Vasserbunde Besieged
Disclaimer: Same as before. I don't own a very familiar crossover occurring.
~ ~ ~ ~
Johann still had his arquebus, slung over his shoulder as well as a small sword at his side. He, Halb, Miranda and Bonkers were clustered around part of an earthworks fortification.
"When siege should come to Vasserbunde, we shall be ready." Johann said.
Halb said, "Tis true that for all the years that the Prince's Keep has stood that no army has ever taken it, but during the War Vasserbunde suffered much destruction at the hands of Coorhagen."
"But the armies of Vasserbunde and Parmas were able to drive Coorhagen from the city and lift the siege." Johann protested. He was a young man, no more than twenty years old, and though his was yet another generation to come of age in war, he was but an infant when Vasserbunde last suffered an invasion.
"Twas not more than two decades ago that Vasserbunde suffered last the indignity of siege." Halb replied, he had been an apprentice officer at the time, learning the arts of gentlemanliness and warfare.
"How long did this war last?" Miranda asked, "I mean it seems you talk about it all the time."
"The war lasted for nearly seventy years." Halb replied, "Whole generations lived and died amidst much bloodshed and tears."
"Mine is but the first to know peace." Johann said, "I was but twelve years old and an apprentice jager for the estate of Prince Nupraptor's estate."
"Jager?" Miranda asked.
"A huntsman, skilled at stalking wild game, keen of eye and skilled marksmen they are." Halb replied.
"That is why in times of war, we jagers are called upon as skirmishers and harquebusiers. Our deadly skills as marksmen win us great renown." Johann replied.
"That is why the forces of the Prince of Amaleinberg were able to carry the day against the armies of Avernus at the Battle of Golgotha." Halb replied.
"Truly, that is why Avernus was nearly removed from the war." Johann replied, "Father Dominic often says that were it not for Parmas coming to Avernus' rescue, the city of Avernus would have been but a memory drowned in the blood of its citizens."
Johann continued, "Now the peace we have experienced for but a slight breadth of time leaves us before war."
"The Dark Army could not have struck at a more opportune time." Halb replied, "The city-states of Memel are weary from seventy years of war and from widespread destruction. We distrust one another just as badly as we did before the war. The only reason it ceased was because we could not continue fighting. We are divided amongst ourselves."
"The Council of Princes will unite Memel against this Dark Army." Johann said, "They will put aside their differences and fight our common foe."
"Nay, they shall not." Halb replied, as he did, the sounds of cannon and arquebus could be heard in the distance as the Dark Army's forward elements encountered the force that Vasserbunde mustered to defend itself. Several more soldiers, called auxiliae, busied themselves behind the ramparts of the bastion trace, the fortifications around Nupraptor's Keep.
Halb continued, "I know the Princes of Steinchroe and Coorhagen shall rejoice at Vasserbunde's destruction."
"Should this Dark Army destroy Vasserbunde, one of the more powerful states of Memel, surely the princes shall see their folly and unite." Johann replied.
"Nay shall they do so." Halb replied, "They will inevitably close up their borders, blaming each other all the while, whilst this great beast consumes them one at a time."
"Must thou be so negative Swordsman of Parmas." Said a woman's voice.
"Princess Arial," Halb said, as he and Johann dropped to one knee and bowed, "My sovereign lady, I meant not to frighten thee."
"Rise soldiers." Arial said, she was a fair skinned maiden with brown hair and rich brown eyes, "Thou needst not be so negative. My Nupraptor's wisdom and charisma has united principalities before."
"True, he was able to persuade Parmas to join in arms against the threat of Coorhagen during the War." Halb replied, "But can he convince all the princes of the Council to put aside their differences? I know many a prince would love to see Nupraptor's state crumble."
"Those princes hate my beloved husband for his success at statesmanship and his wise and benevolent rule." Arial said, "None but he could convince you, Halb of Parmas, to reverse the direction of your blade."
"I shall not do so, for I have sworn to never take life again." Halb replied.
"My husband is charismatic enough to convince anyone to follow him." Arial said, "By your leave, gentlemen."
She and her entourage were leaving for Nupraptor's Keep as the sounds of battle were growing closer and closer to the outer defenses of Vasserbunde. Now the batteries outlying the city were firing.
"NUPRAPTOR!" Arial shouted. A horse staggered on its last legs into the city. Flanked by his personal guard, Nupraptor was propped up on his horse.
"Help me lay him down. Support his neck." Miranda said, as Halb and Johann helped carry him into the nearby inn. They laid him on a bed.
"All our ranks have broken. The infantry broke first." Nupraptor began.
"He's got two broken ribs, maybe three." Miranda said, "Blunt object trauma, numerous cuts and bruises. Sorry, you're not riding into battle anytime soon."
"Art thou a doctor?" Arial asked, tears in her eyes.
"No, I'm a policewoman." Miranda replied, "But basic first aid is something they teach us all at the Academy."
A doctor came in and gave the same assessment, "He must have rest. Take him to the Keep, he must be protected."
"He will survive?" Arial asked.
"Yes, milady, he shall." The doctor said, "He must. For Vasserbunde needs him at this, our hour of need. But he needs rest and good food to keep his strength. Most importantly he needs you to be strong."
Arial stiffened, visibly, "I shall do my best."
"My sovereign lord!" a runner said, staggering in, "The Dark Army is in their battle set, they will with expedience march upon Vasserbunde!"
"Herald. My husband is unwell. Bring all messages intended for him to me, I shall command the defense of this city." Arial replied.
"With all due respect, milady," began the noble Sir Ferguson of Feldstadten, "Thou shalt command the forces of Vasserbunde. Milady hath not been educated in the ways of war."
"Sir Ferguson, for years your father served my husband as his chief military advisor. I know how to listen and how to learn. I have learned much looking over the shoulders of the gentlemen as they learned their lessons of warfare." Arial began, her brown eyes moist, as she took Nupraptor's hand she declared, "For my love and all of Vasserbunde, I shall not fail! The Dark Army shall not gain the city!"
A group of swordsmen overheard the princess' words, taking up the cry, "For Nupraptor! Arial! And Vasserbunde!!!"
A group of harquebusiers on the ramparts shouted back, "For Nupraptor! Arial! And Vasserbunde!"
~ ~ ~ ~
In a dark room, looking through a crystal ball, a slim, pale skinned hand passed over it. "It has begun." Maleficent said.
"Vasserbunde means to stand fast? Defended by a woman?" said a corpulent man in royal garb.
"Underestimate not your foes, Terroenza, Prince of Steinchroe." Maleficent replied to the fat prince, "For it was that underestimation of the forces of Vasserbunde and Parmas that led to your dethroning and exile."
"Pagh! With the Heartless, Vassserbunde shall be mine! Followed by all of Memel!" Terroenza replied. Ten years ago his armies had been routed by a seemingly inferior force led by Prince Nupraptor of Vasserbunde. He swore vengeance against Nupraptor since that day.
"Beware, for the Heartless consume the careless as easily as they do worlds." Maleficent began.
Both of them beheld the sights of battle, a group of running harquebusiers heading for the walls of Vasserbunde, a horseman pinned under his horse, a line of pikemen trying to hold back a quartet of Large Body Heartless, swordsmen fighting losing duels with Bandits, and the sight of Prince Nupraptor being laid in his sickbed.
"Vasserbunde is soon to fall before the power of the Heartless!" Terroenza remarked.
"Do not underestimate the princess, for her heart is strong, as is her resolve." Maleficent said.
~ ~ ~ ~
As Bonkers, Miranda, Johann and Halb walked through the streets of Vasserbunde, they were unaware they were being followed. The first inkling Halb had of their pursuers was when Bonkers suddenly vanished from their group.
"Hark, milady, we are being pursued." Halb began.
Miranda reached for her gun when suddenly a masked man grabbed her from behind and zapped her with a shock stick. She fell limp to the ground. Johann and Halb drew their swords to face the three masked figures.
Halb slowly extracted his reversed blade sword, "Masked ones, I swore I would only employ my blade in the defense of myself or others."
The two facing Halb did not respond. They only left one to face Johann, since the young man was injured, having his left arm in a sling and bandaged. They came with their strange electrified sticks and Halb blocked the blow from the first, a young, slim bodied male. It didn't shock Halb since his blade did not strike the strange blue prongs.
"Thou art skilled, swordsman from afar." Halb said, "That you are, but thy works are wrong."
Halb quarter turned, still facing the masked man and struck him in the guts. The man doubled over with a gasp and Halb struck him in the head with the hilt of his sword. The second one, a larger man, had been hanging back, ready to fight either Halb or Johann, depending on which of his team needed help. Miranda and Bonkers were being carted off by two strange looking beings, toons. One of them was a large, multi-eyed beast, and the other a skinny, one eyed creature.
The large man came forward and Halb barely blocked his blow. "Thou art swift for a large man. Art thou a swordsman of Parmas?" Halb asked.
A deep bass voice replied, "I don't know where Parmas is, but you'd best cooperate for your sake."
"Thy confidence in thine skill and strange powers is great, but likely misplaced." Halb said. Out of the corner of his eyes he could see Johann stagger to the ground as the tip of the strange sword touched him. He did not bleed, as though stabbed, however, and he still breathed.
"As is your confidence in your swordsmanship." The man replied.
"I am Halb of Parmas, the Butcher of Steinchroe, one of the most feared swordsmen of the War." Halb replied.
"You call yourself a butcher, but your sword's blade is reversed." The man replied, "Why is that?"
"Why indeed, for the Butcher of Steinchroe vanished after the last battle of the War, because he swore he would never take life again." Halb replied, "Thou must be most skilled with the blade or foolhardy to challenge me."
Halb and the strange man exchanged blows again and Halb saw an opening, swinging his blade towards the massive man's thick neck. It never reached there, for the man pulled a smaller version of the blue tipped sword and touched Halb's blade with a speed he never thought possible.
The charge went through the blade and sent Halb tumbling earthward. "What strange land doth thou hail from?" Halb asked before he blacked out.
~ ~ ~ ~
"Are they alright?" Cobra Bubbles asked David, Nani's boyfriend.
"You should ask me if I'm alright." David groaned. The slim, brown skinned Hawaiian teenager was currently holding an ice pack over his head, "That swordsman put me through my paces."
"The young man should be fine." Dr. Jumba Joukiba said, his four eyes blinking as one, "His arm should heal in two weeks."
"The swordsman? The blonde? The toon?" Cobra asked.
"All should be fine, you should get checked too." Dr. Joukiba said.
"He landed a couple glancing blows. They might have been worse, if the blade had been facing me." Cobra replied, rolling up the sleeves of his black suit and pulling up his shirt. His muscular body sported three bruises which could have been deep cuts if Halb had the blade facing him.
Nani tended David's bruises, "Maybe you should practice more."
"It appears one of them is awakening." Pleaky said.
"Ouch! Hmm, a rapier with a reversed blade, I wonder why he chose that design. There seems to be a way to turn the blade back so it faces the right way." Dr. Joukiba said, he had accidentally cut himself when he extracted Halb's sword, failing to realize the blade was reversed before it sliced into his meaty hand.
"Thou art most foolish to handle a blade you have never before seen. That you are."
"Who are you?" Joukiba said.
"I am Halb, of Parmas." Halb replied, "Why have you taken us?"
"I can answer that." The large, ebony skinned man replied, "I am Cobra Bubbles. We have met in a clash of arms before. We need your help."
"You have a strange way of seeking our aid stranger." Halb said, as he walked across the room labeled Infirmary. It was a strange place, its walls made of a material he'd not seen before. Strange machines beeped and flashed. He could see Miranda, Bonkers and Johann lying on beds similar to his own. They were not restrained in any fashion, so it seemed they had his same status.
"Forgive our methods, Halb, but we couldn't exactly approach your world directly." Cobra Bubbles said, "I'll explain soon."
"Mmm. What's happening?" Miranda groaned as her eyes opened.
"Art thou alright milady?" Halb asked, "We appear amongst friends, so worry not."
"You are. Because we're all in this together." Cobra Bubbles said, "As you notice, Miranda and Bonkers are not of your world."
"Truly? They are strangers from a far off land." Halb replied.
"Yes. For your world of Memel is not alone in the universe. It is one of many worlds floating through Interspace." Cobra Bubbles said.
"Interspace?" Halb asked, "What pray tell is Interspace?"
"Interspace is where we are now. You are on the Destiny, a Gummi Ship that Dr. Joukiba built before our world was destroyed by the Heartless." Cobra Bubbles said.
"The Heartless?" Miranda asked as she walked over to them.
"Those strange beasts that routed the army of Nupraptor and lay siege to the walls of Vasserbunde, are they allies?" Halb replied.
"They are the Heartless, swordsman of Parmas." David said, "They are beings without hearts."
"They consume the hearts of man and world alike." Cobra Bubbles said, "And those who's hearts they take become Heartless themselves. And when a world, like ours, loses its heart to the Heartless, the world is destroyed."
Cobra Bubbles opened a shielded view port. It showed a strange medium, thin as air, and below it was the land of Memel. "How art thou doing this? Magic?" Halb asked.
"Where I come from, they call it science." Miranda replied.
Cobra Bubbles handed Halb his sword and Miranda her gun. Johann's arquebus and sword were on a nearby table. "What I need from you is not just your fighting skill. A prophesy says that you, Halb of Parmas are he whom we seek."
"What?" Miranda asked.
"The Five Doors of Conflict." Nani said, "They must be closed to deny the Heartless access to Kingdom Hearts. The prophesy says a lone swordsman will seal the doors."
"But canst thou not mean another swordsman?" Halb replied.
"The prophesy says that a diamond in the rough, swearing to never take life and who fights only for justice shall lock the Doors of Conflict." Nani said.
"And it seems you are the most likely candidate. Our next stop is Traverse Town, where we will take you before Merlin." Cobra Bubbles said.
"Traverse Town?" Miranda asked.
"It is a town where the survivors of destroyed worlds gather." Joukiba said.
At the thought of survivors, Miranda asked, "Do you mean to say that my world...?"
"Was destroyed, yes." Cobra Bubbles said, "We observed the Heartless destroying your land of Toon Town."
"Oh my God." Miranda paled, "My sister, my nephew, are they....?"
"Perhaps." Cobra Bubbles said, "But you may find them in Traverse Town."
"Nani, you, Lilo and Stitch have a new room mate." Cobra Bubbles continued, "David, you and Halb will share a room and Bonkers will live with Dr. Joukiba and Pleaky."
The ship continued on its course to Traverse Town as Miranda hoped against hope that she would find Shirley and Timothy again. Halb put a hand on her shoulder and said, "Miranda, should thou require my aid to find your loved ones, you have it."
She turned towards him, putting her arms around his neck in a friendly way, "Thank you Halb."
"Thou art welcome." Halb replied, "Let us hope in this Traverse Town we find answers or closure."
~ ~ ~ ~
TBC (Coming to Traverse Town and meeting some more familiar faces from Bonkers' world.)
Disclaimer: Same as before. I don't own a very familiar crossover occurring.
~ ~ ~ ~
Johann still had his arquebus, slung over his shoulder as well as a small sword at his side. He, Halb, Miranda and Bonkers were clustered around part of an earthworks fortification.
"When siege should come to Vasserbunde, we shall be ready." Johann said.
Halb said, "Tis true that for all the years that the Prince's Keep has stood that no army has ever taken it, but during the War Vasserbunde suffered much destruction at the hands of Coorhagen."
"But the armies of Vasserbunde and Parmas were able to drive Coorhagen from the city and lift the siege." Johann protested. He was a young man, no more than twenty years old, and though his was yet another generation to come of age in war, he was but an infant when Vasserbunde last suffered an invasion.
"Twas not more than two decades ago that Vasserbunde suffered last the indignity of siege." Halb replied, he had been an apprentice officer at the time, learning the arts of gentlemanliness and warfare.
"How long did this war last?" Miranda asked, "I mean it seems you talk about it all the time."
"The war lasted for nearly seventy years." Halb replied, "Whole generations lived and died amidst much bloodshed and tears."
"Mine is but the first to know peace." Johann said, "I was but twelve years old and an apprentice jager for the estate of Prince Nupraptor's estate."
"Jager?" Miranda asked.
"A huntsman, skilled at stalking wild game, keen of eye and skilled marksmen they are." Halb replied.
"That is why in times of war, we jagers are called upon as skirmishers and harquebusiers. Our deadly skills as marksmen win us great renown." Johann replied.
"That is why the forces of the Prince of Amaleinberg were able to carry the day against the armies of Avernus at the Battle of Golgotha." Halb replied.
"Truly, that is why Avernus was nearly removed from the war." Johann replied, "Father Dominic often says that were it not for Parmas coming to Avernus' rescue, the city of Avernus would have been but a memory drowned in the blood of its citizens."
Johann continued, "Now the peace we have experienced for but a slight breadth of time leaves us before war."
"The Dark Army could not have struck at a more opportune time." Halb replied, "The city-states of Memel are weary from seventy years of war and from widespread destruction. We distrust one another just as badly as we did before the war. The only reason it ceased was because we could not continue fighting. We are divided amongst ourselves."
"The Council of Princes will unite Memel against this Dark Army." Johann said, "They will put aside their differences and fight our common foe."
"Nay, they shall not." Halb replied, as he did, the sounds of cannon and arquebus could be heard in the distance as the Dark Army's forward elements encountered the force that Vasserbunde mustered to defend itself. Several more soldiers, called auxiliae, busied themselves behind the ramparts of the bastion trace, the fortifications around Nupraptor's Keep.
Halb continued, "I know the Princes of Steinchroe and Coorhagen shall rejoice at Vasserbunde's destruction."
"Should this Dark Army destroy Vasserbunde, one of the more powerful states of Memel, surely the princes shall see their folly and unite." Johann replied.
"Nay shall they do so." Halb replied, "They will inevitably close up their borders, blaming each other all the while, whilst this great beast consumes them one at a time."
"Must thou be so negative Swordsman of Parmas." Said a woman's voice.
"Princess Arial," Halb said, as he and Johann dropped to one knee and bowed, "My sovereign lady, I meant not to frighten thee."
"Rise soldiers." Arial said, she was a fair skinned maiden with brown hair and rich brown eyes, "Thou needst not be so negative. My Nupraptor's wisdom and charisma has united principalities before."
"True, he was able to persuade Parmas to join in arms against the threat of Coorhagen during the War." Halb replied, "But can he convince all the princes of the Council to put aside their differences? I know many a prince would love to see Nupraptor's state crumble."
"Those princes hate my beloved husband for his success at statesmanship and his wise and benevolent rule." Arial said, "None but he could convince you, Halb of Parmas, to reverse the direction of your blade."
"I shall not do so, for I have sworn to never take life again." Halb replied.
"My husband is charismatic enough to convince anyone to follow him." Arial said, "By your leave, gentlemen."
She and her entourage were leaving for Nupraptor's Keep as the sounds of battle were growing closer and closer to the outer defenses of Vasserbunde. Now the batteries outlying the city were firing.
"NUPRAPTOR!" Arial shouted. A horse staggered on its last legs into the city. Flanked by his personal guard, Nupraptor was propped up on his horse.
"Help me lay him down. Support his neck." Miranda said, as Halb and Johann helped carry him into the nearby inn. They laid him on a bed.
"All our ranks have broken. The infantry broke first." Nupraptor began.
"He's got two broken ribs, maybe three." Miranda said, "Blunt object trauma, numerous cuts and bruises. Sorry, you're not riding into battle anytime soon."
"Art thou a doctor?" Arial asked, tears in her eyes.
"No, I'm a policewoman." Miranda replied, "But basic first aid is something they teach us all at the Academy."
A doctor came in and gave the same assessment, "He must have rest. Take him to the Keep, he must be protected."
"He will survive?" Arial asked.
"Yes, milady, he shall." The doctor said, "He must. For Vasserbunde needs him at this, our hour of need. But he needs rest and good food to keep his strength. Most importantly he needs you to be strong."
Arial stiffened, visibly, "I shall do my best."
"My sovereign lord!" a runner said, staggering in, "The Dark Army is in their battle set, they will with expedience march upon Vasserbunde!"
"Herald. My husband is unwell. Bring all messages intended for him to me, I shall command the defense of this city." Arial replied.
"With all due respect, milady," began the noble Sir Ferguson of Feldstadten, "Thou shalt command the forces of Vasserbunde. Milady hath not been educated in the ways of war."
"Sir Ferguson, for years your father served my husband as his chief military advisor. I know how to listen and how to learn. I have learned much looking over the shoulders of the gentlemen as they learned their lessons of warfare." Arial began, her brown eyes moist, as she took Nupraptor's hand she declared, "For my love and all of Vasserbunde, I shall not fail! The Dark Army shall not gain the city!"
A group of swordsmen overheard the princess' words, taking up the cry, "For Nupraptor! Arial! And Vasserbunde!!!"
A group of harquebusiers on the ramparts shouted back, "For Nupraptor! Arial! And Vasserbunde!"
~ ~ ~ ~
In a dark room, looking through a crystal ball, a slim, pale skinned hand passed over it. "It has begun." Maleficent said.
"Vasserbunde means to stand fast? Defended by a woman?" said a corpulent man in royal garb.
"Underestimate not your foes, Terroenza, Prince of Steinchroe." Maleficent replied to the fat prince, "For it was that underestimation of the forces of Vasserbunde and Parmas that led to your dethroning and exile."
"Pagh! With the Heartless, Vassserbunde shall be mine! Followed by all of Memel!" Terroenza replied. Ten years ago his armies had been routed by a seemingly inferior force led by Prince Nupraptor of Vasserbunde. He swore vengeance against Nupraptor since that day.
"Beware, for the Heartless consume the careless as easily as they do worlds." Maleficent began.
Both of them beheld the sights of battle, a group of running harquebusiers heading for the walls of Vasserbunde, a horseman pinned under his horse, a line of pikemen trying to hold back a quartet of Large Body Heartless, swordsmen fighting losing duels with Bandits, and the sight of Prince Nupraptor being laid in his sickbed.
"Vasserbunde is soon to fall before the power of the Heartless!" Terroenza remarked.
"Do not underestimate the princess, for her heart is strong, as is her resolve." Maleficent said.
~ ~ ~ ~
As Bonkers, Miranda, Johann and Halb walked through the streets of Vasserbunde, they were unaware they were being followed. The first inkling Halb had of their pursuers was when Bonkers suddenly vanished from their group.
"Hark, milady, we are being pursued." Halb began.
Miranda reached for her gun when suddenly a masked man grabbed her from behind and zapped her with a shock stick. She fell limp to the ground. Johann and Halb drew their swords to face the three masked figures.
Halb slowly extracted his reversed blade sword, "Masked ones, I swore I would only employ my blade in the defense of myself or others."
The two facing Halb did not respond. They only left one to face Johann, since the young man was injured, having his left arm in a sling and bandaged. They came with their strange electrified sticks and Halb blocked the blow from the first, a young, slim bodied male. It didn't shock Halb since his blade did not strike the strange blue prongs.
"Thou art skilled, swordsman from afar." Halb said, "That you are, but thy works are wrong."
Halb quarter turned, still facing the masked man and struck him in the guts. The man doubled over with a gasp and Halb struck him in the head with the hilt of his sword. The second one, a larger man, had been hanging back, ready to fight either Halb or Johann, depending on which of his team needed help. Miranda and Bonkers were being carted off by two strange looking beings, toons. One of them was a large, multi-eyed beast, and the other a skinny, one eyed creature.
The large man came forward and Halb barely blocked his blow. "Thou art swift for a large man. Art thou a swordsman of Parmas?" Halb asked.
A deep bass voice replied, "I don't know where Parmas is, but you'd best cooperate for your sake."
"Thy confidence in thine skill and strange powers is great, but likely misplaced." Halb said. Out of the corner of his eyes he could see Johann stagger to the ground as the tip of the strange sword touched him. He did not bleed, as though stabbed, however, and he still breathed.
"As is your confidence in your swordsmanship." The man replied.
"I am Halb of Parmas, the Butcher of Steinchroe, one of the most feared swordsmen of the War." Halb replied.
"You call yourself a butcher, but your sword's blade is reversed." The man replied, "Why is that?"
"Why indeed, for the Butcher of Steinchroe vanished after the last battle of the War, because he swore he would never take life again." Halb replied, "Thou must be most skilled with the blade or foolhardy to challenge me."
Halb and the strange man exchanged blows again and Halb saw an opening, swinging his blade towards the massive man's thick neck. It never reached there, for the man pulled a smaller version of the blue tipped sword and touched Halb's blade with a speed he never thought possible.
The charge went through the blade and sent Halb tumbling earthward. "What strange land doth thou hail from?" Halb asked before he blacked out.
~ ~ ~ ~
"Are they alright?" Cobra Bubbles asked David, Nani's boyfriend.
"You should ask me if I'm alright." David groaned. The slim, brown skinned Hawaiian teenager was currently holding an ice pack over his head, "That swordsman put me through my paces."
"The young man should be fine." Dr. Jumba Joukiba said, his four eyes blinking as one, "His arm should heal in two weeks."
"The swordsman? The blonde? The toon?" Cobra asked.
"All should be fine, you should get checked too." Dr. Joukiba said.
"He landed a couple glancing blows. They might have been worse, if the blade had been facing me." Cobra replied, rolling up the sleeves of his black suit and pulling up his shirt. His muscular body sported three bruises which could have been deep cuts if Halb had the blade facing him.
Nani tended David's bruises, "Maybe you should practice more."
"It appears one of them is awakening." Pleaky said.
"Ouch! Hmm, a rapier with a reversed blade, I wonder why he chose that design. There seems to be a way to turn the blade back so it faces the right way." Dr. Joukiba said, he had accidentally cut himself when he extracted Halb's sword, failing to realize the blade was reversed before it sliced into his meaty hand.
"Thou art most foolish to handle a blade you have never before seen. That you are."
"Who are you?" Joukiba said.
"I am Halb, of Parmas." Halb replied, "Why have you taken us?"
"I can answer that." The large, ebony skinned man replied, "I am Cobra Bubbles. We have met in a clash of arms before. We need your help."
"You have a strange way of seeking our aid stranger." Halb said, as he walked across the room labeled Infirmary. It was a strange place, its walls made of a material he'd not seen before. Strange machines beeped and flashed. He could see Miranda, Bonkers and Johann lying on beds similar to his own. They were not restrained in any fashion, so it seemed they had his same status.
"Forgive our methods, Halb, but we couldn't exactly approach your world directly." Cobra Bubbles said, "I'll explain soon."
"Mmm. What's happening?" Miranda groaned as her eyes opened.
"Art thou alright milady?" Halb asked, "We appear amongst friends, so worry not."
"You are. Because we're all in this together." Cobra Bubbles said, "As you notice, Miranda and Bonkers are not of your world."
"Truly? They are strangers from a far off land." Halb replied.
"Yes. For your world of Memel is not alone in the universe. It is one of many worlds floating through Interspace." Cobra Bubbles said.
"Interspace?" Halb asked, "What pray tell is Interspace?"
"Interspace is where we are now. You are on the Destiny, a Gummi Ship that Dr. Joukiba built before our world was destroyed by the Heartless." Cobra Bubbles said.
"The Heartless?" Miranda asked as she walked over to them.
"Those strange beasts that routed the army of Nupraptor and lay siege to the walls of Vasserbunde, are they allies?" Halb replied.
"They are the Heartless, swordsman of Parmas." David said, "They are beings without hearts."
"They consume the hearts of man and world alike." Cobra Bubbles said, "And those who's hearts they take become Heartless themselves. And when a world, like ours, loses its heart to the Heartless, the world is destroyed."
Cobra Bubbles opened a shielded view port. It showed a strange medium, thin as air, and below it was the land of Memel. "How art thou doing this? Magic?" Halb asked.
"Where I come from, they call it science." Miranda replied.
Cobra Bubbles handed Halb his sword and Miranda her gun. Johann's arquebus and sword were on a nearby table. "What I need from you is not just your fighting skill. A prophesy says that you, Halb of Parmas are he whom we seek."
"What?" Miranda asked.
"The Five Doors of Conflict." Nani said, "They must be closed to deny the Heartless access to Kingdom Hearts. The prophesy says a lone swordsman will seal the doors."
"But canst thou not mean another swordsman?" Halb replied.
"The prophesy says that a diamond in the rough, swearing to never take life and who fights only for justice shall lock the Doors of Conflict." Nani said.
"And it seems you are the most likely candidate. Our next stop is Traverse Town, where we will take you before Merlin." Cobra Bubbles said.
"Traverse Town?" Miranda asked.
"It is a town where the survivors of destroyed worlds gather." Joukiba said.
At the thought of survivors, Miranda asked, "Do you mean to say that my world...?"
"Was destroyed, yes." Cobra Bubbles said, "We observed the Heartless destroying your land of Toon Town."
"Oh my God." Miranda paled, "My sister, my nephew, are they....?"
"Perhaps." Cobra Bubbles said, "But you may find them in Traverse Town."
"Nani, you, Lilo and Stitch have a new room mate." Cobra Bubbles continued, "David, you and Halb will share a room and Bonkers will live with Dr. Joukiba and Pleaky."
The ship continued on its course to Traverse Town as Miranda hoped against hope that she would find Shirley and Timothy again. Halb put a hand on her shoulder and said, "Miranda, should thou require my aid to find your loved ones, you have it."
She turned towards him, putting her arms around his neck in a friendly way, "Thank you Halb."
"Thou art welcome." Halb replied, "Let us hope in this Traverse Town we find answers or closure."
~ ~ ~ ~
TBC (Coming to Traverse Town and meeting some more familiar faces from Bonkers' world.)