Chapter 2: Freedom by War
I felt my face become blazing hot as I held eye contact with my accuser! Not only was this an awkward first meeting but the idea that I would even buy such a thing...even though I did begin to read it, was ridiculous. I reflectively snatched the book back and regained some composure at least.
"The book isn't mine obviously. Someone left it here and like you just did I was sifting through it ya know? " Honesty was indeed the best policy, and it really shouldn't even matter what this amazingly hot guy thought about me, but my pounding heart and flushed face said otherwise.
"Really? Then why are you blushing so much for a person who just found a lost object?" he began — smirking in satisfaction.
"Well, when someone insinuates that one is reading a novel like that, it can catch a person off guard," I stated back, hands firmly clutched at my hips. He got me there, but I'll be damned if I let him win this debate. I refused to break eye contact, but that was a challenge within itself. Not only was I internally drawn in by his smirk, but his eyes also left me drowning.
His travel companion cleared his throat and stepped forward toward me. " I'm Mickey, and this is my friend Riku!" He began with a soft smile. "We are Keyblade masters who have come seeking the help of the Gatekeepers!"
I attempt to hold back my surprise from his last sentence. I knew my duty of course all too well! I am meant to serve the Preservation but also...the masters of the Keyblade. Their words may have bought my freedom in a way but in the same breath, signed me up for a war I can not refuse.
"We believe that another Keyblade war is about to arise," Riku added. His expression was hard to read, but I felt the seriousness of his words. I looked back and forth between the two of them, and through kind faces, I knew that what they were saying was true. Moving past my earlier reactions toward them I bowed before turning on my heels toward the Gate. Raising my hand forward, I gently place my hand on the gate. In response, it began to glow with a pure light before opening towards our visitors and me. Looking out onto the path that laid ahead a part of me knew that this would be the last time I may be seeing my home for a while.
"Please, come with me."
'careful what you wish for huh?'
As we started along our journey to the castle, I figured that acting as a tour guide was highly unnecessary for this occasion. It isn't like these guys have come for a vacation, but a war. Something about me became increasingly nostalgic about the scenery as we continued our walk. Everything just seemed so beautiful. I had always wanted out of this place. Not because I hate it but, more awaits me outside of here. However, the thought of a Keyblade war has plagued me with worry about my home, and the people who live here. What would become of it if we fail? I had to shake myself of my negative thoughts and distract myself. Not a very difficult task because I remembered who was traveling with me.
While walking through the city, I couldn't help but seek a quick peek at my handsome travel companion... 'Riku, was it?' Even thinking of his name made my heart go into overdrive as it hammered at my breast. However, I felt as if certain eyes behind me wandered from my head to my feet. I knew for a fact that it wouldn't be this King Mickey, that's for sure. Although this was the first time I have ever met him, I have heard great things about this King. Mickey has been told to be a kind and just man...or mouse. But I do feel that his story is everything but false. Then there leaves the other set of eyes behind me... 'Riku.'
Bump Bump.
I didn't know much about him aside from the fact that he is a Keyblade master, and due to our earlier exchange, a bit arrogant. He couldn't be checking me out though... Could he?
I have been told by many people I am rather beautiful by both men and women. But when you're a Gatekeeper, things like vanity isn't really on the scale of importance. I have looked at myself and my body before of course but never seen myself as anyone to fixate over. My raven hair reaches the small of my back, but I often tie it back into a ponytail. My eyes are crystal blue, and by many, I've been told: rivals the bluest sky or the clearest ocean." As for my body...well it is womanly I guess is the word to use. No matter what my title is, men far and wide have been audacious enough to peer at me with curious eyes and wondered what lies beneath my clothing. But this Keyblade warrior surely can't be doing the same. A part of me hoped that he would though. It's one thing to be told that you're beautiful, but to be desired by a handsome man, that's something!
"How is Kakaju?" Mickey said bringing me back from my thoughts. I smiled at him thinking of my father. He always spoke very highly of the King and regarded him as a 'true friend.'
'One of the nicest souls you'll ever meet, he is!'
"He's doing very well! You know him though, always getting into something for the sake of helping others!" I laughed. " I'm certain he is going to be thrilled to see you again!" They were great friends' way back when Mickey was a familiar face in the Lucid worlds. According to the tale of the last Keyblade war, Mickey fought alongside the missing warriors. Appearances are indeed deceiving I must say. As harmless as he looks, he must be a powerful ally.
"Kakaju is an elder Gatekeeper?" Riku said serenely... hearing him speaking left me breathless.
"Well yeah." I began attempting to respond with the same level given. "My father is one of the Gatekeepers of Old. You see... They now reside here to maintain purity amongst the city and keep order. In the chance of war, the next generation, myself included, will leave to aid the Masters of the Key blade. The Keepers of Old then assume our duty to the Preservation and will continue to keep everyone safe." I had to admit even If I have my desire for freedom of this place, the foundation our world is built upon is impressive. Plus, I had to give myself a satisfied smirk for sounding like a damn important aspect to this place. 'Now who's the cool one.'
Reflecting upon my words, I was reminded of what value my comrades and I are to the wielders. By no means are they weak individuals. Not by a long shot. However, the need for us means that this will be no easy fight ahead. The oath I have pledged since I was twelve years old, resonates in my mind like a broken record.
'We are their shield, and they are the sword. When the time comes, if ever again my fate will be for the master...'
This was my fate...to lay my life before them for the good of everyone; I must protect the wielders of the Keyblade from harm at all cost. To my surprise, I never held any resentment towards them. I have been informed that this was one of the biggest honors that can be bestowed upon the chosen. From day one, I have spoken these words. My words were filled with love. Despite my need for freedom, I love my world and all the worlds beyond it. I love the wielders of the blade because they will protect beyond my means. That was the most significant gift that can be returned from them and with that, the sacrifice seems worth it to some extent.
"We will discuss more once we are with the council. But we sure are glad to have an ally like you all!" Mickey chirped. I returned a smile and continued forward.
The castle seemed to glow brighter than usual as I lead the duo through the corridors. The council should be right ahead because when the Lucid Palace shines like this, it means something.
'Do you know that something is about to happen too...?'
Before I even pushed open the door, I heard a hearty laugh beyond it. There was only one man I knew of who can make any serene place, as loud as a mess hall.
I looked at Mickey and laughed, "I found your friend it seems."
Mickey and surprisingly Riku laughed along. I guess laughter is contagious or so they say. I entered the room and bowed before the council before being scooped into a strong embrace. "My lovely daughter! What brings you here so soon! And Mickey as well! What a joyous occasion this must be!"
My father is like a friendly giant who loved everything and everyone. In his presence, everyone was a friend and would always be welcomed here. From him, I have inherited his strength, his skill as a healer, but also his love for everyone. As a fellow Gatekeeper, he taught me everything I know but also showed me the importance of staying as I am. All though this is my role, my father encourages myself and my team to accept that a more significant purpose awaits beyond the first. All you must do is,
'Open the door... '
I just smiled. Being hugged by my father means oxygen is minimal and one might want to talk at their own risk.
"It's great to see you too!" Mickey began. " However, I do wish it was for a joyous reunion. You see, we need your help. A war is about to begin, and we need the help of the Gatekeepers." Putting me gently back on the floor my father nodded, urging Mickey to continue. The room became increasingly silent as the Gatekeepers of Old listened intently to Mickey's tale.
Time went by in what felt like hours to me. I was instructed to leave the chamber and wait with the others for the council and our two guests to discuss in detail what was happening. It must have been an intense conversation because the atmosphere became very tense when I was still in there. Doing as I was told, I went to find Phoenix, Orion, and Iris. Waiting at the gate alone would be almost unbearable, so I was grateful for the task.
"So, another war is about to start huh? Sounds exciting!" Orion exclaimed leaping from his seat. Iris continued drawing as Phoenix, and I looked at him like he had lost his mind.
"A war is not a good thing you idiot!" Phoenix shouted as she smacked Orion on the head. "Don't you understand that this is serious!" The pair exchanged glares at each other.
"Same thing different day with you two." I laughed as I stepped between them to try to ease the tension. Aside from iris, we were all very close in age and began our journey as Keepers of the Gate around the same time. Although they fight every day, we are all very close and respect each other. "No point in getting worked up at each other now is there? If there is going to be a war, we need to be on our toes from start to finish. That means to chill the hell out with the fighting!"
Phoenix returned to her seat shaking her short brown hair. She had the most beautiful amber eyes in my opinion but chose to hide them behind her bangs. Phoenix is a lovely and kind person, but people tend to stay away from her due to her fiery attitude. I sometimes wonder if we would be friends had we not been Gatekeepers together. That certainly would have been a loss for me, because she has been my best friend since day one.
Iris was a little different from us. She is the youngest of us and was orphaned. The only thing about it was that she was gifted and talented well beyond her years. The keepers insisted on raising her as one of us and so, it was done. Either way, we love her no less, and she is part of the team and a member of our family. Although with her powers to see the future, she on occasion uses them too as leverage, especially with Phoenix. Sometimes having your own private psychic can be a gift and a curse. It kills her not to know what is up ahead since she often second-guesses herself. Iris loves using this to her advantage to get a laugh.
Iris ran towards me beaming with her picture in the air. "Look, look!" she shouted in satisfaction. We learned a long time ago that when Iris starts drawing, nothing else matters in her world. The picture showed keyblades and sparkles that must have been crystals surrounding them.
"You made another pretty picture! What was the inspiration? "I asked eyeing the picture and her. She grinned before running off. "Can't tell ya." She said in her sing-song voice. Knowing Iris, there was no point to continue asking because she's the kind of kid to tell you something on her terms. "Fine."
"Ugh! Arie! Go back and see what's going on! They have been in the council chamber forever!" Orion began to whine.
I shifted back and forth on my feet as I debated on heading back to the hall. It was nice to be away from Riku to give my heart a break. It felt as if it was going to explode from my body being around him. However, I undeniably wanted to see him again.
'What's wrong with you! stop, Stop, STOP! ' I screamed at myself feeling my face heat up as my mind began thinking of him.
"What's wrong with your face Arie? " Iris asked poking at my side. Suddenly all eyes were on me.
"It's nothing," I stated flatly avoiding her gaze.
Before my interrogation could begin, the door flew open and there stood my father with Mickey and Riku.
"Tomorrow, you leave with them."
Message from the author: Welcome friends! I hope you have enjoyed reading chapter 2 of The Keeper of Keys saga! I must warn you in advance that if you have not played KH3, you will run into a few spoilers! Even though the story will be told through the eyes of our leading lady, a few key points that Riku and the king face in the game will be revealed! Anyway, I hope you're enjoying so far, and see you in chapter 3!
Lots of Love!
xoxo
-Khai