This will be my first published fanfiction. I hope you all enjoy it. Reviews are greatly appreciated.
The Seventh Seeker
Chapter I - Destiny's Embrace
I'll be back before you know it.
"I am glad that you are here."
Master Yen Sid's stone-cold voice left an eerie silence in the corridor. Up until now, no one had an idea where Riku had gone but the Master and Riku himself. Not even King Mickey had been notified of Yen Sid's commission. But Riku's presence was not what had shocked Donald and Goofy upon his return (Although, they were admittedly quite surprised at how quickly he had returned). All eyes were upon the guest of whom Riku had brought back with him from his trip back to his home. the Destiny Islands.
There in the doorway stood Kairi.
Mickey looked to Yen Sid, and then to Kairi again. He chuckled. "Well, Riku," he crossed his arms. "It looks to me like Master Yen Sid has the right idea - If we're going to combat against Xehanort and the forces of Darkness, we're going to need all the help we can get. And I think Kairi's got just what we need!"
Just then, Donald and Goofy burst though the door. "Kairi?!" They both shouted in unison. Mickey looked over to the two of them. Donald was a bit exhausted from running frantically up the spiral staircase into Yen Sid's chamber. He had left a mild trail of feathers in his wake, but Goofy appeared to be just fine.
"Gee, Don'," Goofy murmured to his panting friend. "I know it's tough takin' the stairs, but you just gotta take bigger strides..." The angry duck glared daggers towards Goofy, but said nothing.
Kairi felt herself conceal a slight laugh in her throat.
"Hey, fellas." Mickey greeted his two friends. "Surprised to see her, huh?"
"Uh huh," Goofy nodded. Then, he rubbed his head. "It sure is good to see you, Kairi, but, uh, what exactly did Riku bring you here for?"
The young girl said nothing. A swirling torrent of nervousness and excitement filled her, the sensation wouldn't allow her to process her thoughts, her words. It was something she had only felt as a child, on the beach with Sora. But it was more than that, it was putting on the weight of a responsibility she couldn't begin to imagine.
It was something she could barely bring herself to believe.
"Gosh, you two," the King shook his head. "I knew you'd be a little shocked, but I didn't think you'd be this surprised to have Kairi help us out. She is a Princess of Heart, after all. I'm sure she'll do great!"
These words comforted her slightly. She spoke carefully, "Thank you, King Mickey." She smiled, though it felt difficult to do so. "It's good to see you again."
Yen Sid nodded steadily, running his fingers through his beard. "Riku," He began. "I would like to first thank you for bringing Kairi here." He then turned to the girl in question. "Kairi, I have come to learn that you are gifted with the natural ability to weild a Keyblade. Is this true?"
Kairi remembered her experiences in The World that Never Was. When she could fight, when she could defend her friends from the Heartless and the Organization. The immense power, the gift that Light had given her. Her reunion with her friends. "Yes."
Yen Sid nodded again. "I see. This is very good... I also understand that since the very beginning of all this, you have experienced a great deal. Not only alongside Sora and Riku, but you yourself have proved to be quite extraordinary."
This was a humbling statement. Kairi was surprised to not feel herself blush. Perhaps it was because she had long since made peace with this face. She did not know how to respond. She merely nodded.
"You are a Princess of Heart," He continued. "The power of Kingdom Hearts flows through you like an eir to a vessel. And this means you have a great potential to aid us in the battle against Xehanort." As he said all of this, Yen Sid never lost eye contact. His concentration was chilling. "I have a favor to ask of you."
"You want me to help you fight them." She quickly blurted out. "My ... abilities, they can help beat the Darkness. So you want me to help. Is that it?"
Although astounded by her willingness, Yen Sid's expression did not change. "That is correct." He then looked to Riku. "You were the one who gave her that Keyblade, yes?"
Riku humbly nodded. "Yes, sir."
"I remember that," Donald had finally managed to catch his breath and stood upright. "Back in the World that Never Was, Kairi was going to help us fight the Organization. But then she got separated, so King Mickey stayed and helped her out."
The memories came flooding back again, like a violent wave or water crashing into her subconscious, She could again see it, feel it. She brutal clashing of light against the demented frame of the disfigured Nobodies. The nightmarish incarnations leaping at her. But she did not fear them. She remembered the King at her side, and the Key in her hand, a tool that wrought not destruction, but swift and pure erasure of negativity. The Nobodies are illusions, she remembered the King had told her. Don't be afraid! She felt great power, but also nobility. Responsibility.
She nodded. "That's right. We stayed behind and fought off any Nobodies that tried to get though." She looked over to the King, who appeared to be reminiscing that moment.
"Uh-huh," Mickey chimed in. "She was doing real well, too."
Yen Sid stroked his beard again. "Kairi," He called to her from his seat. "If you will, please show us your Keyblade."
Kairi gave a nod. She had been trying to summon her Keyblade for some time since she was able to utilize it, and had been struggling. She brushed some hair from her face. "I'll do my best."
Riku and Mickey backed away, granting her some space. Kairi closed her eyes, and breathed deeply. Extending her arm, she felt the faint warmth of light surround her palm. The light grew brighter, slowly. It flickered.
Donald and Goofy watched in suspense. Silently, they observed the display. Yen Sid sharply watched on, a fiery look of determination and hope in his eyes that could only be found in old wise men like him.
No, no, She thought. Please, don't fail on me, not now. She thought of what it was like to wield it the first time, to be able to assist and defend her friends. To be able to fight. To be with Sora.
The brightness intensified, and she closed her eyes tighter, anticipating a hotter warmth to consume her hand. Instead, the warmth was calming, a smooth wisp of gentle force. She opened her eyes to a blinding flash. She felt the familiar grip of it in her hand. It felt good. The weight of the thing nearly knocked her off her feet. The light settled, and she observed her Keyblade. It was well, balanced, and decorated with beautiful flowers. Looking at the Key gave her a sense of bittersweet nostalgia. Sunsets, ocean tides, the purity of a simpler world.
Riku placed a hand on her shoulder. "Good job," He said. "You really got a hold of it." She looked to him. Riku was sporting a soft, encouraging smile. This surprised her a little, he never quite smiled much... Not as much as Sora, anyhow.
"Very impressive," Yen Sid was standing now, proudly, which was a rare sight. "Kairi, surely you know that the fate of all worlds is at stake?"
She was very aware of this. She had known this since the very beginning, when she was taken to Hollow Bastion. "Yes. Master."
The old wizard walked over to her. "And you are prepared to face whatever may transpire, regardless of the danger?"
Shortly, she hesitated. Kairi quietly reached into her pocket, pulling out a star-shaped charm given to her by Sora. It was loosely woven together from Thallsa Shells.
I'll be back before you know it. I promise.
Kairi suddenly noticed that looking at the thing stimulated her. she felt her heartbeat quicken. Her grip around the thing softened, as if it were a fragile artifact. She placed it back into her pocket. Exhaling deeply, Kairi looked up to the tall, elderly man standing before her.
"Absolutely."
