The Unknowing Herald (TUH): "Okay Nathan... you gotta lot of 'splanning to do. So get to it."
TorNathan (TN): Yep ...
TN: Readers. I know this was to go up on May 31st, but those plans obviously changed. It is all my fault for being stupid and selfish. The reasons are my own, but I was stupid and didn't think of my awesome friends and readers. I apologize for this, and I hope you enjoy the chapter.
TN: Now, while Herald is off gaming in some invitational, I am to have the note to myself.
TN: WELCOME! This is Harbinger of Light: Rise from the Ashes! This is part two in the very large trilogy. We have estimated this book to be 80+ chapters and reach up to 800k and more. So, we hope you're ready for the long haul, because this is the longest part of the trilogy. If you need a refresher on book one, feel free to message me and I can clear things up, but I won't tell you everything word for word. I am so excited for this book, and I know Herald is. So, get ready, and have a blast!
TN: Thank you to all the readers and reviewers of book one. I implore the returning people to review this time around, for it really helps Herald and I grow and it makes the story better. Give us all your suggestions, criticisms, questions, your everything! Please help us by making this story all it can be!
TN: Special thanks to Mike, Chris, Spenser, Sri, Katy, Andre W., MJ, and Karu! I do know there are loyal readers out there who don't review (Jeans-Michael for one). I thank you, too!
TN: Super special thanks to my friend, Garce. Without him kicking my ass, putting me down, ripping me on everything, telling me I suck on a regular basis, and being an all around dick to me ... this story wouldn't exist. Thanks man, you're the best FFN writer I know.
TN: Disclaimer! We do not own Square Enix, Disney or Kingdom Hearts. We don't own Fire Emblem, DC, or whoever makes the Tales games (don't kill me Herald). We don't own Stephen King's works, like the Dark Tower. All we own are Alexia, Tor, Merideth, King, and the entire world of I'ltorien.
TN: Rated T for: Violence. Language. Alcohol. Suggestive Themes.
TN: ENJOY! Also, this chapter was all me.
Chapter I
A Tower, Healing, Besieging and Coronation
Radiant Garden
October 13, 2010
Riku sat in a plush chair on an overhanging balcony from Merlin's enchanted house. It had been a week since everything he had ever known was destroyed. He had woken up only two days ago; Alexia was still unconscious. She had said Kefka's name … but what did that mean? Just maybe … perhaps she hadn't—
"Hey, Riku." Riku jolted for a moment and then turned his silvery head around. Roxas walked over to him, sitting himself down in another chair. Together they looked out at the blue sky, brightening from the sunrise.
"Hey, Roxas. How's Naminé?" he replied.
"She's doing better. The shrapnel didn't hit anything vital. Her leg should be fine in a few days. Thank goodness we have such a skilled healer as Aerith is," Roxas answered. Riku ran his fingers through his hair, and then leaned back in his chair. It was hard to place his emotions right now. He felt anger, sorrow, emptiness … a large mixture of things. And it seemed to boil down to Maleficent in the end.
"Have you checked on Alexia? How is she doing?" Riku forced himself to ask. He was still so unsure about what had happened after he let her go.
"Merlin is still seeing to her. Aerith, I believe, is finally with her as well. Whatever, or whoever, hurt her … they almost killed her. She's lucky to be alive," Roxas explained. Riku shuddered a sigh.
"Thank you again, for rescuing us. Had no one found us, we wouldn't be alive. Thank you," Riku said.
"Nah, don't mention it," Roxas waved at him. "Besides, now that me and Nam are whole, we gotta make some friends for real, right? What better way than saving some lives?" Roxas chuckled at it and Riku smiled.
"What about me?" Riku heard Naminé's voice. The boys turned around to see her slightly limping on her left leg towards them. Instead of her normal white dress, she wore a dark gown, probably from all the bed rest.
"Maybe you shouldn't be walking around just yet?" Roxas said. She pulled yet another chair around to sit next to him.
"Now, don't you go telling me what I can and cannot do, mister," she said humorously. She giggled, it was a light sound. "Besides … what, with what's about to happen, talking to me like that could have you ending up in serious trouble." Roxas feigned fright and they shared a laugh … but it was a hollow laugh. Nothing would be the same after the Islands. Nothing would be the same without their parents. Nothing would be the same without Sora or Kairi.
"We have a lot to do today," Riku said as he stood up and stretched. Aromas of breakfast drifted to him. He left the balcony to Roxas and Naminé, heading down to the kitchen. There weren't many people around. Axel was cooking, Leon was studying some reports with King Mickey in a corner, and on the couch, watching the news was Yuffie. He sat down next to her; her eyes were red and puffy.
"Hello, I'm Brian Storm, and we're here, now, to give the full report of the Destiny Islands. Just a week ago, thousands were murdered and evacuated from the world. Who attacked the islands is unknown at this time to the public, but it was brought to the attention of many that this was systematic and expected. A civilian army awaited the battle, only to be forced out, dead or alive. The casualty count is up to four thousand. Many are wounded, and are now finding in homes in either Twilight Town or our own Radiant Garden. We visited the Islands this morning, and these are the pictures that were taken …"
Brian Storm cut out, only for pictures to take his place. Riku's heart throbbed with pain as he looked at the pictures, Brian's voice a far away noise. The land was ashen and black. No plant life or wildlife were to be seen. The waves were black and crashed hollowly on the shore, whose white sand was now black as well. The only color left was the blue sky, but even it seemed to have given up. Just as the last picture faded out, Riku nearly fell out of his seat, trying to get a closer look.
"R- R- Riku? What is it?" Yuffie choked out. His eyes squinted as the photo went away.
"It … it's nothing. Just a glare on the photo …" But he didn't sound so sure. There's no way it could have survived … he thought. He shook his head and left the couch. He couldn't stand the news report anymore. He walked over and made himself a plate of breakfast: eggs, bacon, some toast and orange juice. Axel lightly patted him on the shoulder while he went over to sit with Yuffie. Just as he finished his breakfast, he heard a startled scream from upstairs in the infirmary.
Alexia …
He stood up and walked upstairs, but no one else followed him.
HoL:RftA
Black.
Dark.
Nothing.
Alexia opened her eyes, yes both of them. She opened her eyes and all she saw was pure darkness. She felt up at her face, and nothing covered her eyes. She felt at her left one, the good one, and what she felt there made her scream. Her eye was still there, but a rigid scar covered it, running horizontally across the bridge of her nose, across the eye, and off of her face. The scar intersected with her vertical one across her right eye. Tears leaked from them as she cried. She was blind … completely.
A hand grasped her shoulder gently. She jumped from the sudden contact and bit back a squeal. She looked over, but of course … there was nothing.
"Alexia." It was Aerith's voice. She could hear Merlin behind her, muttering as he flipped through a book. The pages rustled as they touched each other. It was old parchment, faded … almost ancient.
How did she know that?
"Aerith … w-w- what happened?" she muttered. Aerith sighed and sat next to her.
"Roxas and Naminé found you and Riku next to … next to some dear friends of ours who died. The islands were evacuated and then destroyed by Maleficent. But Alexia … who did this to you?" Aerith said.
Riku … she wanted to say. She rubbed her hands.
"It was Kefka. He killed those people and then turned on me," she lied to Aerith. Aerith breathed heavily, shuddering in sympathy. Her cool hand slowly grazed Alexia's shoulder. Her pulse beat quickly in her palm.
"I'm so sorry to hear that," Aerith said. "But, Merlin believes he'll be able to fix your vision in your left eye where the damage was so recent. He's been studying about it in a book his granddaughter brought to him once upon a time."
"Yes, yes, quite a time ago. And it would do Mer some good to bring me something that I didn't have to translate! Confound-it-all, that girl …" Merlin seemed to mutter to himself as his aged hands flipped through more pages.
"Aha! Here it is!" he shouted in joy. He scurried over on padded slippers, sitting the book down in Aerith's lap. "Okay, Alexis-"
"Alexia," she corrected.
"Bah, whatever," he replied. "I'm going to give this a whirl and see what happens," he told her. That didn't sound too reassuring. Actually, it sounded pretty bad.
"Are … are you sure you just couldn't have your granddaughter come in and-"
"No, my dear, I'm afraid not. It's up to me, so let's just go ahead and do this!" he exclaimed. The door opened and Riku walked in, she could smell his cologne. Merlin grasped the sides of her head at the temples and a deep rumbling filled his chest as he hummed. He began muttering. At first, it was unintelligible, just fragments of words. But as he continued, they cleared into full words, but in another language … something ancient and powerful. Tension filled the air, powerful waves of energy. She felt the cognition pulse through his hands and into her body. A burning sensation filled her mind, as if her were lighting her brain aflame. She bit back a small yell as a flare of pain arched through he head. Something … flickered. Merlin's voice grew in pitch and volume, roaring in her ears. She could hear Aerith's subtle breathing, Riku's tapping foot. Merlin roared the final words and her head was thrown back from his hands in a concussive explosion.
Silence.
Her left eye opened and blinked. She could see … but it was … different.
"Well my dear, tell me what you see?" Merlin asked. She looked at him. She could see his body, but no fine details. The world was black and shadowy. She could see the rough frames of cabinets and chairs. Merlin's body seemed to glow white and blue. She could see the etched lines of his face, dark throughout. His eyes glimmered with a golden power. Through his body she could see his heart beat; every time it did was like a pulsing signal in an electric board. His heart was a bright white light. His finger tips glowed blue with powerful energy.
Aerith's body glowed with a pure golden light. Her eyes radiated green, like the love of nature. Her heart was also white as it beat through her body. She exhaled heavily, and Alexia thought she saw her breath, a light gray, curl from her lips. Riku was a shroud of darkness, cracked with light. His heart was shadowy, but she could see a powerful brightness hiding within it. His eyes held a deep power and uncertainty, a faded and washed out blue.
She looked around and could see the outlines of structures: chairs, walls, door frames. Everything was very dark, except for the auras of people. The physical world was just dull and kind of there … nothing like the world of senses.
So she explained everything, using Merlin's aura as a reference. Merlin nodded, but his face was grim.
"Well, it may not have been the intended result, but the good news is: you can see. Differently, yes, but by George it's there," he said. "Alexia, do you know your lineage?"
It seemed like an odd question. Why would he want to know anything about her ancestors. She looked at him and could see his brain, a million different lights of all sorts of colors flickering rapidly.
"I never knew anyone older than my Pappy," she answered truthfully.
"Hmm …" he muttered, scratching his wiry beard in thought. She looked up at him hopefully. "From what you've told me, my dear … I believe what you're seeing, this world of senses, auras, knowledge, emotion and true sight … it has a name."
"Do you know the name?" she asked.
"W- why of course I do!" he proclaimed, pointing a finger to the roof. "It's called Eagle Vision."
"What?" she dumbly asked.
"I will explain it to you later, but for now, just go and take a walk or something, stretch your muscles and get accustomed to this new sense. It will take some time, but I'm sure you'll get the hang of it," he told her. "And it seems you happen to have a heightened version of this, which is unprecedented to my knowledge. This could be a gift of Anuwëy … or a curse."
"Anu-what?" Alexia, Riku and Aerith asked simultaneously.
"Oh nothing," he muttered before turning back to more book work. Aerith walked over to his side after a last pat on Alexia's shoulder. Riku immediately walked out, leaving her to sit there. She blinked a few times, hoping that it was a dream or that she would bat away this new sight … but that didn't happen. She stood up and walked out of the room and down to her bedroom in Merlin's enchanted house.
She went straight to a mirror and looked at herself with wonder. She had a white aura, streaked with purple and black. Her eyes did not have any luminescence, but her brain was a spectrum of vibrant colors and wavelengths. It was her new senses taking over to make up for her blindness. She shook her head and walked away from the reflection. She headed downstairs slowly, getting accustomed to the new sight. It was good that she could see the outlines of physical objects, because that made it easy for her to avoid many collisions.
When she stepped outside into the bright day, it was nothing like she had ever expected. The world was still shadowy, but she could definitely tell it was day, just like she should be able to tell it's night when that would come. All the people around her … they all had different auras and colors and emotions. She saw a boy that had an orange aura flickering with red and maroon, and she could immediately tell, without a doubt, that he was guilty of something. The world hit her hard, but Merlin said it would be hard at first. So she decided to take a walk to a residential district, because they always had beautiful gardens.
She walked down the cobblestone paths of roses, daises, tulips, bunches of lavender and overhanging cherry blossom trees. She could see the scents drifting through the air and the colors glowed off the petals of the flowers. Every step she took on the stone gave off blue sparks, and she felt the energy of the garden thrum around her. There was a iron-wrought bench next to a fountain. She sat down on this and looked around. Before she saw him, she sensed Riku and then felt him sit down next to her. She tensed and then turned his way, her left eye open, as always.
"To the point … was it Kefka?" he asked. She nodded. "Okay, I believe you. And with that, I'm sorry about what I did to you. I don't expect you to forgive me, but-"
"I do," she said. He looked quizzically at her. She was grateful she could still read facial expressions.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"I forgive you. I deserved what happened to me. And I don't deserve the mercy you're already giving me," she replied.
"I forgive you, Alexia, because I was used by her as well," Riku said. "That doesn't mean I have to like you anymore, or trust you anymore. I feel you can redeem yourself … but it's going to be a lot of work," he said. She nodded in understanding. Guilt welled inside of her, but there was no changing the past. She would have bite it all back and keep moving forward. And she had lost the only friend she ever had. All of it was her fault.
"Thank you, Riku," she simply said. The blue sky seemed dark in this shadowy world, but she could see tufts of white cloud drift in the air. "I …" she began, still looking up, "I want to stay here. I want to stop Maleficent."
Riku bent forward and rubbed his face. "No one can simply change like that Alexia. You can't go from being a traitor to an ally in a flash."
"Will you accept me?" she asked quietly, almost meekly. He looked at her for a good five minutes in silence.
"Part of me says to never trust you again, to never befriend you again. But, that part of me is small. The bigger part of me says that there is good in you, and that I should give you another chance. I, personally, will accept you," he explained.
"And what of the others?" she asked him.
"I will tell them nothing. That is for you to do on your own," he told her. She nodded and fixed her hair.
"Thank you, Riku," she replied, and without thinking, she hugged him. She felt him tense under her, but his arms slowly wrapped onto her back. He patted her shoulder blades a couple of times before they broke away.
"You're welcome, Alexia. I believe you can change," he said, standing up and stretching.
"And why is that?" she asked in full seriousness.
"Because I changed," Riku replied. "Come on, let's enjoy the day. I have to leave today, but now it's we, not just me."
HoL:TS
Roxas' wet lips left Naminé's as Aerith, Yuffie and some other woman took her away to get ready. She mouthed that she was sorry and that she loved him before being ushered out the door and to who-knows-where. He sighed and relaxed, leaning back into the couch of Merlin's main room on the first floor. Naminé was all that kept him somewhat happy right now, because Sora and Kairi were still missing. He had overheard King Mickey talking with Leon, and today at the ceremonies, they were going to be pronounced dead. Roxas did not believe it, but it would put the citizens at rest, a final answer on the matter. Even though he was not connected to Sora anymore, he was still his twin, you could say. Roxas could just feel it in his new heart that Sora was alive … somewhere.
Riku, Alexia and Tidus were leaving soon, this very day. Roxas, Naminé and Merideth however, were to stay in Radiant Garden until further instructed. Well, Naminé had to stay, but Merideth and himself could still be ordered at any moment to go on a mission. His mind raced at all these thoughts, and everything was still so scary, even a week later after Destiny Islands. A mass funeral and mourning had been conducted two nights after, and the rest of the time had been spent settling people in Twilight Town or in Radiant Garden. Roxas assumed he would be sent to work in the residential districts, or the empty places where the new ones were to be built. But that didn't happen.
"Roxas, could ya please come 'ere?" King Mickey asked from across the room. Roxas stood up, not even asking questions. He knew not to displease royalty.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Roxas said as he walked over. King Mickey smiled at him warmly, and chuckled.
"Gee, ya don't have to be so formal with me," King Mickey waved as he said. Roxas would have laughed at his own face, and so did everyone else that was gathered there: Mickey, Leon, Merlin and Tidus. Roxas blushed red, but a smile crept onto his face.
"O- of course, Mickey …" he said hesitantly.
"There ya go, buddy." Mickey replied. "Now, to business." He unfurled a scroll that had a lot of whiskery and scratchy notes written all over it. A few drawings of people and places, and battle plans. The thing was a depository for words and randomness.
"Merlin and Leon made these notes-"
"That explains that," Roxas muttered.
"-and so he can read it," Mickey finished, handing the scrawl to Leon.
"We have character profiles for each of our enemies. Maleficent is really obvious. She's the ringleader of group and she wanted Kingdom Hearts. What she plans to do with it now … we don't know, but-"
"The Dark Tower," Roxas blurted.
"The what?" Mickey asked, intrigued.
"When S-" he paused, "when Sora and I fought her, she mentioned taking over the Dark Tower and destroying someone called Gan," Roxas explained. Everyone was just as confused as he was, well, except for one person.
"Oh my, this is bad," Merlin said, hushed.
"What is the Dark Tower, and who is Gan?" Mickey asked.
"The Dark Tower is something so complex, it would take me hours to explain. In short, it's the nexus of, well, EVERYTHING!" he proclaimed. "It is the center of not just this universe, but ALL universes. All worlds. Even Kingdom Hearts is connected to it, and this Tower is more powerful than Kingdom Hearts could scarcely be. This Tower is the beginning and end of all worlds and all lives. Everything serves it, whether they realize it or not. It is the connecting force that holds all the worlds together."
"But I thought the worlds were disconnected?" Roxas asked.
"Yes, they are, but physically. Even if they are not one whole world like they used to be, they are still CONNECTED in a very infinite and finite sense. You cannot simply rip the fabric of time and expose the void. The Dark Tower holds everything together and determines all fate. It can also create and destroy anything. Even light and dark."
"But that's impossible," Leon said, shocked.
"Don't be so sure, my boy," Merlin replied. "The Dark Tower is the most powerful thing to ever exist, and if Maleficent wants it, then we are in serious trouble. And if she gets it, then there will be no hope."
"Why haven't I ever heard of this before?" Mickey asked.
"It's not common to discuss it, for it is lost to memory and time. Yen Sid probably never thought it necessary to teach of it to you, and for good reason. It's doing just fine on it's own. The Gunslingers guard it."
"The who?"
"A kind of knight, oh it's nothing, Roxas. Guardians of the Tower," Merlin said.
"Okay … but who is Gan?" Leon asked.
"Well, Gan was a god," Merlin said simply.
"Was?" Roxas asked, not liking the hearing of the word in the past tense.
"Yes. Once upon a time, there were the gods Gan and Anuwëy and … well … that is a story for another time, for that is a long tale. Just know that Gan IS the Dark Tower itself and that the Dark Tower is also Gan," Merlin explained.
"Oh my brain hurts," Roxas muttered.
"I feel ya," Mickey said.
"Okay, so in short, The Tower is super powerful and Maleficent wants it for evil?" Tidus asked.
"Pretty much," Merlin said.
"Got it."
"Anyway," Leon continued. "Maleficent is the leader. Sephiroth from what we know is working for her for power. In exchange for helping her, he gets power. He's mainly her doer."
"What's he need the power for?" Roxas asked.
"That we don't know about," Leon said. "We don't understand most of the motives, but we know their parts to play, which is still a lot. Okay … Kefka Palazzo is in the same boat. He wants power, and to control his home world, no doubt. Or maybe to control multiple. He's from a far off, unknown world. He's insane and reckless, also the demolitions expert of her team.
"The Joker, whose real name we don't know, is Kefka's brother. He is the mastermind behind all the plans. While not very useful in fights, he is clever, extremely intelligent, and a force to be reckoned with. He is just as crazy as Kefka.
"Albert Wesker. The scientist. He has been the one modifying the Heartless, making them better and stronger. Now that he too has the influence of Kingdom Hearts, his combat abilities are immeasurable. He, too, is very intelligent. His past world is not known, but it was definitely technology based.
"Hades is pretty simple. He wanted Olympus and now his reign has spread to the rest of surrounding Greece. That world is under his dominion and his own army of Heartless."
"Who's watching the dead while he's away?" Tidus asked nervously, knowing he was going to be in Greece soon.
"We have no idea," Leon replied.
"Next is the man Mickey fought: Ganondorf. He is from a world known as Hyrule, which Merlin informed me about. It's a medieval based world where he now reigns supreme, no doubt. I assume that is all he wanted, was just the power to control his own world.
"As for Muzét … we know nothing," Leon simply said.
"Well this was a pleasant coffee break," Tidus joked halfheartedly.
"I thought ya needed to be more involved, Roxas. That's why I'm gonna to let ya be the Queen's personal assistant and help her take care of any and all official matters. I want you to be a very important part from now on," Mickey said. Roxas blushed again.
"I'm sure Queen Minnie has better people for that," Roxas said.
"Oh no, not her …"
HoL:RftA
"Ah, ouch! Do you want me to not breathe?" Naminé asked as Aerith and Yuffie tag-teamed her corset, tying it very tightly, bringing her stomach in and making her … more noticeable. Her face reddened at the fact, or maybe it was the lack of oxygen.
"How do people breathe in these?" Naminé gasped. They had finally finished tying it. All of this seemed to so unreal, all of it seemed like it shouldn't be happening her. This is something that happened to … well … not her.
"Okay, step one is done," Yuffie said, wiping sweat from her brow.
"S- step one?" Naminé whispered in fear.
"Oh yeah, we have tons of work left, right Yuna?" Aerith said. Yuna was the other young woman. She was very quiet, cute and elegant. She seemed to be royalty, just without the looks. She had plain shoulder-length brown hair. She wore a simple dress of white around her chest. It revealed bare shoulders, but draped over her arms in long folds. A blue dress ran from her waist down and the two pieces were connected by a golden belt with a rose on it. Two tassels dangles from the roses.
"Oh yes. I'm so glad to be back to normal now. I hated how Maleficent had warped my appearance, my personality, my everything. Haha," she giggled, covering her mouth.
"What's so funny?" Yuffie asked.
"Payne still wants treasure," Yuna explained before bursting into laughter. Naminé didn't see the humor, and neither did Aerith of Yuffie, but they laughed along with her. It was hard to be down around such an up and happy person.
"Anyway, we have to put the dress in order now that your underwear is on. Now, we're here to do the hair, makeup and nails. But they're here for the dress," Yuffie said as the godmothers fluttered in, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather.
"Oh deary, you look beautiful," Merryweather said in her gruff voice.
"Yes she does," Fauna said.
"Girls we have some work ahead of us," Flora said.
"Why?" Naminé asked as her friends went to sit down and wait.
"We always find a dress to match the beauty of the wearer, but this is going to be hard with a young woman like you," Flora explained. Naminé blushed some more.
"Hmm, I have an idea," Merryweather said. "It should be blue."
"Oh no, not this aga-"
"More pink," Flora argued, interrupting Naminé.
"How about a shade of green?" Fauna suggested.
"How about you make something together?" Naminé asked. They considered it.
"Yes, we argue about color too much. Here we go!" Flora, Fauna and Merryweather blasted Naminé with their wands all at once in a spray of color and magic. When it cleared they spun her on her platform to face a magically conjured mirror. She gasped.
"Oh my … I'm- I'm …"
"Beautiful," Yuna said from behind.
The dress Naminé was now wearing was astonishing. It left her shoulders bared and her arms down to the elbow. Her cleavage was barely exposed, perfect for public. It fit her perfectly. It was long, easily covering her feet and dragging a bit on the floor. It was big and puffy after the waistline. From the waist up, it was sleek with no folds or wrinkles. It was a dress that was so lightly golden it was almost white. A light blue heart was designed on her stomach beneath the breasts. Lines traced from the stomach to wrap around and to her lower back, where they connected and protruded as their own materials, tied together in a braided, blue knot that rested on the puffy part. Her back was bare and exposed. The big part of the dress was folded and cascaded down to her feet to meet a snow white trim at the hem of the dress. It seemed to sparkled like the sun's reflection of off a clear lake when she moved it. She wore long white gloves that ran to her elbow. And she wore a necklace that …
"Oh my god," she said. She loved the necklace.
"We thought you would like that," Merryweather whispered, nudging her with an elbow.
"I really do," Naminé answered.
"It has a special ability for you to find out," Fauna said.
"Quick! An enemy!" Flora shouted. In a flash, her dress had been replace with leather armor and her Keyblade flashed to her hand. When she noticed this, she forgot about the enemy and her dress returned.
"Now calm down. Think of wearing your normal clothes," Fauna said. She closed her eyes and in another flash, her clothes changed. Instead of her normal white dress she had always worn, there was now a better dress. It was still white and still very plain. Instead, it did not have spaghetti straps. It had very short sleeves that cut off at halfway down the bicep. And it was longer, going down to her ankles.
"And now back to your special dress," Merryweather said.
And flash, royalty.
"What just happened.
"Well, now you never have to buy clothes again, really. We made it to where you can manipulate your dress to whatever you want at anytime you want. Battle armor, but only our basic leather set, If you want something more, your going to have to get it yourself. You have this special occasion dress. Your plain dress for normal wear. These are your three defaults until you unlock your own drives like Sora, and once you unlock a drive, it stays connected to you through your Keyblade. If you want more clothes than your white dress, then you're going to have to buy those to. But now you have a special dress, a plain dress, and leather armor at all times," Flora explained.
"Thank you so much," Naminé said, trying not to cry from all the kindness they had shown her.
"No problem at all, sweetie. Just ask anytime," Fauna said. "Now, we have to find Roxas. He gets some special armor from us." And in a flash, they were gone.
"Wow, you look fine," Yuffie said.
"Very beautiful," both Aerith and Yuna said.
"So, how do you want your hair?" Yuffie asked as she summoned a large crate of hair … stuff in a puff of smoke. Naminé looked at herself in the mirror again.
"Just straighten it," Naminé said.
"Are you positive?" Yuna asked.
"Yes," Naminé replied. Aerith grabbed the straightener and waited for it to heat up.
"Okay, how do you want the nails done?" Yuffie asked.
"No fake ones," Naminé told her.
"Okay. Any paint?" Yuna asked.
"No, just a plain, clear top coat," she answered.
"Well okay," Yuffie said as she began to apply the clear top coat.
"Makeup time," Yuna said.
"Just lightly," Naminé said.
Naminé looked out to the noon day, not a cloud in the sky. The castle had finally been connected to the rest of Radiant Garden. It was now beautiful and freshly white. All the canyons had been filled in and everything had been leveled out. It seemed that it had moved right up to the rest of the Garden, as if by magic. The courtyard stretched out before it, a large flat area of whitewashed cobblestone. Fountains were along it, and gardens and trees and, well … life. It was a beautiful castle now. Yuffie noticed her.
"No, it's not magic," as if she had been reading her mind. "When it was finally cleared of Heartless, it finally reconnected to everything else. It's finally a part of the Garden again. It's so nice to have it up close again."
"Must be …" Naminé whispered as the girls finished their work on her.
"You're gonna make Roxas' brand new heart stop, you know that?" Yuffie said.
This time Naminé started the fits of laughter for everyone.
HoL:RftA
Roxas, like Sora, never took his necklace off. It slapped off of his bare chest as he stepped into his room from out of the shower, still naked and somewhat wet, wrapped in a towel around his waist.
FLASH!
Floating before him were the three godmothers. He became more red than a tomato, blood, a rose, anything that was red. He shamed the color. In another flash and brandish of their wands, the godmothers dried him and he was in his normal clothing.
"Y- y- you didn't see anything, right?" Roxas asked, his heart beating very quickly. The godmothers giggled at his expense.
"No, we didn't. We're here to change your clothing, if you want," Flora said, still giggling.
"Nah, I'm fine with my clothes, really," Roxas replied. They flicked their wands and he felt his necklace glow hot against his skin and then it cooled.
"Just in case you change clothes then, one day, we just gave you the ability to form drives. Once you learn one, it connects to you through your Keyblade. Also, imagine a shield upon your arm," Merryweather explained. He did and then it appeared on his arm.
It was a standard knight's shield, well, at least in shape and design. It was metal and polished. A blue trim laced the outside and in the center, in black, was the insignia of King Mickey, his head.
"Now, that is normal shield. You can summon and dismiss it at will. It glows faintly in dark places, it can block physical and magical attacks of all basic types. Like, it can efficiently take care of elemental attacks, but a Flare spell or something worse would hurt you more than normal. It will block almost all physical attacks to a degree. A 500 pound axe swung by a giant is still going to hurt. But a magical flail or morning star? You should be fine. It also is powered by light, and works well against creatures of dark. If you focus all of your power into it, it can unleash an amazing spell, but that is for you to figure out," Fauna explained.
"Thank you, fairy godmothers." He even bowed. They giggled once more and vanished, and so did his shield.
"Roxas!" Riku called from outside the door.
"Yeah!? Come in," Roxas replied.
"It's time for the ceremonies," he said. Roxas nodded and followed him out the door. They ran down the stairs and met with everyone else. Roxas looked around at the gathered people, some he knew and some he didn't. He saw Tidus eying a girl who he didn't know. She was giggling shyly with two others and Yuffie and Aerith. Leon, Cloud, Axel and Riku were there. Alexia was still adjusting to her new sight with Merideth by her side. Merlin was with King Mickey. King Mickey dressed in some of his royal robes and then they all filed out the door with the rest of Radiant Garden, all heading towards the castle. King Mickey took Tidus with him to some place as Merlin led the party to the civilian grounds so they could watch from a good seat.
"This is gonna be a long day," Roxas muttered to Riku. They both laughed as the the thousands of residents filed into the courtyards. On either side of the middle aisle (which was massive) were rows of elevated stands, like gymnasium bleachers. Leading to the castle were more stairs and a projecting landing. This is where guests of honor would speak, men would be knighted, the whole deal. Space spread out behind it to hold whoever may stand there. A banner fell from this protruding platform straight to the ground, steps on either side. The banner was red with a gold trimming. Mickey's black symbol was emblazoned in the center. The wind stirred it.
"Well, now we wait," Riku said, as they sat down close to the royal clearing and platform. Best seats in the house, Roxas thought.
HoL:RftA
"Tidus, ya look great!" Mickey said. Tidus looked himself in the mirror. His new armor shone brilliantly. It was metal and pure white. The pauldrons had an extra sheet of metal on them. His armor was etched and grooved to also look good as well as defend. He wore a chainmail under a thick chestplate. His bracers and gauntlets flexed well with his body, bending to his will. His leggings bent at the knee perfectly and boots felt lightweight, yet powerful. All of the white edges of every piece of armor were trimmed in royal gold. His shield was was the classic shape and had King Mickey's symbol on it. His chestplate, however, displayed his own symbol. The one his father had left him. A wicked, jagged and sharp 'J.' He looked at it, its black form against his pristine white armor. And then there was his cape. It was black on the inside and gold on the outside. His own symbol was on the outside in black. Brotherhood gleamed in his right hand.
"Yeah, I do look awesome!" Tidus agreed. Outside the room, brass blared and drums rolled, people shouted in joy. The parade was beginning.
"This sure is a lot of attention," Tidus said to Mickey as they exited out into the dazzling sunlight.
"Welp, a new queen, the first in such a long time is a big event. Also, a knighting and promotion at the same time, as well as just telling everyone what's up … it's cause for such an occasion," Mickey explained as they took their spot towards the front of the parade. Naminé was escorted to the back. Nobles and rich folk filed in between, musicians and a marching band marched along either side of the people.
"But a parade?" Tidus questioned further.
"We gotta give people something to be happy about, right?" Mickey questioned back. Tidus felt stumped, having to agree with the King. Confetti seemed to rain from nowhere, streamers flying and flower petals falling. Mickey was waving at the crowd and smiling brightly. Tidus took after him and tried to look as happy and bright. He felt he did a good job, except he stumbled over his own foot at one point. A trickle of laughter broke through the crowd, but Mickey assured him it was all in good faith. The people liked him.
"Oh boy, let's hurry this up," Tidus muttered.
HoL:RftA
Naminé would have blushed harder if it were possible. Having all this attention for her, Tidus and Mickey seemed like quite a lot. But when Yuna explained to her that it was all necessary for the public, well, she had to agree. Both Yuna and Mickey had said that giving the people hope and something to live for was the most important part of the war, aside from winning it, of course. But Naminé a queen? It was just so unreal, no matter how much "evidence" Merlin, Yen Sid and Mickey had.
Luckily, no one could see that she was wearing her normal sandals under her amazing dress. She was scared out of her skin at the sight of the three-inch spikes Yuffie had brought for her. She should have felt scared and alone in a sea of people she didn't know. Well, she didn't know any of the nobles around her, but she wasn't scared or alone. She was surrounded by people that already loved her because they expected her to make things right. And she would.
She wasn't afraid.
She was ready.
The nobles parted way for her as she slowly followed Mickey and Tidus up the stairs. Each step she took, she felt the eyes of the crowd bore into her as the fanfare of the music ended. Applause died down and then it was just Mickey, Tidus and herself standing before all of the residents that made it out, and they were in the thousands. The day went quiet except for the wind. She glanced over at Roxas, who was with the rest of the gang, sitting close to the platform. His jaw was open and then he mouthed: You're beautiful.
Thank you.
"Men, women, children … residents of the great Radiant Garden!" Mickey began, putting on his serious voice, his king stature. The crowd roared.
"Yes, yes, we have a lot to talk about!" And his normal voice was back. "As a lot of you know, or don't know, we have a new Queen to assign. Now, a lot of you are probably wonder why and how she is queen, or new and fair Naminé!" Mickey said. The crowd roared with approval.
"And it seems a lot of you don't mind. But, she is a twin sister of Kairi, who we have deduced as the daughter of the great Ansem the Wise. Simple as that! And since our tragic loss, Naminé is all that is left of the royal line. So, let us get under way!" Mickey told to all, which was replied with traumatic rejoice. Mickey motioned for her to move forward. Mickey flourished his Keyblade and he must have known Naminé well, because the crown was a simple circlet of silver, intricately wrought. At the center was a large, smooth sapphire. He presented it to Tidus so he may crown her. Tidus walked up, bowed his head and placed the crown upon her brow. It fit her perfectly.
"May I introduce you to your new Queen, head of Radiant Garden, and director of all affairs, Naminé! Daughter of Ansem the Wise!" Mickey squeaked. "HOHO!" The entire crowd boomed back with happy applause.
She walked up to the front of the platform and silence took the area. She breathed in, and exhaled slowly.
"I would love to thank you all for so warmly accepting me into this world, and for laying such trust into me. I have plans ready to make Radiant Garden the best it has ever been, to take it into its Golden Age. The war on Maleficent will end swiftly, and we shall come out on top, only if we stand together, side by side and fight together as family, like our ancestors before us. With my sister, Kairi, and my close friend Sora pronounced dead …" she hesitated, pain swelling her heart.
"With that news, we shall grow stronger, avenge them, and build a new world! We will fight for honor, justice, and all the people of all the worlds! The age of darkness shall fall, and light shall come forth. We will rise from the ashes of death, and build anew!"
The crowd deafened her and she stepped away for Mickey to talk once more. She never knew she had such an ability for speaking. Was the royalty that deep in her blood? It had come naturally, the words, the flow.
"After that speech, she will make a fine queen! And now, it is my joy to tell you all that my army, is no longer my army. It is also Naminé's. We shall all share one army, to fight Maleficent. An army for Disney Castle, Radiant Garden, Twilight Town … all the worlds. And with that, I need the help! Help me welcome my new general, Tidus!" Mickey announced. Applause greeted Tidus as he walked forward.
"Kneel, please," King Mickey said. Tidus did so and Mickey's blade flashed to his hand.
"I, King Mickey Mouse, hereby knight thee a royal knight of the Army of the Worlds, in the fight against Maleficent. You, Tidus, are now my general, and a prime leader of mine and Naminé's army. Do you accept?"
"Yes."
"And so it is done!"
And the ceremonies ended with joy, hope, and a flickering fire in the hearts of many.
HoL:RftA
"Naminé, you were fantastic! I never knew you could speak like that!" Roxas exclaimed once they were in Merlin's house. He ran up and hugged her, spinning her around him and then kissing her. She was in her plain dress now.
"I didn't know I could either. It just kinda came to me," she replied.
"I like your necklace," he said gently. It was an exact copy of his own necklace.
"Yes, I love it, too," Naminé said.
"I think it's pretty cool I'm dating a Queen," Roxas joked, elbowing her as they walked over to the sofa.
"I can't believe I'm moving into the Castle and that you're my personal assistant. I think Mickey did that on purpose," Naminé told him.
"What was your first clue?" Roxas chuckled. They laughed together and she cupped his jawline.
"I love you, too much, Roxas," Naminé nearly purred.
"I love you, too, Nam," Roxas replied.
"So, I have to plan a lot for the Garden," Naminé told him.
"Like what?" he asked.
"The residential districts have to be built and overseen, the town defenses need to be raised, the inter-world traffic has to be regulated now that Maleficent has shattered the world order, and I have to work on politics … Mickey is going to form a council to oversee the war, and maybe to keep the council around even after the war. I'll be a apart of it," she explained to him, letting his arms hold her close, his hands rub her biceps.
"That's a lot. And I'm here to help you in any way I can, right?" Roxas asked.
"Yep," Naminé replied.
"Oh, I can think of a few ways, haha," he joked. She slapped him across the face lightly, but laughed with him, kissing him afterword. They laughed and relaxed for the day until the real work started the next day.
HoL:RftA
"You ready, Alexia?" Riku asked from outside her door. He had his travel bag, a big duffel bag full of supplies and different clothes and 50,000 munny.
"Yeah, is the army already ready?" Alexia asked as she opened the door. She was wearing a single piece of clothing (minus her underwear and cloak). It was sleeveless and white, going down to her mid-thigh. It was like a dress mixed with a leotard, skin conforming, but soft and durable. The collar popped up to protect her neck, and it was golden-trimmed. It had a golden button to keep it together. Her normal black cloak was attached to the back by the shoulders. It swooped down to her feet which were in combat boots, jet black. Her naginata rested between her cloak and the one piece. She held onto her duffel bag.
"Let's go, hotshot," Alexia joked, shouldering her heavy pack. It seemed as if she were adjusting easily as she raced down the steps and weaved in between the people gathered there. Without a single look behind her, she said goodbye to everyone and was out the door, all in one fluent motion. Riku said his goodbyes and then followed her, where she was waiting, standing on a nearby, thick railing.
"Having fun?"
"Yes. This Eagle Vision makes my perception of my surroundings seem so … boosted," she explained, as she ran down the railing. In the distance they could see a large fleet of ships in the air, all new models designed by Cid and Merlin, capable of penetrating the dark shield around Olympus and Greece.
"You ready to be in Greece for a while?" Riku asked her.
"It should be fun, so why not?" Alexia retorted.
"I guess your right. It's only Hades, it shouldn't be too hard. How many Heartless could he have?" Riku asked.
The two of them boarded the Balmung, Riku's own ship. It had been outfitted with the technology to get through. So he was glad that he and Alexia had a ship to themselves. And they could beam to the other ships whenever they wanted.
"Ready, partner?" Riku asked with a bitter edge to his tone.
"Ready when you are," Alexia answered.
"Next stop, Greece …" Riku said, lifting off from the world.
"How long are we going to be there, Riku?" Alexia asked.
"About a year."
TN: Okay, and there is our very first chapter! Many, many, many more are to come, so please help us craft this story along the way. Give us all your feedback that you can. Until next chapter!
TN: ALSO! Here is a picture of Alexia for anyone that is wanting to see her. It is missing her cloak and weapon and scarred left eye. Follow the link on my page to find her picture.
May the Love of Anuwëy guide you when all Hope is lost
TorNathan
The Unknowing Herald