[Coolshaymin]

In the Sunshine Stadium simply sat a star shaped portal that awaited the heroes to enter. On the other side was what looked like a giant chess board in another dimension. It would seem they had to enter their enemy's home turf to confront them. A star clad orb could be seen moving around high above the chess board awaiting their entry if they are brave and strong enough of heart to confront him.

"So you are the ones that wish to stop me?... One that wishes to not be forgotten, a boy with a heart as strong as he is foolish, a man with a deep past and an engineer that became a part of something more... Yes, I will revel in consuming your dreams. I am the wizard known as Nightmare. My goal is as  my name implies. I wish to spread fear across the universe. And you will be among the first to learn my terror," His voice calls down, not yet revealing himself fully, taking a moment to take in his challengers.

[heirtothemonado]

While Shulk hadn't really known what to expect entering the portal within the arena, a giant floating chessboard wasn't one of the things he had in mind. Shulk held the Monado out ready, looking around for their opponent, but he didn't seem to see anyone particularly threatening. Just a round orb with stars on it. But then, a booming voice calls down from the orb floating on high.

Shulk remains silent, focusing more on analyzing his enemy. The fact that he could draw them all into his own realm to fight him meant that he wasn't a foe to be taken lightly. But then again, neither were they. "Be they dreams or otherwise, we won't let you take them!" Shulk retorted, branishing the beam of the Monado. "Your reign will be over before it begins!"

---

Shulk
Health: 145/145
Shield: 45/45
Status: On guard

[alchefire]

Sora didn't have any issues leaping into the portal. Not like he wasn't used to plunging into the heart of enemy territory at this point anyway. He'd take a few moments to look over the arena that had been set up for them. A chessboard huh? He... really hoped this guy wasn't gonna ask them to play some board games, that was not exactly his strong suit. But as Nightmare spoke up and talked about dreams... he couldn't help feeling a weird sense of familiarity.

Actually... was it possible to get deja vu for something that hasn't happened to you yet? He had no idea. But he'd shake those thoughts from his head as his Keyblade formed in his hand in a flash of sparkling light. His form squatting into his usual battle pose as he took in a deep breath and readied himself.

"Yeah, yeah. You're talking a big game, but I'll believe it when I see it!"

Sora

HP: 170/170
MP: 100/100
Shield: 60/60 (8)
Status:
Cooldowns:

[Glimmericious]

"Yeesh, was the dramatic speech really necessary?"

And there's Axel, being entirely too done with all this already.  He can't help but crack a smile at his descriptor, though.  'One who wishes not to be forgotten,' hm?  He can't sit here and act like that's not a true statement.

"Alright, sure, I'll play along.  In the name of the light of justice, your ambitions of spreading fear across the universe will never succeed!  ...Or something."

And with that punctuating his speech, Axel summons forth his chakrams, illuminating the area in a flash of red.  He's ready for action!

∙∙∙

Bubble Shield: 45%/45% Status: "JUSTIIIICE FLASH-"

Actions taken: