Half-Heartless
(AN: You Storm fans are going to kill me for writing this chapter. OO;)
Chapter Seven
"Okay Cid! Great, thanks!" calls Sora as he walks out of the store. In his hands he carries a large book that is dusty, its pages yellow and peeling with age. The Keybearer bends down to me. "Hold this, will you?"
I gently grasp it, afraid to touch it for fear it might fall apart. Donald scowls. "I don't see how you can trust them so much. They ARE Heartle-"
"Donald, we're in public!" scolds Sora. Goofy chimes in, "Yeah, if everyone knew they were... what they are... they would freak."
I sweep my gaze across the innocent, content citizens of Traverse Town. So kind. Lulled into a false sense of security, when really the Heartless were planning to seek out the keyhole and destroy the world's core. Then the world would disappear. I stand back and admire the civillized beauty of Traverse Town. All of this down the drain.
"Hey, are you guys okay with waiting? I gotta go to the Item Shop and buy some potions and ethers." states Sora. I'm not listening. As always, I'm questioning my existence and my purpose.
I sit on the steps while Sora walks into the Item Shop. It'll be awhile until he comes out, because Donald's gone in there with him and arguing with his nephews. I smile to myself. Donald, a short-tempered duck that loves to argue. He would make a good lawyer. Well, scratch that. He'd need to learn how to control his attitude before getting interested in law.
"Isn't it nice?" asks Storm. I nod and start to laugh quietly when I hear Maria struggling with Mel back in the alley where Sora first came to Traverse Town.
"Would you just let me go??!"
"Heck no! You might go off and tell everyone we're here!"
"I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHO YOU ARE OR HOW YOU CAN TALK TO ME!!!"
"Storm, the day we beat Stealth Sneak..." I begin. Storm turns his head to me and nods, motioning for me to go on. Should I tell him about my dream? "I had this wierd dream in the morning..."
"I love it when people have dreams and tell me about them. Go on, go on!" Maria calls. When I look back, I see she's somehow managed to get Mel inside a small crate.
Feeling confident around my friends, I grin. "Well anyway... I was in this big funhouse-like plae with all these mirrors. When I looked in one of them, I saw this human girl! I think it was my human form."
I notice that Maria and Storm are now completely into the story and interested. They're both leaning closer to me.
"I went up to it and touched it, and suddenly the reflection was of Heartless me again, except that I had glowy red eyes and dragon wings. It reached out and pulled me in," my voice lowers to a whisper, "And then I couldn't see or breathe or hear or do anything..."
"I'm back!" interrupts Sora, though the interruption was quite unintentional, I'm sure, "We just had a couple problems. Donald thought the prices were too high."
Donald looks rather cross, but there are a number of scorch marks on him. "Well, they are! I was just trying to knock some sense into their heads. But it turns out the whole magic thing runs in the family..."
Maria giggles. The three of us walk over to Sora, and the whole lot of us sets off. I slowly open the book. Most of the pages have been torn out. There are a lot of pictures. Wait, did that tree's leaves just blow in the wind? I shake my head. I must be hallucinating... I shut the book, a lot less gently than the way I opened it. A note flutters out. I pick it up, but it's smudged and illegible. I tuck it in the pocket of my rain coat.
When we enter the second district again, no Heartless appear. It's quiet. The silence is nerve-wracking and eerie. Sora jumps down from the ledge, and I follow, but instead of jumping, I fall into the fountain. There's a strange power radiating from the water. When I turn around and look at the picture, the temperature raises slightly and my half-heart begins beating wildly.
"Des, you coming?" shouts Storm. I topple out of the water and run to catch up. I leave wet footprints behind me. The book is wrinkled from getting water on it, but it'll be okay.
The six of us (seven if you count Mel) travel down a narrow passageway. There's a door at the end, with a sign above it that reads, "3rd District". Why does this all seem vaguely familiar? Does it have something to do with my past? I search through my mind, but the memories have, sadly, faded. I shift the book under one arm and shove the other in my pocket. My claws enclose around the note.
We enter the third district. I peer over the railing at the area below. It's beautiful. My hand unintentionally draws the piece of paper from its former resting place. I'm too afraid to look at it. I tag along behind Sora, thoughts running through my head. Fragments of my past life; a picture of Shawn, the "Last Day", titles of stories I'd written, even the chorus of a song from choir.
My thoughts are interrupted by the sounding of warping Heartless. Air Soldiers dot the air and Soldiers cover the ground, occaisional magic Heartless whizzing past our heads. Storm, Maria, and I run into a path with a door at the end, where's it dark. We can hide there. Donald blasts a Soldier; Sora takes down the winged opposers. Goofy rams into a Yellow Opera.
"I don't like this," whispers Maria, her voice broken. I hug her and my friend buries her face into my shoulder as I keep my eyes on the battle. The Bouncywild looks and winces when Sora runs his Keyblade through another Air Soldier.
I turn around and look at Storm. His eyes are closed, and it looks as if he has no eyes at all. "Is something wrong, Storm?"
"Huh? No, it's nothing," the Air Pirate replies, shaking his head and opening his eyes. I worriedly gaze at him for a moment, then turn back to see that Sora, Donald, and Goofy have already destroyed the entire wave.
Sor walks up to the door and tries it out. "It's locked, but I think I can figure this out." He points his Keyblade at it and unleashes a blast of Fire. The flame symbol glows bright red.
The Keyblade master tries it again. Amazingly, the door is unlocked. Everyone follows him through, but I lift the note up to my face and pause. My hands shake as I open the folded paper. My eyes widen as I discover that the water washed away to smudge and the ink is perfectly clear.
[Today, I lost my entire family in the fourth district to the Heartless. I've fled to the safety of the first district. But I know it won't last long. They're after me. And I shall lose my heart soon too.]
"Destiny, come ON," grumbles Maria, hulling Mel's box behind her, and grabbing my arm with the other. She drags me through the door and into a dark lakeside area. My grip loosens and I drop the note.
It was a diary entry. And the sheer sadness of it made me want to break down in tears. A lone child, lost in the world, orphaned. Without a hand to grab onto when frightened. No one to protect when attacked by the Heartless. Who was this child? While I'm leaping across the rocks, zigzagging, twisting and turning, I see Storm sitting on the edge of the island. Next to a small house. He's looking into his reflection.
Finally I reach the islet. Storm sees us and silently rises to his feet. Without a word, he tugs his hood down further over his face and follows Sora, who's gone behind the house. I worry about him. He's been acting a bit depressed ever since when came to Traverse Town. And he's been quiet. It's not like Storm to be that way.
Maria left Mel's crate on the shore. The situation is hilarious, as I can hear Mel's cries of protest. But I'm so concerned that I only chuckle. There really IS something wrong here.
"Storm, are you going inside?" I ask. Storm's sitting on the other side of the island, once again staring down at his reflection. I'm holding open a curtain, which covers up the back entrance, since the front door is locked. My friend shakes his head.
I walk over and sit down beside him. The Air Pirate lowers his head. "Destiny, go inside with the others. I'm not exactly feeling myself today."
"No," I sternly reply, "I'm staying out here with you. We need to talk. I can tell that you haven't been feeling very good all day. You seem depressed."
"I told y-" begins Storm. Then he stops and puts his head in his hands. "Go inside, Destiny. Go inside with the others."
"But-"
"Go!"
I've never heard Storm yell before. Shocked, I scramble to my feet and reluctantly walk to the curtain. I give him a glance of worry before pushing aside the fabric and walking inside.
Sora and the others are talking to a man in a long blue robe and a pointy blue hat. He has a long white beard and glasses. In his left hand he's carrying a large briefcase. None of them seem to notice me as I come in, but then Maria turns to me.
"Where's Storm?" she questions urgently.
"Outside," I reply, "In back. He's feeling a little under the weather and wants to stay outside. I'm a little worried about him."
After a brief conversation with Merlin (the stranger), I wander back outside. Storm is still sitting there. He's skipping rocks. I tiptoe closer. Storm swivels around. Startled by the sudden movement, I tumble backwards and stare at my friend. He gives a heaved sigh and turns back around.
"Why aren't you inside?"
"I got bored. So I came outside to see if you were okay." I explain. I get up and brush myself off, then sit down next to Storm. He picks up another rock and throws it.
"It's dangerous out here, you know." he mutters.
I stare at him blankly, confused. "What do you mean? If this is some kind of joke because Mel got out of her box, I could take her down in one blow. She's a Requiem. She doesn't haven't any offensive abilities."
"Mel didn't get out of her box. I know she doesn't have any offensive abilties. Des... I'm sorry..."
"About what?! What are you talking about?!?"
"I knew it would happen eventually. I was wondering what happened to Xavier, now I know." Storm's voice is getting raspy. He tenses and keels over, "I always knew he would aim for the best bait possible..."
"For what? And what are you talking about?!!!" I scream, laying my hand on Storm's shoulder. He's in pain. It hurts to see him like this, especially when I don't know what the cause is.
Storm grabs my hand and pushes me away, then faintly answers, "He's after you."
Suddenly, the Air Pirate relaxes and straightens. He gets up and slides off the raincoat. I watch in shock. Storm turns to me, and I return his gaze. He's coming closer. The Heartless grabs me by the collar of my coat and holds me up, smirking. I scream and struggle.
I hear Maria's war-cry and Storm lets go of me with a growl. Wings spread and the sword is unsheathed as my seemingly diseased friend prepares for battle. Too scared to hurt Storm, no matter what his current state, I back up and watch in horror as Sora, Donald, and Goofy join the battle.
Before the others can weaken him at least half-way, the Air Pirate soars away and out of sight. Maria walks up to me and I embrace her. She returns my hug. I feel so empty. What just happened? This feeling is sickening and hurtful.
"Now," Maria says gently, "Tell me everything he told you."
I pour out the entire conversation to the Bouncywild, and she just listens. "...And then that's when you jumped in and saved me. Thanks."
"You're welcome."
[Author's Note]
Maji: ^^ Yes, Storm is possessed by Xavier. No, Xavier isn't really Ansem... but something very close. I was originally planning to make Xavier some sort of 'Ansem under cover' thing, but decided against it...
Gypsy: Xavier is Anse-
Maji: Shut up, Gypsy. I don't intend on giving away anything else.
Gypsy: ...Why are you smiling?
Maji: I'm not sure.
Gypsy: And I'm absolutely sure it has nothing to do with the half-dead Vivi behind you. --;
[Disclaimer]
*uses a flamethrower on all the lawyers* MWAHAHAHAHA! NO MORE DISCLAIMER! *sees more lawyers* I don't own any trademarked crud! Now leave me be!
Lawyer: Aww, I wanted to kill her...
(AN: You Storm fans are going to kill me for writing this chapter. OO;)
Chapter Seven
"Okay Cid! Great, thanks!" calls Sora as he walks out of the store. In his hands he carries a large book that is dusty, its pages yellow and peeling with age. The Keybearer bends down to me. "Hold this, will you?"
I gently grasp it, afraid to touch it for fear it might fall apart. Donald scowls. "I don't see how you can trust them so much. They ARE Heartle-"
"Donald, we're in public!" scolds Sora. Goofy chimes in, "Yeah, if everyone knew they were... what they are... they would freak."
I sweep my gaze across the innocent, content citizens of Traverse Town. So kind. Lulled into a false sense of security, when really the Heartless were planning to seek out the keyhole and destroy the world's core. Then the world would disappear. I stand back and admire the civillized beauty of Traverse Town. All of this down the drain.
"Hey, are you guys okay with waiting? I gotta go to the Item Shop and buy some potions and ethers." states Sora. I'm not listening. As always, I'm questioning my existence and my purpose.
I sit on the steps while Sora walks into the Item Shop. It'll be awhile until he comes out, because Donald's gone in there with him and arguing with his nephews. I smile to myself. Donald, a short-tempered duck that loves to argue. He would make a good lawyer. Well, scratch that. He'd need to learn how to control his attitude before getting interested in law.
"Isn't it nice?" asks Storm. I nod and start to laugh quietly when I hear Maria struggling with Mel back in the alley where Sora first came to Traverse Town.
"Would you just let me go??!"
"Heck no! You might go off and tell everyone we're here!"
"I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHO YOU ARE OR HOW YOU CAN TALK TO ME!!!"
"Storm, the day we beat Stealth Sneak..." I begin. Storm turns his head to me and nods, motioning for me to go on. Should I tell him about my dream? "I had this wierd dream in the morning..."
"I love it when people have dreams and tell me about them. Go on, go on!" Maria calls. When I look back, I see she's somehow managed to get Mel inside a small crate.
Feeling confident around my friends, I grin. "Well anyway... I was in this big funhouse-like plae with all these mirrors. When I looked in one of them, I saw this human girl! I think it was my human form."
I notice that Maria and Storm are now completely into the story and interested. They're both leaning closer to me.
"I went up to it and touched it, and suddenly the reflection was of Heartless me again, except that I had glowy red eyes and dragon wings. It reached out and pulled me in," my voice lowers to a whisper, "And then I couldn't see or breathe or hear or do anything..."
"I'm back!" interrupts Sora, though the interruption was quite unintentional, I'm sure, "We just had a couple problems. Donald thought the prices were too high."
Donald looks rather cross, but there are a number of scorch marks on him. "Well, they are! I was just trying to knock some sense into their heads. But it turns out the whole magic thing runs in the family..."
Maria giggles. The three of us walk over to Sora, and the whole lot of us sets off. I slowly open the book. Most of the pages have been torn out. There are a lot of pictures. Wait, did that tree's leaves just blow in the wind? I shake my head. I must be hallucinating... I shut the book, a lot less gently than the way I opened it. A note flutters out. I pick it up, but it's smudged and illegible. I tuck it in the pocket of my rain coat.
When we enter the second district again, no Heartless appear. It's quiet. The silence is nerve-wracking and eerie. Sora jumps down from the ledge, and I follow, but instead of jumping, I fall into the fountain. There's a strange power radiating from the water. When I turn around and look at the picture, the temperature raises slightly and my half-heart begins beating wildly.
"Des, you coming?" shouts Storm. I topple out of the water and run to catch up. I leave wet footprints behind me. The book is wrinkled from getting water on it, but it'll be okay.
The six of us (seven if you count Mel) travel down a narrow passageway. There's a door at the end, with a sign above it that reads, "3rd District". Why does this all seem vaguely familiar? Does it have something to do with my past? I search through my mind, but the memories have, sadly, faded. I shift the book under one arm and shove the other in my pocket. My claws enclose around the note.
We enter the third district. I peer over the railing at the area below. It's beautiful. My hand unintentionally draws the piece of paper from its former resting place. I'm too afraid to look at it. I tag along behind Sora, thoughts running through my head. Fragments of my past life; a picture of Shawn, the "Last Day", titles of stories I'd written, even the chorus of a song from choir.
My thoughts are interrupted by the sounding of warping Heartless. Air Soldiers dot the air and Soldiers cover the ground, occaisional magic Heartless whizzing past our heads. Storm, Maria, and I run into a path with a door at the end, where's it dark. We can hide there. Donald blasts a Soldier; Sora takes down the winged opposers. Goofy rams into a Yellow Opera.
"I don't like this," whispers Maria, her voice broken. I hug her and my friend buries her face into my shoulder as I keep my eyes on the battle. The Bouncywild looks and winces when Sora runs his Keyblade through another Air Soldier.
I turn around and look at Storm. His eyes are closed, and it looks as if he has no eyes at all. "Is something wrong, Storm?"
"Huh? No, it's nothing," the Air Pirate replies, shaking his head and opening his eyes. I worriedly gaze at him for a moment, then turn back to see that Sora, Donald, and Goofy have already destroyed the entire wave.
Sor walks up to the door and tries it out. "It's locked, but I think I can figure this out." He points his Keyblade at it and unleashes a blast of Fire. The flame symbol glows bright red.
The Keyblade master tries it again. Amazingly, the door is unlocked. Everyone follows him through, but I lift the note up to my face and pause. My hands shake as I open the folded paper. My eyes widen as I discover that the water washed away to smudge and the ink is perfectly clear.
[Today, I lost my entire family in the fourth district to the Heartless. I've fled to the safety of the first district. But I know it won't last long. They're after me. And I shall lose my heart soon too.]
"Destiny, come ON," grumbles Maria, hulling Mel's box behind her, and grabbing my arm with the other. She drags me through the door and into a dark lakeside area. My grip loosens and I drop the note.
It was a diary entry. And the sheer sadness of it made me want to break down in tears. A lone child, lost in the world, orphaned. Without a hand to grab onto when frightened. No one to protect when attacked by the Heartless. Who was this child? While I'm leaping across the rocks, zigzagging, twisting and turning, I see Storm sitting on the edge of the island. Next to a small house. He's looking into his reflection.
Finally I reach the islet. Storm sees us and silently rises to his feet. Without a word, he tugs his hood down further over his face and follows Sora, who's gone behind the house. I worry about him. He's been acting a bit depressed ever since when came to Traverse Town. And he's been quiet. It's not like Storm to be that way.
Maria left Mel's crate on the shore. The situation is hilarious, as I can hear Mel's cries of protest. But I'm so concerned that I only chuckle. There really IS something wrong here.
"Storm, are you going inside?" I ask. Storm's sitting on the other side of the island, once again staring down at his reflection. I'm holding open a curtain, which covers up the back entrance, since the front door is locked. My friend shakes his head.
I walk over and sit down beside him. The Air Pirate lowers his head. "Destiny, go inside with the others. I'm not exactly feeling myself today."
"No," I sternly reply, "I'm staying out here with you. We need to talk. I can tell that you haven't been feeling very good all day. You seem depressed."
"I told y-" begins Storm. Then he stops and puts his head in his hands. "Go inside, Destiny. Go inside with the others."
"But-"
"Go!"
I've never heard Storm yell before. Shocked, I scramble to my feet and reluctantly walk to the curtain. I give him a glance of worry before pushing aside the fabric and walking inside.
Sora and the others are talking to a man in a long blue robe and a pointy blue hat. He has a long white beard and glasses. In his left hand he's carrying a large briefcase. None of them seem to notice me as I come in, but then Maria turns to me.
"Where's Storm?" she questions urgently.
"Outside," I reply, "In back. He's feeling a little under the weather and wants to stay outside. I'm a little worried about him."
After a brief conversation with Merlin (the stranger), I wander back outside. Storm is still sitting there. He's skipping rocks. I tiptoe closer. Storm swivels around. Startled by the sudden movement, I tumble backwards and stare at my friend. He gives a heaved sigh and turns back around.
"Why aren't you inside?"
"I got bored. So I came outside to see if you were okay." I explain. I get up and brush myself off, then sit down next to Storm. He picks up another rock and throws it.
"It's dangerous out here, you know." he mutters.
I stare at him blankly, confused. "What do you mean? If this is some kind of joke because Mel got out of her box, I could take her down in one blow. She's a Requiem. She doesn't haven't any offensive abilities."
"Mel didn't get out of her box. I know she doesn't have any offensive abilties. Des... I'm sorry..."
"About what?! What are you talking about?!?"
"I knew it would happen eventually. I was wondering what happened to Xavier, now I know." Storm's voice is getting raspy. He tenses and keels over, "I always knew he would aim for the best bait possible..."
"For what? And what are you talking about?!!!" I scream, laying my hand on Storm's shoulder. He's in pain. It hurts to see him like this, especially when I don't know what the cause is.
Storm grabs my hand and pushes me away, then faintly answers, "He's after you."
Suddenly, the Air Pirate relaxes and straightens. He gets up and slides off the raincoat. I watch in shock. Storm turns to me, and I return his gaze. He's coming closer. The Heartless grabs me by the collar of my coat and holds me up, smirking. I scream and struggle.
I hear Maria's war-cry and Storm lets go of me with a growl. Wings spread and the sword is unsheathed as my seemingly diseased friend prepares for battle. Too scared to hurt Storm, no matter what his current state, I back up and watch in horror as Sora, Donald, and Goofy join the battle.
Before the others can weaken him at least half-way, the Air Pirate soars away and out of sight. Maria walks up to me and I embrace her. She returns my hug. I feel so empty. What just happened? This feeling is sickening and hurtful.
"Now," Maria says gently, "Tell me everything he told you."
I pour out the entire conversation to the Bouncywild, and she just listens. "...And then that's when you jumped in and saved me. Thanks."
"You're welcome."
[Author's Note]
Maji: ^^ Yes, Storm is possessed by Xavier. No, Xavier isn't really Ansem... but something very close. I was originally planning to make Xavier some sort of 'Ansem under cover' thing, but decided against it...
Gypsy: Xavier is Anse-
Maji: Shut up, Gypsy. I don't intend on giving away anything else.
Gypsy: ...Why are you smiling?
Maji: I'm not sure.
Gypsy: And I'm absolutely sure it has nothing to do with the half-dead Vivi behind you. --;
[Disclaimer]
*uses a flamethrower on all the lawyers* MWAHAHAHAHA! NO MORE DISCLAIMER! *sees more lawyers* I don't own any trademarked crud! Now leave me be!
Lawyer: Aww, I wanted to kill her...