It had been months since Riku and Hakujou had parted ways with Mickey and the others in that forested world. He and the Shadow had travled through several other worlds and had still not come across Sora. His connection to the Heartless was a little stronger now that he had been letting Hakujou feed off of his energy. What he felt from the other Heartless worried him. Nobody was big and it was after Sora. The Heartless of the other worlds hadn't paid much attention to him till he'd began clearing those worlds of them. Hakujou had told him that the Heartless felt he was one of them, but word would spread quickly that he was attacking them. Riku had ignored the warnings the Shadow had given him, and was determined not to let the other worlds suffer the hordes of Heartless.
Riku had also found out the two keychains were rather helpful. He had linked Kairi's star keychain to the keyblade Mickey had given him and linked the key chain Hakujou had given him to his own keyblade. The power the keychains had leant to the weapons were incredible. Oblivion, his own keyblade, had become a deadly instrument of pain and anguish to any Heartless Riku fought, while the Oathkeeper could unlock any barrier. Riku thought it was only fitting that the keyblade that would lead him back to Sora should bear Kairi's good luck charm.
The town they had come to seemed to be a pretty good resting place. Riku was tired from his travels and he could sense Hakujou was getting antsy to be fed. Walking through the town, the young man could feel the odd stares. He had grown use to the mixed feelings of fear and admiration the dwellers of the many worlds had for him. He walked through the doors of the hotel and up to the desk, then rang the bell. A thin, snobbish-looking man walked up to the desk from the backroom.
"Yes?" the man asked, looking Riku over.
"I'd like a room for the night," the young man answered. The thin man smirked.
"Surely you're joking. We only allow upstanding citizens to stay here, not dirty travelers like yourself," the manager answered. "Besides, I doubt you could afford our prices anyway. Move along."
"I can afford the room, but the service isn't worth the price," Riku grumbled, leaving. Once outside, he smiled a bit at the shocked expression the man had had. He looked up and down the street and saw a tavern. He looked over his shoulder, murmuring softly. "Hakujou, maybe the tavern will have rooms we can stay in."
You'll need to find somewhere to rest soon, Riku. I'm hungry and its getting rather hard to fight the urge to attack people, the Shadow replied in Riku's mind. The young man nodded, walking to the tavern. He opened the door and made his way to the bar. Sitting on a stool, he motioned to the bartender.
"What can I do for you, young sir?" the pudgy man behind the bar asked.
"I need a room for the night, but the hotel deemed themselves too good for travelers," Riku answered.
"It's a wonder they stay in business," the bartender commented. "Well, we have a few rooms we rent out. They're not much, but they're a warm bed and roof over your head for the night."
"Sounds perfect," the young man answered, feeling Hakujou move against his back where it hid in the bag. "How much?"
"Is thirty a fair price for you?" the heavy man asked. Riku nodded and laid a few crystals on the bar. The bartender picked them up and waved a barmaid over.
"Tia, show the young man to one of the empty rooms, will you?" the bartender said, motioning to Riku. The girl nodded and gestured for the young man to follow. Riku got up and walked up the stairs after the girl. She led him to a room and unlocked the door, then gave him the key. Riku walked in and looked around, then looked back at the girl and nodded. She smiled at him and started to leave, till Riku called her.
"Tia, wasn't it?" Riku asked. The girl nodded and the boy smiled. "I don't suppose I could have dinner brought up, could I? I haven't eaten yet either."
The girl nodded and made a set of wild gestures. Riku raised an eyebrow, confused by this.
"I'm sorry. I don't understand," he said. The girl nodded and held up her hand, motioning a bit, then looked around and walked to the desk in the room. She wrote something down on the paper there and handed it to Riku. He looked it over, understanding now. "I didn't know you couldn't talk, sorry. I'll have whatever you feel like bringing up here. Just knock when you come back up."
The girl smiled and left, shutting the door. Riku sighed and removed the backpack, setting it on the bed, then removed his jacket and sat down next to the bag. He prodded Hakujou's hiding place gently and the Shadow came out, looking around. The young man removed his shirt and lay back against the headboard. He had grown quite accustomed to feeding the little Heartless, even though he still wasn't found of the proceedure. It did however give him a chance to tap into the connection Hakujou had with other Heartless and get information, hoping to find something about where Sora might be. The Shadow hopped over and lay on his chest. He felt the sharp pain as the creature tapped into his energy, then the soothing flow of it feeding from him. He sighed, putting an arm around the Heartless.
"You know, one of these days, I'm going to have to just adopt you," Riku chuckled. He felt the Shadow's laughter in his mind and closed his eyes, relaxing. He had gained trust for the small creature, knowing it didn't mean any harm to him. He let his mind wander across the connection with the other Heartless, searching for Sora. He had started to be able to use the connection on his own, thanks to his bond with Hakujou, but during the feedings, the connection was much stronger. Riku felt a small trace of Sora on a far-off world and smiled. He hadn't found his friend, but just knowing there was something of him there to follow let him know that Sora was still alive and well.
He opened his eyes and looked down at Hakujou, then rubbed the Shadow's back gently. The creature had become something more than a companion to him. It was a friend, an advisor, and, sometimes, much like a child to him. The Heartless was better company than King Mickey had been, anyway, even if the bond with it did put him in more danger of turning back to darkness. Grunting softly at the pain of the creature pulling away, he sat up a bit. He patted the Shadow between its antennae.
"Get enough to eat?" Riku asked. The Shadow nodded. "Good, I think I found a lead, but the world is pretty far from here."
How long will it take to get there? Hakujou asked.
"I'm guessing a few weeks. I know he won't be there, but maybe we can pick up his trail," the young man said. He was about to say more when there was a knock at the door. He got up, pulling his shirt on, and walked to the door. He looked back to make sure the Shadow was hidden, then opened the door. He smiled at Tia and motioned for her to come in. The girl set the tray on the desk and made a gesture. Riku shrugged. "I don't understand."
Tia wrote something down on the paper on the desk and handed it to him. Riku looked at it and nodded. He took out a few munny crystals and handed them to her. She smiled and left, shutting the door. Riku sat down at the desk and looked at the food she'd brought up. Hakujou came out of hiding and hopped up on the desk, then sat down. Riku looked at him.
"Hey, no Heartless on the table," the young man said, poking him. He smiled at the Shadow's laughter ringing in his mind. "So, do you eat people food?"
No, but it does smell nice. I can taste it later in your energy, Hakujou answered.
"Well, yay," Riku remarked dryly. He picked up a fork and dug in. It had been sometime since they had been in a civilized world and Riku was happy for a decent meal. After he finished eating he got up and looked around. Seeing a door across the room, he walked over and opened it, peaking inside. "Alright, a bathroom with running water. Hakujou, we hit the jackpot with this world."
You are so easily amused, Riku, the Shadow said from the bed. Riku smiled at it.
"I could use a shower. You'll be okay by yourself for a bit?" he asked. The Heartless nodded.
I'll just rest in my bag, Hakujou answered. What should I do if someone comes in and gets a bit curious of your belongings?
"Oh, I hadn't thought of that," Riku replied. He picked the bag up and motioned to the Shadow. "Come on, you'll just have to hang out in here till I'm done."
Oh, I'm so thrilled, the creature replied, toddling into the bathroom. The young man shook his head, chuckling, and set the bag down for the Shadow to rest in, then removed his clothes. He walked over and got the shower going and hopped in. Resting against the shower's wall, he let the water run over him, washing away the dirt and grime from his travels. He sighed happily, then moved to wash himself, starting with his hair. He moved his hands down his body, frowning slightly at the dark bruise-like mark that had started to appear on his chest. It didn't hurt, so it couldn't have been from a battle, could it? Riku shrugged and continued washing, then rinsed the soap off and got out of the shower, turning the water off. He toweled off, then wrapped it around his waist and walked over to the backpack. He nudged it with his foot and knealt down.
"Hakujou, wake up," Riku said. "I want to ask you something."
I'm awake, the Shadow replied, not moving in the bag.
"You have any idea where this came from?" the young man asked, tapping the mark on his chest. The Heartless peaked out of the bag with its large white eyes.
What is it? it asked
"I was hoping you could tell me, useless," Riku answered, smirking.
It looks like a bruise, you twit. You probably got it in a fight with other Heartless. Now leave me alone, Hakujou grumbled in the boy's mind. And for crying out loud, get some clothes on.
Riku just chuckled. The creature had picked up a flair for sarcasm and banter lately, that he suspected came from their bond. The boy got up and finished drying off, then got on some clean clothes. He picked the bag up and carried it back out into the room, then set it on the desk. He noticed the tray was gone and in its place was a note in Tia's handwriting. Sitting down on the bed, Riku picked up the note and read it.
"Damn," the young man cursed softly. He reached over and patted the backpack, getting mental grumpiness from the Shadow. "Hey, we're being summoned to appear before the ruler of this world. I need you alert, friend."
Riku put his jacket on, zipping it up, then slung the backpack over his shoulder and left the room. He went downstairs to the bar and talked with the bartender a bit. The man told him to follow Tia and the girl hopped up to him. The young man nodded as she took his hand and led him out the door into the night. He followed her down the winding streets to the castle. Riku looked up at it and barely suppressed a shudder. He wasn't fond of castles now, not after his time in Hollow Bastion. Feeling a tug on his sleeve, he looked at the mute girl who was motioning to follow her. He nodded and walked after her. A few moments of wandering the halls, brought them to a large room with thrones on the far end of it. Riku stood there, trying to sense if there was any danger, but was interrupted by Tia touching his arm. She pointed toward the thrones, then walked away. The young man sighed and walked forward.
"I was wondering when you would find your way here," a feminine voice said from the side. Riku looked over and saw Aurora standing there. "I would have figured you to be dead by now."
"Good evening to you as well, your Highness," Riku grumbled, giving a small bow.
"There's no need for formalities, Riku. What are you doing in my world?" the princess asked walking over to him. "And bringing a Heartless with you at that."
"Hakujou is harmless. Its helping me search for Sora," the young man answered.
"Sora's in good hands with Donald and Goofy. You were suppose to be protecting King Mickey," Aurora replied sharply, sitting in her throne.
"Yeah, real good hands they've got there. They managed to lose Sora in some world or other. The Shadow brought them to me and Mickey. The king left with them and I set out to find Sora," Riku explained.
"And the Heartless?" the young woman asked, raising an eyebrow.
"It travels with me, alerting me of other Heartless and helping me get information," the boy answered, walking up to the throne.
"You gave over to darkness again," the princess sighed sadly. Riku shook his head.
"No, I won't walk that path again anytime soon. Listen, princess, there's something out there that's bigger than Ansem could have ever dreamed of becoming. Its looking for Sora," he replied.
"What does it want with him?" Aurora asked.
"You got me. All I know is that it wants him and is tearing up other worlds looking for him," Riku answered softly. "I found a trace of Sora in a world that's kind of far from here. We were going to go first thing in the morning."
"Why should I let you leave, Riku? So you could drag your pet Heartless around to other worlds doing who knows what there and leading other Heartless to those worlds? That's right, Riku, you still attract Heartless. I can sense the power you have, boy, and I can sense that you are still part of the Heartless," the princess said, standing up.
"That couldn't be helped," Riku snapped, waving his arm as if to shoo the conversation away where it hung in the air between them.
"You didn't have to give into the darkness, but you did. Your heart is stained with the darkness, and now you're giving into it again by letting that creature not only live but seek nourishment from you. You're not better than Ansem," Aurora accused, standing before the young man. Riku set his jaw, staring angrily back at the woman, his bright green eyes reflecting the torchlight eerily.
"Don't stand there and condemn me, Aurora. You have no idea what I've been through these past few years. You sat here in your pretty little castle on your pretty little throne while I fought my way out of Kingdom Hearts, while I protected the king, while I fought the Heartless that plagued the many worlds that you will never see. I only keep the Shadow with me to help me find Sora, who is out there alone and unprotected. What have you done? Nothing. You sit here and watch over your little world while others are out fighting to keep it and others safe," he shouted. The princess slapped him hard, the sound of it ringing through the large room. The young man looked back up at her. "You strike me only because you know I'm right."
"How dare you come in here and accuse me of doing nothing," the woman said angrily. "I kept the darkness back after you let Ansem release it."
"Don't forget you helped open that door as well, princess," Riku smirked. Aurora glared at him.
"I didn't do it willingly like you did," she snapped. Riku sighed and looked away.
"I was young and stupid then. I was played the fool by Ansem and Malificent. I thought," he sighed again, "I thought maybe Sora would finally notice me again. I was wrong to think he ever stopped caring or that he had forgotten me. We all make mistakes, Aurora, and we pay for them. The stain on my heart is just the start of my atonement. I know that I can't save our worlds alone. I need Sora, I need to find him and help him save us."
"Riku, I'm sorry," the princess said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. The young man looked back at her, eyes searching hers for the understanding he now heard in her voice. "If you need anything, just ask."
"I don't need anything other than your forgivness for what I did and your understanding for what I'm doing now," Riku answered.
"You have both, then," Aurora replied. "You're welcome to stay here at the castle. I'll have the treasury pay you back the munny."
"No offence, princess, but castles really creep me out now after my stay at Hollow Bastion," the young man answered. The princess chuckled softly.
"Then will you stay and talk a bit with me?" she asked. Riku shook his head.
"I don't think there's anything more to discuss and I'm tired. I'd like to just go back to the hotel," he replied. Aurora pouted a little, but nodded.
"You'll at least come by to let me know when you're leaving my world, won't you?" she asked.
"Yeah, I'll come by," Riku said, smiling. Aurora hugged him gently.
"You've grown into a fine young man, Riku. I'm sorry I was so quick to judge," she said. Riku nodded, letting himself relax a bit in her arms. It was nice to be around a familiar person again, even if he wasn't totally accepted by them. He sighed and pulled back.
"Aurora, before I leave, I have a question for you," he asked. The princess nodded and he unzipped his jacket, then unbuttoned his shirt so she could see the bruise-like mark on his chest. "You know what this might be?"
"It looks like a bruise, Riku. Does it hurt?" Aurora asked, touching the place with her fingertip. Riku shook his head, to which the princess made a skeptical face. "I'm not sure, but because of your bond with that Heartless, you may be getting a mark like thiers. Ansem had one, remember?"
"Yeah, but those Heartless were created by Ansem. He marked them to tell them apart from the naturally occuring ones like the Shadows and Darkballs," the young man answered.
"I don't know then, Riku. I figured you'd know a lot about the Heartless," the princess said. Riku shrugged.
"This is new to me," he answered. "I guess I'll just have to go with it and see what happens."
"Be careful, Riku," Aurora replied, touching the boy's silvery hair. "Without you, Sora will be alone."
"I know," Riku sighed. "I'll come by tomorrow to say good-bye."
The primcess nodded and kissed his cheek. He smiled and gave a small bow, then left. He wandered down the halls and found Tia had waited for him by the castle gates. She waved at him and motioned for him to follow, which he did. Riku was glad for the guide, feeling he would've gotten lost down all the winding streets in the town. They soon arrived at the tavern and Riku nodded his thanks, giving her a small munny crystal, then headed up to his room. He set the backpack down, then undressed and crawled into bed. He let out a long sigh, happy to finally relax. Riku opened an eye, feeling something land on the bed. Two big white eyes stared back. The young man sighed again and held his arm up, letting Hakujou snuggle against him. He soon fell asleep, plagued by fitful dreams.
In the morning, Riku got dressed and packed. He moved stuff around in the backpack, making a little nest for the Shadow to rest in. After getting the Heartless situated and the backpack on, he went downstairs and had a quick breakfast, then allowed Tia to show him how to get to the castle. The girl waited by the gates again as he went to the audience chamber. He stood in the doorway till he was announced to Princess Aurora. The young woman walked to him and smiled.
"Leaving already?" she asked. Riku nodded.
"I have to find Sora and I'm not doing it by sitting around in your world. Could you do me a favor?" he asked. Aurora nodded. "Could you contact King Mickey for me and tell him that I'm okay and that I have a lead to where Sora might be? I'd really appreciate it."
"Sure, Riku, anything else?" the princess asked. The young man shook his head and gave a small bow again, then left. Once outside, he waves to Tia and motioned that she could go, then gave her another munny crystal. The girl smiled and waved, then ran off down the street. Riku wandered after her in a lazy pace, following his sense of the world's door rather than the girl. Riku hoped Sora was not too far from the world he'd sensed the young man's presence in.