Chapter Two: The Prophecy

The two silver- blue orbs that held their masters' memories joined together, forming the image of a castle.

Suddenly, just as quickly and mysteriously as they had come, they disappeared in a flash of white light.

Shang sat down, breathing heavily. "It can't be…"

"What?" said Mulan. "What can't be?"

"There was a prophecy given my father, 16 years ago. I kept it to a famous oracle, Frieda. She said when the time is right, she would come here and explain the prophecy."

"And I was right, Li Shang," said an aged female voice.

The group turned to see a wizened old lady.

Frieda was an oracle, speaking through the gods. She had snow-white hair and brilliant green eyes. Age was scrawled on her face, giving her a wise look.

"I need to see the two foals- alone."

Kairi and Sora looked at each other, and then decided to follow her advice.

She limped to an empty tent and let them in first.

Inside the tent were three cushions, two facing one. Frieda gestured for them to sit and then sat herself.

Finally, after a few silent moments, she spoke.

"There was a prophecy given to me, sixteen years ago. It spoke of two children vanquishing Evil and Heartless from the world forever. But, there were difficulties. One person, compelled to break the prophecy, decided to kill the two children. Kairi, you know who he is."

Kairi nodded, almost to tears. Sora wondered who it was that had caused him and her so much pain.

"This same person tried to kill both of you- and failed. He succeeded only in destroying your homes and your family, but not you. Now you are old enough to go out in the world.

"The prophecy spoke of two keyblades and their masters vanquishing the Heartless. You will leave in a week- you must.

"Some words of warning. This individual is still looking for your death- and Kairi's hand in marriage."

Kairi widened her eyes. "Him? Wanting me? He killed my family in hopes of getting me?"

"I'm afraid so, Kairi. You especially need to be on your guard. Your horse knows when he is near. At the beginning of the journey, he shall just appear, but then, Kairi, things will get difficult to handle.

"He is a master of discord, of conflict. You and Sora will be on this journey, alone, as friends, meeting many companions along the way. But then, Sora, this individual, wanting Kairi for himself, will start to pry you apart from her. You will feel as if she is useless, annoying. You will feel like a boy who is annoyed by a girl that fancies him."

Sora smiled just a bit.

"The prophecy states that one must need the other to survive. You two are the only ones that can vanquish the heartless. If one alone does the work, it shall not be enough. This needs teamwork. If you listen to that discord, Sora, forget about saving the world- evil will control it. Same to you, Kairi. Both of you shall experience hate for one another. But it is that individual that is trying to separate you, keep Kairi for herself, and kill Sora."

Kairi took a deep breath. Sora asked one question.

"Who is the individual?"

"I think Kairi can answer that for you."

Sora turned to Kairi, who was staring at the floor, at the verge of crying and a nervous breakdown.

"Er, Sora, I don't think she is of a state to tell you-"

"Axel." The voice came from Kairi.

"Yes, it is Axel. But he is going to use a new technique to get you. You shall discover that during the journey. Kairi, your mother gave this to me the day you were born. She wished you put it on the day you leave, throughout the journey. It also has a letter inside.

"I must leave- the Temple of Apollo calls me." With that, she vanished. Sora stood up in alarm.

"Calm down, Sora- oracles always do that", said Kairi, laughing.

"Sorry- I just found it a bit alarming."

"Yeah. You'd have to see it a lot of times to adjust."

"Kairi, we leave on…"

"The next full moon," said Kairi.

"That's in five days!"

"Yes- that is why we stay here and train. We need all the help we can get."

"Well, I'm going to get dinner. You?"

"No thanks, Sora. I'm going to my tent and find out what this is."

"Alright. See you tomorrow morning then."

"See you tomorrow morning."

He left.

Sora walked out. He thought about Kairi (not aloud)

"Wow, Kairi really is going through a lot. If only I could comfort her. I mean she is really beautiful…"

"WHAT! WHAT AM I THINKING? SORA, THINK NICE THOUGHTS…"

"BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT. Breathe in, breathe out…"

"I still think she's beautiful." Sora said this aloud.

With some effort, Sora pushed Kairi out of his mind and entered the eating tent.

Kairi, in the sanctuary of her tent, stared at the package.

For some strange reason, her mind suddenly filled with Sora. Her heart thumped faster.

"Why is this happening? I mean, I just met him…"

But he is damn cute.

"True", said Kairi as a matter- of factly. "But I just met him."

So? He's nice, respectful, he fights. He's your teammate. Imagine, out in the wild with just him…

"Oh, why am I thinking this?" Kairi said, with frustration on her voice.

Because you like him.

With some work, Kairi erased Sora for the moment and turned all her attention to the package. She peeled away the old paper…

Old cliffie. Review, people! Don't do this to me!

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