Hi there! This is (OMG!) CHAPTER 5!! AHH! Nothing much to say here, so I'll just get the ball rolling.
Disclaimer: blah blah blah
(Music - "Dive Into The Heart"- Yoko Shinomura)
The beach. The sky is filled with swollen clouds, their gray and black bodies crushed together.
He stands on the beach next to her. He is happy with her, and she with him.
Shadows.
They're surrounded. The Key glows in his hand. He fights them, hacking and slashing. He fights for her.
But she is not with him.
He turns. While he has been fighting, she is where she always was. She is alone and scared.
"Kairi!"
She looks up, her eyes filled with panic. He tries to reach her, his hand out to her. He tries to walk, but there is something holding him back. Shadows have wrapped around his legs, their claws scratch his skin.
He starts to move to her. He can't lose her again.
The Shadows hold him back, their darkness coiled around him. His legs. His wrists. His neck..
He calls her name, reaching out to her. She stands, saying nothing. The betrayed look in her eyes says everything.
Numbness settles over him.
Sora's eyes opened slowly. The sun shone in through his window and rested on him. He squinted and held up a hand to shield his cobalt eyes.
"Sheesh…" he muttered. Traverse Town was a city of eternal night, and he'd been there a while. He wasn't as used to the white-hot glare of the sun as he had been.
"You've only been gone for two days. N-not that I'm not happy you missed me, it's just-"
"What?! Two days? Kairi, I've been gone for over a year!"
"No, two days. Quit exaggerating."
He shook his head at the memory.
Two days? That can't be right. She's aged a lot more than two days. We both have.
He sat up and threw his feet onto the floor. He'd have to ask Donald and Goofy about this.
If they were still on the island.
"Why did I have to be such a jerk.." Sora grumbled, scratching his forehead lazily.
- - -
("Destiny Islands" - Yoko Shinomura)
Sora closed the door to his house behind him. Now that he was out in the sun, he knew he'd regret his choice of black clothing very quickly. He stretched and looked up and down the rows of houses. People doing their daily chores. None of them reacting unusually to his presence. His neighbors waved and nodded hellos, and he replied the same.
He walked into town, still getting no strange looks, no enthusiastic acknowledgments. To be honest, he was disappointed. People looked different, spoke different, acted different. He knew he did. But.. Two days, eh? Bull. Something was up.
"Sora!"
He turned his head to the source of the voice. A girl, his age, maybe a year younger, with jaw-length brown hair and a low-necked yellow tank top. Her eyes were large and emerald green, her mouth cat-like.
"Oh, hey.. Selphie?" his response was more of a question than a statement, but she didn't seem to notice. She walked toward him, platform shoes clunking.
"You goin' to visit Kairi?"
"Uhh.." Sora felt like an idiot. He didn't even know where she was. "She's up this early?" he joked, trying to get a confession from his fellow brunette.
She rolled her eyes, but allowed herself a smirk. "Duh. She has work today, remember?"
"Oh, yeah. Work." This was news to him.
"Mind if I go with? I have something I need to give her…" she said, holding up a well-worn book. The pages were yellowed and rounded off. The spine and cover were covered in white stripes, showing the book was a favorite.
"Oh! No problem, Selph." Oh yeah.
She beamed at him and started walking. Sora followed beside her, slightly behind. The streets twisted and turned, but since Selphie knew the way, it was easy. Sora, who was no good with directions, memorized the buildings along the path.
Selphie stopped so suddenly that Sora nearly plowed into her. "Taa daa!" she sang, and pushed the door open. Sora glanced at the sign.
LOIRE'S
Which meant nothing to him. Oh well.
He pushed the door open and was hit in the face with a strong after-shave type scent. His eyes adjusted to the lack of light in the store slowly, allowing him to observe his surroundings.
LOIRE'S was an item and weapon shop. Weapons were kept in glass cases towards the back on the store, with several large locks on each case. Items, potions, ethers, elixirs, and such, were on shelves all around the perimeter of the shop. In the middle of the room sat three large oak tables with two chairs at each table. One of the tables was occupied by two elderly men who drank out of bottles wrapped in paper bags.
"Hello, welcome to Lo- Sora!"
He smiled warmly at the redhead behind the counter. "'Lo."
"That's not the name of the store." Someone called jokingly from the back room.
She laughed lightly, rolling her eyes. "Lemme try again. 'Hello, welcome to Loire's.'" she turned to face the open door behind the counter. "Better?"
"Yeah."
Sora leaned on the counter and tried to peer around Kairi into the back room, but had no luck in locating the speaker.
"Sora..?"
He grinned widely at the two girls and took his weight off the counter, standing a few inches away now.
The door to the back room opened more, and a tall man with long, dark hair and a handsome face stepped out. His aquamarine eyes shone brightly, even in the dim room. He carried himself like a fighter, back straight, shoulders squared. A pen was tucked behind his ear.
"Oh!" Selphie gasped softly. Sora could see where Selphie would have a crush on this guy.
"Sora, let me introduce you to my boss, Laguna Loire."
Laguna nodded and held out his hand to Sora, and he took it. The older man shook Sora's hand firmly.
"La- Mr. Loire, this is Sora."
"Nice to finally meet you Sora. I've heard a lot about you."
"Erm, nice to meet you, too, Mr. Loire." Sora replied, feeling stupid. Sheesh, way to make a guy uncomfortable.
Something about him was familiar. His face reminded him of someone, but who? Sora couldn't place it.
Laguna excused himself from them and walked to the table where the two men sat. He grabbed a chair from another table and sat to talk. Selphie eyed him like a dog eyeing a steak, giving him a once over.
Kairi and Sora watched, interested in her response to the older man's presence.
"So, Sora, what's up?" asked the fiery haired young woman.
"Eh, not much. Just thought I'd drop in."
"Are we still going over to Kouhai island later?"
"Huh?"
She frowned slightly. "We made plans like a week ago. What's with you lately?"
He shook his head, brown spikes shaking gently. "It's nothing, Kai. I've just been.. ya know." and he made a swirling motion with one finger next to his temple. "Yeah, we're still on."
She wasn't convinced at all, but pretended to be. "Alright. My shift ends in an hour or so." her gaze went to Selphie, who was still staring Laguna down like he was lunch.
"She's drooling on the counter." Sora teased, waving and hand in front of her transfixed eyes.
"Uh? What?" Selphie shook her head.
"Welcome back."
- - -
A lone cloaked figure stood before his shadowed boss.
"Sir.. I fear our world is reaching its end." said the shrouded young man.
"I see.." the shadow's voice was filled with empathy. "It was destined. That world has been bound to crumble for eons. There is nothing I can do."
The boy nodded slowly. "Yes.. I understand."
"Have we received contact from the others yet?"
"No, sir." his voice was stern, but slightly worried.
"Please inform me as soon as they report."
"Yes, sir."
- - -
Kairi and Sora clambered out of Kairi's boat, Sora carrying a basket of food, Kairi with a blanket.
"Need help?" he asked, watching her as she tried and failed at keeping the cloth in a roll.
"No." she said stubbornly, making him smile. She saw his face and glared daggers. "Sora, don't you dare laugh at me!"
But he couldn't help it. "You sure you don't want me to carry that?"
She opened her mouth to decline the offer, but didn't get a chance.
"Kairi! Sora! Kairi!"
They turned to see three young children running towards them.
"Pacce? Hana? Taro? What's up?" asked Kairi, setting the blanket in the boat.
"Dead people!" one of them shouted.
Sora's eyebrows went up. "Dead people?"
Hana nodded anxiously.
"Where?" Kairi asked casually.
"The cave! The cave!" called Taro.
"The Secret Place!" squeaked Pacce.
Sora and Kairi exchanged glances. What kind of game was this?
The children watched them, eyes large with panic.
"Alright, we'll check it out." Sora said, shrugging casually.
Kairi nodded, and the Kinderguardians took off at full speed.
- -
The group stood before the large, gaping hole in the side of the mountain. The three younger kids fidgeted nervously, while Sora and Kairi stood by casually, Kairi with her hands together behind her.
"In here?" Kairi asked, and they nodded to confirm.
"Well, let's go." Sora said, and he and Kairi started forward.
"Don't leave us!" shouted Hana.
Kairi glanced at Sora worriedly. These kids were really scared of something.
"It's okay, Kairi. I'm sure I can manage it." the Keyblade master said, still not taking it seriously.
"Be careful."
"Yeah."
("Lulu's Theme" - Nobou Uematsu)
He pushed back the vines and creepers and stepped through.
It seemed like no matter what, the ground was always slightly damp. He made his way slowly down the long, squishy path. He turned the final corner and reached a large opening in the belly of the mountain.
Sure enough, two people lay on the ground, not moving. In the dim, almost nonexistent light, and from a six-year-old point of view, they were dead. But Sora could easily see their chests rising and falling with breath. Who there people were, though, was a mystery. A girl and a boy, both around his age. He had never seen either of them before.
The girl had long, black hair that was tied back into a ponytail, with some hanging down on both sides. Her clothing consisted of a green top with two brass buckles hanging down , a pair of short, black shorts, dark brown knee socks, and light brown shoes with olive green toes. Her skin had the slight tan of someone who spent time outdoors, but not much. Around her neck was a black band that covered most of the neck. Her ears were plain with no signs of piercings. On her arms were long arm socks, crème colored with black lips. Over these arms socks were thick, elbow length gloves that reminded Sora of Yuffie.
The boy, on the other hand, had the darker tan of someone who spent a great deal of the day outside. His arms showed signs of heavy lifting, which lead Sora to think he was either a swordsman or someone who worked for a store that supplied heavy armor. Or both. His clothing was similar to that of the girl's in that the fabrics looked the same. He wore a black sleeveless shirt and dark brown pants, which were tucked into black steel-toed boots. On his left arm he wore brown leather straps that buckled on the outside and a black glove that had the thumb cut out. On said glove was a dark red, I-shaped design. The top line (or bottom, depending on how you see it) wrapped around his wrist, forming the mouth of the glove. On his right arm was a black arm sock with a matching black and red glove over it. His hair was dark, jaw length, and shaggy. On both ears sat thick, metal stud earrings. A scarf-like cloth sat loosely around his neck and shoulders, but upon further inspection, Sora found it to be not a scarf, but a cape.
Sheesh, who wears capes? Sora thought to himself cynically.
He moved closer to where they were sprawled on the floor, as if they had collapsed or had simply been dropped.
The girl was closest to him, so he decided to check on her first. He knelt down at her side and put the tips of his fingers to her neck. There was a swift movement just barely in his line of vision and before he could move a muscle he felt the sharp edge of a blade at his neck. His eyes traveled up the blade to the wielder. It was the unconscious guy, who was currently not so unconscious.
"W-woah, there, buddy." Sora said, smiling shakily. He stood carefully and backed away from the girl on the ground.
"Who are you?" he asked, his voice cold.
"Sora. Listen, I wasn't going to do anything, I was just checking on her! Honest!"
He young man narrowed his eyes at Sora, not moving the weapon.
Sora put his palm on the blade and pushed it away slowly. The dark-haired young man withdrew the sword and put it on his shoulder, then looked down at the girl. He heaved a sigh and the sword glowed slightly and vanished.
"You're Sora?" he asked, looking at the spiky-haired brunette.
"Yeah. And you're..?"
But he ignored him and knelt next to the girl and tapped her cheek gently. "Nyx.. Nyx, wake up." Her eyelids fluttered then opened.
"Hmm?"
"C'mon."
She sat up slowly, then looked up at Sora. A sweet smile spread across her face, and she stood.
"You're Nyx?"
"I am!" she said with a quick nod.
- -
Kairi's eyes were fixed on the mouth of the cave. Taro, Hana, and Pacce whimpered and clutched at her arms.
"He-he's been in there f-for a long time."
Kairi smiled gently at them. "Don't worry. Sora's strong and brave. He'll come back."
They attempted to smile back, but their grins were feeble.
As if on cue, the vines at the entrance of the cave peeled back. Sora stepped through, followed by two strangers.
"Zombies!" shrieked the children, and they ran off screaming.
Kairi looked that them apologetically, and stepped forward.
"These are the 'dead people'?" she asked wryly.
"No way, we're 'zombies'!" protested the black-haired girl.
Introductions were made between Kairi and Nyx, who took immediate likings to each other.
Kairi looked from Nyx, to Sora, then to the young man whom was still nameless.
"And you are..?"
Sora looked to him as well.
"Corben." he said flatly.
"Ooh! You're so rude!" Nyx teased, poking his cheek with her index finger.
He swatted her away, wrinkling his nose at her.
Sora took his chance and spoke up. "So, do you have anyplace to stay?"
Nyx nodded. "We're sleepin' in the cave!" she chirped, as if it was common knowledge. Kairi looked absolutely mortified.
"No you're not sleeping in some moldy cave!" she yelped. "You can both stay with me, it's no problem!"
"Eeks! You're so nice!" cried Nyx, taking Kairi's hands in hers, jumping up and down.
- -
Walking through town, Corben and Nyx got many odd looks, but it was as if they didn't notice. The scorn, the scowls, the wolfish gazes, the adoring stares, they all rolled off of them.
Being with them, Sora and Kairi, though both well known, were also on the receiving end of harsh whispers. Sora, like the two strangers, was unaffected. He had been to other worlds. He knew what they said.
Ever seen him before? Where'd he come from? Look at those clothes. Think he's trouble?
It had bothered him at first, but not anymore.
Kairi, however, was not so fortunate. She glanced around, finding holding her head high to be more and more difficult with each step. By the time they reached her house she was reminded of how little self-confidence she had. It was unnerving how calm the others were.
"Well, here we are." she announced. They slowed and she passed them up, turning up the walkway and climbing the stairs to her stoop.
"Kyaa! This is your house?! It's so big!" Nyx gushed. Her fists were clutched to her chest as she bunny hopped up the path.
Kairi blushed slightly and turned to the house. "Well, they built big back when they built this neighborhood…" she mumbled, lifting the mat to get at the spare key. Her search proved fruitful, and the door swung open. "Come on in." she called, waving her arm. Nyx rushed in, slipped her shoes off, and ran into the kitchen, choruses of kyaa's echoed through the hall.
Corben shook his head slowly, and walked up the stoop. "I'm sorry about her." he said softy, then continued on.
Kairi turned to Sora, utterly baffled. Sora met her eyes and burst out in laughter. Kairi failed to see what was so funny, but the sound of his laughter gave her a warm feeling in her chest.
"You staying for dinner?" she asked, leaning on the doorframe.
He paused to think, then nodded. "Of course. There's no way I'm missing this circus."
She smirked wryly. "You could be more sympathetic."
"You offered them a place to stay." he reminded.
She sighed. "I know, I know."
And with that she turned to go in.
Sora stared out into the distance, slightly dazed.
"You coming in or not?"
Suddenly, a thought came to him.
"Hey, Kai?"
"Yeah?"
"How's Riku?"
She paused, watching him oddly.
"Who?"
LONG FRIGGIN CHAPTER! AHH! Microsoft word says 9 pages/ 2935 words of story here. Whew! Please R&R while my carpel tunnel rages. XO
