"So, Syrus is dead then? Are you sure?" Ansem asked, looking grim.
"Of course. He was strong but he picked on the wrong kid. He was too arogant any way, sooner or later someone was going to put him in his place." Chris relpied. Ansme chuckled.
"If I was in your place I would not be so bold as to say that for fear that there was even a chance he wasn't gone." Ansem said, earning a chuckle from Chris.
"In either case, the matter at hand Ansem. You said you could help us locate Sandra's Heart?" Chris asked. Jacob's head bobbed, and he opened his eyes widely to keep from falling asleep.
"Ah yes! I was trying to tell you that I have the location of a certain man that can help." Ansem said, producing a small folder.
"Who is this man?" Jacob asked.
"His name is Yensid. He and I have been talking for quite some time. It started by accident actually, I was bored one day with my Master's theroies of other worlds, and decided that if there were other worlds they would get letters that I'd send them. I wrote a letter stating "To whom this may concern" and wrote the adress listing as "Anywhere", about a week later I recieved this note that specifically said: 'To whom that wrote me the letter, before we begin talking i would like you to know this is not just Anywhere as you so presume, and my name is Yensid. Before I say anymore please tell me your name.' It was such an odd way to make a friend. It was because of him that I started these experiments, he gave me the ideas."
"Sounds great. You sure he can help us?" Chris asked.
"More than I can. I can only give you a guess. And your guess is as good as mine." Ansem said shrugging. Ansem removed a document, and written on the top of it was 'Yensid's portfolio' It had his description along with his home planet. It was around a half a day's journey from there. It seemed easy enough, but Chris hated easy. It usually meant something bigger was getting ready to happen. In either case he hated to leave these people without some kind of protection so they could avoid another encounter with the Heartless. He wondered if he could leave Jacob there to keep them safe.
"Hey Jacob, it says it's another half-day journey from here." Chris said. Jacob groaned lowly to himself. "But, if you'd rather we can leave you here to guard the people here while Sandra and I talk to Yensid. How's that sound to you?" Jacob didn't think that long on it.
"I think I'll stay here for now. I don't think you two will need me just to go talk to another person. Besides the Heartless problem here is bugging me, and the last thing anyone needs is for someone to get hurt." Jacob said, rationalizing his decision. Chris smiled, he knew it was mainly because Jacob didn't want to get trapped on the ship for another day, but that was fine. "That is if that's okay with you Master Ansem."
"No problem at all! In fact it might make some of the other residents feel a little safer knowing that someone is protecting them." Ansem replied smiling.
"Hey, I'm just glad I can help." Jacob said. Before anyone could say another word, some kids laughing in the background could be heard. Chris and Jacob turned in their seats towards the main door and Ansem stood to get a better view. They didn't see anyone but the door swung quickly shut, and then there was a lot of kids 'Shushing' eachother on the other end of the door.
"Come on out, what is it you all want?" Ansem asked in a fatherly tone. The door opened slowly to show that all of Ansem students were in the door way.
"We just wanted to listen. When you talk with people it's always secretly and private, and we wanted to know." Demyx said, an honest note of curiosity in his voice. Ansem half-smiled, being partly amused.
"I know you all want to know, but the thing is we can't tell everyone everything we talk about. Some of the things we talk about could get some people in a lot of trouble if they knew." Ansem said, trying to warn the kids subtly.
"So you don't want us to get into trouble?" Demyx asked.
"Exactly. So if you heard anything, it's better to either forget you heard it or just don't talk about it to anyone okay?"
"Sure thing." Axel replied smiling, obviously confident in his ability of silence. The others nodded their quiet agreement.
"Thank you all, now what is it in particular that made you all so loud?" Ansem asked. Xeanhort stepped forward.
"We heard Jacob was staying, right? It's actually a question we had for him... that is if that's okay Master Ansem." Xeanhort said. Ansem looked over to Jacob who raised his eyebrows at the mention.
"Sure, what is it you want to know?" Jacob asked.
"Please don't get mad, but we were wondering if you were as strong as Kyle?" Xeanhort asked. The other kids winced a little bit when he asked his question. Jacob laughed, he didn't know why they would think he'd get mad at the question.
"I don't think so. He's stronger than me, for now at least. But I'm trying to get stronger. Kind of like you guys right?" Jacob asked. The kids nodded, but Xeanhort looked confused.
"I thought people like you, the really strong fighters were unstoppable or something... or that's what Kyle looked like anyhow." Xeanhort said. This time all of the adults laughed.
"We might look like we can't be beat, but we can be. A lot of our friends got beat a while ago by a very strong bad guy." Chris mentioned.
"Did you beat him?" One of the other kids asked.
"Yes, or rather Kyle beat him." Chris replied. Xeanhort smiled.
"I knew he could! Some day, I want to be just as strong as him and fight for the good guys!" Xeanhort said. But then remembered he had to be serious and looked over to Ansem. "That is if that's okay with you Master Ansem." Ansem laughed again.
"That's for you to decide little one. You have a long life ahead of you, and you might decide you want to do something else later."
"Speaking of which, we must be off." Chris said to Ansem, reaching out with his hand. Ansem took it and they shook hands.
"Remember to stop by sometime after this is all over. We have much to talk about my friend." Ansem said. Chris only nodded and looked over to Sandra. She stood up and started walking towards the main door, followed closely by Chris. Ansem sighed loudly. "You off-worlders astound me with your sense of duty. Most people would take what you three do as a chance at a vacation."
"Most people have that luxury. But since I am going to be stayting to help guard this planet, I must know about any city guards or patrols you might have protecting the city."
"Why would you need to know that? Are you expecting some kind of attack?" Ansem asked.
"No, not in particular. I'm just being careful. Besides, I might be able to help you guys where you might be short-handed." Ansem nodded in agreement. Another hand aboard might not be that bad.
"That's true, but the only problem is that I'm not the right guy to talk to about it. You might want to talk to the Captain of the Royal Guard, they control the protection." Ansem said. Jacob's brow creased.
"You mean you might not be short-handed, and they're not sending help down to protect the towns' people?" Jacob asked. Ansem nodded slightly.
"Yes. But please try to understand, they are having a hard time after the first Heartless raid. They tried to attack the Queen and King, tried turning them into Heartless themselves. Luckily we have intelligent staff or we would be down one pair of King and Queen." Ansem explained.
"So, if they had someone stronger that could protect the King and Queen they'd start sending people down to protect the city again?" Jacob asked. Ansem nodded.
"Yeah, most likely. They aren't too sure of it though, guess it depends on how strong you really are and how paranoid the Captain is." Jacob nodded, he knew how that was. Being paranoid and careful to protect those you care for is a fine line.
"Could you show me the way?" Jacob asked.
"Certainly."
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Jacob gazed in awe of the hugest structure he has ever seen. It was the Castle of Crystal Gardens. It was a magnificent dark-blue color surrounded by water that was so pure it glinted like gems. When Jacob was close enough he reached out and touched the Castle, and was surprised that it was as smooth as glass. They continued into the courtyard that was filled with roses, lilacs, and other exotic flowers that Jacob had never seen before. He could see people garbed in cloaks and armor passing by, occasionally stoppping and nodding to him or saying "Hi" to him. jacob took these people to be the Royal Guard. Jacob predicted the Captain would be inside with the King and Queen. Through another large door, and into the main hall.
A new life sprang before him. Other than just soldiers running around he saw other people, looking like chefs, maids, decorators, and all other sorts of people. It was like a bee hive, buzzing with energy. Jacob couldn't help but but stare at everything around him, it confused and confounded him, but it also made him awestruck. He had to stick close to Ansem, or risk getting lost. At the end of the hall though was three large chairs, in which only two were occupied. A man not much older than Jacob's dad sat in the middle chair, and to his right a woman slightly younger looking sat. He took these to be the King and Queen, being obvious because of the crowns that adorned their heads. The King looked at Jacob with open curiosity and whispered something to the Queen.
"My King and Queen, this is Jacob." Ansem said when they were close enough to hear. "He seeks an audience with the Captain, if he has no prior engagments."
"The Captain is on an errand. What buisiness do you have with him?" the King asked.
"I have heard that your Majesties were attacked by the Heartless, and wished to offer my services if it was possible." Jacob said, trying his best to sound respectful.
"Sure enough we have more Guards than we need, especially since the attack. The Captain refuses to let them go out and protect the people in the city after it. I don't think we have need of more soldiers inside the castle." the King replied.
"That's also why I'm here. I hope that if I can prove myself fit to protect your Majesties he might send some Guards down to protect the people. After all, if I may, it's the duty of the Guard to protect the citizens too right?" Jacob said, catching how he had worded the final statement. The King smiled, obviously not taking it as an offense.
"I agree, but be sure that you explain that to HIM differently, he has a short fuse and a hot temper that can outlast a siege. We apreciate your gesture, and would accept if the Captain had been here." The king replied with a smile.
"But while we wait why don't we get some drinks and you can tell us more about yourself?" the Queen suggested. The king nodded in aproval.
"I'm sorry, but I must be going your Majesties. My students await my return." Ansem said.
"Then you better leave, Master Ansem." The King said. Ansem dipped his head, and with a sharp turn he headed for the door. The Queem waved her hand for a butler, and was gladly recieved by one.
"Some Honeydew, please." the Queen asked nicely. The butler bowed and was off quickly down the hall.
"So, what is happening outside the castle?" the King asked. "Since the attack some months ago everything has been a blur of action and reaction, it's hard to keep track of everything."
"There have been some attacks of Heartless on the people, but nothing serious it seems." Jacob said, making the King chuckle. "Sir?"
"You're not from around here are you?" Jacob didn't say anything for a second, before smiling and nodding. "I can tell. Anything that happens around here it's serious, and all the residents know that. What are you doing here?" Jacob waited, trying to find the right words to say.
"You see, I was on my world for a while. Until the Heartless came to my world as well. My friends Chris, Sandra and Kyle had landed to try and stop them before they could cause any real damage. I tried assisting them and I'm afraid I wasn't much help then. Although my friend Kyle managed to put an end to Syrus. After that I left with the others and trained for a few months, I was trying to get stronger in my new abilities." Jacob explained. "And then we came here."
"What is your abilities might I ask?" Jacob was about to explain when a screaming man came running down the hall, causing a huge comotion. People stopped and stared as he passed, not exactly knowing what to do. After a couple of seconds he reached Jacob and the King.
"My liege, the Heartless are inside the castle! They're in the cellar!" Jacob pivoted harshly, grabbing the man by his shoulders, looking into the man's eyes with undiluted urgency.
"The cellar where is it?" Jacob asked, practically yelling it. The man stuttered a couple of times before Jacob just nudged him to the side. A guard looked towards Jacob, looking very stern.
"I can lead you there. You'll need a weapon though." the guard said. Jacob held his right hand out in front of him so they could all see, and materialized his Kayblade, earning some gasps from those who were looking.
"I don't go anywhere without it." Jacob said. "Now please lead me to the cellar." The guard nodded and raced down the hall, with Jacob in tow closesly behind.
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It took several minutes to reach the door to the cellar, Jacob hadn't thought the Castle was quite this big, on the main floor at least. The guard drew his weapon and opened the door cautiously, and when the door was only cracked open they could discern Heartless coming up from the cellar. Jacob was the first to bound through the door, and race down the stairs. Before he was even ten steps down the Heartless came rushing at him. He took care of them easily thank to the space being so confined, they couldn't react to his attacks. He continued down the stairs, this time at a much faster pace. Once he got to the bottom of the stairs he realized just how big the cellar really guard jumped down the rest of the stairs, landing beside Jacob. Heartless began to rise from the floor, quickly surrounding them and blocking their exit. Jacob stood back to back with the guard, who seemed totally calm due to their condition.
"We have no choice, let's get them." Jacob said, trying to sound as calm as he was nervous. The guard smiled.
"Yeah, we can take them." With little warning, Jacob and the Guard charged into the horde of Heartless that had surrounded them. Jacob wasn't as good as Kyle, his movements were more forced, his reactions slower and less effective. His heart beat intensely as more and more Heartless seemed to rise up to his challenge. One had raced forward and deftly ducked under his attack and clawed at his stomach. He felt the claws dig into his skin as pain seared. Anger flashed in his eyes as he lunged forward with his Keyblade and impaled the Heartless that had struck him, and before it had a chance to dissapate into darkness he removed the Keyblade and struck it again on it's kneck. The Guard seemed to be having an easier time. He dodged an attack from his right and with great speed and strength cleaved the Heartless into two peices. It hadn't taken too long to dispatch around a dozen of the Heartless, but even then an air of deception grew.
"Something doesn't feel right." Jacob said quietly, trying to look around himself. Screams pierced the silence, coming from top of the stairs. Without hesitation both Jacob and the Guard raced to the top of the stairs, only to be greated be chaos. People were running scared, Heartless that Jacob had never seen before were running wild destroying everything. The other guards had no chance, there was way too many of them. "You get the King and Queen to safety, I'll try to save as many people as possible."
"Zack." the guard said. Jacob turned back to him with a confused look. "My name, it's Zack."
"Jacob." They nodded quickly to eachother before departing. Jacob took a good look at the Heartless that were assailing the castle, and noticed how much they looked like men in armor. Although it wasn't hard to distinguish the difference between them and the guards. He threw himself into the middle of the fight, surrounding himself with the Heartless. With a great swing of his Keyblade he destroyed five, or was it six? He couldn't tell, all he knew was the feeling of his Keyblade ripping it's way through the Heartless. These Heartless were different than he had thought them to be, he thought that maybe they would be like the others that had attacked his home, but they were faster and stronger. One of them lunged forward with a lance-like arm, and managed to clip him on his shoulder. It stung some, but not enough to stop him. It retreated a few steps and then lunged again, but this time Jacob was ready. He grabbed it by it's arm and rammed it deeply within one of the other's, destroying both of them. He jumped onto the shoulders of another one that stood in front of him, and started jumping from Heartless to Heartless slashing at the tops of their heads.
Jacob could see that his actions were taking their toll on the enemies numbers, but at the same time he didn't know how many more there would be, he wondered if he was just wasting his time trying to distract the Heartless. As a small amount of dispaire clawed it's way to his heart, something came with it. It was a small glimmer of defience, he would not stop even if it killed him. He kept up with the Heartless, slowly making their numbers wain from the many dozens to a few scattered among the halls. He came accross one that stradled one of the servants' and was ready to scewer her. Jacob knew he wouldn't get there in time, so instead he gripped his Keyblade and aimed the best he could and threw it. Like an arrorw of destiny it flew strait and true to it's intended target, and destroyed it. Jacob reached the downed servant, and reached his hand out to help her up. She took his hand, and he was surprised how delicate she looked.
"Find some place safe to hide until this is over." Jacob said. She shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes.
"I don't want to! I just want to find my parents!" the girl yelled. Jacob tried calming her down, but sufice to say handling a hysterical girl was not his field of expertice. Finally he gave up.
"Look, I'll bring you to them. Where are they do you think?" She pointed down the large hallway.
"Tha ballroom maybe, but I can't say for sure. They might be in trouble!" the girl said, sounding on the brink of crying. Jacob called his Keyblade back to him, and looked at the girl sternly.
"Listen, stay very close behind me. I'm not sure how many more there are." Jacob said. The girl nodded. Jacob turned around quickly and at a brisk jog started down the hall. About half way down the hall to the ballroom a few Heartless jumped in his way. They did little to stop him. The front one lunged at him but he swiftly dodged it and grabbed it by the back of it's armor and threw it at the others, knocking them over. He slashed them to pieces before they even hit the ground. "Come on, we have to keep moving." They continued down the hall, but it seemed like every other step was allerting more and more of the Heartless. The more that came the more he destroyed, until he could feel real fatigue setting in. It was about this time he remembered what Chris had told him on the ship, and realized what he really meant. He laughed to himself, because now that he thought about it, he agreed with him.
They were only a matter of feet away when the ground began to shake violently. Jacob found it hard to stand, let alone carry on at the speed he was going. Pieces of the ceiling were falling down and breaking, precious arts and suits of armor were falling over as well. The girl was stumbling, trying to keep her footing. Jacob saw the ground in front of him cave in revealing a large hole. A flaming, clawed hand grabbed the ground, and dug in for leverage. As it pulled itself up Jacob could feel the hair on the back of his kneck raise and cold flashes were rushing up and down his spine. Fear gripped him and he found it hard to believe what he was seeing.
It stood easily around eight feet tall and five wide. It had two clawed hands that were large enough to wrap around him entirely. It had a giant head the shape of a wolf with three rows of jagged teeth and an evil look in it's eyes. Flames danced wildly on it's skin, almost like it was alive. It let out a mighty roar that shook the very foundations of Jacob's soul. It lunged at him with one giant hand, and Jacob tried deflaecting it with his Keyblade. It did little good, his Keyblade bounced off it's skin like it was made of stone. It grabbed him with it's large hand and pulled him in close. Jacob struggled to try to get out of it's grip but he couldn't even get enough room to move a finger.
"Run! Get into the ballroom!" Jacob said, feeling the flames lick at his body. She stuttered something that Jacob couldn't understand and took off towards the ballroom. Something began happening to the beasts body, some of it's flames turned a midnight black and began to extend towards Jacob. The black flames enveloped Jacob, he couldn't see or breathe, it felt lile he was getting sucked into a void. A strange sense of calm pressed itself in him, trying to settle his nerves and relax him. But the more relaxed he felt the more he felt like he was in danger, and the sense of calm began to press on him even harder. The feeling of calm began to feel hostile, seconds later his hands and arms were freed from the terrible grip of the monster, although he could still feel it's vice-like grip on the rest of his body.
He felt around with his hands and touched the beast, confirming it still had him. He tried feeling for his Keyblade, he couldn't find it with his hands, so he called it to him. It gave off a blinding glow in the darkness that surrounded him and forced the sense of calm away. He lifted the Keyblade high above his head and with all the strength he had, he repeatedly bashed down on an invisible force that still held him. It loosened slightly but he realized hitting the hand was going to do him no good, so angrily he felt around with his free hand and found what felt like a muzzle. He dug his fingers deeply into the beast so as not to lose where it was. He let loose a volley of blows that would crush bones, and he earned a clawed slash across his back. He screamed loud, but the darkness muffled all the sound so that nothing could be heard. And finally with anger and fear driving him, he drove his Keyblade into the head of the beast. The darkness ripped away instantly and the beast flailed trying to get Jacob off. Jacob held tight with both hands to the Keyblade, refusing to be thrown off. Reaching out and grabbing tightly to the beast he removed the Keyblade and while it flailed throwing him into the air, he allowed himself to be thrown and adhusted the Keyblade in his hand. He was thrown high enough his feet touched the ceiling with the flat of his feet.
He bent his knees as the last of the force left, and he launched himself downwards. The beast reached out with a clawed hand trying to catch him in mid air. He landed his feet onto it's arm and used it like a ramp, running along it. He slashed the top of it's head as he passed, the downward force helping him drive his Keyblade through it's skull. He leapt from it's shoulder and spun around, thrusting his Keyblade into the top of the spine, and let gravity pull him down. When his feet touched the ground and removed the Keyblade. The beast didn't move, didn't make a sound. Jacob kicked the beast square in the back shoving it back down the hole. Seconds later the familiar explosion of darkness fired from the hole, letting Jacob know that he had done his job. He didn't stay there a second longer, he raced forward to the ballroom and opened the door. Several swords greeted him as he went through the door.
"It's okay it's me." Jacob said.
"He's fine, let him through." Zack said. Jacob walked towards Zack, dematerializing his Keyblade as he did.
"How's the King and Queen?" Jacob asked.
"They're fine. Thank you for saving the Princess, she had run off again and we couldn't find her." Zack said. Jacob looked stunned.
"I don't remember finding a Princess." Jacob replied. Zack laughed.
"She's the Princess." Zack said pointing at the girl from the hallway. "Her name is Kara." Jacob shook his head to clear it. "Did you get everyone inside here?"
"I'm not sure. I don't even know how many of these Heartless are left." Jacob replied honestly. "I destroyed a large one just outside the door." Zack smiled.
"In either case I'm happy you showed up when you did." Jacob's attention was caught when he heard shouting coming from the guards over by the door.
"Hold firm boys! Keep the Heartless from getting in!" one of the Guards had yelled. The Heartless on the other side were trying to bash the door in, but the Guards were keeping the door braced. Although Jacob knew that eventually the Guards would tire and the Heartless would get in.
"Is there some way the others can escape? Is there some other exit besides this one?" Jacob asked.
"Yes, there is one. But we don't have enough men to make a defensive retreat." Zack said.
"Go then. I'll stand guard here and make a stand so that you guys can escape. Just try to get some help up here when you can." Jacob said. Zack looked into Jacob's eyes and knew he wasn't joking.
"That's suicide. You might die." Zack said.
"I know. But I have to do something. Besides if I don't there is no chance of escape." Jacob said. Zack extended his hand to Jacob, who took it in a firm hold.
"I will come back." Zack promised.
"I know. Now get going!" Zack spun around and started issuing commands to blockade the door. Men started running around wildly grabbing whatever they could to block the door. When that was finished the King pressed a button that was on the throne, and the throne began sliding away to reveal a staircase. Zack withdrew his sword and tossed it to Jacob. Jacob held it firmly in his grasp. The rest of the men ran to Zack, who filed the people through the staircase. After they were all in it slid back into place. Jacob returned his attention to the door. It banged a couple more times before giving way. Jacob called his Keyblade back to his hand and braced himself for the onslaught.
They came at him in a massive wave. He charged them furiously, knowing that if he didn't it would mean the end of the people fleeing. He slashed at them with both blades, breaking through their guard. the first four fell without much effort, but the others were quicker to react to Jacob's attacks. One lunged at him and he barely dodged it but he managed to counter the attack by using both blades like a scissor and cut it's head off. They jumped at him and he deflected their attacks and slashed in turn. He quit counting how many fell by him, he just continued the insane battle. A light began to come to the surface inside of Jacob, and instictually grabbed onto it trying to use anything he could just to survive the fight.
Before he knew what was happening his entire body was glowing and a new strength overcame him. A tenseness filled his being and exploded sending some of the Heartless flying. He examined himself quickly and noticed that the Keyblade and Zack's had fused together to make a single blade. Smiling grimly he raced his downed foes and with a speed he didn't know he had dispatched them. Not stopping he continued fighting with a new found vigor. Before he knew what he was doing he had dispatched several more rows of enemies.
'If this is their army, where's the leader?' Jacob asked himself. He fought on, eventually making the battle pour back into the hallway. The Heartless backed away as if in fear, but Jacob raced at them faster than they could react. Those that were next to him tried feebly to fight back, but the other's fled away, or into portals made of darkness. He could feel himself tiring, so in a last attempt to rid more of them he unleashed all the power he could into a final attack.
With a blinding speed he raced through the lines of them, and behind himself he made ripples of dark eplsoions as he went. He came to a halt in the middle of a new line of Heartless who looked at him briefly before he flicked the Keyblade and spun around and slashed a Heartless and grabbed the one behind it in a firm grasp. He concentrated his will and what power he had into his hand, and watched in total disbelief. The air around him rose to a blistering temperture where he could feel the slabs of concrete he stood on heat up and some of the metal suits that were near him began to melt. Finally the energy exploded in a massive wave of heat and energy.
The explosion wormed it's way through the halls and the larger rooms of the Castle, eventually spouting fire out of every window and door in the Castle. And when the explosion had reached the outside it seemed to freeze, as if time itself had stopped. Then the fire retracted back into the Castle and back to it's epicenter. When the flames subsided Jacob was left standing in an empty hallway, breathing heavily, and burned badly. He laughed tiredly as he saw he was alone. He straightened up and walked to the main door to the Castle. After he opened the door he took another step before he collasped and blacked out. His final thought was a wonder, he thought that he was home again lying on the beach of destiny island with his friends.
