Hearts of Gold: Chapter X
Oooohhh… Chapter X! It's officially the tenth chapter! Yay! Um, so yeah, this chapter was kinda hard to write, what with Keniera's memories restored and junk… Oh, and Holt'll be in this chapter too, since he didn't get any time in Chapter IX, so please read, review, and enjoy!
Oh! And Arthur the Original Thirteenth Member's character will be making a brief appearance in this chapter! Yay again!
0*0*0*0*0*0
Keniera woke up in Vanitas' arms with a start, startling him and almost causing them both to fall off the pier and into the ocean. Steadying her, Vanitas peered anxiously into her face with his amber-golden eyes.
"Well?"
Keniera looked at him long and hard before throwing herself onto him and sobbing.
"I remember, Van. I—I remember everything… I love you…"
Vanitas stroked her hair as she cried, just as he did on the day he had admitted he loved her.
"I'm glad you do, butterfly. And I love you, too."
0*0*0 *Holt* 0*0*0
The hot savannah sun beat down on Holt's back as he stepped out of his portal and into the Pridelands.
"Man, it's so hot here!"
Holt heard no response to his exclamation, and ran his rough tongue over his nose to moisten it.
Wait, what the-? Holt looked down to see a pair of burnt-red paws where his feet should be, and whipping his head around, saw a matching tail with a small brown tuft at the end.
"HOLY CRAP! I'VE GOT A TAIL!"
After a few rounds of chase-the-tail, Holt ran on all fours over to a nearby river and peeked in anxiously. A feline face stared back at him, its fur the same color as its paws and big brown eyes widened in amazement. A small white ring circled around his left eye, like a target and white fur covered its chest and surrounded its mouth.
"I'm a lion? How did this—?"
"Whaddya mean, 'I'm a lion'? Were you a bird or somethin' before?"
Holt jumped at the unknown voice and spun around, his tail accidentally catching him in the face. He scanned the brush surrounding him for signs of the speaker and saw none.
"Timon, that was rude. You should apologize."
The second voice chided the first, and Holt cocked his head to one side.
"Who's there? Show yourselves!"
"Promise you won't eat us first, Mr. Big Scary Lion, and maybe we will!"
"Oh Pumbaa, shut it! He didn't even know he was a lion! What could he do?"
Holt furrowed his eyebrows as a meerkat and a warthog emerged from behind a large brush, a tawny-yellow lion cub sleeping on the warthog's head. The meerkat was a tan color with brown stripes, and the warthog was a brownish-red with black hair running down its back and a small tuft to match at the end of its tail.
"See, Pumbaa? He's completely harmless! Aren't yah, kitty-kitty?" The meerkat's words were confident, but his face proved otherwise. Holt smirked and pounced at him, pinning the small animal to the ground. The false bravado evaporated completely and the meerkat cried out.
"PUMBAA, HEEELP! Oh please, good sir, don't eat me! I'm stringy and hard to digest, and—"
The meerkat dissolved into incoherent sobs. Holt laughed and backed off.
"Why would I eat you? I just knew you were bluffing!"
The warthog looked relieved as the meerkat stood and dusted itself off, not meeting anyone's eyes.
"I knew you wouldn't eat us; it was all an act! A trick, an illusion! I was just practicing my performances."
The warthog rolled its eyes and gently lowered the sleeping cub to the ground.
"Oh, Timon… So, who are you? We've never seen you around here before; are you from a different pride?"
Holt sat down on his haunches. "Well, my name's Holt. I'm looking for someone. Who are you three?" The warthog bowed, his tusks nearly touching the dusty ground.
"You may call me 'Pumbaa', and this is—"
"The name's Timon." The meerkat cut in, arms crossed over his chest.
Holt gestured to the lion cub. "Who's that?"
Timon and Pumbaa turned to look at the small lion. Pumbaa answered.
"We don't know. We found him in the desert, nearly dead. We're gonna keep 'im, right Timon?"
Timon dismissed the lion with a wave.
"Yeah, yeah, if he ever wakes up. And only if he doesn't try to eat us! C'mon, Pumbaa, let's get goin'."
Pumbaa nodded and scooped the cub onto his head again. He adjusted him a bit and then turned to Holt.
"You said you were lookin' for someone, right? Well, if you come with us, we can look for them together! What's their name?"
Holt started to follow after them.
"She's a girl, and her name's Keniera."
0*0*0 *Keniera* 0*0*0
"Are you okay?"
Keniera was startled out of her reverie by Vanitas' hand on her arm, his voice scattering her thoughts.
"Hm? Oh, yeah; I'm fine."
"I doubt that, butterfly. What's wrong?"
The two sat on a bench in the center of town; it was still early, so there weren't many people milling about. Yesterday's events flooded Keniera's mind as Vanitas took her hand. She shook herself and turned to smile at him. His tawny eyes regarded her worriedly; they had done that often since her memories had been restored.
"Nothing's wrong, Van. Honest. It's just…I'm trying to sort all this out in my head, y'know? And I'm worried. I'm worried about my friends, about Merlin and Isa and Mrs. Landan and Kairi and Lea and Holt… I just hope they're okay."
Vanitas' head drooped and his hand went slack.
"I've already told you I'm sorry… I didn't want to—"
"I know, Vanitas; it's okay. I've already told you that."
Keniera squeezed his hand, trying to reassure him. "I forgive you, alright? You were just trying to protect me."
Vanitas nodded solemnly. Suddenly, he shot up from the bench, pulling her up with him.
"Oh! Remember when we first got here? This is where I sent Kairi! She's a Princess of Heart, so she had to be protected! I remember sending her here!"
Keniera beamed. "That's right! How are we supposed to find her?"
Vanitas turned to her and tapped her on the chest; directly over her heart.
"Your heart is forged from light from the Seven Princesses of Heart. Concentrate on Kairi's light and it should lead you to her!"
Keniera nodded eagerly and closed her eyes, trying to focus on Kairi.
C'mon, c'mon! Kairi? Where are you? A picture flashed behind Keniera's eyes; a tall, white house with green shutters and a mayor's seal on the front door.
Keniera opened her eyes and started forward, pulling Vanitas behind her.
"She's at the Mayors' house. Let's go!"
Ten minutes later, a maid ushered Keniera and Vanitas into the Mayor's house, leaving them in a large foyer to wait until the Mayor could see them. The foyer was expensively furnished with beautiful paintings and large, overstuffed armchairs. Vanitas sat in one and arrogantly draped his legs over the armrest, blowing out an exaggerated sigh. Keniera stood politely by the door.
"Well, isn't this place fancy-shmancy? Kairi must have it good!"
Keniera murmured an agreement and studied the paintings around her, letting her fingers trail over rough canvases decorated with sunsets and islands. Her memory of Vanitas and herself on the cliff side surfaced easily, as if it had never been missing…
"Okay, I love… Sunsets. I'd be really, really sad if there weren't sunsets anymore."
Keniera turned to Vanitas, who was gazing out across the Graveyard. His eyes, traveling over the rows of dead Keyblades, reflected the stars; Keniera found herself naming constellations caught in the golden orbs. She shook her head to clear it of the distracting thoughts wandering through her head.
"Now you."
Vanitas looked towards her, a reply springing to his lips, but nothing came out. Defeated, he sighed and looked out across the Graveyard once more, running a hand through his spiky black hair.
"I guess I love sunsets too."
Keniera felt herself blush as she remembered their conversation, suspecting she herself had been what Vanitas had been trying to say he loved. Her blush deepened as she felt Vanitas wrap his arms around her waist from behind, his breath blowing gently on her ear as he buried his face in the crook of her neck.
"I love you, Keniera."
"I love you too, Van."
They stood motionless like that for a moment or two before the sound of a throat being cleared emitted from across the room. They both turned to see a man in a navy pinstriped suit standing awkwardly in the doorway, a small red-headed girl peering out shyly from behind his legs. Vanitas released her and crossed his arms across his chest, staying composed while Keniera's face turned even redder. The man spoke, his voice deep and oddly comforting.
"I was told you know Kairi? Who are you?"
Keniera curtsied before answering. "Sir, my name is Keniera. I'm from… the same town as Kairi. We were neighbors."
Kairi stepped out from behind the Mayor's legs and approached Keniera cautiously. Keniera kneeled on the carpet to match her height, smiling encouragingly.
"I don't think I know you… Do I?"
Kairi's voice was timid, polite; the voice used to address strangers.
Keniera's smile disappeared almost immediately and tears welled up in her eyes.
"Oh, Kairi… You don't remember me? You don't remember this?"
Keniera removed her flats to reveal bright pink toenails and wiggled them to enunciate. Kairi giggled and covered her mouth with her hand, her shyness temporarily abandoned.
"I like them. They're pink; like baby piggies! Did you do them yourself?"
Keniera felt a tear streak down her face and she put her shoe back on.
"You painted them for me. I painted yours, too. Blue, like the ocean…"
Kairi looked down at her own toes, a shimmery blue against the green carpet.
"I… I don't remember…" Kairi put a hand against her head, squinting her eyes hard. Keniera felt another tear fall, then another. She couldn't believe it.
Kairi doesn't remember me? How…?
Vanitas kneeled next to Keniera and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. The Mayor stepped forward also and took Kairi's hand in his own. She looked up to him and smiled, all confusion abandoned in her childish bliss.
"Daddy, can I go play with Sora and Riku and Tidus and Wakka and Selphie now? My room's clean, I promise!"
The Mayor smiled back and nodded, releasing her hand. Kairi approached Keniera again and hugged her neck; standing on tiptoes to reach even though Keniera was kneeling.
"I'm sorry I made you sad. Do you want to play with me and my friends? We'll go out to the play island!"
Keniera wiped her eyes on the back of her hand and smiled at the little girl.
"Sure, Kairi. I'd love to."
Kairi looked up at Vanitas. "You can come too, if you want."
"Sure, kiddo. We'll meet you out there, okay?"
"Okay."
Kairi turned to the Mayor. "Daddy, I'm leaving now. Do you want me to come home before dinner again?"
"I'll be waiting. Be careful, and don't tease Sora too much. You and Riku will be the end of him, I'm sure."
Kairi giggled before running out the door. "I won't, Daddy. Cross my heart!"
The three heard the door shut and little footsteps fade into the distance. The Mayor extended a hand and helped Keniera to her feet.
"I'm sorry. I should've warned you before I brought her in; Kairi doesn't remember anything. Sora and Riku, two local boys, found her on the beach a couple days ago. All she remembered was her name and age. She had no family to claim her, so my wife and I adopted her. I'm afraid I don't know any more than that. I'm sorry, but I have a meeting in a few minutes and need to leave. You can visit Kairi anytime you like. Maybe she'll remember you after a while; who knows?"
Keniera nodded and the Mayor dismissed himself. Vanitas still held her close.
"I don't know what happened; I didn't take her memories from her… How can she not remember?" Vanitas mumbled, his voice tight with guilt.
Keniera rested her head on Vanitas' chest and sighed.
"Maybe it's best she doesn't remember. If she did, she'd be devastated. She'd have lost all her friends and family, her grandmother…"
"…and it's all my fault."
Keniera shook her head. "You did what you thought was right; there's no fault in that. Come on, Kairi's waiting for us."
The two let themselves out of the Mayor's house.
"C'mon, guys! You can meet my new friends!"
Kairi was pulling on Keniera's jeans leg, gesturing wildly to her other friends near the shore. Vanitas laughed as Keniera latched onto his arm and dragged him along with her. They had just arrived onto the 'play island' and had been greeted by Kairi almost immediately, who was ecstatic over two new friends to show off. As the group of children approached, Keniera noticed one boy hanging behind, a star shaped fruit in his hands. Keniera's attention was quickly directed elsewhere, however, as she was introduced to Kairi's friends. There were Tidus and Wakka, two playful boys always willing for a quick game of Blitzball, Selphie, who was a little shy but sweet. She seemed to take to Vanitas instantly, and was begging for a piggy-back ride. Vanitas rolled his eyes but obliged anyway, lifting the girl onto his shoulders. Then there was Riku; a quiet, meditative boy. His hair intrigued Keniera the most, a soft silver color that contrasted hugely with his cerulean eyes. There was one more boy yet to be introduced; the one with the star fruit on the shore. Kairi called out to him, begging him to meet her new friends. As he approached, Keniera noticed that his hair looked familiar… and his face…
"Sora! Hurry up, you lazy bum!" Kairi laughed.
When he finally reached Keniera, she couldn't speak. His hair was a chocolate brown, and his eyes were a crystal blue. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly before sticking out his hand to Keniera.
"Hi, I'm Sora. You can call me Sora, 'kay?"
Keniera forced herself to shake the small hand. "I'm Keniera. Nice to meet you, Sora."
Vanitas stumbled over to them blindly, Selphie's hands covering his eyes.
"You're getting warmer, warmer, hot, super hot, super super hot, THERE!"
"Oy, now it's time for you to get off, Selphie. My hair can't take much more pulling!"
Vanitas lifted Selphie off his shoulders and set her down on the sand. She pulled on Tidus' arm, wanting to play ball with him. Vanitas made his way over to Keniera and wrapped an arm around her waist before turning to face Sora.
"So, who do we have—"
Sora and Vanitas' jaws both dropped as they took in each other. Aside from the difference in hair and eye color and the obvious age difference, they were identical.
"Well, that's interesting." Vanitas kneeled down in front of Sora.
"Do you know anyone named Ventus?"
Sora smiled widely, showing square, white teeth.
"Yeah, he's my friend! Do you know him, too?"
Vanitas' face pulled into something between a smile and a grimace. "Yeah, we've met a few times. Do you know where he is?"
"Sure! He's right here!"
Sora jabbed a small finger towards his own chest, his smile never fading. "He was tired, and he wanted to know if he could rest in my heart. I said it was okay, so now he's with me!"
Vanitas laughed quietly and stood, taking Keniera's hand. She didn't really know what to make of this conversation exactly; she just stood quietly and listened with growing interest.
Ven's…inside Sora? Is that where he went? Keniera looked over at Vanitas, who was still smiling but strangely quiet. Sora's smile, however, started to fade.
"Is that bad? That he's with me, I mean?"
"No, it's good. I'm glad he's with you; he needs someone to keep him company. You can do that, right Sora?"
Sora's smile sprung back onto his face. "Yup! He'll never be lonely with me around!"
Vanitas scratched the boy's head teasingly. "I'm glad."
The sun was starting to set over the ocean when Keniera collapsed on the soft white sand, completely exhausted. Vanitas was still going strong, with both Riku and Selphie on his shoulders and Tidus clinging to his pants' leg.
"Alright, kiddos; time to get off!"
Selphie and Riku groaned and slid off Vanitas' back, landing with soft thuds in the sand. Tidus, however, wasn't going to give up so easily.
"Oh, c'mon! Just one more minute?"
Vanitas, in response, reached down and grabbed Tidus' ankle. With one swift move, Tidus hung dangling from Vanitas' grip, his squeals of laughter resounding across the water.
"H—hey! Put me down! Aagh, Selphie! Heeellpp!"
"C'mon, Selphie, help me tickle 'im!" Riku called out, and the two set to work immediately, pinching Tidus' sides until the boy was red in the face and tears streamed down his face.
"O—okay! I—I give up! Uncle, uncle!"
Vanitas, satisfied with his victory, called off the mercenaries and set Tidus down on his feet. The boy stuck his tongue out at Vanitas playfully before scampering off to play Blitzball with Wakka. Sora and Kairi sat on the beach a small distance from Keniera, playing with a few Thalassa shells. Kairi was trying to show Sora how to make a good-luck charm from the shells, to little avail. The boy was clueless. Keniera laughed to herself and sat up as Vanitas came to sit by her, his arm automatically wrapping itself around her waist.
"I think we need a vacation." Vanitas stated simply, picking up a stray Thalassa shell and examining it. Keniera giggled.
"Seriously? We're on a tropical island, surrounded by beautiful oceans and white sand and all kinds of tourist attractions, and you think we need to go on vacation?" Keniera laughed again, leaning into him.
Vanitas gave her a look and brushed some sand from her hair.
"Well, that's the point I'm trying to make. We're living in a vacation spot, so it's not really a vacation. I meant that maybe we should go somewhere fun, somewhere interesting."
"I had fun today," Keniera pointed out, "and you're pretty interesting, if you ask me."
Vanitas laughed and pulled her closer; Keniera rested her head against his chest and listened to his heartbeat. Riku and Selphie laughed somewhere behind them, followed by a squeal. Sora and Kairi perked up and abandoned their arts-and-crafts lesson to see the commotion; Tidus and Wakka were missing, more than likely on the opposite side of the island. Keniera and Vanitas sat alone on the beach, their only company the occasional cry of seagulls above and the soft whispers of the ocean before them.
"I've heard of a pretty good vacation spot, actually." Vanitas' voice rumbled against Keniera's ear.
"Hm? Where?"
Vanitas paused, handing Keniera the Thalassa shell he'd been fidgeting with. It was a rosy pink with gold edging, and Keniera placed it gently in one of her pockets, next to a black button and a plastic toe ring she'd picked up in the sand earlier. Vanitas watched her pocket the shell before turning back to face the ocean. His hair twitched in the light breeze, the sun turning it a dusty coal color. Vanitas' eyes scanned the surface of the water before coming back to land on Keniera's face. She found herself blushing under the weight of his gaze, and leaned her head back onto his chest. Vanitas' arm around Keniera's waist lifted to stroke her hair, his fingers catching slightly in the brunette strands. He continued on with his idea, his voice carrying easily over the empty beach.
"It's a different world, and a fairly new one. I've heard there's this spot that has the most amazing waterfall, surrounded by jungle plants and flowers and trees and—"
Keniera looked up at him and giggled.
"Okay, okay! We'll go; when do we leave?"
"I see no point in waiting, do you?"
Vanitas stood, pulling Keniera up with him. Hand extended, he opened up a dark corridor on the beach and started forward, leading Keniera by the hand.
"Do you think Kairi'll notice we're gone? Should we tell her first?"
"I think she'll be fine; she seems too distracted by Sora and Riku." Vanitas gestured toward the large wooden playhouse, where Keniera could barely see Riku and Sora playfighting with wooden swords. Kairi stood by watching and cheering the two on. Keniera laughed and allowed Vanitas to lead her into the portal. Once they stepped through, he pulled her closer to his side; his warmth permeating her clothes and chasing away the chill of the darkness surrounding them. Only when they could see the light ahead did Keniera think to ask the name of the world they were headed to.
"Van, where exactly are we going?"
"It's this place called the Pridelands. I think you'll like it, butterfly."
Keniera snuggled closer to him, a warm arm reaching around her waist to hold her close.
"I know I will."
0*0*0 *Holt* 0*0*0
"You want me to eat that?"
"Well, duh. What else is there? I don't see a salad bar anywhere around here, Mr. Fancy Pants. Eat up!"
Timon held a fat green worm in his hand; extending it to Holt, who was looking a bit green himself.
"Uh, no thanks. I've—I've already had lunch." Holt's stomach chose the opportunity to growl loudly, displaying his lie. Timon arched a brown eyebrow.
"You sure? If you don't want it, I'll give it to Simba. He likes the green ones."
"G-go ahead. I'll find some… some fruit or something."
Timon shrugged and strolled over to the young cub, who was talking animatedly to Pumbaa. Timon offered him the worm and Simba devoured it enthusiastically.
Holt made a face and proceeded to claw his way up a nearby banana tree, knocking down a small bunch of the fruit with a well-aimed swipe of his paw. The bananas fell to the jungle floor, bruising the unlucky ones on the bottom. Holt leapt down from the tree and carefully sliced one open with a single claw. When all the bananas had been gutted and eaten, Holt made his way over to Timon, Pumbaa, and Simba. The first two had taken to Simba like fish to water almost as soon as they were convinced he wouldn't eat them; they questioned his strange story of how he came to be nearly dead in the desert, but they quickly put that aside. As Holt approached, he caught on to their conversation immediately and chuckled to himself.
"What's a Haku-nah Ma-whata?"
"It's Hakunah Matata. It means 'no worries'." Timon waved his hands in the air exaggeratedly, enunciating his point. Pumbaa joined in, his voice rising and falling in song.
"It's our problem-freeee philosophyyyy, Hakunah Matata!"
Holt let his mind wander after that, the logistics (or lack thereof) already having been explained to him while Simba was unconscious. He found himself thinking of Keniera; wondering where she was, if she was alone, if she was hurt, if she had been taken by the old man and his lackey with the black and red armor… After 3 worlds and no sign of her, Holt was starting to worry. Thoughts of her stranded on a strange world, of her being held a prisoner, of her being hurt… Holt's head spun and his blood boiled.
She'll be okay, she'll be fine, she's tough, she's an amazing fighter, she'll be—
"Hellloooo, Earth to Holt! Snap out of it!" Timon snapped his fingers in front of Holt's face, breaking him out of his reverie.
"Huh, what? What'd I miss?"
Pumbaa gave him a strange look before answering.
"We were going to take Simba swimming in the waterfall. Wanna come with us?"
Holt shook his head, his thoughts already straying. "No thanks. I'm gonna explore a bit; I've gotta find my friend."
"Kanweera, right?" Timon scratched the back of his head thoughtfully. Holt chuckled and shook his head.
"Keniera. You three have fun, alright?"
Simba smiled at him, showing sharp white canines. "You bet! C'mon guys, let's go!"
Holt watched the three friends disappear into the trees, their excited voices fading into the distance.
"Have fun." He repeated, mumbling to himself.
0*0*0 *Keniera* 0*0*0
The first thing Keniera noticed when they stepped out of the portal was the waterfall.
It was beautiful; long fingers of water cascaded down an algae-green rock pile and filled a small watering hole below, before being carried away down a sparkling river. Flowers of every size and color surrounded the watering hole, along with ferns and other small brush. Brightly colored birds took flight from the thick curtain of trees surrounding them, startled by the sudden appearance of the two strangers. The entire clearing was entirely serene, and Keniera felt her body instantly relax.
The second thing Keniera noticed was the coal-black lion standing silently beside her. She let out a yelp and scampered back, the motion feeling strangely unfamiliar to her. The lion noticed her reaction and copied her, its golden eyes widening in surprise and… Golden eyes?
They look so familiar… Keniera felt her heart falter, and she took a hesitant step forward.
"V-Van? Is that y-you?" The lion's mouth fell open, revealing dagger-like white teeth.
"Keniera? What the hell? Why're you an oversized housecat?"
"I'm not a housecat, you're a lion!"
"So are you! And so I repeat: 'what the hell?'"
Keniera glanced down at her feet, yelping again to see brown paws instead; the sunlight on their fur made them seem almost a caramel color.
"Cool! Look, butterfly; tails! We've got tails!"
Keniera raised her head to watch Vanitas turn around rapidly, trying to get a better view of his infinitely interesting backside. She couldn't help but laugh; boys were so simple sometimes.
"You're going to make yourself sick if you keep spinning around like that."
Considering her comment, Vanitas stopped and sat back on his haunches, examining her. If lionesses could blush, Keniera felt that she probably would be just about then.
"You know," Vanitas said thoughtfully, "for an oversized cat, you're pretty cute."
Keniera was sure she'd be blushing now.
"Oh really? You're pretty cute, too I guess."
"I know. Young girls beware, Vanitas the Kitty is on the prowl…"
Vanitas got into a hunting stance, slowly stalking towards Keniera. She rolled her eyes and pretended to ignore him.
"…and he's about to pounce!"
In a blur of movement, Vanitas lunged for Keniera and knocked her to the ground, the two of them rolling and tumbling until they landed in a tangled heap, Keniera surprisingly coming out on top. Vanitas laughed and looked up at her, his tawny eyes glinting. With a start, Keniera realized she was purring; a soothing rumble emanating from her throat. Embarrassed, she pulled away from him, but Vanitas wrapped his paws around her, keeping her in place as he leaned up to lick her ear affectionately. He started to purr as well, and the two laughed out loud; Vanitas purring was just too funny. Somewhere above them, a bird called out; another answered farther away, its melodic voice reaching their ears over the crash of the falling waterfall.
"I told you I'd like this place." Keniera said quietly. Vanitas didn't answer; he just reached up to lick at her ear again, his rough tongue smoothing out her caramel fur.
Voices reached their ears, along with the rustling of underbrush. Keniera and Vanitas untangled themselves and jumped to their feet, Vanitas immediately standing in front of her in a protective stance. Keniera walked forward to stand beside him, her muscles taunt to either fight or flee. The voices and the rustling grew louder, until an odd trio stepped into the clearing. A warthog, a young lion cub, and a meerkat all froze as they caught sight of the two teenaged lions; their carefree conversation screeching to a halt. Vanitas spoke first.
"Who're you three? And you better answer; I've been feeling a bit peckish ever since this morning, I could go for a little snack."
The meerkat audibly swallowed, and the warthog started to back away into the underbrush. The cub looked at them with obvious interest. Vanitas growled menacingly; the warthog and meerkat seemed ready to run at any moment.
Keniera rolled her eyes. "Van, seriously?" She stepped forward gingerly, hoping not to alarm them further. "What he meant was, it's nice to meet you. And don't worry," she added, seeing the meerkat's suspicious eyes, "we won't eat you. He's just exaggerating."
The lion cub stepped forward, obvious curiosity written on his yellow features. "I'm Simba; this is Timon, and this is Pumbaa," he gestured to the meerkat and the warthog, respectively. "so who're you?"
"I'm Vanitas," Vanitas spoke up, sitting back down and stretching. "but you can call me Van."
"I'm Keniera."
The meerkat, Timon, perked up visibly at her name. "That sounds familiar; you new here?"
Keniera nodded. "Mostly just visiting. Why?"
"Oh, I think I've heard your name somewhere before… Hmmm…" Timon tapped his chin with his finger.
After a few moments, he shrugged. "Ah, never mind. Maybe it'll come to me after we swim for a while. You're free to join us if Van promises to keep his paws and his teeth to himself!"
"…not making any promises." Vanitas mumbled under his breath, just loud enough for Keniera to hear. She smiled and nodded at Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa.
"We'd love to."
Keniera sat quietly on the edge of the watering hole, drying her wet fur with her rough tongue as the four boys staged a diving contest at the top of the waterfall.
"Okay, Keniera; you gotta judge, alright? One-to-ten, highest number wins," Timon called down, cupping his hands around his mouth, "and don't just pick Vanitas! I want honest results!"
Keniera laughed and lowered her now-dry paw back to the grass.
"Alright, Timon! I promise! Go ahead and start!"
The four lined up; Pumbaa, Simba, Timon, and Vanitas. Timon looked a bit nervous standing between two lions, but Keniera had already forced Vanitas to promise not to snack on Timon or Pumbaa.
Timon was still doubtful, though.
Pumbaa leaped off the edge of the waterfall, tucking himself in half and promptly touching his back hooves before straightening out again and entering the water gracefully, without a splash.
"9!" Keniera declared as Pumbaa resurfaced, clapping her paws together as he climbed out of the watering hole and bowed before her before taking the seat beside her on the grass. They both watched and applauded as Simba jumped, yelling out a victorious cry before splashing down in the cold water.
"8!" Simba beamed and sat next to Pumbaa. Timon was next, and he managed to make a belly flop seem partly graceful, earning him a 4.
As Vanitas approached the edge of the waterfall, he winked at Keniera. She had just enough time to catch his meaning before he cannon-balled off the waterfall and drenched her in an enormous splash. She sat spluttering as he surfaced, and wiped the wet hair from her eyes as he climbed up onto the shore.
"Well, judge. How'd I do?"
In response, Keniera tackled him; pushing them both back into the watering hole. He laughed and coughed as she dunked him, her eyes betraying her angry act. Eventually, she started laughing too and let him go, climbing back up to take her place next to Pumbaa once again. Vanitas shook himself off and sat on her other side.
"Well Keniera, who won?" Simba's voice was hopeful, his childish ambition desiring a prize.
Keniera decided to let him have it. "Well, your dive had personality… so I'd have to say you and Pumbaa tied. I'll change your 8 to a 9."
Simba cheered and jumped into the air before running over and rubbing himself on her legs.
"Yeah! Take that, Timon!" Timon called for a rematch and he and Simba went rummaging for grubs, arguing over results. Pumbaa rolled over onto his back to sun himself, and Vanitas sidled up next to Keniera. He nuzzled her cheek with his, dampening her fur.
"You still haven't given me my score, butterfly."
Keniera purred and closed her eyes, leaning into him. "I'll give you a 10, but only because you're so charming, Beauty Queen."
Vanitas chuckled quietly. "Damn, you remember that? Of all the things you could've brought up, you pick that? What am I gonna do with you?"
"You could kiss me."
Vanitas thought for a second. "That'll do."
Keniera turned to face him, and Vanitas brought his face close to hers. Their noses were centimeters apart before Timon interrupted them, running towards them and waving his arms.
"Hey! Hey, Keniera! I remembered! Oh wow, you're not gonna believe this! See, there's this guy, and he's been looking for you, saying it's real important that he find you, and geez I forgot and he's gonna kill me! I've gotta go find him and tell him you're here!"
Vanitas jumped to his feet, growling. The hackles on the back of his neck raised and his back arched. Timon backed away, his hands raised in surrender.
"What's his name? Is it Xehanort? Where is he?"
Timon shook his head. "No, not Xehanort. It's Holt. His name is Holt."
This time it was Keniera's turn to jump up.
"Holt's here? Where?"
"I'll go find him; just stay put."
"Hurry!"
Timon scrambled off into the trees, calling for Holt loudly. Keniera tried to steady her heart; it wouldn't do anyone any good if she had a heart attack. Vanitas was strangely quiet.
"Holt's the one I almost killed, isn't he? The one you came to save…"
Keniera caught on immediately. She pressed her face into Vanitas' chest, his black fur filling her vision.
"He's my best friend. You were being controlled. I love you. Case closed."
Vanitas, reassured, rested his chin on the top of her head.
"Think he'll recognize me?"
This stopped Keniera for a second. What would happen if he did recognize Vanitas? What would happen then?
"I don't think he will. If he does, he's just going to have to live with it. You're not leaving me."
Vanitas started to purr. "Thanks, butterfly."
0*0*0 *Holt* 0*0*0
"Holt! Holt!"
Timon came crashing through the underbrush, panting and sweating. Holt jumped, sensing urgency.
"What, Timon? What's wrong? Where's Pumbaa and Simba?"
"They're at the waterfall! And so is Kanweera!"
Holt froze, his heart thudding loudly in his chest.
"Keniera? Here?"
Timon nodded, too out of breath to speak.
"Let's go!"
Holt tore through the jungle after the meerkat, dodging stray branches and brambles. He cut his paw on a sharp stone, but didn't feel it; his mind was on one thing. Keniera, alive and well and here. As they neared the clearing, he could faintly hear Simba and Pumbaa talking, and a feminine laugh.
Her laugh.
With renewed anticipation, he shot ahead of Timon, using his hearing to track down Keniera's laughter. As he burst into the clearing, the world seemed to freeze. He saw Pumbaa and Simba beaming at him, proud to help him on his mission. He saw a strange black lion with golden eyes whom he ignored. His eyes finally landed on a beautiful caramel-colored lioness with crystal blue eyes, marred only by a small ring of gold around the irises. Her face was pulled into a huge smile as she recognized the russet-red lion with deep brown eyes.
"Holt?"
"Keniera!"
Holt couldn't help himself; he launched himself at her and pressed his forehead against hers, just wanting to be close to her. She smelled like damp earth and sunshine, and he laughed.
"You're okay, you're not hurt; are you? Are you hurt? Did that old bastard or his demon spawn hurt you? How did you get out? Where have you been?"
Keniera took a deep breath. "I'm not hurt, they didn't hurt me, I was rescued, and I've been staying in Destiny Islands. Any more questions?"
Holt pulled away from her, still smiling. His face hurt, but he couldn't stop smiling. Suddenly, a black shape caught his eye. He turned to face black-haired, golden eyed lion; something seemed so familiar about him…
"Who's that?"
"That's Vanitas, he-"
"I rescued her from Radiant Gardens before it was destroyed. I brought her to Destiny Islands and then here. Who're you?"
Holt's eyes narrowed suspiciously. Even his voice was faintly familiar…
"I'm Holt. I'm Keniera's best friend. I was her first friend in Radiant Gardens after the old man abandoned her. I'm also her Keyblade trainer."
Vanitas and Holt fell silent, the tension thick between them. Keniera cleared her throat and stepped between the two boys to face Holt.
"Have you seen any of the others? I sent Mrs. Landan to Disney Town with you…"
"Yeah, she's there. So is Merlin and Lea, although before I left he was getting ready to search for Isa… Oh, Cid's in Disney Town, too. I haven't seen Kairi…"
"Kairi's in Destiny Islands. Vanitas sent her there before she could get hurt. She's been adopted…"
"That's great! What about her grandma and Mr. Landan, though? I haven't seen either of them…"
"I don't know where Kairi's grandma is, and Mr. Landan… He died."
"Oh. I'm sorry, sugar."
Holt didn't hear Vanitas growl. "'Sugar'? Seriously?"
Keniera willed herself not to cry; Holt was here, she shouldn't cry. Instead, she touched her forehead to his again and laughed.
"Don't worry. I'm just happy you're here, Holt."
"I'm happy I found you, Keniera."
They were quiet for a few minutes before Timon cleared his throat, looking smug.
"Yes, well, that's all good. Now, what do I get for finding her?"
Holt thought for a moment. "You can have all my bug rations. Enjoy."
Timon fist-pumped victoriously before scampering off to brag to Simba and Pumbaa, eager to show off and be the center of attention. Keniera laughed and moved to sit by Vanitas. He wrapped his tail around her back possessively, as if Holt would try to take her away. In fact, when Holt saw this, he didn't seem too happy.
"So, uh, Vanitas… Your tail…"
"What about it?" Vanitas twitched it at Holt, daring him to question.
Holt's gaze hardened. "You might want to watch that thing. Personal space, y'know?"
"Keniera doesn't seem to mind."
Keniera blanched; the tensions surrounding them were becoming uncomfortable. "Guys, it's…"
"I think she might, actually." Holt's voice sounded more like a growl.
"Hey, please don't…"
"I beg to differ," Vanitas twitched it again, "I think she might enjoy it." His voice stayed cool and controlled. Keniera sensed what was coming and rolled her eyes.
"Seriously? Can we just…"
"Take it off her."
"Holt, Van, please…"
"Make me."
"Shut up!"
Both boys started, surprised at her sudden outburst. Holt was the first to speak.
"Keniera, I'm just-"
"It doesn't matter, okay? Just, please don't fight. I got my best friend back today, and I'd like for us all to get along."
Holt and Vanitas both muttered an 'okay' and fell silent. The three sat in uncomfortable silence before something clicked in Holt's head… He shot up, jumping to all fours. He growled and his hair stood on end. Keniera looked at him worriedly.
"Holt, what's-?"
Holt's gaze was locked on Vanitas.
"It's you. You're the old man's demon spawn. The voice, the eyes… You're goin' down."
Holt launched himself at Vanitas, claws and teeth bared. Keniera screamed.
0*0*0*0*0*0
Yay! There's Chapter X! The new character will be introduced around Chapter XII or Chapter XIII now, but oh well! As always, read and review!
Peace, love, and cupcakes;
~*KpCw*~