Reply With QuoteHold on to your hats, folks, because the adventure is just beginning.
Chapter Two: The Beginning of a Journey and the End of a Gig?
The chapter starts off as Leon wakes up in a realm that he wasn't familiar with. The sky was blue, but the amount of footholds were very limited. The only clue for you readers is the background music.
[???] ???
:: Play "Prelude to the Void" from Final Fantasy V OST::
Leon had no choice but to limp forward. But then what? The sky seemed endless. He looked to his side and realized he was walking in a high place. He looks at the edge of his current foothold and realized there was no end down below, wherever "down below" actually led. It was blue, just like the sky. It was like a bottomless pit, or at least what it would be like if someone were to fall down towards the sky, if the laws of physics suddenly stopped making sense.
Leon: Where am I? Last thing I remembered was being swallowed up by that dark ball in the sky.
He then realizes something, as it hits him right on the head just like how a door is slammed on somebody's face. His friends, his fans.....he even wondered what became of Goliath, the wrestler he fought with not too long ago. At the top of his lungs, he couldn't help but....
Leon: Can someone please tell me what's going on?!!!! Aaaaaaaaaah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Like screaming ever solves any- Hold on a minute, it has! Leon screamed at the top of his lungs, and just then a rift opens right in front of him. That hole in front of him had an image of a city. Without hesitating, he jumps...
-----
[Jump City] Streets
Starfire and Beast Boy, meanwhile, were walking on the sidewalk as they continue in their search.
Beast Boy: I just want to find that "Spirit Master". Hm...
Starfire: You know what Robin said. We must find Beatrix!
Beast Boy: We don't even know how she looks like. ::thinks for a moment:: Maybe Raven was right.
Starfire: We must go back home and think. Perhaps Raven has already found a solution.
The Titans head back to their place, as they pass an alley. Moments later, a hobo runs off from an alley with a wallet on his hand. With the camera facing the alley, it closes in as it goes deeper inside. The audience could see Leon, unconscious. He wakes up, and the first thing he realizes is that his wallet was missing.
Leon: Ugh. I guess that "Help yourself" note attached to it didn't help. :: Picks up a card:: At least the thief was decent enough to leave my identification card behind. Hm?
He suddenly spots a piece of broken glass on the ground. He could see the reflection, and was surprised to look at it. He inspects himself, and sees that he's wearing different clothes. He was now wearing blue jeans and a white t-shirt, with a blue jacket to go along with it.
Leon: I could do without the jacket. ? What's this? I can't take it off!
He tried to take it off, but couldn't. It was like it was glued to his skin. Having not much of a choice, he moved on out of the alley.
It was night, but the street lights were on. People moved on as they walked, minding their business. But what grabbed his attention the most were some armed police officers that he came across every now and then. Their bodies were completely covered with some sort of red armor, including their faces. Leon could also not help but notice a neon sign that read "All hail Brother Blood and Baron Praxis."
Leon: Praxis? But wasn't he-?
He tried to remember who Baron Praxis was, but no luck. He knew he heard that name before, definitely from a video game. It was a childish thought naming yourself after a video game character, or so Leon thought. His mind began to wander until it hits him.
Leon: My home! My gig! Where am I? And.....why do I look animated?
???: That's because the Heartless got to your world.
Leon: Huh?
He looks several feet from him, and realizes a girl not too far ahead. She got close to him, and spoke.
???: I'm Rikku, at your service!
Introducing -- Rikku
Original world: Spira
Leon: You look a little familiar, but never mind that. How do you know what happened?
Rikku: Because a lot of people end up here. They all say they lost their worlds.
Leon: And what is this place?
Rikku: ....Jump City. You look a little lost.
Leon: ::turns around:: Gee, what gave you that idea?
And just then a couple of red guards approached them. The stare at Rikku, as if they know her.
Rikku: ::as she goes into fighting stance:: Krimzon Guards!
Leon: Huh?
Krimzon Guard A: An Al Bhed girl.
Krimzon Guard B: Probably one of those filthy rebels.
Krimzon Guard A: You two, you're coming with us!
Rikku: You can't even say please! What makes you think I'll go with you?
Leon: Who are you guys, anyway?
Rikku: Can't you tell? This city is overrun by them. If you help-
Leon: Save it. ::steps up:: I'll deal with them myself.
Krimzon Guard B: You there! Surrender and die!
Leon: Uh, don't you mean "OR die?"
Rikku: J-just take them out! If you protect the two of us I'll send you to someone that can help you!
Leon: Good enough for me!
The Krimzon Guards fire from their weapons, wasting no time in trying to subdue their adversary. Their weapons shot electricity, something Leon was able to avoid, if only barely.
Leon: Try dodging this!
Leon knocks the guards away silly, as one gets kicked on the head as the other gets a hard blow on the gut. This was enough to send them running away.
Rikku: You didn't look that lost to me. You know how to fight.
Leon: Yeah. I wrestled back in my world, but that didn't stop me from practicing martial arts. ::shakes his head:: So anyway, about that rebel thing...
Rikku: Yeah, some guy named Brother Blood took over the city. Some of the heroes have a hard time, though, since the people love him.
Rikku goes on to explain the situation. It took a few minutes, but Leon learned a lot. He was in Jump City, home to many heroes as well as a refuge for those who have lost their worlds. Brother Blood, an enemy of the Teen Titans, has taken over the city. To make matters worse, he had a right-hand man, Baron Praxis. The latter was in charge of the Krimzon Guards, who were patrolling the city. Just then, one approaches them in a vehicle that hovered above the ground.
Krimzon Guard C: You two! Gathering this late at night is against the law. Move along now!
Leon: ::as the Guard leaves:: Looks like they aren't too bright.
Rikku: Yep. They usually just mind their own business and even if you caused trouble before they won't arrest you right away unless they recognize you.
Leon: I see.
Rikku: But anyway, take this. ::hands over a piece of paper:: I'm part of a group of rebels that fights Brother Blood daily. This is the address of someone who can help you. It has directions in case you get lost again.
Leon: Thanks for your help, Rikku.
Rikku: I got places I gotta be, but we'll meet up later, okay?
The girl runs off, as Leon just stood there. He opens the piece of paper, which pointed to the rebels' hideout. He was surprised to read that the location was in front of him across the street.
Leon: A joker. But maybe she needed to do that. ::as he walks to the building:: Maybe now I can get some answers.
-----
[Jump City] Store
Leon steps inside the small building, which looked like a shop. Like one of those convenience stores you see everywhere. A girl with long hair, apparently the shopkeeper, greets Leon.
???: What do we have here? I haven't had a customer in a while!
Leon: Um.....
???: What's wrong?
Leon: It's not often a shopkeeper greets me like this. ::looks down:: I'm....lost.
???: Oh, I see....Did you lose your world, too?
Leon: !!! How-
???: Oh, don't play dumb. I saw you with Rikku with surveillance cameras.
Leon: Ah...
???: Don't worry. You're not the only one. Since you're a newbie to these parts, I'll take care of ya.
Leon: I'm not a child. Try not to talk to me like one...
???: But you're my child now! The name's Chloe, by the way.
Introducing -- Chloe
Original world: ???
Author's Note: Haha, I'm actually basing this character on a certain forum member. Try to guess her identity. ^^
Leon: Nice to meet you, Chloe. But you're too young to be having children. You look younger than me, in fact.
Chloe: So? You're more like a stray little kitty. There's always adoption, you know.
Leon: ::narrow eyes:: You're going to adopt me whether I like it or not, aren't you?
Chloe: Yup!
Leon: ::sighs:: Anyway, Rikku said someone here can help me.
Chloe: And you're looking at her!
Leon: Cool. How can you help me?
Chloe: I saw you fight those Krimzon Guards, so you can definitely join our cause.
Leon: Well, I don't think I'll be able to go back to my world. But how do I know you guys mean well?
This takes the shopkeeper by surprise. She didn't have straight answer for that, and actually thought for a moment.
Chloe: Our methods are definitely not the best. But maybe you can talk to our leader. She's pretty convincing. She goes by the codename of the first letter of the alphabet.
Leon: The letter A?
Chloe: Yup. There's also a B, I'm a C, and some guy in red is D. We're the Big Four, and I'm her second-in-command.
Leon: Ah. And she can help me?
Chloe: Maybe. She can be a little quiet and can even say things you probably won't like. There's a reason she's our leader.
Leon: Maybe she knows what's going on.
Chloe: Try asking her. She knows a lot about this stuff. You can find her at the Titans Tower.
Leon: Titans Tower?
Chloe: A giant T on a small island. There's a bridge connecting it. It didn't used to be there, but since Praxis and his goons are controlling the city he keeps the real heroes under constant watch.
Leon: Thanks, Chloe. Will I see you again?
Chloe: Whenever you want, my little child! This place is my home, and all the strays are always welcome here.
Leon: ::sweat drop:: I see. Thanks.
He leaves the store, as they both wave goodbye for now. Chloe was a little eccentric, but knowing he had a place to crash made him feel better after all he went through. Even though he was a celebrity, that didn't matter anymore as his world was destroyed by a dark sphere in the sky. His status was nothing bigger than that of an average civilian; a commoner.
-----
[Jump City] Titans Tower -- Big Bridge
After searching for a long, long time, Leon was finally able to find the giant tower. He tries to cross the bridge, but halfway there a woman wearing a trench coat meets him. She also wore a hat, which concealed most of her face.
???: It doesn't matter what you do. They'll be looking for you.
Leon: Who-
???: And they'll continue to find you. As long as you're one of them.
Leon: One of them?
???: Yes. Those clothes you have. With them on you, you'll be easy to spot. You've become an easy target for the enemy.
Leon: Who are you? What do you want with me?
???: It doesn't matter. You'll be dead soon, anyway.
Leon: Try me! But why do you want to kill me?!
???: You are a dangerous weapon. If the enemy gets a hold of you, my rebel forces won't stand a chance.
Leon: Rebels? Then you must be-
???: Enough. I won't even confirm or deny my identity. Baron Praxis has eyes everywhere.
Leon: And why should I give you that luxury? You're gonna try to kill me anyway.
The woman barely had time to respond as a man wearing a red spandex suit all over his body suddenly appears next to her. It's as if he used a teleporting device.
???: Deadpool.
Introducing -- Deadpool
Original world: Marvel Universe (Earth 616)
Deadpool: Hey there, leader! Agent A! The mother of all rebels!
???: Are you through exposing my identity? What are you doing here?
Introducing -- Agent A
Original world: ???
Author's Note: And this is another character based on a forum member, though this one will be easier to guess....
Deadpool: Well, the script says I have to look mysterious next to you, but that ain't my thing. Good thing I didn't reveal your real name!
She didn't have a choice, or so she thought, and shoots Deadpool with her concealed weapon, which was a gun that she pulled out with swiftness. Leon was shocked that the leader of the rebels would do such a thing, until he saw the red man get up with hardly a wound.
Deadpool: Shoot me all you want, I'll just heal anyway!
Agent A: ::after shooting Deadpool again:: I'll take what I can get. You've irritated me one too many times, Wilson.
Deadpool: ::getting up:: 513 times, to be exact!
Agent A: ::to Leon:: Forget him. ::as she aims her gun at Leon:: I don't know if you have that ability, but you'll be dead soon.
And BANG! The leader of the rebels shoots at Leon, with him having no chance to dodge. However, she lowers her weapon, unsurprised, once she sees Leon standing. He only had a hole on his arm, but it didn't seem to be hurting him much.
Agent A: As I thought. You don't heal, but your body has a durable exterior. Just like the legends say.
Leon: Please, answer me! Why are you doing this?!
Two more characters then show up. A woman in white appears from behind, while an armored man shows up from a portal in front of Leon.
Agent A: Beatrix. Gilgamesh. The Spirit Master is tougher than I thought. Get rid of him.
Leon: What?! You know that name, too?!
Introducing -- General Beatrix
Original world: Gaia (Final Fantasy IX)
Introducing -- Gilgamesh
Original world: Second World (Final Fantasy V)
:: Play "Clash on the Big Bridge" from Final Fantasy V (Dissidia version) ::
Beatrix: He holds many answers.
Agent A: Are you questioning my judgment?
Beatrix: ::shakes her head:: Not at all. ::readies her sword::
Gilgamesh: Okay, little Spirit Master! You'll be playing with us, now!
Leon: ::smirks:: That doesn't sound half bad!
Deadpool: Can I play, too?
Agent A: ::after shooting Deadpool again:: You're the strange one. You're always helping the Krimzon Guards whenever we fight.
Deadpool: Hey, you're the guys who outnumber them.
Agent A: We almost lost a good number of people because of your antics! ::soft facepalm:: And yet I keep you around.
The battle begins, as Gilgamesh fires his own arms as rockets.
Leon: Uh, oh! H-hold on!
With no way to dodge, Leon simply ducks. Fortunately for him, the rockets not only missed him but also score a hit on Beatrix, the woman in white.
Gilgamesh: Beatrix, stay out of the way!
Leon: ::thinking:: That guy's a freak! Wait, he reminds me of....
Leon makes a bold move, one that didn't faze him even as Gilgamesh pulled out a long weapon: the Naginata.
Gilgamesh: Time to turn you into lamb chops, little man!
Leon: Little man? Now hold on a minute there!
The large man swung the Naginata at Leon, but not only did he manage to miss, he also got the bladed tip stuck on the ground. Leon took his chance!
Leon: You'll see that I'm not a lamb! Now I want you to taste the force of my mighty Lion Throw! ::makes a grab for Gilgamesh's head::
Gilgamesh: Whaaaat?!
Having grabbed his foe's head, Leon wastes no time to spin him around many times. Grabbing the head symbolized how most predators kill their prey: one quick bite to the neck. Leon finally lets go, tossing Gilgamesh all the way to Titans Tower.
Meanwhile, Deadpool had mysteriously spawned a table fit for commentators -- as seen in pro wrestling -- as he takes his seat. Agent A, unaware of his motives, takes her seat as well.
Agent A: :: puzzled:: Where did you get this?
Deadpool: ::as Gilgamesh is tossed away:: Oh, that just has to hurt! All that spinning will probably make him spit out those chimichangas I gave him during lunch time. Or was it soup?
Agent A: ::shoots Deadpool yet again, this time with two bullets:: That was MY soup.
::end song::
But things finally get serious again. Gilgamesh was out of the picture, and Agent A had spent all six of her bullets on Deadpool. She had no time to reload as Leon's eyes, this time in the form of a leer, paralyzed her on the spot.
Leon: You're gonna tell me now who you are. Enough of all this shady stuff! ::makes a dash for his target:: Attack!!
Despite having the nerve to hit a woman, Leon is quickly brought down as a burst of light quickly implodes inside him. He goes down, unable to reach his main attacker.
Agent A: Beatrix.....you saved me.
Beatrix: ::as she limps to her leader:: I'm sorry I couldn't get him earlier. Gilgamesh's misfire-
Agent A: Forget it. At least he's down for now. But...I'm amazed. I already had a hunch when I saw him, but he's not the one we were looking for. He's a different one.
Beatrix: A different one? Then he is not the one who-
Agent A: No. He did have the courage to attack me, but his reasons seemed different. He was confused on what he was. His "Lion Throw" as he called it was a dead giveaway.
Beatrix: What is your order?
Agent A: Go to Titans Tower. No doubt the heroes inside are wondering why Gilgamesh busted in one of their windows.
Beatrix: At once! ::runs off::
Agent A: ::to Deadpool, as he gets up:: Wilson. Help me tie him up, and I won't allow for any of your nonsense for tonight.
[Aw, I can't even make a joke on why you're tying him up?]
Agent A: What's that yellow box doing right above you?
[Oh, that? Those would be my yellow boxes. It's my inner monologue!]
Agent A: ::sighs:: At least the chapter is about to end.
[You're breaking the fourth wall! Only I am allowed to do that!]
Agent A: ::takes the time to reload before shooting Deadpool yet again:: I don't recall you being the leader of this rebellion.
In all seriousness, this chapter just ended. Leon has met the rebellion's mastermind, and now that he's at her mercy what will happen to him? All this and more will be answered in the next chapter!
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