A/N: Here we go with the revised edition of "The Journey Continues"
Have fun everyone....
blah= Driger to Rei
/blah/ = Rei to Driger
Disclaimer: Same as before
Chapter 1
Time Unknown
"Ow, my head." Tyson groaned as he slowly came too. His eyes slowly opened. A stone wall greeted him.
What the-?!
Tyson sat up. Big mistake. Dizziness washed over. He cursed under his breath, until it went away. Finally, he managed to stand up without a problem. The dragon tamer looked around curiously. Somehow, he was standing in an alley of some sorts. Boxes and barrels lined the dirty, narrow street. All around him were the unconscious bodies of the other beyblade teams. Minus Rei, that is.
"Wake up you guys!" Tyson yelled. His yelling effectively woke the others up. "Not so loud Tyson." Max whimpered, rubbing his throbbing head. "Sorry." Tyson mumbled.
"Where are we?" Kevin asked as he finally looked around. "I'm not sure." Kenny mused. Mariah froze and looked around frantically. "Guys? Where's Rei?" She questioned, a hint of panic was in her voice.
"Hey, I think he's waking up." Said a soft male voice. "You have the knack for stating the obvious Ranma." Grumbled a rich, deep voice. Rei groaned as he slowly opened his eyes.
Pale bluish white met stormy bluish grey and ruby red.
"Ack!" Rei leapt back in shock. He realized he was looking at two teenagers his age. Both were watching him with amusement dancing in their eyes. The one with bluish grey eyes grinned widely.
"Hi there, my name's Ranma, nice ta meetcha!" He said cheerfully.
And the one with the ruby red eyes gave a small smile. "And I am Yami. May I ask what is your name?"
Rei blinked. "It's Rei Kon."
Rei got a good look at the two teenagers. Ranma was tall, nearly as tall as he was. Ranma had thick, shiny black hair which was tied back into a pigtail. He wore a red silk Chinese shirt, black silk tunic pants and flat black fighting slippers.
Yami on the other hand, was a bit more unusual. Yami was only five feet in height with a very strange hair style. It was spiked up black with vibrant blood red tips and golden blond lightning shape bangs framing his sharp Asian face. He wore a skin tight black leather top, dark blue jeans which clung to his lean figure, black boots, a leather collar around his neck and hanging around his neck on a thick tan cord was a three dimensional gold pyramid with a strange eye symbol on it.
Rei's sharp eyes zoned in on the card deck holder that was tied to Yami's belt. Very curious indeed.
"Let me guess, you're world was destroyed by the darkness?" Ranma asked suddenly. Rei gave a reluctant nod. Not really wanting to tell them his world had already been destroyed years ago. Hm, now time to figure out which world he was in.
Rei looked around and paled. Right now he was standing in the middle of an old fashioned stone court yard. To his right and left were two old fashioned steel lamps. The kind that hasn't been seen since the eighteen hundreds.
On the far left was a café and he recognized the gypsy woman in the pale green dress that was casually leaning against one of the café's pillars. Connecting to the café was a familiar shop with the word "Items" in bright glowing green letters. Up in front of the steps was a two story building with the neon words "Accessory Shop" flashing brightly.
No way.
Somehow he was standing in Traverse Town. The same way it stood when he first started out in his battle against the Heartless.
But how was that even possible?!
The massive group trudged out of the alley and out into an eighteenth century stone court yard. "Where could he be?" Emily wondered. It was Ian who spotted Rei.
"He's over there." The small teen pointed out the tall figure that was Rei Kon. Tyson looked over to see Rei talking to two teenagers he did not recognize. So he did the best thing he could do. He called out Rei's name.
"Hey Rei!"
"Hey Rei!"
Rei flinched at Tyson's loud voice. "Could he be any louder?" He grumbled under his breath as the other Beybladers ran up to him. "Who are you?" Kevin asked rudely to Ranma and Yami. Rei shot Kevin a very nasty look. Kevin grew quiet.
"Watch it Kevin." Rei growled. "Jeeze, what's your problem man?" Tyson asked curiously. Rei just growled again, and Tyson chose not to talk. Which was probably wise for him.
While Ranma and Yami got to know the other teenagers, Rei silently looked up to the starry sky, remembering how fun it was to look at the stars on Destiny Islands. Kairi... he thought wistfully. Will I ever be able to come back to you?
A lone pearly white tear fell from his eyes as he remembered that his best friend; Riku, would never be able to see the stars agin. For not too long ago, did he loose his three closest friends. Riku, Donald Duck; Disney Castle's royal wizard, and Goofy; the captain of Disney Castle's royal knights.
The three had lost their hearts to the Heartless. And it was only because that he, Rei Kon, couldn't handle an army of the wretched creatures. So the three lost their lives, saving his in the process. But, a miracle had occurred. Somehow, their hearts merged with Rei's. Never leaving him alone.
"Is everything okay?" Rei looked up into Mariah's concern eyes. She had seen the single tear fall from his eyes and had been worried. He gave a sad smile. "I'm fine Mariah." He told her.
"Sora..." A sweet angelic voice called.
Rei's ears perked up. "Sora..." This time, everyone heard the sweet voice calling. Rei froze. He knew that voice very well. But it couldn't be her after all these years. Could it?
"Sora!"
Rei was tackled by a dark red blur. The group leapt back though, mainly from shock. The red blur revealed to be a very beautiful young girl around the age of eighteen. Shoulder length dark red hair framed the round face as large dark blue eyes looked up into Rei's pale bluish ones. The girl wore a simple white silk tee-shirt, dark blue skirt and knee high black boots.
She hugged Rei tightly, as if she was afraid that Rei would disappear. "I can't believe you're really back." She sobbed into his chest.
"Kairi, is it really you?" He whispered. The girl smiled. "Of course it is you lazy bum. Who did you think I was?" Rei almost laughed at his old nick name, but he held her close to him.
Watching this, made Mariah very jealous. "Just who do you think you are?!" She yelled angrily.
The girl; Kairi, looked over and gave a sad smile.
"Forgive me, but my name is Kairi. It's nice to meet you all." She turned to Rei with a curious look in her eyes.
"Sora? Where's Riku?" She questioned. Sadness swarmed Rei and he looked away, not wanting to meet her eyes. "Kairi, something bad happened a few months ago..." He trailed off. Her eyes grew wide. "W-what happened?" She asked shakily.
Rei drew in a sharp breath. "Riku, Donald and Goofy sacrificed their lives so I could escape from the Heartless." He whispered, thick pearly white tears falling from his pale bluish eyes, as he could still recall the grief and horror he had felt at the time and still did.
"Oh gods...Riku..." She burst into fresh tears, clinging to Rei tightly. "We're the only ones left of Destiny Islands." She whispered. "I know." Rei said just as quietly.
Lee frowned. It would seem that Rei held this girl in his heart and not Mariah. Maybe now he could get a chance with the pink haired girl? Well, it was worth a shot. For now, the twenty two teenagers decided to let the two cry out their pain and grief from loosing some very close friends.
Yami stiffened when he sensed a great darkness brewing...right underneath Rei and Kairi's feet.
His slanted red eyes grew wide in shock. "Rei!" He yelled out. Rei looked up sharply. Wondering what was wrong with Yami. He saw that the teen was pointing frantically down at the ground and Rei realized why.
Rei and Kairi both looked down to see familiar dark purplish black liquid bubbling over their feet. Pure black mists were rising from the ground, enwrapping the two into darkness.
The mists were pushing the two away. "Sora!" Kairi shrieked, holding out her hand, which was being covered by the black mists. "Kairi!" Rei screamed, reaching frantically for the girl. He was about to grab her hand when both were engulfed entirely in the dark mists. "REI!" They screamed.
Suddenly, the black mists exploded and Rei stumbled forward slightly, perfectly unharmed. But Kairi was nowhere to be found. Resting firmly in Rei's hand was an unusual weapon. It was crafted to look like a giant key? The blade was pure silver while the hilt was a beautiful shade of gold and the handle was a dark grey. Hanging from the hilt was a silver chain with a familiar symbol. The same symbol that was on the Dream Sword.
Keyblade...
Keyblade....
Keyblade....
"Kairi!"
Rei called frantically, not even paying attention as the Keyblade vanished in a twinkle of white tiny stars.
"KAIRI!"
The beybladers, plus Ranma and Yami felt sorry for Rei when they realized he just lost the girl he loved. Then Rei did something they did not expect. Rei let loose an inhuman wail. A wail that was full of fury and anguish.
Ranma placed a gentle hand on Rei's shaking body, still nerved by the wail. "Don't worry Rei, we'll get her back. We'll help you get her back. All of us, right guys?" The others nodded. Rei looked up with red rimmed eyes and gave a weak smile.
"Thank you." Was all he said.
Kai was silent before he spoke up. The first time since they arrived to Traverse Town actually. "I think it's time you started to explain yourself Kon." He said icily. Tyson glared at Kai. "What's your problem man? He just lost someone close to him!" He yelled angrily. He was silenced by Kai's glare.
Rei sighed. Are you sure about this?Driger asked gently. /I don't have a choice Driger./ Rei grumbled. /However, I can only tell them the basics./ Driger frowned. Good luck then.He muttered and promptly went to sleep until he was needed once more.
"Fine. We can go to the Second District. But, do you mind waiting a bit longer so I can change out of these clothes?" Robert realized that Rei's clothes were covered in dust, grime and black blood. Ranma and Yami were confused. They had been in Traverse for several weeks and never knew about this 'Second District'. So how does Rei know of this?
"Where is this Second District you speak of?" Yami asked curiously. Rei pointed to the Accessory Shop, which stood out in this old eighteenth century place.
"Behind the Accessory Shop is a set of stairs leading up to the third level and to the Second District," he explained. "And in the Second District is a bunch of shops, a hotel and a Gizmo Shop." Rei gave a thin smile.
"And if you don't mind I'll be at the shop for a few minutes." Kenny raised an eyebrow. "You don't have any money." He pointed out.
Rei burst out laughing. Soft husky laughter filled the First District, making everyone who heard it, smile. "Actually, I have well over sixty-five billion in gold coins." He explained sheepishly. Cue outburst in 5...4...3...2...1...
"WHAT?!" They screamed.
Rei chuckled. "Didn't you know? The Heartless, when taken out, leave behind either items, MP balls, HP balls and money." He said, tilting his head. "What are MP and HP balls?" Emily asked, interested. Rei looked at her funny.
"Magic points and health points. Why?" Emily face faulted at this. "Follow me." Rei called over his shoulder, bounding up the steps. That also included the set next to the shop and behind the store.
Everyone was in awe at the massive buildings and architecture. Standing behind a red and white door that led to the upper level of the Accessory shop was a funny looking little creature. A round white head and a tiny white body. It had two tiny purplish wings and a weird looking pom-pom protruding from its head. At their curious looks, he explained what it was. A Moogle. A very helpful creature that did various tasks.
"Here we are." Rei gestured to the door in front of them. It was a forty foot wooden door underneath an even taller stone arc. Rei pushed the doors open and they rushed forward. The doors slammed behind Rei, who had gone last. Sealing them in the Second District.
Second District
"Wow. This place is amazing." Kevin said in awe, looking around in shock. The Second District was huge. In front was a stone wall and leading to the right were indeed colorful shops and to the left was a huge hotel leading all the way to the other side which was where Lee figured the Gizmo Shop to be.
Rei looked up sharply, his Scan visor kicking in instantly. "What is it?" Bryan whispered. "Trouble." Rei growled. And Ranma and Yami saw why.
About ten Shadow Heartless loomed in front of them.
Rei grinned widely, showing off his needle point fangs. He pointed the Keyblade, which he had willed to come forth, at the Heartless. "FORCE!" He called. The massive ball of darkness crushed the Shadows, causing them to burst into dust and ruby red hearts flying away.
Yami was amused. So he can use magic. Most impressive. Yami was surprised to see the Keyblade disappear back into Rei's heart.
Woah.
"How'd you do that?" Johnny asked in shock. "That was the Graviga spell. Very useful when crushing the Heartless." Rei explained. He looked over to the right to see the Mad Hatter's house of hats and clothes and smiled.
"Can you guys wait a few minutes? I'll be right back." Before anyone could say anything, Rei simply faded out. Oliver shivered.. "I hate it when he does that." He mumbled.
Rei reappeared about five minutes later, in a completely new outfit. His abrupt entrance caused them to stumble back slightly. Rei snickered at their expressions. It was priceless. Tyson blinked and got a good look at Rei's choice of clothing.
Rei no wore no shirt, which showed off his muscular abs; causing Emily and Mariah to blush heavily, a low cut open black leather vest, a short sleeved white jacket, baggy dark blue jeans with dark brown leather belts wrapped firmly around his thighs and lower calves, ankle length black boots, fingerless black gloves trimmed in shimmering blue, and his chain necklace and other chain remained the same. Mariah gave a wolf whistle and Rei blushed.
"Why black and blue?" Spencer asked curiously. Rei raised an eyebrow. And Spencer realized how stupid his question was. Rei's hair was black with red highlights. It only made sense that he would wear clothes to match his hair.
Rei lead them to the hotel on the other side and just as he reached the lobby doors, more Shadows chose to attack at that moment. They were only there for a second before Rei blasted them with a Firaga spell and calmly went inside as did they.
"So now what?" Tyson asked, dumbly. Rei simply smiled and led them to a bright red door.
Muttering under his breath, Rei managed to unlock it and ushered them into the cozy room. Inside was a warm bed, a dresser, a book shelf and a table with a blue chest on it. The chest's keyhole was glowing softly.
Very strange.
"Sit." Rei instructed. They sat in various places. Some even stood. "Explain now." Kai hissed. Rei sighed and rubbed his eyes tiredly.
"Alright, I'm not sure if you know this, but in case you don't here goes. There are many worlds out there," He was interrupted by a scoffing Emily. "That's impossible. The theory of parallel worlds is only a theory and does not exist!" Rei glared at her. "Let me finish." He snapped.
"As I was saying, before I was rudely interrupted, there are many other worlds out there. But they were supposed to remain a secret." He grew quiet. "They were a secret. That is until the Heartless came and every world became connected."
Max raised an eyebrow. "Connected how?" He asked. "It was because of the Heartless that the worlds became linked to one another." Rei then shook his head for some reason.
"Oh, and Emily? I happen to be living proof on the 'theory' of parallel worlds." He pointed out dryly. This hit the Beybladers rather hard. "You're really not from our world are you?" Kenny asked carefully. Rei blinked before giving a sad smile at the younger boy. "No, I'm not."
Kai scowled. "Then where exactly is your world?" He sneered. "It was destroyed by the Heartless years ago." Rei answered bitterly. "As far as I know, Riku, Kairi and I were the only ones to escape it." His eyes grew misty. "My friends are dead and Kairi was taken by the Heartless. Any more questions?" He growled.
They hastily shook their heads. Ranma and Yami filed a mental note to the back of their brains to not make Rei mad. Rei may be gentle and kind. But he was scary as hell when mad.
"You guys can stay in the First District." Rei said after a heavy pause. "Why?" Eddie snipped. Rei sighed. They were defiantly naive and it would get them killed if they weren't careful.
"The First District is void of any Heartless. The Second and Third District is another story." Rei muttered. "We can take these Heartless." Tyson boasted. "Right guys?" He asked of the other Bladebreakers. Rei growled under his breath, before lifting Tyson up by his throat and gave a slight squeeze. Making the dragon blader croak.
"You are not to fight the Heartless. If you lost your heart to them, you will become like them. A Heartless. A being of darkness that knows only to destroy all life." Rei snarled.
He dropped Tyson who landed painfully on his back. Coughing slightly, Tyson glared at Rei. But deep in his heart, he knew Rei was right. How he knew, he wasn't sure.
"Come on." Rei grumbled.
Silence rang in the air as they trudged reluctantly back to the First District.
First District
"You guys can stay here, I'm gonna find a way out of Traverse Town so I can track down Kairi." Rei told them as they sat down on the chairs at the Café. "They'll keep coming for you out of nowhere." Said a low voice. Rei stiffened. He knew that voice. He looked up slowly to see a man in his early twenties dressed in a simple white tee-shirt, a short sleeved black jacket, black jeans and plain dark brown boots. Rei frowned.
"As long as you continue to wield the Keyblade." Lee bit back a surprised yelp as the strange key shape sword appeared in Rei's hands once more. "Who are you?" Tala asked icily. The man reached out for the Keyblade, only to withdraw as the Keyblade sent a warning spark of energy at the man. Rei grinned.
"It seems the Keyblade doesn't like you Leon." He teased. The man's dark eyes grew wide. "How did-?" He didn't get to finish as a whole army of Shadows filled the First District. "Damn." Leon cursed as he withdrew a massive silver sword that Rei knew was the Gunblade.
"Ranma, Yami and I will head to the Third District." He eyed the Beybladers. "You guys stay here and help both Leon and Yuffie with this." He ordered. The bladers nodded. "Time to go." Ranma and Yami yelped as Rei grabbed their hands. And in a flash of white light, they were standing in the court yard of the Third District.
"Before anything can happen, I want you two to use these." Rei said quietly. And from his chest, merged two glowing balls of white light. Which shot into both of the stunned teens chests.
"What was that all about?" Ranma asked, still trying to get over his shock. Rei smiled sadly. "I just gave you Donald and Goofy's ultimate weapons. Just listen to your heart and they'll come forth."
Shrugging, the two listened to their hearts, recalling at the same time the urge to protect their friends and family. In a flash of silvery white light, Ranma and Yami were holding two weapons. For Ranma a shield and Yami an unusual looking staff.
Ranma's shield was magnificent. When held properly, it covered his chest entirely from harm. It was a deep shade of purple with a silver curved heart on the front. On top of the heart was a three pointed gold crown. Surrounding the heart were silver wings.
"That shield you are holding Ranma is the Save the King." Rei said quietly.
Yami looked at his staff in awe, for he could feel the power rolling off of it in waves. The staff appeared to be three feet total in length. The handle was a beautiful shade of blue with a red ruby on top surrounded by a crown of gold. On top of the golden crown was a large purple jewel.
"That is the Save the Queen staff."
Rei was startled out of his talking by a tiny keychain landing in his hand. It was a pearl white heart with a golden vine going through. Rei gave an excited yelp and quickly attached the keychain to the Kingdom Keyblade. Ranma and Yami stared at the Keyblade. It was defiantly different this time.
The handle was a dark blue green with a curved yellow gold that blended into sea blue. The blade was two feet in length and also a sea blue in color. Golden webbing was woven over it, starting from the hilt to the tip of the sword. At the very end of the sword was a golden heart that stuck outward with three golden spikes. The same keychain that had landed in Rei's hand, was attached to the sword.
"This is Ultima, the ultimate Keyblade." Rei explained at their dumbfounded looks. "Basically we are using the most powerful weapons ever known?" Yami asked. Rei nodded.
Suddenly, the ground shook. And that was when pillars of stones rose up, blocking off the door to the First District, and the stairs. "This is not good." Ranma said uneasily, his danger sense was screaming at him to move.
About six new Heartless appeared in front of them. They were slightly bigger than Shadows. They were clad in blue armor, with silver metallic armbands, and a silver armor helmet. It's four clawed hand seemed to be dipped in blood, and their yellow eyes glared at the trio. Pulsing on its chest, where its heart would've been, was a black heart outlined in blood red with a blood red "x" going through it. "The Heartless crest." Rei mumbled.
Soldiers.
Just great.
Now what?
I know it sounds similar, but if you hadn't noticed, there are indeed new changes. You just have to pay attention really hard. See you until next time....
