Author's Notes: Hey, ladies and gentlemen. Still no news from my beta reader on Linked into One, so it might be a while until I can get that story updated… But, hey – no harm done, yes? I'll take as long as possible for the beta reader to check the chapter and see if there is anything that needs to be fixed.
In the meantime, welcome back to the chapter 34 of Chains of Destiny! This is it – what everybody has been anticipating (not just my friend Fullmetal…). Prepare to be completely blown away by what is about to happen.
Let's get this show on the road – I do not own Kingdom Hearts, Soul Eater and Fairy Tail. They are owned by Tetsuya Nomura, Atsushi Okubo and Hiro Mashima.
Chapter 34 – Levy's Fall.
After exiting Merlin's house and cave all together, the group found themselves outside the Third District and were deciding on where the Fairy Tail mages would be.
"Okay, so question is… where are the three girls from Fairy Tail?" Sora asked.
The rest thought about this for a few seconds and all was quiet until Maka opened her mouth.
"Technically, we left them at the First District when we went to finish Pooh's story… So, they should be there." Maka replied.
"Maybe, but what if they left for the Second District?" Donald asked.
"It's a possibility. Still, I propose we head back to the First District and wait for them to come. In the meantime, we can talk to Cid about him installing the Gummi Navigational Pieces on the ship." Maka suggested.
"Yeah, that's a good plan actually." Goofy answered.
"Then it's settled?" Maka and the boys nodded.
"Alright, let's go to the First District and see if we can find the rest of our friends." Maka said.
"That won't be necessary." A familiar voice called out to them.
The boys and Maka turned towards the entrance to the First District and noticed that Lisanna was walking towards them.
"Oh, you're… Lisanna, yes?" Sora asked and Lisanna nodded.
"Yep, that's me. I've been waiting for you to come back to the First District – I have questions that I need to ask you." Lisanna said.
"Oh, of course. We actually assumed that you were going to ask us some questions. We're not in trouble, yes?" Maka asked, but Lisanna shook her head.
"No, of course not. I just wanted to ask you some things involving Lucy and Levy." Lisanna answered.
The boys and Maka sighed in relief until a thought popped into Donald's head when he noticed that Lisanna was all alone without Lucy and Levy.
"Speaking of Lucy and Levy, where are they exactly?" Donald asked.
"Oh, yeah – I almost forgot to tell you about Lucy and Levy. Sorry about that – I sometimes keep forgetting stuff." Lisanna answered.
"It's fine – but, where are they?" Sora asked.
"At some point during our conversation, Levy started getting a headache to which me and Lucy became worried. So, I decide to end the conversation and told them to take a little walk around Traverse Town – hopefully, those two are okay." Lisanna said in a worried tone.
"Same here." The boys and Maka said.
"Why don't we go and wait for them over at the First District?" Lisanna suggested and the group nodded.
"Alright and besides… I might get my answers to the questions that I have." Lisanna said with a smile.
(Later – at the First District…)
The boys, Maka and Lisanna were currently standing in the alleyway behind the Accessory Shop and were having a private conversation away from public eyes.
"First… I have to admit that the story Lucy and Levy told me sounded a little unbelievable." Lisanna said.
"It's okay – the same can be said for me as well. I didn't want to believe that there was a weapon known as the Keyblade or that there were actually other worlds out there in the universe. But…" Maka was cut off.
"You saw it for yourself yes?" Lisanna asked and Maka nodded.
"It's okay – nobody will judge you. Some people believe in stuff, some don't. That's just how humanity is." Lisanna said.
Just then, a thought popped into Sora's head.
"Oh, by the way – Lisanna, when you were speaking with Lucy and Levy… Did they mention a blue-haired-" Sora was cut off by Lisanna who nodded with a sad frown on her face.
"Yes, they did. Poor Wendy – I actually had to hold my tears back when I heard that she had fallen straight into the darkness. When words get back to her pet Carla, she will be devastated…" Lisanna said.
"Who's Carla?" Donald asked.
"Carla is Wendy's Exceed and her companion – she might even be considered Wendy's mother figure." Lisanna answered.
"What's an Exceed?" Goofy asked.
"An exceed is a cat-like being that came from a world known as Edolas – a parallel world to our home - Earth Land." Lisanna answered and the group was surprised at what exceed meant.
"Did you say that exceed are… c-cat-like beings?" Maka asked and Lisanna nodded.
"Yes, but that's not all – exceed are able to talk and fly." Lisanna replied.
The boys and Maka opened their months in surprise and were about to speak… But, no words came from them. It was no use, besides what was the point? They had already seen the Heartless, the Keyblades, other worlds and things… so why not cat-like beings called exceed?
"In any case… Wendy wasn't just our friend; she was like a little sister to us in Fairy Tail and we loved her very much." Lisanna said with a sad smile.
"Ah, that's so sad…" Donald said and Maka nodded.
"Indeed. I just hope that in the end we will be able to save her." Lisanna said.
"My team and I will do everything it takes to save you dear friend Wendy, you can be sure of that." Maka made a determined smile, after saying that.
"Right, thank you." Lisanna said with a smile.
The boys and girls were quiet for a few minutes until…
"Anything else you would like to ask us?" Sora asked.
"Oh, yeah – I've been meaning to ask you… how exactly did you meet Lucy and Levy?" Lisanna asked.
"Well…" Maka began as she scratched the back of her head.
"They actually met us." Sora answered Lisanna's question instead of Maka.
"That's right – it was actually me and Goofy that met Lucy and Levy first before Sora and Maka did." Donald spoke up as well.
"They told me that you two and them were searching for the chosen wielders of the Keyblade, yes?" Lisanna asked and the boys and Maka nodded.
"I see. They also told me that you all have had a long and big adventure, yes?" Lisanna asked to which the boys and Maka nodded.
"Who were you searching for exactly?" Lisanna asked Sora and Maka.
"Our friends – Riku, Kairi, Soul and Tsubaki. They went missing when our worlds disappeared into the darkness and we have been looking for them ever since." Sora answered Lisanna's question.
Lisanna nodded and asked a new one. "Understood. And what about these dark beings known as Heartless?"
"They are the darkness that is born from people's hearts. Their goal is find the Keyhole which lead to the heart of the world. If the Heartless reach the heart, the world disappears." Maka answered to which Lisanna became surprised.
"Just like what Lucy and Levy told me... Well, it's a good thing you six have been doing your job like defeating the Heartless and closing the Keyholes of different worlds." Lisanna said.
Maka nodded and said with a sad tone. "Yes, a good thing. But, our old friends aren't exactly okay with what we are doing."
Lisanna was confused at Maka's words and decided to ask. "Why is that?"
"Because… Riku and Tsubaki believe that we are showing off with our Keyblades and saving the rest of the universe, instead of searching for our friends." Sora answered.
"Really? Isn't that a little… selfish from them?" Lisanna asked.
"No, the truth is… our friends are taking orders from the wrong people and doing stuff they shouldn't be doing in the first place." Maka answered her question.
"I see. Crossing fingers that in the end you will be able to save your friends and bring them back to the light." Lisanna said with a smile on her face while crossing both her fingers.
"Anything else?" Donald asked.
"Actually… one more thing." Lisanna answered.
"That is?" Maka asked.
"Lucy and Levy told me about the mysterious weapon known as the Keyblade and what it can do. However, would it be possible to…" Lisanna was cut off by Maka.
"To see it and hold it?" Maka asked and the white-haired girl nodded.
"Didn't Levy show you her Keyblade and didn't you touch hers?" Sora asked, but the white-haired girl shook her head as a way of saying no.
"Well, I did ask Levy to show me her Keyblade… However, the strangest part was – she yelled 'No!' in a very rude way and just kept her mouth shut about her Keyblade." Lisanna answered to which the boys and Maka became surprised.
Why didn't Levy want to show her Keyblade in front of Lisanna and let the white-haired girl touch it? No, scratch that – why did Levy yell in a rude tone at Lisanna? Wasn't the white-haired girl and the blue-haired girl friends? Something was definitely wrong…
"That's weird… I thought you and Levy were friends." Maka spoke.
"I thought so as well… But, I just don't know. And get this – during our conversation, Levy was surprisingly staring at me with a glare on her face the whole time." Lisanna replied to which the boys and Maka became surprised again.
Levy was looking angry at Lisanna…? Okay, now something here was definitely wrong… This wasn't how Levy acted when she first introduced herself to the group. Something was definitely wrong…
"We have to check and see why Levy acted so rude towards you later… For now, here it is – The Keyblade." Sora spoke up and then produced the Keyblade in his hand and passed it over to the white-haired girl.
Lisanna was in complete shock! In her hands, she was holding the mysterious weapon that Lucy and Levy told her about. The thing the Heartless feared the most… the weapon that had the ability to defeat them… It was a truly marvelous, yet frightening weapon.
"Wow… I really don't know what to say. Everything that Lucy and Levy told me and everything I've read at the Magnolia library turned out to be true!" Lisanna thought to herself, as she continued examining the weapon in her hands.
"What do you think?" Donald asked.
"It's… amazing and impressive. Looks like the history books were telling the truth about the Keyblade after all…" Lisanna answered to which the boys and Maka were confused at her answer.
"History books?" Maka asked.
Lisanna nodded and replied. "Yes. You see – two days after Lucy, Levy and Wendy didn't show up at the guild, I decided to do a little investigation of my own to find them. The end of the trail lead to our guild's local doctor Porlyusica and she told me absolutely everything about our friends' sudden disappearance, other worlds and the Keyblade."
"This Porlyusica told you about the Keyblade? I thought you said 'history books' told you about the weapon?" Sora asked in a suspicious tone.
"Yes, I did… Porlyusica didn't tell me anything much about the Keyblade. She only told me that is weapon of hope and destruction… Our guild doctor told me to go and learn the rest at the Magnolia library. And that's what I did – learned everything about the Keyblade, other worlds and important stuff." Lisanna explained everything.
"Can you tell us about what you've learned?" Maka asked.
"Well… not now. Maybe when you and your friends come with me to Fiore – for now, the Keybearers have an important task ahead of them." Lisanna answered.
"But-" Maka was cut off by Sora placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Later, Maka… For now, Lisanna is right. Our job comes first and then – we can get our questions about the Keyblade, other worlds and important stuff." Sora answered with a smile on his face.
Sora was right. Right now, they had a job to do… their questions would be answered soon in the future.
"Although… just more thing – when I read from the history books about the Keyblade, I expected the chosen wielders to be more…" Lisanna was cut off by both Sora and Maka opening their mouths.
"Someone-not-like-us?" Sora gave his answer.
"Someone-who-isn't-afraid-to-take-on-challenges?" Maka gave her answer.
Lisanna nodded and then a smile appeared on her face as she spoke. "But, as they say – beggars can't be choosers. In fact, I'm surprised the Keyblade chose you two to be its wielders. You should consider yourself… lucky."
Lisanna gave the Keyblade back to Sora who grinned at her.
"Is that everything you need to ask us?" Maka asked and Lisanna nodded.
"Yep, I think that's everything I need to know." Lisanna answered.
"I have just one question – did this Porlyusica send you to find Lucy and Levy?" Sora asked.
The white-haired girl nodded and gave her answer. "Yes, when she told me everything about how Lucy and Levy left to find the Keybearers… I decided to do the same and follow them. Of course, our guild doctor protested to this and told me that the answer was – No! – But, I didn't listen to her. After a long argument, she finally gave in and agreed. So… I went home, packed a bag pack with some items, went back to Porlyusica's home and she teleported me straight into Traverse Town… where I met all of you."
"We might have to visit your world sometimes, Lisanna." Maka spoke up with a grin.
"You are more than welcome to come." Lisanna replied.
After the long conversation, the boys and girls were quiet for a few minutes until…
"Alright, now that we have had our little chat… why don't we go and find out where the girls went?" Sora suggested and the rest nodded.
"Good idea – but, where could they be?" Maka asked.
The boys and girls thought about this for a few seconds and all was quiet until…
"AHHHHHHH!" A girly scream broke up the entire silence.
"What the hell was that all about?" Maka asked.
"I think it… came from the Third District." Lisanna answered.
"Could it be…" Sora start with an interesting suggestion.
"Lucy and Levy? Possibly…" Lisanna finished.
"Should we go and see what's going on?" Donald suggested.
"Yeah, we should." Maka replied.
"Then, let's go." Sora said.
The boys and girls started running towards the Third District, but they were completely unaware of what was about to happen.
(A few seconds later…)
The boys and the girls finally entered the Third District and were shocked to see what was happening.
On the ground, layed an injured and unconscious Lucy – she had cuts and bruises all over her hands and legs. Her ponytail was gone and her entire hair was in a complete mess.
However, Levy McGarden was still conscious and kicking. However, her eyes were completely closed and on her face a smile was plastered. In her hand, she was holding her black and white Keyblade - Void Gear.
"Lucy!" Maka exclaimed and rushed forward to check and see if the tall blonde Celestial Mage was okay.
"Is she breathing at all?" Lisanna asked in a worried tone, as she and the boys rushed by the unconscious Lucy's side.
Maka checked her pulse and to the ash-blonde pigtailed teenager – it was still warm.
Maka turned to her group and nodded indicating that Lucy was still alive and was only unconscious.
"Oh, thank god… She's still alive." Lisanna said in relief.
Sora turned to Levy and asked angrily. "Levy, do you know who did this? We need to find him and make him pay!"
Yet the blue-haired girl didn't answer the question – she just kept her mouth shut with the smile still on her face.
"Levy, who did this?" Maka asked, but the blue-haired girl just kept her mouth shut.
A few seconds of silence passed until…
"I did it." Levy simply said.
The boys and girls were shocked! Levy was the one who hurt Lucy? No way – there was no way that was possible! It couldn't be – Levy was a friend to Lucy and the group! It was impossible – the blue-haired girl couldn't possibly be the Celestial Mage's assailant.
"W-what did you say…?" Maka asked, as tears of sadness started coming out of her eyes.
"You heard me, tiny tits… I hurt Lucy." Levy answered Maka's question and the ash-blonde pigtailed teenager began to cry while the rest of her group were shocked – Lisanna especially.
"H-how could you Levy!? Lucy is a friend and a fellow guild member! She isn't our enemy! How could you do something like this to her!?" Lisanna demanded.
Levy's smile turned into a smirk, as she opened her eyes. The heroes were in shock when they saw what colors the eyes were. As they recalled, Levy's eyes were supposed to be hazel and not golden!
"L-Levy? Why are your eyes golden…?" Sora asked in a very nervous tone.
Levy chuckled a little bit and answered. "Why? Because, spiky… I've learned something today."
The group was feeling pretty uncomfortable with the way Levy was acting right now. Something was definitely wrong with her…
"And… what's that?" Lisanna asked.
Levy chuckled quietly and answered. "I've learned that in order to grow stronger... I must embrace the darkness in my heart and that's what I did."
The group was completely shocked after that statement! Levy had accepted darkness in her heart!? No way! The girls and the boys refused to believe it! There was no way that Levy embraced the darkness. She couldn't be an easy pray for the darkness to take over.
It was then that Maka remembered what King Triton told her: "Keep a close eye on your friend, Levy. Something is very wrong about her getting a Keyblade… Someone or something is pulling the strings here…" – Maka's eyes widened with shock! Triton's words made sense! It was impossible for Levy to embrace the darkness so easily – someone or something did it for her! But who? Maka didn't know…
"Levy! This isn't the real you! You don't belong in the darkness! You belong in the light! Please, fight it!" Lisanna pleaded with tears in her eyes.
But Levy just laughed and her smile turned into a smirk.
"You are correct, my dear Lisanna. This isn't the real Levy…" Levy answered.
Just then, a puddle of darkness appeared under Levy's feet and soon it enveloped all around her. Soon, it disappeared and the group was shocked and surprised at what Levy was wearing.
The blue-haired girl's clothing was replaced by a black and white bodysuit which kind of resembled the one Wendy wore when she fought Sora and Maka, but without the logo of the Heartless on it. In her right hand, Levy held a silver helmet with a black visor – this one didn't have the logo of the Heartless as well.
"L-levy…? What are you wearing…?" Maka asked in a sad and confused tone.
"Levy? Is that what you people call this "girl"?" Levy answered, but the group noticed that she sounded strange – the blue-haired girl sounded like she had a boy and a girl's voice.
"Y-you're not, Levy…" Maka stated in a very quiet tone.
'Levy' chuckled lightly and answered. "Correct. I am not Levy… My name is Vanitas."
"Vanitas?" Maka asked 'Levy' or now known as Vanitas.
Vanitas, who was now possessing Levy smirked and replied. "Yes. A creature of pure darkness who is now possessing an innocent and kind girl."
"What have you done with poor Levy?" Lisanna demanded angrily.
"Nothing… The girl only wanted one thing – power and I decided to help her." Vanitas answered.
It was then that Maka's eyes widened with surprise and shock! All of those times when Levy was able to destroy their enemies in one hit… It was Vanitas who was granting her those mysterious powers and strength!
"It was you…" Maka exclaimed in anger.
Vanitas looked at her, smirked and asked. "Come again?"
"You were the one who granted Levy the strength and power to defeat our enemies in just a single hit. You were also the one who made her do a 'Dive to the Heart', so she can obtain a Keyblade. That's the truth, yes?" Maka asked.
Vanitas in Levy's body smirked and nodded. The rest of the group were shocked and angered as well.
"Why? Would you do it? Why would you possess her?" Maka demanded angrily, as she got up and took out her Keyblade. She was ready to deliver the beat down on Vanitas and return Levy back to the light.
Vanitas laughed and replied. "Why…? I'm afraid I won't be able to answer that question."
Everybody were confused, but still kept their guard up.
"Oh, really? And why not?" Sora asked.
"Because… I'm afraid that I don't really have the time to deal with all of you." Vanitas answered.
"Well… that's unfortunate for you because we have all the time in the world to beat you up." Lisanna stated with a grin.
"No… I'm afraid you don't." Vanitas replied while putting the helmet and visor which hid Levy's face completely.
"What do you think you are doing!?" Maka demanded.
Vanitas didn't answered and he/she snapped his/her fingers to which a corridor of darkness opened behind him/her.
"Hey, where do you think you are going?" Donald demanded.
"Yeah, give us back Levy now!" Sora demanded as well.
Vanitas laughed and started walking backwards towards the portal.
"Give Levy back? I'm afraid that's not an option, but don't worry – She will be in very good hands. I can assure you…" Vanitas declared.
"This isn't over yet! We will defeat you, Vanitas!" Maka stated angrily.
"Oh, I know… This isn't over yet. We will meet again in the future. I can promise you that." Vanitas finished and then walked into the portal. Soon, it disappeared into thin air and everything got quiet again.
This continued for a few minutes until…
"Goddamn it…" Lisanna muttered quietly.
"Lisanna, we need to get Lucy some help and quickly." Maka told her.
Lisanna looked at the group who all had sad and tired looks on their faces and gave a small sigh.
"You're right, Maka. We should." Lisanna replied.
"Alright, let's go pick her up." Donald told Goofy who nodded.
"I'll help as well." Sora said.
The three boys walked over to pick up the unconscious Lucy while Lisanna and Maka watched them.
"What are were going to do about all of this?" Maka asked Lisanna.
Lisanna looked at Maka with a sad look on her face and simply replied. "Truth be told… I have no idea."
"I… I hope we can find Vanitas and get both Wendy and Levy back safe and sound." Maka said.
Lisanna nodded and replied. "I hope so as well. Come on, let's go and help the boys with Lucy…"
The two girls walked over to the boys and all 5 of them started carrying Lucy to safety…
Author's Notes: Oh, boy… That was a long chapter to write, but I'm glad I've finally finished it. Now, I can get back to work on Linked into One and start writing the battle between Mina and Axl since Chapter 6 has already been checked by my beta reader and posted on .
It seems our dear friend Levy is truly one with darkness right now… What a tragedy this is. But don't fret because Lisanna will be her replacement – at least, until they can find Levy in the future. Unfortunately, both blue-haired girls have a much worse fate than death. You'll see what I mean in the future Chains of Destiny stories that I write. Trust me on this one.
Anyways, I'm taking off so I can take a small break and then get back to writing Linked into One. More to come, so stay tuned… Bye!