Kingdom Hearts

Ch. 40

Deep Jungle

Home is Where the Heart Is

Deep in the jungle was a small stream passing through the forest providing the wildlife a water source. It leads to a great lake that's housing this world's largest waterfall. Here animals of all sizes gather to drink, converse, and play in the large water hole. Lying next to the tiny stream was a broken Ralum. His bones were broken, his face was painted with his own blood. His weapon was far off from his reach stuck in a tree a mile or two away from him. He was completely defeated. A lesser creature destroyed him twice in one day. Ralum dared not to call for help. For if someone would aid him, he would have to reveal the humiliating truth of who defeated him. His spirit was dead. His name disgraced. His self-regret consumed his thoughts. He couldn't comprehend what had happened.

He converted his own shame to hate for this world. With every little bit of strength he had left. He struggled to lift his broken arm. He raised it into the air cursing this world and everything on it. He cursed the animals and plants. He cursed his own crew and allies. He cursed Tarzan and Cloak. He cursed Sora, Donald, and Goofy. He finally cursed Kerchak. Thinking out loud he declared that he'd do everything in his power to destroy this place. He'd set it ablaze with the flame of Hades burning everything to the ground.

Darkness began to form around his body like a group of children playing "Ring Around the Rosy." He did not care of the shadows that posed a threat to him. He only wanted revenge. He only wants redemption. He wants satisfaction. Standing over him was what appeared to be a black figure with bright yellow eyes.

It smiled at Ralum as the darkness surrounded him. His body and heart gave themselves over to the darkness. He fell into the pitch-black hole formed from his shadow. He smiled back at the yellow eyed figure. For this figure has come to fulfill Ralum's wish.

Back towards the cliff area where the battle between Sora and the Stealth Sneak began. The three friends battled the heartless. Tarzan of the Apes ran into the forest to confront the man who killed the one he called Mother.

Tarzan ran through the jungle brush following Clayton retreating under the shadows of the branches. After losing sight of Clayton, Tarzan threw his spear in the direction he last saw him. Hoping he might be lucky enough to hit the hunter. But Clayton had vanished. The spear only stabbed the dirt on the ground. Positioning the spear up right leaning back towards Tarzan.

Tarzan gave a loud yell in anger slamming the ground with his arms. But when he did a small blue spark abrupted around his arms. When he hit the ground it subtly shook causing the dirt to part around his arms. The ape man heard a faint rustling sound coming from behind him. Tarzan shifted directions as a bullet shot through the darkness grazing Tarzans shoulder.

Clayton perched behind a bush revealed himself. He walked out cautiously holding his gun to his side. His body was covered in bruises and his clothes were rustled from the fight with Kerchak.

Tarzan grasped his cut shoulder. It was minor wound but it still stung a great deal. "Monster!" said Tarzan glaring at Clayton with so much contempt.

Clayton smiled, "No dear boy. I am a man. But as a man. We are higher creatures. The strong replaces the weak. It's natures oldest law. Your leader was not strong enough to live. He died because I was better than him. And so were you. These animals are not our equals. They can't even comprehend the simplest of ideas. Let alone complex concepts. Animals like them."

Clayton took his gun and pointed back out into the clearing. The battle with the Stealth Sneak has ended. The heartless was vanquished but this victory did not come without costs. Donald lay beaten and bruised on the ground. Sora, Goofy, and Jiminy surrounded their friend.

"Greatness is something that you must achieve. After my Mother died I became an apprentice to another Elite who was regarded as the greatest hunter in all the world. His name was Craven the Hunter. A brutal and deadly assassin that hunted both animals and humans for a rich reward. Through his training, I mastered all forms of projectile weaponry. Thanks to the Unlimited Weapon Technique. I could call upon any hunting weapon by just thinking about it. But as I got older I was never able to match my master's strength and speed. As the ignorant student, I was. I just assumed it was because of his skill and strength alone. But I couldn't be more wrong. After finishing my training and mastering all forms of hunting techniques. My master showed me his secret on how he was so strong. It wasn't skill or talent. But a serum that gave him the edge in fights. A special chemical liquid that after drinking from it. Increases the strength of muscle cells, slows down heart rates, and gives an overall energy boost to whoever drinks it. But it comes at a cost. To keep the effect, Kraven had to constantly consume the liquid. And after the serum takes effect. It cuts your life time in half. After hearing the truth about the man I idolized and looked up to for years was a fraud who took the easy way out. I denied his offer and left him after that. There is no easy way in life. In you want fame and power. You must earn it. Five years later, Kraven the Hunter passed away at the age of 45. No doubt do to the side effects of the serum. But why am I explaining this to you. You don't even understand half the things I'm saying to you."

Clayton spoke again pointing to Donald, "You see the duck failed to survive because he wasn't smart enough. Though animals can overpower us on occasions like with Ralum. No matter what happens humans will always surpass any other species. We were the first so we are the farthest along."

Clayton aimed his rifle towards Goofy who was tending to Donald. Tarzans eyes gaped open. "NO!" he shouted.

Clayton pulled the trigger shooting straight at the dog. Clayton didn't even need to look. He knew exactly where the bullet was heading just from the position of the gun. Despite his injured state, he still had enough stamina to hold his weapon straight. He heard a body tumble over. Assuming it was Goofy. Tarzan looked towards them to see Clayton did not hit the correct target. Sora was the one who was shot and fell to the ground. He saw Goofy and Jiminy begin to panic.

Clayton spoke quietly to himself, "I missed, that's not right."

When he turned his head back towards Tarzan. The ape man was now just two feet in front of him staring relentlessly at Clayton. He clenched his fist as more blue sparks circled around his fingertips. Clayton tried quickly to react forming his rifle into a hand gun. Planning to shoot Tarzan right in the face. But he wasn't fast enough.

With one swoop. Tarzan swung his arm smashing his fist into Claytons gut. He gouged out in pain similar when Kerchak smashed him into a wall. The force of the punch was nothing like Tarzan has ever done. Clayton shot into the air like he was being catapulted. Small sparks flew around Tarzan's body. Clayton was thrown high into the treetops before beginning to fall back down. When he began to lose altitude. His body was caught and tangled by high placed jungle vines. Clayton was knocked unconscious trapped in a web of vines hanging high up in the air.

Tarzan took a deep breath coming to terms with what happened. He raised his arms looking deeply at them like he was holding something. "Where did that power come from?" he thought.

But his thoughts quickly turned to Sora and the others. He grabbed his spear and ran out to the clearing with Goofy trying to figure out what to do. He shook Donald trying to get him to wake up. Sora sat up right trying not to move. He was still clenching his wounded shoulder trying to keep more blood from pouring out.

"They're really hurt," said Jiminy standing next to Sora's leg feeling helpless.

"Take them to the healing spring," said Tarzan catching the attention of Goofy and Jiminy. Tarzan turned to the hole in the cliff side that the Stealth Sneak created. He pointed out through the lands towards the waterfall. "When someone hurt, they can traverse to the healing spring. Strange pool harbors water with healing magic."

"Are you certain that's true? That's a bit to convenient," asked Jiminy.

"The trek is hard to cross especially for four legged creatures. But apes can easily climb up."

"Hehe, sounds like a challenge," said Sora ruggedly. He lifted his head up smiling despite the pain he felt.

"We don't have any bandages to wrap your wound," said Goofy trying to keep his hand from trembling.

"Don't sweat it. It's just a little blood. It's okay. It's not going to kill me. I'll never die," Sora declared in pain.

"Maybe not from blood loss. It's infection you have to worry about," said a voice from above. They all looked up to see Cloak appear from the shadows cast by the jungle trees. He lowered down setting foot on the dirt.

"Cloak we need to get to the waterfall now. Sora and Donald are hurt we need you to take us there," said Goofy desperately.

Cloak nodded, "That's why I'm here."

Cloak converted his body to darkness raising his cape up like a bats wings. He hovered over to them engulfing them whole. The tired and injured drifted back into the dark void. Goofy tried to keep his friends close. Time in this place was like a fleeting dream as it felt like nothing existed. Just as before light appeared through the darkness pulling the gang towards the light.

They plopped down on a hard-wet floor with the sound of roaring waterfalls echoing out loud across the area. Sora's blood mixed with the water on the rocks. Donald remained unconscious while everyone else looked around trying to figure out where they are. They found themselves a top a cavern with a path leading directly to the lake. The cavern was located behind the waterfall as millions of tons of fresh water tumbled down falling into the great lake below.

A place of peace and equity. A place where animals of all kinds. Predator or prey could come here for a drink. But behind the waterfall is the true marvel. If one were to climb the path behind it they'd come across a cave which led to the most beautiful and sacred place in all the world.

That cave now was right in front of the gang echoing the sounds of the winds that blew through the cavern. "Is this the place you spoke off, Tarzan?" asked Cloak.

Tarzan nodded. He stood up and grabbed Sora helping him on his feet. Sora put his good arm around Tarzan's shoulders as they limped down the corridor. Goofy picked up Donald in both hands while Jiminy caught a ride holding onto his hat. Cloak lead the way. Probably because the shadows are like home to him. They made their way down the dark tunnel with only the light coming from the entrance. They turned the corner to find the cave to be lighting up. Sticking across the caves walls was bioluminescent plant roots that lit up the dark tunnel. "Nice decorations you got here," said Goofy jokingly.

Sora coughed a bit trying to speak, "Cloak where did you go? After our fight with Ralum?"

Cloaks cape blended into the dark walls of the tunnel. His body blocked the light from the plants till he passed them. He spoke soundly, "I went to check on the colonists. I watched them from afar sticking to the shadows so they can't see me. I observed their actions reading their lips to understand what's going on. The repairs on their ship have been completed. They are ready to launch but are running around frustrated. I believe they can't leave yet because there waiting for some missing companions."

"Ralum and Clayton," said Jiminy.

"Yes, my friend. Regardless of what's at stake. No crew should leave behind one of their own." Goofy tilted his head down turning to Donald then to Sora.

The tunnel finally seemed to be coming to an end as blue light glistened in the distance leading to an open area. Cloak hovered into the cavern with the others following single file. In the cavern laid a beautiful pond radiating a calming and peaceful aura. Above on the ceiling of the cavern a small hole was placed allowing just enough light to fill the room. It was placed in the center of the cavern as the sound of the waterfall can be heard from all the way here. The hole was directly above a small piece of stone that arched up like an island in the middle of the pond. Around its sat hordes of blue butterflies. Whose wings reflected the calm light from their backs. They sat on a moss-covered rock. "Here. This is my Homes %#%%," said Tarzan helping Sora over to the water.

"%#%%" asked Jiminy?

"It's ape for 'Heart'," said a deep and menacing voice. It echoed through the cavern as someone has shouted it from a distance away. Goofy became scared holding Donald tightly. Sora looked to the end of the lake to see a dark figure slowly walk towards them. Darkness pour trued from its body while it walks on water as if it was sand. The voice didn't seem familiar but the figure did. The mysterious person spoke again.

Tarzan grabbed Sora backing him away from the water. Cloak watched the figure with unblinking eyes. Jiminy fled into Goofy's pocket hiding from the horrifying sight. The figure continued to speak in a shrouded voice. "Every world contains a heart at the center. To reach it one must discover the keyhole that leads to its heart." If a dark being were to discover this keyhole it's may enter into it." The figured began to come closer to the rock at the center of the lake. It waved its arm scattering the butterflies away revealing a keyhole imbedded in the moss covered stone.

Then with a horrifying shriek the dark figured shouted, "To drown this world into darkness!"

Sora suddenly recognized the figure. He could make out faint traces of red hair on top of the head of the figure. Black petals swarmed like a tornado with the shear might of his words. "You guys. It's Ralum!" shouted Sora. The others looked on in shock.

Cloak burst into action he flew across the pond to meet this enemy. The voice did not say a word. The darkness around Ralum expanded cloaking him in complete darkness. Cloak revealed a knife in his hand. He prepared to stab Ralum before he could touch the keyhole. Sora looked on helpless as he was too weak to do anything. The darkness around Ralum exploded. It shot into the air covering the ceiling cutting off the hole in the cavern shutting out the light.

The figure was no longer Ralum. He has been consumed by the darkness. In his place stood a dark and lifeless creature with yellow eyes. "Cloak stop! The darkness has swallowed his heart. He's," shouted Goofy.

His warnings were of no avail. The creature swung its arm across Cloaks body. Blood followed as the man of shadows crashed to the ground with blood staining the water. He dropped his knife into the contaminated liquid.

"Cloak No!" shouted Sora. The young keyblade wielder broke from Tarzans grasp summoning his keyblade. He tried to face the creature but the bullet in his shoulder hindered his movement. He fell to his knees in pain. He looked up to see Cloak floating face first in the water.

Above Cloak stood the monster formerly known as Ralum. In his place stood a heartless. It stood up right with a grey and red shading as skin. Its head was completely concealed except for a small socket which its yellow eyes stared out at its enemies. It has replaced its hands with Ralum's icon scythe in their place.

"The pond it's not healing Cloak," spoke Tarzan.

Jiminy peaked out of Goofy's pocket looking at Cloak. "He's not healing."

The darkness around the room subsided revealing Ralum's vines have spread to the edge of the pond like weeds.

"What have you done?" shouted Tarzan. The ape man grabbed his spear and threw it in the heartless's direction. It swung it's scythe like hand slicing the spear in half before it could even get close enough. The destroyed wood and sharpened stone fell into the polluted lake.

The heartless turned from the distraught group. It starred at the keyhole lifting its arm to it. The heartless turned into shadows. The dark entity began entering the heart of the world. Sora looked in shock with his mouth gaped open. Thrusting his arms in the air. He got on his feet put all thoughts towards the pain to the back of his mind. He ran towards the heartless trying to stop it. Jiminy retreated back into Goofy's pocket pulling his hat down over his eyes in fear. Goofy lifted his arm in the air with tears in his eyes.

Though Tarzan was simple minded. From everyone's mannerisms he could easily deduce what is about to happen. Blue sparks ran across Tarzan's body as he followed Sora's actions.

But it was too late. The heartless entered the keyhole disappearing into oblivion. Sora began to tear up with Goofy who has fallen to his knees crying along with him. Sora's dropped to his hands and knees into the polluted water. The room became drenched in despair. He did it. The heartless has entered the keyhole. The friend's sobbing turned to silence with everyone wondering what will happen next. The keyhole that led to the heart of the world has fade away into darkness.

Sora wiped his tears from his face saying to the others "We need to leave now."

He limped over to Cloak trying to get him to wake up. Tarzan helped as they dragged their new friend to shore. Upon doing so Cloak regained consciousness.

"Are you okay?" said Sora trying to keep a straight face. Tarzan and Goofy also huddled around him. Cloak opened his eyes.

His body had a giant gash on it. "I'm fine," he said.

"Your wound," said Goofy worried.

"It's nothing," replied Cloak. He looked over to the small rock to see the keyhole has vanished.

"I'm sorry," he said. Tarzan began to shiver as the cave quickly became pitch black again.

"Donald, Goofy," shouted Sora feeling around for his friends. "I got Donald." Goofy held his unconscious friend in one hand and grabbed Sora's arm with the other. "Tarzan grab my hand," said Sora reaching out.

Tarzan hesitated, "Cloak take us to our ship," said Sora desperately.

The injured Cloak could still see in the dark better than in the light. He consumed the gang into his void knowing what he must do. Because by the end of the day. Deep Jungle will disappear out of the sky.