Hey guys, sorry it has been so long. I've had a lot going on, but I'm glad to finally be back into the story. As always, reviews are greatly appreciated.
Sora sat across from Cid in his office. After receiving the call over the intercom, the had quickly made his way there. He entered to find Cid focused on some documents so he silently took a seat.
Cid continued to look over the papers and seemed to be contemplating something.
Finally, after what seemed like ages, he looked up at Sora and spoke.
"Sora, these are reports that have been sent to us from various worlds that we are still in contact with. As of now, the attacks on Radiant Gardens and Halloween Town seem to be isolated events as heartless have not been encountered on any other worlds."
Sora thought this was strange. If the locks failed on two worlds surely it wouldn't be long before the others did as well. There was something they were missing.
He nodded for Cid to continue.
"While no heartless have been spotted, three different worlds reported seeing the mysterious figures in black coats."
Sora clenched his fist as memories from his last encounter with the cloaked man flashed through his mind. His sword breaking. Naminé begging him to get up. Cloud disappearing under a swarm of heartless.
Sora shook his head to clear this thoughts. Cid seemed to notice the effect his words had on him and remained silent.
"So what's the plan?" Sora finally managed to ask.
"After receiving these reports we have decided to send a team on a scouting mission to one of the worlds to see if we can gain information about the mysterious people and their connections to the heartless attacks." Cid said.
"Sora, you are to be in charge of the mission. The team you bring is up to you, though you will need at least one high ranking SeeD member to accompany you."
He reached into the drawer of his desk and pulled out what looked like a pair of sunglasses with an ear piece attached.
He handed it to Sora.
"Take this" he said.
"Our researchers have just finished development on these. They call them TacComms. They not only allow for interplanetary communication, but they also can scan your surroundings and give you tactical information. Be sure to learn the capabilities before you leave."
Sora put them on and immediately an interface filled his vision. Focusing in on Cid it showed his name, age, and vital signs. These would definitely come in handy, Sora thought.
"We only have a few ready so try not to break them" Cid said with a small smile.
"Thanks Cid" Sora replied while dismissing the interface.
"Now, since the is merely a scouting mission fighting is prohibited unless the enemy forces your hand. Your goal is to get in, get information about the Cloaked or your father and get out. The safety of the team will be your responsibility. Do you have any questions?"
Sora thought for a moment.
"What can you tell me about the world we will be visiting?" he asked.
Cid pulled up one of the files he was looking at.
"Your destination is Twilight Town, a world that is no so different from ours. Its level of technology is very similar to ours and reports say to expect urban environments. You will need to make contact with the leader of the Twilight Town Disciplinary Committee. A man named Axel. If you want more information there should be a file on your TacComm. You should also find a dossier on the members of SeeD who are available for this mission.
He looked a moment to let Sora take in what he had said and the continued speaking.
"You depart in two days. Please have your team assembled, briefed, and ready to go by then. I don't need to remind you the gravity of our situation. Not only is your father missing, but I have a feeling the Cloaked are somehow behind the Locks failing We need whatever information you can get, but your safety has top priority."
Sora understood the situation. The fate of his world could depend on his team.
"Thank you for trusting me with this mission, sir." Sora said.
He had a lot to do and he needed to get started.
Sora snapped off a quick salute and bid Cid farewell. He had a lot to plan.
As Sora walked out the door Cid slumped back into his chair. It had been hard enough convincing the council that a scouting mission was necessary. Yet, they only agreed to send one SeeD member. Cid found it distasteful sending one so young to lead this mission, but his hands were tied. He had to trust that Sora could do this.
He just hoped they would return safely.
By the time Sora made it to the front gate Riku was waiting for him.
He stood, leaning against the gate with his arms crossed.
"So, what did old Cid have to say?" Riku asked.
Sora should have figured Riku would be waiting for him here.
Sora quickly told him about the upcoming mission.
Riku remained silent until he was finished speaking.
Sora couldn't gauge Riku's reaction. His poker face was too good.
"So, when do you leave?" he asked with a smirk.
Sora didn't find it odd that Riku assumed he was going to be part of the team. After all, Sora had planned on asking him.
"Two days." Sora answered.
Riku nodded. He seemed to be considering something.
"So what are we going to tell Kairi and Naminé?" he finally asked.
Sora sighed, he had been thinking over this very issue on the walk to the front gate.
"You know Kairi is going to want to go. She would be upset if we left her behind, but I'm not sure it is wise to bring her."
He wasn't sure how Riku would respond to that. Typically, everything the three of them did, they did together.
Therefore he was pleasantly surprised when Riku nodded his head in agreement.
"She should stay. While I don't doubt her abilities" he said as he rubbed his arm that Kairi had bruised in their last sparring match, "I think it is better to not put her in unnecessary danger."
"Besides, someone has to stay with Naminé."
Sora said nothing. He felt bad about choosing to leave Naminé, but he simply couldn't bring himself to ask her to go.
She was getting better at fighting, but he didn't think he could bear to see her hurt any more and Sora honestly wasn't sure what they would find.