Still Playing: [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAkfOpPpCzM]Vim and Vigor[/url]

Asher had to do everything in his power to maintain his composure as his companion passed him by on one of the large Heartless from before. The best comparison he could draw would be to that of a someone speeding around on a horse carriage, which very much made want to laugh at the sight of this display. However, the fun ended as soon as it began, for quite a few explosive blasts and sounds of grinding of metal were soon followed by the retreat of the Heartless themselves. So, seeing that the big creature Georgia was using as her steed was beginning to dissipate, Asher decided to take a gamble and cast Aero below the very moment the Heartless fully vanished, so as to cushion her fall. “We really need to work on that name you’ve suggested. Something about ‘Big Bellies’ just doesn’t sit right with me.” He remarked. Wishing to go check out the courtyard, he faced Georgia once more, pulling out the case containing the other three Earrings of Whisper. He pulled out the Club Earring and tossed it over to her. “Put this on. If [i]anything[/i] happens, simply touch it, and relay your situation. I’m going to see what’s going on.” After explaining how the earring works, he makes his way back towards the courtyard where the heart of the action was.

Now Playing: [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7zKGsis8ec]Mastermind[/url]

Asher made it just in time to hear the introduction of the big bad himself. Two versions of the self-proclaimed Leo Psellos stood there alongside several other hooded individuals, denouncing their quest before they had even begun on it. All of the figures then proceeded to vanish into portals of darkness save for the older version of Leo. This man emanated a particularly nasty aura. One of a man that walked in complete darkness. His “display” of the power he held over Tocsax didn’t surprise him. Men like him were very common in his line of work. In fact, the only difference was that this one had yet to be cut down by his blade. Bearing witness to the breakdown of their group’s Nobody in the face of this individual didn’t phase him either. In fact, if anyone were looking at him, they would catch a brief glimpse of utter disappointment and disgust upon Asher’s face. His respect had to be earned, and in his eyes, Tocsax was nowhere near meeting that as of now. A true leader had to be able to do more than just cast a few cantrips in his mind.
	He then found himself overhearing Felix’s announcement that they were to all head to the hangar and prepare to begin the first leg of their journey. However, he instead simply walked away from the group, heading towards a secluded hallway where he could just take a moment to seclude himself from all of the noise. 

Now Playing: [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw03z6_6bRE]Chaos[/url]

	Upon reaching the midway point of his trek down one of the many long, empty hallways of the palace, another portal of darkness opens before him. A hooded figure exits from this opening. Asher had no proper way of telling whether or not this individual was one of the others he had seen previously. He quickly touches his Spade Earring. If Georgia had put hers on, she would hear him say, “We might have another problem on our hands.” He then dropped his hand to grip one of his daggers, ready to remove it from his sheath and toss it in case this conversation went south. 

“My my...vigilant as ever, I see. It seems Bloody Mary has taught you well.” The figure remarks, beginning to slowly clap. The voice seemed like it belonged to a male, but it wasn’t one he recognized. 

“You know her? Not many live to tell that tale...just who exactly are you?” Asher inquired. 

The figure laughs, coyly rubbing the back of his head. “She’s truly never mentioned me? Good to know that she’s still willing to protect her own after all these years. I wonder if the same would apply to you...” 

Asher raised an eyebrow to this. “Just what exactly are you getting at? My parents are all I have, and they're under Mary's protection.” 

The hooded man chuckles in response. “Ah, yes, you wouldn’t remember...too young, I suppose. That fire must have really traumatised you...and here I thought she meant everything to you.” Finishing that sentence, the Corridor of Darkness opened up once again behind the individual. “This is going to be a very bittersweet reunion. Let’s just hope you survive until then, hm? Hahaha…” His laugh echoes throughout the hall as he steps back into the Corridor, it closing upon his entry. 

“'She'..? Oh gods..who is he talking about..?” Asher clutches his head in his right hand, an aching sensation beginning to creep up out of nowhere. Something about that conversation caught him off guard, the ache growing into a strong pounding sensation. Out of nowhere, the hallway began to seemingly catch fire, the smell of smoke overwhelming him. Fully convinced by this hallucination, he instinctively reached for his earring once more. “Help...fire…” This was all he could manage to get out before falling unconscious.  

[@Gentlemanvaultboy]