Kingdom Hearts: Final Confrontation
Presence Known PART I
The night passed on as the stars grew brighter and more numerous is the sky. However, even in the deepest of the night, Riku remained on the island, gazing at the evidence left behind him. The party had been cancelled due to the incident and Riku spent the night on the island, pondering at the artifacts found at the scene of the crime. He observed the box with the letter 'G' inscribed on it and the broken sword, which was used to strike down Tidus. Examining them by fire light, Riku thought and thought. Perhaps this incident was linked to the resurfacing of dreams he had been having in the past.
"Why…?" Riku asked himself. "Why of all times…?"
It was then that he heard someone walking on the sandy beach. He drew out his keyblade. In the midst of the shadows surrounding the little campfire, Riku observed a figure approaching him.
"Who's there!" he shouted.
"It's just me!" the voice replied. Riku realized, as the figure became more illuminated by the fire light, it was only Sora.
"Oh, it's you, Sora…"-
"You've been here all night, Riku. Don't you think that you should be going home?"-
"It's alright. I was just investigating the crime scene."-
"Really? What have you concluded to?"-
"That's the thing. I haven't really reached any conclusions. Not with the amount of evidence here."-
"Whoever this guy is, he certainly knows not to leave a great deal of evidence behind."-
"Yeah…"-
Sora sat down besides Riku and gazed up into the night sky.
"The stars are beautiful tonight." Sora uttered. "Too bad this had to happen though."
"How's Tidus's condition?" Riku asked.
"He's doing fine now. He just needs at least a few days rest. The doctor said that he would have died, however, had he lost a few more ounces of blood. The wound itself was not a fatal one. The blade pierced all the way through Tidus's shoulder, but it didn't puncture any vital arteries, or shatter any bone, or main muscle. It was just a clear stab through flesh."-
"I see. So Tidus will make a full recovery?"-
"From what I understand, yes." Sora looked at Riku. "But I have to ask you something, Riku. Tidus is the third toughest on Destiny Island, compared to you and I. He's a tough guy to take down. And since that ordeal he went through against Sin, he's vastly improved. I mean, there are not a lot of guys who can beat him up so badly to the point of death. What kind of guy could have done that?"-
"I know…" Riku implied.
"You know?" Sora glared at him in shock. "You know who did this to Tidus? But how?"
"Simply by looking at these items that I found when we discovered Tidus half dead." Riku picked up the box and handed it to Sora. He then pointed at the letter 'G' inscribed on the lid. "You've seen this symbol before haven't you? We've both seen it."
Sora recalled the memories to when he saw this strange insignia. It was at that moment that he realized what he was looking at.
"But this…this…" he uttered. "this…is the symbol of the Gatler Generals of the Dark Empire. I remember seeing this same emblem on the collar of General Durovano's uniform. But are you saying that it was a Gatler General that did this?"
"None other…"-
"But what would a Gatler General be doing here? I thought that the doors to all worlds had been sealed, except the one held in Oceansburg by the Alliance?"-
"I don't know…"-
"But if there is a Gatler General wandering about Destiny Island, which of the three would he be? And why would he come here in the first place?"-
"Perhaps looking for revenge." Riku stood up and picked up the fragments of the broken sword. "Revenge on either one, or both of us. However, I have a feeling I know who's behind this." Suddenly, Riku fell to his knees, grasping at the right side of his throat.
"Riku!" Sora shouted, rushing to his friend's side. "What is it? What's happened?" He noticed that Riku was covering his throat. "What's wrong with your neck?"
"Just old memories, that's all." Riku removed his hand and on his throat, there was a red streak running across the entire right side of his throat.
"What is that?" Sora looked at it closer. "It looks like someone was trying to cut your throat, or held a sharpened blade to it anyway."
"Every time I think of that battle against the Gatler Generals, this old wound resurfaces to remind me of that incident. But the pain has never been as excruciating as this." Riku looked at Sora. "That's why I told you that the fight against the Gatler Generals was the most frightening battle I ever engaged in, because I was standing on a thin line between life and death. And it was because of that battle that I have been having these strong nostalgic feelings return to me. The force of that attack used against me, which inflicted this scar, was one that surpassed any other devastating attack I encountered before."
"What kind of an attack was it?"-
"It was a thrust attack."-
"That's it?" Sora folded his arms in front of him. "Just a simple thrust attack?"
"Not just any thrust attack, Sora. But one that is the basis for all thrust attacks used in the universe. The basic fundamentals for the perfect thrust attack. One used by many Imperials. The Imperial Thrust. This technique was the first well established strike that could kill an opponent with one hit. Many other thrust attacks are based off this style, from Cloud Strife's Sonic Blade to Saito's Gatotsu. The Imperial Thrust is an unrivaled attack that dwarfs all others in speed and power." Riku showed Sora the sword. "This broken sword is evidence of that power, snapping in half so clean. The amount of power and speed used to break this blade must've been immense. To add, this sword is made from the same material that our old Imperial katanas were made of. To have the sword snapped in half so easily…there must be quite a lot of energy behind it."
"So how did this attack create that scar?"-
"The attack," Riku continued, "accumulates sharp air currents around the blade during the thrust. The blade didn't even touch my throat. It was about an inch away from by flesh, but the powerful air pressure accumulating from the sword, ruptured a few of the nerve endings and capillaries in my skin. That's how this scar was formed. Normally, it's not visible. However, when that memory is triggered, that old scar begins to throb and reveals itself again." Riku gazed into the night sky. "It was the attack, which nearly ended my life if it were not for my fast thinking and quick reflexes. It was the one version of the Imperial Thrust that he created and alone perfected…The Noctin Exmortin."
"Who's he?" Sora wanted to know. "Who was the one who gave you the scar and injured Tidus? Which of the three is it, Riku? If you know, please tell me."
"The leader of the 2nd Gatler Tank division…General Arinario Triiken. The skills of Triiken have not diminished. He's still as good as when we first confronted each other at Halloween Town. My own skills have depleted though since the peace we established six years ago. With my skills depleted to at least three quarters of what they were before, and with my vow never to rely on the dark powers within my heart, would I be able to confront such a foe."-
"Of course you will!" Sora chuckled, coming up from behind and putting both arms around Riku, squeezing him. "You know why? Because I'll be there to help you! That's what friends are for!" Riku, seeing that happy-go-lucky grin on Sora, and that same twinkle in his sky blue eyes, could only smile. He grasped at Sora's hand.
"Thanks, Sora." He uttered.
"Well, what do you say we go home now, eh buddy?"-
"That sounds good now. After all that's happened today, I could really go for a nice rest in my own bed…" Riku now stumbled slightly, due to his fatigue. His eyes were now slightly open, his eyelids slowly closing.
"I'll help you home." Sora said. He stamped out the fire and slung his friend's arm over his shoulder. Then, like two drunken men, they hobbled to their boats and rowed home.
The following day started out quiet and without real activity. The early morning saw a beautiful sunrise and a clear day. The air was still crisp and cool and the dew on the leaves of plants and trees were still heavy. It was at this early morning that Sora and Kairi walked down to visit Riku. They walked up the door of his home and rang the doorbell. Riku, who was now in his mid twenties, had gained enough income to settle in his own residential home. So it was alright for them to ring the bell in the early wee hours.
"Riku!" Sora shouted. "You home!" There was no answer though. Kairi ran to the balcony of his room.
"Riku!" she cried. "Get up sleepy head!" Still there was no response.
"Riku!" Sora shouted again.
"He's not home right now!" a voice said. Sora turned to see one of Riku's neighbors out, watering her flowers.
"Where did he go?"-
"Last time I saw him, he went that way, up the hill towards the cemetery."-
"The cemetery?"-
"Oh no…" Kairi uttered. "Not again."
The two went running up the hill to a small graveyard just atop the ridge. It was there that they saw Riku kneeling over the grave of a well known friend. The two walked up to him, just in time to see him place a bouquet of flowers over the grave. On the head stone was carved the name…
Namine
"You're here again, Riku?" Kairi asked.
"Just came to pay my respects to the one I love." Riku uttered. He gazed at the grave of Namine so tenderly. "She was one who would always be there for me. Just like you two. Even though she was Kairi's opposite, she still loved me. It was even a miracle that she found her way to this world. She must've somehow seen my longing for a companion to enjoy life with. Thus, Namine found it within herself to somehow take on a physical form by her own free will. After being a by my side that time fighting the Organization, I believe there was a connection between the two of us."
"Namine was such a fine young woman. And one to befriend so well. You might say that we were sisters."-
"It's hard to believe that she's gone." Sora uttered. "She was so lovely too."
"It was an advanced stage of tuberculosis that took her life, despite her being a Nobody." Riku said. "She was susceptible to the same diseases as the rest of us. She came onto Destiny Island shortly after we arrived from our ordeal against the Organization and the Heartless. It had only been two years that she came to live with us on our island when she died of this sickness." Riku placed his hand on her name. "I miss her so much." Kairi placed her hand on Riku and caressed him to her bosom. Riku's eyes suddenly filled with tears. Sora sat next to his friend and placed his hand on his shoulder.
"We will all miss her." He uttered. "Namine was one of us, one of the gang."
"She was also a part of me." Kairi continued. "No doubt that she once again resides within me. Though she was a Nobody, I believe that she might have found a heart to go with her body. It just goes to show how boundless and unpredictable our hearts can be. They too have the capability of forging other hearts."
"Farewell, my sweet." Riku stood up and wiped the tears from his eyes. He then turned to his two friends. "So what brings you two here?"
"We came to ask you if you wanted to join us to go the hospital. We were going to go and check on Tidus and keep him company for a while."-
"That sounds good. I think we could all do with a little socializing." Riku stretched his back. "Let's get going."
"Great!" Sora chuckled. The three began their trek to see their friend Tidus, who still lay in bed at the hospital.
When they reached the hospital and entered the lobby, they walked up to the front desk.
"We've come to visit our friend, Tidus." Kairi implied to the nurse.
"May I have your names please?" the nurse asked.
"Sure. I'm Kairi."-
"I'm Sora." Sora added.
"And I'm Riku." Riku finished off.
"Sora and Riku?" the nurse asked. "There has been someone looking around for you earlier?"
"Really? Who?" Sora asked.
"I don't know. He never gave me his name. And I've never seen his face around here before." Immediately, fear entered the minds of the two keybearers.
"Could you tell us what he looked like?" Riku asked.
"I don't know what he looks like. He had sunglasses and a cap on. But he was slightly tall. A little taller than you, Riku." She pulled out of the desk, a slip of paper. "He said that he wanted me to give this to you." She handed the paper to Riku. Riku unfolded the paper to see what was written. As he looked, he saw the word 'soon' written on it.
"Soon?" Sora asked, looking at the simple word on the note. "What does that mean?"
"I don't know." Riku folded up the note and put it in his pocket. He then turned and walked out of the hospital. "I have to go."
"But Riku…" Kairi uttered. "What about Tidus?"
"I'll be back soon. I just need to take care of something."
"Take care of something? But Riku…"-
It was then that Kairi felt Sora's hand fall gently on her shoulder. She gazed at him, but instead of his happy-go-lucky smile, there was a concerned look on his face.
"Don't worry, Kairi." Sora uttered. "Riku will be back. He just needs to take care of some business."
"What kind of business?"-
"Just a little favor he has to fulfill for someone." Sora began to walk down the isle, towards the room where Tidus was in. "Come now. Tidus could use some company."
Kairi could only watch the door, when Riku stepped out. She sighed and joined Sora to visit their bedridden friend.
They entered the little room where Tidus lay. His shoulder was wrapped in bandages and he was placed on a life support. The two stepped up to the bed.
"Tidus?" Sora uttered.
"Tidus." Kairi added. "It's us."
Tidus's eyes remained closed for the time being. The two watched as their friend continued to slumber away. Kairi place her hand on his head, moving the strands of hair from his eyes. Sora took up a couple of chairs and placed them next to Tidus's bedside. There they sat for a while, keeping vigilant over the sleeping Tidus.
At the same time, not too far from the hospital, at a small restaurant just up the road, General Triiken, also known as Yamagata Kuroda, was sitting down to his breakfast. The waitress came with a plate of cornmeal grits. She placed the dish before him and smiled.
"Here you go, sir." She said. "Our top quality grits for you. Enjoy and take your time."
"Thank you very much." Triiken said as she walked away. "But I'm in rather a hurry so I better eat quickly. Time is of the essence right now."
But as he placed the napkin in his lap, the door opened with the ring of the bell, latched to its top, and none other than Ilian Archibald entered the restaurant. He sat himself on the seat opposite of Triiken.
"Is that all you're having!" Archibald said, in a rather aggressive and irritable nature, "one platter of plain, cornmeal grits! I could scarcely call that breakfast! Wouldn't you agree General Triiken!
Triiken only quietly placed a slice of butter atop the mound of ground cornmeal.
"I like my grits plain and unaccompanied by any other unnecessary dish that may fatten me up. To be fat is not a good condition for one of my athletic abilities. And to add for now, my name if Inspector Yamagata Kuroda." Triiken tapped his fork on the table and scooped up a little of the first grit. "I believe your name was Ilian Archibald, was it not? Is there something of great importance that you must tell me if you have enough nerve to interrupt my meal? Or is there something that you want from me?"
"It's neither of those things! I just really hate you and your attitude, Kuroda!" Triiken took no note of his ally's hot temper and continued to scoop up his grits and placed it in his mouth a little at a time. At the same time, Archibald continued to aggressively attack him with his words. "I was the one who was supposed to take out the keybearers. I was in fact the one originally assigned to take care of all missions in this realm. But Mr. Ranker decided to hand the job over to you, the new guy, simply because you happen to have some experience fighting with those two kids! Listen, if you're going to fight them, then fight them and get it over with, so that you can get yourself killed a lot quicker! That way you can make room for the more experienced assassins! You keep going at this snails pace and sooner, or later, someone's gonna be tempted to stab you in the back! You understand what I'm saying!" It was then that Triiken began to chuckle. Archibald, angry at this spectacle, slammed his hand hard on the table. "What the hell are you laughing at! You think I'm kidding around with you! You better learn to take me seriously."
"Oh, there's no need to be so irritated by my actions." Triiken explained as he wiped his mouth with his napkin. "I understand completely how you feel. It's only natural for someone like you to act like a spoiled little child just because things aren't going your way."
"You trying to be funny, or something!"-
"I never said that now did I. Listen to me, Archibald. You want to increase your status as being an ultra class 'A' assassin, am I right? Well, then I'll gladly let you have it. Let's drop our individuality for the time being and make this mission a cooperative effort. What do you say?"-
"Heh! If you think that I'd ever cooperate with the likes of you, then you're only fooling yourself."-
"Just calm down and at least listen to my plan." Triiken scooped up the last morsel of cornmeal from his plate. "During the meeting we three had last night, I had explained that I had left a few items back on that small island off the coast. Now, knowing Riku, he must know by now that I am involved. If you recall, I mentioned that last night. However, he can't fully guarantee anything with only a box and a broken sword as his only clues. So, naturally, he would be waiting for me to make the next move. So, earlier this morning, I dropped a message at the hospital where their friend, Tidus, is being cared for. Now, naturally Riku will want to search the areas where I would most likely be, fearing the safety of his other friends. He will eventually want to seek out any suspicious activity at his own home. It was there that I left a declaration in his letter box. Written on it is the place where I will meet both him and Sora. However, instead of finding me there, they will be confronting none other than you."
"I see what you're getting at." Archibald chuckled. "You'll be acting like the bait that lures the keybearers in am I right?"
"And you will be the one in charge of their execution. Does that sound fair enough?"-
"It's not too bad! Not too bad at all! But there's something about this plan that I don't like. You also mentioned last night that Riku and Sora were the ultimate arch rivals of the Gatler Generals. I don't get why you would just hand those two guys over to me without any strings attached. How do I know that there ain't any kind of catch?"-
"Well, I might have said that the keybearers were the ultimate rivals of the Gatler Generals before our late minister of propaganda, but I obviously don't care about that issue anymore. As a well known Gatler general, I made sure to engage in confrontations that I knew would benefit mostly to me, without the threat of some retaliation. Right now, I enjoy the way my life is going, living in peace with the occasional amusement every now and then. Instead of taking one radical and drastic leap, I like to take multiple and more precarious baby steps to help ensure success and have established a strong foundation for myself. That way, I have something to fall back to in case there is a need for it." Triiken then reached into his pocket and pulled out a small bag of gold coins. "And just to assure you that I will not go back on my work, I will pay you a grand bounty for your efforts." He handed the bag to Archibald.
"Now I know you want something in return if you're so willing to pay me to do what you were assigned to carry out."-
"There's no catch at all." Triiken chuckled. "If you manage to kill both of the keybearers before this evening, I will pay you ten times the amount I have given you now."
"You really mean that?"-
"I swear to you as a follower of the Imperial code."-
Archibald grinned and greedily grabbed the bag from off of the table. He dumped out the coins in his hand and counted them. After doing so, he placed the coins back in the bag and put it in his pocket. He then grinned at Triiken.
"I still don't like it, but I like the story you made as well as the proposition you've given me, Kuroda!" Archibald stood up and walked away. "Very well, I'll do your bidding and kill the keybearers for you! But just because I'm getting paid by you, doesn't change the fact that I still hate your guts! And just another word in for you! Despite what you, or Ranker think, there's one thing that you should drill into that thick skull of yours. The best man that we have working this operation is none other than me!" With an arrogant gesture, Archibald exited the restaurant, leaving Triiken to finish his meal. But Triiken, despite Archibald's sentiment, was little fazed by the harsh statements made. Instead, he only smiled to himself.
"Idiot." Triiken uttered to himself. "If he wants to fight the keybearers so badly, then let him do so. I have no interests in petty quarreling. His personal issues are completely insignificant to me."
Meanwhile, after searching for any suspicious activity, as Triiken had predicted, Riku had finished investigating the homes of his friends. He eventually made his way back to his own house. It had been over two hours since he left Sora and Kairi and was now reaching the end of his destination.
"Triiken must be around here somewhere." He thought to himself. "But knowing him, he's waiting for me to make the first move. But I'll pull a reversal on him and wait for him to make the first move." Sure enough, as he walked to the front of his house, he noticed an envelope with that same seal, the letter 'G' posted on its front. He took the envelope and opened it up. He read the note that was written on it. Instantly, Riku's eyes turned with a burning determination to finish this dispute once and for all. He sat upon his porch, with note in hand, pondering of the action he must take.
It was then, just a few minutes after he had sat down that Kairi and Sora appeared, walking towards him.
"Riku!" Sora shouted. "There you are! We were wondering what happened to you!"
"Are you OK, Riku?" Kairi asked. Riku quickly shoved the letter into his pocket and stood up to meet his friends.
"Could you two come in for a while?" Riku asked.
"Yeah sure." Sora implied. "But you look like you have something on your mind. What is it?"
"It's a little complicated." Riku took out his house key and unlocked the door. The three stepped into his home. Riku then halted them. "Kairi, could you wait in the living room for a minute. I need to discuss something very important with Sora."
"Sure." Kairi replied. "But what must you discuss that you can't share it with me?"
"Please Kairi…" Riku turned his back towards them. Kairi lowered her eyes, but Sora patted her on the shoulder.
"We won't be long." Sora uttered to her. "Just wait for us please."
"Alright." Kairi uttered. She walked into the living room and sat on the couch.
"Come with me, Sora." Riku requested, climbing up the stairs. Sora followed closely behind him. They entered Riku's room, where Riku shut the door behind him.
"OK, Riku," Sora said, "I know there's something on your mind. So what is it that you wanted to discuss with me?" It was then that Riku pulled out the letter. He gave it to Sora.
"I found this letter in my mailbox today." Riku uttered. "I want you to read it."
Sora unfolded the letter and read it. The letter stated as followed.
Keybearers,
So I have finally caught up with you. It seems that we have an old score to settle. I stand to maintain the honor of the Gatler Generals and resolve the fight we never concluded. I will be waiting for you today at the isle off shore, upon the sandy beaches.
Triiken
"You were right." Sora uttered. "What'll we do?"
"We'll never find peace so long as there is one last Imperial who wishes to settle the score with us." Riku explained. "The letter specifically calls for both of us. If Triiken has come for a rematch, then it's a rematch that we'll give him."
"But when will we go to meet him?"-
"We leave now."-
"But what about Kairi?"-
"It's best that we don't get her, or any of the others involved in this. They've suffered enough and I don't want to break this peace for them."-
"But what will we tell Kairi?"-
"Leave that to me, Sora." The two exited the room and descended back down the stairs to the first floor where Kairi was still waiting for them.
"Well, it took you long enough." Kairi said. The tone of her voice was rather irritated now.
"We have to go away for a while, Kairi." Riku stated.
"You and Sora?"-
"Yes."-
"So you guys intend to leave me behind again? What is it that you two are keeping from me? I want to know!"-
"It's better that you don't know."-
"I want to know! Let me in on it!"-
"It's better that you don't know what'll happen."-
"I don't care! What is it that's so important that you don't want me to find out about it!"-
"I can only tell you this much, Kairi." Riku placed his hands on her shoulders. "Something bad is going to happen and I don't want you, or the others to get involved alright."
"What do you mean something bad is going to happen! What is it!"-
"Let's just leave it at that, Kairi." Riku walked towards the front door. "Right now, I want you to stay here and watch the place while we're gone."-
"You intend to dump me here and yet you expect me to watch your house for you!" Kairi's attitude became more aggressive.
"Please do what Riku says, Kairi." Sora uttered. "For our sakes as well as yours."
"Is it that bad!" Kairi cried. But Riku and Sora said no further words and walked out of the house. Kairi ran to the doorstep and watched her two friends walk away. "Darn those two, always leaving me out of their play."
It wasn't long before Riku and Sora had rowed their boats out to the little island off shore. They stood on the beach, browsing for Triiken's whereabouts.
"Triiken!" Riku shouted. "Sora and I have come just as you had requested in the letter! Now, show yourself!" There was no response. The two walked into the center of the sandy beach.
"Come on out, Triiken!" Sora hollered. Still, there was no answer.
"Sora." Riku said. "I want you to stay out of this fight."
"But why?" Sora asked.
"I have a feeling that Triiken's main objective for being here is to settle the score with me. So, I want you to stay out of this fight alright?"-
"But what if you need help?"-
"I can handle this, Sora. I've faced Triiken before. But if you intervene, I'll have to worry about your safety as well."-
"Don't worry about me, Riku. You're looking at the guy who went head to head with Lord Arakis six years ago."-
"I'm asking you as a friend to stay out of this fight alright!" Sora lowered his head then raised it again.
"I understand. This is strictly a fight between the two of you. Then, I won't interfere." Sora walked away and ascended to the stone pathway that overlooked the beach, leaving Riku standing alone on the sand.
There was no sound from anywhere, nothing besides the rustling of the leaves on the trees, the crashing of the waves on the shore, and the sound of seagulls cawing in the air. Riku looked around, hoping to spot a lone figure hoping to face him.
Suddenly, there was the sound of a heavy object flying through the air behind Riku. The sound drew nearer and nearer. Riku, sensing the danger, dodged the sound's source. Sure enough a massive spiked mace ball attached to an extended chain flew by the young key bearer. The mace ball slammed into the remains of the seaside shack, shattering the structure with its impact. The ball then rebounded back, harmlessly passing Riku.
"I guess I couldn't expect less from the keybearers." A voice shouted. Riku turned around to find a large man, dressed in rusty old armor, like that from ancient China and classical Europe. He wore an old, blue linen cape and the facial characteristics were like that of a stone head. His face jagged in appearance and rather rough looking. His face was scraggly with a premature beard. And across both eyes, two tattooed bars draped down his face, from his forehead to his cheeks. A samurai helmet, bearing a large crescent moon symbol, acted as head protection, making the appearance of his outfit rather unique.
"That's not Triiken." Sora thought to himself.
"Who are you?" Riku uttered. "And what are you doing here?"
"I am Ilian Archibald! An ultra class 'A' assassin! And I have come here to take the lives of the legendary bearers of the key blades!"
"How would this guy know about us?" Sora wondered. "Could it be possible that he's an Imperial too?"
Meanwhile, back at Riku's house, Kairi sat about on the porch awaiting the return of her two friends. It was at that moment that Wakka came strolling up the walkway.
"Hey there, Kairi!" he stated.
"Oh, hey there, Wakka." Kairi replied.
"What are you doing here at Riku's house?"-
"I'm just watching over the place."-
"Why? Where is he?"-
"Riku and Sora stepped out at least thirty minutes ago."-
"Where did they go?"-
"I have no idea. And I really don't care right now." Wakka sat next to her.
"Why didn't you go with them?"-
"They didn't want me to come along with them."-
"That doesn't sound like Riku and Sora. Why didn't they take you with them?"-
"They were talking about how something bad was going to happen and that I shouldn't get involved. But if you ask me, those two are probably up to no good. And I can't help feeling what it's about."-
"I don't think that Riku and Sora would be up to anything bad. It doesn't sound like them to cause trouble."-
"That may be so, but still…"-
It was at that moment that a figure appeared at the entry way to the house.
"Excuse me!" the figure cried in a high pitched voice.
"Can I help you?" Kairi asked.
"Pardon for my intrusion." The man said. "My name is Assistant Inspector Yamagata Kuroda."
"What can I do for you, inspector?"-
"I was wondering if I could find a young man named Riku here. I understand that he lives at this residence."-
"So Riku and Sora did get themselves into trouble, eh? What is this about?"-
"I am an officer from the Universal Alliance."-
"The…Alliance?" Kairi's eyes grew side with fear. "What would the alliance be doing out here?"
"I was sent here by President Sneer of the Universal Alliance to patrol this world along with some other agents. There have been reports that there are some ruffians of the former Empire who have somehow managed to sneak their way into this realm. And we believe that some of these strays may be after Riku and Sora."-
"How do you know about Riku and Sora?" Wakka asked.
"I'm sure there's not a single person in the Alliance who hasn't heard of the legendary keybearers who fought off the forces of the Dark Empire. Their reputation as heroes precedes them."-
"So you're saying that someone is after Riku and Sora?" Kairi asked.
"From what my sources say, yes. That's why I have been assigned to protect Riku and Sora, as well as those around them. I've received word that these former Imperials, who are seeking revenge, are not only targeting the keybearers, but are also after their acquaintances."-
"Oh no…"-
"I hope it isn't too much trouble, but would it be alright if I wait for them to return? I don't want to have to leave and find out later that they've returned after I have departed."-
"If it's that important, then sure." Kairi escorted the tall, handsome, man into Riku's home. She then beckoned to Wakka. "It's best that you stay here too, Wakka."
"Of course I'll stay here. Who knows what'll happen, ya!" Wakka replied. "But nothing could really happen when it's still daylight right?"
"I wouldn't recommend it, sir." Kuroda implied. "These Imperials are more effective attacking their victims in the day time. They can see you better."
"I guess you're right." Wakka and Kairi moved to the living room, unaware of the sinister smile streaked across the inspector's face.
At the same time, Riku was confronting the infamous ultra class 'A' assassin, Ilian Archibald. Archibald was armed with a large scythe, with the spiked mace, acting as a counterweight to balance the weapon, attached to the lower end. The weapon itself was a sight to behold, being such a massive object that seemed one to bulky to be used for swiftness. However, the devastating power behind it more than made up for its lack of speed.
"I can understand why there would be those who are after our lives." Riku said. "However, I have no intention of surrendering my life to someone for an unknown reason. Before we begin, tell me why you wish to kill us? And how is it that you have some connection with General Triiken?"
"Listen, I ain't much of a talker." Archibald said. "So why don't we just get down to business!" Archibald began to charge against Riku, tossing the blade of the scythe into the air. Riku immediately saw the danger and dodged far before the strike could be deployed. "You think it's that easy!" The mace counterweight flew in the opposite direction, heading where Riku had landed. "This is over for you!" But as the mace hit, Riku was no longer there. He had used Shadow Decoy to elude the attack. Archibald was stunned. "That's impossible."
