A/N: Much gratitude to shadowmwape for following my story it gives me POWER! And without further ado, here is part two of chapter 33. Read, review and enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own KH nor LOZ and I never shall.
The worlds in between: Part 2
"HOME SWEET HOME!" Zack cheered loudly as he stalked up to the wide doors of his hometown.
Or one of his numerous hometowns.
The two female knights followed him wordlessly. As they entered the town, he began eagerly searching amongst the jostling crowed for a familiar face. Ashei and Sheikha felt slightly uncomfortable in their getup as most of the people sported Greek styled togas, the ninja pulled her face coverings higher.
"Will we find him in this place yeah?" Ashei grumbled, the heat was intense "I mean, the brat doesn't look like the type to hang around people yeah."
"Don't worry" the spiky haired male bounced "we'll find him in no time."
Sheikha admired the architecture in this place; it was far different from anything she saw back at Hyrule. Most of the buildings were white and styled with columns and the streets were cobblestoned. The layout of the city was structured in an organized manner, she noted. The people of this world must be really civilized. In the middle of the town she looked up to a huge statue of a man wearing a cape, he struck a pose showing off his incredibly muscular arms. In contrast to his huge physique, his expression was etched kindly.
"Zack, who is this?" she asked pointing to the statue.
"Hercules, one of my buddies, he knows Master Sora as well." He replied, throwing the statue a customary glance, he continued his search through the crowds, peering at each individual carefully.
"Can't be hard to find him, even in this crowd" he muttered "he sticks out like a sore thumb"
"Then let's go ask this Hercules where Vanitas is hiding yeah, if he is in this world."
The three of them shoved past the masses and went in the direction of the Coliseum gates; before they could enter Zack gave a shout:
"I FOUND HIM!" he yelled gleefully and ran off.
"Who-?" Ashei began but was cut off as Sheikha grabbed her and forcefully hauled her in the direction Zack flew. "We can't get lost here" she said.
"Cloud!" a yell assaulted the blonde's ears, the voice was very familiar and as he turned, his stern, gloomy expression morphed into a tiny smile.
"Zack" he greeted genially. "It's very nice to see you"
In response, the brunette held him in a headlock, if anyone else attempted this; they'd be reduced to strips of flesh, but not Zack.
Never Zack.
Whilst the two best friends exchanged pleasantries, the sixth and seventh knights caught up to them. Ashei felt furious; nevertheless she managed to hide her anger under a calm façade.
"So…it's nice to see Vanitas dying his hair yeah" she snarked. Cloud looked up in confusion and Zack paled.
"Let me introduce you t-"
"We have a mission Zack" Sheikha reminded him in a serious tone "we are to search for Master Sora's missing brother"
Cloud's ears perked at the name.
"Sora? How is he doing, has he run into some trouble?" he queried.
Ashei replied for Zack: "Yes, his younger brother, Vanitas is missing. We have been dispatched into different worlds to search for him yeah."
Cloud held his chin thoughtfully and pondered, Zack was being dragged away by the two female knights and although he had a responsibility to train 'new heroes' as Phil dubbed them, he hoped the goat man would understand if he disappeared once more without a trace. His friend was frantically gesturing with his arms as he was probably trying to explain something. The observing blonde smiled and strapped his sword more securely. He wanted to go with them. Shouldering past the crowds he caught up to the group and proposed:
"Let me come with you, I owe Sora my help."
The masked knight let go of Zack's scruff and he crumpled unceremoniously to the ground, peering at Cloud who was adjusting his cape the brunette welcomed him.
"Welcome to the club buddy!"
"I'm going with them" a low tone droned. Zack stuck his fingers into his ears and counted to three as Phil's face changed to red. Cue the explosion. Ashei's normally deadpan look melted into surprise and Sheikha had outright warped to safety. The Coliseum lobby shook as Phil's vocal cords were stretched to the limit.
"Going with them are you?" he bellowed "the last time I hired you, you vanished without a trace. And you think I'm just gonna let you waltz out of here? One word for you buddy: NO WAY!" he finished his speech with a dramatic arm gesture.
"That's two w-" pointed out Ashei; Zack clapped a hand over her mouth to stop her from speaking.
Unfazed by Phil's outburst Cloud continued his questioning:
"Have you seen an adolescent wearing a red and black body suit? He looks like Sora. Younger brother actually"
"No, is the boy missing?"
The blonde turned away and began walking out of the lobby after replying in affirmative.
The group of four currently sat in a shaded area and tossed forth plans.
"Where to now? Our leader made it clear we are not to visit more than three worlds yeah"
"Somewhere dark, Cloud do know of any place where a lot of dark energy gathers?" Zack directed his question to his friend.
"Hollow Bastion" he answered "it was once home to the dark fay Maleficent."
Zack stood up and shouldered his Buster sword.
"Okay troops move out!" he commanded. He was met with a sigh and a disgruntled stare. Only the blonde showed another indiscernible smile.
Sora scraped his face off the luminous table top with some difficulty. Stretching out a hand, he created a dark portal and stepped through it. A sea breeze ruffled his spikes as he stood and watched the calming waves of the ocean. After some time he trudged to his home. Every step he took there seemed to weigh him down. Reaching the front door, he hesitated. Shaking his head, he slowly brought up his hand and rapped the wooded door a few times.
The door opened and a pair of golden irises stared back at him with surprise. The first knight raised his hand in greeting.
"Hi Da-"
Suddenly he flew back and landed with a thump on the sand, he put his hand on his nose to stem the flow of blood.
"You…" his dad trembled in fury "how dare you get married to a princess without telling us! Is this how you repay your parents kindness towards you? How did you manage to woo her? And why are you here? Go back and come with my daughter in law." Smoothly opening a dark portal, he pushed his son through it using an aero. The noble sailed through the dark space and found himself being ejected in the princess' bedroom.
He turned white, how did Dad know where her place was?
Deciding to exit the room before he was accused of being a pervert, he rushed towards the door and opened it. On the other side stood Zelda, her face passive.
"Did you need anything?" she inquired "you don't really enter this room unless you have to."
A few excuses flew through his mind. Giving up, he settled for telling her the truth.
"I see. In that case, I'd love to come"
Wait, did he hear correctly?
"You want to come?" he clarified, already scared of what his dad might start.
"Yes, I have met your parents already…they are wonderful people"
"My da-" the words died on his lips. Taking her hand he forced the space to tear and traversed it, this time he lead it right in front of their house where to his mortification, his dad was waiting for him, dad grinned widely on seeing Zelda.
His grin reminded Sora of Vanitas.
Princess Zelda felt warm. She was positive her cheeks were glowing. Perhaps it would be a nice idea to run away from Hyrule castle and live with Sora's parents. Sora's mother had removed all her royal hair ornaments and combed her hair, arranging it into a simple hairstyle. Zelda was used to the maids pulling her hair and brushing it vigorously so it was quite pleasant when gentle hands handled her hair for once. She was now sitting on a couch and having an affable conversation on mundane topics like weather and her favorite food. It was nice not to talk about her duties or how the world needs to be saved, for once. Next to her, Sora sat with a stiff expression. He had planned to relay his message about Vanitas' current conduct and return to Hyrule, instead, guilt churned within him. His parents were rather happy with his marriage and the atmosphere in the house had turned a bit festive. Shattering the current air would be a bit too cruel.
He took a cookie from the plate before him and chewed it mechanically. Briefly glimpsing up, he met with his dad's eyes.
The golden irises were glinting and a slow smile was beginning to stretch across his face.
Exactly like Vanitas.
"Why are you so glum?" His father's tone was kind "we finally found the daughter of our dreams. Stop contaminating our happiness with your dreariness."
Unfortunately the words coming out of his mouth and his childlike actions reminded Sora of his little brother: Ventus.
The brown haired adolescent exhaled deeply.
"Its noth-"
"He wants to speak about Vanitas" cut in Zelda with a firm tone. There is some important information you need to know.
Sora decided to keep it short:
"Vanitas has teamed up with a dangerous creature of darkness and helped him obliterate a village" both parents gasped and widened their eyes in disbelief "when I find him I'l-"
"Give him a good pounding yes? Bring him to me, I'll crush his skull"
Used to this due to Ashei interrupting him constantly, the first knight ignored his parent and continued.
"I'll send him here. He won't be joining the knights anymore." He refused to look at his mother's shocked face.
"Maybe, he is trying to prove something to you…" Mother babbled, "he did always admire you ever since he was little…" she broke off, unable to talk any further.
"What will he prove to me by destroying a village mom? I'm the first knight, tasked with leading the Master Knights in order to protect Hyrule, do you think people will understand if I am lenient towards Vanitas' actions? No they won't. No matter the reason, he will be sent here using force if necessary. If there was a problem plaguing him, it would be his duty to report to me, not to run off and deal with the problem in the way he pleases." Sora took a deep breath and plunged on "besides, he vanished at a critical time, when the knights and Roxas and Ventus were in danger. This fact itself makes his actions unforgivable."
The prince stood up and gestured Zelda to follow him. Outside, he summoned a dark corridor and left without bidding his parents goodbye.
"Your words were harsh yet true" the princess spoke while they were walking through the swirling darkness.
"Did I do something wrong?" He looked at her, searching for a sign on her face. Displeasure, disgust, reproach.
Instead she remained doll-faced.
"No. In time they will come to accept it as the truth." She regally brushed past him and exited the tunnel. Part of him wanted to yell at her to wait.
Riku was extremely surprised to see the silver haired female knight standing in front of him. However her expression was guarded and she was accompanied by another male (a knight he mused). Her hand went to her sword.
"What are you doing here?" she queried in a subtly harsh tone.
"I'm looking for Xehanort" he replied his voice cool. "And what brings the Master Knights of Hyrule here? I see Sora isn't with you"
Her rigid stance relaxed.
"Vanitas is missing, presumed to team up with Master Xehanort and Ganondorf" she explained.
His aquamarine eyes widened slightly.
"Let me help you" as he said these words, he saw her lips curve into a smile, the older knight next to her looked extremely relived.
"Hmm…we appreciate the help. My name is Auru, it is a pleasure to meet you Riku" the male introduced himself.
"Why did you choose this place?" The trio was walking around the forecourt of Castle oblivion and Riku took the chance to get some more explanation of the obviously bizarre and grim circumstances.
"It's a dangerous place, being the second knight, I decided to take responsibility. Master Sora is currently in Destiny Islands informing his parents about Vanitas' conduct." The posse alighted before an intricately carved, yet stark white door. As she put her hands on the door to push it open, Riku stopped her.
"Be careful" he warned, "memories and pathways mean nothing here. People who step through the door are doomed to oblivion."
Impa tightened her hand and pushed the door open, before them stretched a bluish black infinite space. The area was punctuated by a single, endless flight of stairs. The second knight strode fearlessly and began climbing the winding staircase, Riku and Auru followed close by. Along the way, small heartless and shadows made their appearance. What startled Impa the most was the gradual appearance of bulbins and deku babas.
In other words: Hylian monsters.
Drawing her giant blade, she ran past them and swung her sword, the enemies were weak and were thus gotten rid of easily. Impa kept on climbing at a steady pace but due to the extremely long length of the staircase she was beginning to feel slight fatigue.
"Can we take a break?" Auru huffed, his joints were protesting. The female knight paid scant attention to her male companions and surged forward alone. Reaching at the top of the seemingly never ending flight of stairs, she stumbled on to a landing and sat down waiting for Riku and Auru to catch up.
The two caught up some time later. Standing up, Impa brushed herself down and opened another door and stared.
They were back in the forecourt of the castle.
Gritting her teeth, she walked forward and determined to open the doors to the opposite side of the room. However about half way through someone suddenly made an appearance.
Cloaked in a full body cloak, black boots and gloves and carrying a huge petal pink scythe. Impa was slightly surprised at his feminine features such as rose pink hair…and was that lipstick on his lips?
Whatever.
The man appeared in a flurry of cherry blossom petals, she risked a glance backwards to observe Auru's expression twisted into one of mild disgust.
"Marluxia" Riku hissed "still alive I see" Drawing his key-blade, the sliver haired male initiated combat. Without further ado, Impa whipped her giant blade and joined in the fray. On seeing two people approach him, the nobody's pale pink lips widened to a grin.
Auru watched in horror as the mysterious man teleported next to Impa, he twirled the scythe and the blade edge came whooshing through the air aiming to take her head. The second knight managed to jump back and avoid it, but a fine line had already been carved on her throat by the tip of the sickle, the superficial wound dribbled a thin stream of blood.
She wiped it irritably.
Riku sprang forward and assaulted their enemy with a flurry of strikes, his attack was blocked with a multitude of petals and these petals were then disintegrated by a magic shot from Auru.
The three of them looked at each other and nodded.
Riku and Impa simultaneously rushed towards Marluxia, Riku stepped first and engaged him with a combination of jabs and thrusts whilst Impa passed the man in an arc and attempted to hit his undefended back. Raising her weapon high, she cleaved him in half.
His form burst into rose petals.
Sensing a presence behind him, Auru aimed his cannon and shot a swarm of cannonballs, the projectiles were either intercepted by flowers or they were cut down with the curved blade.
Riku gripped his key-blade and focused. This nobody was not someone to be trifled with. If he was alone, the battle would've gone much smoother; unfortunately he knew the proud second knight will not yield to his requests.
The nobody watched the three fighters and felt somewhat arrogant, he had survived the purge using sheer will and although he did not possess a proper body, this physical manifestation of his will-force was doing a superb job. Deciding to end this charade (since he was nearing his limits) he called forth a storm of flower petals, they will shred the trio into pieces so fine, it will be impossible to trace their existence.
An explosion of lethal flower fragments assaulted the knights' vision. A leaf brushed against Impa's hand and she saw blood spurting from it. Riku as well, several of the leaflets had stroked his face and left behind numerous deep gashes. Key-blade glowing he commanded a magnega to pull the petals off him and his friends. After they gathered in a swirling mass, he used a dark firaga to finish them off and turned his attention to the smirking nobody.
"Transcendence" he droned.
The pink haired man was surprised by the change of scenery, he was even more astonished by the way gravity seemed to defy in this space. Floating aimlessly, he saw the 'floor' of the space contract, warp and from it issued several heartless.
Heartless and unversed issued forth without stopping. He was brutally tossed around in the space, bumping against things, the pain gradually became agonizing and he saw stars before his eyes. Exhausted, Marluxia was exhausted. As the move finished he tumbled on the ground and glared at the people before him.
"I'll be back" he spat viciously as his body degenerated into pink petals.