All the Roads We Have to Walk: Chapter Thirty-Seven
Sora turned a corner and there they were, five Heartless. But Yuna wasn't with them; she was deeper in the ruined city. The Heartless, all men and dressed in matching faded royal blue uniforms, turned listlessly to face Sora. Their dead eyes watched him closely. They shifted into formation: two in the front and back rows and one in the centre who began to prepare a spell, an oddly bone-like staff grasped in its gloved hands. Sora blinked and missed it. The others were suddenly holding wickedly sharp, cone-shaped swords. Sora's hand swept through the air as he summoned the Keyblade, ignoring the twinge in his side.
"Yuna!"
She didn't respond. Instead the sword-wielding Heartless soared, their swords held high over their heads. Sora looked up and with a gasp jumped out the way just in time to avoid serious harm. Keyblade twirling in his hand, he brought it to a stop before pushing forward to take out the closest Heartless. He thought it was going to aim high but even as he shifted his defence to counter it, the Heartless tossed the weapon into the air and caught it in its other hand, turning a rapid pirouette and slashing at Sora's waist. He had an instant to save himself and he just about managed to throw himself to ground and duck below the slash. Trying to regain his feet, one hand still on the ground, Sora parried a blow to his chest. Ignoring the mounting pain he threw caution to the wind and cartwheeled to his feet. Taking only a second to gather his strength Sora moved, kicking the sword off balance and stabbing the Keyblade's tip into the Heartless' shoulder. Bones beneath the pale surface creaked before snapping. Sora pulled his weapon free but he knew the Heartless wasn't defeated. Right arm useless it fell back to the spell-caster and allowed the other three to take its place. They moved like a well-trained unit, forming a triangle to pin Sora in before he had a chance to map out their movements. His only option was a high jump and he sprung upwards, turning a somersault and landing atop a pile of metal. The unstable stack began to slide away so he jumped again, hitting the ground behind all five Heartless.
The adrenaline was starting to scream through his veins, taking the pain away with it. Good, he could use that. He dodged a Heartless' sword before sending the Keyblade flying into another tottering scrap heap. As his weapon returned the metal cascaded down, pinning one of the Heartless beneath it. When the blood stopped tricking out of every rusting gap Sora knew it was dead. Finally, the odds were starting to even out.
The other two flew over the debris, one aiming high and the other low. Sora spied a thick metal pipe. He grabbed it and held it above his head, keeping Oblivion across his body. He managed to catch both the swords, his feet skidding across the ground as his muscles trembled beneath the weight and power. With a defiant cry Sora shoved the Heartless back, his weapons sweeping the swords away. Keeping hold of the pipe he moved on the Heartless duo, pushing one back with a blast of Firaga while taking the other one on. Unused to using his left hand, the blows delivered by the pipe felt weak and useless. Sora grabbed both weapons in his hands and, pipe leading the way, batted the Heartless' sword away. Lunging forward, left arm thrust out to keep the sword at bay, Sora rolled towards the Heartless' torso. Forgoing any attempts at finesse he stabbed the Keyblade into the Heartless' throat. Blood joined the rain. The sword clanged to the ground as its master died. Sora had no time to celebrate. Ripping the Keyblade free Sora realised the Heartless he had managed to fend off with Firaga was making a comeback. But that wasn't all: the spell-caster was ready and Sora could feel the magic it was about to slam into him. He couldn't avoid it all.
Another sword connected with the Keyblade and Sora's lead pipe. Sora took more and more of the Heartless' weight until the soldier's balance relied on his block. The spell was coming, big and nasty. Sora's arms went slack and he tossed the pipe away, causing the sword to slip. The Keyblade caught it and forced the Heartless' arms over its head, giving Sora the space he needed. The spell was released. Ragnarok lifted Sora off his feet, his rapid blows hitting the Heartless again and again and again. But before he could finish the move Graviga slammed into him, throwing him down and crushing him with a weight he couldn't see. Body groaning, Sora tried and failed to come up with a method of escape. When he thought his bones would be crushed, the spell ended. Yanking air into lungs almost crushed by the ribs encasing them, Sora struggled to regain his feet. Everything throbbed, his body feeling so heavy. He noticed the wizard healing the Heartless with the broken arm. Narrowing his eyes, Sora chose his target. Casting Thundaga stunned the two remaining soldiers, allowing Sora to close the gap between himself and the magic user. The Heartless tried to summon a hurried attack but Strike Raid carried its staff away. Oblivion back in his hands Sora forced his body into a jump. Kicking his leg around, Sora twisted in the air and slammed the Keyblade into the Heartless' head, digging it in and dragging it down the magician's body. Blood welled in heavy, black globules. They seemed to sink into Oblivion's darkness and as Sora pulled his weapon away the Heartless succumbed, falling to its knees. Sora took no chances. Knowing the two soldiers were closing in, he disengaged his mind from his heart and loped the wizard's head off, spinning around as he did so to avoid watching the once-human head hitting the ground as though it were one of Wakka's blitzballs.
The remaining soldiers were on him. Fending off an attack from the left Sora kept his front-line opponent back with Stopga. But that was it; he was out of magic and hadn't remembered to pick up any Elixirs from Tifa. Cursing he moved to the left, parrying a blow to his knees. He aimed for the Heartless' chest but the soldier slapped Oblivion away with his hand. Sora had been ready for it. Recalling Tifa's fighting style, Sora ran to the side, running up the jagged steps of a former building to gain extra height. He jumped into the air. His legs kicked out, left then right, both scoring a hit before he landed at the Heartless' side. He was starting to learn the benefits of using more than the Keyblade to fight with. He just had to hope that Ansem wouldn't decide to change these Heartless and limit the ways Sora could defeat them.
Speaking of Ansem, he had been awfully quiet. Why wasn't he saying anything? Where had all the veiled threats and warnings gone? Sora certainly didn't mind the silence in his head. It was just very unexpected.
This was not the time for thinking. The Heartless recovered from the attack, its dead eyes still managing to rage. Holding the sword low to its thighs, it crouched and jousted at Sora. The attack was easy to avoid. But Sora had forgotten the other solider and he found himself smacking into its freezing body. Somehow he bounced off, the chill coating his back. His adrenaline took a drain but Sora didn't stop going. Somersaulting over the Heartless he was facing, landing on a heap of metal before jumping high again, Sora grasped the Keyblade with both hands over his head. He swung it down but was caught by the soldier's sword. Sora wasn't done. He had a moment before gravity pulled him down. The shape of the sword meant only its tip was sharp. Dismissing the Keyblade he gripped the Heartless' blade and swung down. Slamming his boots into the Heartless' chin, Sora wrenched the sword from the Heartless' cold hands. The weapon was like an icicle in his hands, the chill burrowing in and numbing his fingers. Tossing it as far away as he could, Sora called the Keyblade back. Oblivion quivered in his hands. The chill robbed him of his ability to keep it still. But the Heartless was undefended. It was now or never. With no magic to call on, Sora worked alone. His blows were driven by his need to find Yuna. Blood spurted in the air, hot as it joined the rain and tricked down Sora's cheeks. His final attack came from below. The soldier tried to defend but his arms were a useless block. Sora smashed right through them, the Keyblade crushing the Heartless' face. It hit the ground, puddles splashing up before pushing the body down into the mud.
Sora turned. One left. He didn't have a chance to attack. It rammed the blunt side of its sword into him, sending him sprawling into a stack of metal. The Keyblade fell from his hand. The wind burst out of him but he managed to look up and realise his fate. The junk pile rocked back and forth for a moment before collapsing. Sora threw his arms over his head and pulled himself into as small a ball as he could manage. The wreckage rained down on him, blotting out the grey sky and replacing it with rain. He was pinned beneath it, completely unable to move. He figured he was probably meant to be dead: the weight upon him had to have been tonnes upon more tonnes. Maybe he was dead. But Yuna needed him! He could still hear the rain rushing down. His side ached mercilessly. He wasn't sure he'd be able to get up even if he wasn't dead. Was he dead? Didn't seem likely. He struggled to move. Still nothing. There was another sound joining the rain. Was it gunfire? The darkness was beginning to shift, light finding its way in through cracks. He could even move a little, reach out with a hand.
"Over here!"
Another hand, warmer than his own, grabbed him and wrenched him up. Metal screamed and made his ears throb as he was pulled out of the wreckage, Barret's face filling his vision.
"You awright?"
"I've gotta find Yuna!" Sora took one step forwards before his side threw up all kinds of protests, the pain buckling his knees.
"Whoa!" Barret grabbed him and kept him still. "Don't worry, Tifa and Red are on it. She'll be fine." Barret unzipped Sora's jacket and pulled up the black shirt beneath. "Hm, looks like yeh managed to yank sum've the stitches out. Typical kid ain't ya?"
"But…!"
Galuf walked over. "You did pretty well on your own but you are still recovering. Here," he held Oblivion out and Sora took it, the weapon fizzling away because it wasn't needed. "Now, let's go back to the ship and wait for the others. Then we can figure out what we're…"
Hear us. Hear our voice.
From somewhere within the ruins a cry, long and mournful, echoed out. Sora, Barret and Galuf all stood and listened. The cry went on, never gaining in intensity but never losing its piercing lament.
Hear us.
"Who is that?" Sora said. "That isn't Yuna."
And it wasn't Ansem.
No one had a chance to answer him. Tifa came running through the rain, Red close behind. He paused for a moment and a Heartless just like those Sora had fought came into view. Red exploded forwards, rearing up on his hind legs and thwacking the Heartless to the left and then the right. The soldier fell to its knees and Red finished it off with his a rolling blow. He chased after Tifa. When they grew closer Sora realised Tifa held Yuna in her arms. Holding a hand to his side he walked forward to meet them. Yuna had to be alright. Tifa stopped in front of him.
"Is she…?"
"Sora!" Yuna launched out of Tifa's grip and threw her arms around the teenager's neck. "I'm sorry I got us into trouble! The Heartless came and I didn't know what to do…I cast Barrier over and over and over so they couldn't get me and then Tifa and Red came. I tried to find you but I got lost and…"
Wincing as Yuna's knee knocked his inflamed side, Sora hugged the girl before setting her on her feet. "I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have chased you."
"Let's get back," Tifa said, pushing the younger two on. "We need to gather our supplies and maps before heading any further into Midgar." She shivered in the rain. "This place is too dangerous for us to wander around unprepared."
The journey back to the ship was thankfully free of dramatics. Sora kept looking back, trying to spot the source of the crying. No one else seemed bothered about it but it was sending chills down his spine. What was it?
"You hear it too?" Red asked, looking up.
"Is there someone out there?" Sora replied, looking back once again.
"Only ghosts," Tifa answered, looking haggard. "That's all there is in this old city now."
When they reached the ship Galuf dragged Sora back to the kitchen and set about fixing the stitches. Sora removed his jacket and sat down by rote. His attention was elsewhere. The city's cries were still echoing all around, seeping through the ship's metal body. Sora's hands found Valefor still tucked below the blankets. He clutched it tightly, trying to bring his mind closer to home. Yuna was fine. He sighed in relief. That was all that mattered.
Hear us. Come to us.
"There, good as new. You're healing well. You just did a little too much too soon I think."
"Hm? Oh, right." Sora looked around as if he expected to find a ghostly presence. "Do you hear that?" he asked Galuf. "It's like something's calling out."
"It's just the Heartless," Galuf replied. "You learn to get used to it after a while." He ruffled Sora's hair. "Don't worry about it too much, they can't hurt you. They're just lost hearts with nowhere else to go."
There was an edge creeping into the sound, something darker than sorrow. It kept calling. Sora's frown was heavy as he pushed himself off the kitchen's work surface and headed back to the main hatch where Red, Tifa, and Barret were all making preparations for the next trip into Midgar. Yuna sat off to the side, watching intently and passing potions and other supplies when someone called for one.
"Sora, this is for you." Yuna tossed him a new PHS. "Don't lose it!"
He grinned. "I'll do my best." Then he turned to Tifa. "Are we going back out soon?"
"I think we'll leave it tonight and head back tomorrow," Tifa replied. "That way we'll all be fully rested. How's the side?"
Sora's hand hovered over it. "A little sore but not too bad. I'll be fine tomorrow."
Not tomorrow. Come to us.
"We not entirely sure what other Heartless are here," Red spoke up. "The ones we all fought appeared to be former members of SOLDIER, ShinRa's elite military group. It's unsurprising we had a hard time dealing with them. Midgar was home to some nasty monsters in its day. Chances are they're now Heartless."
"And where we've got to go is near an open pool to the Lifestream. It'd attract the strongest Heartless to it." Tifa managed a laugh. "Leaving the Phoenix Summon and the Final Attack materia there seemed like such a good idea at the time."
"What is the Lifestream?" Sora asked. "It's green and sparkly right?"
"Yeah. The Lifestream is what keeps this planet alive. It's pretty complicated but basically it's where all things go when they die to help keep the living ecosystem in balance. It also stores untold knowledge and wisdom gathered from all the people it's absorbed." Tifa looked out a porthole. "The Heartless haven't killed it off but I don't know how much longer it'll last. And when it's gone this world really will be destroyed."
The city didn't stop crying and Sora was beginning to understand why. He folded his arms over his chest. "Is there no way to block that sound out?"
"No, not at all," Tifa replied. "When the Heartless came and took everyone away the ruins of Midgar started to cry. It's quiet from time to time but mostly it's like this."
Hear us.
"And the voice?" Everyone looked at Sora. "What, don't you hear it?" No one replied. "Great. Just me then?"
"Midgar cries out because of all the Heartless. Maybe you're just hearing them," Red theorised. "You do wield the Keyblade so it isn't impossible that you'd hear and see things no one else notices."
Sora managed a lop-sided grin. "It's gonna be a long night."
When the Leon, Cloud, Cid and Aerith finally arrived in Traverse Town the situation had worsened. People were being forced from their homes by the Heartless. The oddly limp creatures didn't attack but Kairi knew all a person had to do was touch one and the awful chill would pierce their entire body. The First District was starting to look like a refugee camp with people huddled in groups all over the place and the various shops in the area doing their best to help the people, supplying them with food and blankets.
"The good news is this isn't happening on every world," Aerith said, her usually relaxed face sharpened by concern.
"The bad news is it's happening on four worlds," Cloud went on. "Here, Hollow Bastion, Disney Castle and Destiny Islands."
Kairi gasped in horror, hands flying to her mouth as she envisioned her family and friends battling the unstoppable enemy. She sprung to her feet, blankets slipping away. "We have to help them!"
"Don't worry. The residents of Disney Castle and Traverse Town are already dealing with the evacuations," Leon replied coolly. "The Heartless won't have any victims."
"But why are they here at all?" Kairi asked. "It doesn't make any sense – Sora and the King sealed Kingdom Hearts. There haven't been any attacks since then. And why are these Heartless so strange? They aren't attacking – they're just drifting like mist."
"They ain't made any hostile moves," Cid agreed. "On every world it was just like they are here – there but not attacking."
"Maybe they dunno what to do now that Ansem's gone," Goofy provided.
"I don't like it," Leon stated. "There's not much we can do without Sora or the King. If the Keyholes have somehow become unsealed that's something only they can deal with."
"The best thing we can do is continue our research." Aerith began unloading her books onto the table in the small house. "Something will turn up."
"Are you sure they're evacuating the other worlds?" Kairi asked. "Where will they take all the people?"
"Queen Minnie is taking a lot of her people and the people of Destiny Islands to Agrabah," Cloud answered her, reaching over to the table and picking out a book. "If we get the chance we could go there."
Kairi looked relieved. "I'd be grateful if we could." Even the thought of facing everyone after running off with only a note to announce it didn't faze her. Her family's anger would be a small price to pay in return for their safety.
"Well then we'd better get on with these books," Donald said, taking one for himself and passing another tome to Goofy. "The sooner we get through this lot the sooner we can go to Agrabah."
"Right," Kairi said with a smile and she picked out a book for herself. Constantly telling herself everyone she loved was perfectly safe, Kairi managed to force her gut-wrenching panic to the very depths of her mind. Focusing on the work ahead of her also helped. The words on the page were complicated but she made herself read them over and over until they made sense. Occasionally she looked over her book and saw all the others concentrating hard. Even Yuffie was flicking through a slim notebook. A little smile made its way onto the redhead's face. Everything would work out eventually.
She just had to hope the Heartless didn't start attacking before the answers to finding Sora became clear.
Hours went by. The night wasn't merely long. It was unending. When the darkness had fallen it had done so without warning. The grey sky was suddenly black. The rain didn't stop. It beat down upon the ship even as the occupants slumbered. Well, most the occupants were asleep.
"Sora?" Yuna, dressed in pink pyjamas with Moogle prints all over them, gingerly crept into the kitchen with a yellow blanket wrapped around her. She looked tearful as she rubbed her tired eyes. "Um…can I…um…it's just I'm a little scared and I was wondering if maybe I could stay with you."
Standing up from his kitchen bed Sora walked over to Yuna and crouched down on her level. He placed a warm hand on her hair. "Did you have a bad dream?"
She nodded and a few tears fell. "It was about the Heartless."
He gathered her up and returned to the blanketed worktop. "Don't worry, they can't hurt you. They'll never get on this ship, not with all of us here to stop them. And look," he reached into the blankets and pulled Valefor out. "You left him here with me."
"Oh! I completely forgot!"
"You were right about him keeping nightmares away. I didn't have one bad dream while he was here. You know he'll keep you safe too."
Yuna reached out of her blanket and tugged Valefor close. Yawning she laid down and curled up, pulling a few of Sora's sheets with her. "Sora, do you know why the city's crying?"
Come to us.
"Maybe it's lonely. It must miss the people who lived here once."
"That's what I thought." Yuna yawned. "Did you have bad dreams about the Heartless when you were little?" she asked as he settled himself back down.
"No. When I was little the Heartless weren't around. At least, they weren't on my world. They came when I was fourteen."
"What happened?"
"Yuna I don't think you wanna hear stories about the Heartless tonight." Sora tried to laugh but it sounded fake. How could he talk about one of the worst occurrences in his entire life to a child who already had enough terrible experiences to create horrific nightmares out of? "Just think about all your favourite things. That's what my mom told me to do when I had nightmares."
You will come.
"Maybe you'll tell me some other time?" She asked with her eyes closed as another yawn stretched her mouth wide open.
"Maybe."
It didn't take Yuna long to drift off, buried in Sora's blankets. Time crawled by, the rain lashing the ship never changing its tempo. He kept a close eye on Yuna but she never stirred uneasily. He tried to sleep on his back but he couldn't. He tried his good side but still sleep refused to come. His senses were full of the city. In the depths of the night its wail seemed even louder, its sadness more piercing. The cries were distressing. It was like the sound of a child lost and alone, crying out but never found. Sora gazed at the ceiling deep in thought, arms held behind his head. Something was calling. The others heard the crying. Only he heard more. What was it? Where in the city was it coming from? He sat up slowly, not wanting to disturb Yuna. He wasn't quite sure he could believe what he was thinking.
Come.
He had to go.
Come to us.
He stood up and picked his jacket off another worktop. He put his boots on by the door and walked out.
"Sora?"
He stopped by the door and looked back. "It's okay Yuna. Go back to sleep."
"Um, but where are you going?"
He carried on walking, pulling his jacket on as he left. "I don't know."
"Wait!"
But sealing Yuna in the kitchen wasn't a major deal for the wielder of the Keyblade. He shut the door and Oblivion locked it in the same second, leaving Yuna to pound and yell.
"Sora what are you doing? Don't go!"
Leave her. Leave them all. Come to us. Come.
He walked to the ship's hatch, surprised to find Tifa there. She was fully dressed and stood just inside the ship, silently watching the rain tumble out the sky.
"Tifa what are you doing up?
She jerked in surprise and turned to face him, hurriedly brushing away the few tears that clung to her face. "Oh, just thinking. I couldn't sleep." She looked at him curiously. "What about you? Why are you up?"
"I have to go."
The light atmosphere grew heavy. "What are you talking about?"
"It's calling to me. I have to go."
Come. We can help her. She's of our world. Come to us, we can give her the happiness she needs.
"Sora you can't go into that city alone. You know how dangerous it is."
He stepped out into the sodden night. "It'll help you if I do. This is your world. It'll make you happy if I go."
"It?"
Sora ignored her. He pulled his hood over his head and walked down the ramp.
Hurry.
Tifa chased after him, the rain half blinding her. "Sora, stop. I know the city cries but that doesn't mean…"
Ignore her. She doesn't understand. She cares but she can't see past her concern. Leave her behind. Come.
Sora looked at Tifa, smiling blandly. He didn't really know why he felt so calm, so ready to do as he was told but he felt no need to worry or fight back. He raised a hand up and rested it on Tifa's cheek, her skin cold beneath his touch. Her eyes widened with surprise. He brushed a stray tear away. "Sorry. It's calling. I don't really know why it wants me but I'll go and find out."
"Sora…"
"Stopga."
Tifa froze and Sora hurried off into the city. His feet pounded over the wet ground. The crying finally seemed to be stopping, dragging itself away into silence.
This way.
"Who are you?" Sora didn't know why he hadn't asked before.
Everyone. Ageless but ending. We do not wish to end. Come to us. No one will stop you. Come. We know who you are.
It was then that Sora looked up and saw the green light shining over Midgar. The ribbons of glimmering light reminded him of that night so long ago aboard the boat on Brighthelmston with Donald and Goofy. The familiar pang of worry tightened his heart. Were they okay?
We do not know. They are not of our world. Their loss is of no concern to us.
He wound his way deeper and deeper into the city. Sometimes he had to clamber up over decrepit buildings and crumbling masonry but every time he climbed higher he saw more. He could see where the light was coming from. Its glow was in the city's dead centre, the ethereal light weaving into the air and making the rain shine. It was beautiful.
Help us. We can help you too. Come. Don't let us end. Hurry.
Sora ran on, noticing the shadows gathering around him. The Heartless were everywhere, former humans and monster-like creatures crawling out of every broken window and crushed doorway. There was no way he'd survive a fight against all of them.
This way. Hurry. Leave them for now. Come.
A roar of engines broke through the voice and gushing rain. Looking up Sora saw the ship flying overhead. Confused he came to a standstill, the ruined city heaving with Heartless around him. When they started to run Sora knew he had to move. He raced onwards, ever deeper into Midgar. The city called to him.
Use Ultima. Take them all out. Come to us. Hurry. Help us.
He could see the pool of light now. In front of what had once been the ShinRa Building a jagged scar cracked the ground. The closer he got the more green light he could see. Was that the Lifestream?
Yes. The Lifestream. We are the Lifestream. We are this world. Help us, wielder of the Keyblade. Its ancient power connects us to you. It will protect you from harm. Help us and we shall aid you. Help us. Use Ultima. Come.
Sora skidded to a stop just as he reached the rim of the crater. Green light blinded him and he turned back, the city blotted out by countless Heartless. It was as though every single Heartless in all of Midgar was closing in on him.
Their Master does not wish for you to succeed but you shall. He cannot reach you while we are here. We will not let him.
"I did wonder why he'd been so quiet."
Use Ultima. Slay them all and come to us.
Sora's hand reached into his pocket and he pulled Ultima out. The Heartless were running at him, some wielding weapons whereas others relied on their own mutated bodies. The Lifestream's light wrapped around him, its touch calm but full of power. For a moment he was overwhelmed, his ears ringing with billions upon billions of whispering voices. The Keyblade appeared in Sora's hand and every voice fell into an awed silence. Grasping Ultima tightly, Sora called the spell out of the green orb. As it screamed out with it's crackling cry the Lifestream raged up around him, catching Ultima and dragging it across the entire city. When the spell ended the Heartless, however many there had been, were gone.
Thank you. Now, come. Your time with us has only just begun.
Tired but not completely drained, Sora turned to face the green pool once again. It soothed him, turned his tiredness into tranquillity and his aches into comfort. The light in his blue eyes grew brighter and brighter.
"Wait!"
Sora looked over his shoulder dispassionately. Galuf, Barret and Red stood behind him. Barret was already running to stop him, Galuf not too far behind.
"Sora you don't understand," Red called, ever the voice of reason. "If you fall into the Lifestream your mind will be overwhelmed. Humans can't withstand it. You'll be poisoned and your mind will die."
He isn't lying. But the Keyblade's power has more uses than you know. It will protect you. Besides, another human survived.
"Who?" Sora asked, holding the Keyblade with both hands.
Cloud Strife.
Sora's eyes widened with shock. He looked at Red as he took a step back. "Cloud Strife is from this world?"
Red bounced forward, excited, joyful surprise written over his face. "You know Cloud? Sora where is he?"
Yes, this world is home to Cloud. We lost him and many others who mean a great deal to us. We'd love for them to return. You can do it. Help us. Come, now.
"Red, I didn't know this was Cloud's world too!"
Another step and the ground ran out. Sora fell backwards. Then his world turned green and sparkly.