#kingdomquest

she looks around...

is it over?

*Everything is quiet.*

*Hexe is frozen. She doesn't move. Doesn't laugh. Doesn't taunt. Doesn't even twitch.*

*She starts glitching. Parts of her flash or stretch as if a png.*

*And suddenly, they all see someone new. An elderly man, wearing a mix of a kimono and victorian uniform.*

*Well..... new, isn't the right way to describe him.*

*The man's face glitches with Hexe's. Their expressions are.... quite a contrast. Hers of pure anger and disdain.... and his of betrayal and hurt.*

*Most people don't recognize him.*

*But some of the residents do.*

*Achilles recognizes him.*

*The twins recognize him.*

*The coffee siblings recognize him.*

*Sammy recognizes him.*

*Odette recognizes him.*

*Dunite recognizes him.*

*And Icia recognizes him.*

*Icia's smile fades instantly. A wave of dread fills her as she tries to pull her sword out.*

*.... what has she done?*

*He opens his mouth to speak before Hexe's face reappears. She grits her teeth and reaches towards her.*

*Hexe and the man glitch together and separately at the same time, as if both fighting to get rid of the other.*

*Her clawed hand reaches to a mere few inches away from Icia's face..... before stopping.*

*Hexe(?)'s body dissolves in a mist of smokey red pixels, which fly into the air and fade into nothing.*

*A monotone voice echoes through the world.*

Icia sits down by her fireplace and starts writing down the same thing on many, many pieces of paper.

This is what she writes:

"Help Wanted to reclaim Digital World"

"I am forming a party to rescue a digital world from a tyrannical AI that is terrorizing and abusing many. Due note that this will not be a safe or small feat, and there will more than likely be many perils involved that could result in serious harm and death, or possibly abstraction. All help is appreciated, but this is not for the faint of heart. I will be willing to supply more details to any and all who are interested. There will be no 'reward' other than the honor of rescuing those in danger and access to a grand, royal, fantastical kingdom that shall flourish once freed (although hopefully, all will be able to access it once saved). Transportation will be by pirates across the void, and I can introduce all who would like to meet them beforehand."

"A letter will be sent out by wind to all who are interested/ willing to fight once plans are finalized and set in stone. I look forward to working with whoever is willing to join me."

"PS: Weapons and a strong sense/understanding of self are highly advised. You may visit me at my house or find me on a walk to ask questions in person, and I will answer to my best ability."

"With my utmost gratitude and fair wishes to you all,

Icia"

Icia finishes the flyers early in the morning, letting the wind carry some to varying locations and visiting other locations she knows of to post them. She posts the flyers at Candleton, the circus, the inn, Oceansbay, the bar, anywhere she can think of.

Now all she has to do is wait.

For reference

The cliff of the Kingdom is slightly similar to the cliffside in Total Drama Island, just less steep and tall. The castle is on top of that.

This is the basic idea of everything & where it is.

]

and shadows burst up, thicker shadows, stronger and darker shadows. shadows that WILL protect the ones she loves most.

I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU!

*Icia runs faster than she ever has, trying to get there in time. She can't lose him, she can't lose him, SHE CAN'T LOSE HIM.*

*The hand speeds past them all, maneuvering around Phoenix and Raina's shadows. It gets closer, and closer, it's about to get him.....*

*But it doesn't.*

*He's standing between them, a few feet in front of Lance. With Icia's second sword, driven straight through Hexe's palm.*

*Achilles.*

*Sweat drips down his face and arms. The fog around his neck is more concentrated than anyone else's. His feet slide against the rocky gravel just slightly.*

WE WILL KILL YOU!

*The sudden nature of the shadows provides all the protection needed for the blast to reach the rest of the party.*

*When they open their eyes, there's a huge, glittering dome of pink and yellow surrounding them. Clouds of gentle, warm, golden-pink wisps cascade around everyone, not only healing them entirely.... but providing an odd, newfound sense of strength and energy. ALL PARTY HP RESTORED.*

*The rest of the beam has split off into paths that ascend into the air and around the arena, providing a close enough range for Hexe to be hit with melee attacks. She tries to back away, only to realize she's caught within the paths that provide her very little space to properly move.*

*Her smile has faded into a furious, disgusted frown.*

NEW STAGE CONDITIONS

- EVERY PARTY MEMBER MAY FIGHT. MAX OF 2 CHARACTERS AN ASK.

- ATTACK STRENGTH INCREASED TO 10-100 DMG (D10).

- CHARACTERS WITH A MORE POWERFUL FORM ARE PERMITTED TO USE THAT FORM.