2019 everyone, and that means this is the release year of Kingdom Hearts 3! I can't WAIT to travel all the new worlds and revisit the ones we've seen since the first game!
Update: I was writing this chapter back in Janurary, but if you are aware then I had to take a temporary leave. Thankfully, I got my hands on KH 3! And... oh god I need to make adjustments...
XIII ~ Strong Hearts (First Visit, Part 2)
After what seemed like hours of fighting, we eventually found ourselves in a stalemate. I had to use my keyblade as support to keep myself from falling over while Jade struggles to even lift her Warhammer. She used it earlier as if it was light as a feather. Now she can barely lift it without straining herself. "So... how 'bout... we call this-" Jade stop talking and takes a few more deep breaths. I smirk at this, "Looks like someone's tired. Ready to call it quits?" Now I'm not one to talk, but at least I'm doing a better job at hiding it. She scoffs at this, "Fat chance! I'm not giving up anything! I've never lost a fight to anyone!" I'm starting to like this person more and more.
I took the initiative to resume the fight by summoning a ball of light then throw it at her. She didn't expect this as she failed to block it the second she realized what was flying at her. I took this moment of confusion to send one last blow. Struggling to swing my right arm, I threw all my strength in one sideways strike. By the time she regained her footing, I was already about a foot in front of her. My one final strike was - thankfully - enough to send Jade flying. She yells until she harshly hits the ground. The arena was silent. I look around and ground a hand close to my lips, scared at the sudden silence. I was about to run away in fear of retaliation when someone started to cheer.
It was a few at first, then the entire area was practically booming. If I was inside the audience itself then I might have to cover my ears to block out the loud noise. Just how many people are here to watch!? Phil appears out of nowhere and jogs to where I stand. He suddenly takes my hand, pulls me, so I was at his level then lifts my arm above his head. "THE WINNER FOR THE SECOND TIME IN A ROW- AKARI!" announces the goat man. The cheering increases, and so does the sudden confetti. I notice Jade peeling herself off the ground. She didn't seem happy, but she wasn't upset either, almost like she anticipated her loss.
Either way, I'm glad she's being a good sport about it. Jade turns to leave but not before glancing over her shoulder to look at me one last time. Her mouth was a line for a moment, almost making me think she was about to say something until she smiles and gives me a thumbs up, silently congratulating me on my victory. I acknowledge this by briefly placing a fist against my chest and nod. Pleased at this, Jade leaves the arena without notice. I watch her for a moment before Phil draws my attention elsewhere.
"How'd she do?" Choco asks the second Jade was out of sight. She rolls her aching shoulder as she briefly answers, "Good. Better than I had expected." Choco knew there was more to it than just that. After years of being her servant/friend, she usually rants on and on when losing a fight. This was the first he's ever seen her react so calmly. In fact, Choco prefers her like this rather than having to fight the urge to rip his precious feathers off. "Say." His head perks up when she suddenly spoke. "The Purest of all Hearts... you think there's a chance she remembers me?" This was the first. He walks to her side and stares up at the girl. She had this distant look in her eyes.
"If you mean when you came charging in like a maniac back in that other world? Then-" Jade cuts him off, "No, not that. I'm talking about the last time we met, back when Radiant Garden wasn't infested with Heartless."
It immediately clicked to Choco what she had meant. She was talking about the other her, the one before Akari. Choco knew that when reborn, the Purest of all Hearts will have no recollection of their past and start anew and live their life like nothing's happened. Although he was a hatchling at the time, he remembered her, the girl that had saved and brought him to Master Yen Sid's world. He met her twice as a hatchling. The first was the time she had pink hair, the second was on the island when he accidentally waddled off and fell off the edge of the small floating land. Despite she was much younger and had blue hair, Choco still recognized her. Sadly it wasn't the same for her.
After unexpectedly being transported back home, he then learned from Yen Sid the fate of every Purest of all Hearts. Aura knew, and so did Jade, but the younger sister still could not believe it or at least refused to.
"You know that Akari isn't her," he said as he cautiously approached her side. "Well she used to be, but that was in the past. She's a whole new person."
"But why!?" Jade balls her hand into a tight fist. "I don't get it! She has the same heart! If a nobody can retain their memories after their heart is lost, why can't it be the same be for them?"
Despite the little time they had, Jade cherished every second of it. She's the reason why she knew Cloud was still alive. Still, at the back of her mind, Jade knew the second learned about the Purest of all Hearts, there's no way she'll remember her. She just wished it wasn't true.
"Well done out there kid!" Phil sends praises the moment I enter the room. I sheepishly scratch my cheek. "I wasn't that good. I just- Sora!" I gasp the second I see him, Donald and Goofy huddle together on the floor. They were dead beat tired. Donald was barely even trying to stand as he and Goofy sat on the ground. Sora, on the other hand, was trying his best to keep himself from falling over and had his hand against the wall as his means of support. "What happened to you guys!? You're not hurt, are you?" I rush over and held him by the shoulder, worriedly eyeing the boy as he stares at me with bewildered eyes.
"We're fine, but I think Sora took the most bea-" Donald slaps a hand over Goofy's mouth but it was too late. I heard enough to figure out what he was trying to say. I look at them for a moment then at Sora. My thoughts began to race on the number of possibilities that happened down there. They've never come out of a fight like this. In fact, I don't recall any of them struggling against any of our enemies, excluding Donald of course.
When I saw that there were only a few bruises, I felt a wave of relief wash over me as I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him. Something happened while he was gone. I was so occupied with what happened that I had completely forgotten, or better yet chose to ignore it since I wanted to remain upset, they went to the underworld. A place that should have tipped me off on the spot was a dangerous area. I don't care anymore. What he had done? It doesn't matter. I don't want to stay upset at him any longer, something could have happened to them, to him, while they were down there.
Sora was not only protecting me out of his duty as my Protector, but he also didn't want to see his friend hurt. What I'm feeling? He's definitely felt this almost all the time, both past and present. Those memories I regained... Despite how horrified I was at just how many times I must have seen Sora risk his life for me, I want to be there. I don't want to one day hear from someone that he won't be coming back.
"Akari...?" he said, his voice mixed with concern and confusion.
"I'm sorry..." I quickly apologize.
"For what?"
"For being difficult. I know you're my protector... but you're also my friend." I pull back to look at him directly in the eye. "I will get better. I won't drag you down. Just, please, let me fight by your side. I don't want to ever be separated from you guys again."
The me in the past must have been hated seeing Sora hurt all the time because of me, that's why I got so easily frustrated whenever he would choose to my safety of his own and engage in battle without me.
Donald and Goofy watch them for a moment. Sora remained frozen, still comprehending what's happening. Irritated, Donald makes several angry gestures for him to do something. He looks back down at the girl. She was never much of a huger when they were kids. Well, she was for the first year since her arrival at the island, but after Kairi showed, she stuck with briefly holding his hand. Akari suddenly hugging him was definitely something he'd have to get used to. "Akari..." He gently pushes her away. "You don't have to apologize." That almost set Donald off. That was absolutely not what he wanted the Protector to say.
Goofy had to hold him back before he could interrupt. He whispers into his ear, "Now hold on Donald... this might actually help them stop fighting..." The duck glares at his friend for a moment then gives, shoving his way out and reluctantly watches the two.
Sora continues, "You were right to be mad. I don't want to hold you back, but I also don't want to see you hurt."
He almost said 'again' but was able to keep it to himself. Without even realizing it, his hand travels to her's and held it. She remains silent and waits for him to finish.
"There's a lot of dangers we'll face in other worlds. I thought I was ready to let you fight on your own, but I guess I wasn't. I just couldn't handle the idea of you going off on your own just yet. It actually still scares me when I try to think about it." Akari felt the urge to speak up, but the grief he held in his eyes forced her to hold back for a bit longer. "But knowing you?" He slowly starts to smile again. "You'd still do it. And that's what I... admire about you. You always follow your heart without second thoughts."
They both stare at each other, completely forgetting others around them. For a brief moment, two different individuals appeared in their place, Kairax grinning at Roxas as the boy warmly smiles down at her. They snap out of their trance and revert to themselves when Hercules walks in. "Hey you guys!" the demi-god happily greets the four upon seeing them. Sora turns as the man approaches them. "When did you get here?" he asks, ecstatic to see them. Akari shyly hides behind Sora as Herc gets closer. Thankfully, he didn't notice, so Akari remains where she is until she has the confidence to properly talk to him. Too bad that didn't last long.
"Hey there Akari!" The girl flinches when the man finally takes notice. "Heard you did well in the tournament from Phil. Guess nothing's a problem for you even without this guy here. You junior heroes are always busy!"
He briefly messes with Sora's head, which the boy slightly protested at as he didn't want to fix his hair. Herc leans closer to get a better look at Akari, which prompts her to hide her face and leans closer to her protector's back. This confused him, but when he looked at Sora for answers, the boy just gave him a look that said he'd explain everything later. After they all settled down, they went back inside to talk a little more.
"So, did you find those friends of yours?" Herc asks after sitting down on a pedestal to rest.
"Still working in it. When we got here, we ran into Meg-mega-trouble, I mean!" Sora immediately corrects himself before he let the name slip. Akari and the others let out a relieved sigh as the boy continues, "So we had to help somebody help. We tried to teach Hades a thing or two... but the Underworld drains away all our strength."
The signs were there that there was something wrong the second they started to fight off some heartless. It only became apparent when they tried to fight Hades.
"Don't suppose you have any ideas?"
World of Reprise...
Alena wasn't so keen on the idea of returning, but she'd rather not get another earful from her fellow Forgotten. The second she exists the Corridor of light, she is greeted with a familiar field of pink grass. Ironically enough, despite the fact that her hair is pink, she always hated the color. Unlike those after her, she had seen the portraits of those that lost their heart. She was told before she had met her protector, that the color is a sign of hope. Yet when she saw all those faces for the first time, that wasn't what she felt. All she felt was despair. Despite her protector claiming she was just being pessimistic, she herself knew she was actually being realistic.
If she was here, after so many lives were lost, then that must mean the day will come she will be one of those losses. She heard the prophecy, only where there is a change will it show that the girl will be the last 'Purest of all Hearts'. And she saw no difference between her and the other girls. They all looked the same. The only difference was their hairstyles, which was the only defining factor for each of them. Even after Alena returned as a Forgotten, she knew the rest wouldn't be the same. The only thing that brought false hope for the remaining was the age gaps that followed later. And then there was Akari.
The first time they all knew of her existence was through a dream. It was brief, but the moment they all woke up, it's like they knew. The end was coming, and so came their chance of eternal rest. The change of hair color. That was all they needed to know she was the last. Not her age exceeding the expected or her behavior in being the one to select her protector. No. The appearance change was all that was needed. The thought alone makes Alena sick.
"Never thought I'd see the day~!" She fought back a groan when she hears a familiar, dramatic gasp. "Alena the Serious has actually come back to the beautiful wonderland that was made for us?" Alena's scowl deepens when the boy puts his arm around her shoulder, flashing her his signature cocky smile. "Didn't think I'd finally run into you here. Kingdom Hearts must really be siding with me." She shoves him back.
"ZAIN! I swear if you touch me one more time, I will-" Zain cuts her off, "What? Beat me to a pulp? Doesn't that mean you'd be beating yourself up?"
As much she hated to admit it, he was right. Technically, every single Forgotten are the same, each born from the same heart.
"Enough!" a voice bellows, making them stop altogether.
A larger Corridor opens. At first, it was just one that stepped out, then several others, some keeping their hoods up. Alena crosses her arms and looks away as their leader approaches the two.
"You two really need to get your issues resolves. You're being a bad example to the children," Ellen teases.
As if on cue; Leora and Luz began to chase a fearful Phoebe with a sea cucumber they picked up from their favorite world.
"Now then-" With a snap of her fingers, individual slabs of the earth began to rise from the ground. Once at the same level, a sudden burst of white flames around each slab. The fire dies out as quickly as it appears, leaving each large rock completely scorched. One by one, each slab becomes to crumble. What was formed were individual black throne-like chairs. All set around in a wide circle. "Let's get down to business."
One by one, every Forgotten sat in their respective seats. Several were vacate, each left as is. Seeing each Forgotten in their seats, Elen approaches hers, her chair right next to one particular throne. It was slightly taller than the rest.
The Coliseum...
Apparently, there's this medal that the Gods use to get through the underworld without getting their strength sapped. Don't know how the guy is able to just go up to them and borrow it, but if that means we won't have any more issues, then that's fine by me. It was a relief at first when Hercules said he couldn't come with us. Then again, after what I just heard from the three while they were talking, I wouldn't mind getting a helping hand from this world's hero. Even if we are the ones meant to be helping him. "So this Hades guy... is he really that dangerous?" I ask Goofy as we make our way to Phil.
"Mmmm... Well, when he was not in the Underworld, he's as harmless as a fly! But down there, he-"
"Is a big cheater! That's what he is!" Donald cuts in, fuming.
Goofy laughs as I ask with a sly grin, "What, are you saying you're afraid of the god of death? Despite having faced more heartless than you can count?"
"Yea- Hey! I wasn't scared!"
"Don't worry Donald, I believe you. You're still here and that's what counts!"
"C'mon Akari, stop it!" Sora playfully nudges me. "Keep that up, and Donald won't think straight during a fight! He's already scared enough as it is."
"He's ri- HEY!" Donald stomps his foot in frustration as we all continued to laugh.
It was nice to be like this again. Fighting never gets anyone anywhere, so for Sora and I to finally talk about it definitely lifted some weight off our shoulders. After we all finished laughing, Sora and I look at one another again for a moment. He was still smiling, something which I realized was contagious the longer I see him looking at me like that. The moment was cut short when we spot Phil. He was setting up these weird looking, gravity-defying pots. The boys seemed really excited to see the small goatman.
"Hey champ, how ya feeling?" he greets without looking in our direction."Better rest up for tomorrow's match. Nobody's gonna pay to see a worn out hero, capiché?"
I almost wanted to say something so Phil would know we were here, but Sora stopped me, wanting to see if he'll notice us.
"Ah 'ight. Forgot to tell ya, Akari was just here! She actually fought in the same division as last year. Shoulda seen her! Whooping butts all over the place like it was nothin'! As expected of our champion. Glad to see her boyfriend is making sure she ain't slacking off!"
And just when I was about to feel bashful at all the compliments I was receiving, that last part caused me and Sora to turn red. We look at one another then quickly look away.
Phil continues without notice, "She's doin' better! That means more trainin'! Remember what I told you. Victor in the games comes down to two simple word-"
We watch as Phil lifts his hand with two digits out. "Eat, bathe, sleep!" Goofy counts with his fingers and was confused at the sudden third, causing us to look at each other, then laugh. Confused, Phil jumps around and was about to yell at us only to recognize us. Overjoyed, he runs over to us.
"Hey, if it ain't the junior heroes!" Phil greets as he playfully punches against Sora's raised hands then pants his shoulders.
Sora grins, "Lookin' good Phil."
"Never better! How you guys been?" He puts his hands to his hips as he looks at the three boys. "Have you earned your 'true hero' wings yet?"
"'True hero' wings?" I repeat as I look at the three with a raised brow.
Sora nervously laughs as he avoids my gaze and scratches the back of his head. That alone tells me that I wasn't supposed to hear that. I can't WAIT to see my old memories of this world.
"Nope! You ain't got what it takes!" the trainer immediately concludes.
"What!?"
I couldn't help but laugh at their reactions. The memories of Sora being the losing party most of the time was really plausible now. Although it's still vague on my relationship with others like Riku, I can tell that Sora tried his best to be on equal grounds with the older boy, always taking every opportunity to prove himself. 'And that's why I think he definitely deserves to be my protector...' I was taken aback by the sudden voice. I look around for a moment. Seeing as I was the only one that heard her, I tried to figure out who it was that said that. I mean I whole-heartedly agree with that statement. If I were to choose again, Sora is without a doubt my one and only protector.
While their backs were turned, I pull Sora down so that his ear was to my level, surprising the boy as I lean close. I whisper, "If you ask me... Sora is already a hero..."
Three Forgotten steps out of a portal of light the second it appeared in the Underworld. One of them drops a black and white skateboard and rides on ahead of the two, ignoring the looks she was receiving as she casually swerves on the rocky ground. "Did we have to bring Luz? He's not as serious about this as we are!" Thea complains. She didn't care anymore if they were seen, Thea threw her hood off to properly express herself.
"I get that she's a bit younger compared to us, but why Zia!? She's an absolute worst person to do recon! If it were up to me, I'd have brought along someone else."
Chiara tiredly smiles at the girl. "It can't be helped. With our numbers dwindling, each one of us has to take part in making sure the Purest of all Hearts becomes whole. The Oracle said she was the last, even Helen went confirm if she was. Her protector should be the one to help Akari confront her past, but with the world's at stake, it's up to us to lend a helping hand."
Luz hops off her board and kicks it to a standing position, holding it with one hand as she crouches to get a closer look at the green smoke. Well, he wasn't entirely sure what he was looking at. What he did know is that he wanted to touch it. Like the child he was, the little boy allowed curiosity to overlap her sense of reason and proceeds to reach out. Luz was just about to touch it when he sees a ghostly-figure swim into view. He silently screams and attempts to bash it with his skateboard, only to bolt the second he saw it go through. This causes Chiara to laugh while Zia lets out an aggravated sigh.
"Even if that said helping hand has still not learned his lesson."
Luz runs to the girls and clings to Chiara's leg. "Humph! You'd think he'd learn after he stupidly-" She elbows Zia before she could finish. Despite being only ten years old, Luz had no memory as to what had happened to him and his protector. Something all of them had considered as a blessing as none ever wanted to recall how their lives were taken away. There was only one thing both did not want to question. Who or what on earth could have inflicted such damage that remained even after he was revived as one of the Forgotten. Tugging at her arm, Luz points in a random direction while mouthing his words. Although he was incapable of speaking, that did not stop him from trying.
Chiara crouches to his level and fixes his turtleneck collar, concealing the extensive scar that covered most of his throat. Zia cringes after accidentally catches a glimpse of it. It wasn't that it wasn't to hide from public view, Chiara didn't want the boy to see it. They purposely kept him away from mirrors or anything to reflect his image just so that he wouldn't react the same way he had the first time he saw it.
"I hope she is the last..." Zia mutters.
While they were talking, Pete just happens to step out and was surprised to see the three. He steps back behind the giant doors and hides behind them before either of the girls take notice. Leaning against the stone wall for a moment, Pete peeks over and eyes them suspiciously. Only two were wearing long white coats similar to the nobodies of Organization XIII, and the little boy had a simple white hoodie. He was just going to brush them off and go back to Hades till he noticed something off about one of them. Because Zia had pulled her hood down, she curly pink locks were exposed for all to see. He stares at her a bit longer then it clicks.
Though he's never met her in person, Pete was shown what she looked before she lost her heart. His jaw drops as he takes large steps back. He couldn't believe what he was seeing, and there was no way he won't tell Maleficient. If he had stared at them longer, Chiara would have seen him as she had sensed his presence, but he was gone the second she turns her head where the giant cat last stood. "Is something wrong?" Zia asks after giving Luz something to play with. Her deeper blue eyes narrowing, she shakes her head and turns to the direction of the other large doors of the underworld.
"Let's go," she said, her eyes filled with determination.
She was the first to walk forward, followed by Luz and Zia. Jade arrives at the bottom of the stares and stops to see the trio. She squints her eyes then covers her mouth to keep herself from letting out a gasp. Choco wiggles his butt in the air before jumping to the next step, only to accidentally collide against Jade's leg. Since he was still too small, his weight didn't throw her off balance, but it was still enough to give him a headache. He lands on the back of the previous step and sits there, his head spinning. Shaking his head, Choco was about to give the girl a piece of his mind only to find her with a horrified expression.
"Jade?" Choco calls out, earning no response. "Hey... you're scaring me. This place is scary enough as it is!"
Jade was too fixated on the girls and the little boy to even notice her partner's distress. She may have heard enough about the Purest of all Hearts, but she was sure they don't leave behind a Nobody.
'If she did... oh god-' She pales as she pictures the potential numbers.
Despite Phil telling me that I didn't need to do any training with the boys, it didn't feel right to standby and watch so I proceeded to join them. Sora knocks on one the pots towards a stack of several others but was only to destroy five out of six. Not wanting to fail with the remaining seconds left, I just towards the gravity-defying platform by jumping on several pillars. Once I reached it, I move my arm across to strike the pot towards the last, destroying it around 3 seconds before the time is up. I look down to find my Protector gaping at me. Even after I land in front of him, he was still stunned at my unexpected reflexes.
"That was amazing Akari!" Donald praises.
"Hyuck! You're really starting to get better at using your keyblade!"
"Really? You think so?" I said after catching my breath, ecstatic to hear this.
I turn to Sora with a wide smile, expecting he'd say the same thing. But I was met with the opposite. He stared at me for a moment with this distance look in his eyes. Sora tries to smile, but when he felt he couldn't, he averts his eyes to another direction. I wanted to ask what was wrong until Phil came up to us.
"Listen, I gotta take off for a bit," he tells us.
"Where to?" Sora and I ask.
"None of your beeswax!"
That's not suspicious at all. Though we were never given the chance to further confront the goat man as Herc came back from what I hope was getting the stone.
"Sorry guys..." he mumbles. "The Olympus stone has been stolen."
"WHAT!?"
"By who?" Goofy asks.
"We don't know who did it yet. All we're sure of is that it was a guy in a black hooded cloak. And he had accomplices - creatures in white."
For a moment, I thought he was talking about the Fragments, but judging from the other reactions, they must be thinking about something else. Which reminds me, so far, I've been the only one taking care of them since I woke up. They always attack me whenever I'm alone, and the others haven't asked me once on how I've been receiving my memories. "Someone, you know?" Herc asks after noticing the looks of recognition from the three.
"I think so," Sora answer, still slightly unsure. "Hey, if we can get the Olympus stone back, can we borrow it for a while?"
"Sure. By the way, you haven't seen Meg around, have you?"
Speaking of Meg, I haven't seen her once since I entered the arena. While the others shake their head, I told him truthfully, "She was here before I started my fight. She must have left to finish some business." Herc slumps his shoulders and bows his head, disappointed to hear Meg wasn't here. "Oh, okay..." he sighs. I was about to say something before a sudden burst of black smoke appears behinds the man. I step back in fear as a blue-skinned man dressed in black steps out. Sora instinctively steps in front of me once he saw who it was.
"What's wrong, your hero-ness? Feeling under the weather?" the ugly man mockingly asks.
Not even a second after placing a hand on his shoulder, Herc ducks away and turns with his fists raised.
"You know, I thought staying in perfect shape was part of the hero description... you know what I'm saying?"
"Oh, right..." I hear Sora. "Hades, we gotta talk!"
My eyes go to him then to the god. This is Hades? This man with teeth that only a blind person wouldn't notice, making extravagant hand gestures, is the God that Sora didn't want me to fight just yet. No wonder nobody wants to die. Hades rolls his eyes and casually flicks Sora, who bumps into me as we both fall to the ground.
"Ow!" I yell.
"Sorry!" Sora immediately apologizes and jumps off.
He glares at Hades once he helps me on my feet, but he was ignored as the god was too focused on Herc. "I came to share a bit of mildly-interesting news-" Herc turns to sneak behind Hades and attempts to punch him, only for him to teleport behind the man before Herc's fist could come in contact. "Seems your dear, sweet little Nutmeg went and got herself lost in the underworld."
"You mean you kidnapped her!" Herc accuses.
"Well, maybe..." Hades dramatically shrugs. "But why get caught up in the details?"
"You're gonna pay if you did anything to Meg!" I spoke up, slightly pushing Sora as I walk closer.
"Akari...!" Sora rebukes.
"Akari?" Hades repeats before appearing right in front of me.
He strokes his chin as he leans down to my level, staring directly at me as he analyzes my face. Uncomfortable with the lack of distance, I try to back away only for him to grab my shoulders, forcing me to remain in place. "Akari!" The others tried to help me but were literally blown away with a snap of a finger, a burst of first exploding in front of them for a split second. He hums while circulating around me, "Hm... lookin' good. Gotten taller I see. Seems like the little twig has actually grown! Not much besides that, but there's something about you that's different. Just can't put my finger on it."
Frustrated at how nothing he said made sense, I summon Starlight and attempt to hit him, only for Hades to teleport away. He raises his hands up and said, "Woah there! You're a lot more feisty, that's for sure. Didn't think the little twig had it in her. And she actually knows how to actually fight like that is just amazing!"
Hades disappears and reappears at my side, propping his elbow on top of my head and leans. I try to push him off but the weight was too much.
"Though I doubt she's good enough for the big baddies in the underworld. No siree! The second she steps in? They'll eat her alive." I could barely see him pick at his teeth with his long fingernail. "But who am I to judge? Not like she was much of a threat, to begin with."
Sora attempts to strike him from behind only for Hades to step back and push me towards the boy. He continues to glare as Herc whistles, causing a brilliant winged horse flies over the Coliseum walls not long after. I gap in awe as it lands next to the man. It was a pegasus. An actual pegasus. 'I want to ride it!' a voice screams at the back of my mind. I would agree if it wasn't for the fact this was a serious situation. Hades waves his finger in the air. "Uh-uh-uh! You can't leave now, okay?" This causes Herc to stop. I could see how frustrated he was. That was enough to tell me that this wasn't a part of Hades' games.
"You've got a very important match today, against, um..." After a dramatic pause, he proclaims, "The bloodthirsty Hydra!"
That sounded eerily familiar. I don't know why, but it feels like I've heard it before.
"I mean if you don't stick around, who knows what kind of 'accidents' might happen."
"Yeah, accidents you cause!" Sora yells.
Hades shrugs without looking our way. "Like I said: details, who needs 'em?"
"You're just a coward!" No one seemed to expect it when I spoke up. I step forward and slam my foot on the ground as I accused, "You're just afraid, afraid of what would happen if a guy like Herc's the one to go down there! You know he'll save Meg!"
"Oh I am counting on that sweet cheeks, BUT! Sadly, we can't all be heroes. Not everyone can be saved."
And with that, Hades was gone. I now understand why these guys hate Hades so much, he's the worst person I've ever met! After much encouragement on our part to Herc, we hurriedly return to the underworld entrance. As we ran, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my chest. I stop for a moment before following the others. The last time I felt like this, one of my fragments was nearby, the one that contains the memories of the hurt I experienced. 'You have to tell him...' my conscious spoke. I know that. And I will. "Sora-" I was cut off when he suddenly shouts, "PHIL!" I let out a gasp when I see the goatman laying face-front of on the ground.
"Ooh..." he groans as he forces himself up.
I caught him before he could fall over. "Thanks..." Phil said once he regains his balance.
"What happened?" Sora asks.
"I spotted this strange guy dressed in black. I chased after him, but he turned on me. Some dame wearing white came to save me, but the next thing I knew, I'm seeing stars."
I tense up after he finishes. A person in white... definitely sounds like a Forgotten. I was so deep in my thoughts that I hadn't even realized that Phil had already pointed us in the direction the person that attacked him ran off to. The only time I was brought back to reality when Sora and Donald randomly summoned their weapons. I look at them both with confused eyes. "Oh, good one..." Phil bows his head in defeat. With a route in mind, Phil runs off to look after Herc. To be forced into fighting a monster by himself, he needs all the support he can get. "I get who's the guy in black... but the one in white...?" Sora glances over at Donald and Goody for answers.
Both shook their heads, being just as confused as he was. It was now or never. Sighing, I stop in my tracks and spoke up, "I have an idea who that other person was..." All of them stop and turned to face me with mirrored shocked expressions. I take a step forward, my eyes downcast as I awkwardly rub my arm. After calming my rapidly beating heart, I told them all there is to know about the Forgotten and the Fragments I've been collecting since Land of Dragons. Or from what I felt the second she spoke to me, or should I say both of them.
"I don't know much about them, but from what I can understand, they're the equivalent of the Nobodies. I encountered two of them so far, both times when I was separated from you guys. I never got to see their faces, but it felt like I knew them... no, not just that. It felt like I was them but from another lifetime. The first one confronted me back in Mulan's world. We fought, and thanks to our fight, I was able to do this-" I change into my Guard form at will. While Donald and Goofy were in all, Sora eyes begin to turn serious the longer he listens. "I've been using my memories to help me fight my battles. It's the same as the power as the fairies initially gave me, but they're different.
"There was another back in Beast's world... after the door was slammed shut and locked from the other side, one of my Memory Fragments attacked me." Every negative emotion I felt that day began to resurface. How hopeless I felt... how willing I was to give up... It's scary just thinking about it. Even now I still can't believe how strongly I used to feel back then. "I wanted to tell you... I really wanted to, but-" I let out a sharp gasp when I look up and came in direct eye contact with Sora. Sadness clouds his features. I wanted to say something; explain, apologize, anything as long as I get a single word out of my mouth.
"Sora..." It wasn't me that said his name, it was Donald. They both noticed how quiet he's been since I stopped talking. He doesn't say anything. Instead, Sora approaches me, causing me to tense as the gap between us starts to disappear. Before I could think of a proper response, he was already in front of me, his eyes staring at me intently as I tried to avoid his gaze. He's mad. There wouldn't be any other reason why he would suddenly act out of character. I shut my eyes when I see Sora open his mouth.
"It's okay," was the first thing he said, surprising the three of us. I open my eyes and look at him to find myself staring at his blue eyes, filled with remorse and shame.
"You're not mad?" I ask.
"Honestly, I'm actually proud of you. Up until you woke up, I thought I failed as your protector. I used to tell myself that I should keep a close eye on you as much as possible. Actually, I still think that. But I feel like the only way to keep you safe is to leave you be. You can't become stronger if I do the fighting for you all the time, and we won't be able to defeat the darkness or get your memories back." He suddenly extends a fist. "So from now on, let's stop hiding things from each other."
Beaming, I happily raise my hand and both of us fist bump. From there, I knew things will be fine from here on out. Goofy and Donald were just as happy. With our hearts set and the burden finally off our shoulders, we officially started our journey to the deeper depths of the Underworld. I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared. In fact, the farther we were from the entrance, the more I started to fear what lies ahead. Sora would hold my hand every now and then as a silent form of support. Goofy would talk to me to try and keep my mind off the heavy atmosphere of this place. Donald... he wasn't so helpful. He would jump at the smallest of things. He tried to show the good parts of the Underworld, but we both discovered that the water... wasn't actually water.
"If I wasn't able to use magic, how was I able to control the Light?" I ask Donald, seeing as he's the magic expert.
"It was easy! Like magic, you used to just picture in your mind what you wanted it to do. For example-" Donald stops to summon his magic staff. With a small wave, he shouts, "Blizzard!"
I yelp and duck when a ball of ice comes flying in my direction. "Are you TRYING to kill me!?" I angrily yell. He gives me a smug look then casually points to the direction the ice went. I look over to see it had his a boulder, and on it, seemed to be an outline of Donald's face. I look over at him with a look that asked 'Really?'. He just shrugs and marches forward with his head held high. I just smile and shook my head.
The Lost Road...
Rolling his shoulder, Sora stretches his arms and puts his hands behind his head.
"Man... this underworld curse is really getting to me..." Sora groans, earning a sympathetic look from me.
"We've got to get that Olympus stone back first!" Goofy reminds.
I didn't know if I should say something. While we were fending off several heartless, I've felt the same since we entered. I was surprised at how easily tired everyone was. Could this be the effects of the curse? I stop and spoke up, "Guys, I think there's something you should know." They all stop and turn to face me.
"Is something wrong?" Donald asks.
"I don't think the curse is affecting me. I feel just fine."
They all blankly stare at me. I thought they were going to be upset for not saying anything sooner. I was going to apologize till they all exclaim with their jaws hanging, "WHAT!?" I step back and look at all three of them, confused. They seemed more surprised than upset.
"That's great Akari!" Sora happily states.
"How come she's the only one?" Donald questions, slightly upset. That's a good question. My heart's not complete if ever, I'm still not as strong as the others. Heck, I still have to rely on my Memory Forms when the fights become too tough.
"Maybe it has something to do with my heart?" I suggest, slightly unsure of myself. They cross their arms and thought it over as I continue, "Think about it. All I've ever heard so far is how special my hearts is. That must mean that the light in my heart has become strong enough to ward off dark effects, such as curses."
I don't feel any different each time I regain a piece of my heart. Once I have time to myself to look back at the memories, even the bad ones, I don't feel there was any sort of change. Is that bad, or a good thing? If we ever have the chance to travel back to Master Yen Sid, I have to bring it up with him. I thought if I regain my memories, pieces of my heart, I'd feel some sort of change. Or am I not supposed to?
"That makes sense!" Goofy exclaims. I was surprised to how quick he was to agree with me. He explains to the others, "Think about it fellas, Akari's heart is completely different from us, even the Princesses of Heart. If her heart is able to easily resist the underworld's curse, that must mean her light has become stronger!"
For some odd reason, that got them to understand where I was going at. I shook my head and mentally sigh, 'Boys will be boys...' Sora suddenly approaches me, and out of nowhere, reaches over and ruffles the top of my head. I was so sudden that I couldn't find the proper words to react. When he withdraws his hand, he grins at me like usual, though for some odd reason, this felt different than all the others. There was this weird thumping in my chest. It didn't hurt, it just felt weird. Even after Sora pulled away, I had this strange urge to tell him to not stop, but I was able to keep myself from doing so. This feeling, it scares me.
"C'mon!" Sora grabs my hand and urges for the others to follow. "We got a stone to get back!"
He soon starts running, dragging me with him as he kept his hold on my hand. Donald and Goofy ran right beside me. They smile, Goofy giving me a thumbs up. I turn my head back to Sora and stare at the back his head.
The Lock...
The deeper they went, the heavier their bodies - excluding Akari - become. Eventually, it was Akari that was doing most of the fighting. Despite that, she tried her best to hold back and go at their pace. She wanted to fight with them, and that meant for her to take her time. Not fight ahead of them.
"Sorry, Akari..." Sora apologizes after she gives him a potion.
"No worries. Once we get the Olympus Stone, you guys will regain your strength! Then we can finally go meet this Hades guy and show him who's boss."
Akari was feeling optimistic about this. With nothing in their way from getting the stone, except for the heartless, their chances against Hades was looking better than good. Even the depressing aura didn't seem to be affecting them as much as it did earlier. After traversing the caverns, they finally stood in front of an open area, and an on the other end, of what seems to be the end of the cavern, was a giant pair of doors. It blended in with the walls of the area so well that they would barely notice it if it wasn't for the outline and the torches. Before the door was a man in a black cloak, closely studying the doors.
Sora extends his arm in front of Akari to stop her. Realizing what was going on, she looks at him with a serious scowl then at the man in front of them. He didn't really seem to notice the group at first. He knocked on the doors in several places. Clenching both fists in frustration, he angry punches the surface, only to instantly regret this action as he recoils his hand. The four eye on another, confused at whether he was just messing around and hadn't really noticed them or it was a trap. Either way, it was just too painful to continue watching, so they silently agreed to get closer. As they drew near, the sound of their footsteps caught the Nobody's attention.
"Huh?" He turns to face them, causing the group to stop at the exact center of the area.
"Ah, it's you!" cries out the Nobody upon recognition. He takes his hood off, revealing his blonde hair that was styled in a strange mullet. He peers over at them for a moment. "Wait a sec... Roxas?"
"Excuse me?" Sora asked.
"Roxas?" the Nobody repeats, this time to see if the boy would react to the name. "Oh, it's no use..." He bows his head in defeat once he sees the confusion remained on Sora's face. Then he turned his attention Akari, hoping as that she'd recognize at least him. "Hey Kairax, I hope you didn't forget your good pal Demyx either."
Akari moves her head back and stares at Sora with a raised brow, only for him to shrug and shake his head. The names did feel familiar for the girl, but she could not recall where she last heard them. And the fact Sora also didn't know meant that they'd never been called 'Roxas' or 'Kairax' before.
"Let's see, here..." Demyx mutters to himself as he searches in his pocket and brings out a piece of paper. He reads aloud in a slow manner, "If the subject fails to respond, use aggression to liberate his true disposition..."
At the exact moment he read those lines; Chiara, Thea, and Luz walked in from behind. Chiara was the first to see the group and grabs her companions, dragging them with her to hide behind a nearby boulder. Akari hears the scuffle and looks over her shoulder. If the three reacted late, she would have caught a short glimpse of the top of Thea's head.
"Right... did they ever pick the wrong guy for this one," he said after shoving the paper back into his pocket.
"You're bizarre," Sora comments, which I nod in agreement.
Out of nowhere, Demyx takes out a circular, gold object. I squint my eyes as I stare at it for a moment. Then realization dawned on me.
"It's the stone!" Donald and I exclaim.
"He's gotta be the thief!" Goofy adds.
"Now that's just plain rude!" Demyx answers, sounding insulted by the accusation. Not long after, he raises the Olympus stone above his head and a brief light envelops his body. This prompts all of us to automatically summon our weapons, which the Nobody does as well. He grins at us as he holds his guitar-shaped weapon, eagerly grinning at us. Before any of us had the chance to react, we were greeted with a barrage of water-shaped clones. Thankfully, there was only a few that was summoned. Recalling their current state, I worriedly glance over at the three. Donald was holding his own surprisingly well. When he ran out of energy to cast spells, he would let out his usual, yet weird, battle cry and swings his staff.
Goofy conserved enough energy each time he moves to block. Sora did the same. Seeing that they were fine, I turn my attention back to the clone that was solely focused on me. Bit by bit, I back up only to bump into Sora's back. We glance took the chance to briefly look at one another. Wr, e need to end this soon, or else there won't be anyone left to heal the others. As if he read my thoughts, he hooks one free arm around my own. I nod, silently telling him I was ready. I tighten my grip on Starlight as I felt my body being partially lifted into the air. He swings me around with all his might. As he does so, I was able to destroy all of the remaining clones.
With them gone, now it was our chance to properly retaliate. After hitting him several times, and Sora hilariously freezing Demyx's face at one point, it was over. He didn't fade like our previous enemies. With our fight only rendering him slightly injured, Demyx summons a dark corridor around him.
He slightly frowns and calls over to Sora and I, "Roxas, Kairax, come back to us!"
'Roxas... why does that sound familiar?' I wonder after he disappears.
"Guy's a broken record!" Sora jokes to lighten the mood. Which works as it was enough to make crack a small smile.
"Hey, look!" Donald points to the area where the Nobody previously stood.
We approach the sponge to find an item on the floor. Sora picks it up for further inspection. It was the Olympus stone! My mouth opens as I felt the corners of my cheeks spread across. "We did it!" I cheer as I threw my arms around Sora's neck. He steps back a bit, surprised at my sudden act of affection. I didn't really notice. I was just so happy to see that this will be the end of their struggle. When I pull away, I was surprised at the look Sora was giving me. I tilt my head as I continue to carefully watch him. Whatever's going on in that head of his, he seemed to be too deep in thought to notice our silence.
"Sora...?" I call out softly.
This brought him back to reality. He flashes me a hesitant smile before raising the stone. I watch as him, Donald, and Goofy become enveloped in light. Supposedly, it was meant to ward off the effects of the Underworld and retain their powers. Now that they've used it, it was time to save Meg. I slip my arms off of Sora and move to give him some space, but grabs my hand to keep me close. and steps back as he points his keyblade to the door the Nobody was inspecting earlier. We entered and found a boulder at the center of the small room, a purple pillar of light shining down behind it. And carved on that boulder was Meg! I rush over and stop about a foot in front of it, Sora right behind me as I place my hand on the rough surface.
She was still alive. I felt a wave of relief knowing she was okay. But I couldn't shrug off the feeling that something was wrong. This was easy, too easy if you ask me.
When I hear Sora bring out his keyblade, I turn and told him, "Wait! Something's not right." He lowers his keyblade and looks at me with confused eyes. "Why would Hades tell us in person that he's kidnapped, Meg? He would have set at least one big heartless to keep anyone from rescuing her."
Sora looks at Donald and Goofy. They hadn't considered it either. Goofy then states while worriedly glancing at Meg, "But we can't just leave her like this!"
He had a point. I don't want to leave Meg like this any longer. Sora approaches me and gently places a hand on my shoulder, making me look up to see he was staring at me with sympathy. "No matter what happens, we can handle it," he assures with a hesitant smile. With no other options left, I nod and step aside.
Pointing it to the keyhole, we all watch as Sora unlocks it. A sudden light appears around it, then it trails to the rest of the room before it completely disappears. And instead of the purple light from earlier, it changed to an eerie green, revealing itself to be the portal to where Meg was. We step in one by one. First, of course, being Sora, the next Goofy. Donald eyed the portal and attempted to make a silent retreat but stops when he sees me. I cross my arms and look down at him with my eyes narrowed, repeatedly tapping my foot several times. He nervously laughs before takes several steps back to the portal. This is taking too long.
Rolling my eyes, I lightly push the duck further, causing him to fall back with is a glass-shattering scream. I was about to follow until I felt a familiar shiver run down my spine. The second I turn away from the portal, a ghost-like hand suddenly appears and grabs me by my neck. I choke at the sudden force. I shut my eyes in pain and tried to scream, but barely a sound came out of my mouth. I was able to crack one eye open. Another Fragment. She was the same as the others; lack of facial features, the skin completely white, and had my blue hair. The one difference is her hands, they were just... bones.
She wore a dark see through the veil that covered her face, and the fabric of the dress, although appearing tore on various areas, was thin enough to see the outline of her body. The Fragment looks almost similar to a ghost. Before I could react, she lifts me off the ground and pushes me towards the portal, while at the same time, keeping her grip on my neck. I was blinded for a moment while we were transported. Despite the light fading away, I knew we were now in a different part of the Underworld. I could hear several voices desperately calling out to me. The Fragment brings me closer until our faces are inches apart.
Death is inevitable...
Instead of fighting like I thought it would, it did... something else. Her other hand draws back, her fingers flexing. I was scared. Before I could even summon my keyblade, her hand plunges into my chest, exactly where my heart should be. There wasn't any pain like I had expected. My vision was gradually starting. Each time I blinked, my eyelids began to feel like lead. First, my vision was focused on the light on the Forgotten's arm traveling down to my chest, then the fearful looks I was receiving from my friends. The Forgotten eventually takes her hand back and callously tosses me down. I don't know if I hit the ground or someone was able to catch me because halfway falling, I immediately slip from consciousness and fell deeply into my memory.
Sora and I happily watch the little eggs like we usually do. Ever since I found it, Sora and I immediately decided to adopt the two white round thing.
"Say, Sora?" I spoke up, which Sora hum in response. "I talked to Riku the other day. He told me that inside these eggs are babies and that only a mommy and daddy can take care of it." I turn to Sora, who still had his eyes on the eggs while resting his chin in his hands. "What's a mommy and daddy?"
"Oh... WHAT!?" Sora shot up on his feet and begins to panic.
I tilt my head and silently observe. I still have no idea why he would act like this whenever I bring it up. Sora usually hides me whenever his daddy is on the island Before, I used to think it was something scary, but after my talk with Riku, I started to understand what a mommy and daddy are. They're the ones that take care of children.
. . . . . . .
"They're hatching!" we shout as we both slid onto our stomachs to get a closer look. I glance over as Sora who was beaming the longer he watched. Just seeing his smile warms my heart. Whatever hatches, I know we'll take care of it together.
. . . . . . .
I sank to my knees, the world slowly feeling smaller the longer I stared at the spot. With shaking hands, I reach over to the yellow feather. "Akari! Did you find-" Sora lets out a small gasp. I didn't turn to face him. I was just too horrified to even notice he had gone on his knees and sat beside me. We didn't move. Neither of us knew how to react. The longer I stare, the more hollow I start to feel.
. . . . . . .
"SORA!" I scream when I see him bring Riku's keyblade to his chest. He didn't hear me. How could he? Because Riku had set some sort of invisible around me, no one could see me bashing onto the glass-like surface. I went from using one fist to just using both. "STOP! SORA, STOP! DON'T DO IT!" Hot tears began to run down my face. I don't want to lose him Not like this! As the tip of the keyblade is brought closer to his heart, I felt myself my own breaking the more I helplessly watch. I summon Starlight and attempt to break the barrier, but all it does it bounce off after one switch. "No!" I panic even more and resort to mindlessly thrash at the barrier.
But it was too late. Sora used the keyblade to release his heart, setting free every single heart that belonged to the currently imprisoned Princesses. Including Kairi. Starlight disappears the moment I let go. Shocked, I sank to the ground as I stare Sora's now fading body once stood with wide eyes. I felt numb all over. Every inch of my being went limp. When the barrier finally shatters, I suddenly regained the energy to move. Although I slipped a bit after standing up too fast, I rush over to the try and catch him when I see him lean backward. Being the closest, Kairi tries to do the same, but he vanishes before he came in contact with her arms. Sliding to a stop, I continue to stare down in disbelief.
After what seemed like ages, I finally regained my voice. Clutching my chest, I cry out in agony.
. . . . . . .
It all happened so fast. At first, I was trying to keep my friends safe from the heartless. Then, when we found out the heartless following us was ****, I entrusted Kairi with his safety before I ordered them to run. And now I'm here, petrified as the Neoshadow heartless keeps its arm inside my chest. I could hear them calling to me. As the Neoshadow retracts its arm, I stare at the glowing heart-shaped gem in its hand with blank eyes and felt myself falling backward.
*Seeker Form Obtained*
- While Guard Form is focused on brute strength whereas Mystic Form, Seeker Form has the perfect balance of both. This form allows Akari to use the abilities obtained from her previous life. These said abilities are accessed in the form of Limits. This form represents her past life and also acts as a symbolization of the promise that was made between her predecessor and her Protector.
Form Level: In this form, you level up based on the number of successful use of Akari's limits and blocks. Each performed limit has to land on an enemy in order for the experience to be gained. The more this form levels up, Akari acquires different combos in this form and her normal form.
Wields: 2 keyblade
Keyblade Transformation: Double-bladed Staff
Special Abilities: Seeker form is the only form where there will have no keyblade transformation. Instead, both keyblades will be held in a reverse grip. Each time a limit ability is used, a faint glow begins to gradually grow around the weapons until it completely covers the blades in pink light. Various lines of light are released every now and then when striking enemies, and then release a large burst around Akari at the end of every combo finisher. When Akari's HP is low, she is able to access her Limit Break: Luminous Historia. Using her limit break, she creates multiple copies of her using the light and strikes one enemy in all directions (Perfect reference of how it's performed: KHUx Ava (EX) medal)
Appearance: Akari's baggy pants become white while her pockets become light pink. One both knees, there is a red shooting star in between two smaller stars. Her blue shirt is converted from a v-neck into slightly fitter, off-shoulder light pink shirt with four straps; the first two straps, made of red leather, go over her shoulders, while the other two reddish-pink are set across her collar bone and over her shoulder into a cross-front shape. Crisscrossing pink straps are sown on the sides of her torso. On her short sleeves is a heart symbol (kh's logo) with few diamond-shaped star pattern around it. An additional accessory is a thin necklace with a (Wayfinder trio's) emblem as the pendant. Her hairstyle slightly changes as well. Her hair is partially pulled back in a half-up crown braid, her bangs left as is. She develops pink hair, which fades back into its original color on the bottom half of her hair.
"Wait!" Sora tries to grab Hades, but he was already gone, vanished in his signature black smoke. They hear Hades' laugh echo all around them. "Hate to run, but I've got another little diversion to attend to."
After he, Herc, Donald, and Goofy defeated several Heatless and Pete, Sora was confident that they had put a stop to Hades' plan. But Hades had something up his sleeve. Apparently, the monster Hercules supposedly defeated can revive itself if left alone. And that meant one thing, it was wreaking havoc as this very moment. "AKARI!" Sora begins to panic. After he caught her and barely escaped as Hercules fended off the enemies, Sora entrusted Akari to Meg and Pegasus when he saw the girl wasn't going to wake up anytime soon. And that meant they returned to the Coliseum for safety. Fearing for their lives, the four rush back to the Coliseum Gates.
Like Herc, Sora's thoughts were focused on one thing. The safety of the person they care about the most. Protector or not, Sora did not want to put Akari in harm's way again. "This can't be..." By the time Sora arrives, Herc was already on his knees, staring at the now destroyed coliseum in despair. A large rock almost hits Sora after he was about a few feet from Herc, but is rescued by Donald and Goofy, who pull him towards them seconds before the rock fell. The hydra rose from the smoke and rubble then lets out an ear-piercing roar. Phil and Meg run past the boy and go straight to Herc's side. Seeing Pegasus fly down to comfort his companion, Sora rushes over to check on Akari.
While the three were expressing their relief to see the man was safe, Pegasus slightly moves his body so that Sora could carefully slip Akari off his back.
"Akari...? Please, wake up...!" His desperate pleas fall on deaf ears. He lowers her body and cradles her in his arms as he continues his attempts to rouse her back up.
Donald and Goofy run to his side and stops in front of him to see she was still asleep. Exchanging worried looks, Goofy reaches over and places his hand on Sora's shoulder. This causes Sora to snap his head to them and stare at them with fearful eyes. The last time he saw something reach for her heart was a heartless. They all know that's most likely not what the Fragment was aiming for, but it brought back numerous unwanted memories.
Before Sora could open his mouth, they hear Herc shouting and he punches the ground several times. "Hades was right! I'm just a... a washout!"
"Aw, come on, champ! I didn't train you to think like that," Phil said in hopes of cheering him up.
"Wonderboy..." Meg leans a bit closer watches the side of Herc's head with sad eyes.
Sora knew this wasn't the time and place. He had friends to help, and he knew that Akari would want him to help their friends. Still, it frightened him on what memories she had seen to cause her to fall into another deep slumber. Akari told him in the gummi ship that the reason why she passed out sometimes is because of the intense feelings she was receiving from her recovered memories. At least when she passes out, she would at least make some form of movement. This felt different. She was so still anyone would think she's-
"SORA!" Donald's voice snaps the boy back to reality. "This is no time for this! We can take care of Akari later! Herc needs help!
After he said that, the Hydra was beginning to run rampant. Meg heaves Herc's arm over her shoulder and escorts him away as the Hydra walks over the rubble of the Coliseum and into the courtyard. A sudden light appears from within Akari's pocket. Automatically, the summoning charm activates by itself and brings forth a new being. "Riku...?" Sora gaps at the person to kneel before him. But he knew better than that. It's been a year since either of them saw each other, and if Sora outgrew his old clothes, he knew Riku would appear older than the boy that was in front of him.
"Go," Riku starts as he carefully takes Akari from him. "I'll protect her."
That almost sounds exactly what the real Riku would say. He nods, now confident enough to leave Akari for now. Standing up and summoning his keyblade, he gestures Donald and Goofy to follow. He stops for a brief moment when he passes Meg and Herc. He takes this time to pat the hero's arm.
"Phil's right. This is no time to beat yourself up. Go with Meg and rest up. Once we take care of big ugly over there, we'll let the true hero take care the rest!" Sora's bright grin causes Herc to crack a lopsided smile.
Meg continues to carry Herc away. With one last glance at Akari, Sora regained his confidence and was ready to fight the Hydra.
To Be Continued
Oh... this is... loooong overdue. I actually had this chapter ready for a while now. It's just I've bee studying for the NCLEX's exams and graduation... Oh right! I graduated from college last month! I'm finally free! Until I pass the exam and get a job... Please R&R! I finished kh 3 and I am so excited to pick up where I left off with this fic! If I ever get to continue on to the game that's literally made the fanbade wait till they're old, then I assure you. I have the perfect ending in mind! Just not a happy one.