Chapter Eight: The Keys to Victory

The sun was out and shining, it's warm rays clearing the precipitation in the sky. Thick clouds bended to its will and dissipated like magic. Clear, sunny weather would be the forecast throughout the day. All around the three travelers were fields of green, lush, moist grass with traces of flowering angiosperms here and there. The bees were already out fertilizing the landscape while collecting their daily dose of sweet honey and nectar. Up in the air, the brown colored birds, pigeons maybe, were fluttering, adding to the beginning noise of the day. Their cheery songs lifted the hearts of the three companions as they made their way down the brown, clear, dirt, road path that would take them into the legendary Dryad Forest. The forest was a mystical domain filled with secrets. No one really knew how the forest came to be, but like any other escapade in the field of botany, it all started with a tree. The place was mapped as uncharted territory and extrememly dangerous; it was a mass of land that covered several acres.

According to the king, the journey to their destination would take half a day on foot. They were not supplied with horses since they were reserved for royalty and the cavalry. Therefore, they had to make it to the three fairies' house before nightfall. Spirits of the forest lurked behind the trees and greenery at night, singing, dancing, and frolicking by the twilight. There were dangers as well. Getting lost was their big concern but not coming out alive was another problem. They say that many ventured into the forest but only a blessed few ever came out. Stories had been told and passed down from generation to generation. By the time the tale reached Leon's ear, who knows how stretched the truth was. A few versions told of a scary blue beast who roamed and devoured anything in it's path. Others took a more cynical approach stating that the stairwell to hell was found there and if the world was flat, there'd be a chance to fall off. Mothers had used these stories to deter their children from wandering off too far. No one dared to adventure through but instead respected its mystery and fascinated from afar. Leon, Riku, and Sora were, sarcastically, the lucky ones.

Leon kept his eyes focused forward while Sora and Riku stood side-by-side talking. Sora had a small grin on his face and he did most of the talking while Riku just nodded in semi-agreement. His hands were resting in his pocket and he nonchalantly listened to his best friend ramble on about breakfast and lunch. Speaking of breakfast, they hadn't eaten since last night. The king had eagerly sent them on their way at the first signs daybreak without food or drink. It was a lousy start to their adventure. The brown sack that was tied around Leon's shoulder was the only traces of food within a 15-mile radius. Riku's stomach growled and he grunted defiantly.

"Hungry, Riku?" Leon asked looking back at the two teens.

"Don't worry about it," he answered shaking his starvation off. "I'll be fine."

Sora, on the other hand, wouldn't resist the temptation to put a little food in his stomach. He jumped on the opportunity like a cat.

"I'm kind of hungry," Sora announced.

Leon smiled as he brushed a strand of hair from his face. He stopped walking and took the brown bag off his shoulders.

"Good answer," Leon said. "One should never take for granted the availability of food. That's what Yuffie always told me but then again, she's a homewrecker who eats everything I have."

A four-way crossroad ran through them as they took a seat on the grass. Leon pulled open the sack and sat down. He handed the teens each a wrapped up portion of meat with half a loaf of freshly baked bread. They did not bring along condiments since butter would spoil in the sun so they had to eat it plain. It didn't matter to the two boys who instantly tore off the coverings and stuffed the food in their mouths. Leon shook his head. This would take some getting used to. Sora and Riku chewed nonstop as they filled their already full mouth with more meat. Riku opened his water jug and took a big swallow of water.

"This is really good," Sora said taking his first pause from eating.

"Yeah," Riku simply agreed. "It's not too bad."

They finished their meal that would hopefully carry them through lunch and into dinner. Leon tied up the sack and threw it over his shoulder as he got up to his feet.

"Alright, lets get a move on. We've wasted enough time here."

-KH-

They covered more distance just as the sun was in it's apex. By now, the temperature had gotten back up to it's usual fall weather so it wasn't blistering hot. The cool breeze took care of any temperature changes for them. Leon assumed they had added another 10 miles to their journey and each step got them closer to where they wanted to go. They were making good time. Leon spotted a traveller ahead and he raised his hand to get the person's attention.

"What can I do for, sonny?" the old wanderer asked. He travelling cloak was tattered and old and a brown cap sat on his head. He carried a strong walking stick.

"I was wondering how long it would take to reach the Dryad Forest," Leon responded.

At this, the old man took a step back wondering why a group of young men such as these wanted to go into that dreadful place. His eyes were wide and a single bead of sweat trailed down the right side of his face. Didn't they know that the devil lived there?

"The Dryad Forest? Surely, you could not be thinking of going there..."

"We are, actually. Do you know how far until there?"

The old man blinked his eyes a few times before settling down. He rubbed his eyes before talking.

"Another four hours should get you there but I advise you on entering," the man said. "You do know what they say about that horrid place..."

"I know of the rumors, old man," Leon said.

"Well then. I hope you heed them," the man said before walking away. He moved slowly using his wooden cane to keep his fragile legs underneath him. He struggled to walk but uttered a final word of warning. "Death waits for you in that forest!"

"Cheery guy," Riku inputted.

"...let's go," Leon directed.

-KH-

Soon enough, the three males reached the edge of the Dryad Forest. It had taken them shorter than expected. The sun had not yet set but the temperature had cool off significantly. Leon straightened his black leather jacket over his shoulders, lifting the collar to shield the wind from blowing on his neck. Riku slipped his gloved hands into his pocket while Sora rubbed his hands together hoping enough friction would keep them warm for a while. They stood solemnly as they peered into the dark depths of the forest. Tall trees blocked their vision as they entered. Leon was at the front using his eyes to lead the way. Behind him was Sora. Riku was the trailer man.

They maneuvered around the plants and trees keeping a sharp eye out for a small hut. The canopy of the trees made it impossible for light to enter the forest. They were greedy trees hogging the sun's rays for their own nourishment. Their megaphyll leaves covered the branches like blankets as they fought upward into the atmosphere. Even the floor plants weren't even spared a glimpse of sunlight. The mossy and intertwining vines that covered the forest ground were wild like weeds and they dispersed all over the place. It became very difficult to traverse through them.

Fungi were the only things growing and thriving down here. Their parasitic nature enabled them to sap the life from their surroundings and when they released their spores, they fluttered in the wind hoping to catch hold of a host body. The floor was littered in them. Even the tree were decorated. Sora walked around a rotting tree trunk being mindful of the decay.

"You know," Leon started saying. The quiet atmosphere of the forest was a bit too eerie as if the dead passed here on their way to the afterlife. "I really do wonder if those rumors are true..."

"What do you mean?" Sora asked.

"Well, what if those ghosts or whatever are real? That'd make one heck of a good story."

"I've never heard any of those stories," Sora said.

"They're all gibberish. Fisherman's tales about illusions and shadows," Riku piped in. "They're nothing to get worked over."

"My friend once told me a story about it," Leon said. "I don't know if it's true or not. That's for you to decide. As for me, I believe it. I don't know why but it sounds a whole lot better than most of the junk out there."

"Could you tell it to us?" Sora questioned.

"Well, it's not a scary story..."

"Just tell it already," Riku said. This talk about ghosts and whatnot was getting rather annoying, and he swore if he heard another word about ghosts, he would kill somebody.

"Ok, ok. Relax. Let's see here... There was this beautiful young lady, sweet, gentle, and kind. She had long, brown, rich hair that went down past her back. Her brown eyes glistened in the sun. To everyone she was known as Selene. Anyways, there was a war that was raging between Radiant Garden and some other kingdom on the other side of this forest. Her boyfriend er...fiancee was a captain or something along those lines. So one day, a scout came back with news that the enemy force was on the move. They were snaking around the forest, using it as a screen to hide their numbers and their movements. The captain decides it would be best to barge straight through the forest and surprise the enemy with a quick attack. That's what they did. No one would expect it. For a whole week they marched through the forest and eventually locked horns with the enemy. Word came to the town of the attack and Selene couldn't sleep at night. She vowed to wait for her fiancee sometimes going without food. She looked out her window anxiously waiting for any word concerning her loved one. According to soldiers who survived, the captain was forced to retreat in the forest. They didn't come out. Some say they died there. Others put a more dramatic spin on it and said that evil spirits got to them first."

Sora's eyes widened with fear. "Do you think that will happen to us?"

"I doubt it. They're only fairy tales," Leon answered.

"More like old wives tales," Riku muttered.

Suddenly a pair of flaming fireballs shot out from behind the bushes and came directly at the three males. Leon, Sora, and Riku immediately dove out of the way just as the fireballs made contact with nearby trees blowing them into oblivion. Sora and Riku drew their swords expecting a fight but Leon stayed perfectly calm as he grasped control of the situation.

"Riku, to your right!" Leon yelled as he drew his gunblade.

Riku saw an ice missle graze past him as he rolled out of the way. It barely missed its mark but got a piece of his shirt as a consolation prize.

Sora deflected a fireball with his sword, dodged another, and quickly ducked as one almost came in contact with this head. Looking around like a crazed chicken, he tried to see where they were coming from. Unfortunately, they seemed to come from anywhere possible. Up above, from the side, and even behind trees- nowhere was safe.

There was a twinkle in Leon's eye as he jumped up into the air. Sumersaulting into position, he thrusted his sword into a tree knocking it down. The colossal tree fell to the ground with a loud thud. This gave them a temporary shield until they could think of a plan. Whispering short instructions to Sora and Riku, Leon split the tree in half. Out came Sora and Riku firing back with their magic spells. Smoke covered the entire forest but at least there was no more carnage.

"My goodness Merryweather, did you have to overdo it?" a shrieking voice loudly said.

A few coughs followed before voices could be heard again.

"Can't you just once try not to blow up the entire forest?" another loud voice said.

The smoke cleared and Leon, Sora, and Riku saw three ladies bickering before them. They each wore a red, green, or blue dress complete with a golden magic wand.

"Oh. Lookie here," one of them said momentarily breaking up their discussion. "Hello there."

Sora, Riku, and Leon bowed slightly as they wondered who on earth these people were. Where they spirits, ghosts, or sages?

"Oh dear. It looks like Merryweather conjured up another storm again."

"I did not," the one wearing blue retorted. "It was only a drizzle!"

She looked around at the damage and assessed it as no big of a deal. Aside from the fallen tree, burned out bushes, and craters dug into the ground, the entire forest still remained intact. Everyone was still alive and unhurt.

"We're very sorry dears," the red dressed woman said. "I'm Flora, by the way. This is Fauna and you've already met the unruly Merryweather."

"I'm Leon. This is Sora and Riku."

"Well boys, what can we do for you?"

"You see," Leon started saying. "Merlin told us to come here looking for three fairies."

"Merlin you say?" Fauna inquired. "You mean he's still alive? I haven't heard from him in ages!"

"You know him?" Sora asked.

"Know him? I know him like the back of my hand!"

"Well, you had better come with us," Flora said. "Our hut is only a short distance from here."

-KH-

Merryweather threw open the door to the hut as everyone else filed in. Flora and Fauna took a seat on the chairs while Riku, Leon, and Sora positioned themselves on the couch looking thing.

"Oh I knew we should have enlarged this hut," Flora complained. "All those visitors who come here..."

"Wait, what do you mean by visitors?" Sora asked.

"Golly, we have so many people come here. Either they get lost or they just somehow find their way here," Fauna said.

"So you mean this forest isn't haunted?"

"Heaven no! The only bad thing that happens here is Merryweather."

"I heard that!"

"See, Sora. I told you," Riku proudly said. "You're babying out."

"B-but, what about Selene's fiancee?" Sora questioned. "There has to be something behind that! People just don't disappear, do they?"

"He died during the battle. Oh, what was his name?"

"Evander," Flora answered. "He was a good man...had a lucky lady waiting for him."

"Merryweather went out one day to see what the ruckus was and found him in a bloody mess outside the forest clearing. His sword was thick in blood and his armor was shredded as if he was involved in a knife fight. Two arrows had struck him in the leg and one hit him on the shoulder. Merrweather took him back here but he was dead the next morning," Fauna finished.

"He should have had a shield," the blue fairy stated dryly.

"Anyways, what brings you here?" Flora wondered.

"Merlin told us to find you," Sora replied.

"Hm...by any chance, are you the ones who are bound to fight Maleficent?"

"Yup, that's us," Sora proudly said.

"Well then it's a good thing you came. Your swords will hardly do anything against her."

Flora whipped out her wand like lightning as she waved in the air a few times. As if on cue, two brown wooden treasure chests appeared before her.

"This is what I'm thinking Merlin wanted you to get," she said as she unlocked the chest.

Two swords lay inside. One had a golden hilt with a long silver/grey blade. A crown hung from the handle. Oddly enough, the sword was fashioned like a key. The second had black as the dominant color with a red blade and a white pertruding wing. The round hilt was a contrast of black and white with a black heart at the end of the handle. Sora and Riku looked at them with amazement. They were beautiful blades and definitely one of a kind.

"These are known as keyblades, Radiant Garden's most powerful weapons," Merryweather said. "They have the power to kick butt, own opponents, and beat the living-"

"I think they get it," Fauna interrupted.

"Sora, this one is yours, the Kingdom keyblade," Flora said as he handed the boy his blade.

Sora took it in his hand and immediately loved the way his hand easily wrapped around the handle. It was easy to grasp and hold as if the blade was made exclusively for him. The keyblade was lightweight- lighter than sword he was using.

"And Riku, this one's the Way to the Dawn."

Riku held the blade out in front of him, a confident smirk on his face. He liked it already.

"Legend has it that these blades can unlock and relock hearts," Flora said. "These blades are powerful tools and darkness is scared of the keyblade. That is why they stop at nothing to destroy the wielder."

"Before I forget, you can summon or dismiss these blades like magic," Fauna said. "It's a whole lot better than carrying a 3 pound slab of metal around all day."

Sora and Riku shrugged as their blades vanished leaving behind a trail of sparking magic dust in its wake. It appeared again as Sora and Riku held their hands out.

"Works like a charm," the brunette happily said. "This is awesome! Now I don't have to try to steal Leon's sword."

The scar faced fighter glared at Sora before putting a hand on the hilt of his gunblade just in case it was missing. It was still there, thankfully.

The three magical fairies smiled as they escorted the warriors to the door.

"Make sure you give that tramp, Maleficent, a good beating for me," Merryweather said as she slapped Sora on the back with tremendous force.

Sora caught himself from falling thanks to the help of Riku holding on to his shirt collar. The silver haired teen shook his head as the brunette almost collided face first into the door. Leon reached for the door and the three males were out.


Rock out, party hard, live hardcore