Well, this is it! The first episode to Sword Art Kingdom: Falling Fantasy! Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but I have a job that exhausts me after the day is done. As such, be warned if I don't post as often. But in any case, this is the first episode that'll definitely get your attention!
(I do not own Kingdom Hearts or Sword Art Online. All I do is form my imagination from both stories, and share it with the world!)
Intro
Author Note: I decided on creating an intro idea for SAK: Falling Fantasy. Look up Youtube video 'Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance Intro theme', and try following along with how I envision the story intro.
(0:03-0:20) Similar to in intro of KH:DDD, Mickey steps up onto the pedestal, and start waving his fingers, causing books to fly around him and into the air above.
(0:21-0:49) First Donald pops out of a page in a book, flying through the air. At 0:24, Goofy pops out of a page, laying back, then realizing where he was at. At 0:28, Yui pops out of another book, her knees tucked together as she flew. The three split apart as Sora, Asuna and Kirito dove out of their pages, smiling as they appeared, then as Sora, Donald and Goofy rose into the air, Kirito, Asuna and Yui floated down, seeing the pages started to form into streams of data, forming the world of Aincrad, to which the trio entered into, Yui now in Pixie Form.
(0:50-1:19) The trio landed in front of the still forming world of Aincrad, Yui landing on Kirito's shoulder. They look to see Leafa, Recon, and all their friends in Aincrad, who all looked happy to see them. Afterwards, Kirito, Asuna and Yui were flying through the air, landing in front of their Forest House, smiling at one another until they saw DiZ, the hooded Ansem-Riku and Naminé in front of their door.
(1:19-1:32) All of a sudden, the sky turned dark, and the trio looked around, seeing it happening, then saw DiZ wave his hands, then thrusted it downward. A digital portal opened up beneath Kirito, Asuna and Yui's feet, and they fell right through, tumbling through the darkness until a book appeared containing a picture of the Kingdom Hearts symbol, and they entered within.
(1:32-1:47) Kirito and Asuna came out wearing their SAK garments, landing onto a white floor, with Yui floating down next to them and book pages flying around them. Kirito and Asuna looked up to see their Elucidator and Lambent Light Keyblades floating down to them, and they grabbed the handles, examining them. The trio then turned to see the pod for which Sora was sleeping in, with two smaller pods with Donald and Goofy, and they started to open up in front of them.
(1:47-1:59) Sora, Donald and Goofy popped out of the capsules, with book pages flying out as they did so. They straightened themselves as they noticed the other three in front of them. The two parties then noticed the hooded figures of Organization XIII, with Saïx, Axel, Xigbar, Gouxus and Xemnas having their hoods off. The heroes glared back, and charged in, with Riku, Leafa and Recon falling from above to join their fight. Sora, Asuna and Kirito led the pack, and they swung their blades at the Organization members.
(2:00-2:12) Down below, Gretinal now joins Mickey as a second conductor. The Organization members disappeared into darkness, and out appeared Heartless Oberon, who rose into the air, and gathered the dark energy around him, transforming himself into the Heartless-Unversed Oberon demon form. As most of the team endured the energy he radiated, Kirito, Asuna and Sora concentrated as their pendants glowed, and they entered their Super Forms.
(2:13-2:25) Sora, Asuna and Kirito shot into the air as the others noticed the Door to Darkness that Oberon was feeding off of. Recon dashed forward, producing the Kingdom Key D, standing on the other side of the door while Leafa raised her hand out, wanting him to come back. Recon nodded to her, assuring he wants to do this. He raised his Keyblade, and shot in to the top of the door, making himself and the door vanish.
(2:26-2:39) Oberon felt his power diminish, and the three heroes in Super Form charged up their energy, unleashing their Heart Cross Burst 'Sword Art Kingdom Limit', sending the blast at Oberon, making him vanish. Kirito, Asuna and Sora were out of their Super Forms, now joined by Leafa and Riku, and they turned to see themselves in the Keyblade Graveyard, with Master Xehanort preparing to attack them.
(2:40-2:52) Mickey and Gretinal suddenly jumped in from below, attempting to attack Xehanort, who vanished into pages. They landed and looked up to see Xehanort rise high above on a column of earth he produced. Mickey, Gretinal and the other five jumped in pursuit of the villain. Mickey and Gretinal were gathering the pages from all around into seven books they produced around them, waving their fingers, then thrusting their hands into the air.
(2:52-3:05) The seven books scattered about as the six heroes kept flying upwards, the pages of the books still open. The books closed themselves, and out appeared Ventus, Terra, Aqua, Roxas, Donald, Goofy and SAKII Yui, following the heroes as they made it to the top of the column of earth.
(3:06-3:23) All the heroes landed on top of the column, the Keyblade wielders all getting into their fighting position. Kirito and Asuna were slightly in front and on either side of Sora. Kirito twirled his Keyblade, making the tip shine. Asuna thrusted her Keyblade forward, making its' tip shine. Then Sora led everyone as he thrusted his Keyblade high, sending the energy from the tip of Keyblade upwards, with everyone following simultaneously. The energy spiraled upwards into the air, and the title of 'Sword Art Kingdom: Falling Fantasy' appears, signaling the beginning of the story.
Prologue
Year Unknown. Location: The Door to Kingdom Hearts, Kirito & Asuna's Dimension.
The darkness was starting to spread out of control. The eleven people standing in front of the doorway watched the darkness streaming out into the dimension. "The rage in everyone's hearts is causing Kingdom Hearts to be swallowed by the darkness." a man spoke up, who had short black hair with one braided piece going down his left side, "Pretty soon, Kingdom Hearts will fall into the deepest of darkness, and all will be forgotten of it."
"It will be a repeat of what had happened in the other dimension." An older woman spoke up, who had grayish-brown hair, "The fools don't even realize what they are doing while making this 'Keyblade War'."
"In order to secure Kingdom Hearts' safety, and the dimension's safety, we must seal up the darkness.." A third person decided, a muscular man with long blue hair that reached his chest.
"But won't that cause Kingdom Hearts to still be shrouded by this darkness for all of eternity?" Asked a young man, who had spiky blonde hair, "Surely there is another way of stopping this darkness." "There is." answered a man to which was unseen, "We could use the power of Kingdom Hearts itself to quell the rage of the people."
"We have already discussed this before!" barked a woman, who had a slight resemblance to Gretinal, "If we use Kingdom Hearts to control people, we'd be no different than those who are fighting out there. It is not a tool, nor is it one that is in our control."
"But think about it." the man continued, "Kingdom Hearts was set for someone to use, anyway. And since no one is in control of its' powers, particularly THAT power, what is stopping us from controlling Kingdom Hearts ourselves? If we want to make this dimension better than the other, we must control the hearts of all that dwell in the worlds."
A young woman stepped forward to confront the man, and she had dark blonde hair that had a small ponytail and hair still hanging on her sides. Her eyes had the same color as Leafa's in the future.
"I'm already aware of your 'curiosity' of the powers of Kingdom Hearts." she lectured him, "And I know that what you think you are trying to do is all for the wrong reasons. People don't have hearts that are meant to be controlled. Rather it is for the opposite reason. Hearts were made to be free to make their own choices. And if they fall off the wrong path, then it is our job to prevent the darkness from spreading in the ways we have been taught, and not by controlling them."
"Those ways are only for the weak!" the man barked, pointing at the flowing darkness, "Look where that has brought us; Nowhere! Problems of this magnitude can only be countered by great powers, which is something Kingdom Hearts can provide!"
The woman shook her head. "You are so consume with power and control. That in itself is why we question you constantly." she sighed, "There are other measures of sealing away the darkness. And I have come up with an idea." She turned and walked up to the darkness. "We must seal the negative energies of this darkness into eleven keys, and seal them within ourselves." she decided, "The darkness will still be there, but it will not leak out. The Keys of Darkness shall be their names, and they will be the only way the darkness can be unlocked."
"What a pointless plan!" barked the man, pulling out a Keyblade that was elaborate design, and it was dark gold, silver and green, "That is how you will stop the darkness?! By placing them into our own bodies?! You'd rather embrace the darkness than to control Kingdom Hearts?!" "Our hearts are strong enough to endure the darkness, including you." the woman answered, glaring at him, "Or would you rather watch this dimension suffer in the darkness?"
"I choose neither!" the man barked, charging at the woman, his Keyblade ready. However, the woman raised a hand, and blasted the man backwards with a flash of light. "If you do not wish to save this dimension with your own hands, then you shall feel what it is like to have your own plan used against you." the woman told him, waving a hand.
As the man rose to his feet, five beams of light shot from behind, which looped around his arms, legs and chest. He struggled with all of his might, but to no avail. "What…are you…?!" he snarled. "You will join the remaining ten of us as we will seal away the darkness." the woman told him, turning to her cohorts, who each pulled out their Keyblades.
The woman directed her Keyblade forward like the others, which started to sparkle. The man struggled to resist as his hand with Keyblade was forced upwards, and it too started to sparkle. "Damn…you…!" he hissed at the woman, "You will regret this." "Once we are finished, we shall seal the powers you possess." the woman told him, "You will be like any ordinary man. I wish you would've seen things differently, but it seems that was wishful thinking." She pitied the man behind her as she shot a beam of light into the overwhelming darkness. "Berthonda!" the man called out to her as a beam of energy shot at the darkness like the others, creating the Keys of Darkness as one.
Chapter 1: The Test's Rules
Present Time. Location: Realm of Arrival, Gretinal's Office.
(Kirito Speaking) The day had finally arrived. Our trial was about to commence. Asuna, Leafa and I all trained ourselves for this day, when we were to take on what Keyblade Master Gretinal called the 'Mark of Mastery'. If we succeed, we would be named true Keyblade Masters ourselves. Whether we were given the title or not, we knew that we were preparing ourselves for the future.
In the office where Gretinal's studies were, Gretinal sat there at her desk, looking at the three who were about to take her test. In the far corner of the room stood Yui, who was a bit antsy as to what was gonna happen to the three.
"I have spoken to Yen Sid before you three have arrived." Gretinal informed the trio, "He says that Sora and Riku have just arrived at his tower, and are taking their Mark of Mastery, just as you three are about to. However, before we begin your trials, there are several things I must speak to you about, the first being about the man whom all of you will be facing against; the man known as Xehanort." The three nodded in understanding.
"Yen Sid explained everything about that man." Gretinal continued, "He was a gifted Keyblade Master, and very wise one. Even so, he was plagued by one question that many others with his gift asked; What is the essence of a human heart that weakens us, or empowers us? He believed the answer would be found in the Keyblade War, which I have explained to you when we first met. He wondered if what we have faced led a path to the light and darkness that all of us battle within ourselves."
"Xehanort wanted to understand this puzzle, so he chose to become a seeker, rather than a master. Since that time, he has fought many Keyblade wielders like you in order to seek out the truth. Without a doubt, he will continue on this path, and he will cause even more conflict in both dimensions like he did before." Kirito, Asuna and Leafa all looked at one another, wondering if they could face a force like that.
"That is why the three of you, along with Sora and Riku, must be tested to see if you show the mark of a true Keyblade Master." Gretinal told them, "You may think of yourselves as masters already, but you are far from it. It takes years of training, and only a true master can teach you the proper way."
"But we don't have years to train, do we?" Kirito asked, "You said it yourself that Xehanort will trouble us again, and he won't stand around for a few years while we train." "That is true. Xehanort will strike sooner than later." Gretinal agreed, "And while the three of you are self-taught Keyblade wielders, which is quite incredible in itself, you must forget what you have already taught yourselves with the Keyblade, and start over again."
The three Keyblade wielders gasped at this. "Wait, we have to forget ALL of it?!" Asuna repeated, "I'm not sure if I'm prepared to do that. I mean, we have already dealt with some powerful enemies already using the skills we taught ourselves." She turned to the others, who nodded in agreement. "I'm not asking you to forget EVERYTHING." Gretinal corrected them, "However, you must start anew as you take your test, and through that, you will understand more about the Keyblade than you did before. You can produce powers that you never thought possible beforehand. Do you wish to search for that?"
"I'm willing to." Kirito answered, getting the girl's attention, "I want use a Keyblade to its' fullest extent, and to be able to fight battles that others aren't able to do, then I want to see if I have what it takes to be a Keyblade Master." Kirito turned to Leafa and Asuna. "I'm sure you two want to become Keyblade Masters because you want to find the people that matter to you, too. Right?" The two girls looked at one another, and agreed.
"I do want to become a Keyblade Master so I can search for my sister, Aqua." Asuna agreed, "But more importantly, I want to understand myself. I'm a girl born and raised in two different dimensions. I know where my home is, but I still have some more questions. I believe, if I take this test, I might understand them."
"I want to make sure that I find Recon again, that's all." Leafa stated, "And besides, I can't let Asuna and my brother take on the test by themselves. I want to give them the support, too." Kirito and Asuna looked at Leafa, smiling at her consideration for them.
Gretinal smiled at the trio's determination. "Very well, then." she stated, "Kirito, Asuna and Leafa, I shall place you into your examination. Let me instruct you with how your examination goes." The three listened intently on what Gretinal was about to tell them.
"In order to defeat Xehanort and his cohorts, we need the people that King Mickey and Akihiko Kayaba spoke of in their letters." Gretinal explained, and Asuna knew that Aqua was among that list of people, "Right now, they are stuck within sorrow and slumber, and it is up to you to bring them out of it, and back into our dimensions. In order to achieve that, you must find and unlock seven Sleeping Keyholes, and retrieve the power within."
"As you know, the worlds are separated from one another, with no way of traveling between them. All of you were able to bridge the gaps whether through unlocking special gates, or using the Keyholes of Bonds to do so. The Sleeping Keyholes, however, are not so easily unlocked. Recently, you have brought many worlds back from the darkness, but some never made it back completely. They are still asleep, and are not reached by any outside sources. Neither Heartless, Nobodies, and Unversed can enter these realms."
Gretinal raised her palm, which started to glow, and in front of her desk, something that looked like a cross between a fat cat and a dog appeared before them, dark in multitude of colors. "However, these Sleeping Worlds contain another form of creatures. They are known as the 'Dream Eaters'."
"Hold on!" Leafa gasped, recognizing the creature, "I remember those. Yui, come over here! Aren't these the same creatures we saw in NiGHTS' world?" "You're right!" Yui replied as she looked around Leafa, "I remember those creatures. Does that mean the world was asleep?" "NiGHTS' world, the World of Dreams, is a place that is meant to be asleep." Gretinal explained, "It is what sustains the dreams and nightmares we have when we are asleep."
"So we have to fight these creatures in our trial?" Kirito asked, looking at the creature on the desk. "Yes, but there are two kinds of Dream Eaters." Gretinal explained, "There are 'Nightmares', which devour happy dreams, and there are 'Spirits', which consume the Nightmares." Another one of the cat-dog-like creatures appeared, but more brightly colored. "Both kinds will guide you, like how the Heartless did, to the Keyholes of each heart."
"So can we use the Spirits to attack the Nightmares in some way?" Asuna asked curiously, "Since they consume them, I'm guessing they are good kinds of creatures." "They are, indeed." Gretinal answered, looking down at the Spirit Dream Eater, which started to roll playfully, "In fact, as you take on your trials, you will be able to receive recipes on how to create your own Spirits. You will need their help as you find the Keyholes."
"Is that all we need to know?" Kirito asked. "For some parts." Gretinal answered, "For the rest, you will have to discover this on your own. The only question now is where you will begin. One Sleeping Keyhole is connected to another, so we must decide where to begin. I decided to return you to Aincrad, before you, Kirito and Asuna, were sent to the other dimension, and the stage for which you did battle disappeared into a slumbering existence."
"But I thought that area was deleted." Kirito recalled. "No world is permanently gone." Gretinal informed him, "Some are still sleeping, whether it has vanished from a part of that world, or if that sleeping world was created by someone else's conscious. You might even encounter worlds where people you have met who have yet to meet you." "So we might even encounter familiar faces." Asuna summed up.
Gretinal nodded, then continued, "But back to what I was saying before. Once the dreams take you, have them guide you to the Sleeping Worlds. As I said, there are seven Sleeping Keyholes, and each one will grant you new powers, while at the same time, freeing the worlds from their eternal slumber. If you do so, and return here in one piece, I will name you both 'True Masters'." The trio nodded in understanding.
"Now then, I have said enough." Gretinal stated, standing to her feet, "It is time to test your skills." She waved her hand forward, and suddenly the trio felt themselves being bathed in a warm light. Yui stood aways, watching them as Kirito, Asuna and Leafa all vanished into a sparkling of lights. "Good luck, you guys." Yui muttered, "And please be safe."
Chapter 2: The Surprise Encounter
4/15/2026. Location: Aincrad, Floor 25, Near Warp Gate.
Kirito stood there, recalling that he once was here before, and like last time, he had his SAO garments on him. "Where are they?" Kirito asked, looking about. Finally, the warp gate lit up, and Kirito turned to see Asuna and Leafa appear there, Asuna in her SAO garments and Leafa in her Sylph attire.
"Took a little longer than I did, huh?" Kirito asked them as the two descended towards him. "Guess we had to make it like last time, huh?" Asuna stated as she and Leafa stopped next to him. "So it looks like we will take on this quest together, huh?" Leafa stated, "And what was the name of the quest called, again?" Asuna and Kirito looked to one another, remembering what the name was. "Kingdom Hearts." they said in unison.
The trio looked back at that moment, recalling that day. Back then, they had no idea what 'kingdom hearts' referred to. However, now that they knew what it really meant, they suddenly realized that they had no idea what they were getting themselves into that day.
"Let's head to the location." Asuna stated, "Where was it again." Kirito pulled up his digital menu, producing the map and the point where the quest was at. "Straight into the forest, behind a waterfall." Kirito pin-pointed, "If we follow the river near here, we should reach it." "Then let's not waste anytime now, okay?" Leafa decided. The trio produced their wings, and they took off towards the location.
After some time, they arrived at the waterfall, and went into the cave behind it. It took them a while before they arrived at the familiar doors, with the emblem of, now that they knew, the Heartless. "Whatever is inside, we can handle it." Kirito stated. "It might be another boss battle." Asuna pointed out. "Just keep an eye out for any surprises." Leafa stated, smirking at the two, "We don't want to fall into another trap."
Kirito and Asuna giggled at this. Kirito and Leafa stepped forward, and opened the doors, and entered into the room. The door closed behind them, and everything went dark around them. Suddenly, there was a bright light, and the trio shielded their eyes as the light blinded them.
When it died down, they looked up, and saw that the place wasn't like how it was for Kirito and Asuna before. The platform was circular, with a bottomless pit outside the ring and ancient pillars surrounding the entire place, some already fallen over. It looked like it came from an ancient city. However, what was even stranger was the shifting sand on the ground of the room.
The trio looked around as they walked into the center of the place, wondering what was gonna happen. The sand started to rise up from behind them, and they backed off as the sand materialized, and the last person they would've ever expected appeared before them; Crocodile of the pirate world.
"Ah, so he was right." he said in a gruff voice, "It looks like you were here after all. It's about time that I should return the favor after you defeated me!" "Crocodile?!" Kirito gasped. "But how?!" Asuna demanded, "Is this part of the test?" Leafa was confused at the two's behavior, since she never encountered Ursula herself.
Crocodile chuckled as he raised his hands, and sand started to blow all around the arena. "Keep your focus, you guys!" Kirito warned the girls as the trio suddenly produced their Keyblades, "We can figure out the questions later. Right now, we have to beat this guys. You ready?" "Yeah!" Asuna and Leafa responded. "Stop your babbling, and fight me!" Crocodile barked at them, getting ready to attack. The battle was about to begin.
Crocodile slammed his golden hook down, unleashing his Desert Spada, which created a line of razor sharp sand to come at the trio. They dodged to either side, and Kirito charged in at Crocodile, striking him hard with his Keyblade.
Crocodile was sent skidding backwards, then came to a halt, unleashing his 'Sables', a sand twister. Kirito tried avoiding it, but got sucked into the vortex, and started spinning about. "Kirito!" shouted Asuna and Leafa, watching him being dragged to the top of the twister, and sent flying out towards one of the pillars. Kirito had sand in his eyes, so he didn't see the pillar as he slammed his back into it, then falling down to the ground.
Asuna and Leafa angrily charged at Crocodile, who turned to them. He swung his hook at Leafa, who ducked under it, then she slashed at him. This followed up with Asuna coming from behind with several jabs from her Keyblade. "You girls are an eyesore!" Crocodile snarled, and he unleashed a whip of sand that struck all around, sending the two girls flying.
Kirito got the sand out of his eyes, then saw Asuna and Leafa falling backwards from the attack. He gritted his teeth as he got up and shot a Blizzard spell at Crocodile. It struck him, getting his attention. He unleashed his Desert Spada again, to which Kirito narrowly avoided again.
Asuna got to her feet, then got in close to Crocodile. "Let's see how you like this! Fire!" Asuna shouted, but instead of the ring of flames she intended, a fireball shot from her hand, misdirecting the shot. "What? My Fire spell is different!" Asuna gasped, witnessing her attack.
She ended up getting caught by Crocodile's free hand, which wrapped around her neck. "You should think before you act, little princess." Crocodile chuckled as Asuna gasped for air, "Even the finest of powers won't do any good if you don't know how to use them. I, for one, know fully well how to use mine." Asuna could tell he was gonna dry her up if she didn't act fast.
"Fire!" Leafa shouted, sending the fireball straight at Crocodile's back. It made him drop Asuna, who choked as she rubbed her neck. "Does that satisfy you?" Leafa asked sarcastically. Crocodile snarled, then unleashed Sables again, making Leafa back off. However, it made Crocodile fail to notice Kirito coming at him again, striking several times with his Keyblade as punishment for nearly killing Asuna. Asuna drank down one of her potions, regaining her strength before continuing.
Crocodile seemed to have been dulled down since the last time they have fought him in Luffy's world. He only struck with his hook, and used Sables, Desert Spada, and the circular sand whip. He wasn't even using his other attacks, nor even seem to be drying up the team with his Sand-Sand powers. Kirito and Asuna knew Crocodile's full strength, and found it strange. Why was he holding back?
And it wasn't just Crocodile that had slowed down. Kirito, Asuna and Leafa all felt their own powers were diminished, somehow. That included their magic, which was down to only a simple Fire and Blizzard spell. None of them could use and Sword Skills, but they were able to pull off a Quick Blitz technique. They didn't have any other forms of powers other than that. They all concluded that it had something to do with the test. They really did have to start anew.
Kirito's Keyblade clashed with Crocodile's hook, creating a metallic clang that rang about the area. Both were evenly matched, but Kirito did this so that Asuna and Leafa could use Blizzard and Fire respectively, making Crocodile skid backwards and double over. "This isn't over yet!" Crocodile roared, raising his head with a snarl. He then gasped as Kirito slashed right past him, his Keyblade to one side. "I'm afraid it is." Kirito responded, waving his Keyblade down as Crocodile sank to his knees.
Asuna and Leafa both smiled at one another for their victory, then saw Crocodile fade from existence, almost like a ghost. "Where did he go?" Asuna asked, looking about. Kirito and Leafa both looked as well, wondering.
Suddenly, the ground stared to shift, and the sands were starting to swirl. Asuna, Kirito and Leafa all witnessed this in surprise. Was he in the sand? It was then that the trio started to feel themselves sinking into the sand quickly. They didn't know what was going on, but they didn't like it. They struggled to hold on as they kept sinking, desperately trying to get to one another. Their heads all sank into the sand, and they disappeared.
The three were falling through the darkness, their eyes closed, almost like they were asleep. They kept going deeper and deeper as they slowly fell. Suddenly, the shining outline of a Keyhole appeared from below them. Without waking, the trio produced their Keyblades, which directed themselves at the Keyhole. All three shot beams of light at the Keyhole. They connected, and suddenly, there was a shattering of light, almost like they broke glittering glass, with the Keyhole in the center of it all, its' warm light beckoning the trio in. They were surrounded by the light as they dove through the Keyhole to who knows where.
Location: World That Never Was, Within the Hallways.
"Looks like it worked out!" said Xigbar, "Those idiots don't even know what's coming to them." Xigbar stated, walking alongside the Young Xehanort, "Let me go out and say hello to them." "Not yet." Young Xehanort retorted, "I should go meet HIM first. As for those other three, I have already sent four members to deal with them."
"Awesome! Those guys will be nothing but putty in our hands by the time we're through with them." Xigbar stated. "They will fall, yes." Xehanort agreed, "Fall into the eternal slumber, for which they will never come from again. But for now, let us see what awaits us in this moment, when they are fast asleep."
Chapter 3: Familiar Roots, Unfamiliar Skills
Asuna was experiencing something she didn't expect. She was free-falling through a pathway of some kind, which had a setting sun off in the distance, and many familiar-looking pieces of buildings around her. "What's going on?" Asuna asked herself as she fell, looking behind, seeing the endless path behind her.
She then looked down and witnessed a ring in front of her, and with a sign above the gateway that said 'Offer 600 Star Energy to Enter'. "Star Energy?" Asuna questioned, looking back at the ring, "What does that mean?" She then noticed stars off in the distance, and she angled herself towards them, gathering them up. She then concluded that the Star Energy must come from these stars, and that she should gather them all in order to pass through the gate. "Well, here goes nothing!" Asuna stated, straightening her body as she descended.
She found herself flying through multiple obstacles, gathering up the stars as she did so. Most of the stars were small, but some were much larger that had more energy to them. She also could see what she could do as she descend. Basically, as she fell, she could do a charge that would speed herself for a short time. This also helped her pass or break through certain areas.
She could also slow herself by spreading out her limbs. Finally, she also could tell that she could perform an aileron roll that created a barrier around her. As for magic, she could only use it if she gathered an orb with a magical energy to it, which gave her the power of the attack 'Mega Flare' which sent a large ball of energy at enemies that appeared in her path. The magic could only last for so many attacks.
It took her a minute to do the whole dive, but she gathered all the necessary amounts of Star Energy as she approached the gate, which was now glowing brightly. She passed right through it, and she was blinded by a bright light.
Next thing she knew, she was nodding a bit as she was standing on her feet. She then slowly opened her eyes, and looked about, realizing where she was at. "This is…Twilight Town." Asuna muttered. She was right. She was standing in front of the gates to the mansion, which were closed to her. She also noticed the woods up ahead, which would lead her to town.
She then felt that her clothes were a bit different, and she looked down. "Wha- What happened to my clothes?!" Asuna gasped, looking at them. Her clothing had become quite different.
Her top was similar in style to her former garments, but it was deep blue with lighter blue lining, with a light blue collar underneath her neck. She still had pink cross straps had two light blue belts on her; one underneath her chest with a silver buckle, and another above her waist with her white Wayfinder on it.
She had a white cloth around her waist underneath her top, and her clothes hanging from her sides were darker blue than before, with a white line going down each edge. There was a pink marking near the bottom of her right cloth that she didn't recognize.
She also wore dark blue skin-tight shorts and stockings with white lines around the top. She had white and silver boots, which were similar to her Undine boots in ALO. The same went with her long detached sleeves.
Asuna looked at her attire completely, then hoisted the cloth with the pink mark on it. "Could this be some of Gretinal's magic?" Asuna asked admirably, "It's not bad-looking, and it is pretty comfortable."
She then looked around, and realized something that was missing. "Hold on, where's Kirito and Leafa?" she asked herself, then she called out, "Kirito! Leafa! Where are you?!" There was no reply. "Guess we must've gotten split up." Asuna stated, "I should go and find out where they are." Asuna took off into the woods, hoping to find Kirito and Leafa.
As she entered into the woods, she searched around for any signs of the two. "Kirito! Leafa! Hello?!" she shouted about, attempting to hear for her friends. However, what she got was a different reply.
"Who are you calling for?" asked someone. Asuna turned around, but saw no one. Then all of a sudden, something did appear. It was a cat-like creature with white fur and a red oval pattern on its' back. It had red eyes, and it had what appeared to be four ears; A pair of cat-like ones, and a pair that looked like tassels that were pink-tipped and split into three at the end, with floating gold rings around them.
Asuna looked down at the creature as it looked up at her, its' tail flicking. For a second, neither one spoke, then the creatures, without even moving its' facial features, asked, "To whom are you calling for?" Asuna was surprised that it spoke without moving its' mouth. "How are you…" Asuna started, then she recalled Lucario a while back, and realized, "Hold on, you're using telepathy!"
The creature bounded in front of Asuna's feet, and looked up and down her. "Hmm…" the creature hummed, "You don't look like you belong here. You aren't even a Magical Girl, so how can you be here?"
Asuna wasn't sure how to answer that. She crouched down in front of the creature. "Well I've never seen you here before, either." she replied, "Tell me, what are you?" "I'm Kyubey." the creature greeted simply, "I gather girls to this town in order to face the creatures that terrorize this place. However, I never summoned you, so how can you be here?"
"Hold on a minute." Asuna stopped the creature, "Summoned? Face creatures?" "That's right." Kyubey replied, "And please, don't divert my question. I will continue to ask until you give me an answer."
Asuna found Kyubey's attitude cold. She stood up again. "My name is Asuna." she introduced herself, "I came here as a sort of test. However, I don't really know where to start."
"I see." Kyubey understood, "Well, I suppose that is answer enough. I must return to someone, so if you'll excuse me…" And with that, Kyubey jumped at one of the trees, and started to glow violet, and grabbed it with its' tail, and started spinning rapidly around it. It then bounced off the trees with great speed, like a ricocheting bullet. Asuna was amazed at this, and ran after it.
"Hold on a minute!" Asuna shouted, racing after Kyubey, who stopped at the hole into the town. Kyubey turned to her as she came to a halt in front of it. "What was that you just did?!" Asuna asked. "Oh, that?" Kyubey asked, "You mean you've never seen Flowmotion before?"
"Flow-motion?" Asuna echoed. "That's right." Kyubey answered, "It is a gift you can use in this environment. It is a sort of power that allows a person to move around with great ease, making you able to move faster, jump higher, and perform techniques that can become attacks against the creatures here."
"I had no idea there was such a power." Asuna gasped, "Can you teach me?" "Well, I am on a schedule, but I suppose I have time to give you some basic lessons." Kyubey answered, looking at a nearby tree, "Try sliding at that tree over there, and jump off it to unleash Flowmotion."
Asuna turned to the tree, and focused, imagining herself ricocheting off the wall like Kyubey did. She made a leaping dash, connected with the tree with her feet, and she started to glow bright violet as she shot off the tree, capable of flying horizontally freely for a couple seconds before she landed. "So fast!" Asuna gasped, looking down at herself.
"Very good." Kyubey told Asuna, "Now look to your side." Asuna looked to her side and saw the fallen tree near her. "Flowmotion doesn't only activate by jumping into walls, but also by other objects, such as that fallen tree." Kyubey explained, "Jump onto it while you are moving to activate the Flowmotion again."
Asuna looked at the tree, not sure what Kyubey meant by it, but she ran to the tree, and jumped onto it. Next thing she knew, she was glowing violet again as she started to grind up the tree, something she never expected! As soon as she reached the end, she jumped up, grabbed a tree in front of her, started spinning around it, then leapt off as she flew towards Kyubey, somehow jumped midair, then landed onto the ground in front of Kyubey, her glow fading away.
"That was amazing!" Asuna stated in a happy manner. "See how easy that was?" Kyubey asked, "Now if you excuse me, I must be off." Kyubey turned and pranced off into the town. Asuna watched Kyubey leave, then pondered for a second. Maybe I should follow that creature. she thought to herself, It might lead me to the next Sleeping Keyhole. Plus, I would like to know why I've never seen it before. Asuna took off into the town, chasing after Kyubey.
The town had not changed since the last time she was here, except the rails for the trolley were more presentable, probably used for Flowmotion, and there were several more objects that were made to be used for the power as well. At this point, Asuna concluded that this Twilight Town was different to the one she knew. The questioned she now asked was what happened to it during the time she wasn't here.
Asuna saw Kyubey bounding towards a girl that looked like she was in her early teens, though it was difficult to tell due to her child-like appearance. She had puffy pink hair that was placed in short pigtails, and tied with red ribbons. Her eyes matched her hair. Her attire was a classy private school uniform, with a big red ribbon in front.
Kyubey leapt onto the shoulders of the girl, who smiled as it approached, then turned to Asuna, who slowly approached. "Oh, hello there." The girl greeted Asuna. "So you followed me?" Kyubey asked her, "I thought we were done speaking to one another." "Sorry, but I didn't know where to go." Asuna apologized, "So is this one of the girls you spoke of? Someone you brought to this world?" "It is, indeed." Kyubey answered, "And she is very gifted."
"My name is Madoka Kaname." the girl introduced herself, "What is your name?" "I'm Asuna. Asuna Yuuki." Asuna introduced in response, "Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you, too!" Madoka responded, "So tell me, what did you wish for in order to come here?" "Wish?" Asuna asked in a confused manner. "Sure. You had to have wished something in order to come here." Madoka answered, turning to Kyubey, "Isn't that what you said to me, Kyubey?"
"Actually, this girl is different." Kyubey explained, looking at Asuna, "She is a unique human who has somehow arrived here without my help." "Really?" Madoka asked, looking from Kyubey to Asuna, "Then how did you get here?" "It's a really long story." Asuna answered, "But I'm here to do something, but I want to get to know this world. What is it anyway?"
"It is as I have said to you before." Kyubey answered, "This world is made for girls such as Madoka to enter into by contracting with me in order to fight the creatures here." "What creatures?" Asuna asked. The moment she asked that, she got her answer.
From all around them, Dream Eaters suddenly appeared around them. Some were the same Nightmare cat-dog creatures, along with a couple bats, and a bear-like creature. "Here they come!" Kyubey told the two girls, who turned back to back as they saw the creatures. "Dream Eaters!" Asuna gasped, looking about. She then produced her Keyblade, and stood at the ready. "What an odd weapon." Kyubey stated, seeing Asuna's Keyblade.
Madoka looked around, concern. "I can't fight right now." she told herself, "In that case…" She waved her hand high, holding up a card. "Go! Dream Eater!" she cried, and out of the card came the same cat-dog creature, only it was the Spirit variety. It bounced onto one of the bats, knocking it back.
"Wow." Asuna stated, seeing her Dream Eater fight by her side. "Asuna, can you please help me?" Madoka asked, "I can't fight by myself like this." "I understand." Asuna responded, preparing to fight, "Just leave it to me!"
Asuna started fighting against the Dream Eaters, who were a bit more unpredictable than Heartless. However, she did recall Kyubey stating that there were ways of using Flowmotion into combat. Asuna pounced off a wall, and drilled at a pair of bat Dream Eaters, then flipped upwards and created a shockwave onto the ground.
Asuna then saw Madoka being chased by the bear-like Dream Eater, who was winding up its' fist, ready to strike. Asuna used her Fire spell to stop it from attacking, then dashed at the beast. She then activated her Flowmotion, and started spinning around the large bear until she saw the moment, and struck from behind it, sending it into other Nightmares. "This Flowmotion is really gonna come in handy!" Asuna stated, smiling at her achievement. She then continued to protect Madoka, along with Madoka's Dream Eater. After a short while, they defeated the Nightmares.
Chapter 4: Dream Eater Partner
As soon as they got together again, Madoka said, "Thanks for protecting me." "No problem." Asuna responded, turning to the Spirit Dream Eater Madoka had, "So this Dream Eater is your own?" "It is." Madoka answered, "Since I have to deal with a few things, I need extra help. That's were Bow comes in handy."
"Bow?" Asuna echoed. "That's what I named it." Madoka answered, "It's actual species name is 'Meow-Wow', but I named it Bow instead."
As Madoka watched Asuna examine her Dream Eater, which had started rolling around on the ground, she asked, "Do you know how to make your own Dream Eater?" "No, I don't." Asuna asked, looking at Madoka, "Come to think of it, I might need some help from them, too."
Madoka looked to Kyubey. "Kyubey, can you give Asuna a recipe book?" "Of course." Kyubey answered, "After all, I am still curious about this girl." Kyubey's rings started to glow, and in front of Asuna appeared a book with the same symbol as the one on her cloth.
"This book contains all the information about Dream Eaters, including how to make them." Kyubey explained to Asuna as she looked at it. Asuna opened up the pages, examining the list of Dream Eaters, most of them only showing pictures, but the ones she encountered had names on them; Meow-Wow, Komory Bat, and Kooma Panda, along with a brief explanation about them.
"The pages will fill themselves as you encounter more Dream Eaters." Kyubey continued, "And recipes for Dream Eaters come individually. However, every person that enters this world starts with one recipe." Sure enough, Asuna encountered a Dream Eater called 'Necho Cat' with a recipe underneath it.
"So it says here I need some 'Troubling Figments', 'Rampant Figments', 'Dulcet Fancies', or a 'Dulcet Fantasy'." Asuna read. "These are the levels of recipes to create your Dream Eater." Kyubey stated, "The stronger the material, the better the power of the Dream Eater. And sometimes, the materials won't come out with the same Dream Eater required."
"I don't think I gathered any of these materials yet." Asuna stated, seeing the pictures of the materials it required, and recalling all she gathered up during the battle. "I have lots." Madoka explained, producing a pouch with all the materials she has gathered, "I think I have enough Rampant Figments and Dulcet Fancies. So with this, you can create a strong enough Dream Eater."
Asuna took the materials, and Kyubey instructed Asuna how to create a Dream Eater. She took one of the cards that were in the book, and placed it on the ground. She then placed the materials all around the card, and backed away. She then focused herself, then raised her palm to the card.
"Dream Eater, beckon to my side." Asuna chanted, "Come forth, and fight with me against Nightmares!" The materials started to glow and float off the ground. They then started to spin around the card quickly, then gather together. All of a sudden, there was a puff of pink smoke and lights, and suddenly, the Spirit Necho Cat appeared before her.
It was a cat-like creature, mainly purple-blue and light blue. It had a long neck and six legs. It had a musical look to it, with gold bells on the tip of its pointy ears and its collars, and the purple to gold eighth note-shape of its tail. Its eyes had a cheery expression. The colors of its' body swirled together near its rear, and its knees were striped with purple and yellow.
"Congratulations!" Madoka told Asuna, "You got yourself a Dream Eater now!" Asuna looked at her Necho Cat, which meowed at her as it started to prance about. "It is pretty cute." Asuna stated, as the Dream Eater stopped next to her.
"Why don't you name your Dream Eater like I did with mine?" Madoka asked as Bow came to her side, and she patted it. "A name, huh?" Asuna asked, looking at her Dream Eater. The cat reminded her strangely of Silica's cat IRL that was the same name as her pet dragon in the virtual world. "Okay, then I think I'll name it 'Pina'." Asuna decided. "Pina?" Madoka questioned. "Yeah, just for the sake of a friend of mine." Asuna chuckled. Necho Cat mewed cheerfully at this, liking the name.
"You should also take care of your Dream Eater, too." Kyubey stated abruptly, "Not only do the fight well in battle, but they also grant you powers if you train them hard enough and give them plenty of attention." "Just like taking care of a pet, right?" Asuna asked, rubbing Pina's head.
"Yes, and the eyes of the Dream Eater also signal something." Kyubey added, "Right now, Pina's eyes are blue, meaning it is in 'Diva' Disposition. Each Dream Eater has four Dispositions, which change the way they fight or grant powers. If you poke or rub it in certain places, you can change its' Disposition into other forms." "Wow, I had no idea taking care of Dream Eaters were so complicated." Asuna stated.
"And there is one more thing you need to know." Madoka added, "Flip your Dream Eater's card sideways, and swipe up." Asuna did so, and the card showed the details of her Dream Eater. "You can analyze the Dream Eater this way, along with feeding it Link Points."
"What are Link Points?" Asuna asked. "They are things that you can gain by either giving your Dream Eater attention, or from fighting battles." Kyubey explained, "Swipe your card to the left, and you'll find what is known as the Link Board." Asuna swiped in that direction, and a board appeared, with several parts that seemed to be blocked off.
"By using a certain amount of Link Points, you can basically grant yourself new powers, whether its' new abilities, new physical or magical attacks." Kyubey explained, "You should have enough to unlock the first power. Go ahead and feed it Link Points."
Asuna tapped the first power, which costed 10 LP, and suddenly, Asuna felt a new power surge in her. Asuna looked at her free hand, then turned one side and shouted, "Thunder!" she unleashed the Thunder spell near her. "I see, so you can gain powers through this system." Asuna understood, "And the more Link Points I get, the more powers I can unlock."
"You can not only gain magical attacks, but also physical techniques and abilities that affect you physically." Madoka added, "And each one grants new powers to you or itself. For example, Bow is a good healer, and can give me the power of healing abilities." "Good to know." Asuna stated, kneeling to Pina, "Well then, I guess I'll just have to keep an eye on you and we can help one another as we take on all kinds of things." Pina meowed in agreement.
"We should get going." Kyubey told Madoka, "I'm detecting a powerful source of energy coming from the Sandlot. It could be more powerful Dream Eaters." "Okay, then let's go!" Madoka answered, looking up at Asuna, "Do you want to come with me? I could actually use the help." "Sure, it's no problem." Asuna responded, "I think I know the way to the Sandlot, too." And with that, the two girls, Kyubey and their Spirits started to make their way to the Sandlot.
The distance wasn't too far off, but there were Dream Eaters that got in their path. Fortunately, Asuna, Pina and Madoka's Bow were able to take them out. Pina was quite skilled in music-based attacks, firing from a distance with electric notes and exploding orbs of flaming energy with the forte symbol on them. If the enemy was quite close, Pina would spin and create a whirlwind of music notes and ledger lines to damage them. All in all, Asuna could see how good having a Dream Eater was.
When she was done getting through the third wave of Dream Eaters with Pina and Bow, Madoka casted Cura onto the three of them, replenishing their strength. "Thanks for the help." Asuna thanked her. "I wish I were able to do more, but I can't until I defeat more Dream Eaters." Madoka answered, pulling out a teardrop-shaped jewel in a bronze frame. It was slightly darkened, losing its' luster.
"What's that?" Asuna asked as Madoka looked down it. "It's my Soul Gem." Madoka answered, "It houses my soul within when I gained the power of a Magical Girl. However, I used it so much, that I tainted its' powers. If I don't remove the taint in time, I…might not be the same again."
Asuna looked down at the gem, figuring out what kind of risk Madoka was dealing with by using its' powers while she had to fight in this world. "So you risked this much for a wish?" Asuna asked, "What exactly did you wish for?" Madoka didn't answer at once, but then she replied, "To be together with my friends forever."
Asuna looked at Madoka, then looked down at the gem. A powerful wish like that was worth all this fighting. Asuna wondered if the same went for her. To be able to see Aqua again; Was it worth all that trouble.
"I sense the enemy is close." Kyubey stated, turning to the direction of the Sandlot, "We'd best hurry!" Madoka placed her Soul Gem away, and the two girls raced through the streets to the Sandlot.
When they arrived, they didn't see anyone there. They looked around, checking each part. "Are you sure the source is here?" Asuna asked Kyubey. "Absolutely." Kyubey replied, "It should be close." "But where is it?" Madoka asked, looking about.
Bow and Pina both disappeared into a puff of smoke, leaving the area. Asuna saw this, then heard Madoka gasp, and she looked to see why. Someone was standing on top of the light post in the Sandlot. A man that wore the Organization XIII's cloak. "Who is that?!" Madoka asked. "I don't recall summoning this man, either." Kyubey stated, looking up at the person. Asuna gasped in shock. "No way!" she stated.
The man jumped down, and charged at Asuna, who drew her Keyblade. "Look out!" Madoka shouted as she and Kyubey got in between the man and Asuna. "No, don't! That's too dangerous!" Asuna told Madoka as the man reached out to shove Madoka out of the way, but she endured in order to protect Asuna. "I'll…never stop protecting!" Madoka moaned as she struggled to prevent the man from getting to Asuna.
Asuna readied to fight the man, but all of a sudden, a wave of drowsiness overcame her, and she started to fumble where she stood. "What…so sleepy…" Asuna moaned, nodding back and forth as she was barely holding onto consciousness. Then all of a sudden, she fell forward, and went to sleep.
Madoka, Kyubey and the man all saw her fall asleep. "Asuna!" Madoka shouted, wondering what happened to her. The man, on the other hand, huffed a bit, then turned around and leapt away. "I cannot target her while she sleeps." he stated, "Oh well, I always have another chance when she wakes up."
Chapter 5: Never to Change
Kirito opened his eyes, finding himself free-falling down the same area Asuna had done before. "What is this place?" Kirito asked, looking about, then he saw the ring in front of him, with the sign that said, 'Offer 450 Star Energy to Enter'. "I need to offer Star Energy?" Kirito asked, looking back as he passed the gate, "But how do I do that?"
He looked down, and saw several bat-like creatures in his path. He used his Keyblade to take them out, which produced stars that he absorbed. "I gotcha." Kirito understood, "Then I just have to keep finding stars like that. Okay, here goes!"
Like Asuna did before, Kirito found herself flying through multiple obstacles, gathering up the stars as he did so, big or small. He also figured out how to use all the techniques while diving, such as dashing, slowing down, and making barriers.
His pathway down was a little farther and more difficult than Asuna's but Kirito was able to make it through without too much trouble. He looped around back to the front gate again, with more than enough Star Energy to boot. He passed through the gate, and was met with a blinding light.
When Kirito came too, he found himself standing in the middle of the Sandlot in Twilight Town. "Where am I?" Kirito asked, looking about, "Wait, is this…Twilight Town?" He then looked down, and realized something. "My clothes look different, too." he told himself.
Kirito's attire change a bit from his old clothing. His trench coat bared more of a resemblance to his Spriggan coat in New ALO, and was long-sleeved. There was also a golden heart-shaped mark on the bottom-lefthand side of his coat. His undershirt was more of a burnt orange color, and he still wore his dark red cross-straps and Elucidator pendant.
His shoulder-guards were now a brighter gold, and his fingerless gloves became the same color as his new shirt. He still wore brown slacks, but they had zippers at the bottom of his slacks. His boots became similar to his New ALO boots, too, but with armored soles like his previous attire.
"Looks like I got a new wardrobe the moment I entered here." Kirito stated, seeing his attire, "Well, it'll do, I guess." He then looked around and noticed that the two girls weren't with him. "Suguha? Asuna?" Kirito asked, looking about, then shouting, "Sugu! Asuna!" There was no reply.
"Did we get separated?" Kirito asked himself, pondering, "Let's see here…we fought Crocodile, then we started to sink into the sand, and suddenly, we found the Keyhole while we fell, and our Keyblades opened it up for us."
He held up his hand, and produced his Elucidator Keyblade. "But it looks like I'm now separated from the others." He added, looking about, "Does that mean this is one of the Sleeping Worlds? But how? I thought this world was in Sora's dimension." Kirito looked around, then concluded, "I need answers. Let's see if I can scrounge some up."
"What is a boy doing here?" a girl spoke up. Kirito looked about, and noticed someone coming from his right. She looked like an early teen girl, with long black hair that fell to her waist, with a black hairband with diamond patterns on top of her head. Her attire was basically a private school uniform with long black tights and a red bow. Her eyes were a purple color.
"You must have some sort of power in order to come here." the girl stated, "Otherwise, you shouldn't be here in the first place." "Who are you?" Kirito asked the girl. "I'm Homura." the girl responded, "I reside in this town." "Is this place really Twilight Town?" Kirito asked her. "Are you just gonna leave me guessing what your name is?" Homura questioned Kirito. "Oh, sorry." Kirito apologized, "I'm Kirito." Kirito introduced himself.
"I see…" Homura understood, "Well, as to your question, this is Twilight Town, but not the one you know of. You see, this world has multiple timelines, and when this world is about to meet its' end, time reverses, and goes back to the way things were beforehand. However, this is due to a certain person's wish that created the loop in this world."
"Someone wished for this world to keep looping its' timeline?" Kirito asked in a puzzled manner. "That's right." Homura answered, "I am the only person who has seen this happen, over and over again. I have seen multiple endings in this world. I saw girls like me live, and other girls like me die. That is why I search for the individual who created this loop."
"And what do you plan to do with her once you do?" Kirito questioned Homura. "I want to make sure her wish comes true, while keeping the time ticking forward." she answered, passing by Kirito, "I will protect her, and make sure I don't lose her." Kirito was absolutely confused at what Homura was saying. "What do you mean by that?" Kirito asked. Homura didn't answer that question.
As Kirito watched her leave, he started to think about what she had just said to him. A world that has multiple timelines? he thought, Is this world is sleeping because of that? And could this mean that Asuna and Suguha are in other timelines than this one? I got to figure all of this out.
"Hey, mind if I come along with?" Kirito asked Homura, racing up to her. "Why?" she asked. "I'm trying to find something in this town, and maybe the girl you're searching for knows where it is." Kirito answered. "And what is it you are searching for here?" Homura asked. "A way to awaken this world." Kirito answered simply.
Homura showed surprise at this, but stopped immediately after. "Well, you can come along, but I'm not sure if you'll be able to find what you are searching for." she told him. "You'd never know, do ya?" Kirito stated. "After everything I've seen, I know more than enough." Homura answered. Kirito could understand that, seeing as she saw multiple timelines.
"Since you are new to this world, I assume you don't know what 'Flowmotion' is, do you?" Homura asked. "No. What is it?" Kirito asked. "Let me show you." Homura answered, walking over to a lampost. She then dashed up to it, grabbed ahold of the post, and she started to glow violet as she spun around the post with ease. She leapt of it, shot through the air like a dart, landed onto the top of the bench, skidded across it, leapt up, and neatly landed onto her feet, the aura around her fading away.
Kirito stood amazed at this as Homura turned to him. "That's Flowmotion." she told him, "You can basically get around the town and obstacles like that freely. Do you understand?" "I think so." Kirito answered, "Basically, you just use your environment to your advantage, is that right?" "You can say that." Homura answered, "Why don't you try utilizing it right now?"
For the next couple minutes, Kirito started using Flowmotion in the Sandlot, and found the skill an easy thing to perform. He guessed that it was a Sleeping World ability, since he had never heard of it outside of them. After that, Homura stated that Kirito was prepared with it, but that she also needed to teach him something else.
"There is a power that you can perform as well." she continued, "It is called 'Reality Shift'." "And what does that do?" Kirito asked. Homura walked over to a barrel with sun patterns on it, and turned to Kirito. "First, walk over to this barrel." she ordered him. Kirito was confused as he walked over, then as he got close, he noticed the barrel started to glow pink.
"Right now, the barrel should be glowing for you." Homura explained, "That's the signal that you can perform a Reality Shift. All you have to do is jump and shout 'Shift', and you'll see afterwards."
Kirito nodded in confirmation. He then jumped and shouted, "Shift!" All at once, a portal appeared beneath him, and he dove into it. He was in pitch black, with nothing but the barrel he was in front of before him, which was now encased in a bubble. He reached out and grabbed the bubble, pulling back the barrel while it was attached to glowing strings. He also could vaguely see the environment he was in before, along with a target that shifted every time he angled or pulled on the string. I get it. So I'm using this barrel like a slingshot. Kirito understood. He released the bubble, which soared through the air, landing into the area he targeted with an explosion of lights. After that, Kirito came out of the portal, landing in front of Homura again.
"Seems like you got the gist of it." she told Kirito. "It'll take some time to adjust, but I think I'm starting to understand what kind of powers I can produce while I'm here." he stated. "Well, that's not all the powers you can do." Homura stated, "But I can explain more as we walk. Come along." Homura led the way, with Kirito walking behind her.
As they walked out of the Sandlot, Homura started to explain about Dream Eaters, and how to make one. She handed Kirito a Dream Eater book that once belonged to one of the Magical Girls in her past timelines. As Kirito examined the book, several Nightmare Dream Eaters got in their path, and Kirito had to take care of them. Homura just stood and watch him fight.
It was during this that Kirito discovered he had a new technique called 'Spark Dive', allowing himself to be wrapped in lighting, then slam his Keyblade into the ground, producing a short-ranged shockwave. He also started to figure out how to use Flowmotion and Reality Shift in combat, as well.
"You're pretty skilled at fighting." Homura stated as they made their way into the side streets, "Why haven't I heard of you before?" "Dunno." Kirito answered, "Maybe this is the only timeline you know me from." "Perhaps." Homura stated, "But now, you have plenty of Dream Pieces to create your own Spirit. I'll give you a recipe to start with." She waved her hand, and the pages of Kirito's Dream Eater book flipped, revealing the picture of the creature 'Komory Bat', along with the list of ingredients.
"Why don't you start with that one?" Homura asked, "You should get a descent Dream Eater out of it." "Okay." Kirito answered, seeing the list of ingredients for the strongest Dream Eater he can make, "I need Lofty and Troubling Figments." "Why don't you add more than what the instructions ask for." Homura suggested, "If you do that, you can make your Dream Eater stronger, plus by adding an extra ingredient, such as an unneeded attack or item, you can make your Dream Eater stronger right off the bat."
Kirito had a little more Dream Pieces than the ones the recipe asked for, so he added a little more, plus adding a potion for it. He placed the card needed to summon it, and all the ingredients around it, and he stood back and focused.
"Dream Eater, beckon to my side." Kirito chanted, "Come forth, and fight with me against Nightmares!" The materials started to glow and float off the ground. They then started to spin around the card quickly, then gather together. All of a sudden, there was a puff of pink smoke and lights, and suddenly, the Spirit Komory Bat appeared.
Kirito had already fought Komory Bats before, which had the looks of bats with a furry head, frilled ears, large wings with diamond patterns and tiny claws for feet. This bat was definitely brighter colored than the Nightmares, with a yellow and pink body, pink fangs, ears that were blue and green, purple claws, and pink wings with yellow and blue-lined diamond patterns.
"So this is my Dream Eater?" Kirito asked as the Spirit flipped in the air, screeching softly. "Yes, and you can name it as well, if you want." Homura added. Kirito thought for a few seconds, then answered, "I think the name 'Komory' will do, just to shorten the name."
"Very well then." Homura stated, "I have already explained to you how to train your Dream Eater. You do remember, don't you?" "I think so." Kirito answered, picking up Komory's card and flipping it sideways. He activated the cards details, then slid to the Link Board. He saw the first power was available, and he activated it. This made himself and Komory glow, who screeched again.
"Okay, I just activated a power called 'Waking Dream'." Kirito noticed, "What does that do?" "You will have to figure that one out yourself." Homura answered, "But we don't have time to dawdle now. We should keep looking for my friend." "Right." Kirito responded.
"I found you, Homura!" shouted a girl's voice. Kirito and Homura looked up to see a new girl standing there. She was the same age as Homura, with short light blue hair similar to Liz's hairstyle back home and blue eyes. She also wore a school uniform like Homura, only she wore knee-high stockings that were navy blue.
"Sakaya." said Homura, "What are you doing here?" "Don't give me that crap!" Sakaya retorted, "I know what you are planning to do to Madoka, and I'm not gonna let you get away with it!"
Homura was surprised. "What do you mean?" she asked her, "I wanted to see her so that I can…" "No excuses!" Sakaya shouted, "That man in the black coat told me everything! He said you'll be responsible for making her fall into despair, and you know what happens to us, Magical Girls, then!" "A man in a black coat?" Kirito echoed, believing it to be a member of the Organization.
"He's lying to you." Homura retorted, her voice raised a bit, "I have no intention in bringing Madoka into despair." "Yeah, well excuse me if I don't believe you!" Sakaya stated, raising a card, "Come forth, Dream Eater!" Out in front of Sakaya appeared a large, multi-colored elephant Dream Eater, with large feet, wavy tusks, a large trunk with a funnel end, and large ears. This was a Zolephant.
It started to charge down the hill at Homura, but Kirito and Komory got in its' way. "I can vouch for Homura's sake." Kirito stated, "Those guys in the black coats are nothing but liars. They are trying to trick you." "Ha! Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!" Sakaya stated, "You aren't exactly wearing a bright cloak, either." Kirito did see her point. The curse of his black attire.
"Kirito, there's no use reasoning with her in this state." Homura stated, "You are gonna have to fight and defeat her Dream Eater." "That's a tall feet, even for me." Kirito stated, seeing the Zolephant trumpet as it confronted Kirito.
"No worries." Homura responded, "Why don't you link with your Dream Eater to perform powerful attacks." "Link?" Kirito asked, backing off as the Zolephant came closer. "Feel the connection between you and your Dream Eater, then let your heart guide your attack." Homura stated.
Kirito wasn't sure how it was gonna work out, but he did it anyway. He focused his connection with Komory, who felt it, and started to glow alongside Kirito, who raised his Keyblade. "Link Action: Fly-by Knight!" Kirito shouted.
Komory appeared onto Kirito's back, its' claws hooked onto his coat as he was carried upward. Kirito and Komory then flew at Sakaya's Dream Eater, hitting it with a dashing attack, and sending it flying back up the hill, making Sakaya tumble to one side to avoid it. Kirito and Komory continued their attack, finally defeating the Dream Eater and sending it back into Sakaya's card. Kirito and Komory then split up, their Link Action over. "Nice work, Komory." Kirito thanked the creature, who screeched cheerfully.
Aw, I can't believe it!" Sakaya moaned, collapsing onto her back, her hands sprawled out, "This really stinks." Kirito walked up to the girl until he stood over her. "Now can you listen to reason?" he asked her, "Those men in black coats, not like me, will do anything to get their way. They deceived you to take out Homura, feeding you a lie that made you believe she would do you harm."
Homura joined Kirito and Sakaya, who sat up to look at Kirito, then at Homura. "Man, was I really deceived?" Sakaya asked. "You were." Homura answered, "You know as well as I do that neither one of us would want to cause harm to Madoka. Surely, you know this?"
Sakaya closed her eye, realizing her mistake. "I just wanted to look out for her as her friend." Sakaya sighed, "I don't want her to be in pain, that's all." "I understand that feeling, fully." Kirito agreed, reaching down to her. Sakaya took his hand, and he pulled her up to her feet again. Sakaya and Homura looked to one another, and Homura smiled, which she hadn't done with Kirito. Sakaya smirked in response from this.
Kirito stood aways as he watched the two, then suddenly, he felt himself being washed over by sleepiness. "What…why am I…so sleepy…?" Kirito asked, barely holding on. He fell to his knees, then unable to overcome his drowsiness, he fell asleep on the pavement.
Up above, a man in black looked down below, seeing Kirito on the ground. "Try as you might, you can never save everyone." he said, "You will always lose at least one person's life, no matter what efforts you try." The man turned around, and left without another word.
To Be Continued...
Well, that's gonna be the starting point. But what do you think? Having Madoka Magica as I promised, and there is more where that came from. And just to tell you, Kirito is doing Link Action, while Asuna does Link Style. But what about Leafa? Where is she in all this. Find out next time! In the mean time, leave a comment, tell your friends, and never give up hope!
Next Time on SAK FF:
Asuna: I meet up with a hot-headed girl named Kyoko, and now I have to fight a powerful Dream Eater.
Kirito: I hear from a girl name Mami that Homura is attempting to stop the creature by herself. How reckless!
Asuna: But now, I have to deal with a guy dressed in black. Who is he, and is he related to the Organization?
Kirito: And what about Suguha? I hope she's safe in all this mess.
Next time on 'Sword Art Kingdom: Falling Fantasy'
Twilight Town! Shifting Timelines!
Kirito & Asuna: The dreams have yet to be discovered!