Castle Oblivion will end up asking me more questions than I’m willing to answer.” I finished sighing.
“Very well. I pray that my spell will come in handy for you in the future.” I answered him with my trademark grin. “Excellent (sort of).
“Anyway, here’s that potion I showed you earlier.” He handed me the green bottle that he pulled out of his ancient tome. Soon after receiving it I placed a size-reducing charm Merlin had taught me once long ago upon it, and then placed the vial into my ninjatô’s sheath; where other implements of my craft were hidden.
“Are you sure you want to keep it in there?” Merlin squinted his eyes to peer into the sheath as though he could see the other tools I kept within it by doing so.
“It’s too much of a hazard if I put it in my cloak. Besides,” I added sarcastically, “what would happen if a pick-pocket came by?”
“Hah! If a pick-pocket tried to steal from you they’d end up with their head lopped off!”
After having a good laugh at that last comment, Merlin and I exchanged a few more casual words with one another. Normally I’d just leave without much to say, but it was different with Merlin. I wonder why? …Maybe it’s because, in the whole of my existence, Múinteoir is the only one who’s ever felt…real.
“Until next time, Múinteoir. Don’t cause any mischief without me…okay?”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
~*~
I was venturing my way back to Castle Oblivion when I happened across two familiar presences lurking around Betwixt and Between. There was no chance that I would just continue on my without investigating so I decided to resume the role of spy for a while to see what was going on.
Upon closer examination I discovered that the two mystery figures were RaXi and Nyx. Hmm? Has their irritating boss sent them on yet, another suicide mission? …hmm…if that be the case…then I better stick around. It’d be a shame to lose such…useful blood so soon.
I followed them past Betwixt and Between on to the looming figure of Citadel Abyss. The both of them stopped for a while to gaze up at one of the towers and talk in hushed tones. I didn’t bother to listen in on their conversation because I was too busy taking note of the slight changes to the structure of the complex before us. Fortunately the alterations weren’t much; just a reconstructed window here and there and some patch-up jobs on the roof (which they’ve needed to do for some time now). This, however, bothered me. Xerebus is far too careful to just let this be the only improvements.
Seeing no further need to examine the fortress in front of us I decided to move in closer to the two comrades in front of me. If I’ve examined them correctly, these two should be some of the more experienced members of the Organization. I wonder if they’ve taken notice of my presence yet?
"I know we share a past...but I will NOT allow them to kill me. I have much to do still...I haven't the time for mercy anymore..." I’ll take that as a definite "no." Tsk, tsk, tsk…what a crying shame…
"That's why they target me...because you, Triskix and Lexian are exactly the same...willing to do anything to stay alive. Plus...you three would rather fight BEFORE negotiating..." Ah…it’s always a good feeling to find kindred spirits.
“Yes, that's true. After all, hesitation can be a great enemy on the battlefield.” So can spouting philosophy when you’re supposed to be slitting their throats…but that’s another story. “That's why I worry for you Nyx. You are too kind to those of the past...please just promise me to ease my mind...no matter who we run into...you MUST have the courage to face them on equal ground. No hesitation...understand?"
"I do." For your sake, Nyx, I seriously do hope you’re being honest. Xerebus and his lackeys certainly won’t be the ones hesitating, and I DON’T fancy the prospect of being sent on another…”rescue mission.”
In any case, I might as well make it a…little easier for them to sense me…but not by much.
Sure enough, not long after I weakened my shield did one of them, RaXi, finally react. Drawing her sword in preparation for the worst, I was humored by the way her eyes darted around to try and find me.
To reward her brief moment of shrewdness and for maintaining the stance that she did, I decided to dematerialize from the shadows. Breaking out into my trademark grin I told her, “You're very wise RaXi. Though, I could've killed the both of you three times before you sensed anything..." Then I added. "If I wanted to, that is." Wouldn’t want them thinking that I WAS after their lives…now would I?
Judging by the way her eyes narrowed I could tell that my choice of words aggravated her. But I could also sense that she was feeling something else…not that it mattered to me, anyway. I was having too much fun watching them squirm at my sudden appearance.
Before I had the chance to ask Nyx how the mission went since we last parted at Radiant Garden RaXi inquired, “What are you doing here?”
I shrugged upon hearing this question. “I come and go as I please...I sensed the two of you making your way here and I couldn't help but wonder...'why'?"
"There will be an assault on Citadel Abyss, we are here to insure the defenses are down." RaXi explained.
"Ah, Minx then. I see." So THAT’S why Citadel Abyss hasn’t gone through some major modifications. Clever Xerebus…but her normal power won’t aid you much in increasing this place’s defense. Just what are you up too behind these false walls?
Quite suddenly RaXi retired her weapon. "Xakiah...you know the inside of Citadel Abyss...do you not?"
“I do.” Seems a little forced, but judging by the way she’s holding her gaze directly into mine, she’s trying to “hint” at getting me to come along for the ride. "Very well...I will aid you. After all...without me you won't find Minx in time." This will also provide the perfect opportunity to…take care of some loose ends. I better act fast though. Something about the Citadel…just doesn’t seem quite right.
Using my authority over the shadows I created a portal that led directly into the South Wing. “Come quickly. With my portals we won’t be discovered.”
The both of them took a moment to look at each other to see if they were in agreement with the plan. Thankfully they made their decision quickly so we were able to proceed with minimal difficulty. …For the while.
Whispering to maintain our stealth, Nyx asked me, “So do you know exactly where Minx is?” Before I could answer her question we were suddenly paralyzed by a shockwave that resonated throughout the castle. So he DID resort to this. Xerebus must be getting desperate…
"Such a strong barrier...surely that child is not capable of such power..." said RaXi in awe of the phenomenon that was happening around us.
I almost couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Relax Xakiah…it’s not their fault that the new Organization is being run by a leader who prefers numbers…for the sake of sacrifice rather than strategy. "Why else do you think Xerebus keeps her around? He knows she's capable of this...and he uses her to the fullest extent of that. But never-mind that now...we got in just in time...now nothing will come or go from this place." I took a moment to look at the two of them directly for what I was about to say. "To break the defense we need only subdue her and then place her in an unconscious state...or kill her if you see fit." I’ve been itching for a reason to smite that little head of hers off her body anyway.
“No, we shan't kill the girl. Besides...she is needed still." There was something in the way that RaXi delivered this that made me believe that she had her own ulterior motives behind it.
But that didn’t stop me from being upset about missing the chance to partake in murder. “Whatever you say…”
“Anyway,” stammered Nyx, “before we get interrupted again by something else, do you know where Minx is?”
“That I do.”
“Great! Lead the way!”
“Sure thing…I just hope you don’t mind taking a detour.”
Visibly confused with this RaXi asked, “’Detour?’ What do you mean by that?”
“Do you two remember seeing the tower by the front gates?” Both of them shook their heads. “When we came in that tower was the Western Tower. It’s just shifted into the Eastern Tower.”
“Huh? What do you mean by that?” asked Nyx.
“And how is that even possible?” chimed in RaXi with a hint of skepticism in her voice.
A Thiarna! First the leader and now his second in command…does anyone in this organization know how to pass vital information to its members? No wonder it was so easy to spy on them... “Judging by the way you two are reacting, Triskix obviously didn’t share what I told him about Citadel Abyss. Here’s the deal:
“This place is a literal living maze; always changing its structure to ward off intruders from penetrating its secrets. This includes the ability to alter where anything is located on the premises at any given time.”
Assuming the role of the voice of skepticism yet again, RaXi asked, “If what you’re saying is true, then how do the members of Organization Zero manage to find their way around? And more importantly, how do you plan to find our way around?”
“The answer to both of your questions is rather simple, really: Landmarks. Citadel Abyss is designed to look the same throughout the complex, but each sector of this building carries a subtle discrepancy to signify where you’re at in terms of compass coordinates, level, and even what type of obstacle you’ll be up against once within it.”
“Can you tell us what you mean by ‘obstacle?’” asked Nyx.
“Each place within this building carries its own challenge, ranging from a test of strength to smarts, will to obedience, and…so on and so forth.”
Nyx continued her string of questions. “So how do the Nobodies of this castle get past that?”
“They don’t.”
“You mean to tell us that the members of this organization have to fight for their right to even be here in this castle?”
“Hehe…you misinterpret me. This castle…’chooses’ whom it wants to grant complete access to from the ones it doesn’t. Think of it like a guard dog; it’ll only go attack the people it doesn’t recognize. The indicators that identify what you’d be up against if you just happened to be one of those people.”
“So…since this castle still ‘recognizes’ you—“
“Sorry, but that’s not the case with me anymore.”
“How come?”
“Xerebus, for all of his…’personal merits’…likes to keep his fortress as impenetrable as possible. The very fact that this place is now covered in Minx’s influence should be proof enough of that.”
Cutting off Nyx before she could speak again RaXi asked, “Hey Xakiah, could you give us a minute?”
I shrugged, “Whatever suits your fancy.”
~Xakiah
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Okay! RaXi or Nyx, you’re free to take over from here! ^_^
Oh yeah, and “A Thiarna!” which I used earlier is Irish Gaelic for “good Lord!” XD
