Back with the Keyblade Warriors currently Larxene and Kairi were discussing that name for the group which the latter had invented back at Middleton. "That seriously the best we can do?" The Savage Key critiqued sipping on some water since buying a soda from Scrooge was going to cost her 50 munny which she had determined was absolute highway robbery.
Kairi who had chosen a juice since she preferred a nice healthy drink that tasted good defended her choice of names. "Hey, it's not bad, considering you are the main fighter and this entire journey started because of the Keyblade it fits. Sides I'd like to see you come up with a better name." She retorted and that got the nobody to thinking.
Although they were then interrupted by the cheapskate duck himself who came in holding that strange block that had spawned from the Keyhole. "Well I asked Launchpad to take a look at this thing, but the bird brain can't make heads or tails of this, only thing he knows is that it's a Gummi Block piece but he's got no idea what for. Seems the only one who might have an idea is Cid so it might be a good idea to head back and get this thing looked at. All we gotta do is make a stop on the next World we come across so Launchpad can refuel and then we'll be off." He informed. Personally, Kairi liked the idea as it meant she could get some more practice in with Aerith and Larxene was pretty indifferent considering no emotional capacity and all so it was decided they'd quickly head back and then continue on their journey.
Fortunately for them they seemed to have found a nice one nearby that they could land on. "So do we know anything about this place, TV give us anything meaningful?" Larxene asked as the duck flipped through channels until they suddenly came to an interesting one. The Black and White Period Piece Old Lady Boring Movie Channel where currently they were having a Duchess Approves marathon. Scrooge went to change it when immediately Larxene swiped the remote already interested in this strange movie as she sat down to watch. "You will not change the channel unless you wanna be turned into roasted duck." She threatened this being the first time she had actual entertainment since joining the Organization since apparently Xemnas was too damn cheap to order cable.
Kairi was honestly surprised she didn't expect the blond to be interested in cheesy old movies. "You learn something new every day." Well since it seemed like they wouldn't get the TV back anytime soon the group were walking in blind. Considering it would take a while to touch down the redhead joined her friend to watch the movie curious at seeing the adventures of The Duchess and Count Lionel of Cornwall.
Currently in Hollow Bastion Riku was squaring off against a group of heartless the boy getting another lesson from Ansem as Maleficent had another one of her dumb meetings and he had been excluded. Of course the witch made it out to be she simply had business with a group of friends but he knew the truth thanks to his teacher keeping him informed. "So, you're saying those band of misfits are looking for Seven Princesses?" He received a nod as confirmation. "What's so special about them?" He questioned his curiosity peaked.
The being in the robe watched as Riku trained his performance improving by leaps and bounds every day, truly he was a prodigy one that only came around only a few times every generation. His heart readily accepted the darkness and now the boy was already able to harness dark fire when the battle would get intense and his blood boiled. "(It is no wonder why I had chosen him.)" The thought came to the man knowing from the second he met this boy it was destiny. "These seven have the ability when gathered to reveal a very special door, one that leads to true power." Now that sounded interesting to the boy, something that could grant its opener unbelievable strength, one only knew he wished he could have it at this point instead of needing to play as Maleficent's good little pawn.
Finishing off an Invisible the silver-haired teen turned towards his master. "So if they only reveal it then how do you open it?" He questioned now all ears about this door. "(Maybe if I can get ahold of it then no one could get in our way. Me, Sora, and Kairi would have nothing to worry about, no villains, no heartless, nothing. It would just be the three of us exploring the Universe without a care in the World. Just as it should be.)" The boy envisioned. Yet something else also nagged at his conscience. "(But then I would have to kidnap innocent people, and who knows what this could even do to them.)"
Ansem could see the conflict on his face clear as day, clearly he would need to be very careful with his suggestions and words if he wanted to "guide" Riku towards the proper path. "Only the Keyblade can open this door, currently even if you desired to it would be impossible." He paused allowing the anger to stew for a few moments before continuing. "But perhaps with time and further training perhaps that can change. A strong heart is required to be worthy of the Keyblade and thus any weakness will only net you the steppingstone you currently hold."
At that the boy looked at his Soul Eater the weapon granted to him by Maleficent clutching the sword with irritation. If growing stronger was what it took to wield this fabled weapon, then he would grow as strong as it took. "But what happens to the Princesses? If they really were found I doubt they'll just come peacefully especially if Maleficent's involved." He questioned not exactly thrilled at the idea of kidnapping.
Bringing his hood down as a gesture of regret Ansem did his best to sound remorseful. "It is tragic, but we must use other more dubious methods if we wish to topple the witch. For now, she is simply far too powerful to be defeated and without the door it could be I daresay impossible." Part of him was disgusted at having to feign such weakness. "But do not be afraid, no harm shall ultimately come to them aside from being put into stasis. Once the door is opened and the evil fairy is defeated, they can easily be awoken and returned to their homes without any lasting injuries." Still Riku seemed on the fence unable to decide whether it was right to do potentially heinous acts for this chance at power, he needed one more push to set him on that direction. "Perhaps it would be best for you to see what happened to Maleficent's Homeworld when she found the Princess there." And summoning a Dark Corridor he led Riku to what once was the Enchanted Domain.
What the boy saw was horrifying, ruined landscapes with heartless roaming about destroying anyone and anything they came across. No sign of life in the forest as it had all been destroyed in the rampages of those monsters, if it wasn't for his mentor holding him back the boy would have dived down to try and take out these monsters. "I-is this what it means to bury an entire World in darkness?" He questioned wondering just how something so evil could exist. It reminded him of Destiny Islands and how he too played a part in its destruction opening himself to darkness, he never meant to destroy his home and even now the guilt ran high.
Ansem meanwhile simply looked down hiding his fascination in the sight before him. "Yes, if the witch is allowed to continue as she sees it every World with a Princess is bound to be utterly destroyed, but there is a way to stop that." He turned to the boy who hung on every word, if there was a solution to this mayhem than Riku would take it. "If you can gather the other Princesses yourself then there would be no need for Maleficent to continue her path of destruction." And of course this could great training for the boy, just being here could only make him so strong, but going out on his own would only further accelerate his development.
As for Riku he began to mull this idea over in his head, yes kidnapping them was a bad thing, but if he did this he would be saving so many Worlds from such destruction. "(And besides, they won't be hurt anyway. Once I get that power, I'll free the Princesses and send them all back home unharmed. Who knows after all that maybe they'll actually thank me for saving the Universe.)" The boy had always dreamed of being a hero, it's why he was the de facto Leader between him, Sora, and Kairi because he knew what had to be done while those two were far too childish and naive. With a new resolve the boy looked at Ansem ready to begin. "I'm in, let's get that door open." And under his hood Ansem smiled deviously.
At the same time a certain King was exploring the realm of darkness attempting to find a very important item. When his old teacher Yen Sid informed him of apparently two Keyblade Wielders about attempting to thwart Maleficent's plans he decided that this was his best chance to put their contingency plan into action. If the Door to Darkness would somehow be opened, then there was only one way to close it for certain and that was an ancient Keyblade of Darkness. Long ago when the door had been sealed by the first Keyblade Master they had foreseen the possibility of it being reopened, and so gave their life to create a special blade one that had been stored in the Realm of Darkness to be found by another worthy user should that time come. With that Keyblade at his disposal even if the worst came to pass then they could use this unique one to reseal the door before it was too late.
He wished he could have done this sooner but until recently it was only him who could fight the heartless effectively, but now with two more allies to count on it gave him the chance to enter this realm without much worry. Still he wished he had a friend here now to help as being here was certainly no easy task, the heartless were much stronger than in the Realm of Light and of course were endless. Something wasn't right though, the mouse noticed some seemed to be running off in a certain direction as if hunting for something or perhaps someone. Now the mouse didn't become a King by being stupid, he had a fair amount of intuition and so decided it was best to follow them. Perhaps this might even give him a clue as to where the object of his search was located, or at the very least give him an idea about where to go in this strange maze of a place.
Touching down to the ground it seemed Launchpad decided the best place to stop for fuel was at a small town on this World with the closest being one Larxene read as Gravity Falls. By now the Movie had ended with Kairi now crying her eyes out utterly wrapped up in the flick while the nobody had remained utterly blank. Perhaps if she had a heart it might have caused some emotion but even that was doubtful, her somebody would have most likely just chuckled at the cheesy dialogue and ridiculous plot. Still somehow the blond found her arm being wrapped around by the redhead who wiped her eyes. "That ending was so impactful, The Duchess finally getting married with Count Lionel realizing he had to be happy for his former love."
Meanwhile Larxene just picked at the ending. "Might bite her in the behind later since she married a commoner, at least Lionel could have financially supported her." Clearly, she had no idea of true love.
"Love isn't about what someone can offer you, it's about who makes you feel the warmest inside. Someone who can make you happy even in your saddest moments." The redhead lectured.
Gaining a face of curiosity Larxene decided to ask Kairi something. "So what about you, got anyone that fits the description?" And instantly received a blush in response telling the nobody all she needed to know. "That's adorable." Her tone almost mocking as she got a kick at seeing this new flustered side of the girl. Teasing her a bit longer the two decided to head out and see what this World was like now that they had landed. Walking out the two noticed they were parked at a Gas Station and just from looking around could see just how small this place was. Even compared to an average town like Middleton this was a blimp on the radar with forest and trees surrounding them. "Well isn't this a lame place to stop, think I'd even settle on Traverse Town being a more interesting place." The blond commented as they began walking around. Soon enough feeling a hunger in their tummies found Greasy's Diner the aroma coming from it inviting them inside.
Taking a seat both only had to wait a few minutes before a waitress arrived and both immediately did a double take noticing one of her eyes was just all the way down. "Hiya gals, long time no see." She said handing them each a glass of water.
The two just looked at her in befuddlement with Kairi finding her voice first. "Um, we've never met before." The redhead pointed out earning a shocked face from the waitress.
"Oh we haven't, well then we have now. I'm Lazy Susan nice to meet you girls." She introduced with a warm smile which might have worked if not for the eye.
Before Kairi could say anything Larxene finally spoke up. "Do they call you that because of the eye?" Earning a smack from her companion at being so insensitive.
But the woman seemed unperturbed and just nodded. "Yep, so what can I get you two?" She asked bringing out a notepad.
Kairi looking at one of the menus decided on some pancakes and sausage while Larxene got the All-Star Special which came with two pancakes, three eggs, four slices of bacon, two sausage, and a large cola to drink. At receiving a look from the redhead Larxene defended her appetite saying, "Hey I have a high metabolism, a speedy girl like me needs a lot of fuel."
Soon enough the two were dining on their meal when they heard a TV going off in the distance. "Hi, I'm Stan Pines and I'm here to offer you the deal of a lifetime!" Now paying attention on the small screen they saw what looked to be an old man with a neat fez on top of his head behind a counter. "Have you ever wanted to see things beyond your imagination? Has there ever been a time you've wondered could there be anything mysterious out there but don't wanna bodily harm? Well good sir or madam no need to worry about that when you can stop by The Mystery Shack!" The man proclaimed waving a cane around.
They then heard a smaller voice speak out off camera. "What about the lawsuits from those loose floorboards?"
Which was immediately met with, "Quiet Dipper, can't you see I'm trying to attract new sucker- I mean customers!" He quickly corrected earning a raised eyebrow from the two girls. Suddenly the camera shifted over as Stan began to show around the shack. "Here you can see such wondrous delights such as this Werebeaver." He then pulled out perhaps the fakest thing Larxene had ever seen as it was clearly just a beaver doll with fangs and pointy ears attached to it. "Or the world's largest cookie no doubt something a giant must have eate- WHAT HAPPENED TO THE COOKIE?! SOOS!" The man yelled finding that instead of this so-called cookie only crumbs were left. Suddenly the camera fell as the large man apparently holding it ran away with Stan now carrying a broom chasing him.
Suddenly it was picked up again this time by a brown-haired girl who's smile looked as sweet as kettle corn. "All this and more you can see at The Mystery Shack, and if that's not good enough come in the next thirty minutes and I'll give you a glitter shower!" She stated as if that was the greatest thing ever before the camera finally cut off.
Next thing they knew a bunch of words began to go off most of which were too fast for anyone to hear aside from Larxene. "The Mystery Shack is not responsible for any personal injury, psychological trauma, lost money, or accidental death. NO REFUNDS!" And then shut off leaving the two both perplexed.
Thinking on what to do Larxene decided she was just curious enough to be interested in this place. "I say we check out this Mystery Shack, who knows might give us at least something to laugh at." The Savage Key proposed.
After a bit of consideration Kairi figured they might as well secretly interested in that glitter shower to be honest. "Sure, I'm game." Finishing up their meals the two left curious at what they would find and if it was anything worthwhile.
Journal Profiles
Lazy Susan: A kindhearted but oblivious waitress she constantly pines for the man known as Stan Pines but finds it difficult to earn his affection due to her eye. Funny enough it's highly implied the man accidentally caused her lazy eye but that remains inconclusive.
AN: You know one of the things I do enjoy about doing this story is the chance to improve on Riku's fall. In KH1 him becoming a villain was perhaps one of worst parts as he just seemed to randomly believe Maleficent and turn against Sora with such little reasoning beyond simple jealousy. Feel like it could have been done better so in this the boy sees himself as the good guy and well you know how wrong that can go. Another major change is Mickey going to the realm of darkness earlier which of course means he can encounter a certain someone and save her before becoming Dark Aqua because she took a dip in dirty water. Next chapter we'll be like this one switching between quite a few POVs I think it'll be the major structure from here on out so that way we can see how all four groups handle this journey over time as yes even Riku will have a World or two of his own to go through.