"Howdy Sora! How ya doing?"
"It's your favorite Gummi engineers, ready for duty: Chip!"
"And Dale!"
"Happy Flying!"
"Thanks guys!" replied Sora with a smile. He glances at Andi and he sees her glaring at him then looks away as she leaned on her chair with her arms crossed, shaking her head. Sora looked at her with a confused look on his face, but looked away looking at the Gummi ship map. Donald and Goofy looked back and forth at Andi and Sora, then at each other as the shrugged their shoulders at each other.
"Well guys hang on tight because here we go to-"
"What? Only one world?" asked Sora looking at the map.
"That's no good!" replied Donald
"Wait I think it's a world we know!" exclaimed Goofy
Xxxxxxx
In a room at the top of a dark tower in Hollow Bastion, Pete comes around the corner sticking his head out searching around the dark castle; "Maleficent! Maleficent!." No reply came, Pete notices how empty the room was.
"Maybe they really did finish her off" he suggested sadly as he walks in slowly as he continued to look around.
The Raven flies closer to the tower as Pete looks around closely, "And this castle sure ain't what I expected. No shine, no nothin'" continued Pete.
"Now what's gonna happen to our plan?" whined Pete as he heard something flapped behind him. Turning around he sees the raven on the ledge and surprises Pete.
XXXXXXX
On the other side of the world, the town is bustling with activity. Moogles are flying through the air selling items, and people are at work trying to rebuild the town. Sora, Donald, Andi and Goofy run in and gaze at the castle in the midst of rebuilding. Andi looked at what looked like a slow rebirth of a town that was once destroyed.
"It's Hollow Bastion!" said Sora
"Gawrsh, it looks kinda different now" commented Goofy
"I hope Leon and the gang are doing okay" said Donald worried.
"Leon! He's still alive?!" Exclaimed Andi looking at Donald unable to believe her ears.
"How do you know Leon?" Asked Sora.
"First question is how do you?" Asked Andi
"We meet him in Traverse Town and last seen him was here" replied Sora.
"Uh-oh. Looks like we're gonna have to do some fightin'" interupted Goofy after seeing some heartless on the nearby rooftops.
"Andi?!"
Andi started running towards the market as Sora, Donald and Goofy follow her through the Marketplace and Andi bumps into an elderly duck holding some ice cream near a freeze.
"Watch where your-...Andi?!"
"Hi Mr. Scrooge" replied Andi
"Uncle Scrooge!" yelled Donald in surprise. Andi sitting beside the elderly duck quiet embarrassed.
"Er, who?" asked Sora confused.
"He's Donald's uncle-a business typhoon! Before the Heartless showed up, he traveled the worlds on a Gummi Ship with the King. He was helpin' to set up a traffic system" explained Goofy.
"A transit system!" yelled Donald
"What's all the racket?" asked Uncle Scrooge as he turns around and sees them.
"Why, if it isn't Donald! And Goofy! Hello, lads! Aye, you all look hale and hearty!" said Scrooge happily.
"So do you, Uncle Scrooge" replied Donald
"Ah, if only I were... I canna seem to recreate my favorite old-time I've cream. I'd make millions if I just got it right..." said Scrooge looking at the ice cream bar in his hand, licks it, and looks disgusted.
"Terrible...!" spated Scrooge
"That is until someone was in a hurry" he said looking at Andi with her head down.
"Still haven't changed one bit. Where have you been?!" He asked looking at her with a smile.
"I found myself in Twilight Town after the Heartless attack" muttered Andi not looking up.
"Oh! How's your family?"
Andi didn't reply. Mr. Scrooge put his head down. "I do apologize. I didn't know" said Mr. Scrooge.
Andi stood up and looked the way she was heading; "How would you have" she said flatly as she walked away.
"Well we better be going bye Mr. Scrooge" said Donald as they were following her.
"Oh yes take care" said Scrooge
Sora, Donald, Andi and Goofy make their way to the Borough. "Hey are you ok?" asked Sora scratching the back of his head looking at her. "I'm fine" she said flatly avoiding eye contact. Sora sighed lifting his head up at the sky unable to break through to her; some odd light pedestals appear and disappear, as if scanning for something all around them.
"Hey, what's going on?" asked Donald looking at the "scanners."
"That's the town's defense mechanism"
The four look around and saw a short black haired Ninja, she wore a short black tank with flower patterns, black vest and short brown shorts with a black pocket and a black wrap on her forehead standing on a top of a building.
"Yuffie!" said Sora smiling.
Yuffie waves slightly, and sees something behind them; "Look out!" yelled Yuffie
Sora and Andi summon their Keyblades as Dusk swoops in to hit them. They are quickly surrounded by Nobodies. They dispose of them, as the defense mechanism also helps.
"Hey, you guys!" greeted Yuffie hopping down to them.
"I see you're still in top form" commented Yuffie
"What'd you expect?" asked Sora as he pats his chest.
"Looks like you're doing okay" replied Sora smiling.
"Well, what did YOU expect?" asked Yuffie smiling.
"How are the others?" asked Donald
"Great!" said Yuffie excited.
"Hey, Yuffie! Have you seen the King and Riku?" asked Sora
"Nope" replied Yuffie turning her back at Sora as he slouches down in defeat.
She starts to walk off toward Merlin's House, "But I had a feeling I'd see you guys again" replied Yuffie.
"'We may never meet again, but we'll never forget each other'" Said Sora
"Is that supposed to be Leon?" asked Yuffie pointing at him.
Donald and Goofy laugh as Sora scratches his nose. Andi crosses her arms shaking her head with a quick small smile.
"Everybody's working on stuff over at Merlin's house. C'mon!" said Yuffie as she runs around the corner.
The others follow her and enter Merlin's House. Cid typing at a computer, while Aerith and Leon watched.
"Meet the Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee!" introduced Yuffie smiling as everyone walked in.
"We missed you!" said Aerith as everyone turns towards them.
"Well, if you ain't in top shape" commented Cid
"I knew it" replied Leon with a smirk.
"Knew what?" asked Sora
"A while back, everyone suddenly remembered you guys, all at the same time" explained Leon
Sora, Donald and Goofy jumps back in surprise by Leon's remark, "You...remembered? Wait! Does that mean you forgot about us!" exclaimed Sora.
"Thanks!" said Donald annoyed.
"So where've you guys been all this time?" asked Yuffie putting her hands on her hips.
"We were sleepin'" answered Goofy.
"Where? In cold storage?" asked Cid sarcastically.
Sora, Donald, and Goofy act nervously unable to explain where or when they fell asleep.
"It doesn't matter. This is great. Everyone's together again!" replied Aerith smiling.
Aerith looked at Andi walking up to her, "It's good to see you again Andi" smiled Aerith.
Leon, Yuffie and Cid looked surprised as they look at the teenage girl Aerith was talking too. Andi also a little surprised at Aerith. It had been a ten years since the day the heartless attacked their home and she was so little then; "It's good to see you too Aerith" she replied.
"I can't believe it! It really is Andi, Little Andi that use to come to my gummi ship shop. The smart mouth asking the most annoying questions." Chuckled Cid.
Andi rolled her eyes with a smirk on her face; "One to talk old man" she replied. Her eyes glanced at Leon he looked much the same but with a scar that still there from the Heartless attack. She remembered the blood dripping off his face trying to hid it from her so that she wouldn't be scared. She walks up to him, "It's good to see you Leon" she said.
Leon nods as Andi smiles. "So, um...we're trying to find Riku and the King. Have you seen 'em?" asked Sora
Leon, Aerith, and Cid shake their heads.
"Right" said Sora sadly looking down.
"Sorry. But let us know if there's anything we can do to help. Okay?" replied Aerith.
"Okay. Thanks" said Sora trying to smile again.
Cid gets up in Sora's face, "Don't go thankin' us just yet" warned Cid as he jumps in Sora's face. As Sora tries to back away from Cid. "Hollow Bastion's got a problem. A big problem" explained Leon with his arms crossed.
"You mean, like Nobodies? And Heartless?" asked Sora leaning over to the side of Cid.
"That's right!" smiled Yuffie.
"Sounds like you could use our help" said Sora.
"Then let's cut to the chase. Sora, Donald, Goofy. We were hoping the three of you might give us a hand around here" explained Leon.
Sora pats his chest proudly; "Like we're gonna say, no?" asked Sora putting his hands on his hips leaning in.
"...I forgot who I'm dealing with" said Leon
"Hey...what do you mean by that?" asked Donald crossing his arms.
"Just think of it as a sort of 'Leon compliment'" answered Aerith
Leon walks over the door and opens it, "Follow me to the bailey-there's something you need to see" said Leon as he leaves and Merlin appears through a puff of smoke.
"Oh! I thought it was you. Right on time!" said Merlin.
"It's Merlin!" exclaimed Donald.
"Sora and the gang said they're gonna help out!" replied Yuffie
"Splendid! We'll count on you!" said Merlin
"Right!" answered Sora, Donald and Goofy.
"Oh Andi! it's good to see you!" said Merlin smiling as Andi gave him a nod in reply.
"Ah, yes. Did you give them the cards, dear?" asked Merlin
"Oh!" said Aerith putting her hand to her mouth.
Aerith takes out three cards from her pink dress.
"Here...they're presents for you. Leon thought you might like to have them" explained Aerith.
Sora takes the card and flips it so he can read it.
"Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee Honorary Member!" read Sora.
"Membership cards!" said Donald
"Kinda cool, huh?" answered Goofy.
Sora and Donald nodded.
"Hey, thanks, Leo...huh?" said Sora as he turns around to the door and sees that Leon is gone.
"Oh no! We're supposed to be at the bailey!" said Sora remembering what Leon told him.
"Just a moment, Sora. What about your magic?" asked Merlin
"Huh? Oh, that's right..." said Sora crossing his arms trying to remember. Andi sighing as she shook her head.
"Maybe you forgot it while you were asleep!" suggested Yuffie
"Now, what am I to do with you? I suppose I'll have to lend you a few spells. But be careful with them!" warned Merlin
"Thanks, Merlin! Hey what about Andi?" Asked Sora.
"What about Andi?" Asked Merlin.
"She's a keybearer too" replied Goofy.
"Well I'll be."
Aerith, Yuffie and Cid look at Andi in shock. "You're a keybearer too?!" Exclaimed Aerith.
Andi looked slightly embarrassed by the remark. "Yeah...I guess..." she replied looking towards her shoulder. Aerith grabs her by the shoulders which has Andi look at her. "Well looks like we have another Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee Honorary Member; I'll have your card ready when you get back" smiles Aerith. Andi was shocked "Umm...thanks Aerith" replied Andi as Aerith pulled her hands away from her shoulders.
"Here's some magic for you Andi. Your going to need it on this journey as well" said Merlin. Andi nodded.
"To the bailey, and fast!" ordered Donald.
Sora and company reach the bailey, and see Leon looking over the edge at the dark castle far in the distance.
"Look at that" said Leon
Sora gasps. Andi just looked at the castle crossing her arms. Tons of heartless surrounding the dark castle, "We want to restore Hollow Bastion to what it used to be. Who knows-maybe even something better. There's still a lot to do, but I'm sure we can handle everything- Except...for that..." said Leon
"...and that" He continued pointing at two Dusks walking in the direction of the castle.
"We'll handle 'em!" said Sora
"Well, that's good to hear. So Sora-do you know what's going on, then?" asked Leon.
"There's this guy, Pete, who's been going around plotting with the Heartless. But he's not smart enough to tie his own shoes. The ones we need to worry about are the Nobodies" answered Sora
"And those Organization XIII guys in charge, too!" added Goofy
"You called?" asked a deep voice
All five of them look around and saw no one around. Sora runs out into an open area. Andi unleashes Forbidden Melody as she follows Sora looking around.
"You're doing well" said another voice,
"Who's that!" asked Sora as he unleashes his Keyblade.
"This calls for a celebration..." said the deep voice again.
Several Dusks appear. Leon readies his Gun blade. Sora and Andi chases the Dusks through the bailey. The gate to the inside closes. Sora, Andi and Leon help keep the Nobodies away from the gate.
"The Keyblade...a truly marvelous weapon. Were it only in more...capable hands..." replied the deep voice. A group of people laughed at the remark.
"Show yourselves!" yelled Sora angrily.
Six cloaked figures appear and the central one raises his arms. As Andi scans each person they show no resemblance of Roxas.
"Organization XIII!" Yelled Goofy
"Good! Now we can settle this!" replied Sora.
"What a shame... And here I thought we could be friends" said the black hooded coat man in front of the six members. They disappear in a laugh.
"Stop!" Yelled Donald.
Donald runs to a set of stairs and a single cloaked man appears before them blocking their way. Andi went to defense mode as she eyes the cloaked member.
"What's the big idea!" asked Donald frustrated as the rest of Organization Xlll was gone.
"Oopsy-daisy!" said the cloaked man.
"Move!" ordered Sora angrily.
"Now, do you think that's polite, shutting me down like that?" asked the cloaked member.
"I said get outta the way!" yelled Sora frustrated as well.
"As if! You can talk all you want, but that won't change a thing" said the man. Andi ran over and placed her Keyblade close at him. Ready to attack him.
"Then we're gonna MAKE you move!" replied Donald
"See, that would work-if I were just any old dude. 'Cept I'm not. I'm with the Organization. Nothing "any old" about me" replied the man as he smacks Andi's keyblade with his snipper weapon knocking Andi on the ground. His weapon disappearing.
"Andi!" Said Sora as he kneeled down at her. Andi stands up "I'm fine" she snapped glaring at the the cloaked man. Sora also stands back up; "Tough talk for someone who stood on the sidelines while his Nobody flunkeys did the fighting!" commented Sora
"Oh, dear. I think you got the wrong impression" said the member as he wags a finger at Sora.
"You gonna cry?" asked Sora sarcastically.
"As if! Why don't I remind you how tough the crowd you're dealing with really is?" answered the hooded man.
"Remind me?" asked Sora as he snaps out of it. The man laughs.
"That's RIGHT, he used to give me that same exact look" he chuckled.
"I guess you think you can psych me out by saying really random stuff!" said Sora
"Gee... I just don't know" replied the man spreading his arms open as if challenging them to strike him. He soon gives up.
"Be a good boy now! Make sure you have her top shape too! She's lost her touch" said the hooded man
"Wait!" yelled Donald as he jumps at the hooded man who disappears through a black portal.
"Nuts! He got away!" said Donald hitting the floor.
"That was weird. WHO gave him the same look?" asked Sora.
"Y'know, I think he was just tryin' to confuse ya" replied Goofy
"Yeah, you're right. Only one me!" said Sora.
"Guess they're not as good as you thought, huh?" Asked Sora looking at Andi's back.
Andi turned around and punched it right in the face knocking him to the ground.
"Got what you wanted out of your system?!" Yelled Sora glaring at Andi.
"No; not even a little bit" she spatted as she walked away.
"What is your problem?! I've been trying to be nice to you and I get kicked around!"
"I didn't want to be here in the first place. I'm only here to help the "worlds" falling from darkness that's it. I don't need friends and I don't want you to be my friend" replied Andi turning towards him glaring back at him.
"Andi!" Exclaimed Leon.
Andi looked at Leon and look back at Sora as she turns around and walks away. Sora stands up as he watches her leave. Moving is jaw around with his hand. He looks down at his pocket and he takes out his membership card and reads it.
"The Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee Honorary Member-"
The card begins to glow. Sora gasps and lets go of it. It floats in the air to everyone's amazement and the Kingdom Keyblade glows.
"Huh?"
"What's this?" asked Leon
"Gawrsh, ya think...?" questioned Goofy
Light flashes from the Kingdom Keyblade and the card. Wind blows through Sora's clothes and hair as a crown symbol appears on the ground beneath him. The card reveals a Keyhole where Sora points up at it opens the keyhole, opening another gateway.
"Ohh...now I get it. That must've been the gate Yen Sid talked about" said Sora
"Oh boy!" said Donald excited.
"Sorry to run, Leon, but other worlds are calling" replied Sora
Leon nods crossing his arms, "Organization XIII... They look tough. Be careful out there" warned Leon.
"See ya soon" said Sora
Leon salutes them...
XXXXXXXX
In the Organization Xlll's meeting room. One by one six appear.
"The Heroes of Light seemed quite shocked. It's ten years too early for children like that to wield the keyblade."
"Well, that's good for us. Now they'll just keep obediently going on ahead, just like someone from the light." replied another pointing at the other.
"But if they don't, they has no use to us." said another almost in thought.
"Well then, they might just begin to entertain us" said another pulling out a card with the nobody sign. revealing five cards as he pulls one out of his hand, "I'll pass out some cards"
"Pick a good one for me. If you make me wanna go for it quickly, we'll be fine!"
"Well, aren't you the confident one?" Commented another, "So if anything happens, you'll handle it?"
"Who? Me?! You know, menital work really isn't my thing..."
"Stop this! Acting like you have hearts, misleading you! We feel nothing."
"How boring...There goes my entertainment" said the one with the cards as he makes the one in his hand from the deck disappears.
"Those who forget our true goals will be eliminated."
"Everyone. The wielders of the Keyblades is once again walking the path. Let us plant some seeds in that path. Go." said the leader as all of the members portal away.
Xxxxxxxxxx
As the group reboards the Gummi Ship they see Andi sitting in the chair in the back of the Gummi Ship her legs curled into her chest and her head down. Sora looks away and just sits down in his chair ready to take off.
"Shouldn't you check on Andi?" Asked Goofy scratching his head looking at her.
"Why? She hates me anyways besides she's the one who said she doesn't need friends" said Sora flatly.
Andi trying to hold back her sobs as she bites her bottom lip for them not to hear her feeling the loneliness. Hayner was right she just couldn't trust anyone easily no matter how nice they were. If only Roxas was here...
"Hey! What happened to Twilight Town?" asked Chip in surprise looking at the World Map.
"It's gone!" Exclaimed Dale
Andi looks up whipping away the tears as she comes up to Sora's seat looking at the map. Looking frantically for Twilight Town but it showed no where on the map.
"Stupid map! How can you trust anything so glitchy!" Snapped Andi.
"I'm sure it'll fix itself" replied Donald.
Andi slams her hand on the screen angrily. "Whatever" she muttered as she walks back to her seat. As they take off on the Gummi Ship to another world.
To be continued...
Xxxxxxx
Author's Notes: Not a very good start for Sora and Andi's friendship. Hopefully they'll see eye to eye soon. Meeting some old friends didn't seem to bring up Andi's spirits very much either. Hope you enjoyed this chapter and on to another one!