I hope all of you are having a great day! Christmas is almost here, so I hope you have a great Christmas too!
Here we go with the first world!
Kingdom Hearts © to Disney and Square Enix!
Sasuke and Hinata © to Yamichaos27!
Luna © to Nintendoman01!
My OCs © to me!
Chapter 25: Kingdom of Camelot- Hazel
"This is so beautiful." Engel looked across a field of soft green. A city, a tall castle in the middle, stood at the other edge of the green. Behind them, a dark forest stretched out its fingers as if to grab them.
Angel pulled away from the forest. "I like that better than the woods here."
"Then let's go!"
POOF
They jumped as a cloud appeared, fading into a familiar old man with blue clothes and a long beard.
"Merlin?"
He turned, his beady eyes widening. "My goodness. And what might you three be doing here?"
"We kinda have a mission." Kyo smirked. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm returning home for a short spell."
"Home?"
"Of course." The old wizard hiked up his long robe and began to trek toward the city. "I may live in Radiant Garden, but that is not my homeworld. That would be here, in Camelot. I need to check on Wart after all."
"Wart?" Angel asked as she followed him.
"He goes by Arthur now, King Arthur to be precise, but I sometimes call him by the name he used to go by." He eyed Engel who fell into step beside him. "And something has changed about you, my boy. I still sense no mana, but there is a… presence about you."
"Um, apparently I was chosen by some powerful being named Baihu to inherit its power."
"Interesting." The wizard smiled. "Well, that will be quite the tale." He stopped, shaking a sticker burr off his robe. "Confound this blasted summer grass! Never mind walking!" Whipping out his wand he swished it. "Alakazam!"
Poof
A cloud surrounded them all, fading to reveal the inside of a… rather dusty tower.
"That's better. Home sweet home."
Kyo coughed before walking over to a closed window. "How long has it been since you were here last."
"Oh… a year."
The boy threw the window open, a cloud of dust flooding into his eyes. He sneezed before sticking his head out the window. "I couldn't tell…"
From here, he could see the entire town and the forest. Were they in the castle tower?"
"Who goes there!?" Came a sleepy voice.
"It's just me, Archimedes."
"Oh no…"
Rapping on what seemed to be a birdhouse hanging from the castle tower ceiling, the wizard huffed. "Oh come on now. You don't have to be so rude."
"I can if I wish."
Blowing out a long sigh, Merlin held up his wand. "Well, better clean this place up. Alright… Higitus figitus digitus dum! Prestitigtonium!" All the dust seemed to swirl into the air before wafting out the window. "Ah, much better."
Cough.
Cough.
Out of the birdhouse came a very disgruntled owl, coated in fresh dust. "YOU BUNGLER! Much better indeed! You flew a pound of that dust into my home you daft wizard!"
"Now, now, Archimedes, we shouldn't use that sort of language when guests are around."
The bird, shaking out his feathers finally noticed the three. He sighed. "And who might you be? Some of this fool's friends from another world?"
Merlin snorted as Kyo snickered. "We're friends of his, yeah. My name is Kyo. This is Angel and Engel."
"I am Archimedes. I've been advising the king while this," he glared over to where Merlin sat in a large chair, lighting a pipe, "bumbling idiot galavants around the worlds instead of helping where he belongs."
Merlin didn't respond, he merely drew in a long draft on his pipe, his eyes glaring daggers at the owl.
"Merlin? Merlin? Are you home?" A young voice called. The tower door swung open to reveal a young man, nearly twenty years old. His dirty blonde hair hung around his face, framing his blue eyes, as a soft beard, looking newly trimmed, framed his chin. At his side hung a beautiful longsword.
The old wizard's eyes softened. "My, you've certainly sprouted, Wa- I mean, Arthur. You look more like a king every day. Um, how is the kingdom by the way?"
"It's good. I've been trying to bring together some of the warring tribes around, and I've pretty much settled peace."
"And that 'family' of yours?"
"Oh, if you mean Kay, he's wonderful." The young king sat down in a chair across from the wizard. "He's become one of my most trusted knights." Only now did he notice the three guests. "Oh, are you friends of Merlin's?"
Angel bowed her head. "Yes, we are."
"My name is Engel. This is my sister, Angel, and our friend, Kyo."
"My name is Arthur. It's nice to meet you."
Archimedes landed on the king's shoulder. "We don't have time for pleasantries today, remember?"
"But Archimedes, do I really have to go through with this?"
The owl crossed his wings with a huff. "Of course! This kingdom wants to be secure, doesn't it? And the way a kingdom feels most secure is with an heir. And to have and heir, you must have a bride. And, to make sure peace is kept, marrying a princess from another kingdom is best, so you should meet the young lady today."
Engel adjusted his glasses. "Princess?"
"Yes. Archimedes says I need to marry, so we set up a meeting with a nearby kingdom. She's supposed to arrive today… I don't even know her name."
"Well," Angel smiled, "maybe it won't be as bad as you think. If you get to know her, you might like her."
"True." He smiled. "Would the three of you like to join me… I could honestly use a little moral support. And most of my knights would just tease me for being so timid."
"Sure."
"Merlin, would you like to join us?"
Merlin waved to the king. "No, I will join later. Apparently," he glared at the owl on the king's shoulder, "I'm a bungling fool who will just mess things up. I'll introduce myself at dinner tonight."
"Alright."
Shooing the owl off his shoulder, the king walked down, followed by the three.
"I've missed Merlin… he's always off at his other home now. I wouldn't be who I am today without him."
"Really?"
"Yes, I was nothing more than a servant once. It took a lot for me to become king, and sometimes I'm afraid I'm not doing a good job."
Sighing, Engel shoved his hands in his pockets. "I can understand… I was tasked with something and I have no idea what to do. I don't think I'm qualified at all."
"I certainly wasn't, but I've made it work." Arthur smiled back. "So, I believe you will too."
They walked through the castle. Knights and servants eyeing the strange three with their king.
"Arthur." Huffed a large knight with red hair. "Who are these strangers? Where did they come from?"
"I wonder this as well." Came an older man, also dressed like a knight.
Smiling, Arthur gestured to the three. "This is Engel, Angel, and Kyo. They're friends of Merlin's."
"Oh, so the wizard has returned."
"Yes."
"I hope he, and his friends, don't cause any trouble."
Angel bowed her head, smiling softly at the two. "We don't want any trouble. In fact, if there is any, we'd love to help fix it."
"We're pretty strong." Kyo grinned.
"Oh really?" The big knight towered over the boy. "Want to test against me?"
"Kay!" Arthur sighed. "You don't have to pick a fight with everyone." He turned back to the three. "This is Sir Kay, my brother, and Sir Pellinore." He turned back. "Sir Pellinore, have our guests arrived yet?"
"Indeed they have, Sire. In fact, I was on my way to fetch you."
"Thank you. I'll go greet them."
Following the king, they went into a large courtyard. Two horses stood in the courtyard, their reins held by attendants.
On one sat a man in ornate garb. Not a knight, but some sort of lord. His black hair hung down to his shoulders as his brown eyes shone.
On the other sat a young woman, no older than nineteen. Her red hair pulled into a lovely roll around her head. Her deep brown eyes darting around excitedly, taking in every tiny detail around her. As an attendant helped her down from the horse, her maroon and white gown swished around her legs.
The man got down off his horse, eyeing the king and those with him before bowing. "King Arthur, I presume. My name is Dirus. I have come as an escort to Princess Hazel of France."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Dirus." The king looked over at the girl, who stared at him with wide eyes. "And you, Princess."
Shaking her head, the girl clumsily curtsied. "H-hello… i-it's a p-pleasure to meet you, S-sire."
"Of course the French(1) sent us the defective one." Kay muttered.
Only for Pellinore to elbow him in the gut. "That is no way to speak of any lady, Kay. Watch your mouth."
Arthur walked over to the girl, who averted her gaze, before taking her hand. "Th-there's no need to be nervous." He gulped, looking equally as nervous, much to the amusement of a few knights around.
This seemed to calm the girl.
At least he seemed as nervous as her.
"Thank you…"
"Dirus." He let her hand go, turning back. "The servants will lead you and the princess to your quarters. And after you have been shown your quarters, I would like to speak to the lady in the garden." He almost seemed to be reciting a script.
No doubt the work of Archimedes.
"Of course." Dirus and the princess bowed before walking inside. The girl's escort spared a glance at the three, meeting the eyes of Engel.
Flash.
The boy felt something inside him churn.
Something felt… off.
As they left, he walked over to the king. "Um, Sire."
"Just Arthur, Engel."
"Arthur, I think something is wrong with Dirus… not sure what, but something just seemed wrong."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes…"
The king scratched his chin. "Pellinore." The knight came over. "Please, keep an eye on Dirus. Our new friend here says something seems off about him."
Pellinore glanced at the boy, but bowed. "Yes, Sire."
The boy stared after Dirus.
Who was he?
"Aw, look at them."
Angel cooed from the balcony of her bedroom given to her by Arthur.
The boys, who stopped by her room, came to her side. They saw down into the garden. Arthur walked alongside the princess, talking. They both laughed before the princess bounced, grabbing his hand. Even from here, they could see her mouth chattering on and on before she jogged to the nearest tree. Even in a long fancy gown, she swung herself into a tree.
Arthur ran to the tree laughing before he climbed in after her.
"They're so cute!"
"Maybe they'll hit it off." Kyo smiled, slightly stealing a glance at Angel. "Maybe… we could join them later."
Engel coughed out a laugh before stepping away. "If you do, leave me out. I don't want to be a third wheel."
His sister and friend blushed slightly, but their gazes held on each other still.
Engel smiled. He felt so happy for them.
"Let's go now." Angel giggled. She moved to the door, followed by Kyo. Engel watched them jog off side by side.
"Excuse me." Sir Pellinore approached. "Engel was it?"
"Yes."
"What exactly did you mean by 'off' when speaking of Dirus?"
The boy tapped his chin. "It's hard to describe. It was just a weird feeling that made my stomach churn when he walked by me. Why do you ask?"
"Well, I went by his room to talk with him, and he wasn't there. I asked around and some people said he took his horse and left, but the stable hands swear his horse is still there and never left."
"Weird."
"I'll say it's weird." Kay stormed up. "I don't like it. And I don't like that girl either. She's too… wild for a princess. Did you see her in the tree?"
"She's a young girl, Kay. And she is from France. Who knows what they allow the princess to do." Pellinore glanced down at Engel. "Your friends said you could handle yourselves. Come with me. We'll go find Dirus."
Engel adjusted his glasses. "Um, well… I'm not really the one who should go…"
"It will be fine. You brought this to our attention after all. Kay, watch Arthur."
"Of course I will."
Pellinore, his hand on Engel's shoulder, led the boy away.
"Sir, I really am not the one for this. I can't fight at all. My sister and friend can."
"I think you should go." Came a new voice as Merlin walked down the hall toward them. "Sorry, I was listening."
"You do?"
Merlin nodded. "I made a quick call to Sora, and he explained everything to me. If you sensed something off about Dirus, then you should investigate. This mission is about you, is it not?"
"I guess…"
"Mission?"
Merlin tapped the old knight on the head with his wand. "No need to worry, Sir Pellinore, they have the best intentions. Go find Dirus."
"O-ok…"
Pellinore's eyes on him more than ever, Eldar walked down with the knight. They both got a horse and rode out of the castle.
"This way." Pellinore turned them through the town. "They would have come from this direction."
The townsfolk parted for the two horses. Watching. Pellinore the true appearance of a practiced knight. Engel could barely keep his horse moving straight.
As they left the town, entering into the forest, Engel sighed. "This is more tiring than I thought." He pulled out his inhaler.
"What is that device?"
"It helps me breathe."
"Breathe?" The old knight pulled his horse up beside the boy's. "You are breathing hard, but that's no surprise. You're trying to handle a horse you have obviously never handled before."
Engel put the mouthpiece in his mouth, breathing in as he pushed down on the canister. "It's not the same thing." He did it again. "My lungs are weak, so I use this to make my breathing easier."
"Interesting…"
"Interesting indeed."
Standing on the road before them, Dirus smirked up.
"Dirus? What are you doing out here?"
"Hunting. And it seems my quarry has arrived."
His visage shimmered.
The form of Dirus melted away to reveal a man in a crow mask, donning a top hat. He twirled his cane before bowing. "Dire Crowley, holder of Hundun's power. It's a pleasure to meet you, Engel, son of Xehanort, and chosen virtue of Baihu."
"You're a peril!?"
Dire stood up. "Indeed. I had hoped you would follow. If only to see this…" Pointing his cane to the left, a mirror on his hat flashed; the trees vanished… revealing a grisly sight of a small group of soldiers and a girl.
Lifeless.
"The princess of France. Sad to say she didn't make it."
"Wait! Then who is- AUGH!"
A burst of dark energy shot from Dire's cane, striking Pellinore in the chest.
"Pellinore!"
The old knight gasped as dark tendrils spread across his body. "E-Engel…"
His body faded into darkness, leaving behind a raven that sported a Heartless insignia on it's chest.
"Wh-what…"
The horses screamed as darkness erupted before them. Engel's reared up, throwing the boy to the ground. The air shot out of him as he slammed into the dirt.
"Weak." Dire approached, clicking his tongue. "I had to get the defective one, didn't I? Weak in body and spirit… and no mana either. It's sad really. But you are a virtue, so I will give you the respect as my rival… I'll let you watch as your friend and sister die at my hand."
Taking off a mirror from his belt, Dire muttered. "Istig glain attá airches."
The mirror flashed, tendrils of Smokey light reaching out around Engel as he sat up, gasping for breath.
The tendrils wrapped around the boy before he could even scream, dragging him into the mirror.
"And can't have you raising any alarms." Dire snapped his fingers. "Dermataid cadéin." The fleeing horses stopped as dark magic surrounded their minds. They stared dumbly before walking over to grass to eat. Completely forgetting fear or even where their home was.
Patting his mirror before transforming back into Dirus, he laughed. "Now, let's bring this world back into balance." He glanced at a mirror in his hand, showing the talking and laughing figures of Arthur and Hazel. "Isn't that right, Hazel?"
"No!"
Engel pounded on the glass wall before him.
"Angel! Kyo!"
His breathing came in short gasps as he stared out of the mirror. Nothing but white mist, full of nothing, surrounded him here.
He could walk forever, and not get anywhere.
He tried for hours.
What a useless… weak… powerless virtue he turned out to be.
"Engel…"
He gasped as a voice came from deeper in the mirror.
"Engel…"
"What…?"
"Do you really believe that, Engel…? Let us see…"
The mist turned a soft violet and then gray.
It swirled, gathering in one spot as a man approached from deeper in the mirror.
At first, Engel could see very little of him.
Closer.
And closer.
"HUH!? It can't be!"
The figure smirked as golden eyes probed the boy from beneath silver hair. "It is good to finally meet you… son."
Hope you enjoyed!
Footnotes:
(1) France and England hated each other for a while in history. I have nothing against France, but it seemed like something Kay would say given the time period of England.
VAs:
Archimedes- Tom Kenny (Rabbit, SpongeBob SquarePants, Spyro the Dragon, Ice King, Popeye)
Arthur Pendragon- Micah Solusod (Yuno, Toma Kamijo, Yukine, Soul Eater Evans, Gakushu Asano)
Sir Kay- Dee Bradley Baker (Aquaman, Captain Rex, Carnage, Numbuh 4/Wallabee Beatles, Animal)
Sir Pellinore- Philip Jackson (Montichaigne, Conrad, Roger Smith, Chief Inspector Japp, Fred)
Dirus- Keith Silverstein (Dire Crowley, Zhongli, Arsene Lupin III, Ougai Mori, Masayoshi Shido)
Princess Hazel- Jad Saxton (Battle Fist/Itsuka Kendo, Tamaki Kotatsu, Megumi Tadokoro, Carla)