The Darkness Within
Chapter 15: Crash and Burn
Jetta groaned as she opened her eyes to a dark room. She blinked slowly as she looked around, trying to figure out where she was and why her head was killing her. What did she do to get such an annoying, throbbing pain? She closed her eyes to think about it, but everything seemed fuzzy.
"The fight... I... Oh, my head!" Jetta growled as she brought up her hands to her head. Jetta gasped as her eyes shot open. A sudden pain coursed through her arms like lightning causing her to yell out with an ear-piercing scream.
"Jetta's up," Neron commented as he continued to flip channels on the hotel room TV.
"Oh no," Aerith muttered as she dashed back to the girl's room. Riku sat up from his uncomfortable position on the couch and watched Aerith leave with sleep-glazed eyes.
"What was that?" Riku asked with a yawn, rubbing his eyes absently.
"Jetta," Neron answered.
Riku looked over at the others left in the room as they did their own thing without a care in the world. Neron was flipping channels with a stupid look on his face, Cloud was sitting by the open window, gazing out a nothing in particular, and Max still slept peacefully in a chair across the room. What an exciting day this was turning out to be. First he comes close to dying and now this little boring event. Yep some day.
"Don't everyone rush to her aid at once," Riku mumbled as he walked out of the room, stopping outside of Jetta's room.
"Aerith," Jetta whimpered, "My arms-"
"I know, I'm sorry," Aerith apologized, "I couldn't find anything to keep them in place. I was hopping I'd find something before you woke up."
"What's wrong with them?"
"You broke them."
"Broke them?" Jetta nearly shouted before she started to whimper again, "No wonder they hurt so bad."
"I know," Aerith said, "I'm going to go get Botan to help heal you a little more, okay. Just stay here and don't move."
"Don't worry, I wont," Jetta muttered before Aerith left the room. Riku watched as Aerith walked off before he entered Jetta's room.
"Hey, Jetta," Riku said softly as he walked up to her bed.
"Hi, Riku!" Jetta said with a small smile, "How are you?"
"Better then you." Jetta couldn't help but crack a smile.
"Everyone's better than me."
"Yeah, I guess."
"What happened to your arm?" Jetta asked, noticing the bandages under his tank top; she had to resist the urge to point at it.
"Oh, nothing big. Kado just stabbed me, that's all," Riku said, "Can I have a seat?"
"Nothing big?" Jetta questioned, "Are you nuts? That sounds more than nothing! Oh, and yeah, have a seat." Riku faintly smiled at the girl as he took a seat on her bed.
"Okay, so it's nothing much now," Riku admitted, "But I have Botan to thank for that."
"Botan?" Jetta questioned, "Aerith said she was going to go get here. What is it that she can do?"
"Not sure," Riku said, "I think it's a curative spell. I've heard about it before. Yukina and Aerith know how to use it too."
"If Aerith knows it then why does she need to get Botan?"
"Magic only lasts for so long, Jetta. I figured you of all people would know that," Riku spat, "Besides, Aerith used it all up on trying to heal you."
"You mean she used up all of her magic and I'm still in this pitiful state?"
"Not only Aerith, but Yukina too."
"Man..." Jetta whispered as she looked up at the ceiling, "I can't believe I survived that fall. Come to think of it, I don't even remember how I survived."
"You don't remember?"
"No, nothing," Jetta answered, "The last thing I remember was when I started to fall."
"Really?" Jetta gave him a small nod.
"Could you fill me in on the details?"
"Sure. You see I think what you did was you used the air's friction to spark a flame around you. Then once you came into the stadium you used that fire like a rocket and shot back into the arena," Riku said, "I think the main thing that saved you was that you took out Kado and slammed him into the wall, softening your blow."
"Wow! I wish I could remember doing that," Jetta said before she paused briefly, "Oh my gosh! I almost forgot! Did we win?"
"Yep, two to one."
"Who lost?"
"Max and Neron." Jetta smiled.
"I'm gonna have to get onto them about that," Jetta said, "So when's the next round start?"
"What?" Riku asked from surprise, "You're not even healed from the last battle and already you want to start another? I think you hit that wall a little to hard."
"I'm only curious," Jetta laughed, "So when is it?"
"In four days," Riku answered, "They have to fix all the damage. That reminds me..."
"What?" Jetta asked when he didn't continue.
"We can't stay."
"What?" Jetta yelled, "Why not?"
"There are other worlds that need to be saved."
"But what about this world?"
"There doesn't seem to be any heartless here," Riku said, "I think it's safe, for now."
"But what if we wont come back in time for the next round?" Jetta asked, "We'll get disqualified."
"That's a risk we'll have to take."
"What are we going to tell the others?"
"That we're going back to our other camp members," Riku said, "We've already told Cloud and Aerith that so don't worry about it."
"But-"
"We're leaving tomorrow morning," Riku said as he stood.
"Isn't there another way?"
"I'm sorry," Riku said before he left, passing Botan by in the hall. Max watched, now awake, as Riku sat back down on the couch.
"Did you tell her?" Riku gave the dog a head nod, "I guess she didn't take it to well?"
"Not really," Riku answered as he glanced around the room, "Where did Neron go?"
"Said he needed some fresh air," Max said, "I think he's a little disappointed about leaving as well, or at least he seemed that way." Riku frowned as he stood and started to walk out.
"Where are you going?" Max asked, but he didn't get a reply from the boy. Max let out a heavy sigh before he slumped down in his chair.
"What am I supposed to do if you guys don't come back in time?" Cloud asked as he turned his gaze from the window to Max.
"I'm sure we'll be back in time," Max assured, "I mean all we have to do is basically lie to our camp members about where we were, no big deal."
"... You may fool the others with that story, but not me," Cloud spat, "I know you're going to other worlds, I knew it when I saw that Neron kid's weapons. They're Keyblades, and you can't fool Aerith either. We both know about the other worlds."
"W-what?" Max stuttered, "But how-"
"Cause we're both from another world as well."
"But how do you know about the Keyblades?"
"I once knew a boy who had a Keyblade of his own," Cloud said, "I could spot that odd shaped weapon anywhere."
"Are you talking about Sora?"
"... Yeah, how do you know about him?"
"My father's with him and I'm supposed to go out and find him, maybe even help," Max replied, "Have you seen him."
"Last I saw of him was around a year ago."
"That's what everyone's been telling me," Max said with a heavy sigh.
"I'm sure you'll find him." Max turned to smile at the man, but he had already turned his attention back to the window.
"How are you feeling, Jetta?" Botan asked with a cheery smile.
"I'm okay," Jetta sighed.
"...You don't sound okay," Botan commented, "Is something bothering you." Jetta let out another sigh before she looked up at Botan with sad eyes.
"Riku says we have to go back to out camp members, you know, so they wont start worrying about us. I'm afraid that we're not going to make it back for our next fight, but Riku doesn't seem to care."
"Not even out of bed and you're already wanting to get into another fight?" Botan asked with a smile, "You remind me of Yusuke."
"Who's Yusuke?"
"Oh he's a friend of mine," Botan said with a smile, "He's in this tournament too."
"Really?"
"Yep, he fought in the first round."
"Oh I saw that one! Which one was he?"
"He fought in the last match-"
"Not the crazy guy with the blue hair, I hope."
"No, no," Botan laughed, "He was the other one."
"He was on Kurama's team."
"You know Kurama?"
"Not really..." Jetta said as she trailed off, "I met him just before we missed the boat. He's really nice."
"Yeah," Botan said, "You need to meet the whole team. I bet you'd get along with some of them quite nicely. To bad you missed them."
"What do you mean?"
"Yusuke got all angry at me when he found out I was helping another team and demanded that I took him to see your team. You missed them by about two hours I'm afraid," Botan said, "Myself I'm surprised you didn't wake up while they were here, as loud as they are."
"I'd love to meet them. They sound fun to be around," Jetta said with a smile, "If I ever come back that is." Once again a frown crossed Jetta's face.
"...Turn that frown upside down, Jetta!" Botan said with a grin as she dug around in her pocket, "I know just what'll cheer you up." Jetta gave Botan a curious look as she pulled out what looked like a compact.
"No offence Botan, but I don't ware makeup."
"Oh no, it's not a compact, it's a communication device," Botan said as she sat it on Jetta's nightstand, "All I have to do is call you on it to tell you when the next rounds are about to start."
"Really?"
"Yep!"
"Oh, Botan, you are the greatest!" Jetta shouted, "If it wasn't for my broken arms I'd hug you about now."
"That reminds me. We better get you healed up," Botan said, "Don't want your little camping buddies getting curious now, do we?"
"No, that wouldn't be very good," Jetta said as she smiled up at the blue haired woman.
Neron sighed as he sat on the hotel's roof, dangling his feet over the edge. His dark blue eyes were full of misery as he looked out at the setting sun. He let out a depressed sigh as he reached into his pocket. After digging around for a minute, he pulled out a small glass ball, almost the exact color of his eyes, and rolled it around in his hand with a small, empty smile on his face.
-----------------------------
"Hey champ! Lets see that trophy of yours," A brown haired boy said once he caught sight Neron walking up to them, "I know you wanna show it off."
"Yes, lets see it," A girl said as she turned excitingly to Neron as he sat down next to her, dangling his feet over the edge of the building.
"It's nothing much," Neron muttered as he fiddled with the trophy in his hands.
"Nothing much," Another boy, with dirty blonde hair, snorted, "Just gloat about it already, would ya."
"Or are you to afraid that you'll hurt our untalented feelings," The brunet boy commented.
"Oh leave him along Kaden!" the girl spat, "If he doesn't want to gloat he doesn't have to, but if he doesn't let me see that trophy in five seconds he's going to have to deal with a very angry Aiko." Neron laughed lightly at Aiko before he handed her the trophy. Aiko smiled as she gladly took the trophy from his grasp to admire it, her brown eyes glistening from the sun's light.
"Looks a little odd if you ask me," The blonde commented before he snatched it out of Aiko's hands.
"Soren!" Aiko shouted, "I wasn't done!"
"What are the little colorful balls for?" Kaden asked as he poked at one, "Are they removable?" Just then he grabbed hold of the green ball and popped it off.
"I guess so," Soren commented dryly.
"You broke it!" Neron shouted.
"It was removable," Kaden snapped back.
"Anything's removable when you get your hands on it," Soren commented causing Aiko to giggle at the two.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kaden shouted, "Are you calling me destructive?"
"If the shoe fits," Soren said before he pulled off an orange ball.
"Hey!" Neron shouted, "Cut it out!"
"I have an idea," Aiko said before she took the trophy away from Soren and pulled off a yellow ball, "We can each have one ball, and they can be a sign of our friendship."
"That's a sissy thing," Kaden commented as he tossed the green ball up in the air a few times, causing Aiko to glare at him.
"Yeah, why not a good luck charm," Soren said as he held his ball out to reflect the rays of the sun, "After all Neron did win this so maybe if we all have one then it'll help us win a trophy too."
"The only trophy you could win would be 'Loser of Twilight Town'," Kaden commented, only to get jabbed in the ribs by Soren. Kaden could only laugh as he scratched at the band around his head, "Maybe you should give him the last ball too, just to make sure he wins something decent."
"Shut up, Kaden!" Soren spat.
"He can't do that," Aiko said as she cut in, "He has to have one too."
"He's got the trophy for crying out loud," Kaden spat, "What more does he need?"
"How about a non-destructive friend," Neron said as he smiled over at Kaden.
"Whatever," Kaden spat, "As far as you know I improved it. They clashed with it anyway."
"You're one to talk about clashing," Soren said as he eyed Kaden's clothes.
"Like you have room to talk, commando," Kaden said as he pulled playfully at Soren's camouflage high waters.
"You two," Aiko laughed as she looked over at Neron, "What are you waiting for, get your charm." Neron smiled at Aiko before he pulled the last ball off.
"Good," Aiko said, "Now we all have a friendship charm, and if any of you lose yours I'm replacing it with your heads." All three boys swallowed heard, knowing she probably would do something like that.
"I though we agreed that a sign of friendship was to sissy?" Kaden stated.
"How about a luck and friendship charm," Neron suggested, "That way everyone can be happy."
"But... it still has friendship in it," Kaden complained.
"Oh shut up Kaden before I give you something important to complain about," Aiko spat as she glared over at the boy, causing the other two blondes to laugh at him.
---------------------------
"What's that?"
"Gah!" Neron shouted as he nearly jumped out of his skin, "Damn it, Riku, don't do that!"
"Sorry," Riku apologized, "I thought you heard me. After all I announced that I found you."
"Oh... well, I didn't hear you then."
"Well...?"
"Well, what?"
"What is that?" Riku asked again as he pointed at the ball in Neron's hand.
"Oh, this?" Neron asked as he held it out for Riku to see, "It's a luck and friendship charm. My other friends from Twilight town have one too... or at least they did."
"It's pretty," Riku commented as he held it up to the sun, making it sparkle.
"Hey, give it back!" Neron shouted as he snatched it from his hand.
"Means that much to you, huh?" Riku asked before he smiled over at the boy, "Did a girl give it to you?"
"No, it came off a trophy I won."
"Really?" Riku asked with a hint of curiosity, "What was the trophy for?"
"An art contest."
"Art?" Riku questioned, "No offence, but you don't look like the art type."
"Would any Keyblade Master look like the art type to you?" Neron asked as Riku fell silent, "I rest my case."
"So what won it?"
"A painting of my friend Aiko," Neron said, "It was one of my best works. I painted her sitting under the shade of a tree in a big open field at sunset. I was even impressed with it myself cause her eyes look so... really."
"So there is a girl?" Neron's face faltered as he turned to Riku.
"She's my friend!"
"Sure," Riku said without the slightest bit of belief in his voice.
"You just think what you want to Riku," Neron spat, "I know the truth, and that's all that matters." Riku fell silent for a moment before he decided to speak up again.
"I'd like to see you draw something sometime."
"I'd love to draw for you, if only I had some paper and a pencil," Neron let out a heavy sight, "Man, I'd kill for my sketchbook about now. I've seen so many things that I could have sketched so far. If only I had my sketchbook, then I'd never forget any of these adventured."
"I doubt you will, but I guess it would be easier to remember if you painted a picture of it in you mind and on paper," Riku said as he turned his gaze to the almost set sun, "So where did you say you were from again?"
"Twilight Town."
"Oh right, you told me that," Riku said with a light laugh at his stupidity, "Does it have a reason for being called that?"
"Yeah, the sun never sets, it's always... well, twilight."
"I guess you really miss it, huh?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, here you are on the roof of the hotel, waiting for twilight I assume." Neron couldn't help but faintly smile.
"I guess I seem a little pathetic then, don't I?"
"I don't blame you," Riku said, "I really miss my home too. Seeing this sun set is just a treat for us both."
"How so?"
"I lived on an island, and everyday I would watch the sun go down on the water like this with my friends."
"I guess we're both pathetic then, huh?" Neron said as he chuckled lightly.
"I guess so," Riku said with a small smile.
"Auron! What a wonderful performance." Hades clapped as Auron walked in, "I give it two thumbs way up for the believable looking loss. You should go into acting."
"I don't like losing on purpose, Hades, so that's the only time I'm doing something like that ever again," Auron growled.
"That's perfectly understandable," Hades said, "Nobody likes to lose, but I do thank you for keeping the little brat occupied while Meg snuck Hercules out of there. It was a real big help."
"Yeah... whatever," Auron muttered, "Now, if you have nothing else for me to do, I think I'll take my leave."
"I have a question," Hades said, stopping Auron before he got the chance to leave, "I noticed you told a little too much to the kid. Why would you do something like that?"
"The boy asked a question, I simply answered."
"You told him about the contract though."
"So?"
"Could it be that you told him in hopes he would help you get your heart back without having to go through with the contract?"
"I don't need help from a little boy!" Auron spat.
"But what about the hero?" Hades asked, "Maybe you thought Hercules could help you so you told the boy thinking he'd tell the hero."
"I don't need help from anyone Hades! If anybody's going to get me out of this contract it's going to be me cause I was stupid enough to agree with it in the first place!" Auron shouted.
"Have it your way," Hades said as he watched Auron walk out.
"What's his problem?" Meg asked as she walked in.
"It's nothing," Hades muttered.
"So you wanted to see me?" Meg asked.
"Yes, my next plan is ready for action," Hades said as he stood from his chair with a smile, "Lets get going my little Meg."
Riku leaned against the boat railing with his head in his hands as he looked out at the rough waters. With a heavy sigh he turned to look at his fellow comrades. He was instantly hit with a wave of sympathy as he watched Max at the other side of the boat, bent over the railing, ready to puke, and a little green in the face. He turned to Neron and watched as he tried to lean against the ship captain's room, but the boat was tossing around so much that it was hard for him to keep his balance; Riku tried not to laugh at this sight.
Then Riku's eyes fell upon Jetta, her back turned to everyone as she leaned against the railing at the ship's stern. Riku frowned thinking the girl was still mad at him for making her leave, so he casually walked up to her. Jetta turned to Riku with a questioning look as he leaned up against the railing right beside her.
"Are you still mad at me?" Riku asked, getting strait to the point, causing Jetta to blink a few times at him before it hit her.
"Mad at you?" Jetta asked with a slight giggle, "No, no. I'm not mad at you anymore. What gave you that idea?"
"Well, you were over here all by yourself," Riku answered, "I thought you might have been ignoring me or something."
"What? Just cause I'm not at your side every waking hour of the day doesn't mean I'm mad at you. People need their space you know," Jetta said before she looked back out at the ocean.
"Is that a hint for me to leave?"
"Oh, no. Sorry, just trying to make it a statement," Jetta laughed sheepishly, "I didn't mean it that way." Riku simply smiled at her before another question popped into mind, causing his expression to change into a serious one again.
"Why aren't you mad at me anymore?" Riku asked, confused at how she got over it so fast.
"Oh!" Jetta exclaimed before she pulled the communicator Botan had given her out of one of her many pockets, "Botan gave it to me. It's a communicator. She said she'd call when the tournament started back up again; that way we can come back on time."
"Were you going to tell me about this?" Riku asked, eyeing Jetta suspiciously.
"Of course I was," Jetta laughed, "I just didn't remember it until now." The two fell silent, and after a moment or two Riku was catching Jetta stealing glances at him.
"What do you keep looking at?" Riku asked, causing the girl to blush.
"It's stupid, really," Jetta muttered.
"About me?"
"Uh... kinda..."
"What is it?" Riku watched as Jetta looked around at anything but him as she tried to avoid the question.
"So what kind of world do you think we will be going to next?"
"Jetta," Riku growled, "Answer the question."
"Well... okay, but it's stupid-"
"We went over that, Jetta."
"Is that really your natural hair color?" Jetta asked quickly.
"W-what... oh," Riku began to chuckle at the girl before he turned to look out at the ocean.
"Well...?"
"Yeah, it's natural."
"Really?"
"Yeah," Riku said as he gave her a questioning glance, "Why?"
"I've just never seen anyone with silver hair... well, a young person with silver hair, old people don't count. After all my grandmother- Never mind. I'm just rambling now."
"So I noticed." Jetta couldn't help but lightly laugh.
"Then stop me next time."
"Okay, anything to get you quiet-"
"Hey!"
"I'm only joking," Riku said as he backed away, holding his hands up in defense, "Don't take it so personal." Jetta growled before she leaned against the railing once again.
"Anyways... This is another stupid thing, but I want to call you silver now, cause of your hair."
"What?" Riku laughed, "You're joking, right?"
"No, I'm dead serious."
"What's wrong with my real name?"
"Nothing, I just like giving people nicknames," Jetta said, "So can I call you Silver?"
"What if I don't like that nickname?" Jetta let out a heavy sigh.
"It doesn't matter cause I'm gonna call you Silver anyway."
"Then why did you ask if you could?"
"To be nice."
"Fine. You just be that way, Copper."
"Copper?" Riku smiled as he took a lock of her hair in his hand, "My hair isn't copper."
"Yeah, and mine isn't silver," Riku said sarcastically.
"Whatever, Silver."
"Okay, Copper." The two smirked at each other as the boat came to a stop.
"I call shotgun!" Jetta shouted as she ran off the boat, causing the other two boys to sigh.
"That's not far!" Neron shouted, "I haven't got to ride up front yet!"
"You snooze you lose," Jetta said with a smile.
"Okay, lets get going," Max said as he started the Gummi ship.
"Um... Max?" Jetta asked, giving the dog a skeptical look, "Are you sure you're up to it, I mean you still look a little pale."
"Well, nobody else can fly a Gummi ship, so I guess it'll have to be me."
"You can teach me," Jetta said with a smile.
"Hell no!" Neron shouted from the back, "Putting her at the wheel is like a death wish for us all."
"Oh shut up, Neron, like you could do better!" Jetta huffed.
"I can drive it," Riku said, popping into the conversation.
"Really?" Max asked, in a non-believing way, "Then what is this button for?"
"Turbo," Riku answered without hesitation before Max pointed to another one, "Activating the shield." Riku then stood behind Max's seat and started to point at buttons himself.
"That one in for missiles. That's for warping. This is for casting out the arms to grab useful items floating around, and that's-"
"Okay, you've proven yourself, but do you know how to drive it, right?" Max asked.
"Of course I do, all you need to do is turn the wheel, I mean it's not like it's the hardest thing in the world to do," Riku commented.
"Okay," Max said as he stood from the seat. Jetta and Neron both gave Riku a worried glance before they buckled up quickly.
"You act like I'm going to kill you," Riku laughed as he put the ship into gear.
"Knowing what the ship can do and driving it are two completely different things," Jetta spat, "I think we should wait for Max to get feeling better before we leave. That way he can drive."
"I second that!" Neron said.
"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing," Riku assured before they zoomed off into space, much faster than what Max would have done.
"I'm now wishing I never called shotgun," Jetta muttered as she clung to her seat for dear life.
"I'm not that bad," Riku growled as he shot Jetta a glare from the corner of his eye.
All three squirmed uncomfortably in their seats as the Gummi ship whizzed past many objects, missing them my inches and some maybe even centimeters. The worst of the three was Jetta, by far, since she was up front and center and could see everything that Riku dodged. Each object they passed Jetta would let out a small noise of discomfort, close her eyes, or winching at the closeness.
"Would you cut that out," Riku growled, dodging another rock.
"I can't help it!" Jetta spat, "Maybe if you'd slow it down and get some distance between the rock and the ship I'd feel a little better!"
"I don't see what's you're problem, I mean it's not like I've hit anything yet," Riku muttered, "I told you I know what I'm doing." Jetta simply flinched in her seat when they passed another rock.
"Exactly when was the last time you flew one of these?" Jetta asked.
"Well, I was stuck in Kingdom Hearts for a year, remember?"
"Oh God, save me," Jetta moaned, bringing a hand up to rub her temples, only to be clutching the seat a moment latter when Riku dodged another floating rock.
"You're going to fast." Max stated from the back seat.
"You heard him, slow down!"
"Leave me alone I know what I'm doing!" Riku shouted as he turned to glare at Jetta.
"Riku!" Neron shouted from the back seat. Riku did a sharp turned, hitting the wing against a rock causing the ship to do a flip before it returned to its normal course.
"I think I'm going to be sick," Max commented as he held his stomach.
"Please be sick in the other direction," Neron said as he tried to scoot away from Max.
"Eek! Riku! Look out!" Jetta screamed as he just barely missed another rock, "Keep your eyes in front of you at all times please!"
"I know what I'm doing!" Riku spat, just barely missing another rock, swerving through space at a fast speed, missing other rocks by mere inches.
"Riku, please slow down," Neron muttered, "I think it would make us all feel a little better about this trip."
"Seriously, Riku, slow down, I think that's a world," Jetta said, panic in her voice, but he didn't slow down, "Riku, slow down!"
"I know what I'm doing!" Riku growled as he slowed the ship down, but not enough. Riku continued to slam on the break but now the world's gravitational pull already had the ship in its grasp.
"We're gonna crash!" Neron shouted before everyone braced themselves for an impact with the peaceful looking world.
Sora sighed as he sat on a rock, looking out at the ocean, with his head in his hands, as he tried to ignore Hercules rant about his day with Meg. Surprisingly he was able to completely zone him out as he watched the ocean's water ripple and sparkle with reflections of the stars high in the sky. Something about the ocean just easing his mind and relaxed him. He would bet anything that if the world was about to explode he wouldn't know about it or wouldn't care cause he was to busy staring out at the water.
"What's up with Sora?" Donald asked as he looked from the boy to his odd companion Goofy.
"Beats me," Goofy answered with a shrug.
"I'll be darned if I have to listen to this hero one more minute talk about this Meg girl," Donald said irritably as he tapped a webbed foot, "After all Sora was the one who was bugging him about when they arrived, and when the hero finally opens up Sora doesn't wanna hear about it."
"Maybe he remembered something, and is just concerned about it for the moment," Goofy suggested.
"He doesn't look like he's in deep concentration," Donald said, letting out a low growl, "I should zap him and force him to listen to Hercules."
"Don't do that," Goofy said as he placed a gloved hand on Donald's wand, "Let's just leave him alone. Somethin' could be bothering him and you might just make it worse."
"Whatever..." Donald muttered as he walked off. Goofy took one last look at the boy before he followed the duck out of the training part of the island and into Phil's house to rest. Phil caught sight of the two leaving and smiled thinking it was a good idea as well.
"Hey Herc!" Phil shouted as he looked back at the hero, "As much as I wanna hear about your day slaking off, I think I'm gonna go hit the hay. I'm bushed."
"Sure thing Phil," Hercules said as he continued to lift waits, his smile never leaving his face, "I'm gonna continue working out a little more before I call it a night."
"Okay," Phil said as he turned to walk away, a bright smile on his face knowing he finally got away. Hercules looked around for anyone else he could talk to and eventually found Sora sitting on a rock at the edge of the island.
"Is something bothering you, Sora?" Hercules asked as he looked over at the boy, but he didn't reply, "Sora?" Hercules dropped his set of waits and started to walk over to the boy, but Hades appeared before him in a puff of black smoke.
"Hades," Hercules growled, "I don't have time for you so why don't you just leave."
"Don't worry, I'm a real fast talker so I'll be out of your hair in a second," Hades said as he approached Hercules, "You see I've got this little plan... but lets call it a real estate deal, and you see you somehow manage to constantly get in my why."
"I've done nothing to you," Hercules spat, "What are you taking about?"
"Look, just hear me out okay," Hades said as he draped a arm across Hercules's shoulder, "So I was thinking that maybe you could take the day off, you know, so I can finish this real estate deal."
"I don't think so," Hercules said as he pushed Hades' arm off of his shoulders and started to walk away.
"Not so fast," Hades said as he grabbed Hercules by the arm, "You see, I was expecting you to say something like that, so I brought along someone that might change your mind." Hercules gave Hades a confused look as he snapped his finger, causing Meg to appear before him.
"Meg!" Hercules shouted as he ran to her.
"Don't listen to-" Meg's sentence was cut short by a smoke like substance wrapping around her body and covering her mouth. Just as Hercules reached her she disappeared in a flash, after Hades snapped his fingers yet again.
"Let her go!" Hercules shouted as he turned to the God.
"Here's the deal: You give up your powers for... the next twenty-four hours, and Meg will be set free."
"People are going to get hurt aren't they?" Hercules asked.
"No way... but you know how it is with people, there's always a possibility of them getting hurt. It happens every day, it's a normal thing," Hades said as Meg appeared again, still captured by the smoke, "But what do you owe these people? Isn't Meg more important?" Hades then grabbed Meg by her chin and forced her to look at him.
"Stop it!"
"Isn't she?" Hercules paused as he thought about this, giving the God a skeptical look.
"You have to swear that she'll be safe from any harm," Hercules said.
"Fine. Fine. Meg stays safe otherwise you get your powers back … blah, blah, blah … then the fine print-" Hades rambled as he walked up to Hercules, "Do we have ourselves a deal?" Hades extended his hand for Hercules to shake it, but the hero still didn't seem convinced as he looked back at Meg to find her shaking her head at him.
"Look! I don't have time for this," Hades spat, "Going once. Going twice-"
"Okay," Hercules said as he extended his hand.
"Yes! It's a deal!" Hades shouted as he gladly took the hero's hand. A blue light radiated from their hands as Hercules's power were being drained from his body.
"Hercules!" Sora shouted as he ran up to the two, just now realizing the God was here.
Sora growled at the man as he summoned his Keyblade, preparing to battle. Before Hades had the chance to turn and dismiss the boy, Sora's Keyblade came flying at his head. The God managed to duck out of harms way as the Keyblade continued to spin over his head, blowing out his flame.
"This is a grown up matter, brat!" Hades shouted, angry that his flaming hair had been blown out, "Why don't you be a good little boy and stay out of it!"
Hades' arms turned into smoke as he picked up the set of waits Hercules was using and tossed it at the boy. Sora gasped as the workout equipment slammed into his chest and pinned him to the ground. His Keyblade came soaring back but since Sora wasn't able to catch it it slid across the ground, stirring up some dust.
"Sora!" Hercules shouted as he stood from the ground but stumbled a bit.
"You man feel a little queasy, but don't worry it's how your supposed to feel now... weak and helpless," Hades said with a grin as he walked over to Meg, "Meg, a deal is a deal. You're free." With that said the smoke around her body vanished.
"Isn't Meg just a fabulous little actress?" Hades asked as he pulled her off the ground.
"Stop it!" Meg spat as she tried to push away from him.
"What do you mean?" Hercules asked.
"You see, Meg here was working for me all along," Hades said as Meg finally pushed free from his grasp.
"No! I didn't mean to... I-I ... I'm so sorry," Meg whispered as a tear rolled down her cheek as Hercules turned his back to her.
"Well, this is all lovely but now that the preliminary are over with, I'm onto the main even!" Hades shouted with glee as a chariot being pulled by a black dragon appeared.
Without another word he flew off leaving a heart broken hero and damsel, a Keyblade master pinned under a barbell, and three of their friends who have no idea what was happening just outside. Hades grinned, baring all of his pointed teeth knowing nothing in the world could stop him now, not even his dear brother Zeus.
Sora: Man, Riku, you suck at driving. ((Laughs))
Riku: ((Glares)) Hey, you crashed into deep jungle on the game.
Sora: ((Shocked)) That was purely accidental. Wait... How'd you know about that?
Riku: I was in the game, I know everything that happened. ((Turns and glares at Demon)) I can drive better than that I have you know!
Kairi: Apparently you can't in this story. ((Giggles))
Author: Okay, the reason why I didn't describe the battle was because Auron wasn't even fighting at his best because he was supposed to lose on purpose. So I figured that since Auron wasn't at his best then it was kinda pointless to show the battle... then again that could just be me...
Riku: I think it's just you. ((Demon glares at Riku))
Author: If you didn't notice my new improvement, I have now made flashbacks in italic form. Yay! Just cause it looks cool. That mean I'm gonna have to go back and turn Sora's flashbacks into italic as well...but that's okay... I don't mind. Hey that's fun! Italic! ((Grins)) Anyway, once again I have Riku and the others going to a new world, and you know what that means-
Sora: Cookies!
Kairi: Cookies? o.O
Author: That's right Sora, it's time to play "Guess that world" for more cookies. Yay! So since I really didn't say much about the world Riku's going to, and it wouldn't really be fare to make you guess without knowing anything, I'll say a little bit about it. History question! Okay, so when Columbus first reached America, he found what kind of people? Now forget Columbus, cause he has nothing to do with it, and guess from there. Mind you that this is a Disney world. ((Grins)) Now with that information, guess away!
Sora: Oh! Oh! Demon! Can I read the notes?
Author: Sure thing Sora. ((Hands Sora the notes)) You know the rules Riku. ((Riku walks out of the room))
Iudex Acerbus's note: Yay! I'm glad you thought the last chapter was great. Myself I though it wasn't one of my best chapters but whatever you say. I'm taking your word for it. As for the Dark Tournament thing they will be returning later, but maybe I can help you a little. The main reason all these demons are fighting in the tournament is for a big huge prize, which will be explained later on. Mainly it's just the prize they are all after. Not a very good explanation I know, and I'm sorry about that. ((Pouts)) I'll be explaining a few more things the next time they visit so maybe it might help a little. Anyway thanks for reviewing, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter! ((Grins))
Kajeth's note: Hi yas new reviewer! ((Laughs)) I really wish I was a game designer for KH2. That would be loads of fun, but I'm not. I'm only a fan writing a story based off the game... that doesn't belong to me, but I'm sure I've cleared that up by now. I'm glad you like it so far, and thanks a ton for reviewing. ((Grins))
Zanisha's note: o.O 20 rides with only 5 hours of sleep. I wouldn't be able to take it. I love to sleep, heck, I live to sleep. ((Grins)) But it does sound like you had loads of fun. Man, I feel like I'm in a roller coaster every time I'm in my crazy computer chair too. If you lean back to far in it it'll let gravity take hold... and that's not much fun. I know that happens with every chair but mine you're supposed to lean back in it and the wheels will stay on the ground... but not every time. Amazingly, being the klutz I am, I've only fallen once. Go me! Myself it's been about... two days since I've seen a Disney movie, considering I watch them, sometimes more than once, to get things ready for up coming chapter. You'd be amazed to see how long my notes for this story are on this computer. ((Grins)) Anyway, I'm glad you're liking it and thanks a bunch for reviewing.
Rurouni Saiyan's note: You have a point there about hitting Sora, so I'm not gonna stop you. Myself, I don't hit him because he's nice to me, unlike some people.... ((Cough)) Riku! ((Cough)) Oh, and you're welcome for putting in the detectives. It was no problem whatsoever. ((Grins)) Yes Kurama is a cutie all right, and even cutter in his Yoko Kurama form. ((Drools)) I love the ears, I wanna go up to him and touch them... ((Grins)) So, anyways, thank you very much for reviewing.
Sora: ((Walking around the room dazed from getting hit one to many times)) ....O.O Pretty stars...
MagRowan's note: Oogie Boogie! Yay! He's the coolest, with his big bad redneck accent. ((Laughs)) o.O I would have done something with those two as well, but I don't know, I have a high tolerance level so maybe I could stand it... for and hour or two... ((Grins)) I always like the things you say. It gives me a big boost on my spelling self-esteem. I think I'm gonna go back and check everything you've corrected this week... ((Looks at the list of words)) This may take a while.... but I can do it. ((Grins)) Once again thanks a ton for helping with my spelling mistakes and for reviewing.
Author: You should listen to MagRowan more often Riku. She has smart things to say like: I'm the AUTHOR of this story.
Riku: ((Snorts)) Author... yeah... whatever. ((Gets hit in the head with a pillow)) Cut it out! ((Gets hit again)) How am I even supposed to listen to what MagRowan has to say if you wont let me even read the reviews now cause you're afraid I'll do something to them as well? ((Brings up his hands to block the next attack but Demon doesn't hit him)) o.O
Author: I can't believe I'm about to say this but... you have a point.
Sora and Kairi: o.O ((Gasps)) Riku made a point?
Riku: ((Sweatdrops)) You make it sound like such a big deal. It's not like I haven't done it before.
Author, Sora, and Kairi: When?
Riku: ... Never mind...
Author: Since you have a good point, I have come to the conclusion that you may read MagRowan's reviews, for learning purposes only. At that time you shall be heavily guarded by me, Sora, Kairi, and Shoyru.
Riku: That stupid, dragon stuffed animal?
Author: HE'S NOT STUPID!!! ((Slaps him up side the head)) So shut up! You'll hurt his feelings!
Sora and Kairi: Yeah Riku!
Riku: o.O You people are nuts. ((Walks out of the room))
Author: GOOD! GO! ((Clears throat)) Thanks for stopping by my wonderful reviewers. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I hope to see you again. ((Grins as she waves good-by))