Chapter 8: The Return
It had been 3 years and some odd months since the last time he saw Sora. He was beginning to forget what his best friend looked like. And that hurt the worst. He had somehow ended up on a massive continent. Wandering the hills at night, hoping to find somewhere that was familiar.
"Midgar." He mumbled as he looked around the very urbanized area. There seemed to be no one around, and the rain was coming in like hail. He pulled the black hood over his head, in an attempt to retain his train of thought.
The puddles seemed to be deepening with each foot he overcame. He then stopped infront of a large building, a screen placed up high. It was showing some odd music video.
"Where is everyone?" he spoke to himself. He then heard the noise he had become all too familiar with as he battled his way from one city to another. The sound of the Heartless being spewed out of the black hole. The ground under him seemed to sway and bubble as tons of skinny lines began to protrude from the blackness. The faces themselves slowly came fully into view. All of them seemed to be on the same lift. They all were coming out at the same time. And there were tons of them.
"Hmph." Before he could move, there was a sea of the black Heartless surrounding him. Screaming, and gurgling noises still keeping him in check. They all were slashing at each other, but eyeing the one who was cloaked in black. Some were pointing to him, and still speaking in their tongue.
"To make it easier for you. The name's Riku." He teased.
The blackness grew, and more Heartless began screaming louder. Riku shook his head, his ears ringing. He then put his hands out, and concentrated for a moment, two steel Keyblades appearing in each hand. The handle was cold, and he slid back, gripping them tightly, as he put the blades together, forming an X at his side. He then went into deep thought, communicating with his "other" as he liked to call it. Or his split side. Suddenly, a heart began to encircle him. It was glowing, and then when the two ends met, it shot up a blinding light. Riku closed his eyes, already knowing what would happen, as he thought his alter ego away. The light began to grow more powerful, and then it exploded. Riku crouched, feeling the pressure from the outside. Everything all slurred into one gigantic noise, for he could not even hear the Heartless' screams.
Moments later, which may have been hours, or even days, he opened his eyes. He was still gripping the keyblades tightly, and he looked around, still in his crouch. He then stood up straightly, and he looked at the emptied lot. If he hadn't known better, he wouldn't have been able to tell there had even be a scuffle.
"Serves them right." Riku dematerialized the blades, and he threw the hood back off of his head. He then made his way to the closest inn, and realized he wouldn't be seeing Sora here.
"Soon Sora..Soon." He pushed open the doors, and they closed quietly behind him.
Meanwhile... Back at the Colliseum.
"Do you think they will be finished soon?" Phil questioned as Hercules returned from the arena.
"I've been waiting for 3 years to see what is going on. For Pete's sake! It is my ARENA!"
"They are recooperating. They have been fighting almost completely nonstop for 3 years." Hercules explained.
"Hmph. Well, I have money to make, and tournaments to run. But if it's for the good of the existence of man, then so be it." Phil dropped down from his chairs, and walked to the main gates to congratulate the others on their extensive training. Hercules followed closely.
"So, how was the training?" Phil asked, and then looked up, to see what seemed to be a new guy.
He stood tall, much taller then what Sora used to be. He had a tattered white undershirt, almost completely stained with blood. His hair was long, very long, and shaggy. It was a dirty blonde. His eyes seem to be the most important thing about him. They were a bright blue, but showed tons of experience. He was a little rough around the edges. Like a beard was beginning to sprout. He wore no shoes, and his red shorts were also tattered. They seemed to have been modidified a bit to fit his size. He held the same Keyblade Sora had only 3 years ago, but much dirtier. He then spoke, his voice not deathly low, but it was fairly deep.
"Phil!" He exclaimed.
"Eh?" Phil questioned.
"Who are you. I've never seen you before." Phil eyed at the stranger.
"...?! It's me! SORA!" Sora grinned.
"SORA?! WHAT THE HELL?!" Phil then cupped his hands over his mouth.
"Yup." Sora grinned, and then he turned around to face all the rest. Most of them were collapsed on the stands. Aerith was going around tending to their medical needs. Donald was beginning to look scruffy, and Goofy smelled wicked. Cloud and Squall won for the most Heartless kill, or rather...Would have. If not for Buzz. After Buzz got over his fear of the Heartless, he quickly rocketed to the top when Cid brought in the Laser gun. Ah, how excited Buzz was when he finally was using it for the good. Yuffie, Auron and Sora were pretty close in their kills of Heartless. Tifa and Donald and Goofy all had eventually teamed up. Then there was Cid, who was killing a hefty amount himself, but he was usually in the safe zone, AKA the stands, talking with Aerith about Shera, or plotting their course. Who ever knew so much death could reign down from the blow of a mop? For that is what Cid wielded.
They thanked Phil and Hercules for letting them train, Buzz seeming extra grateful. He crushed Phil with his love for what seemed like hours.
"Thank you my goat..Horned...Friend..Thing.." Buzz patted him on the back, and then waved at Hercules as he chased to catch up with the others.
After a bit of relaxing and cleaning up on the ship, they all got in a change of clothes. Sora seemed to be lacking a change, as he sat in his ripped up shorts, and now shirtless. It was only logical to throw away the tattered, and bloodstained shirt.
"Sora? We all made you something back at Pine Haven." Cid left for a moment and he then returned with a chest.
"Huh? What's this?" Sora was playing with his hair.
"It's a present." Everyone stood behind Cid and watched as Sora knelt forward to open it.
He flipped the switch, his eyebrow raising a bit. Buzz then walked behind Sora, trying to see what it was.
"Oh! Oh! What is it Sora?!" Buzz was almost screaming.
"Shhh.." Sora pleaded. He then reached down, and pulled out a dark gray cloak. He then dug deeper, and he found a weird jacket..Shirt...Thing. It had gold buttons going down the middle, and it had a weird collar that was straight up, and went around his whole neck. It was black, and gray, and as Sora put it.
"This is totally sweet!" Sora held it up, and then he realized he also had a cloak.
"Holy crap." He then found some boots, and then he found the charcoal colored pants. It was slightly baggy, but not an annoyance. He then found underwear, boxers, and socks. He grinned, and he dashed off, forgetting to thank them for the moment.
Minutes later he walked out. The pants looked extremely fitting for his new look. He shirt also fit everything. He didn't button the collar, he just let it be. The cloak was pulled over his head, casting a shadow over his face, only the tip of his nose, and some of his mouth able to be seen. His hair drooped down the sides of his face. He then threw the cloak off, and grinned at them all as the cloak floated back.
"YEAH! AWESOME! THANKS YOU GUYS!" Sora winked, and gave them the thumbs up. They all laughed, but Buzz was still infatuated with his attire.
"Do you think I could get something like that too?" Buzz pleaded.
They all were quiet, and then they shook their head slowly. Then they all erupted in laughter, one of the only happy moments they've all had.
Cid then calmed down, and spoke.
"I have come up with a plan in the three years. We will split into two groups. Since King Mickey and Riku are no longer together, we will find them in seperate groups. Sora. You will search for Riku. Then another group will search for King Mickey. King Mickey is in much more danger, and thus, he requires more people. Unfortunately...Donald and Goofy."
Cid looked to the two.
"Sora is now 17. We all witnessed it in the Arena. He no longer needs anyone to accompany him. And because you know the King better then the rest of us, I'd have to say you leave to find Mickey..."
Everyone grew silent and Sora looked to Goofy and Donald with sympathetic eyes. Goofy's eyes were already welling up, and Donald was silent.
"But Shid. We hav--
"I know, but it's the only way Donald." Cid looked at the ground.
Donald then dropped his head, and he nodded, still sighing.
"...Do you think we'll ever see each other again, Sora?" Goofy questioned.
"OF COURSE GOOFY! YOU GUYS ARE MY BEST FRIENDS! WE WILL ALWAYS BE TOGETHER!" Sora yelled, as he did the hand gestures.
Goofy nodded, and Donald did the same. Then they ran and hugged Sora, all talking about how much they'll miss one another.
"Yeah, I'll miss you guys too." Sora stepped back.
"But I have to find Riku." A tear rolled down his cheek, and he wiped it away quickly. Cid then walked to the front of the ship, and tapped in a few buttons on a communicator thing. He then walked back to the front, and he smiled.
"We need to leave as soon as possible. Sora, who are you going to take with you?" Cid stood waiting.
"...Leon and Cloud..." Sora smiled, still wanting to pick Goofy and Donald.
"Call me Squall.." Squall spoke. Squall then looked to Yuffie, who already was looking at the ground. He knew he couldn't do anything for her. He then walked to her, and kissed her on her forehead and then walked over to Cloud quietly.
Everyone realized that Cid had finally gotten over his problem, and all of them nodded. Cloud and Squall stepped behind Sora, and looked to the rest. Goofy and Donald couldn't help but feel jealous of Squall and Cloud.
"By the way, Sora. I made you your own Gummi ship, since your 17 now and whatnot. It's outside, and it has keyed in on Destiny Island. So, you should be able to get there easy."
Cid had never told anyone what had happened before they went into the Colliseum except Aerith. They took a liking to one another and spent alot of time together. Everyone had their suspisions but no one ever said anything.
"Ok..Thank you Cid. For everything.." Sora smiled at them, saying goodbye to Yuffie, Aerith, Auron, Buzz, and Cid. He asked for Donald and Goofy to follow him to his ship.
Outside they found the "Gambit 7". Cid had painted the name in a sweet style across both sides. It was alot smaller then Cid's beast, but it looked big enough for the three. Cloud and Squall were carrying bags, and weapons, and food into the bay.
"Donald..Goofy... Thank you.. Thank you SO much." Sora dropped his head, not wanting to go without them.
"Shora..We'll shee each other again." Donald patted Sora on his shoulder.
"Gwarsh! YOUR DARN RIGHT!" Goofy smiled.
"I know. But, it'll be weird without you guys. Ever since the first day in Traverse Town, you guys have been here with me. I'll miss you while we're seperated..." Sora felt like crying, but he was 17 now. While in the Arena, he didn't even have time to remember how old he was. It felt like he had just skipped from 14 to 17. It was weird. He had missed out on 15 and 16. Never to return. But it was one of those things he had to do.
Sora then gave a weak smile, holding back the tears, and he stepped into the bay, walking up.
"WAIT! SHORA!" Donald ran up holding something wrapped up in a cloth.
"HERE! Itsh a gift from ush." Donald held out the present.
Sora raised a brow, and then he reached out and took the present. He looked at it for a moment and then carefully took off the cloth. It blazed with light when his eyes first lay upon it. It was a finely crafted keyblade. It was almost all black, save little lines that were designed into it. All the lines eventually made a Heart with thorns around it. And that was in silver. The handle was cold, but fulfilling. It was the best keyblade he had ever seen. He had to stop himself from drooling. He then looked up to Donald and Goofy who were both smiling. He then ran down and tackled them playfully.
"I LOVE YOU GUYS! I'LL MISS YOU!" He got up before they could say anything. He ran into the ship with his new Keyblade, not wanting to turn to look at them.
"BYE SHORA!!" Donald yelled.
"WE'LL MISS YOU!" Goofy yelled.
Sora hit the button to close the bay as a tear rolled off of his cheek.
"I'll miss you too." he spoke softly to himself. Cloud and Squall were already buckled in, and Sora walked to the pilots seat, and sat down.
"I hope you two are ready."
It had been 3 years and some odd months since the last time he saw Sora. He was beginning to forget what his best friend looked like. And that hurt the worst. He had somehow ended up on a massive continent. Wandering the hills at night, hoping to find somewhere that was familiar.
"Midgar." He mumbled as he looked around the very urbanized area. There seemed to be no one around, and the rain was coming in like hail. He pulled the black hood over his head, in an attempt to retain his train of thought.
The puddles seemed to be deepening with each foot he overcame. He then stopped infront of a large building, a screen placed up high. It was showing some odd music video.
"Where is everyone?" he spoke to himself. He then heard the noise he had become all too familiar with as he battled his way from one city to another. The sound of the Heartless being spewed out of the black hole. The ground under him seemed to sway and bubble as tons of skinny lines began to protrude from the blackness. The faces themselves slowly came fully into view. All of them seemed to be on the same lift. They all were coming out at the same time. And there were tons of them.
"Hmph." Before he could move, there was a sea of the black Heartless surrounding him. Screaming, and gurgling noises still keeping him in check. They all were slashing at each other, but eyeing the one who was cloaked in black. Some were pointing to him, and still speaking in their tongue.
"To make it easier for you. The name's Riku." He teased.
The blackness grew, and more Heartless began screaming louder. Riku shook his head, his ears ringing. He then put his hands out, and concentrated for a moment, two steel Keyblades appearing in each hand. The handle was cold, and he slid back, gripping them tightly, as he put the blades together, forming an X at his side. He then went into deep thought, communicating with his "other" as he liked to call it. Or his split side. Suddenly, a heart began to encircle him. It was glowing, and then when the two ends met, it shot up a blinding light. Riku closed his eyes, already knowing what would happen, as he thought his alter ego away. The light began to grow more powerful, and then it exploded. Riku crouched, feeling the pressure from the outside. Everything all slurred into one gigantic noise, for he could not even hear the Heartless' screams.
Moments later, which may have been hours, or even days, he opened his eyes. He was still gripping the keyblades tightly, and he looked around, still in his crouch. He then stood up straightly, and he looked at the emptied lot. If he hadn't known better, he wouldn't have been able to tell there had even be a scuffle.
"Serves them right." Riku dematerialized the blades, and he threw the hood back off of his head. He then made his way to the closest inn, and realized he wouldn't be seeing Sora here.
"Soon Sora..Soon." He pushed open the doors, and they closed quietly behind him.
Meanwhile... Back at the Colliseum.
"Do you think they will be finished soon?" Phil questioned as Hercules returned from the arena.
"I've been waiting for 3 years to see what is going on. For Pete's sake! It is my ARENA!"
"They are recooperating. They have been fighting almost completely nonstop for 3 years." Hercules explained.
"Hmph. Well, I have money to make, and tournaments to run. But if it's for the good of the existence of man, then so be it." Phil dropped down from his chairs, and walked to the main gates to congratulate the others on their extensive training. Hercules followed closely.
"So, how was the training?" Phil asked, and then looked up, to see what seemed to be a new guy.
He stood tall, much taller then what Sora used to be. He had a tattered white undershirt, almost completely stained with blood. His hair was long, very long, and shaggy. It was a dirty blonde. His eyes seem to be the most important thing about him. They were a bright blue, but showed tons of experience. He was a little rough around the edges. Like a beard was beginning to sprout. He wore no shoes, and his red shorts were also tattered. They seemed to have been modidified a bit to fit his size. He held the same Keyblade Sora had only 3 years ago, but much dirtier. He then spoke, his voice not deathly low, but it was fairly deep.
"Phil!" He exclaimed.
"Eh?" Phil questioned.
"Who are you. I've never seen you before." Phil eyed at the stranger.
"...?! It's me! SORA!" Sora grinned.
"SORA?! WHAT THE HELL?!" Phil then cupped his hands over his mouth.
"Yup." Sora grinned, and then he turned around to face all the rest. Most of them were collapsed on the stands. Aerith was going around tending to their medical needs. Donald was beginning to look scruffy, and Goofy smelled wicked. Cloud and Squall won for the most Heartless kill, or rather...Would have. If not for Buzz. After Buzz got over his fear of the Heartless, he quickly rocketed to the top when Cid brought in the Laser gun. Ah, how excited Buzz was when he finally was using it for the good. Yuffie, Auron and Sora were pretty close in their kills of Heartless. Tifa and Donald and Goofy all had eventually teamed up. Then there was Cid, who was killing a hefty amount himself, but he was usually in the safe zone, AKA the stands, talking with Aerith about Shera, or plotting their course. Who ever knew so much death could reign down from the blow of a mop? For that is what Cid wielded.
They thanked Phil and Hercules for letting them train, Buzz seeming extra grateful. He crushed Phil with his love for what seemed like hours.
"Thank you my goat..Horned...Friend..Thing.." Buzz patted him on the back, and then waved at Hercules as he chased to catch up with the others.
After a bit of relaxing and cleaning up on the ship, they all got in a change of clothes. Sora seemed to be lacking a change, as he sat in his ripped up shorts, and now shirtless. It was only logical to throw away the tattered, and bloodstained shirt.
"Sora? We all made you something back at Pine Haven." Cid left for a moment and he then returned with a chest.
"Huh? What's this?" Sora was playing with his hair.
"It's a present." Everyone stood behind Cid and watched as Sora knelt forward to open it.
He flipped the switch, his eyebrow raising a bit. Buzz then walked behind Sora, trying to see what it was.
"Oh! Oh! What is it Sora?!" Buzz was almost screaming.
"Shhh.." Sora pleaded. He then reached down, and pulled out a dark gray cloak. He then dug deeper, and he found a weird jacket..Shirt...Thing. It had gold buttons going down the middle, and it had a weird collar that was straight up, and went around his whole neck. It was black, and gray, and as Sora put it.
"This is totally sweet!" Sora held it up, and then he realized he also had a cloak.
"Holy crap." He then found some boots, and then he found the charcoal colored pants. It was slightly baggy, but not an annoyance. He then found underwear, boxers, and socks. He grinned, and he dashed off, forgetting to thank them for the moment.
Minutes later he walked out. The pants looked extremely fitting for his new look. He shirt also fit everything. He didn't button the collar, he just let it be. The cloak was pulled over his head, casting a shadow over his face, only the tip of his nose, and some of his mouth able to be seen. His hair drooped down the sides of his face. He then threw the cloak off, and grinned at them all as the cloak floated back.
"YEAH! AWESOME! THANKS YOU GUYS!" Sora winked, and gave them the thumbs up. They all laughed, but Buzz was still infatuated with his attire.
"Do you think I could get something like that too?" Buzz pleaded.
They all were quiet, and then they shook their head slowly. Then they all erupted in laughter, one of the only happy moments they've all had.
Cid then calmed down, and spoke.
"I have come up with a plan in the three years. We will split into two groups. Since King Mickey and Riku are no longer together, we will find them in seperate groups. Sora. You will search for Riku. Then another group will search for King Mickey. King Mickey is in much more danger, and thus, he requires more people. Unfortunately...Donald and Goofy."
Cid looked to the two.
"Sora is now 17. We all witnessed it in the Arena. He no longer needs anyone to accompany him. And because you know the King better then the rest of us, I'd have to say you leave to find Mickey..."
Everyone grew silent and Sora looked to Goofy and Donald with sympathetic eyes. Goofy's eyes were already welling up, and Donald was silent.
"But Shid. We hav--
"I know, but it's the only way Donald." Cid looked at the ground.
Donald then dropped his head, and he nodded, still sighing.
"...Do you think we'll ever see each other again, Sora?" Goofy questioned.
"OF COURSE GOOFY! YOU GUYS ARE MY BEST FRIENDS! WE WILL ALWAYS BE TOGETHER!" Sora yelled, as he did the hand gestures.
Goofy nodded, and Donald did the same. Then they ran and hugged Sora, all talking about how much they'll miss one another.
"Yeah, I'll miss you guys too." Sora stepped back.
"But I have to find Riku." A tear rolled down his cheek, and he wiped it away quickly. Cid then walked to the front of the ship, and tapped in a few buttons on a communicator thing. He then walked back to the front, and he smiled.
"We need to leave as soon as possible. Sora, who are you going to take with you?" Cid stood waiting.
"...Leon and Cloud..." Sora smiled, still wanting to pick Goofy and Donald.
"Call me Squall.." Squall spoke. Squall then looked to Yuffie, who already was looking at the ground. He knew he couldn't do anything for her. He then walked to her, and kissed her on her forehead and then walked over to Cloud quietly.
Everyone realized that Cid had finally gotten over his problem, and all of them nodded. Cloud and Squall stepped behind Sora, and looked to the rest. Goofy and Donald couldn't help but feel jealous of Squall and Cloud.
"By the way, Sora. I made you your own Gummi ship, since your 17 now and whatnot. It's outside, and it has keyed in on Destiny Island. So, you should be able to get there easy."
Cid had never told anyone what had happened before they went into the Colliseum except Aerith. They took a liking to one another and spent alot of time together. Everyone had their suspisions but no one ever said anything.
"Ok..Thank you Cid. For everything.." Sora smiled at them, saying goodbye to Yuffie, Aerith, Auron, Buzz, and Cid. He asked for Donald and Goofy to follow him to his ship.
Outside they found the "Gambit 7". Cid had painted the name in a sweet style across both sides. It was alot smaller then Cid's beast, but it looked big enough for the three. Cloud and Squall were carrying bags, and weapons, and food into the bay.
"Donald..Goofy... Thank you.. Thank you SO much." Sora dropped his head, not wanting to go without them.
"Shora..We'll shee each other again." Donald patted Sora on his shoulder.
"Gwarsh! YOUR DARN RIGHT!" Goofy smiled.
"I know. But, it'll be weird without you guys. Ever since the first day in Traverse Town, you guys have been here with me. I'll miss you while we're seperated..." Sora felt like crying, but he was 17 now. While in the Arena, he didn't even have time to remember how old he was. It felt like he had just skipped from 14 to 17. It was weird. He had missed out on 15 and 16. Never to return. But it was one of those things he had to do.
Sora then gave a weak smile, holding back the tears, and he stepped into the bay, walking up.
"WAIT! SHORA!" Donald ran up holding something wrapped up in a cloth.
"HERE! Itsh a gift from ush." Donald held out the present.
Sora raised a brow, and then he reached out and took the present. He looked at it for a moment and then carefully took off the cloth. It blazed with light when his eyes first lay upon it. It was a finely crafted keyblade. It was almost all black, save little lines that were designed into it. All the lines eventually made a Heart with thorns around it. And that was in silver. The handle was cold, but fulfilling. It was the best keyblade he had ever seen. He had to stop himself from drooling. He then looked up to Donald and Goofy who were both smiling. He then ran down and tackled them playfully.
"I LOVE YOU GUYS! I'LL MISS YOU!" He got up before they could say anything. He ran into the ship with his new Keyblade, not wanting to turn to look at them.
"BYE SHORA!!" Donald yelled.
"WE'LL MISS YOU!" Goofy yelled.
Sora hit the button to close the bay as a tear rolled off of his cheek.
"I'll miss you too." he spoke softly to himself. Cloud and Squall were already buckled in, and Sora walked to the pilots seat, and sat down.
"I hope you two are ready."