Thanks to Bronzed Toast and Shale 101 for reviewing! Wow, you're right, Shale, I've just noticed how much Vexen and Hojo are alike... By the way, I'm not going to put dream sequences in italics because I find it distracting.
Disclaimer: I don't own Kingdom Hearts/ Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories. Resemblance to any other fanfic is purely coincidental. So no one try to sue me or anything of the sort!
Day 10 - Later
"Hey Riku! Yoo hoo!" I groaned as I turned on my side, shielding my eyes from the light. I must have had fallen asleep on the beach again. Nothing new. But who was calling me? I had to tell her to shut up.
"Yo, Riku, get up!" Yet another annoying voice.
I sat up slowly, blinking as my eyes adjusted to the brightness of the sun. "Oh, what's up, Selphie, Tidus?" I asked groggily in greeting, stretching. My two friends were watching me happily. Clearly nothing was really wrong.
"Nothin's the matter." Selphie chirped, leaning forward towards me, smiling. Somehow, I detected a serious note in her normally cheerful voice, "We just think there's been something strange about you lately."
Tidus cut in, also concerned despite his light tone. "What she means is that we're all worried about you." I raised my eyebrows. Who was 'we'? "All of us agree there's something up. Sora and Kairi especially."
"Huh." So the two of them thought there was something wrong with me? I sat with one leg straight, the other pulled close to my chest as I gazed out towards the sea. The peaceful waters weren't anything like what I was feeling inside. "What about Naminé? Does she say anything?" I asked, with a half sigh. The others' concern meant nothing to me, only hers.
Instead of answering, Selphie and Tidus looked at each other, confused. It was the 'what's he talking about' expression. "Uh... Who's Naminé?" Tidus ventured first, uncertainly, as he scuffed his shoe in the sand. "Some girl you have a crush on?"
They didn't know? But it wasn't possible! I whipped around to face them. Demandingly, I asked, "What d'you mean 'who's Naminé'?"
Selphie scratched her head and held her hands out in complete blankness. "Sorry, but we don't know her." Her wide green eyes ensured me that she was truly clueless. Same held true for Tidus. Maybe the both of them had amnesia. "You sure you're not still dreaming?"
"Maybe he has a fever..."
Irritated, I swiped away the hand that was trying to feel my forehead. "I'm perfectly fine! It's you two I'm worried about. How could you forget Naminé!" She was one of their best friends, for crying out loud!
"But... We really don't know. Is she even here, on the Destiny Islands?"
I started to feel very uneasy. I-Is there something wrong with me? Although I was nearly sure that I was right, there was a teensy bit of doubt now... Something had started shifting in my mind, but what was it...? Then, I saw her standing a distance away from us, beside a coconut tree.
Relieved that I wasn't losing my mind, I said to Tidus and Selphie, pointing her out, "There she is! You were just joking about the Naminé thing, right?" I grinned as I understood their prank and stood up, starting to approach her before either one of them could stop me.
But then Naminé turned and walked away. Unsure about why she was avoiding me, I reached out a hand and called to her, "Wait, Naminé. I just heard the strangest thing–" She turned to me, and her face was the saddest that it had ever been. A split second later, she was retreating into the shadows behind her. Then she was gone like she had never existed. Where she had stood, an emptiness remained.
I forgot who she was.
Just as I was figuring out who that blond-haired girl was, I woke up with a start, realizing that I had fallen asleep not on the beach, but in the small room where Naminé remained in throughout the day. I must have nodded off as I sat against the wall. Strange dream. But now that I was wide-awake and refreshed, I knew perfectly well who she was, so why would I forget in my dreams?
Two full days had passed since the whole unpleasant event at the library, and some of the tension between Naminé and me had dissolved. At least, to me, being around her was less awkward now. We seldom talked, but as I often did, I watched her. My thoughts revolved constantly about Naminé, and only her. It was almost an obsession. By this time, Sora had almost drifted completely into the background along with all the other kids on the Destiny Islands, Kairi included. They appeared to me only in dreams.
My only true memory, Naminé, was all that mattered to me. I always hoped that one of those days Naminé would finally be truly happy again and could feel free to be open around me. Sometimes though, I wondered if I was a fool to be so optimistic.
Trying not to come on too strong, I gave her some space. But I found that I couldn't drift far.
So, on the tenth day of my life, I was in the usual meeting place with Naminé. It's here that I can feel at peace and far away from everyone and everything unpleasant. Like I said, she was the only one who I clung to for stability. Which was why I was relieved to know that at least she still enjoyed drawing. She was seated in her chair, head bent down in concentration. Her pencil made soft scratching noises as she drew. There didn't seem to be a need for an eraser.
I tried not to be intrusive, but I found myself craning over to see what she was working on. I remembered the days at the beach where she had drawn pictures of everyone else. The memory of everyone looking surprised and then grinning when she presented us with our sketches was a bright one, even if it wasn't real.
I took one look at the sketch that she was working on and I in an instant, I knew what it was. Really, Naminé was a brilliant artist. The coconut trees, wooden huts by the seashore, down to little fishes in the water, they were all there in that paper. For a moment, it was hard to believe that I wasn't really back at the Destiny Islands. What a strange feeling it gave me, that brief moment where I could feel everything about my home around me. If I didn't know better I'd say that it was magic.
"It's so... realistic! You're as great an artist as I remember, Naminé!" I said, smiling broadly to show that I really meant it. "It's amazing how you can draw everything so perfectly when it's been years since you left the Destiny Islands."
Naminé's pencil halted and hovered over the paper. "I suppose it is..." She said, gazing at the sketch longingly. I had assumed that she was homesick, but in reality, it was far more than that. Naminé also wanted to leave the confines of Castle Oblivion.
"Do you remember how you used to draw pictures of Sora and I?" I asked her, referring back to my memories. "Those were the days, weren't they?" I sighed wistfully and look up at the blank white ceiling.
The Destiny Islands were the only life that I could recall since Naminé hadn't put the memories of Riku's later adventures into my mind yet. So, I suppose I was a bit more simple-minded then, only knowing about the calm and peaceful days. "Say, could you draw a picture of me, Naminé?" I asked, with a sudden idea.
"...?"
"You see, I- uh, kinda lost the one that you gave me last time." I replied sheepishly. Actually, I remember that the wind had blown it right out of my hand and into the sea. I had half-thought about jumping in after it, but it would have been ruined anyway. I didn't mention that I had completely flipped out as I watched it float away. Embarrassed by my behavior as a kid, I just said, "I really want something that you gave me, just to keep like a good luck charm."
Those were the magic words.
Naminé looked surprised at first, but then she gave me one of her rare smiles and replied shyly, "Okay." After staring at me long and hard, she turned back to her sketchbook and started to pencil out the outlines. Then, I'm not sure if I caught it right, since after all it made no sense, but I thought Naminé just might have murmured, "Thank you."
I think that I'll never forget what it felt like to be in the same quiet room that held nothing but the two of us. She would be drawing, wrapped up in her own world, while I would watch from behind her chair and over her shoulders to protect her from hostile forces. I remember thinking how nice it would be if I could just freeze time...
By now, the pencil markings on the white paper were starting to gain shape. Before long I was staring back at the set of eyes, carefully drawn and perfectly identical to the ones on my face. But they were strangely blank, and I couldn't really see any emotion in them. I wondered how Naminé had chosen to portray me. Would I be happy or sad? Thoughtful or carefree? Which feelings?
Being around Naminé always led me to think about the days we had spent together, and I mentioned them often. "Do you remember..." or "We had so much fun doing..." were common things that I said. I was so thickheaded that I didn't realize that every word made her more and more uncomfortable.
"Can you remember this meteor shower at the Destiny Islands? You and I were watching them, and you got scared and asked me if the meteor could hit us–" That's me being a bonehead again.
"– you promised to protect me and I gave you my good luck charm." Naminé continued abruptly, dropping her pencil. I was astonished to hear the struggle in her voice.
"That's right, I still have it," I said hesitantly, sensing something wrong.
Naminé shook her head vigorously and clutched my hands desperately. Her blue eyes were wide with what I recognized as fear and desperation, like my bringing up the old memory was painful to her. "N-no. It's all wrong," she said. "I can't keep it a secret anymore."
"What's all wrong, Naminé?" I asked, concerned about her sudden change in mood. "What's wrong!"
Naminé looked at the door briefly, and then slowly let go of me. "There's something that I must tell you, whether they want me to or not. The things that you remember about me, they're not true. I was never on the Destiny Islands, and I never met you until you came here!"
"What are you talking about?" I was shocked into asking bluntly without first checking my tone.
"You don't get it!" she cried, and I stared at her with my mouth slightly open. She slid back into docility, "I'm sorry, but I don't know how to tell you the truth... You see, you're not really Riku. Everything you remember didn't really happen at all." She paused and sighed heavily in exasperation, "It's all my fault, I did this to you."
Did WHAT to me? "Sorry, but I don't get it."Mind made up, Naminé leapt off her seat and grabbed my wrist. Before I knew it, she was pulling me towards the door. That girl is surprisingly strong for her small frame. I was at loss and thoroughly confused. "What're you doing?"
"What I should've done earlier. I see that just telling you won't do a thing, you need to get away from me," she told me firmly. When she finally let go, Naminé stood straight in front of me. This side of her was strong and stubborn. I wasn't used to it, and wondered what had brought it about. Plus, I still didn't get anything of what she had said.
What did she mean about me not being Riku? How could I not be when I could remember every single thing about my life? I believed almost her every word, but she was telling me that my life was a lie, that my memories were lies. I just couldn't believe it.
"Please leave! My powers will only hurt you if you stay here," Naminé said, her eyes pleading. "You have to leave Castle Oblivion somehow. At least stay where they can't find you!"
I couldn't quite believe my ears. Why was she telling me to leave? "W- what?" I stuttered, completely unlike myself.
"Believe me. You must go, it's for your own good. There's no time to explain. He's coming already." Her eyes kept darting back to the closed door as if expecting someone to come in at any moment. Her voice was hurried, "You'll never escape if you don't go now! Please–"
I'll never forget the crestfallen expression that formed on Naminé's face as the door opened. You would've thought that the world had just crumbled around her. She looked defeated, and the energy that she had possessed just a second ago was gone. When the man who entered gave her a single questioning glance, she walked back to her chair, slowly, like a sleepwalker. I turned my attention to him.
The newcomer wasn't anyone that I already knew. No, this one was a man with wild reddish brown hair. He was dressed in the traditional clothes of a member of the Organization, black robes down to his feet. Ring any bells?
Personally, my first impression was that of dislike. I immediately sensed that there was also a distinct air of superiority about him. The Keeper. The Master, with a capital 'M'. Coincidentally, that would mean that his name was Marluxia.
"Hello," he said, feigning surprise. I could tell with a single glance that he was crafty, and I tended not to like that kind of person too much. My guard was up in a second. When he saw me tense, he held up a hand as if to ask for peace. "Is that how you always greet strangers?" he asked.
"When I'm in a creepy castle and just meeting a shifty character? I'll have to say yes." I replied without hesitation, eyes carefully focused on him. Soul Eater would come into my hand the moment I willed it. I'm always a fighter first. He would've been very sorry had he made just one false move...
The Keeper went on to say regretfully, "I'm sorry that you find me shifty, and I'm very hurt that you think this castle is– what did you say?— 'creepy'. After all, I did decorate it myself. But rest assured, Riku, I don't intend to harm you or Naminé." Not yet, anyway.
I turned back to check on Naminé, but found that she was as silent as always. Her sketch was unfinished, and she was as still as a statue. It was obvious she already knew this guy, but was exceptionally wary in his presence. Gee, I wonder why. I already suspected that he would know everything about me, but I was still taken aback at his casual usage of my name. His promise wasn't very reassuring since I knew that words of certain people are as easily dissipated as air.
This time, however, I decided not to antagonize anyone else just yet. Goodness knows, I really didn't need another enemy. I fell back into a regular at ease stance, and he smiled contentedly, as if he knew that I wouldn't attack him right away.
"My name is Marluxia, and I'm the master of Castle Oblivion. I've heard much about you. My apologies for not meeting you sooner," he said, offering his right hand for a handshake. I didn't take it.
"Don't expect me to tread lightly and butter you up just 'cause you're the leader around here," I informed him. I answered rudely to avoid being intimidated.
Marluxia dropped his hand (along with all pretense of being friendly) to his side and gave a brief, insincere laugh. "Aren't you worried that I'll throw you into a dungeon? Every good castle has one, you know." I had a rather unpleasant taste in my mouth as he said that. I wasn't sure if he was joking or not.
"What're you here for?" I asked, changing the subject. "But wait, I think I know. You have something you want to say to Naminé, right? Lately, everyone does." I said, hitting the nail right on the head.
His lip curled. "Such a clever boy." Somehow, the way he said it, it didn't sound much like a compliment. "Yes, you're absolutely correct, so it will be much appreciated if you leave us for the time being. I would like it to be a private conversation, you understand."
I looked to Naminé and my voice automatically became gentler. "You'll be okay, right?"
She glanced up at me for a second before turning away again. "Yes." Of course she would be all right. I was sure that Marluxia was using her for something, so he wouldn't hurt her as long as he needed her to do his bidding. But I was scared for her all the same.
"Don't worry, I won't be far." I said this to Naminé, but I was looking directly at Marluxia. He knew that I wouldn't let any harm come to Naminé as long as I could help it. Marluxia waved me out before turning back to Naminé. There was something sinister in his aura that made me feel like he was making a threat. And the way he looked at me... I was more than willing to bet my Soul Eater that he was plotting something nasty. I shoved past him.
Very unwillingly, I exited the room, but stood outside pacing the hallway waiting for a sign— any sign– of trouble to dash in. I didn't hear anything apart from some muffled whispering sounds. Pressing my ear against the door, I struggled to hear, but I couldn't make anything out. What poison was Marluxia filling Naminé's mind with? I shifted my weight nervously from side to side.
I listened again, pushing my senses to their limits. But I still couldn't hear well enough. Finally, an idea struck me. Carefully, I coaxed the darkness to penetrate Marluxia's seal just enough for me to make out what he was saying. At first I thought that my trick hadn't worked, because I couldn't hear a single word that Naminé said.
But then I realized that it was really just a very one-sided conversation.
I listened even harder. "–Not so heartless, are you? And I thought you didn't care about him." Marluxia was saying, mockingly. His words were followed by stoic silence.
"I see, so you don't want to endanger your guardian," Marluxia said, his tone getting more agitated. No response. There was a pause, then..."You think you're clever don't you, Naminé?" There wasn't a hint of friendliness now, fake or not. "You think you can defy my orders whenever you feel like it?"
Naminé didn't seem to reply. Marluxia said, irritated, "Fine, keep your silence, witch. Just make sure to do your job or I will snuff out that annoying pest who fancies himself your bodyguard."
He was threatening her!
But outside, I was frozen as I realized the meaning of what he had said. Marluxia was making use of me to force Naminé into doing something against her will. Had I always been an unknowing hostage? He continued, "The Keyblade Master approaches still. Now, I want you to erase Kairi completely from his memory, like you did with that replica."
That... replica? Erase Kairi? I don't remember... There was a hole in my memories that I felt wasn't there before.
Who was Kairi?
I... can't remember... My mouth fell open as I realized the truth. I knew now, but I just couldn't believe it. I didn't want to hear more. I didn't need to. I stormed in, cracking the simple seal that Marluxia lay on the room. Naminé sat, head hung down while Marluxia stood menacingly in front of her. Marluxia's expression was ugly, when he faced me. "So you heard?"
"Yes!" I spat before turning to Naminé. Trying to sound confident, I asked, "Tell me the truth, Naminé! I'm not this 'replica' or whatever, right?" She bowed her head. My voice lost all confidence and sounded more like a plea, "Right!"
Marluxia went to her and taking a tight hold on her arm, forcibly jerked her up, "Yes, do tell him the truth, Naminé. No? Then I will. It'll make no difference, and I will enjoy his reaction." He smiled lazily, "Let me tell you the story. A while ago, Vexen obtained a sample from a boy named Riku. From his DNA, you were created. Without memories, without a heart."
I was a... heartless?
Marluxia drank in my dismay, as he gladly went on, "In that state you were quite useless to us. So under my orders, Castle's Oblivion's resident witch, Naminé, used her powers and gave you a past by falsely implanting memories that the real Riku has. Perhaps in that sense, you are him. But make no mistake, no matter how well-crafted, you still remain a clone. You are only a fake. You aren't Riku, only a mere shadow of him, created artificially. Don't presume to change things, because whatever you do will be at the bidding of the Organization."
"What're you talking about? I can take you down now, if I wanted to!"
Marluxia sneered at me. "I doubt you could. Don't you see? By manipulating your memories, I have full control over you!"
"It can't be." I stammered, for once thrown off guard. It couldn't be the truth, could it? But it was... logical. If I didn't have control over my memories, my thoughts and actions would already be in his power. "No way."
"But it is." Marluxia told me, satisfied with my confusion. Then he barked at Naminé, "Tell him it's the truth. Shatter his illusions!" He shook her, tugging on her arm as she tried to break away.
"Get away from her!" I shouted. It didn't even occur to me at the time that Naminé wasn't worth rescuing. I already cared too deeply for her to process the new information.
"And who's going to make me? You?" He smirked, not even moving away the slightest bit. I had no more use for words. Instead, I charged forward. Marluxia calmly took a step backwards, and lifting his hand, cast a spell.
A violent storm of petals erupted from nowhere. They hit me with none too delicate force and I blacked out, hearing Naminé's cry just above the sound of the raging petal cyclone.
---
While I was unconcious, my memory was altered again. Yet another layer was stacked on top, and the memories of that day drifted to the back of my mind as the chains linking them broke. I remembered nothing of that encounter.
And so, when I came to, life resumed its regular course with me none the wiser. Still, a little had changed.
After this alteration, I was still 'Riku', but now I had his memories of the later adventures after leaving the Destiny Islands too. I could 'remember' all of his– my– affairs with darkness, and the whole event at Kingdom Hearts. All small, subtle changes.
But the big thing was that now I knew why Naminé had left the islands all those years ago. I came to consciousness the next day with a burning desire to punish Sora for his mistake. Oh yeah, I was furiously mad.
That was a longer chapter than normal, but nothing much really happened. Hopefully, the next one will advance the story. I really want to finish this before KH2 comes out...