Disclaimer: See other disclaimers for details. Not for individual sale.
Whoo, this story is fun to write! I just want to apologize ahead of time in case anyone reading this is offended by the whole mother thing. Just for the record, I don't really have a mother figure anymore. I do have a mother, but I'm more mature than her! lol She doesn't even live with me, though.
~~~~~
Kairi ran down the street, tears streaming across her face. Turning the corner sharply, she glanced ahead and skidded to a stop. Up ahead she could see her friends, relaxing on Selphie's lawn and talking under the soft glow of the streetlights. They hadn't noticed her, so she watched them for a moment before darting down the side street to avoid them.
She didn't want to talk about it, at least, not with them. For a moment, she wondered if she should go find Riku. He seemed to be the only person who would actually listen to her lately, but then again, it had always been that way. Sure, Sora was easy to talk to, but he couldn't take hints worth crap. Sometimes he was even too hyper to sit still, bouncing in place while Kairi tried to tell him about her horrid day.
She shook her head. No, even Riku wouldn't tell her what she wanted to hear. No one on this tiny island would, because everyone knew who Ansem was. All she would get for trying to talk to them about it was tied up in someone's basement to 'protect her from his manipulative evil'.
Something in the back of her mind snapped. Of course! My mother!!
She could have jumped with joy at having parents. That's what they're for! She was absolutely positive at that moment that mothers were invented so that daughters had someone to talk to about boys. Almost smiling, she wiped a hand across her face, managing to get most of the tears off.
She dashed across her back yard and burst through the kitchen door, her father jumping in surprise as she barreled past him.
"Oh, hi, honey! We never see you anymore, how was your day?" he called as she paused in the doorway.
She smiled innocently at him, "It was great! Where's mom?" She fiddled absently with the hem of her skirt, hoping he wouldn't notice the faint traces of tears still on her face.
Obviously, he didn't. "Ummm, I think she's upstairs folding laundry. Oh, bye then.." He waved after her as she darted up the staircase.
"Mom!" she cried, shoving open the door to her parent's bedroom.
"Ahh! Kairi, don't do that!" her mother howled as she grabbed the socks that had gone flying across the bed.
"Sorry.." She wandered slowly into the room, closing the door behind her and plopping down on the large bed.
She snuggled down into the soft blankets, happily reminded that she was home. The familiar scent of blackberries and apples rose up around her as she thrashed happily under the covers. After she successfully knocked the stack of her father's shirts onto the floor, her mother huffed, resting her hand on her hips and glaring playfully at her daughter.
"Did you need something, or did you just come in here to harass me?" She asked, picking up the shirts and throwing them at Kairi. "Here, you get to refold those!"
Kairi ducked back under the covers as the shirts toppled over her. She giggled and sat up, picking one up and proceeding to fold it. After a few awkwardly silent moments, she finally looked up.
"Alright, you win, I need some.. Advice." She said quietly, watching as her mother set down a stack of towels and began on the socks again.
"Oh? On what? Was that terrible Sora boy hassling you again?" She asked jokingly, tossing a pair of socks at Kairi.
She caught them and set them down, sighing softly and looking away. "Actually, he kissed me today." She glanced back up at her mother.
The older woman smiled down at her, "Well then what are you so upset about? He's a sweet boy, and it's about time you found a man to call your own!" She giggled, smile fading as she watched her daughter.
Kairi paused for a moment, "It's kind of hard to explain, but, I just don't love him like that anymore.."
"What? But, Kairi, you've always been crazy about him! I mean, ever since we moved here, you've always loved him! What happened?" She leaned over the bed, resting her hand on the girl's shoulder.
Kairi looked up into her eyes, biting back the urge to sigh and leave. She had to stop walking away from her problems. "Well, you know that feeling you get, like when you finally get something you've been wanting for a long time, but then you find out that it wasn't what you really wanted all along? That all this time, you've been chasing after something, when what would really make you happy was right there?" her mother nodded slowly, sitting quietly on the bed beside her.
She took a deep breath, "Well, let's say you were in love with a boy, but then you met another boy. So then you fall in love with him instead, and find out that you had never truly loved the first boy. But then, even though you know who you really want to be with, you find out that your friends hate him. So, because of your differences, you two can't be together…What would you do?" She asked rather awkwardly, trying her hardest not to sound rushed.
Her mother paused for a minute, completely caught off guard. "Well, If you two are really in love, then it shouldn't matter how different you are. Do you care enough about what your friends think of you, to turn away from someone you loved? Just, listen to your heart, what do you really want to do?" she said simply, turning abruptly and picking up a folded stack of laundry.
"You just think about it, I know you'll make the right choice." She walked quietly out the door, disappearing down the hall.
Kairi sat alone for a moment, finally getting up and walking to her own room. Closing the door softly behind her, she sank down on her bed, not bothering to turn the lights on.
She curled up with the covers pulled around her shoulders, staring at the patches of stars outside her window.
What do I want to do? She laughed softly. I know what I want to do… She shifted in the blankets, pulling them up over her head like a hood. She sighed wearily.
I love Sora, but now that I know he's not what I was looking for, I know I can never truly be happy with him. I'll never be able to get over Ansem, there's something about him that I've never seen in any other man.
Her bottom lip jutted out in an angry pout, looking remarkably like Sora as she glared out at the dark sky. And why shouldn't we be able to be together? It's not like there's a law against it! It's just stupid Sora and his stupid friends! Too wrapped up in the past to realize the change going on around them! Her thoughts shifted back to Riku, at least he understands. Would he still understand if I decided to leave? What would he do then?
She smiled to herself. No, Riku isn't like that. He'd help me, if I explained it all to him, he'd understand. I know he can feel it, too. Ansem isn't the same anymore, Kingdom Hearts changed him, it's still changing him. Is it possible to completely save him? She could still occasionally feel darkness inside of him, obviously, he wasn't completely back to the way he had been before the Heartless, but there was something good there, too. A certain sense of hope.
Oathkeeper materialized in her hand, and she gazed down at it. The light.. Kingdom Hearts.. She held the keyblade of light, was it possible she could help him? Could she possibly use her own keyblade to finish what the Light of Kingdom Hearts had begun? Staring determinedly out the window, she held the keyblade up. Of course, I love him, I can save him, and I will. To show Sora that he isn't evil! He should understand better than anyone that all hearts were born of light!
A sudden wave of determination and anger welled up inside her, and she clutched her chest in surprise. Whoa, where'd that come from? She thought hesitantly, suddenly concerned for Ansem. She closed her eyes, yes, it was Ansem. She could feel it, something was extremely wrong. She put the keyblade away and leaned forward, drawing in a sharp breath as the feeling vanished. Weird, is the keyblade channeling his emotions to me? She shook her head in puzzlement, deciding to ask Riku about it later.
Sighing exhaustedly, she flopped back under the covers, curling up happily as she buried herself under the blankets. Moments later, she fell asleep, oblivious to the dark shape that had emerged from the wall.
~*~
Gasping in surprise, Ansem flung himself out of bed. He landed heavily on the floor and looked around, half expecting to be surrounded by angry Heartless. Slowly untangling himself from the covers, he stood up, shaking slightly.
Just a nightmare, that's all. He tried to calm himself down, tried to convince himself it had only been a dream, but he couldn't shake the looming dread that filled his chest. Running a hand through his now messy hair, he turned around, debating whether or not to attempt getting any more sleep.
He toppled to the floor, fingers digging roughly into the scattered blankets as his back arched in pain. It welled up inside him, threatening to tear apart his soul. He shook in agony, doubling up and crying out from the pain. It finally subsided, leaving him panting and slightly sweaty from the strain.
He rolled over on his back and stared up at the ceiling. It wasn't a dream, I have to see…
He pulled himself back up, stumbling over to the closet and retrieving his shirt from the floor. He grabbed his coat and boots, pulling them on as he stumbled hastily out the door.
Within moments, he was bursting through the double doors to the Grand Hall, panting from the flight. There it was, the portal to the Dark Depths. Darkness was seeping out of it, just like it had when he had been trying to unlock Kingdom Hearts.
Angrily, he glided forward, setting down right in front of it and approaching it with caution. He held out his hand, able to feel the absence of light from within. Closing his eyes and concentrating, he stepped forward, close enough to walk through it. He felt it ripple slightly, it was still responding to him. He hadn't completely lost control, yet.
He stepped even closer, anger filling him. If the Dark Depths would still respond to him, then why wouldn't the Heartless? He felt a wave of determination sweep through him, he could make the darkness show him. His thoughts suddenly shifted back to Kairi, what?
He paused, he could feel her focusing on him, was she listening to his emotions? She could feel that something was wrong, too, because he could. He drew his hand away from the seething darkness, trying to reassure her before she got the wrong idea. He could feel the connection break the moment he pulled his hand away, staring dumbfounded at the darkness before him. Was it acting as some sort of conductor?
Hesitating for a moment, he finally stepped through, entering the Dark Depths and gazing around at the empty surroundings. He was surprised to feel disconnected from it, like he was simply alone in a vast desert. It had been the first time since his defeat that he had entered it, but still. Before, he had always felt surrounded by it, like it was drifting through his very soul, but now, it just felt empty, like he didn't belong there at all.
Ignoring the detached feeling, he stepped farther into the darkness, reaching the back wall and digging his hands into it. Slowly, he let it envelope him completely, wrapping around his body and holding him securely in the limbo of the world of Darkness.
He head was pounding, obviously, he was no longer fit to do this, as his heart was no longer devoted to the darkness. However, it hadn't rejected him, so he stayed.
It wasn't long before the familiar hiss filled his senses, rising up until it was the unmistakable voices of the Heartless. It rose to a roar, echoing through him and making him grit his teeth as he fought to stay connected.
Yes, Master, all is according to plan.. His Keyblade poses no threat, Lord.. All is as planned, what else do you wish? Yessss, the girl will be taken shortly, not to worry Lord. Master, all Heartless obey you, what else do you command? Lord, shall we prepare for the attack? When is the Keyblade Master to be taken? Yes, when? His heart is so pure, it calls openly to us! The attack shall commence shortly, Lord Sephiroth.
Ansem jolted in surprise at hearing the name. Sephiroth? He had always been at competition with Ansem, especially when it came time to crown the new king. Of course, Sephiroth had thought that he should have gotten it, being older than Ansem. He had been banished shortly after Ansem had been crowned.
So, he's still determined to beat me. I should have guessed…
Ansem clamped his hands to his ears, trying desperately to muffle the voices hissing around him. From what bits and pieces he could understand, they were planning an attack, on the keyblades? His heart skipped a beat. Kairi! He bit back an angry scream, focusing intently on the voices.
She's under your control, Lord, just give the command. Yes, Master, we understand, preparations shall be made.. The girl suspects nothing, she sleeps. Give the command, Lord, let us take the Keyblade!
Ansem gasped in realization. They're talking about Kairi! They're planning an attack on Kairi and her keyblade! He had to warn her, before it was too late.. He glanced around quickly, nearly slapping himself when he remembered where he was. Being directly tied to the darkness made it impossible for him to open a portal to Destiny Islands, however, he could still focus on the keyblades, making it possible for him to speak to anyone wielding one.
Closing his eyes, he focused all his energy toward Kairi, picturing her in his mind. He prayed it wasn't too late, taking a deep breath and calling out to her.
~*~
Kairi shouted in surprise, flinging the blankets away and scrambling into a sitting position. She stared around the room, Ansem's voice echoing urgently in her mind. Did I really just hear that? She wondered silently, holding a hand to her forehead. She was positive she had heard Ansem yell at her to get up, something about the Heartless…
She yawned, abruptly interrupted as his voice cut through her mind.
Kairi! It's Sephiroth! He's planning an attack on the keyblades!! He shouted urgently, her hands flying instinctively to her ears as she cried out in surprise.
She leapt out of bed, eyes scanning the room again as she tried to figure out what was going on. "Ansem? What's going on? Where are you?"
She spun around, There! Look out, move to your left!! He shouted, his voice rising in slight panic.
Kairi was absolutely puzzled, but she trusted Ansem. Immediately, she dropped down to her left knee and rolled to the side, yelping in surprise as a dark keyblade slammed into the wall where she had been.
Your keyblade! Get out of there!
She threw open the door, Oathkeeper materializing as she dashed down the stairs. Looking quickly over her shoulder, she saw a flash of shadow against the wall, the Heartless was following her.
She threw open the back door, sprinting across her lawn as she tried to recollect herself. "Ansem?! What the hell is going on!!?" She cried, ducking into the trees as she tried to avoid the Heartless.
Sephiroth is trying to get rid of you because he sees your keyblade as a potential hazard to his plans! Can you take care of the Heartless by yourself? He sounded extremely upset about something other than the fact that a Heartless was chasing Kairi.
"Yeah, I think so.." She huffed, bursting out of the trees onto the beach. Up ahead, she could see the bright glow of a campfire, immediately recognizing the three forms seated around it.
"Riku!!" She howled, leaping on him as he cried out in surprise.
"Kairi? What's wrong?" He asked, struggling to pull the startled girl off of him. He glanced over her shoulder, eyes widening as he spotted the Heartless darting after the girl.
"Oh my God! Kairi, what did you do?!" Selphie wailed, clinging to Tidus as he pulled her away from the fire.
Riku immediately produced the dark keyblade, positioning it in front of him as he took on a battle stance.
Kairi finally managed to get a good look at her pursuer, gasping in surprise as she recognized it. "No, what are you doing? I thought you were my friend.." She whimpered, facing her replica with a hurt gaze.
She sank down onto her knees, "No, Riku, don't hurt it.." She whispered, watching as it drew up close to them, stopping several feet from the fire as staring at Riku angrily.
"What? Why? It's trying to take your heart!" He replied, casting her a puzzled glance.
"Ansem, what do I do? It's not right, to kill it…" Frustrated tears formed in her eyes.
You don't have to kill it, use your keyblade. he replied simply, sounding exhausted.
"What? My keyblade?" She wiped a hand across her face, staring at the replica.
Tidus and Selphie exchanged confused looks, glancing around the beach and wondering who Kairi thought she was talking to.
Yes, lock its heart, use the keyblade of light to restore it..-!! He shouted in surprise and pain, gasping before his voice faded.
"Lock its heart? Ansem? Ansem!" Kairi shivered, hoping eh was alright. She shifted her gaze back to the Heartless, standing up and holding Oathkeeper determinedly in front of her.
"Alright.. I can do this.." She watched as it slowly advanced on her, yelping in surprise and dodging away as it pounced.
Riku made as if to help her, but decided against it, stepping back and watching.
It leapt at Kairi again, this time landing on her before she could get away. She cried out in fright, blocking its keyblade as it tried to slash at her. Grinning evilly, it brought a hand up and gripped her throat.
Riku decided it was time to step in, grabbing the Heartless around the waist and lifting it off of Kairi. It kicked and growled at him, thrusting its elbows wherever possible. He noticed nearly right away that it seemed to be draining his energy. A fine layer of sweat formed under his clothing, and he strained to hold on to the thrashing replica.
"Kairi, hurry up! There's something seriously wrong with this thing!" He shouted, pinning its arms behind its back and holding it somewhat still.
Kairi stood shakily to her feet, looking suspiciously at her keyblade before pointing it at the Heartless' chest. Drawing it back, she closed her eyes, focusing of the light from the keyblade and thrusting it swiftly into the wriggling mass.
A sharp scream echoed down the beach, causing everyone to jump in surprise. Kairi watched in amazement as light enveloped the Heartless where her keyblade had pierced its chest. The light became blinding, forcing everyone to cover their faces and turn away. The scream grew louder, and Kairi pulled her keyblade back, hands burning from holding onto it. Immediately, the light vanished, the scream fading softly into the night.
She collapsed into the sand, propping herself up and staring at Riku.
Selphie gasped and immediately covered Tidus' eyes. Riku himself could not believe what he now held in his arms.
A thin young girl rested on Riku's chest, unconscious and completely naked. She appeared to be around Kairi's age, about the same size, with long black hair. She was beautiful.
Riku gasped, "Whoa, Kairi, you did it.. You actually restored someone from their Heartless form!" he cried, finally tearing his gaze away from the girl to stare at his friend.
Kairi crawled forward, resting her hand gently on the girls face. "She's so cold, she needs some cloths.." She looked around for something to give the girl.
"Uh, here.." Riku said, pulling off his cloak and helping Kairi wrap it around the girl. He hoisted her gently into his arms, facing Kairi questioningly.
"What do we do with her?" he asked, ignoring the confused stares they were receiving form Tidus and Selphie.
Selphie rushed forward, "Bring her to my house! Come on!" She tugged Riku forward, taking on a commanding tone. Kairi shrugged, limping after the two and putting Oathkeeper away.
~*~*~*~~~~
Whoo, this story is fun to write! I just want to apologize ahead of time in case anyone reading this is offended by the whole mother thing. Just for the record, I don't really have a mother figure anymore. I do have a mother, but I'm more mature than her! lol She doesn't even live with me, though.
~~~~~
Kairi ran down the street, tears streaming across her face. Turning the corner sharply, she glanced ahead and skidded to a stop. Up ahead she could see her friends, relaxing on Selphie's lawn and talking under the soft glow of the streetlights. They hadn't noticed her, so she watched them for a moment before darting down the side street to avoid them.
She didn't want to talk about it, at least, not with them. For a moment, she wondered if she should go find Riku. He seemed to be the only person who would actually listen to her lately, but then again, it had always been that way. Sure, Sora was easy to talk to, but he couldn't take hints worth crap. Sometimes he was even too hyper to sit still, bouncing in place while Kairi tried to tell him about her horrid day.
She shook her head. No, even Riku wouldn't tell her what she wanted to hear. No one on this tiny island would, because everyone knew who Ansem was. All she would get for trying to talk to them about it was tied up in someone's basement to 'protect her from his manipulative evil'.
Something in the back of her mind snapped. Of course! My mother!!
She could have jumped with joy at having parents. That's what they're for! She was absolutely positive at that moment that mothers were invented so that daughters had someone to talk to about boys. Almost smiling, she wiped a hand across her face, managing to get most of the tears off.
She dashed across her back yard and burst through the kitchen door, her father jumping in surprise as she barreled past him.
"Oh, hi, honey! We never see you anymore, how was your day?" he called as she paused in the doorway.
She smiled innocently at him, "It was great! Where's mom?" She fiddled absently with the hem of her skirt, hoping he wouldn't notice the faint traces of tears still on her face.
Obviously, he didn't. "Ummm, I think she's upstairs folding laundry. Oh, bye then.." He waved after her as she darted up the staircase.
"Mom!" she cried, shoving open the door to her parent's bedroom.
"Ahh! Kairi, don't do that!" her mother howled as she grabbed the socks that had gone flying across the bed.
"Sorry.." She wandered slowly into the room, closing the door behind her and plopping down on the large bed.
She snuggled down into the soft blankets, happily reminded that she was home. The familiar scent of blackberries and apples rose up around her as she thrashed happily under the covers. After she successfully knocked the stack of her father's shirts onto the floor, her mother huffed, resting her hand on her hips and glaring playfully at her daughter.
"Did you need something, or did you just come in here to harass me?" She asked, picking up the shirts and throwing them at Kairi. "Here, you get to refold those!"
Kairi ducked back under the covers as the shirts toppled over her. She giggled and sat up, picking one up and proceeding to fold it. After a few awkwardly silent moments, she finally looked up.
"Alright, you win, I need some.. Advice." She said quietly, watching as her mother set down a stack of towels and began on the socks again.
"Oh? On what? Was that terrible Sora boy hassling you again?" She asked jokingly, tossing a pair of socks at Kairi.
She caught them and set them down, sighing softly and looking away. "Actually, he kissed me today." She glanced back up at her mother.
The older woman smiled down at her, "Well then what are you so upset about? He's a sweet boy, and it's about time you found a man to call your own!" She giggled, smile fading as she watched her daughter.
Kairi paused for a moment, "It's kind of hard to explain, but, I just don't love him like that anymore.."
"What? But, Kairi, you've always been crazy about him! I mean, ever since we moved here, you've always loved him! What happened?" She leaned over the bed, resting her hand on the girl's shoulder.
Kairi looked up into her eyes, biting back the urge to sigh and leave. She had to stop walking away from her problems. "Well, you know that feeling you get, like when you finally get something you've been wanting for a long time, but then you find out that it wasn't what you really wanted all along? That all this time, you've been chasing after something, when what would really make you happy was right there?" her mother nodded slowly, sitting quietly on the bed beside her.
She took a deep breath, "Well, let's say you were in love with a boy, but then you met another boy. So then you fall in love with him instead, and find out that you had never truly loved the first boy. But then, even though you know who you really want to be with, you find out that your friends hate him. So, because of your differences, you two can't be together…What would you do?" She asked rather awkwardly, trying her hardest not to sound rushed.
Her mother paused for a minute, completely caught off guard. "Well, If you two are really in love, then it shouldn't matter how different you are. Do you care enough about what your friends think of you, to turn away from someone you loved? Just, listen to your heart, what do you really want to do?" she said simply, turning abruptly and picking up a folded stack of laundry.
"You just think about it, I know you'll make the right choice." She walked quietly out the door, disappearing down the hall.
Kairi sat alone for a moment, finally getting up and walking to her own room. Closing the door softly behind her, she sank down on her bed, not bothering to turn the lights on.
She curled up with the covers pulled around her shoulders, staring at the patches of stars outside her window.
What do I want to do? She laughed softly. I know what I want to do… She shifted in the blankets, pulling them up over her head like a hood. She sighed wearily.
I love Sora, but now that I know he's not what I was looking for, I know I can never truly be happy with him. I'll never be able to get over Ansem, there's something about him that I've never seen in any other man.
Her bottom lip jutted out in an angry pout, looking remarkably like Sora as she glared out at the dark sky. And why shouldn't we be able to be together? It's not like there's a law against it! It's just stupid Sora and his stupid friends! Too wrapped up in the past to realize the change going on around them! Her thoughts shifted back to Riku, at least he understands. Would he still understand if I decided to leave? What would he do then?
She smiled to herself. No, Riku isn't like that. He'd help me, if I explained it all to him, he'd understand. I know he can feel it, too. Ansem isn't the same anymore, Kingdom Hearts changed him, it's still changing him. Is it possible to completely save him? She could still occasionally feel darkness inside of him, obviously, he wasn't completely back to the way he had been before the Heartless, but there was something good there, too. A certain sense of hope.
Oathkeeper materialized in her hand, and she gazed down at it. The light.. Kingdom Hearts.. She held the keyblade of light, was it possible she could help him? Could she possibly use her own keyblade to finish what the Light of Kingdom Hearts had begun? Staring determinedly out the window, she held the keyblade up. Of course, I love him, I can save him, and I will. To show Sora that he isn't evil! He should understand better than anyone that all hearts were born of light!
A sudden wave of determination and anger welled up inside her, and she clutched her chest in surprise. Whoa, where'd that come from? She thought hesitantly, suddenly concerned for Ansem. She closed her eyes, yes, it was Ansem. She could feel it, something was extremely wrong. She put the keyblade away and leaned forward, drawing in a sharp breath as the feeling vanished. Weird, is the keyblade channeling his emotions to me? She shook her head in puzzlement, deciding to ask Riku about it later.
Sighing exhaustedly, she flopped back under the covers, curling up happily as she buried herself under the blankets. Moments later, she fell asleep, oblivious to the dark shape that had emerged from the wall.
~*~
Gasping in surprise, Ansem flung himself out of bed. He landed heavily on the floor and looked around, half expecting to be surrounded by angry Heartless. Slowly untangling himself from the covers, he stood up, shaking slightly.
Just a nightmare, that's all. He tried to calm himself down, tried to convince himself it had only been a dream, but he couldn't shake the looming dread that filled his chest. Running a hand through his now messy hair, he turned around, debating whether or not to attempt getting any more sleep.
He toppled to the floor, fingers digging roughly into the scattered blankets as his back arched in pain. It welled up inside him, threatening to tear apart his soul. He shook in agony, doubling up and crying out from the pain. It finally subsided, leaving him panting and slightly sweaty from the strain.
He rolled over on his back and stared up at the ceiling. It wasn't a dream, I have to see…
He pulled himself back up, stumbling over to the closet and retrieving his shirt from the floor. He grabbed his coat and boots, pulling them on as he stumbled hastily out the door.
Within moments, he was bursting through the double doors to the Grand Hall, panting from the flight. There it was, the portal to the Dark Depths. Darkness was seeping out of it, just like it had when he had been trying to unlock Kingdom Hearts.
Angrily, he glided forward, setting down right in front of it and approaching it with caution. He held out his hand, able to feel the absence of light from within. Closing his eyes and concentrating, he stepped forward, close enough to walk through it. He felt it ripple slightly, it was still responding to him. He hadn't completely lost control, yet.
He stepped even closer, anger filling him. If the Dark Depths would still respond to him, then why wouldn't the Heartless? He felt a wave of determination sweep through him, he could make the darkness show him. His thoughts suddenly shifted back to Kairi, what?
He paused, he could feel her focusing on him, was she listening to his emotions? She could feel that something was wrong, too, because he could. He drew his hand away from the seething darkness, trying to reassure her before she got the wrong idea. He could feel the connection break the moment he pulled his hand away, staring dumbfounded at the darkness before him. Was it acting as some sort of conductor?
Hesitating for a moment, he finally stepped through, entering the Dark Depths and gazing around at the empty surroundings. He was surprised to feel disconnected from it, like he was simply alone in a vast desert. It had been the first time since his defeat that he had entered it, but still. Before, he had always felt surrounded by it, like it was drifting through his very soul, but now, it just felt empty, like he didn't belong there at all.
Ignoring the detached feeling, he stepped farther into the darkness, reaching the back wall and digging his hands into it. Slowly, he let it envelope him completely, wrapping around his body and holding him securely in the limbo of the world of Darkness.
He head was pounding, obviously, he was no longer fit to do this, as his heart was no longer devoted to the darkness. However, it hadn't rejected him, so he stayed.
It wasn't long before the familiar hiss filled his senses, rising up until it was the unmistakable voices of the Heartless. It rose to a roar, echoing through him and making him grit his teeth as he fought to stay connected.
Yes, Master, all is according to plan.. His Keyblade poses no threat, Lord.. All is as planned, what else do you wish? Yessss, the girl will be taken shortly, not to worry Lord. Master, all Heartless obey you, what else do you command? Lord, shall we prepare for the attack? When is the Keyblade Master to be taken? Yes, when? His heart is so pure, it calls openly to us! The attack shall commence shortly, Lord Sephiroth.
Ansem jolted in surprise at hearing the name. Sephiroth? He had always been at competition with Ansem, especially when it came time to crown the new king. Of course, Sephiroth had thought that he should have gotten it, being older than Ansem. He had been banished shortly after Ansem had been crowned.
So, he's still determined to beat me. I should have guessed…
Ansem clamped his hands to his ears, trying desperately to muffle the voices hissing around him. From what bits and pieces he could understand, they were planning an attack, on the keyblades? His heart skipped a beat. Kairi! He bit back an angry scream, focusing intently on the voices.
She's under your control, Lord, just give the command. Yes, Master, we understand, preparations shall be made.. The girl suspects nothing, she sleeps. Give the command, Lord, let us take the Keyblade!
Ansem gasped in realization. They're talking about Kairi! They're planning an attack on Kairi and her keyblade! He had to warn her, before it was too late.. He glanced around quickly, nearly slapping himself when he remembered where he was. Being directly tied to the darkness made it impossible for him to open a portal to Destiny Islands, however, he could still focus on the keyblades, making it possible for him to speak to anyone wielding one.
Closing his eyes, he focused all his energy toward Kairi, picturing her in his mind. He prayed it wasn't too late, taking a deep breath and calling out to her.
~*~
Kairi shouted in surprise, flinging the blankets away and scrambling into a sitting position. She stared around the room, Ansem's voice echoing urgently in her mind. Did I really just hear that? She wondered silently, holding a hand to her forehead. She was positive she had heard Ansem yell at her to get up, something about the Heartless…
She yawned, abruptly interrupted as his voice cut through her mind.
Kairi! It's Sephiroth! He's planning an attack on the keyblades!! He shouted urgently, her hands flying instinctively to her ears as she cried out in surprise.
She leapt out of bed, eyes scanning the room again as she tried to figure out what was going on. "Ansem? What's going on? Where are you?"
She spun around, There! Look out, move to your left!! He shouted, his voice rising in slight panic.
Kairi was absolutely puzzled, but she trusted Ansem. Immediately, she dropped down to her left knee and rolled to the side, yelping in surprise as a dark keyblade slammed into the wall where she had been.
Your keyblade! Get out of there!
She threw open the door, Oathkeeper materializing as she dashed down the stairs. Looking quickly over her shoulder, she saw a flash of shadow against the wall, the Heartless was following her.
She threw open the back door, sprinting across her lawn as she tried to recollect herself. "Ansem?! What the hell is going on!!?" She cried, ducking into the trees as she tried to avoid the Heartless.
Sephiroth is trying to get rid of you because he sees your keyblade as a potential hazard to his plans! Can you take care of the Heartless by yourself? He sounded extremely upset about something other than the fact that a Heartless was chasing Kairi.
"Yeah, I think so.." She huffed, bursting out of the trees onto the beach. Up ahead, she could see the bright glow of a campfire, immediately recognizing the three forms seated around it.
"Riku!!" She howled, leaping on him as he cried out in surprise.
"Kairi? What's wrong?" He asked, struggling to pull the startled girl off of him. He glanced over her shoulder, eyes widening as he spotted the Heartless darting after the girl.
"Oh my God! Kairi, what did you do?!" Selphie wailed, clinging to Tidus as he pulled her away from the fire.
Riku immediately produced the dark keyblade, positioning it in front of him as he took on a battle stance.
Kairi finally managed to get a good look at her pursuer, gasping in surprise as she recognized it. "No, what are you doing? I thought you were my friend.." She whimpered, facing her replica with a hurt gaze.
She sank down onto her knees, "No, Riku, don't hurt it.." She whispered, watching as it drew up close to them, stopping several feet from the fire as staring at Riku angrily.
"What? Why? It's trying to take your heart!" He replied, casting her a puzzled glance.
"Ansem, what do I do? It's not right, to kill it…" Frustrated tears formed in her eyes.
You don't have to kill it, use your keyblade. he replied simply, sounding exhausted.
"What? My keyblade?" She wiped a hand across her face, staring at the replica.
Tidus and Selphie exchanged confused looks, glancing around the beach and wondering who Kairi thought she was talking to.
Yes, lock its heart, use the keyblade of light to restore it..-!! He shouted in surprise and pain, gasping before his voice faded.
"Lock its heart? Ansem? Ansem!" Kairi shivered, hoping eh was alright. She shifted her gaze back to the Heartless, standing up and holding Oathkeeper determinedly in front of her.
"Alright.. I can do this.." She watched as it slowly advanced on her, yelping in surprise and dodging away as it pounced.
Riku made as if to help her, but decided against it, stepping back and watching.
It leapt at Kairi again, this time landing on her before she could get away. She cried out in fright, blocking its keyblade as it tried to slash at her. Grinning evilly, it brought a hand up and gripped her throat.
Riku decided it was time to step in, grabbing the Heartless around the waist and lifting it off of Kairi. It kicked and growled at him, thrusting its elbows wherever possible. He noticed nearly right away that it seemed to be draining his energy. A fine layer of sweat formed under his clothing, and he strained to hold on to the thrashing replica.
"Kairi, hurry up! There's something seriously wrong with this thing!" He shouted, pinning its arms behind its back and holding it somewhat still.
Kairi stood shakily to her feet, looking suspiciously at her keyblade before pointing it at the Heartless' chest. Drawing it back, she closed her eyes, focusing of the light from the keyblade and thrusting it swiftly into the wriggling mass.
A sharp scream echoed down the beach, causing everyone to jump in surprise. Kairi watched in amazement as light enveloped the Heartless where her keyblade had pierced its chest. The light became blinding, forcing everyone to cover their faces and turn away. The scream grew louder, and Kairi pulled her keyblade back, hands burning from holding onto it. Immediately, the light vanished, the scream fading softly into the night.
She collapsed into the sand, propping herself up and staring at Riku.
Selphie gasped and immediately covered Tidus' eyes. Riku himself could not believe what he now held in his arms.
A thin young girl rested on Riku's chest, unconscious and completely naked. She appeared to be around Kairi's age, about the same size, with long black hair. She was beautiful.
Riku gasped, "Whoa, Kairi, you did it.. You actually restored someone from their Heartless form!" he cried, finally tearing his gaze away from the girl to stare at his friend.
Kairi crawled forward, resting her hand gently on the girls face. "She's so cold, she needs some cloths.." She looked around for something to give the girl.
"Uh, here.." Riku said, pulling off his cloak and helping Kairi wrap it around the girl. He hoisted her gently into his arms, facing Kairi questioningly.
"What do we do with her?" he asked, ignoring the confused stares they were receiving form Tidus and Selphie.
Selphie rushed forward, "Bring her to my house! Come on!" She tugged Riku forward, taking on a commanding tone. Kairi shrugged, limping after the two and putting Oathkeeper away.
~*~*~*~~~~