A/N: I'm not even going to apologize for being late. Because 12 pages makes up for it. At least, I think so. Enjoy while I try to get the feeling back in my fingers.
DISCLAIMER: No. Kh not belong to me. Belong to Nomura. Bah.
There's something not right with this whole heartless thing. After a few times putting the worlds back together and destroying the nobodies and the heartless it all should have ended. And a few things still bother me. If there are three apprentices now, then how come Sora, me and possibly Kairi did not have any knowledge of that. And whose to say that there's not more of them out there?
Another thing. That princess named Adelynn, she knows more than she's letting on and I have to find out the truth.
The memory of Artemis's blush passed through my mind without permission. That girl is strong as well and might pose a threat but her whole being is just calming and filled with innocence. I can feel that there's a dark past to her though, to all of them.
As I stepped out of the garden, I came face to face with my two friends, ending my meaningless thoughts.
"Riku!" Kairi, always smiling, waved at me and gestured me towards Sora and her. I picked up my pace, jogging slightly to meet them at the middle of the hall.
"Yeah? What did you guys talk about?" I eyed Sora specifically. Even though I had a pretty good idea what they discussed, I wanted to make sure Sora was ok with it.
"I'm coming with you two this time, if you leave that is." Kairi chirped, standing her ground. She had an air about her. Confidence was written on her face, along with determination and just a hint of stubbornness. I sighed.
Sora looked mildly defeated. He had probably already tried to convince her it was a mistake, but oh well. She was going to do what she wanted to, whether or not we thought it was a good idea.
"Alright, just don't get in the way," I teased playfully. She pouted and crossed her arms like she always does. Sora sighed and scratched the back of his neck. I knew that, unfortunately, that was what he was worried about the most. Her getting hurt.
"Ah, Artemis!" Kairi pushed passed me, catching me off guard. I quickly whipped around to see her sprinting towards that white haired nightmare. Artemis was just as caught off guard as I was when Kairi nearly tackled her.
"What's with her?" I glanced back at Sora. He shrugged.
"Dunno. Guess it's important though." I nodded in agreement as we watched the two girls chat enthusiastically over something. Well, it was more like Kairi was doing most of the chatting. Artemis was simply staring. At Sora. Why the hell is she looking at him? Is her eye twitching?
"AHHH!" Artemis crumbled to the ground. Poor Kairi, must have overwhelmed the little thing.
"Arty…?" Kairi, eyes as wide as a doe, poked the shaking form on the ground.
"No! I refuse!" Artemis said. Refuse? Refuse what?
"Oh, come on, Artemis! Why not!? You already said you would!!" Kairi plopped down, poking her victim.
"No! He'll kill me if you get hurt, so I refuse!"
Oh. I see. Sighing, I tugged an unwilling Sora along towards the girls. "Sora, tell her you won't kill her, otherwise she won't train me!" Kairi pleaded with puppy dog eyes. That's foul, she knows Sora's a sucker for those eyes.
Sora shifted nervously, obviously not wanting to say no, but certainly not wanting to say yes. How conflicting. See, this is why love is overrated.
"Dude, she'll be fine," I offered, just to get this show on the road. Sora looked at me helplessly.
"But…Kairi, really you don't have to fight," Sora tried convincing her, but she wasn't hearing it.
"No! I am not just going to stand around and be helpless! If I'm going, I'm going to contribute."
Sora looked defeated and sighed loudly. "This wouldn't be an issue if you would just stay here…" he mumbled to himself, though I could hear it. He was right though. But the princess was gonna get her way, somehow.
"Sora, please." Oh, no. The mushy, sentimental crap. I tuned out as the lovebirds had their little thing with the looking at each other and knowing what the other is thinking without talking. How do they do that?
"Ugh, fine. Artemis, make sure she doesn't get hurt. I guess it'll be good if you learn how to fight since you insist on coming with us…" Sora sighed, obviously regretting what he said as he hoisted Kairi up.
Artemis, no longer scared for her life, came, well, back to life. "Well, if you say so! Don't worry, Sora, Kairi's in good hands!" She mock saluted before marching on ahead.
I don't know why, but I have the feeling this adventure is going to be one hell of a long one.
***
After that little charade, we managed to get to the Library and discuss our plans. Theron came in after us with Goofy and Donald, looking a little touchy. Wonder what's up with him.
"So, Princess Adelynn," the King began, addressing the young woman sitting at his desk, "I'd greatly appreciate it if you shared what you know with us, to give us a better understanding." King Mickey, as cheerful as always, smiled brightly at the girl to make her feel more comfortable.
Something about that girl worried me. She had this air about her, like a mysterious aura. It was like a cloud of confusion surrounding her.
"Of course. In this book is the remaining history of the keyblade and anything related to it, which includes Kingdom Hearts. There are seven objects, all corresponding with an important part of what makes us. The heart, soul, and memories." She paused for a moment to let the information sink in. But why would she know this? She said she was the caretaker or whatever for that book, but who said so?
"The objects are on separate worlds, that I unfortunately know not the location of. I was told that I would know the right world from a, well, sixth sense if you will. However I do not know if this is true," Adelynn's voice dropped for a moment with fear. She recomposed herself and started again.
"What I do know for sure is that the Keyblade Master is a key part of saving the worlds and Kingdom Hearts." Her eyes flickered for a second before she glanced at Sora and…Kairi?
"So what you're saying is that we got to find these objects, which could be anywhere, and do what exactly?" I questioned her. Adelynn eyed me calmly. It felt like she was picking through my heart. A chill ran up my spine and I shuddered.
"I was about to get to that. Once all seven objects are collected we must seal Kingdom Hearts once and for all."
And the gasps ensued. "Seal it, forever? Like, it will never open again? No baddies can get to it?" Artemis blabbed, jumping forward. Her eyes were like saucers, wide in amazement.
"It is what I've been told," Adelynn said, nodding slightly. She was overwhelmed by Arty's exuberance, I could tell. She had the same look Kairi did when we first met the three apprentices.
"So that means we won't have to use the keyblade?" Sora asked, leaning forward in his seat. I quirked my brow, equally curious.
"Perhaps. However, as long as there is darkness in people's hearts, there will always be a need for the keyblade," Adelynn stated firmly, as if reciting a mantra. She nodded her head for extra insurance.
"Yeah, yeah, but if there's no access to Kingdom Hearts, the baddies will have nothing to gain, right? Which means! The heartless won't be controlled by anybody and there won't be like, any nobodies, right? So then, there technically is no use for a keyblade!" Artemis was bouncing up and down. For someone that wanted to be a Keyblade Master, she sure seemed happy to get rid of it.
"Well, yes, I guess," Adelynn faltered and leaned back in her chair. I glanced over at the King. He looked serious, a look that didn't often adorn his face.
"So, let's go kick heartless butt, go to some world's and find these object things!" A grin spread across Sora's face.
"Arty…why are you happy to let the keyblade go?" Venus piped up, looking at Artemis like she had five heads. That's how I look at her all the time.
"Well, I mean, I love the keyblade and stuff, but you know, love and peace all the way." Artemis pounded her chest with her fist and made a peace sign.
Ok, moving on. "Yeeeaaah, so, where should we go first?"
"Um, the closet world to here?" Sora shrugged and looked to King Mickey for the answer.
"Ah ha, well, I guess that would be a good idea. Try to find some leads!" The King chuckled his trademark laugh and threw his hands up.
"Sounds good to me, let's head out tomorrow afternoon. We need some rest." Sora took charge and resumed his place as leader. Everyone was in agreement.
"Finally! I was gonna fall asleep soon," Artemis whined as she carried herself out of the Library with Venus following close behind.
"Um."
As if we were all one person, "Huh?"
"Where shall I sleep?" Adelynn asked, raising her hand as if she was in school or something.
"With us, silly!" Artemis said like it was obvious. She went back to drag Adelynn back to the girl's room.
"Poor girl," I muttered.
"Oh stop it Riku." Kairi giggled lightly as she passed by me. "Well, I better go catch up with them. Goodnight boys!" Kairi pecked Sora on the lips (Ew) and pecked me on the cheek. Sora waved goodbye with that lovey dovey look in his eyes. I sighed and muttered a 'g'night' as she left the room.
Theron, who somehow managed to be invisible the whole time, crept up behind us. "So, let's head back?"
Sora jumped and whirled around, probably having a heart attack. "Wha- oh…Theron. I forgot you were there. Uh, yeah, let's go." Sora turned around and headed for the exit. We followed and in no time we were in our room, hitting the hay. Figuratively, of course.
***
Morning came fast. Too fast. Bright sunlight shone through the window, blinding Artemis. The girl rolled over and moaned, stuffing her face in the pillow. Someone shook her shoulder, gently at first, then getting rougher as she refused to acknowledge it.
Kairi glared down at her soon to be mentor. Venus giggled behind her. She had warned Kairi that Artemis was a tough cookie to wake up.
"Artemis! Wake up!" Kairi shouted, shaking the girl's shoulder. Artemis rolled onto her back and stared up at Kairi with dull eyes.
"Unless the world is being sucked into a black hole, I really don't care, Princess." With that said, Artemis rolled back on her side, facing the window with her head under the covers.
Kairi, shocked, stepped back. She scoffed, "She's so impossible! How do you manage with her?" Venus smiled knowingly before going to Artemis's side.
"Arty, you have three seconds before experiencing immense pain," Venus chirped. Kairi was even more shocked now. Princess Adelynn, who had been observing the spectacle from afar, chuckled to herself.
"Oh, shut it…" Artemis mumbled in her half awake state. Venus sighed a short sigh before flexing her hand. In a puff of white smoke her keyblade, The Wandering Cloud, appeared in her hand.
"Vee, what are you doing?!" Kairi reached for her arm and pulled her back. Her eyes were wild with fear.
"It's ok, trust me," Venus smiled and removed the red head's grip on her arm. Returning back to Artemis, Venus grimaced. "Sorry, Arty."
"Thunder."
A short burst of lightening crashed down on Artemis, sending her jolting up in the air. Kairi cringed and backed away. Adelynn pinched the bridge of her nose.
"WHAT THE FU-" Artemis howled in pain. Her hair stood on end, almost resembling Sora's wild spikes. The furious keyblade apprentice stared menacingly at Venus with her eyes in slits. "Was there absolutely no other way?" she hissed, feeling the occasional shock from the electricity.
"Mhm. You wouldn't wake up. It was the only way," Venus said, as if this was a normal thing. Kairi's jaw was practically on the floor.
"Well then, I suppose I won't kill you then." Artemis shrugged it off as she went straight to the bathroom. Venus nodded in acceptance, not taking the threat seriously and returned to Kairi's side.
"You just gotta know how to deal with her. It's really easy when you've spent pretty much your whole life with her," Venus said to Kairi. Kairi, not knowing what to say without having a minor freak out, nodded and kept her mouth closed.
***
For the boys, it was a much easier process of waking up. Like the day before, they had already been up before the girls, at the crack of dawn. They were out in the courtyard, enjoying the sun and soft breeze. Sora was getting pumped for the new journey that lie ahead as Riku and Theron sparred a bit.
Artemis had just walked out when the stench of sweaty men hit her nostrils like a ton of bricks. "Oh, ewwww." She pinched her nose and waved her hand in front of her face, trying desperately to get the wicked stench to go away.
"Deal with it," Riku snapped as he dodged a punch from Theron. Artemis huffed and tugged her friends to the opposite side of the courtyard where they would train. Adelynn sat atop a trimmed bush, opting to read her precious book while Venus and Artemis attempted to train Kairi.
"Alright, Kai, we'll start off with some basic stuff, kay?" Artemis cracked her knuckles and stretched. Kairi nodded enthusiastically.
"Ok. Let's start."
Kairi mimicked the stance Artemis got in to. Venus watched from the side, ready to heal when necessary.
"Alright, first, you always have to be aware of your surroundings and where your enemies are. You don't wanna back up into a corner, so try to keep moving around. And don't be a wimp! Take the offense!" Artemis pumped her fist. Venus face palmed.
"Sora doesn't want her getting hurt, remember?" she muttered, loud enough for Artemis to hear.
Kairi rolled her eyes at the mention of Sora while Artemis sighed and remembered. "Right, right. Ok, so you'll do defense then. Here, take this." Artemis picked up a staff from the ground and chucked it at Kairi. Kairi caught it easily enough and twirled it around, getting a feel for it.
"I figured a sword would be too dangerous. Don't want you accidentally cutting my head off, or yours!" Artemis laughed loudly. Sora, from the other side of the courtyard, glared at her, promptly shutting her up.
"Yeah, so uh, just try and block my attacks, kay?"
Kairi nodded, getting back into a defensive stance with her staff held in both hands. She bit her lip, trying to anticipate the attack. Artemis came from directly ahead, to make it easy, and aimed a kick at Kairi's side.
Kairi jumped back and tilted her staff as it caught the kick and pushed back with all of her strength, sending Artemis off balance.
"Good job, Kairi!" Venus cheered on. Adelynn clapped without picking up her head.
"Nice, now let's make things a bit harder, hm?" Artemis grinned a Cheshire cat grin.
Kairi barely noticed when Artemis started in a sprint towards her, zig-zagging. She came at her from the side this time, aiming for her neck this time. Artemis caught Kairi's eyes glance at her fearfully before her hand slapped Kairi upside the head.
"Ow…" Kairi rubbed the back of her head. Artemis looked at her disapprovingly. Sora, who had heard Kairi's expression of pain, sent another death glare Artemis's way. She ignored it for the moment.
"You aren't supposed to show fear to the enemy!" she scolded, walking back to her original spot. Kairi frowned, mad at herself for failing.
"I'm sorry. I'll try better." Kairi glared down at the grass as if was the reason she failed. Artemis tutted.
"No. You won't try. You will do better."
Kairi lifted her head up. Artemis smiled at her with pride. That's right. I will do better. For Sora. Kairi grinned and held her staff up, ready for the next move.
***
Once the physical part of the training was done, which surprisingly didn't take that long, Venus took over. Kairi took a five minute break before beginning her magic lesson by relaxing with Sora.
Adelynn sauntered up to the couple, observing them closely. Riku, who happened to be nearby resting, saw this and immediately hopped up.
"Hey, Princess."
Adelynn whipped her head towards him like she had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. "Y-yes? Riku, was it?"
"Yeah. What are you doing?" Riku asked, trying to be nonchalant, but his tone came off more hostile than he would have liked.
"Oh, just reading my book." She held up the old text to prove it. Riku nodded slowly.
"Alright. Why don't we walk around the courtyard. Get acquainted?" Riku suggested, if only to give his friends some privacy. Adelynn barely held back a scowl before consenting.
"Sora, I think I'm gonna really come in handy this time," Kairi beamed, kicking her legs back and forth from atop the bush. Sora, still not pleased with the idea of his love fighting beside him, placed his hand on hers.
"Kairi, I just don't want you to get hurt. I don't want anything to happen to you. You've already been through so much." The emotion in his voice reached Kairi's core, shaking her out of her reverie. Sora's eyes were glued to their overlapping hands when she looked at him. Her heart wrenched.
"Sora," she whispered, cradling his cheek in her left hand. Sora gazed at her longingly, wishing she would just stay behind where she would be safe.
"I have not been through anything. It's you that's been through everything. I don't want to stand on the sidelines anymore and watch go away. I'm coming with you this time because I can't stand to be away from you." Kairi leaned her head against Sora's. It wasn't rare she comforted him like this, reassuring him that she was ok, and it was him she was worried about. Sora sighed, his sweet breath brushing across Kairi's lips as he reached his hand up to cup her cheek.
Slowly, savoring the moment, Kairi leaned forward, scarcely touching Sora's lips before Sora took control. His lips glided across Kairi's, making her gasp slightly before they moved in sync, molding to each other.
Sora's hand tilted Kairi's head to the side a bit, kissing her deeply, passionately, lovingly. Kairi ran her fingers through Sora's spiky locks, her nails gently scraping his scalp as he slid his tongue against her soft lips, eliciting a whimper.
"Er."
The couple snapped back to reality. Kairi's face turned the darkest shade of red Sora had ever seen as she buried her face in his shoulder from embarrassment. Sora looked to see who would have to beat up.
Venus stood below them. Her face was as red as Kairi's. Her blue eyes, which stood out against her flushed face, were downcast and her hands fumbled with her dress. She cleared her throat.
"Um, Donald wanted to get the lesson going. He's, um, getting impatient and would like you to hurry up." Venus finished by looking back towards Donald, who was hiding behind the entrance to the Gummi Hanger.
Sora could hear the duck snickering away at ruining his moment. Kairi lifted her head and hastily jumped down from the bush.
"Right, we shouldn't keep him waiting. Let's go." Venus went first, already itching to get out of there. Kairi hesitated for a moment before turning back to Sora.
Her face, although flushed, looked beautiful to him. Her lips, though slightly bruised, stretched into a smile of pure love. Sora more than happily returned the smile.
"Good luck."
"Thanks."
Kairi ran off to where Venus and Donald waited as Sora fell on to his back. His fingers grazed his lips. His eyes closed and a permanent smile set on his features.
***
"Kairi, magic is harder than physical fighting, so don't worry if you mess up the first couple of times," Venus said, giving Kairi her staff. Now that Kairi actually looked at it, it wasn't anything fancy. Just a simple, white staff with hearts engraved in it.
"So, the magic is gonna come out through here?" Kairi asked, waving around the staff.
"Yes. You're going to channel your magical energy into the staff and release it in short bursts, alright? Let's start with fire, it always seems to be the easiest," Venus murmured the last bit to herself as she set Kairi up in the right position.
"Don't forgot to concentrate! Don't get distracted!" Donald squawked, flailing his own staff around. Kairi nodded and a blush rose to her cheeks. He just told you not to get distracted, Kai!
"Kairi?" Venus poked the young princess in the side to get her attention.
"Oh, yeah Vee?" Kairi returned to the present, all thoughts about Sora pushed to the back of her mind. As hard as that might be.
"So, fire. It's hard to explain, but you have to search for it, deep within you. Once you have a lock on it, channel it to the staff." Venus's voice was soothing and smooth, her instructions easy to follow. Kairi closed her eyes and searched within herself.
A heat started to engulf her. That must be it. The fire! Her excitement got the best of her, and as she was trying to channel it into the staff, a burst of fire shot out from the end of it. Donald screeched and ducked just in time.
Kairi opened one eye to see Donald's back feathers scorched. "Oops."
Venus held in a giggle at Donald's murderous face, which no one could really take seriously.
"Mistakes are apart of learning," Venus said once she saw Kairi's saddened face. "Come on, try again."
Taking a deep breath, Kairi once again felt the warmth and proceeded to send it to the staff. Her hands tingled as the warmth passed through them.
"Alright, now slowly, release a small burst of fire. Keep it under control," Venus's said, coaxing Kairi in the right direction.
As she exhaled, she let a small bit of warmth leave her. She opened her eyes in time to see the tiny fireball sizzle before going out.
"I…did it?"
"You did it!" Venus clapped happily and hugged Kairi. Kairi, beyond happy, could only laugh and return the embrace.
***
The sun had fallen since the teenagers first went outside, now hanging in the middle of the sky and pouring it's heat on them relentlessly.
Artemis used Venus's hand as a fan. "Can we go yet? Let's go to a snowy world, that's really, really cold."
Venus, seemingly unperturbed by the heat, looked up to Theron, who was sweating gallons by the second. "I concur," he muttered.
"Alright, everyone, the Gummi Ship is all ready!" Chip bounced up and down while Dale spoke.
"FINALLY." Artemis hopped up and made a bee-line for the Gummi Hanger. Venus lifted herself up and followed with Theron behind her. Sora and Kairi went hand in hand and Riku went behind. Adelynn was the last of the group to enter the hanger.
"Sora, you remember how to work the Gummi controls?" Chip asked. Sora nodded exhaustedly. "Okay then, off you go!"
The group strapped themselves in to their seats. "Ready to go?"
"YES." Artemis groaned, letting her head fall.
"3...2...1. Lift off!" Chip and Dale slammed down on the big red button, sending our heroes off on their adventure.
A/N: And there you have it. I hope you enjoyed the fluff, I know I did. Heh…anyway! What world are they going to!? Will Sora and Kairi have more fluffy moments?! OR MORE!? Will Riku get a chance at love!? Will Venus stop being shy!?(No..) Will Theron appear more than twice next chapter!? FIND OUT NEXT TIME!
Theron: Are you effin' serious? 'I concur' and let's go to bed guys…that's IT?! Wtf.
Me: Sorry…
Theron: angry face/glare
Uh yeaaaah. Enough talking to myself! REVIEW!
