@Deleted
Message Deleted
likes
0
posts
Deleted
|
Post by Deleted on May 1, 2018 13:55:02 GMT -5
It was a bright morning following the rather unexpected encounter with a former comrade of the coat. Indeed running into Roxas that evening, had certainly set the clock back on a number of opportunities still waiting to be capitalized upon. As Luxord would come to observe the weathered fort, whilst enjoying his morning tea upon an open deck that overlooked the port, it would become hard not to notice the change of the guard. The patrols were different, so much in fact that he only recognized half of the routine being demonstrated. The harbor was no different, as several merchant ships had set out the night before, only to be replaced by more frigates of the British navy. This much military in one place could only foretell the arrival of an important presence in the rank. Though there was no indication as to whom this was. All that could be told to electric blue orbs that surveyed the harbor, was that security had effectively doubled since dawn.
A disapproving grunt was made as porcelain clattered against the saucer on the table. ”Waitress-“ began the enigma in black, prompting a young girl to approach his table in earnest. ”This tea is cold.” A glove was made to gesture to the cup upon the table, before the man would cross his arms. Despite that the sun had only begun to creep over the horizon, the valley of the port still proved quite chilled in the shadow of the mountainous hills above. Luxord waited for the waitress to collect the china, casting a glance across the harbor, wondering if this was truly the best place to spend his fortune of time. It proved doubtless the finest location to enjoy an early nourishment, in addition for allowing sufficient recon where permitted, though there was little chance he’d spot the Governor from here.
The man’s presence at whatever festivities were being conducted the port today, were almost surely guaranteed by the doubled size of infantry. The Gambler had almost run head-on into a patrol making its way through town not even an hour prior. These sentries would never tire it seemed. Though even all the eyes were not enough to keep businesses from running, whether they were illegitimate or not. An additional game of cards aboard a vessel had all but supplemented whatever he lost in his entertaining of the Key of Destiny. Before he bid the wage-less sailors adieu, one of the men made mention of another, whom knew a fellow that was planning a heist upon the fort. It was safe to assume the treasury of such a busy locale would provide one a hefty fortune in material, or influence as Luxord saw more appropriately. Were such an endeavor in the works, perhaps it would be wise to follow the trail to this Salty Tom as he was called.
The waitress would return, and set a steaming cup of tea in front of the man in black. As she had provided him with a suitable replacement, he felt it only polite he oblige her in a manner fitting her cooperation. A gold coin was flicked onto the table for her, which she retrieved and nodding in thanks before tending to the other patrons. The Gambler felt his eyes wander from the cup of tea back to the fort, then the harbor once more. Nothing of interest to him, save for what he had already studied in the hour he had sat here. As eventful as the night before had been, it was clear now that things weren’t bound to pick up here for another few hours. As captivating as they were in their own right, the vessels of this world still held primitive capabilities when it came to speed.
Returning his focus to his tea once more, Luxord raised the amber liquid to his lips, and indulged in the lemony taste.
@mordred
|
|
@Deleted
Message Deleted
likes
0
posts
Deleted
|
Post by Deleted on May 1, 2018 18:11:09 GMT -5
Just as Luxord was relaxing with his tea, a very different altercation was taking place. One that was rather hard to not notice as a table had been flipped, knocking glassware and beverages to the ground. One giant of man stood up, clearly looking several kinds of displeased. He wore an eyepatch and seemed built to pirate the seven seas. Curiously, one of his hands was bandaged up. Two of his friends tried desperately to calm him down to no avail. Still sitting across from him, unmoved from his position in his chair, with his arms folded and legs leisurely crossed, was a skinny-looking cloaked man. His cloak would seem similar at first to the infamous Black Coat of the Organization. However, it lacked a zipper or much of the details of a Black Coat. It had also been patched in places, clearly advertising the age of the cloak. This man, also seemed to wear normal clothes underneath his cloak or at least they were visible. However, to someone like Luxord, there was no mistaking it. This man was a Nobody. He looked up at the man, his face unchanged by fear or surprise and adjusted his glasses. His would-be assailant glared down at him, growing angrier at what he thought was contempt. "You... I ain't no coward! You got a lotta nerve to call ME that."
The Nobody, Mordred, sighed and got up from his chair, rubbing his shoulder. "From the facts as you yourself presented them, you are, in fact, a coward. A pirate, like yourself, wasting away in a tavern, all because you won't go out to see. All I ask is a trip out to sea and you quail in fear of such a simple request. It's because of him, isn't it? It's because of Davy Jo-" Mordred didn't get to finish his sentence as the large pirate charged at him. Fortunately for Mordred, he had been blessed with his Mastery over all forms of motion, which was far more than enough to deal with someone whose movements were dulled by ale and stupidity. As the pirate charged, Mordred simply dodged to the side, moving almost like liquid out of the pirate's way. As they passed each other, Mordred took the satchel of money hanging off of the pirate's belt. The huge man made a bigger splash into some nearby tables, while the Nobody walked over to the barkeep and set the satchel on the counter. "For the mess. It'll be on him." The pirate slowly and noisily got back him, groaning from the pain. He put his fists up and ran at Mordred. The Nobody stood still, sensing the man's approach. When he punched, Mordred once again dodged. Unperturbed, the punches kept coming, but they only hit empty air as Mordred did as little movement as possible to dodge the blows, almost as if he was taunting the pirate.
More yells came from the staff, trying to stop the fight. However, Mordred stopped the fight himself when the pirate overextended on one of his punches, going off-balance. Mordred simply tripped him, causing him to fall face-first into another table. As the pirate looked up from the floor, he noticed a knife on the ground. He picked it up, quickly got to his feet and swung wildly at him. Mordred saw this coming and grabbed the man's wrist before the knife could connect. He then used the pirate's own momentum against him and put him in an arm hold, forcing him to the ground. It was then that everyone in the tavern could see a skinny man keeping someone half again his size on the ground, wrenching his hand to cause in excruciating amount of pain. Mordred almost comically plucked the knife out of the man's hand and tossed it aside. "All this over a small voyage. First impressions truly aren't to be trusted anymore. I thought you didn't care about your life so much." Mordred deftly unwrapped the bandages on the pirate's hand. When they were removed, there it was. A small circle on the palm of his hand, black as pitch. The Black Spot. Mordred had heard rumors that this was how the mythical Davy Jones marked those who dealt with him. Davy Jones... if this world was to join in the True Peace, Mordred needed to have a little talk with the captain of the Flying Dutchman. All around him, fearful whispers sprang up about the Black Spot and a couple people did the Sign of the Cross very quickly. The Nobody had no reason to care either way. Fear was nothing to someone with a caged Heart fragment.
"I hear Davy Jones is beyond cruel to those who are marked. Death would almost be a reprieve, wouldn't it?" Mordred watched coldly as the man begged for his life. However, Mordred noted that he did acquiesce to taking him along on his boat. Was this Davy Jones truly such a nightmare? It only piqued Mordred's curiosity further. However, this man was useless to him and Mordred couldn't exactly take his Heart in front of everyone. Mordred tossed the arm down and stepped back from the pirate. "Very well. Enjoy what is left of your life." Mordred walked out of the tavern and back into the light of day. He had noticed the increase in patrols as well. Whatever dignitary was arriving, it was quite possibly he had no knowledge of Davy Jones... but that didn't mean it wasn't worth trying.
|
|
@Deleted
Message Deleted
likes
0
posts
Deleted
|
Post by Deleted on May 2, 2018 22:20:54 GMT -5
A few more minutes were allowed to pass, during which the warmed tea would vanish. Thoughts about Roxas circled the Gambler’s focus, birthed as hypothetical probabilities surrounding the boy’s rather unexpected appearance in the port. There was doubtless a purpose this world played into the Key of Destiny’s agenda. Though what was it? What had been scribbled upon his well protected parchment, that had seemed so pressing, even himself was omitted an glimpse upon its contents. Luxord had to admit, looking upon his former comrade still held its difficulties. It took all the restraint he could muster not to fill the youth’s body with cards. Roxas deserved as much…both he and his Somebody. To have been cut down without so much as a bat of the eye, it was simply an unforgivable display of poor form. The very reminiscence of moment would make Luxord’s hands tense around the porcelain between them.
The cup would find its way back to the saucer without fragmenting. A collected composure was among the only possessions he had left, the only thing as close to his chest as the black coat that covered it. A hand was brought up to where his stolen promise ought to have been. Oh, Roxas- To thieve my completion only to save your own? Far too egocentric, even for you mused the hooded blond in silence. His hands would fold upon the other, as his sights were once more directed to the bustling harbor town. A brief skim for anything of interest, as though this world was ever lacking in such a department. There was certainly notice among the common-folk regarding the commotion about the navy, though this was mere speculation. From his vantage point from the height of the deck which he sat, Luxord could only do his best to estimate the hushed whispers in the streets. As fortune would pay up, it cashed in as man man wandering over for a drink, carrying with him the gossip that had traveled from a certain hotbed of trouble.
The scrub of a sailor made mention of a certain tavern, one of which Luxord had already familiarized himself. The Conch, as it was so favorably referred by the locale, was known for the brutish regulars and unfavorable travelers. As the tale of the morning was regaled with all the enthusiasm expected, the enigmatic customer found himself gazing upon the scene of his victory from the night prior. It had been effortless to acquire what winnings he had, and in hindsight they had gone to a rather noteworthy cause. As enticing as it was to conquer a game such as this with ease and haste, it would be nowhere near enjoyable, were he to never savor every move across the board.
Time was a mistress best played with patience. It was a truth he knew best.
Fortune would smirk again, this time as the tavern’s door across the square would open. A curious brow was raised upon the emergence of a newcomer wearing a rather familiar attire, one of which Roxas had been lacking. Curious development- he would muse. He might have been sitting too far away to make out the noticeable traits this fellow held, that would certainly distinguish him from Luxord’s former comrades, though there was no mistaking the coat. Perhaps this drifter was among Xemnas’ new group? Rather, whomever The Superior now served- Luxord recalling then and there the few words Roxas had shared the prior evening. Were his presumptions correct, therein would lie a means to gather whatever intel the Key of Destiny might require. Whatever the aim of this wanderer, Luxord was sure to find out what Xemnas seemed to still desire of this world.
That of course, was not going to happen on the Gambler’s time.
With the bill paid, and no longer holding onto a desire for sightseeing, shadow would slither up his form like vines growing up a the trunk of a tree. Within moments he was gone, vanished from the eatery to leave an unattended cup upon the table. His destination awaited in the form of the wall next to the tavern’s threshold, his hooded form appearing in a lean against the weathered building, just shy of the Kinetic Knight’s peripheral. In this moment alone Luxord deduced the condition of the other coat, and that the wearer was indeed a Nobody. It was an unmistakable void compared to all the beating hearts that lingered just a few feet on the opposite side of the door. ”I must say the new uniforms lack refinement-“ spoke Luxord, breaking whatever silence had lingered. ”Then again The Superior was never one for fashion.” Pushing off the wall with a boot, the Gambler of Fate would stride passed the other Nobody, coming to an abrupt halt a mere ten feet before him. Turning to look upon the mysterious Nobody, Luxord would regard him with a gestured an upturned palm. ”Perhaps you’ll sate curiosity, and indulge the reason behind your presence here, Mister-?” A pause left to allow the man, or rather shell of one, an opportunity to say his peace. Awaiting whatever answer the enigma chose to give, a hand was raised in a curious manner to grace the hidden hairs of his finely trimmed goatee. If this morning had lacked any entertainment, it was certain to pick up from here.
@mordred
|
|
@Deleted
Message Deleted
likes
0
posts
Deleted
|
Post by Deleted on May 3, 2018 20:43:15 GMT -5
Mordred stopped as soon as his attire was called into question. Mordred took a glance behind him and saw a blonde man with an equally blonde goatee and the look of a man with a silver tongue and a cunning wit. Mordred also knew from seeing his face on Even's computer that he was Luxord, Number 10 of the Organization. This was only confirmed by Luxord's mentioning of "The Superior". Mordred shook his head and stared at Luxord coldly. "You are incorrect on a number of things. For starters, this cloak is something I've worn since I was born as a Nobody. I have had to mend it after particular arduous encounters but it serves its purpose well. As for your precious "Superior", I'm afraid that while I know who you're talking about, Luxord, I do not work for him. I have my own agenda that cannot be influenced by his presence." Mordred continued to stare at Luxord, as if trying to ponder why he stopped Mordred. Was he a stooge for Xemnas or was he a traitor like Marluxia? Mordred did let slip that he knew about Luxord, but he considered any consequences from this irrelevant. He had also hadn't entirely told the truth about his working relationship with Xemnas, as they had cut a deal. However, Mordred had never really believed he was working FOR the one who called himself "Superior" so it was a moot point. Then Luxord started to stick his nose into Mordred's business, which only lent credence to the "Xemnas's stooge" theory. Granted, Luxord claimed to do so out of curiosity rather than to satisfy his own fragile ego.
Mordred adjusted his glasses. "Mordred... and I don't believe you have any authority to know my business. As far as I'm concerned, you're only a remnant of an Organization long since disbanded. I can't even be sure where your true loyalties lie. Why should I even trust you?" Of course, he again stretched the truth. After all, he knew that Xemnas was trying to gather individuals again and he was sure that Master Xehanort was gathering like-minded people as well. Perhaps they were even part of the same group. However, for the moment, it was purely speculation and nothing more. Mordred then tried to walk past Luxord without bothering to listen to what the Gambler had to say. Mordred seemed to be heading towards the more Upper Class region of Port Royal, particularly the Governor's Mansion. If he was to find a way to Davy Jones, he would have to commission some authority to grant him a ship to it. That would be easy enough. After all, people were too easy to manipulate. All it took was finding out what they desired most.
|
|
@Deleted
Message Deleted
likes
0
posts
Deleted
|
Post by Deleted on May 4, 2018 1:26:01 GMT -5
Beneath the shroud of a hood so dark, electric blue eyes would narrow, accompanied by a devilish smirk. The words, as swift as they came, were unmistakably laced with a false sense of superiority. An air of passive aggression upon a monotonous voice bearing an uncanny resemblance to that of his former leader. As rudely as this Nobody would choose to regard the Gambler, there was little that would manage to make his skin crawl. Perhaps his indifference to the inhospitality of others, in itself, was what kept him around for the final dealings before. It had certainly served him well in more trying of tribulations in the past. Regardless, Luxord only found the responsive spiel more intriguing than offensive. The other blond would make motion to pass, and was allowed to do so upon completion of his final, yet rather redundant question. Luxord could only muster an amused chuckle, which soon grew into a delighted laugh, turning in full to glimpse this Mordred’s exposed backside.
Despite this non-man’s aim to withhold information from the prying chronokinetic master, every word and action made had only served to betray this apparent agenda. The prior gossip overheard at the restaurant had been sufficient enough to provide Luxord with a few estimates to lean on. It wasn’t often a fight broke out this early in the day, though those that weren’t passed off as drunken brawls, were more often investigated by the red coats on patrol. It was even more rare that the name such as Davy Jones would dared be uttered so freely, without regard to consequences or eavesdropping ears. It was sure to attract an unquestionable amount of attention. Such was the case as a glimpse to Mordred’s last place of visit was made. Soldiers were interrogating a man that seemed to be nursing an arm. Setting his blue hued sights on the tattered coat once more, Luxord knew there was little mistaking the direction this wanderer was headed.
”Only the feckless judge a book’s cover with such prompt haste.” At the conclusion of the sentence, a snap would resonate in the street loud enough for the other to hear. As on cue, a wall of cards would erect before Mordred, effectively barring his path, if only for but a moment. With a rotation of the hand, the cards would minimize in height and size, before taking flight through the air to return to Luxord’s grasp. Another stylish wave and they would vanish. ”Petty accusations aside, I find it rather curious this...direction of approach.” The Gambler of Fate would close the distance, utilizing the shadows to reemerge to Mordred’s left. ”The brutish, methodical interrogation- the sloppy trail of onlookers? Only a neophyte plays the game with such carelessness.” Luxord would gesture to the Nobody’s presence before him, then direct that hand to point up the hill toward Swann’s mansion. ”Perhaps this entails the answer behind your predicament, behind a still fruitless endeavor that beckons you up this hillside? However victorious a gambit it may prove, therein lies unprecedented failure that may escape even your observations.” The man in black could hardly contain the rueful chuckle that followed. ”Was this really the plan, sir? March up to the governor, slaughter pawns in a display of power and sheer force? With the impending arrival of his king’s dignitaries, in a closed bay occupied by an armada? Surely enough of a ruckus to draw unwarranted Keybearers swayed by morality. Recklessly inadvisable, though I applaud the gumption.”
A hand was raised to caress the barely visible goatee un his chin, contemplating whatever logic this new acquaintance saw within an agenda of pure madness. Only a few seconds would pass before another snap was made, followed promptly by a gestured index digit to Mordred. ”Should your mockery of pride prove fallible, perhaps you’ll listen to a proposition of reason?” Luxord would then nod in the direction of an adjacent alley, before making motion to guide Mordred with an upturned palm. Footsteps could be heard hastily encroaching upon their position. Though he cared not for the company of this prickly personality, Luxord recognized an open confrontation in the streets was even more undesirable. Discretion was a gentleman’s hand to play after all. At that very moment a patrol of red coated soldiers would come trotting down the street, marching with haste up the hill to the upper class district. Luxord would watch on from the shade of this alleyway, before nodding to indicate they had passed beyond earshot.
”For the time being, I suspect our interests mutually align in the governor, no?” A glint within those calculative, observing orbs beneath their mask of shadow. The former Number Ten would place a hand over his chest, where the heart he had been promised did not reside. There was no profound beating behind the boney cage beneath flesh, no true capability of feeling that could possibly exist. All that burned inside Luxord was that ever present longing and desire for completion. As for trust- Rest assured I am more interested in collecting the winnings I am owed. For now, a governor in pocket would suffice.” It was then, as though cued by the very words that left his mouth, that a pair of his underling Nobodies would manifest not a foot away from the man himself. They remained idle, playing with cards that shot through the air betwixt either of their sleeves, awaiting whatever orders the alpha Gambler would decide to give. Luxord returned the hand to his chin, supporting the arm with the other, as he looked on the pair of Nobodies in a speculative manner.
”Bring us a manifesto of the inbound ships.”
At the drop of the last syllable they were gone in torrents of thorns, their goals set in motion for their master. All that remained to be seen for now was Mordred’s awaited decision. Whatever the scarlet eyed enigma would choose, Luxord would adapt his strategy accordingly. After all, what fun was there if the outcome of this day proved predictable? Either way, entertainment was a certifiable guarantee.
@mordred
|
|
@Deleted
Message Deleted
likes
0
posts
Deleted
|
Post by Deleted on May 7, 2018 14:04:44 GMT -5
Mordred only stared as the wall of cards stopped him. It would seem that Luxord would get involved if he had to force himself into Mordred's business. The bespectacled Nobody turned to face Luxord, as if willing to listen to him. However, it quickly turned into a realization that this gamblin' man had placed his bets on a theory and was completely wrong. Mordred simply shook his head and sighed. Despite the veiled insults and base assumption, Mordred would let Luxord speak. He seemed fond of hearing himself talk, so why take away such a simple pleasure? Besides, as the Nobody spied the guards looking at him and back at his assailant. The opportunity to disprove Luxord would come in time. Soon, Luxord offered a deal to Mordred, by which he meant that they were working together whether Mordred liked it or not. Luxord commanded his Nobody minions to grab a manifesto of all inbound ships before he had ever heard Mordred respond. The Nobody had to give the blonde man points for his brashness. However, if he intended to work with him, Luxord needed to know how Mordred truly worked. As the two guards walked up to the Nobodies, Mordred walked past Luxord again, putting a hand on his shoulder, before muttering just loud enough for Luxord to hear, "Don't speak." As Mordred walked to confront the guards, they seemed a bit on edge by the scientist's presence and what they had just gathered.
"Ol' John there says you caused him quite a lot of pain, sir. Not to mention the ruckus in the tavern. Mind explaining yourself before we take you in?" the taller of the guards said. Mordred merely shrugged. "If you wish. I asked him for travel on his boat to a destination that would be revealed later on the date of the voyage. However, he seemed disturbed, saying something about 'Davy Jones'." At this, the guards chuckled and looked at each other knowingly. They saw Mordred's upturned eyebrow and the taller one spoke again. "Oh, we beg your pardon. Davy Jones is nothin' but an old pirate myth. Looks like John's the superstitious type. Still, he did mention that you called him a coward." Mordred nodded. "I did. A pirate that fears the sea over some legend is not what I'd call brave. Unfortunately, he took offense and attacked me. I was able to turn the tables on him, as it were. He had been drinking, after all." The guards noticed Mordred's skinny build and were unsure about how he had managed to overpower the massive pirate. But, John did seem more hurt than Mordred so that was all the guards needed. "I see..." The shorter guard said. Mordred took a deep breath and shrugged again. "If you don't believe me, the other tavern patrons can back up my story." The taller one shook his head. "No, we already did, sir. Our apologies for bothering you, We'll make sure John sobers up in our jail." The guards walked away, picking up John along the way and dragging him off. Mordred then turned and walked back over to Luxord.
"Manipulation and obfuscation are just as important tools as stealth and subterfuge. One not need hide if one can calmly explain the situation to another's satisfaction. As for your theory, it's quaint, but flawed. I had no intention of fighting anyone. It is as I said, I wished for a boat to the ocean. I left some details out but none that the guards needed to hear. After all, Davy Jones is just a legend, didn't you hear? It was he who took umbrage to my words and attacked me. I merely defended myself to the best of my ability and even then I had to use restraint. I also knew that there were more guards stationed here than was normal and that someone important was going to arrive. Thus, the guards would be more focused on more dangerous threats, not some superstitious drunk causing a fight in a bar. It was a situation that I did not wish to be in but one that I handled. As for 'walking to the Governor's Mansion and fighting every guard', you couldn't be more off the point. It's called reconnaissance. Staking out a location for the best entry point with minimal engagement with the enemy. I can't very well do that from here, can I?" Mordred walked closer and whispered to Luxord. "Let me put this in words you understand. You shouldn't focus on your hand so much that you forget to analyze the other players. Otherwise, you've lost before you even started to play." Mordred then continued to walk past, going up the steps back towards the Upper Class district. Then he stopped and adjusted his glasses.
"I will allow you to come along, Luxord, since you seem so insistent on allying yourself with me. You can start by telling me what you know."
|
|
@Deleted
Message Deleted
likes
0
posts
Deleted
|
Post by Deleted on May 9, 2018 14:46:30 GMT -5
So it was that the platinum blond found entertainment, provided generously by the bespectacled wanderer whom fancied himself a superior player. Whatever helped the poor shell sleep at night, Luxord wouldn’t ruin the other Nobody’s fun, for now. Rather the Gambler took his time shuffling about a series of cards through the air before him. Watching. Observing. He listened in to the conversation between Mordred and the soldiers, whom as it turned out merely wished to inquire the reason behind the scuffle in the tavern. It provided more insight to the show of the hour, this rather unknown variable meandering about the streets of the port. Mordred’s mannerisms and choice of answers to the guards were taken into account with intrigue, as was the rather deflated responses of the ‘king’s finest.’ Passed off as nothing more than a drunken brawl, and perhaps that was all it might have been, were someone else possibly involved. Only a fool would believe such a face valued story.
Luxord was no fool.
A few bleak answers later, and the Gambler soon found himself addressed again, this time in a manner more suited to stroke Mordred’s own inflated ego. Some needless insight regarding the meaning of reconnaissance, as though he were talking down to a child. Though there was some insight to the intentions of this insufferable personality, twice repeated in fact. Doubtless that he cared what Luxord knew about them, or for anything else in this city of trade. A boat was an easily acquired accommodation, and he certainly didn’t need Governor Swann for that. After a long enough spiel that could have put even Xemnas to sleep, the four-eyed blond would move in closer to whisper. Luxord let the arrogant assumptions of his own intentions come to halt at last, the silence coming to a full as a final card was pinned between fingers, before it twirled into nothing.
”On the contrary, I never agreed to anything of the sort. I merely voiced my suspicions.”
A carefree snap was made to the air, and as though promptly on cue, an onyx carriage manned by the two Gambler minions came rounding about the corner to an abrupt halt behind their master. Luxord would reach out to the air with an open palm, and one of the underlings would present a scroll of parchment unto Luxord’s coiling grasp. He would then tuck this into an interior pocket of his coat, before turning to open the carriage door. With one boot on the step, Luxord paused. ”Ah yes, that’s right-“ he mused a reminder with a nod of an index finger. The Gambler of Fate would then reach into a familiar coin purse, and remove enough gold sufficient for the Harbormaster’s tax. The coins were then tossed to the dirt at Mordred’s feet. ”You should hurry, or you’ll miss your boat Mr. Smith!” called Luxord with a wave, entering the carriage as it sped off up the hill to the finer parts of Kingston. There was business to be had, and as a proud, colossal flagship bearing the colors of the EITC came within view at the edge of the bay, the fort began to sound out with alarm bells.
Men were called to their stations from every inch of the harbor, preparing for the arrival of the men sent by their king. Soldiers rushed along the stone walls, forcing anyone without a uniform out of the way. Some men caught in the way were forcibly pushed away by some of the more aggressive, servants of His Majesty, while one poor woman lost her balance to take an unceremonious dip in the harbor water. The incident caused such a fuss, several day drinking sailors had taken it upon themselves to attempt to fish her out. Regulatory proceedings were also underway to expect the Governor for the arrival of the EITC leader and his midshipmen. Drills were underway within moments, and could be heard even from the window of Luxord’s carriage, as it sped farther from the source.
Eventually it would slow, and make a left turn to come to a stop before a general store. As unusual as the Nobodies manning the carriage might have appeared to some, they surprising failed to draw as much attention as a certain brown haired Keybearer might have. A brief click as the carriage door opened, before the hooded passenger stepped out onto the boardwalk. Let us shuffle the deck some more mused Luxord to himself with a chuckle. Stepping to the door, the Gambler of Fate would vanish into the establishment.
@mordred
|
|
@Deleted
Message Deleted
likes
0
posts
Deleted
|
Post by Deleted on May 14, 2018 19:14:07 GMT -5
Mordred looked down at the bag of money so unceremoniously dropped at his feet as Luxord left. Most people would've probably been insulted, even angry. Mordred didn't look like he had even reacted. He reached and picked up the money. He stood back up and felt the weight of it in his hands. If Luxord was not going to help, then Mordred was not going to accept his help. Not that he made it a habit of accepting anyone's help anyways. Mordred looked over to his left and spied a homeless man who seemed to be eying the bag of gold in Mordred's hand. The Nobody simply threw it over to the homeless man, who nearly stumbled back from the shock of such charity. To Mordred, it was merely disposing of trash. The gold was just metal to him. He then turned and walked back towards the Governor's Mansion, back to the mission at hand. Once in the district, Mordred took to the rooftops to do recon on the Mansion. Luckily, it seemed that the building was not as secure as Mordred would have suspected. Perhaps it was because of the new arrival. Mordred then spied the Governor himself getting into a carriage, giving orders to the guards and his servants. The Governor and Beckett were connected, as one would expect. Once Swann left, it was time for Mordred to get into action.
The Nobody took a few steps back on the rooftop and then made a huge flying leap over to the roof of the Mansion. The guards, not expecting any flying men in the vicinity, had the courtesy of not looking up. Mordred tucked and rolled onto the Mansion's roof, adjusting his glasses before standing up. He then peered over the side of the building, finding a side entrance guarded by one man. Mordred fell down the side and onto the guard, knocking him unconscious before he even knew what had occurred. The Nobody then disposed of the knocked out man in a nearby hay wagon, before sneaking through the side entrance. Once inside, Mordred did his best to keep to the shadows and nooks, avoiding the attention of any patrols milling around. It was a slow journey, but finally, after searching many of the rooms and overhearing conversation from the guards, he managed to get to what he figured to be the Governor's office. Considering there were guards in front of the doors when Mordred peeked around the corner, it seemed to be a sure bet. Mordred looked back down the hallway he came out of and saw a room where the door was cracked open. The Nobody went inside and noticed it was a study. Mordred reached out and used his telekinesis to send a book from one of the top shelves tumbling to the ground.
The noise attracted the guards from in front of the office and Mordred could hear their footsteps as they came closer and closer. He pressed his body up against the wall next to the double doors. The guards fully opened the doors, blocking their view of Mordred and blindly walked in, looking around the room. However, before they could get their bearings, Mordred sneaked up behind them and quite literally banged their heads together, knocking both of them out. Mordred then slinked out of the study and closed the doors, locking both of them in case the guards woke up before the Nobody had finished investigating. He then walked back down the hallway and into the office, locking the door behind him. The bespectacled man looked around trying to find any clues that would help him salvage this World's Heart. After a few minutes of looking through shelves and desk drawers, an opened envelope caught Mordred's eye. He picked it up and took out the letter that was in it. Unfolding it and reading it, the letter seemed to be by Cutler Beckett of the EITC, sending a notice that he would be arriving today. However, that's not all it said. It also, veiled as a somewhat humorous rhetorical question, asked the Governor whether he had heard of the pirate legend of Davy Jones. This piqued Mordred's interest. What would Beckett's interest in Davy Jones be? Further investigation was necessary and Mordred would have to meet the legend himself.
Mordred looked around and found a blank piece of parchment and a quill with a bottle of ink. His hands, precise though they were, were not sufficient enough to mimic Beckett's handwriting. His telekinesis, on the other hand, was. Mordred used it to painstakingly recreate the letter in question, right down to the signature. Then he folded his forged letter and put it in his pocket, while putting the real one back into the envelope as it had been. Once everything was in its place, Darkness sprang up around Mordred's body and swallowed him up, leaving no trace that he had been there, except for a few guards who would be asked some very pointed questions. The other end of Mordred's corridor opened up in an alley near the docks. They were currently very busy trying to finish up so they could attend Beckett's arrival. This allowed Mordred to slip through with ease and inspect the docks. Mordred saw the EITC ship, along with a couple escort ships, now empty of people who busied about the docks. Mordred also noticed that the ships had cannons. A couple travels through Corridors later to spy on their insides had him note that they were loaded already, possibly in case of pirate attack. More importantly, they also had lanterns, lit so as to provide light to the dark and dreary lower decks. Mordred also noted that strewn about the dock were kegs of gunpowder. Mordred mentally that it was almost too easy. He doubled back and snuck aboard one of the ships he knew was headed out to sea. Once he found a port hole inside the ship, the Nobody waited. Soon, there was a large crowd gathered to welcome Beckett. So many Hearts in one place... it would be a bountiful harvest.
Once Mordred knew that the people would be suitably distracted, Mordred began to work his Telekinesis. Every lantern he had seen, he pictured in his mind. Then, using his Telekinesis, he grabbed them, floated them through the port holes of the escort ships and then threw them onto the cobblestone portion of the docks, where the crowd had gathered. The lanterns broke upon the ground and the lantern oil plus the flames created an inferno very quickly, threatening to engulf the crowd. Then Mordred decided to add more chaos to the mixture and telekinetically tossed the gunpowder kegs onto the flames. The fire turned into a conflagration, explosions rocking Port Royal. Hearts flew across the docks towards Mordred's grasp. Some he tithed to "The Superior's" precious project but most of them went to Eden. It was truly a bountiful harvest. Mordred then heard the sounds of shouts and footsteps. It would seem that, in a panic, the crew that manned this ship was going to flee the harbor. Mordred immediately retreated to the cargo hold of the ship and hid among the boxes. He would rest for the time being and wait for nightfall. However, he did mentally call Eden towards the world of pirates to grab any stray Hearts. Once night fell, there would be a distant, red star in the sky.
|
|
@Deleted
Message Deleted
likes
0
posts
Deleted
|
Post by Deleted on May 19, 2018 8:43:38 GMT -5
”Ah, its you. Have it then?”
”As per our agreement. I trust you happened upon the appropriate compensation? Such papers are not easy to come by…”
”Yes- yes, just let us have a gander at em.”
The man in the hood standing opposite the owner at the counter, in this rather scurvy place of trade, would promptly retrieve the manifesto from the interior of his coat. Luxord would make to hand the scroll to the man, yet pause a foot before the exchange. A snarl would form behind a salt and peppered beard, as misty green eyes would move from the gloved hand, to the shrouded face of its owner. ”Ive done enough gambling in my time to know all bets are required to be placed on the table sir.” There weren’t many of these locals that could be trusted, or rather anyone, as the current times were starting to show the Gambler. Surely if Xemnas now had unknown associates like this Mordred running about, it was a safe enough wager to place. The lines in the sand were not as refined as they once had been. As the shop owner would make another disapproving black toothed grin, he would reach a hand under the counter.
”Is like I said, I got it righ’ -ere.”
A small envelope with a stamp, bearing what he believed to be the English King’s royal seal, was then set upon a counter desperately in need of a thorough dusting. An approving chuckle emitted from the onyx hood. ”Yes, it would seem you do. Ensure this makes its way to Salty Tom.” With a brief exchange of the manifesto for the envelope, the mysterious racketeer would give a parting wave, before returning to his carriage waiting outside. Perhaps now he’ll be less inclined to turn a blind eye mused the non-man of fate, as the horse driven mobile would once more start off through the busy streets. Upon further examination of this envelope, Luxord would come to find the seal it bore, was not unlike most found upon those that usually travelled through the fort. Rather it would bear a crest used by prestigious members of an inbound trade company. The Nobody felt his eyes narrow at this discovery, before shaking the envelope gently to further discover it was empty.
Cheated? Again?
Naturally it would seem his contact had failed to acquire the desired letter from the former Commodore Norrington’s office from within the fort. He would let out a slow, drawn out breath as the carriage came to a slow at the cry of a ”Hold up there!” No matter. There were other ways of turning this bad hand to his advantage. Drawing back the curtain over the window, Luxord would come to face with one of the posted guards at a gate. The brit would naturally regard this hooded traveler with an eye of suspicion. ”What’s your business here, Mister-?” asked the guard, with a pause and a nod.
”Mordred.”
”Well Mr. Mordred, afraid the Governor isn’t receiving any visitors- on account of the impending arrival of the East India Trade Company.”
Luxord would note the man’s words sparked a recollection of abbreviation upon the envelope’s seal. ”On the contrary,” interjected Luxord, handing the envelope to the guard. The man in red looked over the blank parchment, before his eyes widened at the sight of the seal. ”Apologies sir- I had no idea Lord Beckett had sent an emissary ashore!” Luxord would smirk, giving a wave of forgiveness as he let the curtain fall once more. The guard would foolishly hand the envelope back to this hooded enigma, and wave for his subordinates to open the mansion’s iron gates. As they opened the onyx carriage would hasten up the drive to the mansion, coming to a halt on the other side of the fountain, just before the front doors. At the sight of the carriage, the posted guards would approach in an attempt to stall this mysterious arrival, having failed to receive the news from their deceived comrade at the gate.
”Halt! Who goes there!?”
The men’s shared demand were answered promptly, as the Gambler Nobodies driving the carriage would each dive for them. A simple attack from each, and the guards were effectively knocked unconscious. They would turn to make a grandiose display in opening the carriage door for their master, before vanishing in a flash of ivory and ebony thorns. Luxord would make hastened steps over the unconscious guards, pushing open the mansion’s main doors, as he entered into a room bearing the main flight of stairs. A glimpse skyward found a glass chandelier, moments before the pair of guards stationed in the library, would arrive at the peak of the stairs to greet whom they believed the expected emissary. ”Hey! Stop you!” One would cry out, as they began to hurry down the steps with muskets in hand. Luxord would regard their needless bravery with a smile, as a small group of cards began to encircle a raised hand.
The men charged with valor like bulls with red in their eyes. A few flicks of the wrist, and they each dropped to the floor, effectively brained by metaphysical cardboard. ”Tough luck there gents-“ he would chide as he began his ascension of the stairs. ”What is the meaning of-!? Near the peak of this flight, Luxord found himself greeted by a familiar face in the Governor’s daughter, whom it would seem shared his surprise. ”Miss Swann! A pleasure as always!” Luxord regarded her with an inviting wave, as she replied with a scream, fleeing back hence the way she had come. The hooded man couldn’t help but find the reaction she gave to be humorous, chuckling as he took his time with a calm pursuit. There would be little use to run, especially when an escape just wasn’t in the poor lady’s cards. The chase would lead down one hallway, and to another, during which an all manner of things would be strewn about the floor to bar Luxord’s path. ”Come now, you don’t truly believe you’ll win this game. Do you?” He would come to the ajar door to her father’s study, barely managing to dodge a book that had been thrown for his head.
Luxord gave a chuckle, before raising an index finger to point at the unarmed woman by the window, prompting a single card to fly from his sleeve. It flew through the air effortlessly, before lingering by his control, just a few mere inches from a throat clearing itself with a sharp gasp. Her eyes widened as she froze, having expected the end to have come, and yet it had not. Upon realizing this, Elizabeth would narrow her eyes at Luxord out of pious contempt, as there was no use in hiding how much she loathed this man. The Gambler of Fate expected nothing less from a governor’s daughter, especially one whose life he had already threatened a little over a year ago. It was evident she remembered him from Sora’s last adventure, which proved another fortuitous chip to add to his ever growing collection of bets to place.
”It has been a while.”
”Not nearly long enough.”
Such venom behind her words. This was going to make these efforts so much worthier their merit.
With a confident stride across the room, Luxord took a seat behind the governor’s desk, propping his feet upon a letter within an open envelope. Never once did the control of this single card, threatening Miss Swann’s throat, ever find itself relinquished. Fortunate enough as it was, at that very moment down in the harbor, a series of explosions followed by untimely deaths would sound alarms throughout the fort. The noise and incident had stirred up enough of a commotion, it could be heard all throughout the bay. What inbound frigates that had served as the Endeavour’s entourage, had upon sight of the conflagration at the docks, taken it upon themselves to incite a blockade at the edge of the bay. What commotion could be heard, ignited a figurative fire within the men, both of the King’s navy and the EITC alike, whom began a thorough search for any pirates, or possible saboteurs throughout the harbor. Naturally news of the killings had spread through the town like wildfire, and it wasn’t long before it would reach the mansion in the form of a cautious messenger.
The younger lad, as disturbed as he was to find the downed guards upon entering, made swift haste for Governor Swann’s quarters, delivering an immediate request of his presence upon Lord Beckett’s ship. Swann was a rather upstanding fellow in his own right, as far as deemed in the eyes of his King. Though even he was unaware of what Beckett’s arrival in Port Royal truly meant. Feeling such a meeting so momentous might require an upkeep of appearances, the concerned father would retreat to the study, where his daughter had last been seen. A knock on the door ajar soon followed. ”Elizabeth darling, are you in- Oh good heavens!” cried the governor upon walking into the room. Catching sight of the hooded man, and his finger pointed at a card that seemed to be levitating in a threatening manner before his daughter’s throat, had surely been enough to make the man’s eyes go wide, and jaw slack. ”W-what is the meaning of this!? Unhand her this very instant!” cried Swann as he stepped forward, his demands falling on deaf ears.
”We both know I very well can’t do that, can I- Elizabeth?”
The pair of Swann’s regarded each other with pained empathy for the girl’s predicament, as they failed each other for words. The governor’s mouth would move, but nothing left them before several gaping attempts were made.
”W-w what is it that you want?”
”Let us presume a governor has not forgotten the rules of negotiation? Then allow me to elaborate on what is now at stake on the table…” Luxord would remove his boots from the table, before rising to stand. Luxord would round the table, before regarding Gov. Swann with an eyeing from head to toe. A gestured thumb was then shot over his shoulder toward Elizabeth. ”Your daughter’s life, for Port Royal’s. I wonder- which is more compelling to your heart? Is it Duty- or Love?” Luxord would gesture to the air, hoping this simple sense of philosophy was not lost upon a man of Swann’s position. The man in the greyed wig was speechless at what this enigma was proposing, and upon a day of such impending importance. His eyes were wide with shock, anger, disbelief, and confusion all coalesced into a single euphoric form of speechlessness. ”Need time to think it over? Very well-“ paused the platinum blond with a snap of his fingers. A yelp followed as Elizabeth, and the card holding her hostage, would then vanish with a corridor of darkness.
”I shall permit you a week to weigh your predicament.”
Another snap, and Luxord would vanish with the dark as well.
@mordred
|
|
@Deleted
Message Deleted
likes
0
posts
Deleted
|
Post by Deleted on May 25, 2018 20:04:02 GMT -5
The merchant ship took flight about as soon as it could. Luckily, this allowed it to squeeze through the blockade before it could fully form. The blockade took potshots at the ship but aside from water getting into the ship, it had escaped intact. Mordred himself had kept to the cargo hold, resting for when he would need his strength again. As the waves crashed against the ship, Mordred took solace that his Eden was a few dozen steps closer to completion. Mordred closed his eyes and meditated for the rest of the voyage. Or at least, he WOULD have, if not several hours later he heard footsteps coming into the cargo hold. Mordred opened his eyes and looked up to find a man staring right at him. He seemed shocked to find a stowaway. He took a breath to alert his comrades but was interrupted by Mordred covering the hapless sailor's mouth. Then the sailor saw Mordred punch him in the gut. However, he didn't feel anything at least until a few seconds later when he was overwhelmed by a sense of finality. Of peace. As the Sailor faded away, his Heart, clutched in Mordred's hand, disappeared in a flash of light. Mordred then walked silently up the stairs and looked out to find that the sun was just going down, the sky still a dull red. Mordred kept to the shadows, doing his best to avoid confrontations. If it was impossible, well, Mordred disposed of the hapless man the only way he knew how. Finally, he managed to get up on deck. There were two men currently on deck, someone who seemed to be the captain and a man at the helm, keeping his hands on the wheel. The captain spotted Mordred and went unsheathe his sword. However, Mordred, in a blink of an eye, reached him first and took his Heart immediately, before taking the blade himself and throwing it at the helmsman, destroying him, too. Finally, he made it to the wheel. Mordred looked around and found that there was a storm to the right and a furious one at that. Telekinetically, he turned the wheel faster and faster, angling the rudder so the ship was aiming right at the storm. It was still far away, but that was fine. Mordred was very patient. The Nobody then completely unfurled the sails, making sure to catch the wind so the Ship would speed towards the storm as fast as it could. At first glance, it seemed to be the work of a madman. But Mordred knew all too well what he was doing. After all, he had an important meeting with a demon of the high seas. A demon called Davy Jones. --Mordred has exited the thread--
|
|
@Deleted
Message Deleted
likes
0
posts
Deleted
|
Post by Deleted on May 28, 2018 21:58:28 GMT -5
From within a familiar place with dusty windows, did Luxord find himself observing events that unfolded in the harbor during the outcome to follow. Underneath a sky with a strange red star, and little moonlight did cannon fire ring out in the distance. The man in the onyx hood watched on in silence, as a lone ship would disappear beyond the ships in the blockade. A clever player of the game indeed thought the Gambler to himself upon Mordred’s venture out to sea. His focus drifted inward to the commotions in the harbor over the ship’s escape, as confused guards failed to rouse another at an attempt to pursue it.
An amused chuckle emitted from the void in the hood, as muffled protests came again from the chair over his shoulder. ”I quite agree Miss Swann. It’s very troubling indeed.” Luxord would turn to regard the tied and gagged prisoner sitting next to an old weathered table at the other side of the room. A smile crept within the platinum blond goatee, as he once more looked upon a day of success. As unfortunate as it was that this Mordred was now sailing the Caribbean unhindered, Luxord believed he would soon have the leverage needed to lay claim to the port.
The former Number Ten paused to consider what the bespectacled Nobody had said earlier, and what he had learned personally about the nature of this new player. Mordred was a crafty one, and was certainly up to something. He knew Luxord’s name, and even Xemnas for that matter, when the Gambler made mention to neither. There was purpose for the boat he had doubtlessly stolen, and it involved someone pirates feared, named Davy Jones. Information was a suitable prize to sell, if the price was sweet enough. The Gambler of Fate suspected the EITC would pay handsomely for the exchange of a governor’s daughter, and the location of a now wanted man named ‘Mordred’ wearing a black hood. Though it begged to question, what was so terrifyingly horrific that would make pirates dread going out to sea? A gloved hand graced his goatee as Luxord contemplated these questions, crossing the room to lean against the table in thought, as he ignored the pleadings of one Miss Swann.
The claim that Mordred made about not working for Xemnas was taken at face value. There had been things the old boss omitted from the group before, and this new recon specialist was probably another, in addition to whatever the cheating liar’s plans were now. Nevertheless, it was all too suspicious for Luxord to ignore, and it directly interfered with his plans for Port Royal. As much as he hated to admit it, this particular game would have to be approached from another angle now. A call for help was needed if this unlikely gem was to be won in the end.
Luxord raised a hand, and with a snap of the fingers another underling would appear in a fashion of thorns. Elizabeth would protest, believing it had been summoned to take care of her for good. ”Squelch your tongue, please.” A silence followed, as the man in black turned his back to the girl, unrolling a piece of parchment. After dipping a quill in an ink jar, Luxord would scribble out a letter addressed to one he believed likely to answer a heed of help.
After sealing this letter inside the envelope used to enter the mansion grounds, Luxord would hand it off to the underling Gambler. ”Deliver this to the Key of Destiny.” With the command the other Nobody was gone, as Luxord turned to look upon Elizabeth once more. ”Well it seems war has come to Port Royal.”
The thread has ended.
@mordred W/ mentions of @tapir
|
|