Author's Note: OMG!! I'm so sorry this took so long! I really was loaded down with work this time. It took me longer than I thought to get out GG and then all these projects came up. Anyway, I'm going to Japan on the 26th and won't be back for 3 weeks, so I'll try really hard to get out a chapter of this, GG and maybe a new story.
BlackVegetable—I'm glad you like it. I've had some real doubts about my writing recently, especially on this chapter. I've noticed you on my Review/Alert lists, and it's really appreciated.
StoopidMonkey—Oh geez, I probably drove you up a wall with the huge wait on this. I'm so sorry!! But I like your long reviews; they bring a smile to my face. And I'll get to trying to get that pair in in about... three or so chapters.
KazumaKyu—I'm a freaky stalker person when it comes to my readers, so I guess I feel really complimented when I get a compliment from a guy, especially on a story like this. Hopefully this chapter will satisfy you just as much as the others.
ironyofalostkeyword—I'm sorry to hear that. But unfortunately, I think those kinda situations are all too common today. Riku's situation and Sora and Kairi were sort of based off the shit I had to deal with this year with my now ex-best friend. But knowing me, this will NOT end well. I'm a sucker for horrible angst, and the ending will hopefully catch everyone off gaurd.
Disclaimer: If I owned KH right now, I'd probably sell the rights and buy the rights to Final Fantasy Crisis Core... OMG Zack is HOT. Like on the same level as Riku and The final form of Ansem teh Seeker of Darkness in his tight pants and cup... not to mention Cloud and Seph! WHOOOOT... oh wait... this is a KH fic... uuuuuuuh... I don't own it?
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Sora made his way through the brush. He had drank enough that there was a slight buzz in his head. He had slipped away as the party was getting wilder. The search for Riku, however, wasn't going quite as planned. The wooded area around the city wasn't as big as Sora had thought. The brunette didn't even want to think of the possibility that Riku wasn't even in the forest.
In a last ditch effort, Sora decided to search out the entrance to El Dorado—the cave. As he was coming the riverfront for a boat, he heard screams. It took a long moment for the noise to register in his buzzing mind, but when it did, he snapped back to look in the direction of the party. Instincts taking over, Sora ran back to where the people were.
Before Sora could even get with in a few hundred yards, Heartless were growing up from the ground. A mixture of Shadows, Neo Shadows and a new Heartless made their way towards Sora, their eyes glowing bright yellow. The new Heartless were probably the most odd Sora had seen on his adventure yet. They were pure black, with the exception of their glowing yellow eyes. There were three heads, each with their own snarled expression and antennae. Their bodies were large and muscular, with six arms and three barbed tails. The two feet ended in large hooves.
Sora hurriedly called Colors of the Wind, figuring that it would be as good a time as any to try out his new keyblade. He charged at the Heartless, too impatient to wait for them to pounce on him. He slashed through the Shadows and Neo Shadows with great ease, but the new Heartless were giving him trouble. Finally he managed to break through the line of Heartless, killing three with one last hit, and ran for the party.
The sight that greeted him wasn't pretty. Several people were lying on the ground, turning into Heartless, and several more were being attacked. Leon was up and fighting, gunblade in hand. Kairi too was up, killing as many Heartless as she could, Oathkeeper in her grasp. Sora couldn't help but to stop and admire how much Kairi had grown as a fighter for a moment.
With renewed determination, Sora sprang back into action, leaping into the air and attacking a group of Heartless from above. He slashed down before flipping behind another Heartless and slashing through it easily. He continued, cutting his way through the hoards of the black beasts, but as he looked around, Sora noticed there were only more and more spawning from the fallen citizens of El Dorado. Sora began to wonder if it was turning into a hopeless fight.
Suddenly a figure appeared at the top of one of the buildings. Silver hair reflected the moonlight—and for a moment, Sora thought it was Riku. He was sourly disappointed when another figure joined the man on the roof. It was unmistakably Tzekel-kan. Sora slashed, rage filling each blow. He could already see Leon making a path towards the figures on the roof. The younger brunette started cutting a path too.
Then a voice cut through the air, stopping Sora dead in his tracks. "Kadaj!" Sora knew that voice. "You're a fool if you think I'd go with you after this!" Sora turned around slowly and looked up at the top of another building. "Fuck you, and fuck Sephiroth!" The Heartless dissolved around them, confusing Sora, until he remembered just exactly what Riku was capable of. Riku had commanded away the Heartless.
"I'll take you by force, then," Kadaj called back. He nodded to Tzekel-kan and the man raised his hands into the air, a chant on his lips. The ground beneath Sora's feet began to tremble violently, and suddenly one of the giant statues in from the city—a panther—bounded over the building Kadaj and Tzekel-kan were standing on. It crashed down in the clearing, crushing Heartless and knocking Kairi on her ass. Sora barely kept his balance, and had to dismiss Colors of the Wind to not be knocked down. Leon was a few feet away, his gunblade shoved in the ground and supporting his weight.
"Just try me!" Riku screamed out, calling not one, but two keyblades. Sora blinked. He certainly was not expecting that. The statue roared and leapt at Riku, only to be sent flying back as the silverette jumped at the beast and repelled it with one keyblade. Riku flipped and allowed himself to float down slightly before using the statue's head to spring forward. He landed on the building Kadaj occupied and locked blades with him. The two stayed locked until Riku pressed forward, knocking Kadaj off the building, away from the breeding Heartless.
Sora watched the two silverettes until they fell, then drew his attention back to the statue that was just regaining it's senses. It stood back up on all fours and shook itself, as if dispelling water from its nonexistent coat. The creature looked around for a brief moment before spotting Kairi, whom was just getting up herself. When she saw the creature pounding towards her, she froze for a moment. Sora didn't want to take any chances and dashed full speed to his fiancé's side. Though he didn't make it for its initial attack, he was able to leap into the air and catch it off-guard from behind as Kairi attacked from the front.
Leon was quick to join this battle, going for the hind legs as Sora climbed its back and made for its head. The statue shook itself again, flinging Sora from his place on the creature's back. The young brunette hit the ground with a terrible thud. He got up slowly, as to not fall over again from dizziness. He ran towards the monster again, using its hind legs to jump back up on its back. This time he bounded straight for its head and began slashing.
Kairi was just holding her own in front of the statue but was taking more hits than she would have liked. She was focusing more on defense than offense. She swung her keyblade with less skill than Sora, but more than she had the last time she had to participate in a battle this size. Riku had had to protect her somewhat then, but now she was proud of the fact that she didn't need to be covered like she had once before.
A front paw came crashing towards her and she jumped back just in time to avoid the blow. Instantly, she began to whack at the statue's stone leg. The creature reared up, almost knocking Sora from its head again, and came down, biting Kairi on her shoulder. She screamed, reeling back when the statue let her go. Sora tossed her a potion from his position on the statue's head.
Her injuries now sufficiently covered, Kairi returned to the fight, deciding that joining Sora on its head would be the safest way to attack. She swung around back and jumped on its hind leg to hoist herself up onto its back. However, no sooner than she got up did the beast shake off both occupants of its back. Kairi landed hard on the ground, not having anticipated the movement. Sora, however, was able to catch himself in the air and returned himself to the ground safely. Seeing Kairi on the ground, he rushed to her side. It may have been battle, but he wasn't going to let his fiancé go unchecked after a fall like that. He was sure Leon could hold his own against the monster for a few moments.
"Are you alright?" Sora asked, leaning down and touching Kairi's cheek gently. The redhead groaned slightly before opening her eyes and looking up at Sora.
"I think I hit my head and my back hurts, but nothing's broken," she said, sitting up. Sora nodded and fished out a high potion from one of the many pockets in his outfit.
"Here. Take this. They're good for aches and pains. But please, try avoiding dangerous situations at all costs. Too many potions and high potions can literally get you high," Sora murmured, and he pushed the potion into Kairi's hands. She took it and nodded slightly.
"I'll keep that in mind," the redhead said, unscrewing the top and drinking the potion down.
"Maybe you should take the back," Sora said standing up. "You're less likely to get injured, just be careful when that thing tries to hurl you off, ok?"
"Yeah. I get it. Now get back in there Sora," Kairi said, pulling herself to her feet. Sora nodded, pausing only long enough to recall Colors of the Wind. Kairi summoned Oathkeeper again, and together they charged back into battle, Kairi headed straight for the statue's back. This time she made it, and aimed straight for the head, picking up where Sora had left off.
Leon managed to dodge a stone paw as it came down with crushing force. He took the moment to charge forward, energy surrounding his blade as he put most of his energy into the battle. His blade met the stone leg and cut in about an inch deep. He pushed in a little further before ripping his blade from the leg. The leg rose again and swatted him back a good foot. Leon charged again, this time before the paw could hit the ground again. The brunette thrust his sword into the underside of the beast's paw, causing it to let out a deafening roar of pain.
The statue, very suddenly, turned its attentions away from Sora and Kairi, who were just rejoining the battle, to Leon. Leon blocked as the statue's mouth came down. The beast clenched the blade in its jaws and jerked upwards, dragging Leon with it. Leon released his hold on the gunblade as the statue began to shake its head wildly, throwing the weapon across the battlefield when it let go. Leon growled, making a dash to his weapon. The statue, however, shook Kairi off and jumped down in front of him, blocking his path to the gunblade. Leon cursed quietly, backing up as the monster began inching closer.
Finally, it sprung forward, pouncing at Leon. The brunette ducked under the statue and ran forward as fast as he could to the gunblade. By the time he had his hands safely on the gunblade, Sora and Kairi were successfully attacking the creature again. The brunette yanked the weapon from the ground and charged back into battle.
Sora jumped up, flipping in the air before he came down and slammed Colors of the Wind into the statue's muzzle, landing on his feet gingerly. Taking advantage of the beast's shock, Sora jumped back before charging at the statue's legs, chipping off a large chunk. The thing howled and swiped at him with its other paw. He was grazed by the paw but recovered quickly, launching himself forward again. He aimed for its eye this time. Kairi managed to stun it from atop its head, and Sora took advantage by jumping on to the statue's muzzle. He stabbed one of the jewel eyes until he was sure it was destroyed and he felt the beast stir. He jumped back to the ground.
Suddenly Leon charged forward from behind, his gunblade lodged deep in the stone belly. When he reached the front, he jumped high, flipping backwards and shoving his blade hilt deep into the creature's head. The beast let out a bloodcurdling scream as it began to crumble into nothing. When Leon touched the ground, he immediately went to his knees. Sweat trickled down his brow as he tried to catch his breath. He'd used too much energy on that last attack. Sora noticed this quickly and tossed Leon an elixir. Leon drank it eagerly.
"How dare you!" cried Tzekel-kan from his position on the rooftop. Everyone's attention snapped to the man. The high priest jumped from the building, landing gracefully on his feet. "You will pay for destroying my play thing, even if you are gods!"
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Kadaj and Riku went plummeting to the earth, head first, blades locked together. A few precious feet from the ground, they shoved each other back and flipped, landing on the dirt and sliding back. Immediately they charged at each other, locking blades again. Applying as much pressure as he could, Kadaj thrust them sideways, forcing them to circle each other. A large grin took over Kadaj's features as he looked Riku in the eyes from between their blades.
"You're so tense. Is it because Sora's just over that building, fighting for his life?" Kadaj teased, pushing away from Riku as the older man growled and thrust with all his energy, sending energy shocks through the ground without even touching it.
"Leave him out of this!" Riku yelled, charging forward again.
"Oh! Looks like I've hit a very sore subject," Kadaj said, his grin turning into a smirk. He parried Riku's attack, soon after blocking the second with his foot. Kadaj pushed the blades away, swiftly turning and cutting Riku across his face, leaving twin cuts from his double-bladed sword. "Are you jealous? Or maybe you're resentful towards him?"
"Shut up!" was Riku's only reply as he nailed Kadaj in the back, just below the base of his neck. Kadaj reeled back after the hit, putting a little distance between them. He twirled his blade idly in his left hand before gripping it properly and charging at Riku again. Riku parried with one hand and twisted to hit Kadaj in the side with his other keyblade. Kadaj sacrificed getting hit to take advantage of Riku's opening. He pulled his sword away and thrust it under Riku's guarding arm, stabbing him in the gut. Riku tried to reel back, but Kadaj continued forward, following Riku until the older man put in an extra burst of speed and escaped his blade.
"Cure!" Riku shouted, not missing a beat. He twirled his keyblades as he continued away from Kadaj. The younger silverette continued forward at a lightning speed. Kadaj attacked, twirling his blade between each hit. He moved steadily and unevenly between Riku's blades. Riku expertly blocked each move. Suddenly, Kadaj kicked the keyblade out of Riku's hand as the other was occupied with his blade. The younger silverette shoved forward, knocking Riku off balance. Riku moved with the fall, using the momentum to back-handspring with his empty hand. Once he was back safely on his two feet again, Kadaj was in his face.
The side of Riku's face met with the hilt of Kadaj's sword, causing the older silverette to be thrown sideways. Riku braced himself as he hit the ground hard and skidded. He quickly pulled himself up just enough to get in a good attacking position as Kadaj came flying towards him. The younger silverette lunged as Riku launched himself up, calling both of his keyblades back. Riku blocked with his right arm, causing Kadaj's blade to go flying and land tip down in the dirt. With his left, Riku hit Kadaj in the head, just short of his temple. Kadaj fell, skidding some from the force of Riku's blow. He pulled himself up, though, ignoring the growing pain in his head.
Little whispers in the back of his mind told Kadaj to attack with all he had—to bring back his older brother even if it meant putting him in a coma. As Riku closed in on him his vision got lighter, making it harder for him to see Riku coming at him. He cried out, enraged that he was going to lose this early. But Sephiroth had warned him. Kadaj didn't care about the warnings anymore, though. He stood and launched himself at Riku again, without his weapon. He pulled back his left arm, as if to punch the older silverette. Crying out, a light glowed from within his arm, pooling red energy in his hand. He slammed his hand into Riku's face when he was near enough, ignoring the blades cutting into his sides.
The energy exploded in Riku's face, sending the older silverette flying back and into a wall. Riku slumped down the wall and to the ground, unmoving. Kadaj stood still for a moment, catching his breath before turning to fetch his sword. He wrapped his hands around the hilt of his beloved sword and gently pulled it from the ground. However, before he could turn around, he was slammed in the head again, sending him face first into the dirt. He rolled onto his back and stared up at Riku.
"I'm not weak enough to safely turn your back to," Riku spat. Kadaj just leaned back and laughed. The older silverette raised Way to Dawn high in the air, ready to attack.
"You're so much stronger when swarmed by the power of Darkness. Big Brother told me so. If you're this strong now, just imagine how strong you'd be if you just joined us!" Kadaj laughed. His head was pounding too much for him to get up and continue.
"Like I'd ever want to join you," Riku scoffed at him and sheathed Way to Dawn in his stomach. Kadaj gasped in pain, his vision going black.
"Big Brother..." Kadaj hoarsed out as he lost consciousness.
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Yazoo stood on one of the tallest buildings in El Dorado, watching the people get massacred, a small smile on his lips. More Heartless meant better things for him and his brothers. He, however, regretted that Riku wasn't coming so easily. It appeared that the older man was calling Kadaj out now, as the chaos rumbled and boiled bellow them. Yazoo barely made Sora and his comrades out in the swirling sea of black and yellow. Slow steps approached him from behind, but he did not turn around.
"So here you are. I was wondering if you'd run away after a show like that. Guess you just ran to safety. How endearing is that. Bet Kadaj loves you for it."
"I don't see what the problem is. Kadaj wanted to fight Riku alone anyway. Are we going to fight now? I'd like to get this over with quickly. Sephiroth is waiting." The person behind him scoffed.
"Whatever. If you want a fight, you got it. Burn, baby!" A chakram flew past Yazoo's head in warning, causing his long silver hair to fan out in the air. The young man swirled around, gun drawn and aimed at the annoying redhead. Firing, he jumped to the side, avoiding the chakram as it came back. Axel blocked the bullet with his second chakram and jumped forward after the silverette. With a simple flick of his wrist the entire top of the building was engulfed in flames, barring all exit paths.
Yazoo ducked down as Axel threw his remaining chakram. The spinning object disappeared into the flames as Axel called two more. Yazoo pulled another gun from a holster on his ankle, scrambling low across the ground, shooting at Axel's feet. The redhead sneered, jumping up and backwards into the flames.
"You know, you're really annoying to fight against. I still haven't settled the score from last time," Axel spat, a chakram flying out from the flames right behind Yazoo, tearing the fabric on the man's shoulder. The silverette glared at the flames, ejecting his empty ammo cartilages and quickly replacing them. Quickly, he extended each arm straight, aiming the guns at the walls of flame. Another chakram spun out from the flames, straight at Yazoo's feet. Instead of dodging, he ran straight for it, towards the center of the rooftop. At the last moment he jumped, flipping in the air and firing both guns at the flames. He landed on his feet, crouched low. In a fluid motion, he stood, twisting with the triggers of his guns firmly pulled back.
He rotated, giving the flames a steady cover of bullets. Suddenly a chakram flew from above, knocking the gun from Yazoo's left hand. Another shortly followed, this time attached to Axel. The forgotten chakram burned away in flame as Axel managed to push Yazoo to the ground. Yazoo's remaining gun pressed against Axel's temple while the spikes on Axel's chakram pressed into Yazoo's throat. Axel glared down at the silverette.
A scream sounded from one of the fights down below. Axel cursed, knowing that that yell sounded very much like Riku. Taking a last initiative, he forced flames to erupt directly around them, catching Yazoo's leather on fire. He pulled back quickly as the man beneath him jerked, trying to put the flames out. As he moved away, he was vaguely aware of the sound of Yazoo's firing. The redhead cursed again, feeling the pain of the shot in his shoulder. He ignored it and continued on, making the flames flare around Yazoo.
The redhead willed away the flames enclosing their battle and looked down at the two battles going on. Sora, Leon, and Kairi were still struggling against the giant statue and Kadaj seemed to be alone. Axel swore, panic running through him when he couldn't spot Riku. He jumped down from the ledge on to the closest building. Running from building top to building top, he watched as Riku reappeared and struck down Kadaj. His feet landed on the ground where the battle had taken place just as Riku was pulling his blade from Kadaj's body.
"Where's Yazoo?" Riku asked, fatigue clear in his voice.
"Burning on a building somewhere. You're tired. We should go and get you patched up," Axel said, moving towards his comrade.
"You're injured too," Riku said dryly, moving away from the Nobody and over the teen on the ground.
"It'll heal in no time flat. Just a bullet wound with no bullet, a potion will do the trick—but you, on the other hand..." Axel hissed, wincing as his head turned to the other side. "Your face is a bloody mess. We need to get that cleaned off and treated. What would Sora think if he saw you like that?"
"What Sora thinks doesn't matter anymore!" Riku snapped, whirling back to look at the Nobody. Blood dripped down his face, trailing down his neck and soaking into his cloak. Deep gashes marred his skin and there were even regions that seemed to be lacking skin or were burned. Blood had leaked into his eyes, staining them the same color as the liquid. His aqua eyes had taken on a strange, haunting look.
"I guess it doesn't, but your face scares me," Axel said dryly.
"You don't have a heart. You can't get scared."
"Then let me put it this way: I'm afraid that your face will drive me out of my sane mind. Better?"
"It makes more sense, anyway," Riku sighed, turning away from the redhead. "Let's go far from here. I don't think it'll be safe to relax any this close to these guys."
"Right. To the temple. That should be safe for the time being," Axel said, running past Riku. The silverette ran, catching up with the Nobody. It was better to run together with Riku in the state he was. When they reached the base of the steps, Riku collapsed, refusing to go any farther. Axel sighed and plopped down beside him. Riku turned over on his back and reached into his cloak, withdrawing a high potion. Axel snatched it from his hand, drinking it down.
"Hey," Riku said, glaring up at Axel. The redhead only grinned down at him.
"I think it'd be a good idea to clean your face before we give you the healing medicine. We don't want dirt or anything embedded in your skin." Axel stood, walking over to a torch. He lit it before moving back to Riku, pulling a white handkerchief from his cloak, followed by an ether. He poured the liquid onto the cloth and knelt in front of Riku, working quickly to get the blood off his face. When he was satisfied with Riku's face, he pulled an elixir from his cloak and poured the medicine on it.The silverette jerked away, the liquid stinging his wounds.
"Thanks a lot," Riku sputtered, sitting up. Most of the wounds had already started to heal. Axel handed the silverette another elixir, which he drank down rather quickly.
"Riku, your eyes are bloodstained. I suggest you wear this," Axel murmured, holding out a black blindfold. Riku looked at it quizzically before taking it and tying it tightly around his head.
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"You're crazy," Leon called out. "You're outnumbered and facing gods. Do you really think you can beat us?" Tzekel-kan stepped forward, lifting his arms in the air.
"I'll test my limits. Kadaj bestowed me with a power that was beyond any magic I have!" As he said this, Tzekel-kan's body began to twitch and bulge. His eyes glowed bright yellow in the dark, fangs seemed to slide from his gums, and the petite man's muscles grew larger. Tzekel-kan returned his hands to his side, cracking his joints before charging directly at Kairi with catlike precision. Leon was in front of her in an instant, blocking the man as Sora charged him from behind.
Tzekel-kan arched, grabbing Colors of the Wind before it could strike him. He whirled, flinging Sora away from him. Leon took the chance to slash at the priest's back, his blade flowing through just as easily as it did with the Heartless.The older brunette stepped back, slightly shocked, but regained his composure quickly. The priest lunged sideways and headed for Kairi again. This time the woman was a little more prepared and summoned Oathkeeper, blocking the man's claws. Sora and Leon rounded from both sides, readying to attack. Just before they made contact, Tzekel-kan pushed off Kairi's keyblade and back-flipped away.
The priest landed crouched low to the ground on all fours, growling. Leon and Sora collided, their blades just barely missing each other's heads. Leon pushed back and charged at Tzekel-kan. The Priest stood and charged, but easily leapt over Leon and ran straight for Sora. The younger brunette picked that up and readied himself.
Tzekel-kan came in low, attempting to swipe Sora's chest, but Sora managed to step back in time. The keyblade master swung down at Tzekel-kan but the man dodged by falling to the ground. The priest kicked at Sora's feet but the brunette jumped over them. Leon's gunblade slammed down through Tzekel-kan's chest on the right side. The man laughed, gripping the blade and throwing it from his body. He stood and charged at Sora, catching him off-guard. The bottom of Tzekel-kan's palm made contact with Sora's chin, sending him backwards onto the ground.
Kairi saw an opening in Tzekel-kan's defenses as he knocked Sora down and moved forward, striking at the man's exposed back. Leon followed swiftly after, slicing down the entirety of the priest's back. Sora struggled to get up, summoning a fire spell in his left had as he did. Tzekel-kan had whirled around backwards to fend off Leon and Kairi, leaving Leon with a busted lip.Sora hurled the flaming ball at the priest before charging back at him.
Colors of the Wind slid into Tzekel-kan's chest, protruding neatly from the other side. The blade had gone through the exact area where his heart should have been. The priest's glowing yellow eyes widened before he screamed and started to fade away. Sora pulled back, watching the man dissolve.
"So you really are gods..." Tzekel-kan managed before his last wisp of darkness faded into the night and the pink heart in his chest floated away to join the others in Kingdom Hearts.
Leon sighed, averting his eyes from the empty space and to the carnage around them. Many people had succumbed to the Heartless that were now banished by Riku. Who knew where he sent them and what they'd be used for. The remaining people were in pain, claw marks littering their bodies. Leon heaved a sigh. It was just like the Heartless attacks on Radiant Garden and Traverse Town.
Sora was quiet as Kairi moved next to him, taking his arm in hers. The younger brunette snapped his attention up to where he had seen Riku and Kadaj tumble over earlier. He breathed out slowly before looking at Kairi apologetically.
"I'm sorry," Sora murmured quietly, gently pulling away from Kairi. "I have to go after Riku. I don't know when my next chance will be." With that, he ran in the direction he'd known Riku had fallen. Kairi frowned, concern taking over her features.
"Please, be careful Sora!" she called out before turning back to Leon.
"We should help these people," Leon said, turning away from her. Kairi only nodded, preparing to deal with the aftermath of the attack.
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Author's Note: So yeah... I thought I'd thank my Beta, Nie, down here... She's amazing and you should go read her work on her account, Stu-P0t. Now, I do feel rather iffy about this chapter, so please give me feed back!! I'll luffles you forever!!