Chapter 9: Atlantica
Hey everyone! It's me, sakuraphoenix, and I'm back with a new chapter! I know that it's been a while, but hey, I've been busy! Good thing I have a four-day weekend. Anyway, disclaimer time.
Disclaimer: I do not own Kingdom Hearts. I also do not own Luz. She belongs to Keybladeauraofpie. Rita, Reina, and Yukie don't belong to me either. They belong to D.J. Scales.
Enjoy!
After the trip inside Monstro, he sneezed us out of there! It took a team of me, Donald, Luz, and Rita to regain the ship's controls. I'm never driving this thing again.
"I sure hope Pinocchio and Geppetto are okay." said Goofy
"Yeah, hopefully they landed safely somewhere." said Donald
"Riku..." Luz said as she stared outside into space
"Hey, can I talk to you?" I asked
"Sure." said Luz
We found a place a little more private to talk.
"I'm sure you're feeling upset about Riku." I said
"Yeah. I am. It's almost as if the Riku I knew is gone and has been replaced by someone who looks like him." said Luz
"We'll get him back, and if we're lucky, we can save him. I can't allow him to walk down the same path my friend did." I said
"That's why you were worried about him." said Luz
"Yeah. Remember what I said about that Mark of Mastery exam?" I asked
"Yeah?" asked Luz
"A Mark of Mastery exam is a special exam Keyblade wielders take in order to prove their worth with the Keyblade. I've seen you with magic and the Keyblade. I think you're ready. Out of all the Keyblade wielders I've met, I've never seen anyone wield it the way you or Sora do." I said
"So, why not give Sora an exam too?" asked Luz
I gave her a look, and she got the message.
"Oh yeah. Good point." said Luz
Donald informed us that we arrived back in Traverse Town. Good idea. We needed to stock up on supplies and stop by Merlin's home. We walked up to the Fairy Godmother and showed her the gem we found inside monster.
"Oh, another summon gem? Let's help this little one. Here we go! Bibbidy bobbity boo!" exclaimed the fairy godmother
A light shone from the gem, and circled around me, Lumen, and Sora. After a while, the gem picked Lumen.
"If you find any more of those stones, bring them to me." said the fairy godmother
We then left for the Gummi ship, and came across a world that seemed to resemble an aquarium.
"Okay, guys. Prepare for landing." said Donald
"Land where?" asked Sora
"In the sea?" asked Reina
"We'll drown!" Luz and I exclaimed in unison
"Not with my magic, we won't. Just leave it to me." said Donald
"I've got a bad feeling about this." I muttered
He cast a spell, and next thing we knew, we were underwater! Donald had the lower body of an octopus. Goofy had the body of a turtle, while Rita, Reina, Yukie, Luz, Sora, Lumen, and I... were merfolk. Sora had the tail of a dolphin while Lumen had a blue mermaid tail, but well, was more like a merman tail. Luz's tail was maroon with grey fins and she wore a black shell bra. She also had her hair long. Rita was wearing a red form-fitting shell bra and had a yellow mermaid tail. Reina on the other hand had a purple mermaid tail and wore a blue form-fitting shell bra. Yukie had a green mermaid tail with a white form-fitting shell bra and her hair was long. I finally took a good look at myself. I had a pink mermaid tail with a grey shell bra, and my hair was in two ridiculous pigtails! They weren't the kind I wore; they were the little kid kind, only at the top of my head! If that wasn't enough, I also wore earrings with a heart dangling from my ears. From the distance, I saw a mermaid with a green tail and a purple shell bra swim this way. Following her was a crab and a yellow fish.
"Come on, Sebastian!" exclaimed the mermaid
"Ariel, wait! Slow down! Don't leave me behind!" exclaimed the crab named Sebastian
He swam as hard as he could and eventually was face-to-face with an upside-down and annoyed Donald. He screamed and swam behind the mermaid Ariel
"Relax, Sebastian. They don't look like one of them. Right, Flounder?" asked Ariel
"I don't know. There's something weird about them." the yellow fish named Flounder said
Sora began laughing nervously.
"What do you mean?" asked Rita
Ariel then swam up to us.
"They do seem... a little different. Where are you from?" asked Ariel
"We're from pretty far away, truth be told, and we're not used to these waters." said Reina
We all nodded in agreement. Ariel seemed to believe it.
"Oh, I see. In that case... Sebastian can show you how we swim around here." Ariel said as Sebastian and Donald were having a staring contest
"Ariel, King Triton will not like this!" exclaimed Sebastian
"Oh, don't worry." said Ariel
"Easy for you to say... Okay, it's time you learn how to swim properly. Practice swimming with Flounder. Try to tag him. Alright. Begin." said Sebastian
We began swimming to try and tag him, but it was easy after a while.
"Good job. Now let's move on to self-defense." said Sebastian
"Sebastian!" exclaimed Ariel
She pointed to a swarm of jellyfish Heartless that were coming this way!
"Class is over. Good luck!" exclaimed Sebastian
Sebastian and Flounder hid in a clam while Ariel hid in the opening of a wall. Sheesh, give us a break, will ya Heartless? Thankfully, since now we had the stop spell on our side, things were easier to beat these guys. After they were gone, Ariel came out of her hiding place while Rita tapped her Keyblade on the clam.
"Knock knock." Rita said as she tapped her Keyblade on the clam
It opened up as Flounder and Sebastian swam over to their friend.
"Those creatures chased us here." said Ariel
"Oh, no! Those monsters might be heading for the palace, too!" A panicked Sebastian exclaimed
"We'd better head back right away!" exclaimed Ariel
"But, wh-what if we run into more on our way back?" asked Flounder
She then looked at us.
"I'm sorry, but we need your help. Please come to the palace with us." said Ariel
Sora was about to protest, but Lumen gave him a look that clearly said 'Don't say a word.' He whispered something into his ear, and he had a face that seemed to understand the situation.
"We'll be happy to help. Lead the way." said Lumen
"The trident markers on the walls point the way there. We won't get lost as long as we follow them." said Ariel
"That was smart. We definitely won't get lost then." I said
"Okay, let's get going." said Ariel
We followed the markers, and in no time at all, we reached the palace. It was beautiful. I guess being underwater really changed the way you looked at things. Unfortunately, we were followed by the Heartless, and there were too many of them for us to fight off.
"That was too close." said a male voice
Ariel excitedly swam over to the elderly merman on the throne.
"As long as I have my trident, I will not tolerate those creatures inside this palace." said the merman
He may be no Keyblade wielder, but that is one man I do not want to make mad.
"Daddy!" exclaimed Ariel
"Oh, Ariel!" exclaimed the merman
She looked worried hearing his tone.
"When will you listen? It's dangerous out there!" exclaimed the man
She just looked annoyed.
"Strange creatures lurk outside." the merman said before staring at us with a hard look
Sora and Lumen glared at him while Sebastian cleared his throat.
"Behold. You swim before the ruler of the seas: His Majesty, King Triton." said Sebastian
Rita, Reina, Yukie, Lumen, Luz, and I immediately bowed. I was taught to respect my elders, thankfully not from my parents.
"And who are they?" asked Triton
"They helped us fight off those creatures." said Ariel
"They don't look familiar." said Triton
"Um, well, we'll from an ocean very far away, your majesty." said Luz
"Yep. We came to find the Keyh-" Goofy started before I clamped his mouth shut
Too late, he got an idea, and he was alarmed.
"The what?" asked Triton
"What's that?" asked Ariel
"Well..." started Yukie
"There's no such thing. Certainly not here." said Triton
"But, Daddy..." started Ariel
He gave her a very hard look. At least I can tell he cares about her, unlike my folks.
"Ariel, not another word! You are not to leave the palace. Is that clear?
She glared at him before swimming off. We quickly swam after her, since we didn't know what exactly was going on. We finally found her, and she clearly was upset about what her dad said.
"You okay?" asked Luz
"Yes. Come to my grotto. I want to show you something." Said Ariel
"But where is it?" I asked
She pointed to a boulder that seemed to be blocking an entrance to a cave.
"There it is. See?" asked Ariel
She moved the boulder aside and we entered the grotto. There were so many things! How did she collect all of them?
"Look at all the wonderful things Flounder and I've collected. I think it's all from the outside world. Someday, I'm going to see what's out there. I want to see other worlds. Does that sound strange?" asked Ariel
"No. Not at all." Said Yukie
"Yeah, we used to feel the same way." Said Sora
"Used to?" wondered Ariel
"I mean… we still do." Said Luz
"Hey, why don't we try looking for that thing you were talking about?" asked Ariel
"But your father said…" started Reina
"Oh, he treats me like a little girl. He never wants to let me do anything. He just… he just doesn't understand." Said Ariel
She swam out of her grotto and talked to a group of dolphins. They appeared that they were willing to give us a ride. Ariel, Sora, Donald, and Goofy got onto one while Lumen, Luz, Rita, and I got onto another while Yukie and Reina were on the last one. They took us to some kind of abandoned, yet sunken, ship. We saw a treasure chest, and just before we opened it, a shark burst in! I screamed and hid behind Lumen while Luz hid behind Goofy.
"Aw man, I forgot sharks live in the ocean." Said Luz
"Hm. Its shape reminds me of something…" Sora trailed off
He picked it up and we went outside of the ship, where Jaws was waiting for us. Before it could attack any of us, Rita and I used the stop spell and attacked it like mad women. When the spell wore off, the shark stared at us, then panicked, then ran away.
"That's right 'fraidy cat! Don't you dare come back!" exclaimed Rita
Everyone looked at us with scared looks.
"What?" I wondered
They just shook their heads and the swim back to Ariel's grotto was kinda quiet. We got back and the crystal trident fit the hole that was here. Nothing seemed to be happening, so far.
"Ariel, you've disobeyed me again! I told you not to leave the palace!" exclaimed Triton
He spotted the crystal, and took out his trident.
"Daddy, no!" exclaimed Ariel
Too late. He zapped it into oblivion.
"How could you?" Ariel asked, obviously upset
She swam out of her grotto.
"Young men and women, you're not from another ocean. You're from another world. Aren't you?" asked Triton
We all began to panic. How did he know?!
"Then you must be key bearers." Said Triton
"How did you know, your majesty?" I asked
"You may fool Ariel, but you can't fool me. You don't know your dorsal fin from your tail. As key bearers, you must already know one must not meddle in the affairs of other worlds." Said Triton
"Of course we know that, but…" I started
"You have violated this principle. The key bearer shatters peace and brings ruin." Said Triton
Why did he have to say that? It's bad enough that I know people like that, but bringing up my past like that?
"Look, one, how do you know about the Keyblade. Two, we already know a lot more than you ever would. Mine and my sister's father happens to be the uncrowned king of our world, Arkus!" exclaimed Rita
Triton's face turned into one of shock at the same time mine did.
"Arkus? I thought that world was a legend. It sounded too good to be true." I said
"It's real. Yukie, Reina, and I are living proof. Our world is so advanced that your trident would be a toy compared to what we know and discovered. Don't tell us how to do our job, got it?" asked Rita
"I thank you for saving my daughter. But there is no room in my ocean for you or your keys." Said Triton
"Yeah, yeah, whatever Your Majesty. We gonna have a little chat while we send you back to your so-called throne." Rita said as she pushed him out of Ariel's grotto
"So, what did you hear about their world?" asked Sora
"That an artifact named the Core of Light was discovered there, and another artifact named the Cornerstone of Light was created from its power. The people of that world learned to use technology and magic as a balance in their lives. Such a world couldn't exist outside of legend. I always believe that Arkus was a legend, until now." I sad
"But still, there's no way the Keyblade would bring ruin or shatter peace. Right Hikaru?" asked Lumen
I just swam away with tears threatening to form. I ignored their calls after me. I just needed to be alone. I don't know how long I was sitting, looking over the palace of this world when I felt someone tap my shoulder.
"You alright?" asked Luz
"No." I said
"I'd bet. What Triton said was really over the line." Said Luz
"Actually, it kinda wasn't." I said
"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Luz
"I'd rather not. It involves my past, one I wish I never lived." I said
"Hey, people have things they don't like in their lives, but good things lead to bad things, which lead to more good things." Said Luz
"I guess you're right. Maybe I should start from the beginning. As you know, you met me ten years ago, but I haven't aged since then. That's because I was trapped in the Realm of Darkness." I said
"What's that?" asked Luz
"A realm parallel to this one. Because of that, time flows differently here than there. A few days there could be a few years here. Before that, I was a student of a Keyblade Master named Xehanort. I hated every day of training with him." I said
"Why?" asked Luz
"He was a Keyblade Master of Darkness, an epitome of what Triton said." I said
"So the Keyblade can bring ruin." Said Luz
"Only if in the wrong hands." I said
"That's why you were so upset." Said Luz
"Yeah. If I could change the past, I would. But I can't, because… if I didn't train with Xehanort, I don't think I would've made friends with the people I know today. You're right Luz. Good things lead to bad things, which lead to more good things." I said
"Aw, isn't this touching?" asked a male voice
Luz and I turned to see Ankoku, Sarah, and Kyo. Even their clothes were altered in this world. Ankoku had a blue mermaid tail with a purple shell bra while both Sarah and Kyo had black mermaid tails, and their black coats were altered to fit with the world.
"Sarah, Kyo, and Ankoku." I said
"I'm flattered that you remember us." Said Sarah
"Why don't you just shut up?" Said Luz
Rita, Reina, and Yukie then showed up, Keyblades in hand.
"Rita. Reina. Yukie." I said
"We'll handle the big mouths. Why don't you two handle her?" Rita asked while pointing to Ankoku
"Okay." I said
"Got it." Said Luz
We summoned our Keyblades the same time she did. As all three of us clashed, I could sense she was almost as Keyblade Master level.
"Ankoku, why are you fighting with them?" I asked
"Does it matter?" asked Ankoku
"It matters to us." Said Luz
"Because you guys are trying to bring ruin to all the worlds!" exclaimed Ankoku
"They're the ones who are trying to bring ruin you nimrod! You can't trust them!" I exclaimed
"As if! That's one reason why I'm fighting. There's someone I want to see again, and I won't be able to with you in the way!" exclaimed Ankoku
"Who?" asked Luz
"Her name is Master Hikari. I met her ten years ago. I have something to tell her." Said Ankoku
"Then I'm sorry. Salvation!" I exclaimed
The impact of the spell sent them flying backwards, and knocked out Sarah and Kyo cold. Ankoku had to open a Keyblade portal in order to get out of there.
"Hey, we heard your conversation with Luz, and… we're sorry." Said Reina
"Don't be. Your life wasn't ruined by darkness like mine was." I said
I then noticed Ariel with a woman with an octopus-like body following her into the palace. This didn't look good. We followed them into the palace, where I saw octopus-breath hold Triton's trident.
"Why, we have company. I'm afraid you're a little late sweethearts." Said the octopus lady
She disappeared in a cloud of ink just as Sora, Lumen, Donald, and Goofy arrived.
"Daddy!" exclaimed Ariel
"The trident… we must get it back." Triton said weakly
"Come on, let's go!" exclaimed Sora
We were about to swim out when Ariel stopped us.
"Wait, I'm going with you! My father is hurt and it's all my fault. I have to stop Ursula!" exclaimed Ariel
We all nodded, giving her proof that she could come with us.
"That's right. I'm right behind you, Ariel." Said Sebastian
"Ursula draws power from her cauldron. To defeat Ursula, you must strike her cauldron with magic." Said Triton
"Sounds like my territory." I said
We headed back to the sunken ship area, but after what Rita and I did to the shark, it wasn't coming back anytime soon. We found some kind of strange rock, but when we tried to move it, it wouldn't budge!
"Need some help? I'll show you how it's done." Said Sebastian
He pushed a button, allowing the rock to move. We quickly moved inside to find Ursula's lair.
"Come out! You can't run!" exclaimed Donald
"Your time has come!" exclaimed Sebastian
Oh, she came out of her nook alright, and scared the living daylights out of Sebastian and Donald.
"You know something you old hag, you really call yourself a sea witch? You're so fat it's a miracle that you were able to get out of that tiny hole." Rita said while showing off in her mermaid body
"I'll say. Any bigger, she would've been stuck." Reina said while following Rita's lead
"No wonder merfolk despise girls like you and prefer girls like us." Yukie finished following her sister's lead, "You're fat and ugly while we're sweet and pretty."
That was enough to make her really mad. We all fired spells at the cauldron, but since it would give hints as to which spell to cast when, it was easy. When Ursula was stunned, we all went berserk on her! It wasn't long until her cauldron was destroyed and her eel henchmen were destroyed.
"You'll pay for this!" exclaimed Ursula
She immediately swam out of her grotto.
"Let's go. We must get the trident back." Said Ariel
I wondered where she went until I had a bit of a vision. She was in an open area of sea, not that far from here.
"I know where she is. She's in an open area of the ocean not that far from here." I said
They followed me to where we found Ursula.
"You pathetic fools! I rule the seas now!" exclaimed Ursula
There was a sudden shaking in the area.
"The sea and all its spoils bow to my power!" exclaimed Ursula
Who ordered the giant octopus?
"Hey, lady, did you load up on some foods that you weren't supposed to eat?" asked Rita
"She's right. You look like a giant whale." Said Yukie
"You belong in a pig pen." Reina finished.
A very mad, gigantic Ursula went on the attack. Now that she was big, and getting up in our faces, this was going to be hard. That's when I realized something. She spent all her time looking at us, but never turned her back. That's her weak spot! I signaled to Luz, and I decided to play the distraction. I'm gonna regret this.
"What's the matter squid face? Cat got your tongue?" I asked
"I'll show you some respect!" exclaimed Ursula
"Firaga!" I exclaimed
The moment the fireball formed in my hand, a big explosion soon occurred, blinding Ursula, giving Luz the opportunity to finish her off. She disappeared in an inky black mess as the trident appeared, safe and sound. A piece of paper appeared from the mess. It's a page from Ansem's report! We returned the trident to its proper place inside the palace.
"Daddy, I'm so sorry." Said Ariel
"Please don't be angry with her." I said
Instead he shook his head.
"It's my fault. You followed Ursula because… I wouldn't let you follow your heart. And when you found that crystal, I lost my temper and destroyed it." Said Triton
"So, why did you destroy it?" asked Luz
"That crystal held the power to reveal the Keyhole. The Keyhole is dangerous. I had to keep you away from it at all costs." Said Triton
"Daddy…" Ariel trailed off
"Key bearers, I have one more request: Seal the Keyhole." Said Triton
"But how are we going to do that? You destroyed the crystal. Great job genius." Said Rita
"Rita." Said Reina
"What?" asked Rita
"My trident also holds the power to reveal the Keyhole. Will you do it?" asked Triton
"Of course. That's what we had in mind from the start." Said Sora
"Where is the Keyhole, Daddy?" asked Ariel
"You should know better than anyone. It's in your grotto." Said Triton
"Really… Sora, Lumen, Luz, Hikaru, Rita, Reina, Yukie, let's go." Said Goofy
Some of my hair began to stand up on end again. I guess their thunder spells have been upgraded.
"Princesses of Arkus, be careful on your journey." Said Triton
"Yeah, yeah, whatever old man." Rita said before she swam off
"You're sure she's your sister?" I asked Reina
"Sometimes I don't even know." Replied Reina
We quickly swam back to Ariel's grotto, and using the trident, it resonated with the trident symbol, revealing the Keyhole. Yukie had this one under control, and sealed the Keyhole to this world.
"Tell me, Sora, Lumen, Luz, Hikaru, Rita, Reina, and Yukie. Your worlds, what are they like?" asked Ariel
"Oh, about that… sorry for lying to you." Said Lumen
"It's okay. Besides, if you guys can travel to other worlds, maybe I can, too. So many places I want to see. I know I'll get there someday. I'll find a way somehow. I'm sure of it." Said Ariel
"Well, if you find it, do me a favor and leave me out of it." Said Sebastian
Luz and I laughed, and we noticed something. It was page from Merlin's book! Ariel probably wouldn't like us taking it, but Merlin would probably like to have it back. Unfortunately, we didn't have pockets, and we couldn't hide it in our shell bras, even with it folded up. Rita then swam up to us, and saw our predicament, and she quickly stuffed it in her cleavage. We swam up to Ariel to say our good-byes as we continued our adventures.
Done and done! This one took me a while, but I finally finished! Please review, and until next time, I'm sakuraphoenix, saying I heart you, signing off for now. Kan dao ni!