"Ughhhh man... What the...?" Freesia groaned.
She sat up right and realised she was lay on the floor. Her head felt funny and when she brought up her hands to find the cause of her problems she was met with a cold metal touch. A snigger could be heard from behind her as she turned round to see the culprits of the laughter.
"Why are you laughing?!" She shouted.
"Gawrsh Freesia! Haven't you seen what's on your head?" Goofy asked as he laughed once more.
The girl put her hands on her head once more and she realised what the metal feeling was. She yanked at the metal object realising that she had in fact fallen asleep inside of a kettle pot.
"God dammit!" She exclaimed as she threw the pot in the anger.
"Did we fall asleep here?" She inquisited as she looked round the room.
"I guess so. We got pretty tired after searching the 1st 100 pieces of crockery" Donald explained.
"Uhhh" she sighed as she fell back on the floor.
"How many are there to go?" She murmured.
"About another 100" goofy answered.
"..."
"Okay c'mon the quicker we do it, the quicker we get done and can leave this place" Freesia spurred as she jumped up from off the floor.
The trio began work on the pots, each taking a different corner in order to narrow the crockery down.
"Aghhhhh! Intruders!" A woman's voice screamed.
"Oh my, what a mess" Another woman spoke.
"How we going to punish them girls!" The last woman spoke.
Donald turned round to see three green women stood in the doorway, with their arms folded. The first woman looked like the leader. She stood out from the rest with her short ginger orange hair and baggy eyes. She had a bandana draped across her forehead and a long blue cloak which cusped the floor delicately. She was average proportion with being of normal height and weight. Unlike her the other woman to her left was fairly large with chubby cheeks and huge breasts. Freesia shivered internally as she stared at the woman and her voluptuous body. However unlike the others you could argue she was quite pretty or could argue she at least tried with her curled long eyelashes and rose tinted cheeks, she completed the look with a pearl necklace which she draped around her neck lavishly. Then there was the final woman on the right who was the polar opposite of the previous lady. This one was a small and skinny thing, with wild short hair and a long ugly nose. Goofy shuddered as he looked at her, she gave off this vicious and strange demeanour which suggested she was more of an act first think later type of woman…..err creature.
"Who are you?!" Freesia growled as she went to reach for her katana.
The leader walked over and simply placed a hand onto freesia's arm and another on her cheeks.
"My my, such a hostility. There is no need for that you pretty young thing" The leader cooed
Freesia pushed her arm of her face and glared at the witch before her with anger.
"Such a feisty thing aren't you. Why are you the one to be so cautious when it was you who broke into our home" She continued.
Freesia was abit taken back by this statement but then realised that what the woman said is true as she tried to muster up a response, Goofy interrupted.
"This is your home?"
"Yeah, you trying to say something punk!?" The skinny woman jeered.
"Erm no. Your house is err…..lovely. A fine example of uniqueness and contemporary art" Freesia lied terribly
"Hmm clearly" The skinny woman spoke sarcastically.
"In any case you asked us a question. I am Orddu and these are my sisters. The big nosed one is Orgoch and the big one is Orwen. Now I have questions of my own. Who are you and what are you doing in my house?" Orddu the leader explained.
Freesia took a step back and looked at her dog and duck companions before glancing back up at the three witches before her. She felt uneasy and didn't trust these women, the way they acted and the fake smiles they were showing. She sighed trying to think about how much of the truth to tell them or whether to tell the truth at all. She could just say they were lost, vagrants or outcasts of society forced to pillage food and resources to make amends and to survive.
'Ugh I guess if they were bad guys they could have easily beaten us by now or surrounded us, especially if they are witches' She thought to herself.
'Or turn us into frogs' she gulped.
"I'm Freesia and these are my two friends Donald Duck and Goofy" Freesia introduces.
"We were sent here by Dallben of Caer Dallben to retrieve the black cauldron" Donald interrupted.
Shock and discussion erupted between the three witches as they looked the three heroes up and down, trying to detect a hint lying. But they never felt it as they looked at the seriousness in the eyes of three before them.
"Well now that is answer. Did you hear that sisters?" Orddu asked
"Why, no one has asked for the Black Cauldron in over two thousand years! Why do you want that?!" Orwen exclaimed
"Bah I knew there was something weird with these three. It's a trick! We not going to let them have it are we?!" Orgoch bellowed
"Don't worry. Leave it to me. Perhaps I might interest you in something else; a kettle, a crockpot, a skillet, a teapot, a bucket, a jar, a platter!" Orddu bargained.
She and her sisters doubled over and began to make all the crockery float, throwing pots and pans around Freesia, Donald and Goofy. The items weaved in and out, up and down and left and right to the side of them, occasionally hitting one of the trio or forcing them to jump up or drop to the floor. Freesia's face began to redden hastily, she cast daggers at the witches as her patience ran dry and her annoyance had just gone through the roof. Her rage was erupting like a volcano, fury hissing of her like waves as she reached breaking point. Enough was enough. She had just spent the day and night searching through hundreds of crockery, slept on a cold hard floor, still had dry blood from her fist fight and now had crockery being chucked at her by the three stupidest witches she had ever seen. She grasped at the hilt of her katana swiftly.
"See anything you like?" Orddu inquisited without turning round.
SMASH!
"ENOUGH!"
An echo filled the room and was shortly left with shock and silence. The three witches turned round hastily and saw the ruckus. Most of the crockery had been smashed to pieces and there was still the twang of thunder around the air. Donald stood with his staff above his head as he panted from both frustration and anger. Freesia could only stare in awe and surprise at the ducks actions, whereas Goofy lifted the shield from his face and looked at his friend.
"We just want the Black cauldron okay?!" He squawked.
"Oh dear guys. It seems you've ruffled Donald's feathers" Freesia teased as she allowed her katana to slide back into its sheath.
"Yeah just give us the cauldron and no one gets hurt" Goofy piped up.
"Ahhh if only it was that simple" Orddu started.
"You see, you can have cauldron however, we ask that you give us something in return"
"Like what?" Freesia asked as she folded her arms with a scowl.
"Something of worth" Orgoch interrupted with a snare.
"I can give you my shield" Goofy said as he held up his most prized weapon.
"Goofy!" Freesia and Donald exclaimed simultaneously.
"Pahaha we have no need for that or any of your weapons for a matter" Orddu laughed.
"Is there nothing else you have?" Orwen questioned sincerely as she battered her long eyelashes.
The group just looked at each other for a moment trying to work out telepathically or through body language whether they did indeed have anything of worth. Their faces turned solemn. Orwen noticed this and her face saddened as she turned towards her sisters.
"They're telling the truth" Orwen began
"Well they ain't getting it! I say we are just about finished here. We should turn them into frogs or cook em for lunch" Orgoch chimed.
"No! Orddu can we not just give it to them? What if they find something that they can exchange instead?" Orwen pleaded with her sister.
"Absolutely not! The twerps may not even come back" Orddu proclaimed as she shook her head.
"Gawrsh um we do have other friends. Maybe they have something that could interest you? Only problem is they aren't here" Goofy interjected.
"Goofy!" Donald and Freesia shouted simultaneously once again.
"Ahhh now that's sounds like a fair deal. Very well you may have the cauldron" Orddu commanded.
Orgoch gasped and threw her sisters together into a huddle.
"But what can they DO with the cauldron? What do they need it for?" Orgoch asked.
"Nothing! My dear sister that's the point. Don't you see? We'll end up with both. The cauldron and the exchange item. The cauldron is useless to them" Orddu explained proudly.
The three broke up and turned back to the group.
"Ahem. Very well it's decided then, you shall have the Black Cauldron" Orwen informed.
"You mean you'll give it to us?" Donald inquired excitedly.
"Yes we have agreed the proposition, the cauldron for whatever your friends have" Orddu explained.
"And don't even try to cheat on us. If you don't return we'll find you and turn you into frogs to put in our stew" Orgoch threatened.
The three witches disappear in a flash of smoke as the cottage begins to fall apart and the wind blows it away. Stools, chairs, pots and pans fly by. Then the cauldrons take off. The group jump to the ground to keep out of the way of the cauldrons. Just when they think it's over, a small earthquake takes place. The Black Cauldron is pushed up from under the ground where the cottage had been.
"Look!" Goofy shouts
"The Black Cauldron! It's ours!" Freesia states
She walks towards it cautiously staring at the site before her. She circles it with her hand grazing the side of the cauldron, before stopping to stare inside the cauldron itself. All of a sudden she hears the laughs of the witches and looks up to see them watching him from the clouds.
"I say, what funny little ducklings! Don't they know the Black Cauldron is indestructible! Now listen carefully, the Black Cauldron can never be destroyed. Only its evil powers can be stopped!" Orwen described.
"Then there is a way! But how?" Freesia asked as she ran towards the clearing nearby.
"A living being must climb into it on his own free will!" Orgoch slithered.
Freesia began to climb and place her leg into the cauldron.
"However, the poor duckling, will never climb out ALIVE!" Orddu bellowed.
Freesia stumbled backwards as she threw herself out of the cauldron before shuffling away on her back.
"Now look here, don't forget we have an agreement!" Goofy questioned
"Yes! You said we could have the Cauldron!" Donald piped.
"Of course we said you could have the Cauldron. It's not our fault you can't do anything with it!" Orgoch teased.
The witches then disappear into the clouds with a loud bang of lighting across the sky
"Goodbye goslings! And remember we always keep our bargain!" The trailing voice of Orddu sung.
Freesia could only stay on the floor and pull her knees towards herself as though to protect her. She stayed like that for a while before Donald and Goofy joined her from both sides and began to huddle together. Freesia raised her sulking chin slightly placing it delicately onto her knee.
"Oh guys. What are we going to do?"
"Aghhhh!" Sora bolted upright, clutching his heart as he did so. Sweat was layered across his forehead dripping down his face like a tap. His breath was jaggered and deep as his eyes bolted around him.
"Sora!" A voice exclaimed.
Sora looked up to be met with a pair of worried deep brown eyes. It was Taran. The young boy had raced over after he had heard the commotion coming from Sora's sleeping bag.
"Are you okay?" the young boy asked sincerely as he placed two hands on either side of Sora's shoulders.
Sora would not meet his eyes, he was still in a daze. Confusion. He pushed himself backwards and ripped the the blanket off his torso, inspecting his chest and stomach.
'There's no scars. What?' He thought to himself
'You okay big guy?' Roxas questioned worriedly.
'Hmm yeah...um i just had a bad dream was all' Sora responded.
Snapping out of it Sora looked at Taran and felt a pang of guilt wash over as he saw the young boy was watery eyed. Not as though Taran would ever admit it. Sora forced a small smile from the corners of his mouth. As he opened his mouth to respond, Kairi and Riku ran over after hearing the commotion from camp. Kairi was redfaced from appeared to from running whereas Riku had his keyblade at the ready as the two stood behind Taran looking over Sora.
"What happened?!" Riku shouted.
"Sora are you okay? You're not hurt are you" The girl asked boldly as she threw herself to the ground next to Sora and began inspecting him all over. She placed her hands on his cheek searching frantically to see any cuts, bruises or bleeding,he felt her arms and whole body relax when she found nothing as she fell back onto the haunches of her feet. She smiled slightly, a genuine smile of hers but what caught his attention was her eyes. Crystal clear pearls were formed in the very corners of her eyes, you could tell that this wasn't the first and that the previous had been wiped away with cold hands. She allowed her palm to delicately caress his cheeks, as though she had needed solid evidence to believe that this was real and that Sora was okay. Small, soft wisps of her auburn hair dropped down from behind her ear and began to brush the skins of her neck, jaw, cheeks as well as around her beautiful rimmed eyes. Those cerulean-glass eyes where rimmed with long and thick lashes that fluttered every time she blinked, they were still damp with tears before those caring eyes looked over him one more time. She allowed her hands to fall from his cheeks and automatically Sora began to miss the warmth and gentle touch that was there moments ago. He looked at her now from a further perspective, being able to see the entirety of her face and body, he looked at her eyes trying to figure out what she was feeling but he could not tell what emotions were behind those walls. Over the years, Sora was able read her emotions very well. Kairi was quite an open book like he was. He had seen her eyes experience loneliness, sadness, desperation, joy, hurt and anger but this he did not know. Was it fear? Thats the last thing he wanted. He glanced at the three before him, acknowledging all of their faces, even Riku's was full of concern. Sora felt awful, all of this drama caused by a bad dream.
'But it felt so real' Sora thought
'You know just as much as i do Sora, that you'll always be plagued by dreams. Whether they're dreams of the past, dreams of the future or not dreams at all' Roxas informed
'I know its just. I thought it would have stopped' He sulked.
"Sorry guys. I didn't mean to worry you all, i just had a bad dream. I'm sorry" Sora apologised.
A wave of relaxation and calm washed over the group as they all inwardly sighed with delight as their guards dropped. Riku walked over to Sora and pushed in him on the top of of his arm, hard.
"OW!" Sora shouted.
"Don't do that again. You had us all worried you knucklehead" Riku scolded.
He then began to laugh and smile, which pleased Sora greatly as it was nice to see his friend becoming more interactive. Taran was also laughing. But Kairi was not. She was looking at Sora suspiciously, studying his face.
'Oh crap. She's onto me' He cursed inwardly.
Feeling the gaze and pressure he turned over onto his side pulling the blanket back over him in order to divert her attention. She wan't to say something but now was not the time. She knew when something was up with Sora and she wasn't about to let it slide. But for now its been too much excitement for one day, as she stood up to go and climb into her own sleeping bag, followed by Taran and then Riku.
Sora lay there with his eyes wide open thinking.
'Just what was that dream about?' he thought before succumbing to the heavy entity known as sleep.
Darkness. That was Kairi was met with. Normally she'd be afraid but this darkness was different it was comforting and calming. Usually with nightfall there would be overwhelming sense and feeling of cold, the type that nips at your skin and dances over your body leaving goosebumps behind. But she felt nothing. She sat up and looked around the camp, the once large and wild fire was now dying down with small orange embers crackling up into the air. She stood up and looked at the three sleeping bags before her and turned round, pushing past the few stray branches from the bushes and headed towards the small lake nearby. She came into the clearing and saw the moon in full vibrancy, emitting its white glow across the lake causing a beautiful reflection. She walked over to the lake and sat herself delicately on the ledge, placing her ankles into to the smooth and cool water. It wasn't Destiny Islands water but it was close. She let out a sigh of relief and relaxation as her back arched in joy, the water caressed and soothed her feet
'Ahh Sora was right I do need to get into shape. All of this walking, running, jumping, fighting and don't forget all the other stunts' Kairi sighed.
'Remember Sora was like this at one point too. The only way he does it now is because he's done it for two years' Namine interrupted
'Yeah I know but just because he's used to it doesn't make it any easier' Kairi replied.
'Hey Namine. Has Roxas said anything about Sora of late?' Kairi asked curiously.
'Not really. He said that Sora has just been having weird dreams again' Namine answered.
'i see. That's not really different than normal, Sora has always had strange dreams since he was little. I don't know...he just seems really distant and evasive at the minute' Kairi continued.
'Maybe that's because of his love for you' Namine teased.
'Namine!' Kairi shouted
'i'm joking! But on a serious note can you really blame Sora for being distant after it was only a few days ago he was told that his father who he thought was dead is alive. That's quite hard news for anyone to bare, not just a keyblade master' Namine explained.
'yeah you're right. That's why I need to grow stronger. If sora is being plagued by his thoughts and dreams then I need to support him both mentally and physically. I will be stronger!' Kairi jeered as she stood up from the lake.
She felt a brand new surge of energy filter through her body as though a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She clenched her fists tightly and felt a small smirk form on her face.
'Oh yeah. I can do this' She thought to herself.
She began to jog at a slow and steady pace allowing her feet to become accustomed to the strange sensation of exercise once again, she allowed herself time for her to catch up to begin to develop that same speed and determination she had a few years ago back on Destiny Islands. She was always in the shadows of Riku and Sora, she couldn't fight like them or have a good intolerance to pain. Sure during the time she was home after being saved my Sora, Kairi had infact joined the school netball and track team, but once she began to lose memories of Sora she put all of that on hold. She began to pick up an even faster pace as her feet began to carry her and surge forward as though they had a mind of their own. Her breath became heavy and jaggered as her cheeks matched the same colour of her hair, but she would not stop.
'I have to keep going' She thought training to motivate herself.
'What I lack in strength and i can make up for in my speed and agility. Sora is an all round fighter, better with upfront combat but his weakness if magic. Riku on the other hand is strong in magic and distant combat, put when it comes to upfront fighting he is quite slow which is his downfall. Then there's me. I may not be excellent in fighting combat in general however, my magic skills are nearly as good as Riku's and my speed and agility is the better than them both. If we work tactically there is no enemy we can't defeat' Kairi explained to herself.
Another release of determination and willingness passed through Kairi as her running now turned into a full blown sprint. She had no idea as to where she was going but she was running alongside the lake so she still had some bearings. The lake was now beginning to filter into a river as she tried to match the speed of the current, she had no idea of how long she had been running or how far - 1 mile? 2 miles? 3? She wouldn't stop though she had to keep going, she had to become stronger. She no longer wanted to be the damsel in distress that needed saving. Adrenaline and endorphins were circulating all around her body, she could practically feel it pulsating in her veins. Nothing was going to stop her. She kept going, hearing a swirling of noise in the background, it sounded like gushing water. She saw a ledge infront of her and came to an abrupt stop as her feet slid right to the edge.
"Woah!" She exclaimed.
She peaked her head over the ledge and saw what looked like a lagoon underneath, it was completely tranquil. Who knew how high up she was, she didn't care the adrenaline was still vibrating through her. She took a small step right to the edge and looked down before closing her eyes and jumping. She would never have thought she would do something so dangerous, but she didn't care. This place, this whole world seemed to put her at temporary peace as she held her breath preparing for impact.
The water was cold much colder than the night air but she was okay with it, it gave her a release. She was so hot she believed she may turn this lagoon into a jacuzzi. She laughed and sighed as she felt the cold water rush up her back. Everything was fine until a current came and dragged her underneath the water. The river and current was fast and had took Kairi completely my surprise, she rose back to the surface coughing and spluttering. She realised just how deep the river was but couldn't pay enough attention has she gazed up at the waterfall and was mesmerised by the colours and patterns it illuminated. She smiled, avoiding her situation and placed a strong grip on a rock nearby, pulling herself up.
'Ouch' She cried out as she looked at her hand, blood trailing from the cut down her wrist.
"Kairi!" A voice cried out.
Kairi turned to find out the owner of the worried and shaken voice, it was Taran. He was practically covered in sweat, with dirty clothes and ripped trousers, he was panting heavily with his two hands placed on his knees as he attempted to regain his breath. In his hand, Kairi noticed there was a small brown leather bag. He stood upright and looked at her with a stern face which she was not expecting.
"Sit down" Taran commanded.
"Wha...what?" Kairi stammered. She couldn't believe that of all people that was talking to her like this, it was Taran this relatively and quiet quite and shy boy was being so blunt.
"Sit down on that rock" He repeated.
She did as he asked and sat down on the rock behind her, she never once removed her gaze away from him studying his face and trying to read his expression. She winced slightly and looked down at her hand which was now throbbing. The adrenaline from before had worn off and she could suddenly feel how cold it was. Taran walked over to her and knelt down to the ground infront of her, he opened the small brown bag and began to empty out its contents. A Hi-potion, ointment, wipes and bandages. Taran grabbed Kairi's hand and began to wipe the cut in order to remove the blood and stop it from bleeding. He then pulled the cork out of the ointment bottle with his mouth and dabbed the rest onto the wipe, placing it tenderly on the wound. Kairi winced heavily from the pain as she felt the alcoholic ointment begin to sting. He then quickly placed the bandage around her hand and wrapped it firmly round and round until it was tight. He then tied it delicately in a knot and handed Kairi the potion. She could only sit and look at the young boy in awe. He reminded her so much of Sora when he was younger, headstrong, naive, curious and sometimes abit dumbwitted. But when it came down to it he like Sora was caring, passionate and can be serious when necessary.
"You shouldn't have wondered off by yourself like that" Taran simply stated. He kept his head down.
"If anything were to happen, we would be worried about you" He continued.
Kairi looked at him and watched over his face, she could see tears forming in the corner of his eyes.
"There are too many people who have been lost due to this war both on this world and others. We need you Kairi and Sora needs you"
"I know you might think that you're weak or you're not as strong as the others, but you are. You have something that none of them have. A heart of pure light. And that it was makes you unique and strong, you just need to learn how to use it" He finished as he stared up at her in what felt like the first time in forever. He smiled, one that was oh so identical to Sora's, to the point that she couldn't help but smile back. She stood upright and grabbed Taran's hand.
"Thank you, Taran. You're like Sora in so many ways, you know that. You may too also question yourself Taran and your ability but you have the potential to be something great. Just don't ever lose who you are. Don't ever change" She informed.
He simply nodded his head and began to walk back up the hill with Kairi, hand in hand.
"C'mon lets go to sleep" Kairi smiled.