Author's Note: So so sorry for the length of time between updates. This chapter has been exceedingly mind boggling to write. Somehow I had to handle 20ish or so characters so I apologize if your favorite character didn't get as much to say/do as some others. I wish I could say writing all these different perspectives interacting was easy. It's really not. D: However I'm trying my best to keep them in character here yet allowing the story to go on the way it should. Hopefully you all enjoy it. I really am enjoying writing this. Also my dear friend recently drew me some fanart for this. Thanks so much. I've linked to the fanart on my profile.
To my dear dear reviewers: Thank you so much. I really do enjoy knowing that someone out there is enjoying this story.
WhiteSaille: Thanks much for reviewing I'm glad you're enjoying it. Yeah Marluxia apologizing may be a bit off for him however I can only imagine if the first thing he felt is guilt. He's by no means going to be buddy buddy with the others again but I did feel it a good idea for him to apologize. As for Larxene calling him Pinky, I imagine she'd have all kinds of unique nicknames for the different members. More may pop up along the way as the story progresses.
Akiwara-XX-Blood: Thank you for the numerous reivews. Glad you're enjoying. Yep, now with Chia hearts they can grow, feel, and experience. Which will lead to some very interesting situations in the future. Some humorous some not so much.
Saberpilot: Thanks for the review. You dear friend need to keep playing KH2. :p I have a feeling you'll enjoy it muchly if you finish. Yeah, sadly too many times Kairi gets portrayed in the not so positive light. She's really not a bad character she just doesn't really get much proper screen time, or personality. They kind of throw her into the 'damsel in distress with a key blade' role which sucks as she does have the potential to be more. Especially with being a princess of heart.
And now on with Chapter 9!
Chapter 9
"One day with life and heart is more than time enough to find a world." ~ James Lowell
Xemnas was the last to emerge into the ravine where the corridor of darkness had led them. He looked around at the group in front of him. The reborn Organization, Sora and his friends as well as Riku and Kairi. They had appeared south of the bailey so it was likely that the residents of Radiant Garden were unaware of their arrival. The Organization seemed to be quietly chatting amongst themselves, while the 'good guys' stood a bit away. A moment later Xemnas' thought that they were undiscovered was proven wrong. Coming down from the Bailey was a few members of the restoration committee with King Mickey and DiZ in the front. Though after a moment Xemnas saw DiZ's face was revealed and it was truly Ansem the wise.
"Sora!" Mickey shouted, making haste down to where the group was. He noted the large number of Organization members and was trying to hastily make a plan in his head incase it became necessary to fight. The odds were not favorable though if a fight did ensue.
"Your highness!" Both Goofy and Donald exclaimed as they hurried to meet their liege. Bowing once they got to him Sora made his way over after a moment and bowed as well.
"What is the meaning of this?" Ansem asked, landing a glare at Xemnas in particular.
"Well," Goofy started, " Ya see, it's kinda complicated 'n all."
Here Kairi stepped forward, Saix and Xemnas behind her, but close enough for support. "It's actually my doing," she said, looking up to the blonde haired man in the red clothes. "I'm not entirely sure how to explain it other than I made a wish on Kingdom Hearts to help them and here they are," She continued to explain, "Well they really turned up back there but we had to flee when the heartless took over the castle."
"You made a wish…" Ansem asked, his face betraying confusion and misunderstanding, "On Kingdom Hearts? That brought them back to life? Why? They are nobodies."
Here Kairi's face hardened as she looked at the man. The venom with which he'd used when he said nobodies appalled her. "Just because they lacked hearts and were trying to get them back doesn't mean they didn't have a right to exist," she said, "Everyone has a right to exist. They wanted their hearts back and they may not have always chosen the best way to do it but their goal was sincere. I wanted to help them."
Ansem the Wise stopped and thought, his arms crossing across his chest. He did concede that their goal, were it just to regain hearts, was a sincere one. However he had a hard time swallowing what his apprentices had done to him in the past. His thoughts for the longest time had been of nothing but revenge. Even still he felt the stirrings of it in his heart. His face must have betrayed something for Riku spoke up, moving to face the older man.
"DiZ," Riku started, "No… Ansem the wise, it's like King Mickey and I told you once before. We can't help you with revenge. I understand a bit of what you feel but still… You have to find the light yet there and embrace that."
Ansem nodded, still lost in thought before sighing. "I do admit," he stated, straightening his posture, "That it was my own foolishness that led to the experiments that created this path. I find it hard though to wipe the slate clean in regards to what my apprentices have done to myself, my name and my research. However Riku brings up a valid point."
The older man sighed, closing his eyes and let his posture slump a bit. "For so long I was consumed by nothing but thoughts of revenge," He continued explaining, "I sought nothing more than to bring vengeance down on my foolish apprentices for what they had done."
At this Xemnas frowned a bit but wisely kept his mouth shut. Kairi, with his hand in hers gave it a comforting squeeze. The elder man gave another sigh before turning to the group.
"I will try to forget this revenge," Ansem said, his tone serious, "However I am still wary to trust those who would have brought such ruination upon the worlds."
"I don't think anyone expects them to be immediately trusted," Mickey interjected giving the group a look over. Xemnas nodded once in agreement. They truly didn't expect everyone to 'forgive and forget' so quickly.
"Mickey, My good friend," Ansem said looking at the shorter figure, "I believe that I need to take some time away. To think, to clear my head, and to find this light within."
"Of course Ansem," the rodent king said, "If you'd like you can come with me back to the castle and start your search there."
"I would like that my old friend," Ansem said with a slight smile as he moved to stand beside the king. Goofy and Donald looked once at Sora then moved to stand by King Mickey as well.
"Gawrsh," Goofy started as Donald nervously rung his hat in his hands, "I guess it's time for us to head back Sora."
"Yeah," Donald said, looking a bit sad.
"Gee guys, no need to look so down," Mickey said as he placed a hand on each of his retainer's shoulders, "Sora and Riku can come visit us anytime. Right guys?"
Sora grinned and Riku gave a nod, "Right!"
"After we head back to the islands we could visit the King what do you say Riku? Kairi?" Sora asked, turning to face each in turn. Riku nodded once and both looked to Kairi who still stood amidst the Organization members. Saix and Xemnas's hands in her own.
"You see guys… I've thought about it," she said quietly, "I think I'd like to stay here for a bit. I want to see what else there is beside the islands. This place… it feels like home to me."
Sora gave her a skeptical look, "Are you sure that's the only reason Kairi?" His eyes flickered to the two men at either side of his friend. Xemnas gave Kairi's hand a squeeze and as she opened her mouth to reply Riku stepped in for her.
"Don't be like that Sora," the elder male said as he gently cuffed the key blade wielder on the shoulder. "If she's got her reasons they're good ones. You know Kairi doesn't rush off and do things without thinking like you do."
A few laughs and chuckles rang out at the shocked look on Sora's face as he gaped at Riku. Kairi's included in this brought Sora's eyes back to her.
"I guess if you're sure Kairi," He muttered quietly, "If you need anything we'll be here for you though. And if they do anything to upset you…"
He didn't finish the statement as it wasn't necessary. The unspoken threat was there. Both Saix and Xemnas nodded to the younger man as Saix spoke.
"Not that you have anything to worry about," the blue haired man said, his tone serious, "But we would expect no less."
Sora merely nodded and Riku casually tossed an arm around his spikey haired friend. "Let's go back to the islands then. Bet you anything Tidus and Wakka miss aiming for you with a blitz ball," Riku teased good naturedly trying to lighten the mood. Sora nodded again and Kairi stepped forward releasing the two she had been holding. The trio exchanged hugs and promises to keep in touch as well as promises to visit regularly. Finally Sora and Riku turned to King Mickey.
"Anytime you two want to come by you're more than welcome to," He said with a smile giving Sora a vigorous handshake and a hug to Riku. With that the two young men waved and made their way off to the waiting gummi ship. Mickey had told them of a special one waiting to take the trio home when it was all over however it seemed only two would be riding in it today. With them gone the tension rose a bit between the mouse king and the figures in black coats.
"Well now," Mickey said, his face growing serious as he crossed his arms, "I trust in Kairi and all but you guys did do some awful nasty stuff. I'm not sure I feel safe just leaving you all to go running about wherever."
"Though I admit at times our methods were…. Questionable," Xemnas sought for the word as he explained, "We were merely trying to reobtain our hearts and make a world we could live in. With that in mind we have the hearts we sought. Now all that remains is for us to find a place to call our own."
"That is true," Mickey acknowledged, "And you do deserve a second chance at least. While I may not be entirely comfortable with it I know that Kairi will be able to help you guys find the right way to go about things. Right Kairi?"
"You bet," She said with a smile to the short king.
"Well then I'll leave you guys to figuring things out," Mickey replied giving Kairi a hug, "If you need anything get in touch with me ok?"
She nodded with a smile as she waved goodbye to the diminutive king, Goofy, Donald and Ansem. Xemnas came up beside her and drew her attention back to the now quietly chatting organization members.
"So…" She began, a bit unsure as she turned to face them all, "What do you all plan to do now?"
Some were silent, seemingly lost in thought. Roxas was the first to speak.
"I promised Hayner and the others I'd see them again so I'll head back to Twilight town for a bit I think. Namine? Axel? You two want to come along too?"
Namine smiled and nodded as she grasped Roxas' hand in her own and Axel smirked at the shorter boy who was his best friend. "You bet," he said before continuing, "We need to get more of that sea-salt ice cream though while we're there. Got it memorized?"
"Heh, You bet Axel," The teen replied as they waved their goodbyes and opened a corridor of darkness to Twilight Town. Admittedly it felt different to travel through the corridors now as they did have hearts. The pendants however protected them from the darkness so they still had methods of getting around thankfully.
Kairi looked to the rest standing there. Luxord spoke up next tossing a set of dice in his hands, "I do believe I shall head back to Port Royal. There were some delightful opportunities for 'games' there." He smirked and Larxene came up beside him with a grin, "I do believe I'll head there myself. There's bound to be some interesting times if you're willing to gamble on it Luxord."
With a half wave of his hand Luxord opened a corridor and stepped through, Larxene following him with a toss of her hand as a wave. This left Lexaeus, Zexion, Xigbar, Xaldin, Vexen, Marluxia and Demyx behind. Lexaeus merely looked to Zexion then to Xemnas.
"I will stay wherever Zexion and Vexen remain." With that simple phrase the Silent Hero was seemingly done speaking again until it was relevant. Vexen looked at the man and then to Xemnas.
"I would like to stay here in Hollow Bastion," the scientist explained, "As it was my home so long ago."
"The same holds true for me," Zexion stated. Xemnas nodded in reply before looking to Kairi. "If it is your wish to stay here," Xemnas stated, "Then I would remain here with you."
"I would stay with you as well," Saix said with a nod as he looked to her. She smiled in return to each of them. "That would be great," She replied happily.
"I need… time to think," Marluxia spoke up finally. "I've done things and something inside me burns at the thought of what I did. I need to find a way to quell that burning," he explained, looking to Xemnas with what he hoped was a semi apologetic face.
"That is understood," Xemnas said with a nod, "I do hope you find what you are looking for then."
Marluxia nodded and with a wave he disappeared into a corridor of darkness. No one was quite sure where he'd gone but they understood. Needless to say Vexen was a bit happier at not having the pink haired member around. They'd never gotten along well. He surmised it would not change much even with hearts. This left Demyx, Xigbar and Xaldin who were chatting amongst themselves. After they realized the rest were looking at them they stopped talking.
"Well after discussing it with these two we're figuring things will be crowded around here," Xigbar explained, "'Specially if you all plan to move into that old castle again, so…."
He trailed off and Xaldin picked up the explanation, "We will travel around a bit for now. Stop in and check on the others to make sure they are not doing things to besmirch our second chance."
"Yep, it'll be like a vacation," Demyx interjected excitedly, "But don't worry we'll be back to visit and keep in touch."
With grins from the three of them and an energetic wave from Demyx they too disappeared into a corridor of darkness to begin their second chance at life. The six remaining standing there looked amongst each other then to the large castle looming over the ravine. It seemed that if they wanted a residence that would be the best bet at least for the time being.
"It'll take a lot of work to restore it to it's former glory," Zexion interjected looking at the castle lost in thought.
"We can fix it up together," Kairi said with a smile as she looped an arm through Xemnas and Saix's arms. "We can make it into a cozy home together," she said with a grin to both men who looked slightly flustered, "Right?"
"Of course," Xemnas said as Saix nodded in agreement as well. As the sun sank into the horizon behind them the six of them made their way to the old castle ready to start over and learn to feel again.
Author's Note 2: Okay for sake of ease, and perhaps my own laziness we're going to presume that since Sora has locked Radiant Garden heartless are not present in the castle/bailey/etc. Obviously they still exist somewhere and some of the 'bad guys' are still running about but I'm not going to tackle that quite yet. So for all intents and purposes no random heartless attacks will be happening in Radiant Garden or the other worlds. At least for now. As for why Kairi is ok with going to the castle and not remembering the bad times of KH1. Firstly she was mostly 'comatose' for her time there with a few exceptions so she really doesn't remember how 'frightening' it would have been. Secondly, I'm going to guess that some of the memories may have been mixed up a bit due to Namine's tampering with Sora's memories. She does remember some of it, yes. Not enough to make her too traumatized to live there though. Especially with 'the boys' protecting her. :3 Yes, we're working up to the climax of the story and hopefully within a couple chapters we'll get to the naughty bits I know some people probably are waiting for. It will NOT be tasteless though. I'm really going to strive to keep Kairi as not just another random slut in it. But anyways I will try to have the next chapter up sooner than this one. I'm pretty sure I have most of it figured out in my head. Just have to hope my muse agrees and lets me put it down in text the same way. XD