Those Without Hearts
II: Warming Up to Strangers
The Lionheartless
For the next few years, the Heartless invasion barely slowed. With only a handful of independent kingdoms left, hope had not been entirely lost. The Heartless had quieted down, seemingly waiting for something.
The Disney Kingdom, as its King had ensured, remained untouched by the sinister reaches of the Heartless. Every now and then, brave search parties and rescue teams would be sent out in desperation to locate and keep in contact with the other remaining cities, as well as scoop up survivors dotting Heartless territory.
Since Sora's arrival at the Castle, he had been well taken care of. With no guardian or parent to claim him, King Mickey had taken full responsibility to raise Sora as if he were his own. From there, the entire kingdom furthermore thought of him as a prince, and was even rumored that he was to become the future heir to the throne.
However, his condition since the fateful day Sora appeared had hardly changed. Rarely speaking a single word, Sora was silent and completely void of emotion. King Mickey had urged everyone to overlook the boy's behavior, and do their best to accept and love him, just as he had.
In the years he spent in the castle, Sora was also raised as if he was a true prince, thus supporting the rumors of Sora actually being an heir to King Mickey. However, he was mostly brought up in the ways of a warrior, since he was the Keyblade Master. It was not long from when he began his training that his skills outmatched every other fighter, save the King himself. For those who barely knew him, he seemed cold and unrelenting when he fought, as if he was completely lost in power of the Keyblade.
Based on the observations suspicious eyes cast on Sora, there had grown many suspicions of what he truly was.
At first, he was thought to be a Nobody, his behavior strongly supporting the accusations. Product of the Heartless and bound to abandon the kingdom in selfish search to find his heart. King Mickey, as well as many other officials who had gained favor for Sora, quickly stomped out the ideas from settling in the minds of Disney's Kingdom.
Still, many wondered what lay in store ahead for Disney Kingdom, with an empty vessel as Sora so close to the throne.
It wasn't until another rescue party had returned, this time with refugees from the lost Radiant Garden, when things would finally begin to take a change.
Because, with them, stood certain princess. . .
While breakfast was being served in the dining hall, it just seemed like any other uneventful day was about to begin once more.
Commonly found where most stories begin.
Sora was, oddly enough, late for breakfast. Usually, he would simply appear onto the scene, right before someone was about to wonder if he would be coming on time.
The doors had suddenly burst open, guards lining the walls bursting to life as they rounded on the door at the intruder. Upon seeing who it was, they sighed, mumbling ("Oh, it's just him…") as they parted to let Sora through.
Over the years, Sora had mildly learned to use facial expressions.
The King and Queen stood, causing everyone else to immediately do so. Save for Donald, where Daisy had to drag him to his feet, since his fork stuffed with scrambled eggs was halfway up to his mouth. Sora's brow furrowed, more serious then usual, but his eyes were wide, showing a need of urgency.
Trailing behind Sora was the exhausted Commander of the Watch, Pete. Still huffing and wheezing from the exercise while continually glaring at Sora, he let out a slow, drawn out breath, and stood up, trying to regain his dignity.
"Well, your Majesties," Pete said with his usual sour tone. "The rescue band from last month returned with-"
Sora waved around a hand, grabbing everyone's attention away from Pete's moment of importance. Gesturing to them to follow, he bolted out of the room like a wild animal off for a hunt.
"Wow, I've never seen Sora this excited over anything." the Queen pointed out, King Mickey nodding in agreement.
"Gawrsh, I wonder what's goin' on." Goofy thought aloud, helping Daisy drag Donald away from his beloved meal.
They all left Pete standing there in the hall, looking more livid then ever as he trudged reluctantly after the group of nobles.
Standing completely still, enough to make the statues guarding the castle seem alive, Sora waited patiently as the nobles and monarchs had caught up.
Coming towards the castle's entering steps, was a weary group of knights and warriors alike. From behind was a rag-tag group of self-appointed guards of the rescued survivors. All circling protectively around the women and children pulling at carts and wagons full of what was left of their supplies. It was easy to tell the difference between the survivors and the warriors from Disney's Kingdom. All of the strangers wore similar, mud-stained cloaks with hoods shadowing their faces.
Before they approached any further, Sora suddenly shot out like a bullet, no one noticing until a few seconds passed as he pelted for the group. With his trusted Keyblade sparkling into his hand from nowhere, Sora took it with both hands and charged at full force.
As he raised the Keyblade for a first strike, one of the survivors lunged out from the formation, intercepting Sora's weapon at the last moment. Grinding their weapons together, the cloaked man struggled to match Sora's intensity. Unable to overpower him, the stranger dropped down to duck the swipe, then whirled around to trip Sora from behind.
Jumping up on the cart, then propelling himself in the air in an acrobatic twist, Sora fell to the ground, positioning his Keyblade to stab into his back. Grunting angrily, he rolled out of the way, the Keyblade planting into the ground. Sora followed him like a shadow, knocking aside his thrusts with ease as he tried to back away.
The stranger then, in desperation, willed his weapon to glow in a dark, blue aura. He was powering up and preparing a magic spell. Bringing down the weapon to cleave Sora in two, Sora's crossed the sword with a hard blow of his own, shattering his opponent's weapon.
The stranger stood in disbelief at handle of his broken sword, then, to everyone's surprise, laughed.
He still chuckled as Sora's Keyblade pointed at his throat.
"SORA!" King Mickey thundered, anger lacing his voice. It was a rare occurrence for the King to become angered, and something no one wished to invoke. Sora lowered his Keyblade, his face harder then stone. In a fluid moment, he reached out and ripped the hood off the stranger's face. Sora's glassy eyes widened for a moment.
Riku smirked at him, an eyebrow raised at his old friend. "Last time I go easy on you, Sora!"
Sora, typically, made no reply and turned to walk away. Taken aback, Riku had to force himself from letting his jaw drop from the unnatural coldness Sora was giving him. After all, they had just been reunited after nearly nine years of separation, and this was his way of saying hello?
"Sora...?"
Disappearing behind the crowds, Sora returned before King Mickey, who was looking very disappointed. Without the slightest hint of any remorse, Sora turned and made his way off the stairs, jumping off the side in a daredevil fashion. Everyone knew Sora only acted more distant then usual when he preferred to be alone.
"What's up with him?" Riku said, bitterness soaking his voice. The King and Queen, now standing before the survivors, exchanged glances.
"Would you happen to know Sora?" Minnie asked hopefully.
"I did," Riku replied, his sharp eyes hardening. "But, that was a long time ago."
"I guess we have quite a bit to explain, then," Mickey said, adding in a sigh.
"Oh!" Minnie gasped, then nudged her spouse in the side. "Where are our manners, Mickey?"
"Oh, right!" Mickey suddenly perked up, then bowed his head. "On behalf of everyone in Disney Kingdom, I, King Mickey Mouse-!"
"And Queen Minnie Mouse," She added in, taking the King's hand and curtsying with his bow.
"-we welcome you to our kingdom, from the bottom of our hearts!" Applause from the curious crowds of citizens broke out, sending out a great, warming feeling towards the newcomers. They seemed to relax now, especially after Sora's sudden 'welcoming' ambush towards them.
It quieted only when the Queen raised a hand to speak again, "You are all welcome to stay as long as you like!"
"Thank you," Riku said in unison with everyone else in the party, all of them bowing kneel down. A tall man came forward, throwing off his cape and tossing it on a cart. Revealing his long, dark hair and harsh blue eyes.
"I'm Squall Leonhart," He said. "But, just call me Leon. I'm the leader of this group."
"Pleased to meet you, Leon!" Mickey said smiling, offering his hand. Leon's lips tightened, trying to smile, as he took it and shook the King's hand.
"This is Riku, as you've already met." He gestured towards the silvery haired teen. "He's offered his help to us for awhile, and you might even say he's my right-hand-man."
"Hey," Riku said dully with a nod.
"And-" Leon continued, ignoring Riku's rudeness for now. "We would also like to tell you-"
"Please, please." Minnie interrupted. "You all must be very tired from your journey. Whatever it is you like to tell us, you may do so after you've all rested."
Leon sighed, looking relieved and grateful. "Thank you."
"No need," Mickey said. "Now...Daisy? Donald?"
"Yes, your Majesty?" The two ducks stepped forward.
"Take these folks somewhere where they can freshen up." The King ordered politely.
"You got it," Donald said, then adding on quickly, "Your Majesty!"
"Thanks, oh and..." Mickey quickly went over and tugged on Riku's limp hand. "You wouldn't mind coming with me for a bit, would 'ya?"
Riku looked up at Leon, who seemed too busy trying to organize the band of survivors again, then back at the King. Unable to refuse the monarch's request, he nodded solemnly.
"Great! You're a pal!" Mickey chirped, then taking the lead back up the staircase ascending to the castle.
Sora stood in the shadows of the clock tower's elegant gargoyles; winged white lions with their mouths wide and open in a trumpeting roar. He came up here often to sit amongst them, as if he was part of their silent pride. Here, he felt included, in a somewhat disheartening way.
If he could have, Sora probably would have laughed at the irony of the thought. Because he couldn't feel at all.
However, in a fraction of a second, something stirred within him as he felt Riku's presence. Incapable of showing his emotions, he reacted the only way he knew how. He attacked. The two of them had often sparred with each other as children with wooden swords. So, Sora had hoped maybe Riku might recognize his actions.
Fortunately, Riku did seem to catch that. Sora wanted to smile, but had forgotten how to. Because for once in a long time, he felt like he was having some fun for a change. Well, that is, until he got carried away. No surprise there.
As the sun slunk back into the mountains to sleep, Sora's gaze was fixated on it until it completely vanished. Curiously, he held out his hand longingly. He would look at the sun in between his fingers and wonder...what was it like to feel warm? Everything felt the same to Sora, numb and icy. When he was younger, he remembered while the maids were tucking him in his bed, it was always the same question.
"Is that warm enough for you?"
Sora never truly understood what that meant, and once, he tried to ask someone to explain it to him. But, speaking was getting even harder for him with each passing day. He could fight and spar for hours and hours on end, and hardly break a sweat. But, he couldn't even muster a simple 'Hello' back to the shy, blushing maids without feeling like a he'd collapse any second.
The only thing that kept Sora from losing himself was the soothing voice that resonated from the Keyblade, reminding him of his life before he and weapon became one. He looked forward to his practices, that way. Another reason why he would exercise constantly with it.
An uncomfortable jerk twisted inside his chest, causing him to flinch slightly.
This is why he disliked thinking. He always would end up thinking too much, which only made him more lost and confused then when he started.
Reaching out, his hand closed over the Keyblade as it appeared. He squeezed the handle, feeling it tickle his hand with its...warmth?
Yes, his thoughts were back where he first started.
Sora stood, the muscles in his jaw clenching together. Here is where one would normally sigh, except for Sora.
Now seemed to be another good time to train.
They had told her not to wander off. Stay with the group, that's all. Just stay with the group.
She should have listened. But then again, they should have expected her to do exactly what they told her not to do.
The castle was as gorgeous as it was enormous. She had never seen anything this wondrous before in her life. It had been quite some time since she was allowed to wander through the corridors of a castle.
The Disney Kingdom...she already loved it. Nowhere before, had she felt so welcome and at home. For years, she had been tossed from group to group, always fleeing from the Heartless. Every time, she was told she had to be kept safe from the Heartless. And each time, they were always vague why she was so important, that others would be left behind to protect her, and only her, from harm.
Finally, they had all made it. No one getting left behind, this time. For as long as she could recall, everyone had always talked about this particular kingdom. How no darkness could penetrate its walls, a place free from the clutches of the Heartless. It sounded like the happiest place in the world to her. There were times, when it only seemed like a myth just to keep everyone's hopes alive.
But here she was, standing in the great halls of Disney Castle, under the protection of the fabled Cornerstone of Light, as well as the legendary two Keyblade Masters.
She wanted so much to meet them, personally. Leon and the others all mentioned how one of them was actually the King of Disney himself. The thought seemed so exciting to her. No wonder the kingdom was so well protected, having a Keyblade Master as the leader.
Unfortunately, for her, no one bothered to wake her as they arrived in the city, and she had slept through the entire meeting. After she had woken up here she was told that both Keyblade Masters were present.
Then again, she wasn't too surprised she missed it. Everyone, especially Riku, full well knowing how eager she was about the encounter. And Riku always did enjoy teasing her.
However, based on everyone's stories, the other Keyblade Master didn't seem too glamorous and heroic. When she had woken, she had been told several versions that he had actually attacked them! Luckily, Riku was there to stop him, which couldn't have been anyone better. Though no one said it out loud, for fear that Leon might overhear, Riku was, by far, the best fighter they had ever seen. He could even take on Leon on his own and come out without a scratch.
The fact that he lost horribly to someone, Keyblade Master or no, was hard to believe.
And that made her want to meet that particular Keyblade Master even more.
She paused suddenly, after hearing a loud, exerting grunt.
Someone was training? At this hour?
After living so long under the fear of the Heartless, she was quite adept at recognizing sounds and assessing situations. Also being in several battles herself, she had attained a taste where she now enjoyed watching people enhance their skills through training. Eager to observe the warrior, she followed her ears towards the source.
There, in the courtyard, was a young man, performing an impressive array of maneuvers and combos as he pummeled through invisible foes. Causing her to slightly flush at the sight of him, she had to admit, he was actually quite handsome. Even more curious, she tried to find a better and closer view.
The boy was lightly sweating, showing he was in top physical condition, as if his complicated techniques did not prove that. Climbing up to sit atop the railing, she peered down at him, studying his movements.
Noticing he had a very curious weapon, she squinted to try and improve her vision to get a better glimpse. It appeared to be a sword, glimmering after every strike it made. As she recognized the sword to be in the shape of an oversized key, her heart stopped at the realization.
THAT was the Keyblade Master?
Expecting him to be much older then a teenage boy, the impact of her shock caused her grip on the ledge that securely held her to wane. Also given the fact she was leaning in very closely forward, piled onto her misfortune as her balance wobbled.
Unable to recover, she fell forward, a helpless scream erupting from her lungs.
The Keyblade Master instantly whipped around, throwing aside his weapon for it to vanish. In a full run, he dove and caught the girl, but tripped over the sudden weight, sending the two rolling along the dirt until he hit the foundation, halting their tumble.
Groaning at her scratched legs and arms, she went to push herself off, but her arm gave a protesting twinge. Yelping at her broken support, she fell back down, her head crashing into his jaw.
Not even showing any signs he was hurt, he took her shoulders and pushed her along with him as he sat up. Taking her chin, the boy examined her face, then looked at the injuries on her arms and legs. She was startled by the look in his glossy, cerulean eyes.
They were completely blank of any feeling whatsoever.
The sight instantly made her feel saddened for him. Her vision of the Keyblade Master didn't match her personal, predicted description at all.
She had imagined him to be older, more of an elderly age, eyes filled with kindness and wisdom, and a presence none would dare challenge. This boy, however, seemed broken and empty, and had an aura of utter loneliness.
While she had been studying him, he had put his attention to tend her wounds, no matter how small they were.
Rubbing a hand slowly over each cut and scrape, her skin seemed to melt back together instantly as a serene, cool layer of light touched the afflictions. But, it did feel a little awkward for her, especially when during the moments when he cured her legs.
Still ignoring his own cuts and scrapes, he turned his attention to her sprained elbow as it tilted further in the wrong direction. As he touched it, she instantly drew away at the slightest hint of pain. He shook his head, his eyes almost trying to look worried.
Swallowing hard, his eyes narrowed as he opened his mouth.
"...s-stay..." He croaked, his voice was rough like sandpaper against metal. If she hadn't known any better, she might have thought he had never tried speaking a word in his entire life.
Still with a look of confusion on her face, he rubbed his throat, now burning painfully from a single spoken word.
"S-still..." His voice was just as hoarse, if not more, then before.
Nodding in understanding, she offered her arm. Placing both hands on one elbow, he looked at her, she nodding frantically, wanting it to be over soon. Nodding as well, his fingers closed over her elbow. Biting back her cry, she shut her eyes...but the pain was already gone.
Looking at her arm in astonishment, she tested it out by waving it around. In her moment of joy and without thinking, she wrapped her arms around his neck in gratitude. Releasing him as soon as she had embraced him, leaving his eyes a bit wider then before, as she playfully spun around in a circle with her arms reaching out.
Then she stopped herself, realizing how childish she must have appeared.
"S-sorry about that." She said, putting her hands behind her back and lacing her two fingers together in embarrassment. "I'm not normally like this, you know." He only watched her, with no reaction or judgment on his face.
"Um," She went on, now slightly intimidated by the presence of a Keyblade Master. "I'm just so glad to finally be here, at your kingdom, I mean." Turning around, she spoke clearly enough for him to still hear her voice perfectly. "After running for our lives for so long, it's hard to believe the fact we're actually somewhere safe now.
"Oh!" She spun around. "I haven't told you my name, have I?"
He shook his head, no.
Smiling brightly, she extended her hand. "I'm Kairi." Blinking, the boy looked at her hand, then cautiously took it. Not shaking it, like he normally would. He simply just held it.
Looking like something was stuck in his throat, he tried desperately to say something. "I-I..." Kairi tried not to frown. So, he did have trouble speaking...
"S-ssss," He hissed, forcing sound out harder with each attempt. "Sssssoore..." He puffed out a breath, then closed his eyes and breathed in. "Ssssoore...Ssssooore-ah." His shoulders sagged, worried if that wasn't eligible enough for her to understand. He opened his mouth to try once more.
"...Sora." Kairi said slowly for him. He looked up, nodding quickly, his grip on her hand tightening with his confirmation that she was correct. "Sora." She said again, rolling the name around in her mouth, now smiling wide. His other hand came to hold her hand as well as he took a step closer.
"Sora!" She shouted happily, then followed his movement and had placed her hand on top of his. Kairi giggled softly, searching to find any inclination of happiness in his eyes. "It's an honor to meet you, Sora."