Editing Forum:Shadowkeeper Apocalypse

{{forumheader|Fan Fiction}}<!-- Please put your content below this line. Be sure to sign your edits with four tildes: ~~~~ -->

{{Battle infobox

|image= [[File:Shadowkeepers Apocalypse.jpg|380px]]

|date= March 24th, 2017 - November 7th, 2024

|result= City advantage and victory

*Purification of the Darkness and growing influence of [[Forum:Fusion|Fusion]]

Creation of the [[Forum:Solar Coalition|Solar Coalition]]

|side1= '''[[Solar System]]'''

*[[The Last City]]

*[[The Reef]]

*[[Forum:AJ's Host|AJ's Host]]

*[[Forum:Eternal Brotherhood|Eternal Brotherhood]]

*[[Forum:Iriksi Syndicate|Iriksi Syndicate]]

*[[Forum:Stygian Brood|Stygian Brood]]

*[[Forum:Sumeragi|Sumeragi]]

*[[Forum:House of Time|House of Time]]

*[[Forum:Sinon's Resistance|Sinon's Resistance]]

*[[Forum:Shadowkeepers (Paradox)#Shadow Army|Shadow Army]]

**[[Forum:Shadowkeepers (Paradox)#House of Shadows|House of Shadows]]

**[[Forum:Shadowkeepers (Paradox)#Cult of Shadows|Cult of Shadows]]

*[[Forum:Shadowkeepers (Paradox)#Ghosts of Nagasaki|Ghosts of Nagasaki]]

*[[Red Legion]]

|commanders1=

'''Last City:'''

*[[Sagira]]

*[[Osiris]]

*[[Shiro-4]]

*[[Suraya Hawthorne]]

*[[Forum:Anna Blue|Anna Blue]]

*[[Saint-14]]

*[[Colonel]]

*[[Shaw Han]]

*[[Cayde-6]]

*[[The Guardian]]

----

'''Underworld:'''

*[[Xûr, Agent of the Nine]]

----

*[[User:Koriks, Kell of Flame|Koriks, Flame Kell]]

*[[Forum:Rajiks, Flame Archon|Rajiks, Flame Archon]]

----

'''The Reef and Associates:'''

*[[Petra Venj]]

*[[Sedia]]

*[[Shuro Chi]]

*[[Kalli]]

----

'''AJ's Host:'''

'''Eternal Brotherhood:'''

*[[UserWiki:Brayden12012|Brayden-4]]

----

'''House of Lions:'''

*[[Forum:Velaks-3|Velaks-3]]

----

*[[The Spider]]

----

'''Loyalist Remnants:'''

*[[Valus Nohr]]

|commanders2= '''Shadowkeepers:'''

*[[Forum:Tatsuyi Kirigaya, Vibebreaker of Shadows|Tatsuyi Kirigaya, Vibebreaker of Shadows]]

----

'''Shadow Army:'''

*[[Forum:Kamrak, the Titan|Kamrak, the Titan]]

*[[Forum:Lilthis, the Daemon|Lilthis, the Daemon]]

----

'''Ghosts of Nagasaki:'''

*Malachai

*[[Forum:Tesla-0, Traitor of The City|Tesla-0, Traitor of The City]]

----

'''House of Salvation:'''

*[[Forum:Ghaul, Supplicant to Kirito|Ghaul, Supplicant to Kirito]]

*[[Forum:The Consul, Loyal to Ghaul|The Consul, Loyal to Ghaul]]

----

'''Scorned Barons:'''

*[[Pirrha, the Rifleman]]

*[[Yaviks, the Rider]]

|forces1=

'''Forces of the City:'''

'''Allies of the Guardians:'''

*[[Loyalists]]

*[[Awoken]]

*[[Nine]]

*[[Forum:House of Emperors|Emperor Reformists]]

*[[Forum:House of Flame|House of Flame]]

|forces2=

*[[Fallen]]

*[[Hive]]

*[[Vex]]

*[[Cabal]]

*[[Taken]]

*[[Scorn]]

----

*[[Pyramids]]

*[[Blight]]s

*[[The Immortal]]

*[[The Almighty]]

|casual1=

|casual2=*Kirito and Asuna and their Shadowkeepers killed, but then resurrected as Nightmares

*Numerous Shadow forces crippled

|casual3=

|casual4=

}}

==Prelude: The Swordsman's Arrival==

==Events==

===Attack on Auradon===

{{Quote|I'm so sorry. I'm sorry, I just... I thought that... I was afraid to tell you. I thought I was gonna lose my life. But I had to do something! I had to protect my birthright! It's just... I wish things could've been different.|Mal, talking to Petra Venj shortly before leaving with the Shadowkeepers.}}

[[File:Kirito attacking Auradon.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Kirito leading an assault on Auradon]]

===Death of a Legend===

{{Quote|We should've been there. This is not your fault. This... is on the head of the Black Swordsman. But if he thinks what he's done is the end, it's not. It's... the beginning. We're going to fight him. All of us. Every [[Titan (class)|Titan]]s and [[Forum:Meister|Meister]]s. Every [[Warlock]]s and [[Forum:Shinobi|Shinobi]]s. Every [[Hunter]]s, [[Forum:Huntress|Huntress]]es, and Huntsmen. We will take Auradon by storm... for our [[Fireteam]]. For Zavala.|[[Ikora Rey]], addressing the Guardians.}}

[[File:IkoraCayde.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Ikora grieves over the loss of Zavala]]

===A New Aincrad===

===Assault on the Empire===

The Titan would be awoken by one of the Empire's Barons, [[Forum:Solviks, the Gunslinger|Solviks]], who consoled him that Castris and her Empire were allies, not enemies, albeit unconventional. Speedwagon would also meet one of the Empire's lesser known, yet most treasured associates [[Forum:Myra Winters|Myra Winters]], who told him that she had upgraded his [[Ghost]] with tech that just might help with his investigation and prove the Empire's standing on the Shadowkeepers, starting with a previously recorded conversation between Wren and his trusted [[Psion]] friend, [[Forum:Lithwe|Lithwe]], who were conversing about Castris's decision on the deal with the Shadowkeepers as well as what might happen if they did accept. But before the two could let on about her decision, the two are interrupted by a familiar looking, muscular [[Fallen]] brute who was asked if he could purchase a special sword; Speedwagon recognized the Fallen brute as one of the attackers who snatched Wren, learning his name was [[Forum:Kamrak, the Titan|Kamrak]]. The Titan hesitantly thanked the two Criminal associates before the two left, stating that they had some business to attend. Continuing the investigation, he would utilize the "ECHO" tech to discover the murder of Ashe, where he would see the Vanguard representative being escorted by some of the Empire's associates, learning that they were there to guard her on her way to Rudolph. Expecting them to turn on her, he would, instead, discover that the squad was picked off one by one and the Exo Hunter would be murdered by the other mysterious assailant from the night prior. Raising even more questions, the Titan would attempt to go back to where he meet Tatsuyi to learn more. Going back to the site and activating the recording software, seen from his eyes, the Shadowkeeper scion would be seen conversing to the members of the assailants and gave them new orders, attempt to frame Castris and rope the faction into war, telling the [[Forum:Lilthis, the Daemon|female assailant]] to stay here and wait for Speedwagon and attempt to escape to give the guise she was Castris while telling the other two to hunt down and capture some of the syndicate's higher weapons designers and suppliers such as Wren and [[Forum:Vyslaks, the Technomancer|Vyslaks]] to which a respected new member of the Shadowkeepers would get them to replicate some of the Empire's work. It all came to the Titan that this was a conspiracy, one that will force the Empire into war with the Shadowkeepers.

{{Quote|Long before the Traveler came, I made a promise to live on for the sake of my friends and Fairy Tail. Now, it has called on me to speak on its behalf and help you fight back against the Black Swordsman and the Lightning Flash.|[[Forum:Lucy Heartfilia|Lucy Heartfilia]], speaking to the Guardian moments after becoming the new Speaker.}}

Some time after Dawnrise Protocol's initiation, Ikora Rey appointed [[Shiro-4]] as the [[Hunter]] [[Vanguard]] and [[Forum:Luther Hargreeves|Luther Hargreeves]] as the new Vanguard Commander representing the [[Titan (class)|Titan]]s, while the [[Consensus]] would appoint [[Forum:Glynda Goodwitch|Glynda Goodwitch]] as the [[Forum:Huntress|Huntress]] Vanguard, [[Forum:Kakashi Hatake|Kakashi Hatake]] as the [[Forum:Shinobi|Shinobi]] Vanguard, [[Forum:Jotaro Kujo|Jotaro Kujo]] as the [[Forum:Meister|Meister]] Vanguard, and [[Forum:Lucy Heartfilia|Lucy Heartfilia]] as the new [[Speaker (title)|Speaker]] in order to strengthen the defenses of the City and provide more protection for the Traveler.

===The Cosmodrome Breach===

====Sumeragi's Reemergence====

====Preparing for the Hunt====

Upon reaching the Last City, Luther Hargreeves explained to the Guardian that ever since Kirito killed Zavala, many enemies of humanity have pledged their loyalties to him and Asuna, seeking to destroy the Light. The Guardian would also learn of the identities of the Shadowkeepers who helped kill Zavala and are planning to usher in a new dark future. Luther then tasked the Guardian with hunting down Zharves's Hive sect, to which the Guardian accepted.

===Discovery of the Shadows===

====The Hive Shadowcaster====

Some time after the Guardian uncovered the source of the Shadows' emergence in the Cosmodrome, [[Eris Morn]], aided by her new recruit [[Forum:Anna Blue|Anna Blue]], intercepted a distress signal coming from the [[Hellmouth]], searching for answers on [[Moon|Luna]]. After traversing deeper within the [[Scarlet Keep]], she stumbled upon an abandoned [[Clovis Bray (corporation)|Clovis Bray]] facility and touched a black surface, which revealed itself as some kind of footage. Upon getting a closer look at it, she discovers what happened to Mal back when she was a child and that the two adult [[Warlock]]s shielding her from Maleficent's attacks were her parents [[Forum:Kaguya Narusaka|Kaguya Narusaka]] and [[Forum:Hendrick Yor|Hendrick Yor]]. Moments later, the Guardian is summoned to the Moon by Luther Hargreeves in response to a disturbance that, according to Eris Morn, originated from the [[Forum:Phantom Keep|Phantom Keep]], a massive citadel recently erected by the Hive Shadow Swarm near the [[Hellmouth]]. While assisting Eris Morn and Anna Blue in fighting the Hive, the Guardian would encounter Zharves and [[Forum:Xyurdok, Commander of the Throne|Xyurdok]] and their Hive army.

====The Hunt Begins====

{{Quote|You are too late. The world now knows the truth about Mal. And soon, everything they once thought they knew will be forgotten. This is your end. Accept it.|Kirito, summoning his Shadowkeepers.}}

====The Vex Mindkiller====

As numerous Lightbearers ventured across many worlds to defend the Light against the Darkness, the Vanguard had the Guardian travel to [[Venus]] to find any lead on Kirito and Asuna. The Guardian arrived at [[The Citadel]] as the [[Forum:House of Flame|House of Flame]] were deploying their troops to repel any attacks by the Vex. Helping [[User:Koriks, Kell of Flame|Koriks]]'s Fallen fight the Vex, the Guardian ascended into a control room on the Citadel, where they discovered a superweapon capable of giving the Vex total control over time shortly before jumping into another place to escape the Shadow Divisive. Finding a bright gap in an otherwise dark platform, the Guardian would do battle with Kirito and Asuna.

====A Personal Score====

====Witnessing the Dark Future====

{{Quote|Welcome to the [[Forum:Chinese Dead Zone|Chinese Dead Zone]], Guardian.|[[The Drifter (character)|The Drifter]].}}

====Meeting the Resistance====

Heading deeper within the [[Forum:Chinese Dead Zone|Chinese Dead Zone]], aided by Elsie and Drifter, the Guardian finally meet Sinon and her faction face to face. Upon hearing about their notable history of fighting the minions of the Darkness, the Guardian would establish an alliance with them, earning Sinon the honor of getting the chance to fight alongside the Last City. As the Guardian returns to the Tower, they would be contacted by [[User:Kirito Beater3|Nagihiko]] and [[Forum:Ventharok|Ventharok]], [[Forum:Axon|Axon]], [[Forum:Varthon|Varthon]], and [[Forum:Arath|Arath]], fellow members of [[Forum:Fireteam Infernium|Fireteam Infernium]], all of whom want to meet up with them.

====Revealing AJ's Whereabouts====

====The Cabal Crownforger====

====Return of the Ghost Primus====

====The Taken Blightmaker====

===The Death Game===

====Return of the Kell of Darkness====

{{Quote|And so it begins. Once it is done, the Great Machine shall suffer for what it did to my people... and yours.|[[Eramis, Kell of Darkness]] to Magda Peterson.}}

====Defending the Lions====

{{Quote|[[Forum:Ahnkra, Devoted to Zharves|Ahnkra]] the Weakling. Ahnkra the Coward! I had always despised that rat, but to become another dog to [[Forum:Kirito, the Black Swordsman|Kirito]] out of the delusion that he is the strongest? FAH! I should have never allowed him to become part of my Brood. Come, Lightbearer, let us show this fool what true strength is.|[[Forum:Viznoor, the Black|Viznoor, the Black]], tasking the Guardian with hunting down Ahnkra.}}

====Return of the Dimensional Mind====

====Bringing Down the Archangels====

====Way of the Hermit====

====Reviving Evie====

====Answering Karviks's Call====

{{Quote|Ever since we escaped the bloodbath caused by the Black Swordsman, we've looked far and beyond, searching for a light that can help end this nightmare. I believe that you are our best hope.|[[Forum:Karviks, Dragon Archon|Karviks, Dragon Archon]], establishing an alliance with the Guardian.}}

===Endgame===

{{Quote|Times may be dark, but we are Earth's greatest and last hope. Look around you, a gathering of those who call this system home. This is a chance we've been waiting for. Our homes were attacked, and we were there to watch the onslaught. And despite the sacrifices we made, everything was lost. All that we may have left are those standing beside you. For today, we know our enemy: Kirito, the Black Swordsman and the dark leader of the Shadowkeepers. Look to each other for strength, for strength in each other will keep us united. So, I ask you! Who will stand with me?|Ikora, rallying the Guardians and their allies.}}

====Entering the Underworld====

====Conquering the Past====

====Magda's Fall====

====Shattering of Bonds====

====Fighting the Shadows====

====Freezing Zevon====

====Putting Eugeo and Uldren Out of Their Miseries====

===Nothing Left to Lose===

====Storming Auardon====

====Rescuing AJ====

===The Final Battle===

====War On Aincrad====

====Death of the Black Swordsman====

===Birth of the Solar Coalition===

In addition to Tatsuyi and the Nightmares of the Shadowkeepers, the Guardians deal with remnants of the Ghosts of Nagasaki after agreeing to take it as a favor for Viznoor. Returning to the downed Rachitech Warship, the Guardians find that the Ghosts of Nagasaki's numbers have grown exponentially since Magda's death. They also discover Greeble Ironclads adorned with Dark Ether, results of Gunmar's experiments. Delving deeper into the Troll nest, the Guardians encounter the new leader of the Ghosts of Nagasaki within the Tangled Shore, [[Forum:Angor Rot|Angor Rot]], who was a member of Gunmar's sect of the Ghosts of Nagasaki. Their battle with the Assassin takes the Guardians further and further into the Troll nest but they manage to corner him at the center of the chamber. There, despite his dark power in summoning a shade to aid him, the Guardians kill Angor Rot, which will lower the Ghosts of Nagasaki's numbers within the Tangled Shore in time.

===Snuffing Out The Remaining Shadows===

====Destroying the Cabal Shadows====

===Seeking the Truth Eternal===

==Appearances==

**''[[Forum:Paradox|Paradox]]'' {{1st}}

***''[[Forum:Season of the Black Swordsman|Season of the Black Swordsman]]'' {{Mo}}

**''[[Forum:Fractured Worlds|Fractured Worlds]]'' {{Mo}}

**''[[Forum:The Void Within|The Void Within]]'' {{Mo}} {{c|Alternate Timeline}}

***''[[Forum:Season of Farewells|Season of Farewells]]'' {{c|Archived footage}}