Distant Light

The battles The stories The losses And all the glories We're changed by the way We live every day Just look up and reach to the sky We all have the courage to fly

[mltimse-a]

[deathbled]

mltimse​

                                         We Are SongBird !!

Kenneth written by Cherry Nao written by Aria Tanaka written by Leo Kou written by Richard Uta written by Rain

[distantxlight]

“Hey, are you okay? That looked like a pretty bad fall.”

[distantxlight]

I’ve played Among Us all of once, and I want to play again

[distantxlight]

leflayaway​:

“I’m almost done anyways. You’re so impatient.” Which was a laughable statement coming from Gil, of any people, but no one ever gave the witch points for consistency.

“Besides, these burns were intentional. Empathy’s backlash routine was my petty way of adding insult to injury. I wasn’t planning to make the first strike to begin with, but hell if I wasn’t planning on finishing it.”

“Gods, you can be so hypocritical sometimes...” Skyler let out a soft sigh, his eyes still focused on Gil. He knew that the witch liked to do this sort of thing, doing what he needed (or wanted) to hurt someone else a bit more... He didn’t like it, though. Gil liked to call him reckless, and yet he did things like this.

He reached up with his prosthetic, suddenly lacing his fingers with one of Gil’s hands. Bringing his arm closer to him with a whispered ‘Curaga’, Skyler pressed his lips against his love’s wrist. Not quite against the burnt skin, but close enough to focus the spell on it.

[nekosakeme]

Do you like magical boys? Magical boys with futuristic cat boy aesthetics? Or maybe just the idea of rifting through reality to save the day, all while being home in time to make dinner for your siblings? Then maybe you should Like/Reblog this post, and check out little Leo Voll; An escaped ‘chosen one’ from a psychotic cult worshiping an equally psychotic god queen.

[distantxlight]

leflayaway​:

Gil tutted. “Well, it’s probably better you didn’t remember. It’s not as though Anne and I had many nice things to say to each other.” He was rather certain that Skyler wouldn’t have appreciated the absolute verbal lashing he’d given to the girl, if he was otherwise aware. The witch knew very well how he appeared when he was acting out his spite on someone. Often times, he relished the feeling of being horrible when it was justly earned…

 As Skyler stopped to check Gil’s injuries, he waved off his concern. “It’s fine. I’ve dealt with way worse before, Skyler.” He’d reminded him. “Besides, at this point, I’m a master at getting scars to disappear. Dermatologists despise me for completely one-upping their entire profession.”

“I know you have, but that doesn’t mean you should put it off.” Ah, he didn’t have any magic left, though. Not like his curaga spell could do much, judging by how bad those burns looked... “I can put the rest of the salve on myself.” Skyler may be tired, but he was coherent enough to do something as simple as that.

[distantxlight]

nomercyleft​:

“That’s wonderful!” she commented upon hearing how her old friend was doing.  Hazi had actually came and visited her just last week.  It had been so nice to see him.  He looked better than he had for a while.  She wasn’t exactly sure how to feel about that… But she was happy for him all the same.

As Skyler spoke of his and Gil’s relationship the woman gave the man a sympathetic and soft smile.  The smile of a mother who finally managed to pull herself from her heartache.  “Don’t worry Skyler, given time, I’m sure he’ll come around.”

Hearing of her son however the smile turned softer “That reminds me.  Did you bring the locket?”

Her words of encouragement definitely helped, the smile on his face brightening a bit. “Love isn’t easy, I’ll admit it... But I’m glad to have him.” Truthfully, she was one of the first people he’d told about his and Gil’s relationship. Well... After he was sure it wouldn’t cause her to relapse. He remembered about what had happened to her husband.

“Of course.” With her prompting him, Skyler pulled the locket from his pocket and handed it to her. She’d probably notice that the newer picture of her son, recently taken to show how much he had grown. “I think the doctors were talking about letting him come visit soon. Isn’t that exciting?”

[nomercyleft-a]

@distantxlight Continued from XX

The nurse smiled as Skyler thanked them “I’ll leave you two alone.”  She then leaned in closer to the man “Security is just on the other side of the hedge if anything happens.”  Though Gaki had made improvements, the staff was still a little nervous to leave her entirely alone with anyone.  Especially someone that she’d lashed out in the past numerous times before.

It was probably a good thing Skyler didn’t hug Gaki, the woman keeping her hands folded and not making any move to indicate she was yet comfortable with being touched.

At the question Gaki sat back down and picked up her book “Well, it’s not what I’m used to, but they don’t want to give me medical books to read.  They’re worried it might… Trigger a relapse.”  She rolled her eyes “But I just couldn’t stand the books they gave me.  Fantasy and mythology.  Bah!  So the only compromise they could give me were books on botany.”

She grazed her fingers over the cover “I actually have started to like them.”  She looked back to Skyler “So Skyler, what’s the outside world like?  It feels like I’ve been in here for eternity.”  Thought it’s only been several years.  “How’s your boyfriend?”

[distantxlight]

“Hey, next time I’ll see if I can bring along something new. How does that sound?” Obviously, he would have to get approval from the doctors... But maybe some history?

It was nice to have a conversation like this. Skyler moved to sit down as well, being respectful and making sure to give Gaki her distance. “Things are going pretty well. Hazi got some new trade routes established with a couple of countries to the west. Apparently they have some really interesting new fruits! Sorta like apples, but they taste more like... I dunno, more like a mix between an orange and watermelon?” Though the question about Gil got his face tinted red, letting out a soft laugh.

“He’s doing well. We’re still working through a few things, but I never would have guessed him to be the cuddling type.” He leaned back in his seat, an arm draping over the back of the chair. “We went to the zoo with the kids the other day. Your son’s fascinated by the birds, by the way. He adores them.”

[distantxlight]

"She's made significant improvements since your last visit." the nurse explained as she led Skyler to the gardens behind the institute "The doctor actually believes that she could potentially be released in the next few months if she continues to improve like this." In the gardens the woman led the keyblade master to a small pond with a gazebo where Gaki sat with a book. The former queen looked up when she heard footsteps and smiled as she set the book down before getting up to greet them.

It was good hearing that she was doing better, but actually seeing Gaki? Especially when she smiled; It’d been a while since Skyler had seen her smile like that. “Thank you,” he said to the nurse, turning to her for a moment. “Both you and everyone here. I’m glad you were able to help.”

Really, it wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. Skyler grinned as he walked up to Gaki, his hand closed around the locket in his pocket. He wanted to give her a hug in greeting... But maybe another time. “You’re looking good today, Gaki. Having fun with your book?”

[distantxlight]

leflayaway​:

Gil flicked Skyler in his forehead. “Idiot. She practically used you as a meat shield. Don’t try to sound tough, as if I don’t know what’s going on up there.” Gil had a feeling he understood more than Skyler might have even suspected. He knew exactly how it was to have your wings clipped at the mercy of another person.

The only real difference was that Gil allowed his situation to happen. Skyler was never even given an option. “I knew that the metaphysical darkness could somewhat replicate spells I was already familiar with, although I never tried to attempt it… The fact she was able to Dominate you suggests that she was using magic far beyond the scope of her abilities.” It all sounded like a warlock pact to Gil, frankly. “She was already quite ready to toss her life aside to have yours. If you feel the need to flagellate yourself for a lost soul like that, your heart’s clearly bigger than your brain.”

Gil briefly scratched the scorch marks on his arms, before turning about to grab a salve from the shelf next to the bench they were seated at. “Thankfully, you were able to break free of her spell… and mine for that matter.” Gil was still rather curious about how that happened. “Usually, when I turn myself or others Ethereal, that lasts upwards of 8 hours… but you came back fighting after what should have been just short of five minutes.” It was a statement, but the question of how Skyler managed to do it was left as an implication, as the witch smeared salve across Skyler’s cuts.

He yelped and jumped as Gil flicked him, blinking in surprise as the witch scolded him. Rightfully so, after all that had happened, but that didn’t mean he expected it. “I’m not...” He was. He didn’t want to make anyone worry, especially not Gil. But the witch was pretty damn smart like that. He let out a soft huff, though still listening to Gil. Halfway scolding him, even when musing about Anne and the new spells she was able to use.

“We used to be close,” Skyler admitted after a moment. “We were friends before we even dated. I guess it’s just...hard to forget that sometimes.” Everything had started to change after they got together... Or maybe that was just when she had started to show her true self.

But Gil was right about one thing; She had been a lost cause. And Skyler was kicking himself for even trying at this point.

“I don’t know... I was mostly just resisting her while she was trying to...well...” He waved his hand, the troubled look returning to his face for a moment. “But I just... I remember waking up and panicking. I wanted to get back and help.” He wasn’t sure how he was able to get back from Gil’s spell like that. It just...happened.

Watching as Gil spread the salve on his injuries, though, Skyler finally seemed to notice the witch’s own injuries. “Gil...” He took the other’s hand, lifting it up to get a better look at the burns. It was pretty obvious where they had come from; Anne had always been a fire mage, first and foremost. “You need to take care of yourself, too.”

[distantxlight]

leflayaway​:

Gil stiffened as Skyler’s arms slid about his torso. He supposed he ought to have expected that, after giving him the invitation. Before he could even think about commenting on it, Skyler already had an apology on his lips.

Gil wasn’t certain how that made him feel, in particular… He decided not to address it. Once they’d kicked off the ground, they were flying for the hidden tower, where Gil last stationed his haven bag. Once they’d come back, Gil gave strict orders for Enzo to receive the kids, once they had returned. He shouldn’t like to be interrupted, as they checked Skyler’s injuries.

Within the bath hall, Gil cleaned off most of the grime off Skyler, black sands banished away by a firm, but careful touch of a damp cloth. “How’s your side?” Gill wondered, as he scraped soot off Skyler’s jaw. “She had her press-on talons on your face… Any headaches or mind fog? She was likely trying to enchant you.” Gil would certainly know by personal experience…

There was only a slight protest when Gil had set to cleaning him up. He may have been tired, but he wasn’t invalid! But Skyler didn’t mind it so much, either... At least Gil’s healing earlier had taken care of most of the damage. The struggle that he’d had with Anne before the witch’s arrival only left some cuts and burns, maybe a bit of bruising from where she had bound him to hold him still.

“It’s fine.” Skyler gave him a faint smile with the reassurance. “It hurts a bit, but that might just be from being there for so long...” Sort of like old joints when the weather changed. It didn’t bother him so much, especially now that they were in the mansion.

There was a sigh after a moment, a hand reaching up to push his hair out of his face. “...She was.” From the tone of his voice, it was clear how Skyler felt about it; He was upset. Disturbed. The idea of his free will being taken away, especially after that time he was charmed, sat badly in the pit of his stomach. He could still remember how it felt, having her trying to worm her way into his mind like that.

It made him want to throw up.

“But I just have a headache. And I’m tired... I don’t think I’ll be eating dinner with everyone tonight.” Skyler let out a laugh, weak and dry, even if he was trying to make it sound like it was actually kind of funny. A rather bad attempt at it, too. “At least she won’t be calling me anymore, yeah?”

[distantxlight]

leflayaway​:

Gil maintained his focus ahead, distantly thinking of which methods they could take care of Anne.

By what he knew from his research of the heartless, they were as any other extant creature from the material plane. Demolishing their physical bodies only resulted in them becoming reconstituted on their home plane of existence. The only clear-cut difference was that they didn’t necessarily die on their home planes the same way demons or fairies did… The World of Darkness and the Heartless were rather one and the same, one drawing strength from the other, like a surreal form of mutual cannibalism…

The only way to defeat heartless was with a keyblade. That left Gil with relatively few options. He wasn’t about to assume Skyler to become one of them quite yet.

Once they’d touched down, Gil wove his spell. The Aquarius spirit was summoned, empowered by one of the higher remaining spell slots Gil had kept upon reserve, dousing Skyler with a shower of healing.

“We’ll get a proper look at your state when we’re back at the tower.” Gil motioned, scooting up on his broom. “Hurry up and climb aboard. No sense dallying.” He offered the space on the handle between himself and Enzo.

As drained as he was, the prospect of getting home sounded far more appealing than sitting around in Traverse Town. Skyler got to his feet fairly quickly, settling down in the offered space. Though he soon leaned against Gil, arms wrapping loosely around the witch’s waist.

“Sorry,” he was quick to apologize, even though Skyler didn’t exactly move. “I just want to make sure I don’t fall off.” Even with Aquarius, it seemed Anne took a lot more out of him than he’d like to admit. Soon, though. They’d be home soon, and then they could rest and figure out what to do with Anne.

The best plan would probably be to lure her out of the Realm of Darkness and fight her outside of her element... All he needed was to defeat her with the keyblade. If he had Gil’s help fighting her, and doing it outside the the darkness, it should be easy. Right?

[distantxlight]

leflayaway​:

“It’s difficult to believe she had a plan at all.” Gil remarked.

He could attempt to heal Skyler’s wounds, but he wasn’t sure how effective his conjury would be, whilst still travelling the lane. It wouldn’t service them if his healing magics diminished to be fully effective. Based on Skyler’s explanations, it didn’t seem as though they were pressed for time, either way. They could regroup and figure out a new plan of attack.

“I ought to have killed her while I had the chance.” Gil lamented sourly. “I simply had to be petty for the sake of being petty. Now she’s become an even bigger thorn in our side…”

“It was a really...rigid one, what little plan she had.” And now she was a Heartless. Fallen to the darkness, all over an obsession. Skyler wasn’t sure how he should feel about that.

Once again, he looked over at Gil. Someone who could control the Heartless. A person that he genuinely loved. Anne’s corruption definitely made him think. Her, and Gaki... Gil was the only exception so far. “...I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised...” His voice was low, a mumble, as he looked back to the lane ahead.

It felt like it was becoming a bit of a trend.

It wouldn’t be much longer until they reached Traverse Town, Skyler letting his keyblade and armor vanish as he sat down rather promptly against a nearby wall. He let out a tired sigh, his eyes closing as he sat there. “I’m ready to go home.”

[distantxlight]

leflayaway​:

Gil didn’t need to be told twice.

Another Sunbeam erupted from Gil’s body, carving a path through the Wyverns, and slamming into Anne once more, covering their escape. Straddling his broom, the witch kicked into high gear, soaring like an arrow towards the portal.

Dimensional magics weren’t Gil’s usual forte, but he supposed he was getting some informative practical experience these days…

“So where’s this lane stopping?” Gil asks, once he’s found himself flying by Skyler’s side, Enzo clutching the bristles of his broom and keeping an anxious eye on their six. “I can’t imagine she’ll stop until she’s consumed you as well.”

“Traverse Town.” It was probably a good thing he had his armor on at this point; He held onto his glider with a white-knuckled grip, still unsteady after Anne’s attack on him. Everything hurt, without a doubt... His side and head the worst of it.

But, first, they had to get to safety. He could rest later.

“It’s the nearest world that’s had its heart locked,” Skyler explained a bit further, keeping an eye out for anything that might come after them. “Anne won’t be able to come after us there, unless someone brings her through. And, as far as I know, she doesn’t have any allies that can.” He let out a soft huff, glancing over at Gil. “I doubt she planned for this, anyways.”

[distantxlight]

leflayaway​:

Gil narrowly ducked the blow, tumbling in the air like a leaf in the wind. Gil sought altitude then, climbing upwards and shooting off a bolt of frost at Anne in attempt to limit her movements. Shortly, Passion reconstituted from within him, repeating the outcomes of the Sunbeam spell Gil cast before. So long as Gil could maintain concentration, he could potentially fire off another beam in as soon as six seconds until it ran its course.

The witch still gritted though. Anne should not have been this hard to defeat. She wasn’t Hera or even Owen, so where did she draw her power from? Unless Anne was some sort of unrecognized savant, the only explanation was that she’d given up her humanity completely for power. A warlock to the world of darkness.

“You know what, Skyler? If you got some Keyblade mastery bullshit, now would be the good time to use it! I don’t think she’s gonna go down while we’re on this plane!”

There was a growl as she stumbled back, trying to shake off the biting cold. Not the most successfully, especially as Skyler fired his own Blizzard spell at her. He might not have had any feelings left for her anymore, but seeing her give in like this... For what? It seemed too far for any reason, especially if she was becoming a creature of pure instinct.

“No, it doesn’t seem like it...!” As a Heartless in the realm of Darkness, Anne’s power was potentially endless. Maybe not on the same level as Owen, but more than just two people would be able to handle. Even if they were a Keyblade Master and a super powerful witch.

Skyler darted farther out of Anne’s reach before lifting his keyblade up, quickly creating a portal into the Lanes before changing it into its glider form. It was going to be risky taking Gil through unprotected... But they needed to get out of there. Now.

“Gil, come on!”

[distantxlight]

thelittlestdemon​:

Egril was ready when Skyler pointed his keyblade at him.  At the question he lunged at his teacher.  Thinking about the question as they spared.

His greatest strength?  He didn’t know.  He supposed he was fairly physically strong.  He also felt like he made a decent leader?  Then again he hasn’t been on any missions on his own yet, but he was a quick thinker and problem solver.

“I don’t know.” he finally responded, blocking Skyler’s keyblade “I guess I’m good at problem solving.”

“Good. That’s a good start.” Skyler hadn’t expected Egril to actually know; His student may be mature, but he was still pretty young. It wasn’t all that different from asking a kid what they wanted to do with the rest of their life. “Being able to adapt, to find solutions in a pinch, is a huge advantage in any situation. Not just a fight.”

He twisted his keyblade, managing to slip under Egril’s defense on the second swing and tap him in the stomach. “So if a Gargoyle was coming at you from above, and a Soldier from directly in front, what would be the best way to defend yourself?”

[distantxlight]

leflayaway​:

The battle had shifted outcomes, so Gil had to shift strategy. By the look of the heartless below, their focus was shifting, turning towards the larger source of the darkness in the area. Gil maintained ample command of the heartless, but he’s learned more than a few months ago that their loyalty was not absolute, always minding the whims of the greater darkness, to which Anne made herself whole.

He’d have to mind them as he focused on her as well.

Gil was preparing to outmaneuver Anne, when he saw light strike her from her side. He turned to see Skyler, a solid shape now in the realm of darkness, rather than the Ethereal Plane where he dismissed him.

Gil rolled his eyes, “Tch. Always playing the martyr.” He gripes. 

It worked. Anne turned her attention to him. getting ready to pounce, and was struck a second time by Skyler. The witch grunted, before he began weaving another spell. Energy coalesced around him, bright and radiant. From within, Passion swelled up and out, a sun in human shape escaping from Gil’s body, roaring like a forest blaze. With a flash, the spirit darted forward, a beam of sunlight following like a lazer, and hitting Anne square in the back, and dealing massive damage.

The ground shook as she fell to the ground, groaning and growling in pain. She almost looked shocked as she looked back up at Gil. Processing that there were still two against her in this fight. The hordes of Heartless were at least keeping each other busy, Though Skyler was finding himself occasionally striking out at some of them. The few that were free enough to obey Anne’s whims, though the number was small enough that it wasn’t a problem.

Not yet.

Lightning sparked across the sand, dealing with a handful of Soldiers before Skyler directed it at Anne. Quickly followed by shards of ice and a fireball as well. Her attention was split, which only seemed to agitate her even more.

A swipe of her hand across the sand sent it spraying in Skyler’s direction, the wielder letting out a yelp as he covered his eyes. Almost in the same motion, Anne reached for Gil. Aiming to slam him down into the ground, so that both of her targets were at least on the same level as her.