A gleam in the dark...

...And my catchphrase? It's "In justice we trust!"

Independent Ask/Roleplay blog featuring a canon-divergent Detective Bobby Fulbright from Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies. Selective and semi-private. MAJOR spoilers will be present.

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"...Y-You're the one who first possessed King Dedede, aren't you? What makes you think you can just pull something like that off again??"

This petulant child seemed to completely disregard the whole 'conversation' bit. It didn't help the swordsman's case that Meta Knight appeared to be fighting against the pair of friends, anyway...

"His will might've been shaken, but ours won't be!"

"...So be it."

Even when not actively trying to be a threat, it's oftentimes the same story, isn't it? Fear and anger are common responses to a Dark Matter's arrival. Although part of them predicted this, it's nonetheless... Disappointing.

Why bother speaking with them in the first place if one is going to jump to conclusions? Such irrational creatures...

Swordsman casually drifts backwards to create some space between them and the bandana-clad Waddle Dee, a motion that is surprisingly quick. With that, they release their attack's charge. A sphere consisting of dark energy flecked with chromatic light is sent careening towards their foe.

...Yet they still don't aim it directly at the other. In fact, so long as the spear-wielder doesn't move, it'll fly right past him. Despite their instincts screaming at them to fight, Swordsman manages some restraint.

A warning shot, as if to say...

Reyna steps forward to the cultists.

"You all have been given ample warning that abducting any citizens would be met with harsh retribution. This is your last chance, surrender now, and reject the ways of the Black Ring." She demands.

One of the cultists spit in her direction. "Damn you to the hells, "Divine Guide"! We will not submit to the whims of a usurper like yourself! Damien will return and usher in the age of-!"

It echoes events the Dark Matter has personally witnessed throughout their long, fragmented existence. Cultists. "Heroes" and "villains." These speeches, battles, wars...

Rarely did it get those involved anywhere, except for an earlier grave. Why bother with it all? All returns to void someday. All of that fighting, doing little else but prolonging suffering...

It's somewhat...

...

Amusing?

...

And yet.

Blade themselves cannot deny their own refusal to lie down and fade away. A contradiction between their thoughts and actions. Is that what it's like to "hope?" Hope for a better future? Happiness?

Ridiculous.

...That's enough of being lost in thought.

“>…..”

She thinks for a short time, reviewing what she knows. According to a firsthand account, Zero stifled any and all expressions of individuality or independence. If not them directly, it was others in the hivemind who would regulate their peers. There was no tolerance for deviation. She can guess that the “reconstruction” Blade mentioned is akin to the “reintegration” she had been told of previously.

However… Zero is gone, as is most of the hivemind. While it’s possible there are a handful of surviving individuals who still cling to their previous habits, others have been more or less free to start trying to lead normal lives. As close to normal as they can be, anyways… But that might be a little much to suggest.

“>… For some people, discussing how they feel can be a good way to process those feelings. You might realize something you didn’t before, or receive an alternative perspective. As things are, I do not believe you need to worry about “reconstruction” for expressing yourself.”

Blade is visibly contemplative.

Freedom to express... "themself"...

But who or what are they, if not a servant of— No. As much temptation as there is to do so, they need to stop with this back and forth, don't they? This... internal argument ultimately does little to help. Their "nature" was always defined by Zero... but did Swordsman ever want that?

No. No. No. This, they know. Life as a mindless speck would have been less miserable, the Dark Matter had often thought. To loathe the happiness of others... because, by nature, they could never obtain such a thing.

But now... Now they're given the actual opportunity to change things, and yet their mind keeps going back to their designated purpose, their instincts—

What is it that some mortals say...?

Get it together?

...

"...What... Where... where would I. Start? Feelings... are..."

...until Meta Knight swooped in to counter.

The two were then locked in a dance of blades that they were both all too familiar with. At the first chance of an opening, the commander summoned a great whirlwind, forcing the pink puff to fall back for the moment.

Meanwhile, Bandanna noticed that the shadowy militant wasn't making any immediate attempts to attack directly. Fighting against his fears, he rapidly spun his spear to lift himself into the air. When he was able to reach the same height as the stranger, he started shouting at them.

Oh. The knight has interrupted the hero's advance. Swordsman's attack remains charged, but they refrain from firing it off. Avoiding collateral damage is probably wise...

In spite of that thought, they immediately turn their sword towards the Waddle Dee that has suddenly risen to their level. Had the other not spoken then and there, they would have assumed this to be an attack and struck. The shadowy warrior's eye narrows, keeping their weapon trained on the other.

"Dark Matter... Blade. Or Swordsman."

A simple enough introduction. They don't particularly care which title of theirs is used. Either suits them well enough.

...Ah, so accusatory. Who wouldn't get the wrong idea? The mere presence of their kind once heralded invasion. Nonetheless, a tinge of irritation becomes audible in their tone.

"Me? ...I was listening. To... Meta Knight, you say? A conversation."

"Much appreciated." She states simply as she joins the fray. She uses a two handed sword it seems, yet she moves with the same grace and speed of wielding a rapier. Multiple cultists fall by her hands as she glides across the battlefield.

All of a sudden, there was a rumble, as there seemed to be a great host of the cultists rushing forward. Far more than what they had just faced thus far. "They're trying to break through the encirclement!" One of the men cried out.

Their swordplay does not share the same elegance as the stranger's. It is defined by swift, violent maneuvers. A single slash often tears weaker opponents asunder… as is the case for any cultists that attempt to rush in.

There's a brief pause on their part as they take notice of the advancing horde, however. An exceptionally bright glow envelops their blade, although… before capable of acting, the blue warrior takes initiative. They blink as she causes spikes of ice erupt from the ground, impacting many of their foes…

. . .

Impressive strength, they had to admit.

So strange to be on the opposite side of such a conflict. Normally it would be the other way around—squadrons pitted against them, Swordsman fighting numerous foes all on their own… Of course, most of their targets couldn't effectively fight back.

As for those who could…? Such resistance tended to catch Zero's attention. All hope was lost for the opposing planet by then. Usually.

Not much reason to linger on such thoughts right now, it is simply… a contrast.

Professor Hershel Layton didn't like being down here. How many years had it been since the last time he'd stepped through the Akbadain Ruins? Twenty years? How time had damned him so... Once, he would've assumed he lost everything here. Now, with that not only being the case, there had been discussion of even-deeper ruins discovered by fellow archaeologists. With the skills he'd acquired during his time attending Gressenheller University, along with plenty of hand-on experiences under his belt, revisiting the Azran site might've seemed like a given. It both was and wasn't. Logically he knew he didn't lose it all, yet his heart ached anyways. It was undeniable that Akbadain left scars that may never fully heal. The best thing he could do was remind himself of the truth and continue on his way. Layton was still at the higher levels of Akbadain, slowly making his way down as he took notes on the inscriptions on the walls, alongside any artifacts he'd encountered on his path. Some of them were recognizable, discovered the first time. The rest of them hadn't been spotted before. Or, rather, taken into consideration by the boy who traversed these ruins with his ascot-wearing companion. His beady eyes knew now how to fix themselves on every little detail he came across. Just one drawing could tell stories upon stories within itself. Randall didn't know he was down here; nobody did. Or, not anybody from Stansbury. Layton would like to keep it that way. He didn't want to be asked questions, asked motives, so long as he could continue his faux expedition. The main path was all-too familiar to him anyways. He would be fine. ... Until he noticed the shadowy figure propped upon the pillar. He looked over towards them, gently and cautiously. Mostly, their figure was unrecognizable to him, and nothing of their appearance rang any bells in the part of his mind fixed with information on the Azran. The only thing that was similar was Swordsman's beaming, blue eye. It made Layton grumble.

During their approach, they take in more details about the other's general appearance.

Figures like this one… they've seen similar, occasionally. Very rare where they usually venture, but a "human," yes? Their mind briefly drifts to a certain frozen wasteland. Come to think of it, does the shape of that planet's continents not resemble this one's? Perhaps they've traveled even farther than they assumed…

Not that it makes much difference for one like themself. Parallel dimensions are a common phenomena. Accessing them simply proves difficult for most non-spacefaring species.

Once the distance has been closed, Swordsman comes to a halt. They offer a slight tilt of their head, and one of the decorative ribbons on their cloak moves upwards, the tip of it brushing where one might imagine their chin to be. Is the warrior's apparel part of them?…

"…Azran? Unfamiliar term."

Their answer is given in a deep, monotonous, unemotional voice. Swordsman is… semi-familiar with speech, but the intricacies of tone are something they lack practice with. Regardless, this suffices for communication with most.

"Well...it is not always immediate acceptance, I will admit. However, if one can prove their intentions good, the rest will usually follow."

Unfortunately for the two of them, the absolute worst person to prove the knight's point was approaching their direction...and he wasn't alone.

"!!!"

"Oh my gosh, who is that? And what's Meta Knight doing over there with them?"

The pink puff's expression quickly changed to that of anger. He thought he had thoroughly eliminated the threat of malicious Dark Matter. Why was this one of all things back? Were they trying to take Meta Knight as a new host?? Their blade was out...

"Poyo!" A battle cry.

"H-Hey, wait up!"

He began racing towards them, sword at the ready, with his spear-carrying friend not too far behind. The blue knight saw this and sighed in annoyance.

"Of course he would show up trying to start something...Well, if that is the way it is..."

In an instant, he threw off his cape to reveal wings, his own sword now gleaming in his grasp.

Good intentions...? Hm. Is that even applicable to themself? Indeed, there is a lack of any real desire to attack this planet again. Only the occasion thought... that they refuse to act upon, in favor of self-preservation. The Dark Matter appears genuinely contemplative... That is, until—

Swordsman twitches, immediately raising their weapon. All sense of calm, evaporated. They've heard that voice before.

Their head whips around, icy blue eye locking onto a certain pink hero.

KIRBY.

Just their luck. Of course. Of course.

Their gaze briefly settles on the pink one's sword. A regular blade? ...Very well, then. As much as they'd rather avoid conflict with this particular puffball, it appears they're not in immediate danger of annihilation.

Keep their distance. Flee if necessary... even if that IS typically uncharacteristic of them. Fear is a strange thing.

Swordsman launches higher into the air, carefully watching the hero below them. None of their attention is paid to the Waddle Dee; clearly, they deem Kirby the priority.

“>… Popstar does have a way of bouncing back from what the world throws at it, yes. Depending on what side one is on and what role one plays, I can see how its ability to recover might be difficult to come to terms with.”

Though indirect, it almost seems as if she’s seeking confirmation. The AI doesn’t sound upset or afraid, but she doesn’t exactly hide her suspicion, either. Conclusions will be drawn when she has more information, though. In a case like this, operating based on assumptions can be particularly risky.

“>Well…”

She pauses for a second, contemplating how best to word this.

“>There is nothing wrong with being angry; like any other emotion, it has its place and purpose. Sometimes you need to feel anger to process things and move on. It’s only when you dwell on it or allow it to become the primary driving force behind your actions that it can become an issue for yourself and others. The same applies to any feeling, really, negative or positive. That’s how I look at things, anyways. With that said… Do you want to, uh… Talk about it?”

To their credit, the Dark Matter considers her words.

Nothing wrong with anger...? Well, it has certainly lead them to rash, violent actions. It's not necessarily a good combination with an entity who was made to be evil.

How often have they already considered revenge? Not necessarily due to the loss of their kin. They never truly cared for any of them; positive attachments were not possible prior to their "corruption." No, it's far more selfish than that. The pain that was inflicted upon them... How dare that pink puffball stand in their way?

Yet they're not an idiot. Look at everything Kirby has done. If he can eliminate Zero, permanently... then Swordsman doesn't have a chance in a real fight. That's all there is to it. They cannot win.

And so the most they can do is observe this planet. Jealous of these happy lives. Why did they have to be born as Dark Matter?...

"Talk about it?..."

"Healing Key!" She cries out, as suddenly a key made of water and ice is formed. It then strikes the shackles and causes them dissipate. It also healed the soldier's injuries. She made that spell as it would be much easier to use than something like Cryostasis. She then turns her attention back to the stranger.

She hasn't seen anything quite like them, the way the darkness forms them. The closest she could think of was the Voidwoken, but they're clearly different still. Also, admittedly, kinda cute with that outfit.

Them? Offer... help?

An utterly laughable request, had the Dark Matter possessed a proper sense of humor. Yes, why not have a harbinger of darkness help? What could go wrong?

Of course, realistically... They can't play that role, not anymore. Easy to slip back into that manner of thinking, nonetheless.

If they were an honorable individual, they'd be obligated to repay the other for her help, yes? They're anything but that. That said, at the same time... the desire to get back at those cultists was far too strong. Aiding in protecting innocents? Sure, sure... This odd dragon-like individual is free to view it as such.

In reality? Swordsman simply isn't going to pass up the chance to have a valid excuse to break something.

"...Absolutely."

Shrugging off any lingering shock from their prior injury, the warrior readies their blade. Locking onto the nearest cultist, they'd opt for an alternate approach. Aiming the end of their weapon towards their foe, it'd begin repeatedly firing off beams of light energy—in stark contrast to their shadowy appearance.

“>That’s good to hear.”

Part of her gets the impression that “fine” is not necessarily the best they could possibly be, but… It would be awkward to question them about it right now. She’s just going to take them at their word.

“>Oh, me? I actually live here. Years ago I crash landed… Actually, my pilot crash landed me, I wasn’t actually awake at the time so had nothing to do with the event. Anyways I was crashed into this area, and…”

The ship pauses briefly, having realized a couple of important things. One: the full story would be a long tangent. Two: maybe it would be best not to bring up Kirby’s role in her situation to a being whose kind the pink ball rather famously all but totally wiped out. Better steer around both issues to the best of her ability.

“>… Well, it’s admittedly a long story. I ended up coming back here after everything went down, as returning to where I came from… Wasn’t and isn’t really an option. Not with how much has changed in the time since my deactivation.”

Her tone is a little less jovial when she says that last thing. Hard to sound all that happy when recalling why she can’t safely go back to her home dimension. Everyone she ever knew from her time is long dead, and, if discovered, she’d probably be turned into some kind of museum exhibit in the best case scenario. Worst case scenario… Well, that is something the ancient vessel doesn’t really want to think about if she can help it.

“>Originally I figured I’d stay here temporarily to decide what to do with myself next, since it was the last stable area I’d been in. Some unexpected developments happened, and I also just ended up really liking it here, so I stuck around. Now it’s been so long you can hardly tell where my impact crater was!”

Hmmm… She has her reasons for being here, but now she’s curious about the Swordsman.

“>What about you? Are you here for any reason in particular, or just passing through?”

"Is that so...? ...I suppose I am... glad...?"

They blatantly trail off as that word escapes them. As though the Dark Matter themself cannot even confirm if that's how they actually feel. It makes for a better statement, if nothing else.

"...Glad it turned out. Well. Yes."

Ah, and the same query is directed towards them... Blade briefly mulls over how they should answer. Honestly? There is little point in lying. She knows what they are. And given enough context, especially with their titles... She may already be able to guess that they were quite involved in a certain past invasion.

"...Myself? Sometimes I grow curious, and... revisit. This place."

"What astonishing tenacity."

...What... was that, just then? For a moment, something cut through the typical flatness of their voice. Undertones of frustration... They sounded almost mocking.

"..."

Lor would be able to make out a sigh.

Huh...few words, but words nonetheless. Perhaps there was something past this negative exterior that could be reasoned with.

"What makes you so certain you do not belong here? There have been plenty of visitors over the years...of varying natures...that have made their home on their planet."

His gaze shifted to the skies, thinking about how even some of the more unsavory types managed to calm down after being bested by the heroes of Dream Land. How some of them even survived such fatal blows to return on friendlier terms remained a mystery.

"...Clarification. I do not belong anywhere. Not... anymore."

There is nothing left for them to go back to. Not even Dark Star. Presumably, in the wake of Zero's death, it too must have been destroyed...?

But could they really have gone back, even if that weren't the case? This power that still clings to them... The Rainbow Sword's power. Would that not have deemed them "dangerous" in the many eyes of their own kin?

"Is Dream Land... truly so. Accepting?"