Kingdom Hearts II: Rebirth
By: Karma's Slave
Disclaimer: I do not own the Kingdom Hearts series; it is the sole properties of Square-Enix and Disney.
Chapter One: Twilight Town P1
"Come and get me" Aqua yelled to the lesser Nobodies as she was getting them out of the mansion though she had no doubt in her mind that more would appear there; "I hope Riku is able to head back there once he's done with sending off Naminé" thought the Keyblade Master but as long as the majority of them were gone, Sora and the others would be fine.
Aqua stopped running and faced the lesser nobodies, holding her master's keyblade up into the air and commanding her most powerful fire spell. Soon enough the ground was labeled with lines and squares of fire mines.
While as Aqua was fighting off the Nobodies; a small figure was just disembarking off on to a train station platform.
This figure wore an organization coat, "Sora, Donald and Goofy should have been awakened by now" thought the figure as he headed out into Twilight Town searching for his friends.
"Sora?" Roxas called out to his somebody as he was fading away deep into Sora's heart.
"Who's there?" Sora's mind responded to the voice that was but a stranger to him.
"Sora!" a high nasal but harsh voice
"Sora, wake up?" another voice called out to the young boy.
Sora's eyes began to open with some hesitation as they fluttered themselves open his first sight is the pod capsule opening and in front of Donald and Goofy. Sora takes his first step in almost a year and nearly collapsing out of the pod and onto his face had Donald and Goofy didn't catch him.
Sora then stretches and the other two laughs at how small his clothes have gotten; but the keyblade apprentice grabs them into his arms as they all share a group hug,
"Donald, Goofy!" he cries out in happiness. They laugh and hop in a circle.
Jiminy Cricket climbs on Sora's shoulder, yawns, and stretches, "That was some nap!" say's the cricket. Jiminy hops down to the floor while the trio breaks their group hug and small dance.
Sora turning to the cricket "You mean, we were asleep?" he asks the small journal keeper.
Jiminy looking to the keyblade apprentice "I guess we must of been, or I don't think we'd be so drowsy..."
Goofy crossing his arms "When do ya think we went to sleep?" Sora, Donald and Jiminy had no answer for the Knight.
Sora pressing his lips together as he began to recall, what he did know "Let's see...we defeated Ansem..."
"Yep" replied Goofy.
Sora then continued "...restored peace to the world...found Kairi... Oh yeah, and then we went to look for Riku. I think that's right so far."
"Then what?" asked Donald.
Goofy then looking towards the cricket, "What does your journal say jiminy?" the Knight asked the note recorder.
Jiminy goes to take out his book but then realizes it's not there, "What…it's gone!" he cries out while Sora, Donald and Goofy looked panicked for their small friend but then with quick eyes Jiminy notices something on the floor next to the capsule pod, "what's that" Jiminy then distracted himself as he heads over to it and picks it up, "it's my journal! But how did it get here?" exclaimed the cricket as he then examined his book and finds something interesting.
"Gee, there's only one sentence... 'Thank Naminé.' Hmm... I wonder who that is?" Jiminy said, "Oh wait, there's something else underneath that, it reads; "There's much you guys have missed and forgotten but I filled those pages to help you out but we'll talk more about that later, signed Aqua"
Sora, Donald, and Goofy look at one another, "Wait, where is Master Aqua?" Sora then asked aloud as he looked around the big and empty room save for the capsule pod and the others shake their heads
"Some journal that is" Muttered Donald as he crossed his feathered arms.
Jiminy could only shrug his shoulders "Well, what ya say we look for Aqua and find out just where we are!" suggested the cricket.
"It's the only thing we can do" said Sora as he headed to the door of the pod room but no questions were asked as they followed Sora out from the mansion and then woods as the boy seemed to know where he was going.
The group walks to Twilight Town and enters the Usual Spot, "You know, I think I've been to this town." Sora say's to his friends as he is the first one to note on this new found second nature of his
"What's it called then?" Donald then questioned the young boy; Sora's mind coming up with a blank on the question "Hmm... Guess I must've imagined it." Sora responded.
Hayner, Olette, and Pence are bored laying around the room as Hayner notices the group that has entered their hang out spot, "What do you want!" Hayner asks them coming off rather rude to Sora and company.
Sora almost looked staggered "Uh, nothing. Just wondering what was back here" he answers the blond boy with the green camouflage pants.
Hayner making an arm gesture at them "Now you know. This is our spot." He tells them.
Pence looking at the Sora as if he's seen him from where before "Umm..." went Pence as he hadn't realized Sora had noticed; The brunette boy moving his attention to the black haired boy, "What?" Sora asked with both his eyebrows raised.
Pence was still unsure of himself "You're...new around here, right?" he asked Sora, "I'm Pence" he then introduced himself to Sora
The blonde boy then getting up "Hayner" he too introduced himself but still came off as rude "Nice to meet you, but we got stuff to do, so catch ya later" then added as he walked past the group.
Hayner leaves
Olette shook her head at Hayner's attitude "My name's Olette." The female brunette introduced herself. "Hey, did you finish up the summer homework, yet? Independent studies are the worst, huh?" she then asked.
Sora's eyes widen as both his eyebrows shot up "Homework?" he said as he looks back at Donald and Goofy who shrug
"Hey, what're your names?" Pence then asked them
"Oh sorry, we're Sora, Donald, and Goofy." Goofy answered Pence.
"Hey there" Sora then greeted
"Sora, Donald, Goofy" Olette repeated as if she were in deep thought "We just met someone who was looking for you." Olette then said to the trio. Pence then adding "He sure seemed in a hurry; He had a black coat on so I couldn't see his face, but he had these big round ears" explained the black haired boy.
"The King!" exclaimed Donald.
Sora then too excited about this but that still left the question of where Aqua had disappeared too "Where'd you see him?" Sora asked the boy,
"At the train station, it's not that far from here" Pence then said.
"The train station! Thanks!" said Sora.
"Well, we'd better get back to that assignment." Olette then said to Pence, "Later" Pence saying good-bye to the trio; Olette and Pence leave the Usual Spot.
"Oh boy, The King's trying to find us" Said Donald.
"Yeah and he just may know where Master Aqua ran off too, let's get to the station!"
"Well, where is he?" Sora as out loud as they continued walking further into the area of the Central Train Station.
However it wasn't long till the trio was suddenly surrounded by silver creatures and out of pure instincts Sora, Donald and Goofy summon their weapons ready to fight off the creatures but as the fight begins the trio is quickly overwhelmed and became exhausted as they hadn't battled in such a long while.
Never the less two cloaked figures appears on the ledge of the station one tall as the other was short and watched as the Dusks strike again and as Sora holds up his Keyblade to try and fight the unrecognizable creatures.
The figures swoop down and destroy the remaining Nobodies with their own Keyblade's both keys stood out with their characteristics one golden keyblade while the other was a metal-grey color.
Sora is amazed at the two figures. Donald and Goofy pushed Sora down and out of the way; Donald who had his eyes on the shorter cloaked figure "You're Majesty?" he questions.
"Shh! You gotta board the train and leave town! The train knows the way." He holds out the munny pouch "Here" Sora takes it without a word and King Mickey then runs to Market Street while the tall figure stays behind with Sora, Donald and Goofy.
"Your Majesty..." Donald then said with a sad tone of voice as he watched the king run off.
"The King... Was that really him?" Sora then said, "It could a have been... Yep, I know it was!" Goofy then said, "Now we know he's okay!" Donald said in addition.
"Well then who's this?" Sora asked turning his full attention to the cloaked figure that still stood with them, as Goofy and Donald looked back to the figure as well. "Since that one was King Mickey then this one without a doubt has to be Master Aqua" Sora then said as he pointed his index finger to the taller figure.
The cloaked figure bringing; it's gloved covered hands to the hood and showed the face that was hiding in the hood, "I knew it" exclaimed Sora as Aqua showed herself to the others.
"Hello Sora," she said to her apprentice as she wore a smile on her face. It had been awhile since Aqua had seen her pupil while she took a quick glance at him, he'd defiantly been taller then she remembered. Aqua then unzipped her cloak, unveiling the outfit she acquired at Master Yensid's Tower.
Sora quirked a curious eyebrow at his master, "You weren't always wearing that, were you?" he asked her. Aqua not supressing a small chuckle "We'll talk about that later" She tells him.
Before Sora could ask his master anything else something important takes over Sora's thoughts "The King was locked in the realm of darkness, right?" Sora then asked changing the topic back to King Mickey.
"Uh-huh" Answered Goofy
"But we just saw him..." Sora then said
"Yep" Donald simply stated.
"And if the King is here, that means Riku's here!" Sora then said with realization; Aqua mentally slapped herself at the statement, she should have seen where that one was going.
"He's gotta be!" Donald agreed with Sora
"That isn't always the case, Sora" Aqua then said to her student who then chose to ignore the comment while Aqua tried to respect Riku's wishes of wanting to be alone during this difficult time but Aqua knew Riku was still guilt ridden with all the things Riku had done while he was being used by Xehanort but then afterward, Riku could barely face her once they reunited in Castle Oblivion.
She wanted to tell Sora, that Riku was on the side of town but she couldn't not because Riku asked her but more of Riku should be the one to tell Sora, he's alright but however Riku's recent new appearance; the keyblade master wasn't sure what is going on in Riku's head.
Aqua could only hope Riku overcomes these feelings of self guilt before it's too late; Aqua had a good idea of what Riku is putting himself through.
"Well, I'm gonna go look for Riku. Then we all can go back to the islands together. Kairi's there waiting for us!" Sora then explained off on a tangent. "What are you two gonna do?" he then asked
"Gawrsh, Sora. Do ya have to ask?" said Goofy as he and Donald both shared dead-panned facial expressions.
Sora laughs, "Hey! What's so funny!" asked Donald. "Your face!" replied Sora. Donald and Goofy look at each other and laugh along with Sora; Aqua didn't join into the laughter; there were still bigger things to be worry about.
"There is so much to go over" thought Aqua
"What do ya say, guys? Let's stick together for one more journey." Sora asked them as he took on his trademark stance of his arms behind his head.
Donald and Goofy nod; Sora then turning to Aqua "To...where again?"
"King Mickey said we haft a board the train!" Goofy responded to Sora, while Aqua nodded her head to confirm this. "Oh yeah" said Sora as he gave a cheeky smile, Donald sighs "C'mon!" Sora then says.
Aqua watched the trio run inside the train station; in that moment she was in awe of Sora, "Even after all that has been done and undone; he's still the same old Sora" Aqua said to herself before she joined the others inside.
"Wait up!" a voice calls out to the reunited foursome.
Hayner, Pence, and Olette catch up to them; they noticed a blue haired woman was now accompanying Sora, Donald and Goofy.
"Hey, Sora..." Hayner said to the boy
"What?" replied Sora, looking back to the blonde.
"Nothing, but..." Hayner started off but Pence cut him off, "We came to see you off. It just seemed like something we ought to do."
"Oh...really? Thanks!" Said Sora as he and Hayner didn't exactly get off on a right foot.
They may not have known why but Aqua had a good reason as to why but the bigger question is how? Since Roxas was in the fake Twilight Town, "How was that possible a connection created beyond reality and virtually?" Aqua mentally questioned herself.
A ringing sounds "You should hurry and get your tickets." Olette speaking up, "Right" said the keyblade apprentice as he takes out the Munny Pouch at the teller.
Olette takes a quick mental note of the pouch as she is looking slightly stunned, "What is it?" Donald asks the girl; Olette takes an exact copy of the Munny Pouch. "They're the same" commented Goofy, Olette nodded "Yeah" she said. Aqua could hear the confusion in her tone of voice.
Sora looks to both pouches and shrugs, "Four tickets, please!" Sora gets four tickets from the teller and then felt a sad emotion overcome him "I can't help feeling like we won't see this town again..." Sora said to no one in particular.
Aqua says nothing "So, Roxas is still conscious in his heart then" thought Aqua as she looked at Sora.
"Why not?" Donald inquired, Sora didn't answer him
"You're thinking' too much." Remarked Goofy; Sora then nodding his head as he said "Yeah, you're right!" as Sora tried to shake off that feeling of sadness.
"Okay, let's go!" Aqua said as they really needed to get to their destination; Donald and Goofy nod as they follow Aqua to the platform. Sora looking to the Hayner, Pence and Olette "Bye" he says to them.
Donald and Goofy wave as they enter the train while Aqua is waiting for Sora
"Hey, Sora. You sure we haven't met before?" Hayner then calls out to the male brunette. Sora thinks on it as he cross his arms over his chest and tilt's his head off to the side "Positive. Why do you ask?" replied Sora.
Hayner smirked as he shrugged his shoulders "I don't know"
Sora smiles at the new found friend and a tear falls down his cheek. Aqua and the other three are surprised as is Sora when he starts to brush it away, "Huh?"
"You okay?" asked Olette, Sora looking unsure "Y-yeah. Don't know where it came from" he says to them.
Hayner now chuckling, "Pull it together." He tells Sora
"Right... See ya." The keyblade apprentice then said as Sora waves and enters the train with Aqua following him.
He waves again as the door closes. The train begins to start up and then moving forward as it now leaving the station.
Aqua, Sora, Donald, and Goofy watching out the windows as the train rolls on through Twilight Town; Sora takes out the Munny Pouch and stares at it. The blue crystal ball is in it, and he holds it up to the light "You know…I'm sad." Sora then says to the others.
"We'll be back." Donald trying to reassure Sora; Goofy then smiled "Yeah. We can visit Hayner and those guys again." He too tells Sora.
Aqua staring out the window as her gaze has been caught by Sunset Hill, "Riku" she thought as she held off on telling Sora and the others about the last passed year.
The train rolls out into the open sky.
Axel and a hooded figure stand at Sunset Hill. Naminé sits on a nearby bench. Axel walks over to the wooden railing and leans on it, watching the train leave "They're gone" Axel speaking up. Breaking the awkward silence that had overcome Sunset Hill
Naminé looking up to the red-head, "Let's get going now" she says to him as her work was finally done; Sora was returned to his original self, memories and all.
"Where did you have in mind? It's not like you really have somewhere to go. Our kind doesn't have that." Said the red-head as he stands upright
Naminé lifting her head as her eyes connected with his "You're right Axel; There is no place for me. Still... There are some places I want to go... People I want to see..." Naminé tells him breaking their eye contact as she stares at the notebook in her lap, which shows a picture of Sora holding hands with Roxas.
Axel crossing his arms over his chest "Yeah, same here" He looks to the hooded man "So why don't you just let us go? He told you to get rid of us, didn't he?" Axel called out to the figure.
Naminé looks at the hooded figure, pulls the notebook closer, and looks at it again, "Is that true?" she ask.
"Go" The figure simply told the two nobodies.
"Is there a reason in there?" Axel then said as he unfolded his arms. They both turn to look at Axel.
The figure then looks at Naminé again, "I owe you two." The figure tells them.
Naminé stares back at him with a curious expression "Do you?"
"Yes, at Castle Oblivion" Answered the cloaked figure.
Axel looked unsure of himself "Well, thanks...I guess." He moves his arm and opens a dark portal. Naminé looks to Axel, then back to the man, then back to Axel, who nods. She faces the man, clutching her notebook. "I'm sorry" the female nobody apologizes to the hooded man. Naminé stands up walks slowly toward the portal, keeping her eyes on the hooded man. Eventually, she lets go and runs into the portal. Axel walks in after and it closes.
Riku then opening his portal back at the mansion to meet with King Mickey.
The train pulls onto the base of a mysterious tower, emblazoned with moons and stars like the train. Aqua, Sora, Donald, and Goofy leave the train, which then disappears, leaving only the tracks.
Sora giggles nervously, "There goes our ride..."
Aqua shrugged her shoulders, "No matter" she remarked as she and the others turned to the tower.
The foursome spotting a very large someone is standing at the doorway of the tower; the someone's back was turned to them, it looked as if he was peeking into the doors of the tower.
"What's going' on?" Donald questions the large figure.
"I sent some of my lackeys inside to see if the master of this here tower's as big and tough as they say. Word is, he's a real powerful sorcerer" explained the figure, the voice was male that was easy to tell but it sound awfully familiar to Aqua and she couldn't say why as she put a hand under her chin in thought. "Which would make him the perfect bodyguard for me, see it don't matter how tough he is; once he's a Heartless, he'll do as I say!" he then added
"A Heartless?" Donald then exclaimed
The figure continued on, "That's right. They're those things that come out of here the darkness in folks 'hearts. Why, with all those Heartless at her side, my dear friend Maleficent is gonna conquer everything! And since I got me a debt to pay, I'm going' 'round to a bunch of different worlds and building' an army of Heartless, special for her. Why am I talking' to you pipsqueaks anyway? Go on, scram! I'm behind schedule as it is." He said in extreme detail.
"You ought to find something' nicer to do." Commented Goofy
"Says who?" he turns around and spots Donald, Goofy, Sora and Aqua, "Wha...AAAH! It's you!"
Donald and Goofy eyes were widening with surprise, "Pete!" the animal duo identifying the large cat-like someone as Pete.
"Pete?" Aqua thought to herself as she was now looking at that cat-like creature's face and then as it hit Aqua like a ton of bricks, "Oh-No!" Aqua said out loud in a very miserable tone of voice as she had the mental picture of Captain Justice.
"What are you two nimrods doing' here!" Pete demanded of them.
"What are YOU doing here?" Donald yelled at Pete.
"You guys know him?" Sora asked Donald and Goofy,
Goofy looking to Sora "We sure do! Pete's been causing' trouble for ages! Her Majesty, Queen Minnie banished Pete to another dimension a long time ago." Goof explained to Sora.
"I remember now, He was banished for his selfish behavior during the dream festival; I was there" Aqua then said to the trio.
Pete looks to Aqua, "YOU!" he shouted to the keyblade master as he too recalled the bluenette woman, "That prize should have been mine!" Pete shouted at Aqua.
"The prize was nothing more than ice-cream; it was nothing to be upset about to being with" Aqua then said to Pete. "That banishment was all your own doing…Idiot" Aqua not holding back on the insult despite the fact it just wasn't in her nature.
"I wonder how he escaped his punishment." Goofy then asked; Pete then letting out a huge laugh, "You want to know how, eh? Well, Maleficent busted me out, that's how!" The cat creature said with pride "And now your world…no, no, no, all the worlds are gonna belong to yours truly. Cause Malficent's gonna help me conquer 'em!" said Pete.
The foursome could only look a Pete and it was simply hard picturing him controlling all the worlds with Maleficent as his seconded, Not to mention; it was clear as day the Pete didn't know a thing about Malficent's recent demise "Maleficent...huh" Sora then speaking up but it wasn't long till Aqua, Sora, Donald, and Goofy busted out with laughter
Pete gave a confused expression before he ranted on "What are you laughing at! Why, Malficent's power is so great…" but was cut off by the island boy. Sora then taking the opportunity to say "She's toast!" the island boy said with a wide Smile.
"Huh?" went Pete.
"Sorry, but Maleficent can't help ya now." Goofy then replied to Pete, "Whaddaya mean!" The cat creature yelled to the Goofy.
"What my student here means is, Maleficent has come across an evident case of death" Aqua said to Pete.
Donald snickers while the foursome just stood there with seemingly innocent smiles. Pete then coming to the realization "You so you're the ones that did it!" he said to them
Sora putting his arms behind his head, "Well...we might of had something to do with it" as Sora had the mental image of Riku stabbing Maleficent in her torso.
Pete now getting angry with the foursome of heroes as he stomped his foot to the ground "Heartless squad, Round up!" he yelled at the top of his lungs.
Some shadows come out of the ground; Sora and Aqua conjures their Keyblade's and fights them off within a matter of seconds and this time Sora had much more energy than in his previous battle with those silver-white creatures but to be fair Shadow Heartless are only the weakest foot-soldiers.
Pete then groaned angrily "You just wait! Nobody and I do mean nobody, messes with the mighty Pete!" yelled Pete as he seriously underestimated his new found enemies.
Sora unintentionally giving Pete a smug expression "So, "mighty" Pete, who lives in this tower, anyway?" he asks the cat.
"Oh, ya don't know, eh? Well, it's old Yensid. 'Course he's probably a Heartless by now!" gloated Pete as if he'd already won. Aqua merely shook her head in shame at the cat creature.
Master Yensid maybe more known for his skills as a powerful sorcerer but after all he is a retired Keyblade Master and those who know that information, already know outcome of this heartless attack on Master Yensid's tower, "Idiot" again she called him.
Donald's eyes growing big "That's right! Master Yensid lives here" said the mage duck as he pulled out his magic staff. Donald runs up the steps and into the tower
Goofy looking to "Yensid is the King's teacher!" Sora who caught his friend's stare "Wow, sounds powerful!"
Aqua smirked at Sora, "He's more than that Sora, he's also a Keyblade Master…well a retired master but never the less" she tells her pupil.
Aqua, Sora and Goofy then walking past Pete as the reach the main entrance and run up the stairs, leaving an ignored Pete with his dropped jaw hanging.
They ascend the stairs until they reach the top floor, fighting more of Pete's Heartless along the way.
After they were destroyed "Heartless, Heartless, Heartless! Things haven't changed one bit!" complained Donald
"Well, it's a good thing we're on the job, then." Replied Goofy.
"So the worlds aren't at peace after all?" Sora then asked as he looked to his Master.
They reach the Sorcerer's Loft where an old wizard is sitting at his desk.
Aqua, Donald and Goofy bow to him, "Master Yensid! It's an honor!" exclaimed Donald.
"Hey there!" greeted Sora, Goofy and Donald are slightly shocked at Sora, "Sora! Show some respect!" said Donald.
While Aqua was not surprised on bit but the Bluenette sighed as she fixed her posture and placed a hand on the back of Sora's head and made him give a bow to Master Yensid with his head.
"Ow" Sora muttered as Aqua let go, "What have I told you about meeting another Master" Aqua said to him; Sora looked at his teacher "But that was years ago and meeting other keyblade masters wasn't an everyday thing, ya know" the boy reasoned as he rubbed his head.
Aqua sighed as she tilted her head for a moment "Fair enough" she told Sora, "I'm sorry" she added on. The brunette almost looked stunned to hear that from his master's lips.
"So, you are Sora." Master Yensid, finally speaking up "Now then, have you seen the King yet?" asked the old master as he looked to Aqua on that question, in which she gave him a knowing look.
"Yes, we did, Master Yensid. But we didn't get a chance to really talk to him" answered Goofy.
"Yes...the King has been quite busy of late. Therefore, it would seem that the task of instructing you falls upon my shoulders. You have a perilous journey ahead of you. You must be well prepared." Spoke the retired Keyblade Master.
Sora's face dropped "You mean...we have to go on another quest?" as he interrupted the old master. "I was looking forward to finding my friend Riku, so we could go back to the islands." Sora said in addition.
Yensid nodding his head at this "Yes I know. However, everything in your journey, Sora, is connected. Whether you will find your way home to the islands... Whether you will return alone or with your friend... and whether or not the islands will still be there and the key that connects them all is you, Sora."
Aqua looking from Yensid to her pupil "I'm...the key" Sora said as more of a question then statement. Sora holds out his hand and the Keyblade flashes into it.
"Chosen wielder of the Keyblade! You are the key that will open the door to light." Master Yensid then said to the boy. Sora nods his head, while Aqua casting a concerned glance on the boy.
Yensid looks to Donald and Goofy who quickly stand up straight and nod. Yensid waves a hand over the table and a thick book appears. He makes it float into the air and spins it toward Sora. It opens and lands at the edge of the table.
"This book contains valuable knowledge you will need for your journey. Study it carefully, Sora. Once you have finished, we will speak of the enemies you will surely confront" Explained Master Yensid.
Sora reads the book: "The Beginning" - Each journey gives rise to chance encounters, and each encounter brings forth a farewell. When a farewell leads to a journey, the worlds open their hearts. Those chosen by the light, or ensnared by darkness. Friends who share the same bonds, though their paths may differ. When you doubt the path trod thus far, when the hand you held is lost to you, gaze anew at the heart that once was...for all the answers are within.
"Interlude" - A long dream. A sad farewell, hanging in the air in that "world between". What is reality? What is illusion? The path chosen by the young boy leads to his memories. When caught in the stream of the days and nights going past, gaze anew at your steps...for there all confusion will end.
"The Future Story" - Will the day come when this battle, born of confusion, will end? It is different things to different people. Can the reality be that which is hidden? The reason is mere existence. Still, memories can be believed. Be not afraid. Entrust your body to the soothing waves of your memories. By and by, your fleeting rest will be over...and everything will begin.
"But wait a sec…how come the Heartless are still running around?" Sora then questioned Yensid.
"Your past endeavors did prevent an immense effusion of Heartless from the great darkness; make no mistake about that. However, the Heartless are darkness made real and darkness lingers yet in every heart. The Heartless are fewer. But while darkness exists in a single heart, it will be difficult to eliminate them" Yensid explained to the boy.
Sora, Donald, and Goofy sigh where as Aqua was silent
"Gawrsh, that must mean...if everybody's heart was full of light, them Heartless go away!" remarked Goofy
Yensid nods, "Now it is time to speak of the enemies that you will encounter."
Yensid waves a hand and an image of Donald appears near the wall. This image then changes to a Shadow Heartless
"If one such as you, Donald, yields to the darkness in their heart, they too will become a Heartless. But you know this. The Heartless are always lurking and ever seeking to capture new hearts. Never let your guard down! Now then..."
Yensid waves his hand again and an image of a Dusk Nobody appears next to the Shadow, "At times, if someone with a strong heart and will be they evil or good becomes a Heartless, the empty shell they leave behind begins to act with a will of its own." The Shadow image disappears,
"An empty vessel whose heart has been stolen away... A spirit that goes on even as its body fades from existence for you see, Nobodies do not truly exist at all. Nobodies may seem to have feelings, but this is a ruse. They only pretend to have hearts. You must not be deceived!"
Aqua's thoughts shifting to…him as she shook her head gently in protest of the mere thought of him but lucky for her; no one had noticed this.
"Nobodies... They don't exist..." noted Sora
Two more images of Dusks appear around Sora, "Now then...the being you see before you is known as a Dusk; They are the most common form of Nobody but there are others." Spoke Yensid,
"Some larger with frightening and unique powers; you all must be vigilant!" as he gave them a warning. "On your journey, you will meet an alarming number of Dusks. They will all attempt to do you harm."
The images vanish, "they are nothing but empty shells, destined to return to the darkness. But…" The wizard waves his hand again and images of figures in black appear in the Dusks' place.
Sora, Donald, and Goofy look wary but Aqua doesn't as she has her eyes locked on to the middle figure, "I promise, I will put an end to you" she said in her mind.
"The beings you see before you now are different. These powerful Nobodies have formed a group called Organization XIII. It commands the lesser Nobodies" continued Master Yensid.
"Organization XIII..." Sora then mutters. He looks to Goofy and Donald but they shake their heads as Sora glances at Aqua and looks from her to what has captured her attention
"While Heartless act on instinct, Nobodies function in a higher manner. They can think and plan. And it seems they are working towards a goal. What that goal is, we do not know. The King sensed the danger, and journeyed forth to fight it. He found the dark realm's Keyblade, and with it, closed the door." Yensid informed them.
"Now he's traveling from world to world, fighting the Heartless as he seeks the answer to the riddle of the Nobodies and Organization XIII." The cloaked figures disappear.
Aqua zones back into the conversation as she hears Sora, "Then I guess we better go find the King first!" suggested Sora
"But where could he be?" Donald then questioned.
"Well, we won't know 'til we look." Said Goofy, "Yeah and the King must know where Riku is, 'cause the two of them were together in the realm of darkness when we closed the door. You know, after defeating Ansem." Sora added.
Yensid having his eyes on Sora, "So, before you go, you will need more suitable traveling clothes. Those look a bit too small for you." He says to the island boy while the color red appears on Sora's face; Yensid motions toward the door, "Through there, you'll find three good fairies. If you ask, they'll create for you appropriate garments."
"Gawrsh, Sora, you sure are growing fast." Commented Goofy
Sora still flushing red in his face "Uh, I guess..." Sora giggles nervously and pulls at his clothes. The trio enters the Wardrobe while Aqua stays with Master Yensid.
The sorcerer turned to the keyblade master, "Aqua as you know, we are in a dark time and the stars tell me many things" Yensid spoke to her directly, "Why didn't you tell me about Terra? Why have kept this information to yourself?" The old master questions her in a whispered voice
Aqua tried to avoid the hard stare of the old master but she couldn't, "I guess, I was in denial about it because even after our encounter at Hollow Bastion; it never felt real to me but running into him at Castle Oblivion and then in that dark world of his and knowing what I know about him and the horrid things he's done, that could do and will do" Aqua could feel all the repressed anger and sadness wanting to come out, "That's when became so horrifically real to me"
"…I…never imagined that he would sink this far down and the hard fact about that is, I could have stopped him at anytime and take him back to Master Eraqus and he would have been fine" Aqua clenching a fist as she tried to keep her emotions in check,
"But I couldn't…because I always had this blind faith that he would overcome his darkness; he was so close to achieving his dream of being a Master and all it took was one thought of doubt to destroy all of that." Aqua stopped for a moment to keep her composure, "And even after finding him in Radiant Garden with that bastard Xehanort in his body. I couldn't do the one last thing he asked me too because I still believed in him and now eleven years later, it's all being thrown back in my face." Aqua confessed to the old master.
"…And after all this time I still feel like I should be saving him and I don't why because I know 'that' is not Terra, he's nothing but a shell; an imposter" Aqua added on.
"Which brings me to this question, Aqua; would you save him, if given the chance?"
"Depends what's your definition of Save, Master Yensid" Aqua answered him.
Three fairies, one red, one green, and one blue are chatting near the window
"Me, Aqua, you guys, Riku, and the King; I don't care who this Organization is or what it's planning. With the five of us…I mean, six of us…there's nothing to worry about, right?" Sora asked Donald and Goofy.
"Yeah!" Donald encouraged
"Well, look who's here, dears! It's Sora, Donald, and Goofy!"
"Ooh, if you're looking for clothes, you've come to the right place!" said the fairy in blue
"I'll do the designing." The green fairy then spoke up; Flora and Merry-Weather pull Sora away from Goofy and Donald.
Fauna sends out a spell which turns Sora's clothes green
"Oh, that will never do." Merry-Weather flicks her wand and Sora's clothes turn blue
Flora then spoke up "Now, now, dears." Flora turns Sora's clothes pink.
"But don't you like this better?" Fauna makes Sora's clothes green again
"Hold on!" Flora turns them pink again. By now, Sora is looking helpless
"Are you certain?"
Fauna changes them green again
"Blue!" Merry-Weather makes them blue again. The fairies exchange more spells, making Sora's clothes continue changing colors.
A raven watches from the window, squawks, and flies away; A green clothed Sora finally decides to break the feud
"Aw, would you just decide?" Sora breaking his silence as he could not put up with the non-sense of the color feud anymore. The fairies gasp and slightly giggle, "All right, then. Together now, dears. And no more squabbling!" All three fairies turn their spells on Sora at once, and his clothes turn black with red and gold bands
"Oh, my!"
"Ooh, it's lovely."
"Oh, yes! He does look very dashing."
Sora is fine with it, and the Keyblade appears in his hand
"Now, those aren't ordinary garments. They have very special powers." Flora magic's up a glowing orb which hovers in front of Sora "Take the orb, dear."
Sora grabs for the orb and takes it in "and watches what happens" Sora is struck with immense power. A light flashes and his clothes are suddenly red. Donald and Goofy look in awe. Sora now is holding a second Keyblade in his left hand
"Whoa!" Exclaimed Sora,
"Wow!" said an impressed Donald, "Two Keyblades!" noted Goofy
"This journey's gonna be twice as difficult as your last." Sora sighs
"Your garments also have other powers but you will have to discover what they are as you continue on your journey."
Sora looks at both of his Keyblades, "Okay, I'll do my best. And thanks a lot!"
"Oh, and there's something else for you from Master Yensid." Said Fauna.
"Oh boy!" said Donald
They walk back into the hallway and see Aqua and Master Yensid, Where Yensid motions them over to the window.
A Gummi ship rises into view, "Hey! It's the Gummi Ship!" they cried out except for Aqua
The keyblade master turned to her pupil and friends "So you guys ready to go?" she asks them. They nod, and then stand up straight in the wizard's presence
"Now, now, just a moment." Said Master Yensid, The three relax a bit "Because of your previous endeavors, the worlds have returned to their original states. That means the pathways between them have disappeared."
"How do we get around?" asked the mage.
"Do not fear. If what the King suspected proves true, the worlds have prepared new pathways along which you may travel. These pathways may be utilized by unlocking special gates. How these gates are opened, I'm afraid I do not know... However, the Keyblade will serve as your guide. When a beam of light radiates from the Keyblade, return to the Gummi Ship. Though the worlds may seem far apart and out of reach, they nonetheless remain connected by invisible ties. As do our hearts." Explained Master Yensid.
"Our hearts are connected" Said Sora.
"That is correct." Replied Yensid; Sora then smiles and says "Got it!"
"But be warned. As you proceed...The Heartless and the Nobodies will be using their own paths: Corridors of darkness, to travel from world to world.
They may be attempting to link these dark pathways to the gates between the worlds." Warned Master Yensid
"Hey! That's not fair!" Donald complained
"Now then, that is all the information I can give to you. Go forth Aqua, Sora, Donald, and Goofy. Everyone is waiting." Ordered Master Yensid.
"Okay, let's get going!"
The trio stand up straight again while Aqua was already back straight, "Thank you," The bluenette says to the retired master.
"Master Yensid!" Donald then getting the sorcerer's attention, "We sure do appreciate the help." Goofy then said to the sorcerer.
Aqua giving a nod while as Sora, Donald and Goofy gives the old master a salute and then all four run down the corridor. Yensid disappears in a whisk of light.
Back in the Wardrobe, the fairies have noticed a strange figure in the window
"My goodness, what's that!" cried out Merry-Weather
The raven has flown in with a long black dress. He sets it down on the floor and slowly hops off it
"Haven't we seen this somewhere before?"
"Yes, dear. I wonder whose it was..." said Fauna, "Oh, Malefi…" Merry-Weather clasps her hands over her mouth
Flora turning to the Merry-Weather "No! We mustn't remember her name! Oh dear..."
"She was a mean old' witch! Oh no! The memories are coming back! What'll we go! Oh…what'll we do!"
The cloak begins to change form and rise out of the ground. The fairies mumble to each other about the horridness of the situation, "Perhaps we should tell Master Yensid."
"Yes. That's what we must do. Hurry!" Flora and Fauna leave the room.
The darkened form of Maleficent rises, "Maleficent!" Merry-Weather cries out just before she too flees.
Maleficent laughs at her return.
End Chapter.