Authors note: Wow, I'm writing a fanfic? It has been forever since I wrote anything but; this idea attached to me a while ago and refused to let go. So this note in particular is going to be pretty long I have a lot I need to say before I start this thing. So here we go:
1. So this idea started back when Game Grumps was doing their Bloodborne play through. Bloodborne is not usually a game that I would be interested in as horror is not my genre of choice. However I fell in love with the game watching their play through. To make a long story short, it led to the thought of my favorite series of all time in that universe. So here is KH in the world of Bloodborne.
2. If you have not seen/played Bloodborne there will be spoilers. I have all the major characters planed out. I am planning on using KH characters in roles that are similar to characters already in Bloodborne. Though I will also say that this is not going to follow the story of Bloodborne word for word. It has a KH twist and a good bit of my own ideas. It's just that the characters (bosses and NPC's) I wanted to utilize in my own way.
3. This is not going to be a happy fic. Again this is not a usual genre for me. I thought about putting tragedy in the tags but decided against it (people don't like tragedies). But, there will be a lot of character death. This fic will not have a happy ending (at least as it is planned right now. I always write with a framework plan). I don't want to scare any of you away (see next number) but, if you want a happy/funny/romantic/lemon filled fic this is not the place to be.
4. I am really scared to post this. Like I said at the start it has been forever since I wrote anything and it's a bit of a crossover and not something I see around the fandom much. So I really need to know if I am supported. If you like this chapter please leave a review. I will only keep writing if I feel confidant people are enjoying/want to see more of this.
5. Also the name of this fic is subject to change. I don't really like it yet it doesn't quite fit. I am open to suggestions.
Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts or Bloodborne in anyway shape or form.
Warnings: This fic will contain Blood, Gore, Violence, Homosexual relationships, and Death (lots of death). If any of these offend/scare you please leave now. This is not meant for young readers.
Pairings: I know I like to know this when starting a fic so here are the decided pairings (so far more might be added)- Main= Riku/Sora Side= Axel/Roxas, Leon/Cloud, Terra/Ven.
Okay, I think that's enough for 1 authors note. I have kept you up here too long, without further ado here is the first chapter.
Chapter 1: Home Sweet Home
The sun hung low in the sky casting the world around it in colors deceivingly warm for the cold surrounding: reds as thick and rich as blood, oranges as fleeting and bright as fire, and yellows overshadowed by the depth of their darker cousins. At the horizon one could see the start of deep purples and jet black swirling pushing, begging to be set free. Let the night come… no… let the night end.
A lone figure moves down a worn, battered cobblestone path. The road was wide once having led to a great and prosperous city. What remained amidst this endless twilight was a shell of its former glory. Long ago people had stopped coming. Long ago this place was cursed. A stiff chilling breeze rushed down the path sending stone and debris tumbling in its wake. The figure paused as the wind bit into him. Long silver hair flew wildly up and straight back. [1] Aquamarine eyes closed listening to the sounds the wind left in its wake.
Turn back… leave this place…
As quickly as the wind rushed in it was gone leaving only bone chilling cold in its place. Aquamarine eyes opened slowly locking straight ahead. Stone towered above him showing no sign of the city within. Though his eyes locked on the heavy oak framed by twisted iron, the entrance to a forgotten cursed land. A soft sigh escaped pale lips as the man continued towards the heavy entrance.
The stone echoed with each step taken by heavy black boots; a hollow sound as lifeless as many believed this place to be. He knew better, this place still held an abundance of life. Though the state of the beings beyond the towering walls and solid door he could not attest too. Reaching the surprisingly pristine wood of the door the man lifted a pale hand and ran one finger down the polished surface. He shuddered, gut clenching in anxiety at only the small contact, the first in years, with his home.
Allowing his hand to rest flat level with his frantically beating heart on the wooden surface before him Aquamarine eyes closed once more. His vision swam with images of a past he longed to return too. Shinning cobalt eyes, cinnamon spikes, sweet toothy grin framed by bright sunlight. Eyes opened again allowing the image that brought him back after all this time to settle and calm his nerves. He was here now, as he should have been years ago.
Lifting his hand again he knocked loudly the sound echoing through the air with sounds of life unheard to the surroundings in years. The sound reverberated for a minute then everything went silent. He waited…
Creak…
The wood moved away slowly carefully creating a sliver of space for a single person to fit through. Straightening his back the man slipped inside. No sooner had the end of his black leather coat slipped through the opening than the door slammed shut once more. [2] No one greeted him except the long dead skeleton of a guard standing just past the entrance. With a slight bow in respect for the departed the man walked pasted the skeleton and into the main square.
Stone was the predominant material creating the street and walls around him. Rising out of the ground were Tudor style buildings: shops, restaurants, and homes. Littering the square where lamps still burning bright though their bases had once been surrounded by flowers they were now surrounded by only grey brown earth no longer capable of housing rich greenery. Finally a staircase leading to a large building it's wood sign unchanged from how he remembered it from years ago reading Vexen's Clinic in neat scrawling letters. [3]
Quite, he needed to be quite. There was no sign of danger thus far and as it was he was in no condition to fight the creatures lurking within these walls. Cautiously he made his way straight through the square, up the stairs and aligned himself face to face with the solid door of the clinic. Heartbeat quickening with anxiety again he steadied himself bracing for the first test. Was he right? Was there still life in this place? This would defiantly be the first place to check. The clinic had always been known as a safe haven for the sick and injured. A place well respected and protected as many respected the kind but arrogant doctor who ran the clinic. Still deciding if he should knock or call out the man was startled by the sound of a voice.
"Who's there? Are you human or heartless?" The voice was male and each word was punctuated specifically and slightly pompous.
"Vexen?" The man whispered back letting out the breath he had not realized he had been holding.
"Human…" Vexen barely breathed the word. It was said more to himself but was heard among the still silence. "Your voice is unfamiliar to me. What are you doing outside on the night of the hunt?" Came the slightly wary reply.
"I only just came into town, back home."
"No one comes here anymore. No one wants to join a never ending hunt."
Vexen was wary of the stranger. The man had called this cursed place home but no one who had escaped before it was cursed would ever wish to return. It was a trick it had to be.
"I will not open these doors. Those that are here need not be exposed to the foul air on this long night," Vexen added hoping now that the strange man would leave and allow him to find solace in the few people alive in his clinic.
"I blame you not old friend. You have already answered one of my questions. I have one more for you then I will leave you in peace," The silver haired man spoke softly.
Vexen raised an eyebrow at the strange mans mannerisms though he knew the man could not see him through the thick wood, "What is your question. If I can I will provide an answer".
"Vexen, do you know where…" The stranger started off strong confident then paused for a moment before continuing shakily "Sora is?" He spoke the name is such a way that is reminded the doctor of a prayer.
Vexen allowed a soft gasp to escape his lips at the name. He now knew who the man at his door was. He had been younger a teenager the last he had seen the person that only wood separated him from. Rumor had it that he had promised to return and here he was.
"Riku?" Vexen whispered the name tempting fate to tell him it was true and the young man had returned.
"It's been far too long. I am sorry I could not return sooner," Riku responded.
The door creaked open slightly with a low groan of protest "Come in quickly".
Riku again found himself rushing through a small opening in a door and having it shut promptly behind him. Before he could even take in his surroundings he was pulled face to face with the other man. Deep forest green eyes stared right into his own bright Aquamarine. Riku blinked in surprise and Vexen pulled away and circled around him slowly examining every inch of him possible with his eyes. Riku shifted a little uncomfortable under the scrutinizing gaze but held still while he was examined. Finally after 4 full circles around him Vexen nodded satisfied.
"You grew your hair, I like it," Vexen commented.
Riku snorted rolling his eyes slightly "That's the first thing you want to point out".
"Would you prefer I point out your age? Or maybe lack there of would be a better way to think of it. It seems you where not completely unaffected by this place," Vexen replied waving a hand dismissively.
"I would say you have not aged a day yourself."
"No one has in this place. It is hard to tell how much time has passed, how long the hunt has continued. All that changes is the number of heartless. I swear they are growing still."
"I have been away almost 20 years now. Far to long I know but I was delayed." Riku leaned back against the doorframe as he spoke.[4]
Vexen turned away for a moment moving to create space to sit all the while motioning for Riku to continue.
"I was injured and found myself in need of time to recover. The wounds I received from the heartless where deep and difficult to heal. Though I am sure you would know that more than most."
Vexen finally cleared some space and lowered himself into a chair. He beckoned for Riku to sit across from him in the other clear space. Riku pushed off the doorframe and moved across the room to position himself in the given seat.
"I do know only too well how hard those types of wounds are to treat," Vexen sighed looking worn down by just the thought "So many good people came into this place injured and left as a Heartless. Your survival is a testament to your strength".
"It took nearly 5 years to heal completely and then more time to try and recover my strength," Riku sighed running his fingers through his hair in frustration "I have longed to return as I promised, though I was unable to bring more help with me. The outside worlds has forsaken Travers as a cursed world doomed to fade into darkness".
"Honestly I am surprised we have yet to descend completely," Vexen supplied setting his pointer finger over his chin and running his thumb thoughtfully over his lips. "There are still a few lingering survivors and hunters."
"You know for sure you are not the only one left?" A glint of hope came to Riku's eyes maybe he wasn't to late to save the only person that really mattered (to him anyway).
"I do. There are a few still alive in my beds upstairs. I have spoken with a few hunters as they pass through taking out new waves of heartless. They have spoken of other safe places and other survivors. It is about the only solace I have left, knowing there are others out there that still live on."
"Vexen, I still wish more than anything to know only one thing…" Riku trailed off letting the question be asked in silence. He knew the older doctor would know which question he was referring to.
"I wish I had a straight answer for you my boy," Riku visibly deflated at those words maybe he was too late after all "I am afraid I have heard nothing about Sora or Kairi for that matter since the hunt began. Sora especially I would expect news to travel about but I have heard nothing about any members for the Healing Church. Radiant Gardens has been shut tight and I know of no one who has gotten inside. [5]Not even Leon…" Vexen trailed off thoughtfully.
"Leon's alive?!" Riku straightened himself again this news sending another spark of hope through him.
"I spoke with him a few days ago when he made his rounds. He was one of the first to take up the call of the hunters," Vexen supplied and adding as an after thought "I also know it has been a priority for him to get into Radiant Gardens all this time".
Riku nodded letting the news sink in. It made sense that Sora would be inside the Church he had been raised within its walls. He would be able to find safety there through this endless night. Riku could almost see him in better times running down the stairs leading from the grand castle like cathedral waving and smiling ready to run off for the day. Riku shook himself out of the image bringing him back to the grim reality he was in. He felt a pang of loss wanting those carefree days back more than anything.
Riku leaned back in the chair he had been seated in looking up at the ceiling "I need to join the hunt. I cannot allow myself to pass the time waiting any longer".
Vexen stood slowly almost as if his body ached at the movement "I happen to know just the person to help you on that quest," cracking his stiff back and shoulders Vexen beckoned Riku to follow him as he made his way deeper into the clinic "Once you become a hunter I will have to ask you to leave the clinic. I will not open my doors a second time. There are too few left and I myself wish to stay safe from the scourge".
"I figured. You have done more than enough for me already. I am grateful you opened you doors to speak with me at all."
Vexen led him up a flight of stairs. Riku took note that the interior of the building was far more disheveled than the outside. Paint peeling from the walls, papers wet with blood both bright red and deep scarlet littered the ground. The railing of the stairs had deep scratches gouged into it. No light was seen filtering through the place and it was then Riku realized Vexen carried a small lamp with him on his belt. This clinic had once been kept pristine; time had taken its toll on the doctor though Riku dare not bring it up. Upstairs Riku found himself led to a large space filled with beds. A few sparse people looked up at him eyes wide with fear. This room was just as disheveled. Broken bottles, more paper, blood it was hard to fathom what would allow Vexen to let his clinic fall this far. [6]
"It's okay, this one is still human," Vexen sighed voice suddenly flat.
Even with this offered information the residence of the clinic looked fearful and many cowered away into dark corners of the room. But, one man did exactly the opposite rising off the bed he sat on and moving towards Riku and Vexen as the stood in the entryway. The approaching figure had his hair pulled back, one amber eye glowing with curiosity the other was covered with an eye patch. As the man grew closer Riku also noticed a large scar running down the left side of his face.
"Xigbar," Vexen's voice took on its usually calculating air "I believe my friend is in need of a transfusion".
"Well, well, well" Xigbar began with a slight chuckle "Maybe all is not lost after all new hunters are always welcome".
"The downstairs beds are yours," Vexen spoke to Xigbar then turned to address Riku "Xigbar can administer the transfusion you need. I wish you a safe journey and that you find the one you seek". Vexen handed Xigbar another lantern found on one of the shelving units.
"Well then, shall we" Xigbar smirked as he walked out of the room.
Riku paused looking back at Vexen who had moved to attend to the frightened people, "Thank you. I will check back I assure you I will keep this place safe".
With that Riku turned to follow Xigbar back down the stairs. He hoped this time he could keep his promise. His thoughts once again moved to Sora, they hyper brunette practically skipping through the town off the two of them off on some adventure. His pout when Riku lagged behind even a little…
"You will want to keep those happy thoughts close," Xigbars voice rang through him like a bucket of cold water popping his bubble of serenity.
They were in another dark room filled with more beds, more blood "My reasons for being here are never far from my conscious mind," Riku replied curtly.
"Well then, shall we begin?" Xigbar motioned for RIku to lie down on one of the tables.
Riku lay himself down carefully cautiously. He had taken blood into his system many times growing up but, he had been removed from this place for a long time and he was sure this was a different transfusion than he was use too. He saw the smirk Xigbar wore and knew under any other circumstances he would not trust this man. However, in this instance he had no choice. This would allow him the power to fight and destroy the heartless, he could go no farther into the city without it. He would never reach Sora without it. He allowed the name to run through his mind like a mantra as Xigbar set up the transfusion.
Sora… Sora.. Sora… Sora…
"All set," Riku felt a needle work it's way into a vein in his left arm "Now let's begin the transfusion. Oh, don't you worry. Whatever happens... You may think it all a mere bad dream..."[7]
Sora…
End notes: So that's chapter 1. A lot of exhibition and set up, 6 pages in word to be exact. I expect the pacing to pick up next chapter but, I do not expect this fic to be fast paced as there is a lot of story and side story that are all happening at once.
Okay, I'm going to ask once more, please review. I need to know if it is worth it to continue this.
Notes:
[1] I like Riku's long hair and am still getting over the fact that he cut it for 3D so Riku will have his KH 2 appearance (as will Sora but we will get there- hopefully).
[2] Riku is in the organization cloak and unless I decided to get creative with describing cloths he will be staying in the cloak the whole time. I was going to put him in his KH 2 outfit (love that outfit) but it felt too bright and out of place for this setting.
[3] I know I have trouble with descriptions of settings as I always want to get to the action but I tried. In case you where having trouble picturing it this is Travers Towns first district just instead of Cid's shop at the top of the stairs it is Vexen's Clinic (though I picture the building to be the same. Also, those of you who have played/seen Bloodborne I picked Vexen very specifically for this part.)
[4] I know this age stuff and time passage thing is weird and confusing. There are a few reasons I need it this way. The 20 years is arbitrary, a timeline I used to explain the lack of new hunters and the large quantities of heartless we will encounter (plus many other details that we have yet to uncover). The lack of ageing that goes with this timeframe well that is a running theme that will not truly be explored until way later.
[5] In case you didn't realize this yet/I was not clear enough I am using KH worlds and places as locations in this world. All of these areas (unless specified otherwise) are all with in the city of Travers Town (Yharnam in Bloodborne). Radiant Gardens is Cathedral Ward in Bloodborne.
[6] More scenery notes (because I hate scenery). Look up pictures of Iosefka's clinic. I picture the inside of Vexens to look the same. Note: If you don't know anything about the character of Iosefka (who Vexen is paralleling in this fic) don't look it up you will spoil things for yourself.
[7] Xigbar ended up becoming the Blood Minister more because I didn't already have a part for him and his appearance and mannerisms in the KH cannon remind me of the small glimpse we get of the Blood Minister in Bloodborne. That final line Xigbar says is actually a direct quote from the Blood Minister. This is the first instance of me pulling a direct quote from Bloodborne. I will not be doing it much so pay attention to the quotes I do pick.