A/N
Hello, my name is Zero. This story I wrote is a sequel to Valiant Hearts II by Kuugen the Fox, I read his amazing story, and after I finished reading it… well I cried for about six months, then I had an epiphany, I could continue the story myself. Kuugen told me that my story was not an author approved sequel, but he gave me the go ahead to write my story. I hope you who have read Valiant Hearts II will like my story. Please enjoy. Your feedback would be very welcome, and appreciated. Also I suggest, if you haven't already, reading Kuugen's Valiant Hearts II. It's awesome, and, if it wasn't obvious, my story is following directly after Chapter 28 of that story. Duh. So if you haven't read it, then stop reading this and go read Valiant Hearts II. Thank you.
Valiant Hearts III
Chapter I
Return From Darkness - Reunion
An endless shifting darkness… That's all she could see. Her body was numb from the freezing cold atmosphere around her.
Who was she? She could not remember.
Suddenly she felt the darkness shifting around her as her memories came flooding back to her; memories from the destruction of Destiny Island and the battle for Kingdom Hearts, to the Invasion of Hollow Bastion. The memories of Her home in Hollow Bastion with Aerith, and Tifa, her training with Leon, all her friends in Hollow Bastion, and the memories of Naminé and Olette, the two people that opened up her heart, Kairi's heart.
The memories of her death at the hands of Organization XIII, the merciless execution, the excruciating pain she felt until she emerged into…another world, another reality? Kairi did not know, but she had memories of that world where the Keyblade, the Heartless, the Nobodies, none of that ever existed, a world that Kairi deep down had always wanted.
Kairi had memories of having a…sister. Was she real? That girl Xion, Kairi had memories of the two of them growing up together with "their" parents. All those memories of being a loving and caring big sister felt so real to Kairi, the love she felt in those memories for Xion could not have been fake. But it no longer mattered, not anymore.
"I failed...I'm…dead." Kairi's voice echoed throughout the endless void for the first time, causing a sort of ripple in the Darkness. Looking around, Kairi began to realize there is no glory in death, only darkness.
A deep and cold despair, colder than even the atmosphere around her, came over Kairi at the realization of never seeing Hollow Bastion or her friends…no her family again. She'd never see Aerith, or Tifa, or Leon, or any of them ever again…and Naminé and Olette… the two girls she loved, she won't see their smiling faces, or hears their laughter ever again.
The further Kairi fell into despair the more she felt the Darkness cling to her, as if feeding off the misery she was giving off.
Falling into a deep despair, Kairi drifted aimlessly through the endless Darkness.
-Valiant Hearts III-
"Dammit. Move out!" Leon ordered his search party in the direction of the sounds of gunfire and battle that were coming from the direction Ashe's party was sent to search. Is it the Organization? Leon had hoped that the summoning of Celsius would make them retreat for a time, if not then Hollow Bastion may be doomed. Leon would soon find out what was causing the disruption of the frozen wastelands eerie silence… which had returned.
Running as fast as he could with his injuries, Leon and his company continued on in the direction where the fighting was heard from.
While running at full speed Leon turned a corner only to collide with something, knocking it, or rather her, to the ground.
"OW! DAMMIT LEON, SERIOUSLY!" Olette yelled looking up at Leon while picking herself up off the ground.
Leon was a little stunned at the sudden outburst of the brunette he had just collided with, but recovered quickly. "Sorry, I see you're okay." Referring to having been frozen in Celsius's Ice, but Olette took it differently. "Not really, when someone runs head long into you at full speed. Jeez!"
Even after all the injuries sustained in the battle, and from being frozen in solid ice from the Elemental King of Ice, Olette was still able to yell like that. Leon was impressed.
Looking up, Leon saw who else was with the Keyblader, whom was acting more and more like her master. He saw a rather scorched looking Ashe, a brooding Basch, as well as a tired looking Naminé and Yuffie, and a little more than half of the men sent with Ashe. What happened to them, and where were the rest of Ashe's men?
Reading the expression on Leon's face, Ashe stepped forward as Olette went to stand by Naminé and Yuffie trying to push down her anger, now was not the time for such actions.
"We encountered an enemy that we did not expect." Looking away, Ashe gestured for Basch to step forward. Puzzled, Leon looked at him and noticed Basch was carrying something…no… someone.
It was what looked to be girl with jet-black hair wearing an Organization XIII coat. Leon had not seen any Organization members this small before. Her face was faced away from him so Leon could not see it, until Basch turned so he could make out her features. Leon was stunned from what he saw.
She looked exactly like Kairi.
-Valiant Hearts III-
A flicker of Light in the Darkness.
Light in the corner of Kairi's vision caught her attention, looking over to where the light emanated from, Kairi waited to see if it would occur again, or if at all. There is only darkness here, so then what was that? The Keyblader wondered in her depression. After a few moments passed Kairi thought it was nothing, just her imagination playing tricks on her.
As her minuscule hopes vanished Kairi started to look away. Suddenly it happened again, a flicker of light that began to grow brighter into a beacon of Light in the Darkness.
While the Light glowed brighter, Kairi saw it was moving towards her, having to shield her eyes from the unexpected change in illumination as it grew until it was at the height of its brightness. Then the light began to dim slightly, allowing Kairi to look fully at the now glowing orb of light in front of her, feeling as though it had been forever since she's seen such light.
Kairi could feel the Darkness withdrawing from around her, as if fleeing the very Light itself. She felt the warmth returning to her body. The feeling was amazing. Kairi thought she would never feel anything like this again.
Now that the Light was directly in front of her, Kairi saw the orb beginning to shift into something. Almost like clay, it started to take the shape of the same woman that kept appearing to Kairi in that other world. She was still dressed for war, clad in full metal body armor like a medieval knight with a helmet hiding her face, and the woman's armor appeared to be shifting from different shades of blue, like a vast shifting ocean.
Kairi watched as the helmet the woman wore began to glow, and with a bright flash it was gone, revealing the woman's face.
She looked to be around the same age as Tifa and Aerith, she had kind blue eyes, short blue hair that stopped just above her shoulders and parted to one side of her head, and a kind face. Upon seeing Kairi, the armored woman gave her a gentle smile.
"Chosen One of the Keyblade you are needed in your world still." The woman's voice was like the soothing sounds of tides on a beach.
"Who are you?" Kairi felt a faint familiarity from this woman, as though they had met before in the past.
"I am Aqua," The woman named Aqua answered. "And you have spent enough time in the Darkness."
Upon finishing that statement a Keyblade materialized in Aqua's hand. It was, like Aqua's armor, an ever changing shade of blue, and emanated immense magical energy.
Now that Kairi noticed the magic coming off the Keyblade, she could feel that Aqua was giving off an aura of magical power that surpassed even that of Aerith's magic potential so much so that Kairi could not even grasp what this woman was capable of. This woman was a true Keyblade Master.
Keyblade in hand, Aqua gestured into the Darkness, then light ripped through the shadows, and in this everlasting darkness a portal of light opened, shining proudly.
"Go now, return to those you hold dear." Aqua looked at Kairi with a sort of sad smile and gestured to the portal.
It took Kairi a moment to fully understand what Aqua meant as in "return".
But then the whole situation just clicked and she understood exactly what Aqua meant. Kairi was going back. Back to her friends, her family, and back to Naminé, and Olette.
After drifting through this Darkness, Kairi thought she would do that for the rest of time, if time even existed in such a place, but now she was going back to her world, and to protect those she loved.
With tears in her eyes Kairi gazed at the portal then at Aqua, who still had that sad smile on her face.
"Come with me." Kairi asked before she could stop herself, but continued anyway. "Come back with me and leave this dark place." Kairi knew that no one should be in a place like this, even if they were as powerful as this woman appeared to be.
Aqua was grateful for the offer, but she knew she still had to wait for someone of her own to return from the Darkness.
"Thank you young Keyblader, but I too am waiting for those I hold dear to return from the Darkness." Aqua said looking at Kairi with less of that sad smile, and more of a gratifying smile, and then she gestured to the portal again. "Now go, before the Darkness devours the light."
With that Aqua began to glow and take the form of an orb of Light once more, and drifting away into the Darkness to continue waiting for those she held dear to return.
"Thank you" That is all Kairi is able to say before the Light that was Aqua faded into the Darkness. Turning to the portal of light Kairi noticed the Darkness was indeed starting to consume the Light.
Without much hesitation, Kairi drifted towards the portal, feeling it radiate warmth, and then she passed through it back into her world, back into her life.
-Valiant Hearts III-
With a gasp of air and a surprising amount of pain, Kairi was back in Hollow Bastion. Immediately Kairi feels the freezing cold temperature around her bite into her exposed skin.
"AHH!" She yelled rubbing her exposed shoulders for some of the warmth she felt from the portal of light, but felt it fading fast.
"Who froze Hollow Bastion?" Her voice sounding gruff, and as soon as she said that, the thought of Naminé instantly popped into the redheads mind.
This would not be the first time Naminé froze a large area, but this was on a much more massive scale then when she made a small island of ice in the middle of an ocean.
Looking around Kairi saw through a window, seeing that all of Hollow Bastion was now a frozen hell. "Please be okay." Kairi pleaded for her friends, as well as everyone in Hollow Bastion.
Standing up off the metal plate, Kairi almost immediately fell back down do to her legs being nearly entirely numb from being exposed to the freezing temperature for however long she had been…dead.
Once the thought of herself being dead entered her mind a flash of the memories of being tortured and killed pushed it way to the fore front of Kairi's mind.
Kairi dropped to her knees and immediately threw-up the contents of her stomach, mostly liquids from her body being frozen then being thawed by the warmth from both Aqua, and the portal that brought her back.
After her stomach stopped trying to climb out of her mouth, Kairi stood up unsteadily while holding herself up on the nearby wall for balance, looking around for anything she could use to conserve her body heat.
The only thing Kairi could find was a black hooded coat used by the Organization, "Didn't see this coming" she said looking at it. Not having much choice, Kairi put it on and pulled up the hood to keep her head warm.
While it provided warmth it also made her look like an enemy. Better be careful with this on or I'll be attacked by friendlies, and if by anybody it would be Tifa… And I probably just jinxed myself, she laughed to herself.
After working out most of the kinks in her legs Kairi began to walk back towards Hollow Bastion through the now snow covered canyon.
Whatever caused this frozen hell, it may have been what caused the Organization to retreat, and her theory was proved further by the sheer amount of Nobodies frozen in solid ice, this must have been the bulk of the Nobodies army judging by immense size of their forces in the canyon.
"Someone must have summoned Celsius to make the Nobodies retreat. Smart, but risky," Kairi said to herself, this is the only way the Organization would have reason to retreat.
Continuing her long trek back, Kairi's mind fell on those she cared for in Hollow Bastion again.
"Please be safe everyone." With that said, Kairi continued to Hollow Bastion, and hoped to find those she cared about safe and in one piece.
-Valiant Hearts III-
"The only things I can think of that connect this girl with the Nobodies is the woman we encountered from that trip to that horrible future." Olette explained to Leon as they continued through the frozen wasteland that was now Hollow Bastion to one of the accessible entrances that led to the underground Sanctuary that was built after the 'Bloodstained Hollow Incident', which is the name for the event that occurred when Kairi, Naminé, and Olette went into the future.
"In your debrief you informed us that the woman from the future could use two Keyblades." Leon turned to the former queen. "Ashe did she use more than one Keyblade?" He asked not having been there when Ashe and her party was attack.
"Not that we saw, she only used one that was white, but it did not look like the Keyblade Kairi uses." Ashe explained.
Leon was troubled by these turn of events. The appearance of this girl that looked like Kairi, and the fact she used a Keyblade was even more unsettling. "Did you search her for the Keychain to her Keyblade?" Leon had to make sure the girl was of no threat if she were to wake without them being prepared.
"We did." Basch responded, still carrying the girl that had attacked them earlier. "But she had no visible Keychains on her, the only thing she has on her is that coat she is wearing, and that to was empty of any possessions." Basch was especially disturbed by the small girl he carried on his back.
She was able to kill seasoned veterans that had fought at his side since the Heartless attacked his world as easily as if they were rookie recruits.
He was even more troubled by the fact that this girl had even almost beaten him and she had also nearly killed his queen. If it wasn't for Olette having come in the nick of time to knock the girl out Basch, Ashe, and all their men would surely be dead.
Hearing this, Leon was more concerned about what this girl was capable of, and the fact that Kairi was still missing in action did not help his suspicions diminish in the slightest, only making them grow.
Sighing Leon turned to those still following him through the wasteland. "Alright, after we return to base we will commence searches throughout Hollow Bastion for any sign of the enemy." Seeing that Olette and Naminé were looking at him, one glaring the other pleading, he added "And for any sign of Kairi, or any other survivors." Turning on his heels, Leon continued to lead those in his party to Sanctuary.
-Valiant Hearts III-
Tifa threw another large old book into the fire, and watched as the hungry flames ate the new source of fuel. She and Garnet sat around the fire trying to conserve as much heat as possible. Both Rydia and Aerith were still unconscious making it rather difficult to move through the frozen world outside, so they chose to stay put for the time being.
Tifa had moved Aerith to where the brunette's head was in her lap, stroking her partner's hair. Tifa looked down to at Aerith's face. "Don't worry, I'll get you out of here and to safety, you just wait." Tifa continued to stroke the mage's brown locks.
If only she had made sure Aerith didn't do something so reckless, then they would not be in this situation, it was her fault for not preventing this, if only she were stronger… She could have stopped this from ever happening.
"Dammit, why is it always you who has to suffer for my weakness." Tifa pulled Aerith further into her embrace.
"Tifa, it wasn't your fault." Tifa looked over to Garnet, whom heard that last statement the marital artist spoke. "It was all our decision to form The Sorceress Pact, we had little choice. We needed to summon more powerful eidolons to fight the Nobodies; it was all our fault for not knowing that the pact would cause an anomaly such as that blob of raw magical energy."
Tifa opened her mouth to say something but Garnet continued. "And I fail to see how any of that," she said gesturing to window behind her and the frozen wasteland beyond it. "is any of your fault. It was Aerith, Rydia, and my self's fault for not knowing what the pact would cause, so we suffered the consequences." Garnet got to her feet and put her hand on Tifa's shoulder. "So please don't beat yourself up over things you could not control."
Tifa was surprised that someone of such a young age could tell her something Aerith would most likely say if she were awake. In times like these, one could not blame themselves for things that have already happened; they can only learn from them and move on.
"Thanks," Tifa said looking at Garnet gratefully, then movement from the window behind Garnet got her attention.
Tifa move Aerith's head out of her lap and onto some books. Grimacing she stood up and made her way to the window trying to ignore her bodies protests. "What's wrong?" the young mage asked.
"There's someone out there…again." Tifa saw another black coated figure outside as Garnet stood next to her looking out the window as well.
"That may be the same person as before, this one looks about the same size as the person from before, but the sounds of fighting earlier make me doubt that." Tifa observed. She was starting to get angry, if this was someone different, then the Organization was still present in Hollow Bastion, her home. She wanted answers, and she was going to get them even if it meant going into that frozen hell outside.
Pushing off the wall, Tifa made her way to the door, pushing down the throbbing pain in her body. Just like before, Garnet went and intercepted the black clad woman.
"Tifa we've been over this, you're in no condition―"
Tifa cut her off with a glare. "I want answers, and that person out there is going to give them to me whether they like it or not!" Tifa growled through gritted teeth trying to preventing herself from yelling at the girl whose actions were that of concern, but Garnet still took a step back in fear from the ferocity in Tifa's voice.
Turning away, Tifa made her way through the door, heading outside to confront the hooded figure wandering the frozen wasteland, leaving Garnet, who still had no magical energy to fight with, to watch over the two still unconscious mages.
Leaving the building Tifa spotted the coated figure walking through the remains of the residential district. She began to get as close as she could without being noticed. Do to her injuries she could not go into a head-to-head fight right now, doing her best to ignore the bitter atmosphere biting into her exposed skin, she tailed after the coated figure.
Tifa planned on getting answers one way or another.
When she was nearly fifteen feet away from the person in the black coated, Tifa was on the verge of jumping the small hooded figure, but at that moment, she heard the person speak aloud, and the voice of the person in front of her made her stop. Was that…
-Valiant Hearts III-
After what felt like hours, Kairi had arrived to her destination and was finally able to see the destruction caused to Hollow Bastion as she left the canyon, entering the once peaceful looking town. Now it looked like the result of a warzone that was frozen over, which is exactly what happened.
Near the center of Hollow Bastion was a massive ice crystal. Which was most likely where whatever caused this, originated from, Kairi mused, trying to piece together what events occurred in her absents. She also felt as though she was being watched but it was probably just her nerves getting to her.
Kairi continued on through the ice-covered streets of what was left of the residential district, most of the buildings were either buried in snow, or just a crater in the ground. "I hope everyone evacuated to safety before this all happened." The redheaded Keyblader thought aloud.
"Kairi?"
Jumping on the spot, Kairi summoned Oathkeeper' as she whirled around to see who spoke.
It was Tifa, who was in a stance that said she was about to pounce, and was so close to Kairi that the redhead wondered how she could have gotten so close without making a sound. I guess it wasn't my nerves after all, Kairi though back to how she felt like she was being watched.
Seeing Tifa eyeing Oathkeeper, Kairi dematerialized it and pulled down the hood of the coat she was wearing.
Tifa watch as the coated figure in front of her pulled down their hood revealing familiar red-hair, and the face of her adoptive daughter.
She immediately pounced as planned.
Kairi was suddenly being picked up and hugged fiercely by the woman in front of her. "Where have you been!?" Tifa had known that Kairi was missing in action before that business with Celsius happened, and was glad to have found her.
"Gah…Tifa…can't breathe…" Tifa released the small girl in her arms, setting Kairi back on the ground and placed her hands on the redhead's shoulders. "Where have you ―" She was going to repeat her previous question, but the dry blood that looked to have come out of Kairi's mouth and eye's made her words catch in her throat. What happened to Kairi, a burning fury filled Tifa as she looked at the redhead.
"What happened to you Kairi, why do you look like your eyes were bleeding, and coughing up blood?" Tifa needed to know what caused something like this to happen to her adoptive daughter.
Kairi's eyes widened, she had not seen her own face, so she did not know her features were covered in her own dried blood from when she was tortured by the Organization. She looked into a nearby widow for her reflection, and was shocked at what she saw.
There were trails of dried blood coming from her eye sockets, and a smudged trail leading out of her mouth.
Tifa watched as the black coated redhead looked horrified at her own reflection, brushing trembling fingers over the dried blood on her face. Tifa gave a small squeeze on Kairi's shoulders to get her attention. Looking up at Tifa, Kairi could see the concern in the black haired martial artist's eyes. Tifa would not drop this without a damn good reason.
"Tifa, I will tell you what happened along with everyone else, so please drop it for now. I rather not have to tell it more than once." Kairi said shakily, she could only hope Tifa would accept her plea with no questions asked.
Tifa wanted to argue but looking at Kairi's bloody pleading face made her hesitate, whatever could cause the usually strong willed redheaded tactician to be this shaken up was serious. "…Ok, I'll wait till we regroup with the others, but you better explain every detail."
Kairi was relieved that Tifa would not pursue the subject further. She hugged the taller woman, "Thank you."
Pulling away, Kairi bent down and picked up some snow and used it to clean the blood from her face, she almost regretted the action, feeling her face go numb from the cold snow making contact with her skin.
Tifa watched as Kairi cleaned her face of any trace of dry blood. Just what happened to cause something like that to someone? Tifa wondered.
Suddenly the martial artist remembered something rather important.
"Ahh Shit!" Kairi looked up at Tifa oddly from the unexpected outburst. "What's wrong?" The Keyblader asked finishing cleaning her face of any trace of the blood that was caked up before.
Tifa began making her way back towards the old castle she was using as a temporary shelter. Looking over her shoulder she addressed Kairi's question. "I kinda left a magicless mage to protect two unconscious mages in a nearly iced over library." Again, her reckless impulses put Aerith and the others in danger, leaving them defenseless with no one capable of fighting, although Tifa was hardly in any condition for combat.
"You left who where?" Kairi was confused about that whole statement. Just what happened while she was missing in action?
"I left Garnet to look after Aerith, and Rydia while I came out here to find out who you were." She pointed at the coat Kairi was wearing. "You really shouldn't wear that hood. I almost attacked you, ya know." Kairi pulled the hood back on; to hide the fact she was rolling her eyes, and to help keep her head warm.
"Well then we should get back to them." Kairi said following Tifa in the direction of the castle. The redhead was eager to regroup and find out what happened while she was absent during the battle. She really hated not knowing things, especially when those things involved the endangerment of those she cared about.
"So what happened to cause Hollow Bastion to end up turning into this freezing hell?" Kairi wanted to at least see if her earlier theory was accurate.
Tifa considered her answer for a moment. "As far as I know, something went wrong with some magic pact Aerith and the others did, forming some kind of blob of raw magical energy around them and attacking everything in sight." The martial artist explained, intriguing the redheaded Keyblader as she listened to Tifa explain recent events while they were nearing the castle's gates. "Weapons did nothing and magic only made it stronger, there was no way to stop that thing. Until Naminé showed up and had an idea to stop it."
Kairi was surprised to say the least to hear that Naminé was the one with the plan, although after Aerith, Rydia, and Garnet, Naminé is the most versed in the arcane arts, so it wasn't surprising that Leon would listen to whatever plan the blond mage had. Kairi and Leon were more alike than the redhead would like to admit, so they would most likely have the same thoughts under those circumstances.
Tifa's words brought Kairi out of her thoughts.
"Naminé had the idea that since that blob thing was made of raw energy then why not use it to summon something big with incantation magic. So Leon had everyone withdraw from the area while Olette helped Naminé get close to it to try and summon Celsius." Pointing at the massive ice crystal in the center of Hollow Bastion, Tifa continued. "Obviously it worked, but it went berserk and caused all of this." Tifa said gesturing to their surroundings before they finally entered the castle's interior, which was slightly warmer than the outside but not by much, and they started making their way through the labyrinth like hallways leading to the library where the others were.
Kairi had one question on her ever thinking mind. She stopped in the middle of the hallway she and Tifa were maneuvering through while removing the hood from her head, Kairi hesitantly asking her question.
"What happened to Naminé, and Olette?" She dreaded the answer, but desperately wanted to know. If Naminé and Olette were right there when Celsius was summoned then there could be only one outcome.
Stopping in front of Kairi, not meeting her gaze, Tifa answered directly like always. "They were both encased in solid ice…" Finally looking at the redhead caused Tifa to cringe at her own brutal words. Kairi's face was that of sadness, and heartache.
"But they were completely preserved, so they could still be alive." Tifa said quickly trying to reassure Kairi. "So I'm sure someone got them out of there, and brought them to safety." Her words did little to diminish the anguished feeling in the redhead's heart.
The idea of losing the two people she loved was excruciating. But Kairi knew in situations like these it was better to hope for the best, and prepare for the worst, keep a level head and persist. Tifa may be right, Leon would send out search parties to make certain that the enemy truly did withdraw from Hollow Bastion, and he would most certainly do everything in his power to save the other two Keybladers if there was a chance they could be rescued.
Taking deep breaths, Kairi began trying to calm her mind from thinking too much of 'what ifs' and tried to think of 'what is.'
Tifa watched anxiously as Kairi was visibly trying to calm down, and digest the information she had just heard, Tifa never did pull her punches, in combat or in conversations.
After Kairi regained her composer she looked at Tifa's worried expression. Taking a deep breath Kairi regarded her as calmly as she could. "We should hurry to get to Aerith and the other mages, and after we are able to move, we should regroup with Leon and what's left of Hollow Bastion's forces as soon as possible." Kairi was back in her strategist persona, cold and calculated. That is what she needed to be under these current circumstances, not some overly emotional girl who is of no use.
Seeing the resolve in Kairi's eyes, Tifa was proud to see how mature the redhead had become since the beginning of all this when she was forcefully pulled into this battle between Darkness and Light.
With a small smile, Tifa nodded. "Agreed. Come on, the library's right around this corner." Tifa said turning on the spot and continued down the hall with Kairi close on her heels.
-Valiant Hearts III-
Garnet watched as Tifa made her way through the door, not daring to speak after witnessing the ferocity Tifa emanated from that glare and statement alone.
Walking back toward the somewhat dying fire, Garnet sighed and slumped down on the pile of books next to where Aerith and Rydia were laying, then she began looking through the books to see which were unimportant works and started to rekindle the fire with the books she found to be trifles.
Once the fire was rejuvenated, Garnet just tried to stay warm while waiting for the martial artist to return from whatever endeavor she was hoping to accomplish by going outside in her condition. Garnet felt useless having to sit idly by, waiting, not knowing what was going on.
A quiet groan brought Garnet out of her thoughts, looking over to the source of the noise.
Aerith was beginning to stir from her unconsciousness. Garnet made her way to the rousing brunette sorceress and knelt down next to her as she began to regain consciousness.
Garnet watched as Aerith slowly opened her eyes looking up at the younger sorceress's face, and Garnet saw the slow recognition come into the brunette's eyes as she became more aware of her senses after being out cold, no pun intended, for so long. Aerith began to sit up and look at her surroundings with wide eyes.
Garnet let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness your awake, I was beginning to worry."
"What happened, where are we?" hand on her temples Aerith looked expectantly at Garnet as her head began throbbing, she couldn't remember much, she could remembered a massive amount of pain in her body, as if all of her magical energy was manifesting itself all at once, but after that her memories became fuzzy.
"Well… as far as I've been told…" Garnet began to tell Aerith what Tifa had told her about how she, her, and Rydia had gone on a rampage in a giant blob of raw magical energy, and when she got to the part where Naminé and Olette had chosen to stop the three sorceresses' by summoning Celsius, Aerith couldn't help but shiver, but not caused by the cold atmosphere around her, but from the idea that The Elemental King of Ice had been summoned into physical form and froze Hollow Bastion, in order to stop Aerith and the other's mages rampaging.
Was the price of stopping the three sorceresses' worth a cost like this? Aerith did not know.
"After Celsius was summoned… well you can see for yourself the power it wielded." Garnet's word brought Aerith out of her thoughts. Looking at the black haired mage, something suddenly occurred to Aerith.
"What happened to Naminé, and Olette?" If those two were right there when Celsius was summoned, then…
Garnet looked away from Aerith for a moment then met her expecting gaze, giving the brunette her answer before even a word was said.
"Tifa said that when she got the three of us out of the cold she saw what happened to Naminé, and Olette. She said they were encased in solid ice." Garnet broke her gaze with the older woman, and began to rekindle the fire as it was dying due to lack of attention, she then continued her story.
She told Aerith about the first figure in an Organization coat going through the wastelands outside, and how they heard the sounds of gunfire, and fighting that lasted less than a minute then nothing but silence, and how she nearly had to tackle Tifa to keep her from leaving to investigate the noise. Aerith laughed along with Garnet at the part about Tifa having to be forced to stay put, which evidently does not work.
Then Garnet explained how a second figure in a coat had appeared outside just moments before Aerith had woken up, and how she failed to keep Tifa from leaving that time. "And you know the rest." Garnet concluded her story as she continued to tend the fire, feeding it more books.
"Oh Tifa, I swear when I see you…" Aerith sighed, aggravated by her partner's recklessness. She would have a nice "talk" with the martial artist the next chance she could.
And at that moment, the door that led out of the library and into the hallways of the castle began to open.
Tifa opened the door to the library and stepped through the doorway only to come to a halt at what she saw in front of her in the library.
Kairi walked right into Tifa's back, having not expected the black clad woman to stop so suddenly. Looking over Tifa's shoulder, Kairi saw what had caused Tifa to stop in her tracks.
Aerith stood up on her somewhat wobbly legs and watched with a small smile as Tifa froze under her gaze, then the martial artist rushed forward the best she could with her injuries and the cold affecting her mobility, and immediately embraced Aerith and kissed her deeply, being immensely happy seeing her lover was awake and appeared, so far, all right.
Aerith wrapped her arms around Tifa, accepting her embrace and returned the fighter's kiss with equal enthusiasm, just as happy as Tifa to see that she too was safe and not wondering around outside in the now ice-covered Hollow Bastion. I guess that "talk" can wait till later, Aerith mused.
Kairi watched somewhat amused at her adoptive parent's loving interaction, but it also made her long for such embrace, and brought up her earlier worries, making her want to find Naminé and Olette as soon as possible, and make sure they too were safe.
Tifa finally broke the kiss do to the annoying fact of the need for air, but continued holding the brunette in her arms. Aerith was content to stay like that for a moment longer, happy to be in her partner's familiar warmth.
Finally, Aerith stepped out of the Tifa's embrace, and looked over the woman's shoulder, having finally noticed Kairi in the doorway watching them with a rather somber look on her face.
But what got Aerith's attention the most was what Kairi was wearing over her battle clothes that was made for her by Rydia. It was one of the coats those Organization members wore. Why was she wearing that? Aerith knew it was cold and it helped conserve heat, but where had Kairi gotten it from?
The brunette mage knew that Kairi had been missing in action before the incident with her, the other two mages and the magic blob, and was glad to see she was safe, and, for the most part, looked to be all right.
Kairi began fidgeting slightly under Aerith's gaze. She really hoped Aerith didn't ask her questions about why she was missing during the battle.
Aerith moved toward the slightly fidgeting Keyblader with her still numb legs a bit uneasily and pushing away Tifa's attempts to help her as she went to stand in front of Kairi, than she hugged the redhead fiercely.
"Thank god you're safe." Aerith chose to not ask Kairi any questions about her whereabouts. Kairi would tell them what happened when she was good and ready.
Kairi let out a silent breath she did not know she was holding, and returned the hug, feeling Aerith's somewhat warmer body envelope her.
It was a wonderful feeling to the Keyblader.
Tifa watched as Aerith hugged Kairi, then she looked over at Garnet, who was trying not to make eye contact with her. With a sigh, Tifa went to sit next to the young mage as she tended the fire.
"Hey uhh… sorry about earlier for...yah know…getting mad and all." She really wasn't big on apologizes.
Garnet smiled to herself at Tifa's poor attempt at apologizing. "I forgive you, and I understand. This is our home after all and we will protect it." Garnet said looking into the two dark red orbs that were Tifa's eyes. Tifa did what she did for the same reason she, Aerith, and Rydia made The Sorceress Pact.
She did it because she wants to protect their home, to protect Hollow Bastion.
Tifa gave Garnet a somewhat thankful look. Thank goodness that's over with; the martial artist was relieved that she didn't have to apologize anymore.
Aerith and Kairi had just walked over to the fireplace and sat down on varies piles of books. Tifa immediately sat down next to Aerith and they snuggled together, Kairi sat next to Garnet, trying to get as much heat back into her body as possible, Garnet continued to put books she found unimportant into the fire, and Rydia was still not conscious, laying on a pile of books a couple of feet away from the fireplace to stay warm but not be in any danger from the flames.
It would appear they would have to wait until Rydia finally woke up before they ventured out into the frozen wasteland that was Hollow Bastion.
-Valiant Hearts III-
Olette was relieved when Leon finally led them into one of the hidden tunnels that led to the underground Sanctuary of Hollow Bastion. She was also pleased that the temperature in the tunnels was slightly warmer than the blistering cold atmosphere of Hollow Bastion's surface.
Their party continued to follow their stoic leader through varies passageways. Do to the fact that most, if not all of them, were injured, their progress was slow going.
Olette could feel Naminé tighten her hold on her arm as they walked behind Basch and Ashe, whose men, along with Leon's, were trailing behind the two Keybladers, and the winged Ninja.
The brunette looked at the blond mage clinging to her arm; the girl was shivering from the cold still, even with the, barely, higher temperatures in the tunnels.
The duel wielding Keyblader wrapped her arm around Naminé's shoulder trying to keep her warm. The blond snuggled somewhat closer to the brunette, trying to get warm, but she knew she was not as resilient as Olette, and this cold was making her very tired.
"Come on Naminé, we're almost there. Then we can rest, I promise." Naminé's only response was a small nod into the brunette's side. Olette was worried, as always, for the witch girl, whom until just recently she considered a sister, but now Olette saw her as something more. Was that odd? About as odd as the two of them sharing the same girlfriend, although one would expect such feelings to come up if the three of them were dating.
Olette sighed.
All this was giving her a headache; she wasn't ashamed of any of it. On the contrary, she was very happy with having Naminé and Kairi together, as unexpected as the whole situation was.
This thought gave Olette the urge to go back out in that freezing hell, and continue searching for the redheaded Keyblader. The brunette was starting to get annoyed with herself; she had to make sure Naminé was somewhere safe before she ran off to do anything, especially after what occurred in the cover of darkness between her and the blond sorceress. Olette blushed a bit at the memories of that event.
Naminé could feel the anxiety in Olette as they walked. She wished she could do something to help, but she was just as worried about Kairi as Olette was. She wanted them to all be together, safe and sound, so Olette didn't have to worry. Having the presence of both the girls she loved with her, and knowing Kairi was safe was all Naminé wanted.
Yuffie watched as Olette wrapped her arm around Naminé's shivering shoulders. She felt a pang of jealousy in her heart, but pushed it down. She knew Olette saw Naminé as a sister, so she shouldn't think anything of their snuggling, something Yuffie missed doing immensely with the brute of a Keyblader. She really did miss Olette's embrace.
"Dammit!" Yuffie cursed herself so quietly that no one else noticed. It was her fault that she was on somewhat rough terms with the girl she loved. Yuffie knew that she would never be able to be with Olette like she wanted to, but she would still try to be her friend, even if Olette was with someone else.
Yuffie kept on watching Olette as Naminé clung to her. Looking at the floor of the tunnel while she walked and sighing quietly to herself, Yuffie wished to be more, but she would have to be content with just being the brunette's friend. Looking up, Yuffie had a resolved look in her eyes.
As long as Olette was happy, then Yuffie was happy too.
The group continued through the tunnels, and when they turned a corner, to everyone's relief, they finally arrived to the entrance to the Sanctuary. It was guarded by members of Hollow Bastion's militia. Upon seeing Leon, and his party, the soldiers lowered their weapons and let them pass.
The Sanctuary was huge. It was a massive dome shaped cavern full of shacks for makeshift housing, some old ruined buildings, and many campfires, with tents around each one; there were even some oil drum fires. The citizens of Hollow Bastion were scattered throughout the different housing shacks, or in some of the ruined buildings, while the most of the soldiers slept in the tents around the campfires. The ceiling was a good 200 to 300 feet tall straight up, and the walls were made of the same stone as the canyon on Hollow Bastion surface.
After entering the Sanctuary, Leon and his party were immediately swarmed by medics, and mages with some creative magic abilities.
Penelo followed after the medical personnel, and made her way towards Leon. She was relieved to see that Olette, Naminé, and Yuffie were in the group, but was slightly concerned as to why some of the men that were in Ashe's and Basch's party were missing. The former queen and her guard looked like they'd been in a recent battle, but looked like they could have been in worse condition, and Penelo also noticed that Basch seemed to be carrying something on his back.
Just what happened while they were on the surface?
Penelo located Leon in the small crowed, as those that were injured got treatment. She found Leon standing with Ashe, and Basch, who were being check on by some of the mages that were versed in little creative magic.
"Ashe, Basch are you ok? What happened up there?" The young songstress asked. They were in worse condition than when they left to scout out the surface with Leon and his party.
"We're fine Penelo, your concern is much appreciated, and as for what happened, we encountered her." Ashe answered, pointing at what Basch was carrying, Ashe still remembered the fear she felt when she fought that girl. Penelo looked to where Ashe pointed and was able to see that Basch was carrying a black haired girl, whom was wearing one of the coats those Nobodies wore. Was she from the Organization?
"She attacked us, and killed three of our men." Basch added with a grim look on his face, leaving out the fact that the girl had almost killed him, and his queen.
"She needs to be restrained until we can decide what to do with her. I'll have Cid, and Merlin use those magic reinforced steel chains they created to restrain her." Leon said gestating to the girl; apparently even Tifa has a hard time breaking them. At least that's what Aerith says. Leon mused to himself.
After getting checked over by the medics, Leon ordered one of his men to find Cid to bring him the chains to confine the girl in case she were to wake and tried to attack them.
Leon then ordered the militia to form scout units, and to prepare to recon the surface for any survivors or signs of the enemy in Hollow Bastion. He especially made sure that finding Kairi was their number one priority. If she were found, she was to be brought back to Sanctuary immediately. The same orders went for Tifa, and the three mages Aerith, Rydia, and Garnet. If Leon knew anything about Tifa, it was that she was too stubborn to give up, especially if it involved Aerith's safety.
Once his orders were given, Leon dismissed his soldiers to let them prepare for the upcoming task they were given.
Giving a heavy sigh, Leon made his way to one of the campfires closest to him and sat down, setting his gunblade across his lap. Too many unknown variables were taking place, far too many for the swordsman's liking. Who was that girl, why does she look like Kairi, and where was Kairi?
He sighed again. Leon could only hope that Kairi was ok, and if she was found then hopefully she would be able to answer some of his questions on this situation.
Then the sounds of quiet arguing pulled him out of his thoughts, and got his attention.
Looking over to another campfire, Leon saw Naminé and Olette arguing softly with each other. Leon didn't want to know why, but was still curious as to what the two Keybladers were arguing about.
-Valiant Hearts III-
"I said you're not going and that's that!" Olette managed to say without yelling.
After Olette and Naminé were checked over by the medics and mages, they went to sit by a campfire to stay warm, and then Olette heard Leon giving orders to the militia to go out into Hollow Bastion and search for signs of the enemy, blah, blah, blah. But then what got Olette's attention the most was Leon having locating Kairi the number one priority, as was finding Tifa, Aerith, Rydia, and Garnet, but finding Kairi was her number one priority. Now that Naminé was somewhere safe, she could go look for Kairi. After Leon dismissed his men Olette jumped up to go prepare, or at least she was planning on doing. As soon as she was standing up she felt a soft hand grab her arm, and tug at her. Naminé knew what Olette wanted to do, and she wanted to find Kairi as well, and that's how this argument came about.
Naminé looked up at Olette with that determined looking in her eyes that the brunette had come to love, and dread.
"No, I'm coming with you. Why won't you let me?" Naminé wanted to find Kairi just as badly as Olette, so why won't she let her go look for Kairi too.
"I told you, it's because I don't want you to get hurt!" Olette was starting to get angry now; she was doing this to protect Naminé, so why was she fighting her over this.
"I'm not made of glass!" Naminé practically yelled, startling Olette, and getting the attention of some of those around them. "I can protect myself, I may not be as strong or as fast as you, but I can protect myself and you know it!" Naminé wasn't the same helpless naïve girl back when they first met. She was a powerful sorceress who has seen her share of destruction to lose her naïve ideals about the world.
Olette could only stare at Naminé. The normally carefree blond girl usually did what Olette asked, but now she appeared determined to do the complete opposite of what Olette wanted. But Naminé did have a point; she was a powerful sorceress, this coming from Olette, who had no magic potential whatsoever. Naminé could protect herself, plus she was probably of most powerful mage here since Aerith, Rydia, and Garnet were still missing. They would surely have need of her abilities.
Olette had to stop thinking about what she wanted, and more of what was needed. Having Naminé would probably speed up any search efforts for Kairi and for anyone else still on Hollow Bastion's surface.
Looking at Naminé's unwavering resolve, Olette gave in with a sigh.
"Ok, you're right." Olette said smiling as she knelt down beside the blond mage and started petting her head. "Besides, we'll probably need your help in the search anyway." Naminé smiled sweetly and nodded, happy about getting what she wanted, and she leaned into the other girl's comforting touch that she loved so much.
Olette didn't like it, but Naminé wouldn't take no for an answer. Olette would just have to be extra cautious when they begin their search for Kairi. She had to find her, now more than ever. After everything they've been through Olette couldn't lose her, especially after they finally admitted their feelings for each other, and now that Olette had feelings for Naminé that went passed sisterly love…well they would have to discuss that later.
But Olette worried she would not find Kairi. What if she was gone? Shut up! Don't think like that, we'll find her, and everything will be better when we're all together. Olette told herself.
Naminé saw the distressed look on the brunette's face, and became worried for her. Naminé grabbed Olette's arm again and pulled her closer, her face getting closer to Olette's.
All too late did Olette realize what Naminé was doing, until she felt soft lips meet hers. It was only a moment, but it managed to calm Olette down from all her worrying. She needed to keep a level head if she was going to be of any use in finding the redhead she loved.
Pulling away, Naminé and Olette smiled at each other.
Suddenly Olette became very aware of the fact that there were other people around, and some might have seen them kiss. Looking around with a panicked expression, Olette noticed Leon not too far away, sitting at another campfire. He seemed to be pointedly looking away from them.
Did he see us kiss, Olette was blushing a deep red, no one knew about her and Naminé. What if someone told Kairi before they could talk about what had developed between her and Naminé. Maybe Kairi would understand, after all Olette and Naminé were both dating Kairi at the same time, so wouldn't it be ok for Naminé and Olette to date each other too… Why is this always so complicated?
Naminé gave an adorable giggle at Olette's reaction to possible onlookers. Naminé didn't much care, it's not wrong to love two people, so why be embarrassed about showing your affection for them, although Naminé's views on love were slightly different compared to most people.
Olette could only blush and look away from the giggling blond in front of her. She really wished she was as carefree as Naminé sometimes.
"It's not funny…" The brunette pouted, crossing her arms over her chest, still not looking at Naminé. Holding in her giggles, Naminé looked at Olette with a grin that she learned by watching Aerith, then she pulled Olette into a hug, and the brunette's resistance melted away.
Olette finally gave in and looked at Naminé, who was snuggling into her side as she hugged her. With a sigh, Olette smiled fondly at the blond girl in front of her and began petting her head again before returning the hug.
"Come on, we should go prepare before going out into that icy hell to find Kairi." Olette wanted to make sure she and Naminé were at least wearing something that would conserve their body heat; she could still feel the bitterness of when she and Naminé were encased in Celsius' ice.
"And when we find Kairi, what do you say we give her a good scolding for leaving us to worry." Olette said looking at Naminé, who giggled again, and grinned that evil grin she inherited from Aerith.
"Yeah, we'll scold her till she promises to never wonder off again." Naminé answered, still grinning evilly, she really was taking after Aerith more and more, much like Olette was taking after Tifa.
No matter how much she denied it, Olette acted more like the martial artist the longer she trained under her.
Olette could only smile at her blond partner, and petted her head again out of habit. Naminé could be scary when she wanted to be, but Olette found it adorable when Naminé felt like being mischievous, and decided to tease someone.
Not wanting to, but having to, Olette let Naminé go and stood up, feeling the somewhat colder atmosphere cling to her. Olette hadn't noticed the cold much since she was…snuggling with Naminé most of this time. That thought made Olette blush again. Dammit, get a grip! The brunette thought to herself while shaking her head.
After a moment of letting her blush subside, Olette held out her hand for Naminé, and without question the blond mage took it and was pulled up to stand next to the duel wielding Keyblader. Naminé did however give Olette a curious look with a tilt of her head to one side.
"Let's go find some winter clothes so we don't freeze to death while we search for Kairi." Olette answered to Naminé's adorable unasked head tilted question.
Naminé looked down at her clothes.
Olette was right, if they were going out onto Hollow Bastion's surface; they were going to need winter wear to help protect them from the now freezing elements. Naminé's dress wouldn't do much to fend off the cold, and she could already feel her body getting colder do to the absence of Olette's body heat. The fire helped, but didn't do much to fend off the chilling atmosphere that now presided over Hollow Bastion.
Looking back at Olette, Naminé gave the brunette a nod, then Naminé wrapped her arms around the brunette's arm, trying to steal as much body heat as possible.
After a moment to regain her footing from Naminé's expected action, Olette looked around for Leon who was no longer sitting by the campfire he was previously at. It took a moment of looking around, but Olette spotted Leon with Cid, Merlin, Yuffie, Basch, Ashe and some militiamen standing by a lit oil drum fire next to the cavern wall.
They appeared to be restraining the girl that looked like Kairi with those chains Cid made with Merlin's help. They were chaining the girl to the cavern walls behind her, and the cavern floor in front of her, the girls arms were crossed over her chest with her hands on her shoulders with chains holding them in place while the chains led into the wall behind her, and her legs were chained down to the ground with magic reinforced steel weights; all in all, preventing the girl from making any threatening moves, and stopping any escape attempts.
Olette walked over with Naminé practically clinging to her; she suspected that Naminé was trying to steal her body heat. This thought brought a smirk to the brunette's face.
"You know, it's not very nice to steal other people's body heat Naminé." Still smirking, Olette looked at the blond, whom persisted to cling to her arm.
"But it's cold." Naminé pouted, causing the brunette to snigger.
As they approached the group, Olette saw that Leon was now checking the restraints on the girl's arms, and legs. Appearing satisfied, Leon took a step back from the black-haired girl, who had her head to her chest, still being unconscious.
Every time Olette laid eyes on that girl she immediately thought of Kairi. Why did this girl appear, was this battle supposed to be the battle that led to the 'Bloodstained Hollow Incident'? Had they prevented that future from ever happening? The outcome of this battle was immensely different, although instead of a burning desert wasteland, it was a frozen wasteland. But everyone was alive in this world…or at least Olette hoped everyone was alive. Shaking her head to remove such thoughts, Olette made her way to Leon in the small group of people that gathered to see the "prisoner."
After a bit of pushing, Olette and Naminé were standing behind Leon, who was in the middle of talking to Ashe, Basch, and Yuffie.
"…and I want you and Basch to lead the other recon unit through the residential district." Olette heard Leon halfway through his orders, as he addressed the former Queen and her protector. Giving Leon an affirmative nod, Ashe noticed Olette and Naminé, who both looked quite anxious, standing behind him. "Leon, you seem to have two very anxious girls standing behind you." Ashe said with a hint of amusement in her voice.
Now that that mysterious girl was subdued, Ashe felt a bit more at ease.
Turning around, Leon saw who Ashe was talking about. Olette and Naminé both looked expectantly at him. With his trademark sigh, Leon spoke. "I suppose you both want orders to recon the surface as well." It was more of a statement, rather than a question.
Nevertheless, they both nodded. Olette and Naminé both had determined looks on their faces. No way were they going to listen to an order that has them staying put. Leon knew this, so why waste time arguing, when he could just give them authorization to do what they would inevitability do anyway, with or without his orders.
These thoughts caused the swordsman to sigh again, causing some of those around him to laugh quietly, this included Basch, Yuffie, and Cid.
"Ok, since I can't prevent you otherwise, Olette, you and Naminé will go with Ashe, and her unit to the residential distract, in the area where you found this girl." Leon said pointing at the chain covered girl in front of him.
He continued his orders. "You two will help search the area for any sign of the enemy and for any signs of Kairi, Tifa, Aerith, Rydia, Garnet, and any other survivors" Leon knew he didn't have to tell them that locating Kairi, Tifa and the other mages was their number one priority, they would undoubtedly be looking for any sign of Kairi and the others while they are on the surface, Kairi especially.
"Those are you mission parameters. Now I suggest you both go find some better clothes before you head out. There should be some spare coats and boots in that warehouse over there." Leon pointed to the warehouse in question.
"Why didn't you tell me, I've been freezing my wings off over here y'know!" Yuffie pouted beside Leon, crossing her arms over her chest, and shaking her wings a bit for emphasis.
With a small laugh, Leon turned to the pouting ninja. "I've been meaning to ask you about those actually."
Losing interest in their conversation, Olette led Naminé over to the warehouse that Leon had pointed out. Naminé was still clinging to Olette's arm, but a bit less out of pilfering her warmth and more out of comfort.
Upon entering the warehouse, Olette noticed there was a fairly large amount of clothes stored up. No doubt Leon had stockpiled as much supplies and gear as he could for just such an emergency for Hollow Bastion.
The warehouse wasn't that old looking, but the wooden floors creaked under the two girls' feet as they walked around. There were racks of coats on one side of the large room, while the other side of the room had tables with folded piles of clothes on them, and there were also some mirrors randomly placed against the walls throughout the warehouse.
Once Naminé and Olette took in the sight of the large assortment of clothes, they started to look through them for something that fit them, and conserved their body heat.
While looking through a rack of coats for one that fit, Olette noticed that Naminé was in the corner of the warehouse, but what got Olette's attention most was the fact that the blond mage was beginning to undress.
Olette's face went from her normal pigment, to tomato red in an instant.
"Wh-wh-what are you doing?" Naminé was in the middle of removing the bodice of her dress.
Naminé looked up at Olette innocently. "I'm changing my clothes." She answered simply, giving Olette a puzzled expression, as if Olette was the one doing something odd, missing the situation entirely.
Looking away, Olette's blush deepened. "I see that, but why are you doing it right now?" Olette refused to look at Naminé.
"Because its cold and this dress isn't doing much to helping conserve my body heat. I need pants." Naminé said as she continued to remove her dress, shivering as the cold atmosphere bite into her skin.
Still blushing slightly, Olette turned her attention back to the coat rack she had been inspecting before, and continued to look for winter wear for herself. Leave it to Naminé to do something like this; it's a good thing no one else was in the building.
After a few minutes of looking, Olette decided on a brown trench coat that went down to her ankles, along with a black skullcap to cover her ears, and a pair of black leather gloves.
After a moment of looking herself over in the reflection of one of the mirrors against the wall, adjusting the eyepatch she wore, Olette hoped Naminé was done changing, and reluctantly looked over at the blond sorceress. Thankfully, Naminé was fully dressed, and was examining herself in the mirror.
Naminé was now wearing a white winter coat that went down slightly past her hips; a white scarf was wrapped around her neck and shoulders, along with a white skullcap covered in little pink flowers for her ears, white leather gloves for her hands, and a pair of white pants with her half-boots still on.
Olette thought the pants looked rather odd on the typically dress wearing girl, but the outfit looked good on Naminé, especially the all-white, and the flower covered skullcap brought a smirk to Olette's face, the outfit suited the blond girl perfectly.
"Do you think our clothes are still at the house?" Naminé asked out of the blue, still looking at her reflection in the mirror.
Walking up behind Naminé, Olette smiled fondly at the random, straightforwardness the blond mage had, it was adorable.
"I don't know, I guess if we can, we should go check and see if the house is still intact." Olette had no idea if the house they called home was still standing, since she and Naminé were going with Ashe into the residential distract, then maybe they could check on it if they're in the area.
"Then we should go meet the others, and head out as soon as possible" Naminé was determined, she would find Kairi, and then all three of them would be together again.
Seeing the determined look in Naminé's eyes, Olette reached out and turned the blond girl around and pulled her into her embrace, hugging Naminé.
They both had a resolve to find the girl they love; there was no way they would fail. Pulling back, Olette looked at Naminé. Olette didn't know she was leaning forward until she instinctively closed her eyes, and felt Naminé's soft lips meet hers.
The kiss was only a few seconds, but they both felt each other's worries, and anxieties.
Pulling apart, Olette and Naminé looked at each other once more, both with unwavering determination in their eyes. With a nod, Olette turned to the door and made her way to it, with Naminé on her heels.
Upon exiting the warehouse, Olette and Naminé saw where Ashe and Basch were gathering their men, and they made their way over to them.
Seeing Naminé and Olette approach, Ashe addressed them. "Are you two ready to go?"
"Yes" They both said with a nod.
"Good." Ashe turned to her men. "Move out, and be ready for anything on the surface." She ordered, taking point with Basch at her side, as they led their troop through the tunnels that led to the surface of Hollow Bastion.
Naminé and Olette were right behind Ashe and Basch.
Olette looked sideways at Naminé; she still had that gleam in her eyes. Looking forward again, Olette felt a surge of determination flood her being.
They would find Kairi, they would be together again. With these thoughts in mind, Olette continued to follow Ashe to the surface, fully intent on finding the girl she loved.
-Valiant Hearts III-
Kairi was looking out the window of the library, watching the snow fall over Hollow Bastion, and watching for any signs of rescue, or enemies.
"No…no…"
The sounds of whimpering from Rydia, got every once attention.
Everyone looked over to where the green haired sorceress was laying by Tifa and Aerith in front of the fireplace. She appeared to be having a nightmare.
Tifa leaned over toward the woman, to check on her. Rydia was still whimpering in her unconsciousness.
"No…no…don't…"
"Is she okay?" Aerith asked, looking over Tifa's shoulder.
"I don't know. She must be having a bad dream." Tifa placed her hand on the green haired woman's forehead. What could possible cause Rydia to have such nightmares? Tifa wondered.
-Valiant Hearts III-
Rydia was having a nightmare. Her dream had started out so nice; she was over at Aerith's house learning how to cook, Aerith was an amazing chief, but when Aerith went to get some missing ingredients down at the market distract, leaving Rydia alone in the house, things turned into a nightmare.
While Rydia was stirring the dish she and Aerith were working on she felt two large hands grope her chest from behind. Jumping away and screaming, Rydia turned around and found Tifa standing behind her, with a smirk on her face.
"My, my, what a lovely smell, mind if I get a taste." Tifa said raking a hungry gaze over Rydia's body and taking a step towards the frightened woman. In a panic Rydia ran for the door, but Tifa was too fast and grabbed Rydia's arms, and pinned her to the wall.
No, this can't be happening, Rydia though to herself as she struggled against the martial artist.
"Oh come on. You know you want to try it Rydia." Tifa said seductively, leaning closer and closer to the mage's face.
NO! NO! NO! NO!
-Valiant Hearts III-
Rydia jolted awake, surprising Tifa, and looking around franticly, as though expecting to be attacked.
"Hey, are you okay?" Tifa asked concerned, as she leaning closer to the alarmed looking woman.
Rydia's eyes landed on Tifa, and the look of absolute horror came onto the mage's face as she saw who was looming over her.
"No…NO!" Rydia yelled covering her chest with her arms and turning away from Tifa in a protective ball.
This startled the martial artist, along with everyone present, all of them watching with wide eyes. Tifa backed away from Rydia, whom was whimpering something about not wanting to try anything; Tifa had a bad feeling that the nightmare Rydia just came out of had something to do with her, and her previous teasing's of the green haired sorceress.
Tifa's bad feeling only got worse when she met Aerith's angry gaze. "I didn't do anything!" the black clad woman said holding up her hands.
Aerith just sighed, "This is undoubtedly your fault Tifa Lockheart. If it wasn't for all your flirting, then maybe Rydia wouldn't fear for her life when she was around you." Aerith scolded as she approached the terrified woman in front of her, whilst Tifa backed further away, and while Garnet and Kairi watched the drama unfold with suppressed amusement. If Tifa saw them laugh at her, they would surely be in more danger.
Tifa's face burned from embarrassment as Aerith tried to calm Rydia down, all the while throwing burning glares over her shoulder to the martial artist.
What did she do to deserve such treatment? Nothing, nothing at all, but here she was, being glared at by the woman she loves, all because she, apparently, went too far when it came to teasing people.
It was just a joke for crying out loud! This whole situation seriously pissed Tifa off. Still blushing, Tifa sat down by the fire, pouting to herself.
"Calm down, it was just a nightmare. Don't worry your safe." Aerith said gently, trying to coax Rydia into unwinding herself from her trembling protective ball.
After a moment of letting her fear subside, Rydia calmed down enough to think rationally, and sat up and looked at her surroundings. What was going on, why was she laying on a pile of books in the castle library, and why did it look like it was winter outside in Hollow Bastion?
Rydia saw that Garnet and Kairi were also in the room, along with Tifa, and Aerith, they were all looking at her, with concern in their eyes, bar Tifa, who tried to look anywhere but at Rydia, which was perfectly fine with the green haired woman. But Rydia was confused, hadn't she, Aerith, and Garnet been resting at the makeshift base that was not far from where they currently were now? Rydia remembered a surge of pain in her sleep, along with the feeling of her magic being sucked out of her almost entirely. What had happened while she was unconscious?
Aerith saw the puzzled look on Rydia's face; Aerith understood the green haired woman's confusion, after all, not two hours ago had she learned what had happened to caused Hollow Bastion to be frozen over.
With a bleak expression, Aerith began to tell Rydia what had occurred while they were unaware of their bodies' actions, this included the blob of magical energy, and the last ditch effort to stop them by having Naminé summon Celsius.
Kairi watched intently from where she stood over by the window. Every time she heard this story being told, her thoughts went astray and landed on the worry she felt for Naminé and Olette's well-being. Shaking her head, Kairi pushed her worry from her mind. She would find them. Once she regrouped with Leon, and the rest of Hollow Bastion's forces, she would find them.
Kairi sighed, and went back to looking out into the now frozen world that was her home. That's when she saw the figures walking throughout the white environment of Hollow Bastion.
A jolt of adrenaline shot through the redheaded Keyblader as she summoned Oathkeeper, and ducked down by the window.
"What's wrong?" Tifa said jumping to her feet, looking alarmed. Aerith, Rydia, and Garnet stood as well, looking just as anxious as Tifa.
"I think there are people out there." Kairi peeked out the window to see the figures more clearly. She saw that there were indeed people outside; the redhead saw that they were members of Hollow Bastion's militia, along with…
Kairi felt a surge of relief and joy as she saw more clearly who were at the head of the militiamen.
Ashe and Basch seemed to be the ones leading the expedition of soldiers through Hollow Bastion, but what got Kairi's attention most were the two people trailing behind the queen and her guard.
Naminé and Olette, both wearing winter attire, followed after Ashe and Basch, every now and then they would glance up at random buildings, most likely searching for signs of life. They were clearly a search and rescue unit.
"It's Ashe's unit from the Sanctuary, and Naminé and Olette are with them." Kairi informed, with a grin, as Tifa came up to the window to see for herself, as did the rest of room's occupants.
"Pff, about damn time." Tifa said, then stuck her head further out the window. Kairi heard the black clad woman inhale deeply.
"HEY! OVER HERE!" Tifa yelled while waving her arms to get the attention of those outside.
-Valiant Hearts III-
"HEY! OVER HERE!" A female voice shouted out through the freezing silence.
Olette and Naminé instantly had their Keyblade's ready. Looking at were the shout came from, to Olette's relief, she saw her teacher, Tifa waving her arms franticly, getting their attention.
"You men continue searching the area." Ashe ordered her men as she made her way straight towards the castle entrance, "Basch, to my side." With that, her shadow, Basch, followed at her heels, and directly behind him were Naminé and Olette, who both had dematerialized their Keyblades, as they followed after Ashe and Basch.
If Tifa was here, then Aerith and the other mages should be here as well. They were priority targets, but Olette still wanted to continue looking for Kairi, although she was happy to know that Tifa was alive, and well enough to yell like she did.
She and Naminé followed Ashe and Basch through the many corridors of the castle, making their way to where Tifa had called, more like yelled, to them from, she appeared to be held up in the castle's library.
Olette and Naminé continued to follow Ashe and Basch. Once they got Tifa and whoever else was with her to safety, Olette vowed to search for Kairi relentlessly until the redheaded Keyblader was found. Olette would find her, and she, Naminé, and Kairi would be together again.
-Valiant Hearts III-
With a smirk on her face, Tifa stepped away from the window, and the sounds of Ashe giving orders could be heard from outside.
"That got their attention." Her smirk faltered a bit at Aerith rolling her eyes. The yelling was not necessary and Tifa knew it. But nevertheless, rescue had arrived and hopefully they would soon be somewhere safer than this ice-covered castle in the middle of a frozen wasteland.
Kairi, somewhat amused, shook her head at Tifa's straightforward actions, and dematerialized her Keyblade.
"They should be here in a few minutes, let's put that fire out, and get ready to move. It's still freezing out there, so hopefully Ashe or Basch brought some coats for you four." Kairi was still in her leader mode, and was going all out. It felt a bit odd to her as she was talking to Aerith and Tifa like that, but they all agreed. They began putting the fire out, and bracing themselves for the colder atmosphere outside.
Aerith looked at Kairi, smiling fondly, she was proud to see the young woman her adoptive daughter was becoming; Kairi was not the same unbelieving, un-accepting girl back when Leon and the others had found her. Kairi was a warrior now, hardened by all the hardships she had endured throughout her crusade against Darkness.
Aerith was happy that Kairi found someone to love, maybe even two, judging by how the three Keybladers acted toward each other before they went on their latest mission. Kairi deserved to find someone to love; she's done so much for them since she met them back in Traverse Town. If anyone has earned such affection, it's Kairi.
Kairi noticed Aerith looking at her with a kind of dreamy expression, and when their eyes met Aerith just smiled sweetly at the redhead. What was that about? Kairi was puzzled by the interaction just now.
Once the fireplace was put out by throwing clumps of snow into it from a pile that had built up by one of the broken windows, Kairi and the others waited for whoever was coming for them.
To Kairi, time felt so slow, she was feeling anxious to see Olette and Naminé, they would undoubtedly be making their way up to them, and they would certainly have questions for her regarding her whereabouts during the battle. Kairi could only hope that they would understand, like Tifa did, that she didn't want to have to tell the story of what happened to her twice.
Kairi took a deep breath to calm her nerves, as well as her mind. For now, all she could do was wait and see who was coming up to get them, for all she knew, Olette and Naminé could still be outside searching the surrounding area, but she would know soon enough.
There was an odd sort of tension in the room. Tifa was standing next to Aerith, tapping her foot impatiently with her arms crossed over her chest, while Aerith just looking at her with a somewhat amused expression. Rydia was sitting next to Garnet on the stack of books that Garnet made earlier; they seemed to be discussing what could have caused the blob of magical energy to manifest itself.
Now that the fire was out, the library was much colder. Kairi, somewhat hesitantly, pulled the hood of the coat she wore up over her head. This was probably a bad idea, she mused to herself, but it was too cold and she needed the warmth.
Kairi kept her eyes on the library door, watching it intently, listening for any signs of someone approaching the door.
Sure enough, after a few minutes passed the sounds of footsteps could be heard, gradually getting louder and louder, then when they sounded like they were just outside the library door, the footsteps stopped. Barely a moment passed when the door was pushed open.
Ashe pushed open the door to the library and stopped dead at what she saw, her face became pale. There in front of her was a hooded figure wearing an Organization coat.
Basch saw the figure as well and readied his spear, prepared to protect his queen. This couldn't be the same girl as before, there was no way she could have escaped from the Sanctuary, at least not without them noticing. They would have heard the sounds of battle.
Upon seeing the hooded figure in the room from over Ashe and Basch's shoulders, Olette stepped in front of Naminé protectively, as both of them summoning their Keyblades, ready for any confrontation.
Yep, probably should have left the hood down, Kairi thought to herself after seeing those in the doorway prepare to attack at even the smallest sign of aggression.
"Wh…who are―" Ashe began to ask, but the hooded figure interrupted her.
"Sorry, sorry, it's me." Kairi said as she reached up and began to pull the hood off her head.
Naminé and Olette watched, stunned, as the hooded figure pulled the hood of their coat down, revealing familiar red-hair, and the face of the girl they both loved.
Naminé's eyes filled with tears as she shouted. "Kairi!" Surprising everyone in the room, she pushed past Ashe and Basch; dropping her Keyblade as she ran into Kairi, hugging her fiercely, while crying into her shoulder. Kairi was here, she was safe.
Kairi was caught off guard as Naminé wrapped her arms around her. But after a moment, Kairi returned the crying girl's embrace, smiling slightly at the blond girl in her arms. Naminé kept repeating Kairi's name over and over again. Showing how worried she had been while Kairi was missing.
Olette just stared at Kairi. After all the resolve she had built up to find Kairi, here she was.
Kairi noticed Olette starring at her from behind Ashe and Basch, who both seemed to be losing their earlier tension from seeing Kairi with that hood up.
Kairi motioned for Olette to come over to her and Naminé, whose crying had subsided into small sniffles and slightly trembling shoulders, Olette noticed the redhead's 'come here' gesture, and dematerialized her Keyblades before she started walking toward Kairi and Naminé. Olette hadn't noticed that she had begun to slightly run toward Kairi and Naminé until she was hugging Kairi from her other shoulder.
Olette could feel warm tears rolling down her cheeks as she began to silently cry into Kairi's other shoulder. They had found her, they had found Kairi, and she was safe.
Tifa and Aerith watched as Naminé and Olette clung to Kairi, both crying on different levels. Tifa looked at Aerith; the brunette had a soft smile on her face as she watched the three girl's reunion. Looking back at said girls, Tifa had a smile of her own on her face, she was glad to see the three girls she considered family were together and out of harm's way, at least for now.
Kairi held both Naminé and Olette in her arms as they clung to her for dear life, as if fearing she might disappear again if they let go of her. Kairi could feel her own tears rolling down her cheeks, but like Naminé and Olette's, they were tears of relief, tears of joy at finding those she loved safe, and tears of her fading worries.
Looking at the two girls in front of her, Kairi smiled; despite all the things that have happened to her in the past several hours, all the fighting, all the death, even her own death. But Kairi smiled with tears of joy in her eyes, still looking at the two girls holding her.
They were alive, and they were reunited again.
End of Chapter I
A/N
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