Kingdom Keepers: RUMBLE -- Get in actions!

[kloud1516]

I lost power at my house last night, and I don't know how much time I have left on this comp, but, as of now, I don't know how long it is going to take before everything is restored. Sorry for the wait, but this one is out of my hands.

[kloud1516]

I got another chance of access. I will go ahead and tell you all that no one was killed or injured, and Gargoyle B is now not immobized. I will get a scene up as soon as possible, but I don't want to keep you all waiting more than necessary. We are supposed to get more problems Monday, which might keep my power down longer.

[kloud1516]

Working on update now. Power was back up for good yesterday, but I was a bit preoccupied with making sure nothing in the house was damaged and/or frozen

[kloud1516]

Still Waiting on Actions from

Josephine Batemen
Amelia Eagle
Takin Aikoro

If there is a mistake in the list above, please let me know.

[kloud1516]

Mod intervention: thou shalt end this mob surge against mykonian. Make sure to keep conversation somewhat civil, so that all parties can continue to enjoy the game. Thank you.

[kloud1516]

nanananana

I have mod protection

Protection retracted.

[kloud1516]

Update coming soon (tomorrow) I PROMISE

[kloud1516]

I was planning to have it up today, but something came up and I haven't been home at all today. I am SO sorry for (another) unbearably long wait.

[kloud1516]

Working on it right now. Looking for an image.

[kloud1516]

You will be moving on shortly. I need to get some more things typed up, but it will be up either tomorrow or Wednesday

[kloud1516]

Yeah, so my power went out last night when I was working on getting the update prepared. I am still having issues now, but I am working on it. More updates will be up as soon as possible, so bear with me until I have a stable connection.

[kloud1516]

So I had the scene ready to post. And my computer crashed. I will start working on it from the beginning. Happy Valentines day

[kloud1516]

New scene finally up.

[kloud1516]

I'm glad I'm not in THAT battle

You just wait.

[kloud1516]

O_____O;;;;


don't say it and give Kloud ANY IDEAS.

All plot-relevant material is set in stone.

[kloud1516]

SUBMIT YOUR ACTIONS!!! Please

[kloud1516]

Wasn't it the Wraiths that were physical immune?

Yes, this is your first encounter with Wights.

[kloud1516]

We now interrupt your current discussions to mention our sponsors:

[/size]

HEAD-BE-GONE!

Thanks all viewers for such generous donations.

[kloud1516]

Feh. I wonder how Madame Guillotine copes with a spectral shield.

Oouuu How 'bout i use MIGHTY BEAST and pulverize it before it can pulverize me ;-;

The National Razor halts for no power!

[kloud1516]

Those who do not post their actions by 9:00 GMT-5 (U.S. EST) tonight will be auto-killed. You know who you are, and if you don't here is a list:

Sakura Matserugi

Takin Aikoro

[kloud1516]

All actions have now been submitted. Everyone has evaded my wrath . . . but the Haunted Mansion might not be the same case.

[kloud1516]

Will be v/la until this Sunday afternoon; I apologize for not finishing the update by the promised time (now), and I understand any frustration. Believe me, I am irritated with not getting this rolling again too.

[kloud1516]

Dead?

NOOOOOO! I am working on things. An update is coming this weekend, with or without completed actions.

[kloud1516]

Thread updated

[kloud1516]

The Shadow Wraiths are mobile once more! Send in your actions as soon as possible.

[kloud1516]

Please remember you are fighting wraiths.

[kloud1516]

I still need actions from everyone but James Tau

[kloud1516]

Still need actions from Takin.

[kloud1516]

All actions are in. Working on the scene

[kloud1516]

The thread has been updated. More to come shortly.

[kloud1516]

Of course I did. I'm very fond of lying. Now, which lie in particular are we talking about?

*glomps* I am soooo sorry for not saying goodbye. I NEVER SAW THE THREAD v.v



And Owen is the Angel, which I have changed his name to in the thread until it comes up. Sorry about that.

[kloud1516]

*Prepares to hurl lightning from the skies at anyone who talks badly about Cybele*

Not in my thread, no sir! XD

[kloud1516]

*Prepares to hurl lightning from the skies at anyone who talks badly about Cybele*

Not in my thread, no sir! XD

/hitswithaHAMMAH

*Rolls up sleeves* This is going to get messy

[kloud1516]

Mod summons:

[kloud1516]

[kloud1516]

FITTING MUSIC PLZ.

OH GOD PLEASE HAVE MERCY O GRAND AND JUST KLOUD.

BWUAHAHA!!!

[kloud1516]

To all who have not submitted: get in your actions! (pwease)

[kloud1516]

To all who have not submitted: get in your actions! (pwease)

Congrats, you were one of the first to submit

[kloud1516]

I think that I still get the Blur effect if the Attack is negated...not sure though.

Mod?

Yeah, Blur would still be in effect even if the Blind ailment prevents you from attacking.

[kloud1516]

Still need actions from:

Sakura Matserugi
Takin Aikoro
Nemesis
Heather Carmelia
Zazie Rainyday

[kloud1516]

Oh wait, I can still use my abilities, right?

Yes you can, you just can't either attack or defend

[kloud1516]

Wait, I have dispel, so I can't be put to sleep.

Guys, I can dispel your negative status ailments by spending 10. Who wants to be dispeled?

Sorry, I've been busy the last two days, but yes, you are correct. You are immune from all ailments, so you do not have sleep. I will edit the thread momentarily.

[kloud1516]

Still need actions from:

Sakura Matserugi
Nemesis
Heather Carmelia

[kloud1516]

Still waiting on one more player. Sending out a prod now.

[kloud1516]

Would anyone oppose me just updating the status boxes this round so that the game can progress. I am incredibly busy with AP testing and exams, which has cut into my time to write scenes considerably. I figured this would avoid slowing things down more, and I can go back later and make a scene if you'd all like.

[kloud1516]

Well, I am still trying to work on a scene. My goal is to have it up by Thursday. I will let you all kill me after the game is over for letting things go so far down the tubes.

[kloud1516]

Bump

[kloud1516]

The fate that will befall all that slow my orchestrations of chaos:

Wizardcat's LURKER STICK!!!!!

[kloud1516]

FEAR THAT DAMNIT FEAR THAT.

CAYKE WANTS BACK IN THIS GODDAMN GAME

I'm bored, too.

DAMMNIT DON'T FORGET ME!

*Remembers Ani*

[kloud1516]

Still waiting on actions from:

Sakura Matserugi
Heather Carmelia
Kyriake Sige
Zazie Rainyday

[kloud1516]

In the process of updating the game. The scene is up . . . somewhat

[kloud1516]

Okay, so the scene is officially completely updated =)

[kloud1516]

Ouch. We did a good job, but hyper burn is looking dangerous.

If we don't get healed before the next battle, I'll have to dispel hyper burn from all of you.

Hyper Burn is not one of the ailments you are capable to heal.

[kloud1516]

D:
No its not.

This is news to me.

[kloud1516]

Ouch. We did a good job, but hyper burn is looking dangerous.

If we don't get healed before the next battle, I'll have to dispel hyper burn from all of you.

Hyper Burn is not one of the ailments you are capable to heal.

Uh oh...

[kloud1516]

Waiting for the mod to make more updates =)

[kloud1516]

Oooh that gave me chills.

[kloud1516]

As of now, I have actions from Josephine and Amelia.

[kloud1516]

All actions are now in. I will begin working on the scene

[kloud1516]

When will you finish?

Today. School is now out, so I don't have anything to take away time.

[kloud1516]

I'm establishing a deadline for action submissions, which will be Wednesday, June 10 at 8:00 PM GMT-5

[kloud1516]

Deadline is two days away!!!! Don't forget to submit!!!!

Just waiting on Bob Kaddidle.

[kloud1516]

This is a most distressing possibility . . . Vanished or not, I will give him until the deadline to submit.

[kloud1516]

Thread has been updated. More to come when I have a chance to get it completed.

[kloud1516]

I had another scene but it was just eaten when I tried to preview, so I am giving up for tonight.

[kloud1516]

New scene in the Death's Domain thread. More to come.

[kloud1516]

Just got back from v/la and have finally unpacked. Working on scenes now.

[kloud1516]

I missed you.

<3

[kloud1516]

[.[Chapter 4 - Evil Descends][:.]

Wayne, Grand Sorcerer, gazed out into the twilight sky looming in the expanse above Cinderella’s Castle, eyes swimming with concern.

Thick, roiling clouds of pure black continued to surge forward from beyond the horizon, eclipsing the stars and drowning the dazzling moon. Low, heaving groans crashed upon the aerial sea, signifying the ominous approach of a wicked storm. The air about Wayne was crisp and chilling, a static power clinging to his robes as his attention traced lines through the mantle of cloud cover above. He could feel malignant black magics weighing down upon him. He could hear the insidious voice of the storm’s conjurer in his ears with horrifying clarity. This was the work of Maleficent, of that the Grand Sorcerer was absolutely certain. The witch herself was on the move. Evil was slowly beginning to descend upon the castle.

The myriad of artificial lighting that bathed every cobble of the Magic Kingdom in an intense glow could offer no solace to the aged spell caster. As his eyes fell from the heavens to scan Main Street, Wayne’s typically calm mind dissolved into a raging tempest of worry and doubt. The DHIs numbers were dwindling, and he could not bear the thought of commanding them to the front lines of the grizzly battle that was surely about to come barreling down upon the Guardian fortress. They had all been selected for their exemplary skills. They had all demonstrated a sense of undeniable gallantry in the heat of battle. They had all defied the Overtakers’ schemes on countless occasions. Even so, Wayne wondered if it would be enough to defeat Maleficent. Would they be able to claim victory over one of the most monstrous entities Walt Disney had ever created? Her powers were legendary, a mere glimpse of her striking terror into all her enemies. Only a select few had ever stood up to the Mistress of Evil and survived, and of those warriors, a sparse number survived with their sanity. Maleficent would strike fast and strike hard, her legions charging the castle at full force. Would she herself lead them, or would it be Merewen commanding in her stead?

Distantly, the Grand Sorcerer continued to give orders to his officers, deciding to stick to the battle tactics he had already devised. Thousands of Guardian infantry men, archers, and mages were stocking up on all necessary provisions, the barracks and interior storage chambers teeming with noble souls willing to give their lives for this agonizing conflict. Wayne watched men and women pass him by in a sluggish blur, as if time itself had slowed to cherish the last moments of peace. He could hear the pounding of his heard in the base of his hears; could feel it against his rib cage. Awesome magical powers surged through his veins and rippled about him like a shield of energy, vaporous tendrils dancing into the distance, fluttering among the ranks of organized soldiers marching to the Outer Walls. Their faces were stoical; cool and collected as any professional soldier’s should be. But Wayne could taste their fear on his tongue. The castle was rank with terror at that moment, but all uncertainty was abated as the DHIs came rushing through the courtyard.
They had survived the Haunted Mansion’s numbing malice, and had already been healed by expert White Mages. A faint smile stretched Wayne’s lips, pulling them taught across his wrinkled face. Their radiant forms caused the Grand Sorcerer to exhale a deep sigh of relief, the vexing fears that had been racking his thoughts subsiding into utter joy and determination. With the DHIs united once more, victory could indeed be theirs.

”Sir,”

came a voice from Wayne’s right,

”the sky. It looks like the sky itself is falling upon the castle!”

Without a moment’s hesitation, the Grand Sorcerer had rushed out the doors and bounded down the steps into the courtyard, eyes not falling from sky for a moment. The soldier was right: the sky was writhing, tossing pitch blackness back and forth with a nauseating fury. Streamers of acidic green and purple light ghosted through the heavens, weaving in and out of the darkness like ribbons being buffeted by an unseen wind. Wayne squinted, analyzing the shifting skies in absolute silence. The mesmerizing aurora pierced through the shadows, producing odd silhouettes that thrashed about violently. Wayne listened as a discordant chorus of squawking crescendoed into existence, stifling the distant thunder. It was then that Wayne realized that it was no mass of cloud that was meandering closer to the spires of Cinderella’s Castle.

It was massive drove of crows.

The soldier next to Wayne shuddered in disgust as he too realized his mistake. Thousands upon thousands of birds soared through the sky, circling overhead like a billowing smog of blackness. Feathers drifted downwards through the air, while some crows became daring and swooped down into the courtyard. Their eyes smoldered an unnatural purple, and their coos chilled the air. Wayne raised his staff, and instantly the select few birds took to the sky with startled cries.

Drums bellowed through the night, carrying with them hideous cackles. Brilliant purple lightning erupted into life, running its gnarled fingers through the blanket of darkness above. The extraordinary veins of electricity struck Cinderella’s Castle with deafening screeches, whilst blinding all onlookers with strobing flashes of lavender.

”Sir,”

came the soldier’s voice once more,

”I have received word from the Outer Wall that an impenetrable smog has consumed Frontierland in its entirety, and has swept over much of Tomorrowland. The commanders believe the source of the noxious fumes was the Haunted Mansion, but we cannot be certain now."

Thick tendrils of black turned silver in the wake of the crashing blasts of lightning, and soon as the words had left the soldier’s lips, sentries from the colossal towers jutting upwards into the seething skies were bellowing downwards into the courtyard. The black fog had enveloped most the Magic Kingdom in shadow. The drums continued to beat, growing louder and louder.

The Overtakers were on the move.

The final battle was soon to begin. As the Grand Sorcerer stood there listening to his enemies draw closer, he knew it was time. Time to take up arms. Time to assemble the DHIs once more.

[kloud1516]

Establishing Position

The final confrontation with your Overtaker enemies is finally upon you! Maleficent’s is prepared to unleash her wrath; her massive armies drawing closer with each passing second. As DHIs, you have combated the forces of darkness for quite some time, working as one to save the Magic Kingdom. You have grown together, once mere acquaintances now loyal comrades. Your powers and skills have exceeded many of the Guardian’s own, and you each have displayed that even in separation, you will triumph. This is about to be tested yet again, for while you all could very easily take up arms in the same location, Cinderella’s Castle is quite large, and is vulnerable to attack from any side. The time has come for you to decide which area of the castle you will defend. No more than three DHIs can be in the same location, so choose your positions wisely.

[. Drawbridge

- A bridge that is hinged at one end so that it may be raised to prevent enemies from crossing over or to allow vessels to pass under it.

[. Outer Walls

- A series of gargantuan walls constructed of stone created by the Guardian Mages only moments ago. The outer walls' crest are wide enough for at least five trebuchets to be moved along it side-by-side with enough space for archers and infantry men to readjust their positions as well. The walls themselves are a sheer curtain-like facade, which taper into a slant as they reach the moat surrounding the castle, preventing battering rams from advancing.

[. Belle Bastion

- A structure projecting outward from the outer wall, situated in the front-left corner overlooking Main Street U.S.A., facilitating active defense against assaulting troops. It allows the defenders of the fort to cover adjacent bastions and curtains with defensive fire. Belle Bastion was designed to offer full range on which to attack oncoming troops.

[. Beast Bastion

- A structure projecting outward from the outer wall, situated in the front-right corner overlooking Main Street U.S.A., facilitating active defense against assaulting troops. It allows the defenders of the fort to cover adjacent bastions and curtains with defensive fire. Beast Bastion was designed to offer full range on which to attack oncoming troops, and is supplied with double the weaponry so that it can defend the Belle Bastion.

[. Pocahontas Parapets

- A wall-like barrier edging both the outer and inner walls of Cinderella's Castle. Sturdy panels or otherwise upward extensions of the walls reflect a cunning method of providing coverage from enemy fire to all who occupy the parapets. Defensive artillery units rest beneath the parapet's barrier, stocked with ammunition and readied for use.

[. Outer Gatehouse

- Fortified structure built over the outer-most gateway of Cinderella's Castle. Guardian architects have furnished the gatehouse with a series of four portcullises, each of which can be opened and closed independently of one another, in addition to a multitude of balistraria, or arrow slits. The gatehouse is flanked on both sides by two grand gate towers, each of which are already occupied by Guardian forces.

[. Inner Walls

- A series of gargantuan walls constructed of stone created by the Guardian Mages only moments ago. The inner walls rise three stories higher than their outer counterparts; their crests still wide enough for at least five trebuchets to be moved along it side-by-side with enough space for archers and infantry men to readjust their positions as well. The walls themselves are a sheer curtain-like facade, encircled by a deep stone trench to prevent advance of battering rams.

[. Inner Gatehouse

- Fortified structure built over the inner-most gateway of Cinderella's Castle. Guardian architects have furnished the gatehouse with a series of four portcullises, each of which can be opened and closed independently of one another, in addition to a multitude of balistraria, or arrow slits. The gatehouse is flanked on both sides by two grand gate towers, each of which are already occupied by Guardian forces.

[. Courtyard

- An expansive enclosed area separating the Inner Wall from the fortified edifice. Within the atrium of the courtyard are a series of fountains, but all about them seem to have been petrified; thick grey stones identical to those used in the creation of the battlements and the castle itself morphing the barren courtyard into the ideal battlefield.

[. Grand Hall

- The primary chamber of the castle's main floor. The Grand Hall serves as a tributary system, feeding the Guardians into the castle from the courtyard, and providing them with a plethora of possible routes. Royal blue banners adorn the abysmal ceiling, while statues, suits of armor, and intricate tapestries conceal the immaculate stone walls. A network of arches offer access into the many rooms on the main floor, while a gargantuan staircase of marble stands at the opposite end of the hall, leading to the upper levels. Two doors flank the staircase, and lead into the dungeons below.

[. Alice Tower

- A massive tower that projects vertically from the main body of Cinderella's Castle. Accessible through a network of corridors in the Left Wing, Guardians then ascend via spiraling staircases, ladders, and trapdoors to the many levels of the tower. Slitted windows provide archers with defensive position, thus allowing them deliver volley after volley of cover fire to the masses of enemies either within or outside the walls.

[. Aurora Tower

- A massive tower that projects vertically from the main body of Cinderella's Castle. Accessible through a network of corridors in the Right Wing, Guardians then ascend via spiraling staircases, ladders, and trapdoors to the many levels of the tower. Slitted windows provide archers with defensive position, thus allowing them deliver volley after volley of cover fire to the masses of enemies either within or outside the walls.

[. Kingdom Tower

- A massive tower that dwarfs both the Alice and Aurora. This construction serves as one of Cinderella's Castle's most lethal defensive locations, for the many balconies provide the Guardians with a means of placing trebuchets, archers, and even mages in areas where they can inflict maximum damage upon foes. Its magnificent spiraled top conceals the Kingdom Chamber, a small room housing the Crystal of Yen Sid. The crystal powers, among many things, an enchanted barrier, which prevents any magics or projectiles from passing through its mystical form. The Kingdom Tower is the second tallest section of the Castle, and is by far one of the most important.

[kloud1516]

Bump

[kloud1516]

[. Drawbridge

[1] Josephine Bateman
[2] Amelia Eagle
[3] Sakura Matserugi

[. Outer Walls

[1] Kyriake Sige
[2] Mordecai Kerinos
[3] Heather Carmelia

[. Belle Bastion

[. Beast Bastion

[. Pocahontas Parapets

[. Outer Gatehouse

[. Inner Walls

[. Inner Gatehouse

[1] Nemesis

[. Courtyard

[1] James Tau

[. Grand Hall

[1] Takin Aikoro
[2] Zazie Rainyday
[3] James Lee

[. Alice Tower

[. Aurora Tower

[. Kingdom Tower

[kloud1516]

I am setting a deadline for position submissions, which will be Tuesday, June 30. If you haven't submitted by then, I will be assigning you to locations as I see fit . . . and I can promise you that my placing of you won't be pleasant at all. That's all.

[kloud1516]

I have no clue where I should go as I am too lazy to read the blurbs.

Would you like me to assign you, then?

[kloud1516]

Bump

[kloud1516]

Looking at the list, it looks like

Mordecai,

Heather and Nemesis haven't taken up their positions yet.
Can we decide as a group where to place them?

I have notified Heather that today is the last day to make her decision. Nemesis has notified me that she is on vacation, and asked that I have her auto-defend until she returns. I will be placing her where I see fit.

[kloud1516]

Everyone has now decided upon their positions. More to come shortly.

[kloud1516]

Still working on everything guys. I'm trying to get everything up before I go on vacation Saturday, as even though I'll have my laptop with me, I'm not sure how many opportunities I'll have to get on.

[kloud1516]

[.[Plunge][:.]

Three of the five Elementals huddled together atop the massive outer wall, lost among the sea of Guardian soldiers surrounding them.

From their vantage point,

Kyriake Sige, Heather Carmelia,

and

Mordecai Kerinos

could see their world had become roofed with a dark, swirling mantle of storm clouds. The turbulent blanket of ominous black and grey extended above the highest spires of Cinderella Castle, but the shadowy pall below advanced only within a hundred yards of the main gate. Spewing forth from the battle-torn Haunted Mansion, the thick haze ghosted through the crisp night air, obscuring all that it touched. No light shone from within its massive form, and no creatures could be seen stalking through the veil. The three allies knew this was what Maleficent had intended. Her forces were totally hidden from the Guardian's. She had the upper hand . . . if only for the moment.

Lightning cackled overhead, illuminating the castle and the pale faces of many warriors and mages in an eerie green light. Thunder rolled and crashed, while the winds continued to churn violently. Banners and flags flailed erratically among the powerful currents of air. A chilling mist roiled across the walls, the moat of deep black water that encircled the castle lapping against its banks violently. Froth collected upon the stones, while icy spray lashed out at

Josephine Bateman, Amelia Ealgle,

and

Sakura Matserugi

, all of whom stood at the ready on the drawbridge. Their battle gear glistened with moisture, beads of water falling into the intricate lines etched upon their breast plate, before trickling downward in small rivulets. Each of the DHIs scanned the shroud before them, watching as thick tendrils began to inch their way closer to the gates, dragging the main body of smog with it. On both sides of them stood a countless number of soldiers, and more lay in wait within the outer gatehouse. From the corner of her eye, Josephine glimpsed archers positioned upon the parapets and within the confines of the bastions. Though she could not see them, the DHI knew that each archer was equipped with a plethora of arrows, quivers adorning their backs, waists, and even standing before them for quick access.

"Soon the Overtakers will break upon our walls like mighty waves,"

came a thunderous voice from the walls above the drawbridge.

"They come not for prisoners; they come for flesh, blood, and bone. They will show no compassion. They will show no mercy. GIVE THEM NONE IN RETURN!"

Cinderella Castle erupted into an uproar, thousands of soldiers calling back to the authoritative voice in trained unison.

"WE SHALL DENY THEM MERCY!"

Lances, pikes, spears, and maces all shot upward as lightning streaked ominously across the sky. Swords swayed powerfully, whistling through the winds. Staves and wands cackled mystically, the auras of the mages flaring to life with enchanted brilliance.

"Soon, the Fallen Angel will be upon us, her arrows cascading downward like torrential rainfall. Her evil magics will shake these hallowed halls to their foundations; her sinister presence challenging even the most masterful of warriors. Maleficent's left hand feeds of of her enemies' fear. STARE HER DOWN AND SHOW HER NONE!"

"WE SHALL DENY HER!"

"Soon, Maleficent, the Mistress of Evil herself will be upon us. Her heart of darkness will bid you to relinquish your arms, and soon after your lives. The wicked sorceress comes to destroy what we all hold dear to us: the Magic Kingdom itself. She draws ever closer, consumed by greed and power. She comes to sit upon the throne of Disney himself, a throne that has never belonged to him. What do you say to that!?"

"WE SHALL DENY HER!"

"Yes, dear brothers and sisters, yes! DENY THEM ALL!"

At that moment, a blinding ray of light shot through the darkness above the outer wall, burning pure white with unfaltering intensity. A beautiful sword glimmered among the radiance, and seemed to be no more than an extension of its master's arm. The awesome light faded, wrapping itself around a young man with straight blonde hair. White mixed with a metallic silver hue as it solidified over his body, compacting with a musical echo. Two winds jutted outward from his shoulder blades, pure white plumage glowing softly. As

Owen

[/size] drifted downward to perch upon the outer wall, his ethereal form became adorned with beautiful translucent armor. The plates of protection seemed to be synthetic in nature, conforming tightly to his body and mimicking his every motion fluidly. The armor shook with a soft purr of energy, but quickly fell quiet.

Owen bowed lowly to

Wayne

, who quickly pulled him upwards with a motion of his staff.

"You know perfectly well that I do not like such formalities,"

said Wayne with a smile. The old man gazed out into the gloom, watching as the swells of blackness rushed over the distant statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse without challenge, and continued to flow forward. It would be but seconds until the magical shroud had reached the drawbridge.

"Which is exactly why I did it,"

retorted Owen quickly, before taking to the air once more. Wings snapping open, he caught the wind and soared over top the guards of the outer wall. Allowing the wind to buffet him steadily towards the courtyard. Passing by the inner gatehouse, Owen regarded

Nemesis

with a warm smile. Tongues of flame coiled around the Fire Elemental's arms and threads of fire draped from her neck like necklaces. Her eyes smoldered with both apprehension and excitement, which reflected off the mighty blade resting in her firm grip. Beyond Nemesis,

James Tau

stood before a network of fountains within the courtyard. Soldiers and mages hurried about him, calling orders to their squadrons as they inspected traps and defensive mechanisms. Owen swooped down low, the mist caressing his face. If anyone could lead the defense in the courtyard, Owen knew it would be James Tau.

With

Takin Aikoro, Zazie Rainyday,

and

James Lee

positioned within the Grand Hall, the Angel felt confident that they would be able to hold off any foe until aid arrived. The towers had no DHI presence, but knew that the many Disney characters patrolling each level of the structures were masters of tactics and combat.

Goofy

had established many means by which to route forces away from the Kingdom Tower, and

Donald

himself was guarding the crystal. So long as Donald Duck commanded that chamber, the shield would hold; preventing magics and projectiles from crashing against the walls.

A war horn sounded in the deep as the shroud of shadows crashed against the drawbridge.

Josephine, Amelia, and Sakura were swallowed whole by the billowing mass of black magic, which halted abruptly just before the first portcullis of the outer gatehouse. Horrifying cries of rang outward from within the smog, sending chills of terror coursing over the ranks. Flares erupted from the balconies of the Aurora Tower as, without any warning, legions of aerial foes descended from below the savage clouds; fangs, talons, and claws all glinting menacingly among the strobes of lightning.

Generals and commanders quickly began delivering orders to their troops. Drums boomed and beasts screeched. Owen looked downwards to James Tau, who nodded confidently to him, before blasting into the sky. The silence before the storm had been shattered. The Overtakers had struck, plunging Cinderella Castle into war.