I know this year has been going through a rough patch. People are scared and sometimes when people are scared they do dumb things- like hoarding toilet paper. I hope that everyone stays safe and continue to be good to one another during these troubling times. If there's good thing that's come out of all this lockdown and self-isolation is that now is the time for Games to shine. My area in under lockdown due to the Coronavirus and now I've had all the time in the world to sit down and play Kingdom Hearts III after finally catching up from KH Dream Drop Distance. And honestly, with all the time I now have, I finished the game in under two weeks with full trophy completion. And as for Kingdom Hearts III Re:Mind… two days. Thank you Ultima Keyblade for making those Boss Fights on Steroids bearable.
I love the game, the ending was a mind blower! I've been trying so hard for over a year now to not see any spoilers, and it was all worth it! My only complaint is: what on earth happened to Xehanort's voice? The change in voice actors was obvious during the game and I genuinely loved the English voice actor from KH Birth By Sleep and Dream Drop Distance. But things happen and I understand if they can't bring people back on the project, but I do miss him. The same goes for KH 3 Re:Mind, Aeris's voice was too high pitch and child-like for my liking- almost as if the actress was trying to be a Disney Princess. I miss Mandy Moore from the original Kingdom Hearts, or Mena Suvari from Advent Children and Kingdom Hearts II- now those are the Aeris voices I fell in love with. My only hope now is that Briana White from the Final Fantasy Remake does Aeris justice. I'm rooting for her, I hope she makes it on the 'like list', too.
Aside from that, I have nothing against the game and the DLC. It was completely enjoyable. And now that I have finished them, my chapters are going to come out as fast as I can type them. And since I'm still under lockdown, I've got a lot of time to work on them. And I'm excited to share my take on Riku's story. Anyway, thank you for joining me on this ride. I hope these chapters will keep you entertained during these self isolation times. And I'm looking forward to the Kairi based game and Kingdom Hearts IV game coming out in the future that I've heard whispers about.
Connection of Hearts Unseen
Dark World
They had made it- into the realm of Darkness. Using Mickey's Keyblade from the realm of darkness, it was easily opening a passageway into the dark world from their Gummi Ship after leaving Radiant Garden. Both of them armed with their new vestments to protect them from the darkness and they were ready. But the question was where to go from there? The realm of darkness was vast with many grounds and layers to cover. Aqua could be anywhere. Perhaps lost in the labyrinth of many passageways and corridors.
Lucky for them a light is easy to spot amongst the darkness. They just follow the residue light of her heart from the path she had taken. Hopefully her light hadn't attracted other denizens of darkness as well. She had been lost in the realm of darkness for so long, Mickey worried about how much more fighting and loneliness in the darkness she could take. And from what Mickey and Riku were seeing from the fading light from her heart the further they followed its trail, she couldn't withstand the darkness for much longer.
"What's wrong, Riku? Are you tired?" Mickey asked as he noticed Riku stopped moving, turning around to face him. "Do you need a break? We can stop."
"No, just..." The memories were flooding back to Riku. "I've been here. I should know this place. But that all seems like another life."
"Well, gee. Think of all you've seen! All the feelings you've felt." Mickey commented as he approached his friend, admiring how far he had come from the time they had first met in the dark realm. "Why, you've done years of growin' in almost no time at all."
"I remember my first time here. I was so scared." Riku looked down at his hand. "But now, my doubts and fears are gone. If anything, I feel exhilarated."
"..." Mickey watched has Riku clinched his fist for a second before relaxing his hand again and resting it over his heart.
"And it's not because there's darkness in me- I know too well what that rush is like. This is different." Riku calmly stated as he tried figure out this feeling inside of him. His hand returned to his side. "And it's not adrenaline either. I know Aqua needs us... but I'm ready. I'm in control now. Maybe it's because you're with me this time."
"Mm-nh." Mickey shook his head. That wasn't it. Riku should give himself more credit. "It's not me. I think it's because you've finally found inside you that special strength to protect what matters."
"What?"
"Sometimes you care so much for somebody that other feelings disappear. And then, there's no room for fear or doubt."
"Heh." Riku smirked as he looked back down at his hand. That "did" sound like something he would do. "Is that it?"
He began remembering that promise he made to the Keyblade wielder back on Destiny Islands. He had cut his hair to the same length that it was back then and it was already starting to grow back again. It's funny...he had cut his hair before the Mark of Mastery exam for a fresh start. And now from that short period of time he was so much stronger than he was before.
""Strength to protect what matters"..." Riku remember the promise he made long ago. Riku returned from his reminiscing as his hand return to rest at his side as he looked back at Mickey. "It reminds me of a promise I made."
"To who?"
"Just someone I once met. Can't tell."
"Sounds like a good memory."
"Yeah..." Riku nodded in agreement. "While we're reminiscing- Mickey, does any of this look familiar?"
"Sort of, but the realm of darkness has changed since I was here with Aqua." Mickey commented as the both of them looked around. There were subtle differences from the time they had been here before.
"Yeah, it's different from what I remember."
"Usually, I'd just follow my heart, and Aqua would show me the way." Mickey explained with growing concerned as he looked ahead of them. "But the closer I get, the hazier our connection feels."
"You mean..." That she had fallen further into the darkness...?
"Maybe, but we can't give up hope." Mickey said back to Riku, refusing to give up on his friend. And Riku wasn't going to give up on her either.
"Yeah." Riku nodded in agreement.
They pressed on, following the hazy, guiding light from Aqua's heart.
"Huh?!" Mickey startled into attention as Water Cores, Earth Cores, and Flutterings arrived on the scene. Most likely drawn by the light of their hearts. "Heartless!"
"Hmph!" Riku immediately summoned Way to the Dawn, preparing for them to fight their way through.
"Get ready, Riku!" Mickey said as he summoned his Kingdom Key D.
"Yeah." Riku Rushed the Heartless, striking at the first Earth Core he came across only to jumped in the air to attack the Water Core in the air. Jumping from Water Cores to Flutterings as he continued his combo. "Take this!"
The Water Cores retaliated with bites and Waterga attacks.
"Sorry." Riku Dark Roll out of the way, using the Flowmotion skills he learned from his mark of mastery exam. As a counter he took them out of the sky with a Thundaga. "Bye!"
"Let's keep moving. More will come if we stay long." Mickey said as he finished off the last Earth Core with his Keyblade. The battle is won, but more would come. They have to keep moving or else they'll be overrun.
"Right." Riku nodded, putting away his Keyblade as they continued walking further in.
Taking a steep and narrow bridge path, avoiding the Waterga attacks from floating Water Cores, Shotlock firing them down. The bridge way took them to a tight chamber, the width of a narrow hallway. The passage lit by mineral deposits of concentrated, crystalized darkness. At the end of the passage the path broke off into four different cavities.
Following the guiding light of his heart, Mickey followed the path on the far right with Riku, following his hearts connection to Aqua. The passage lead to an open chamber which greeted them with half-a-dozen of Earth Cores. After finishing the Heartless, they jumped down from the edge of the chamber to the levels of ground one tier down. Taking the path further in, they came to a larger chamber with one opening with a dim light and the sound of the ocean coming from it. The connection from Aqua was coming from there. Taking care of the Water Cores and Flutterings that blocked their path, they pressed forward.
The trail lead them to The Dark Meridian. A place Riku and Mickey were most familiar with. The waves gently crashing against the shore as the clouded moonlight lite the beach.
"This beach..." Riku was surprised to see this place again. But it would make sense for Aqua to seek shelter in this quiet place. In a realm sounded by darkness and hostile denizens, this meridian was the only known safe place to rest.
"It's gone." Mickey walked closer to the waters, there was a melancholy in his voice.
"Huh?"
"I'm positive Aqua was here." Mickey insisted as he turned around to face Riku. "But now...her trail's gone dim."
"I've been here, too. With Sora." Riku commented as he looked around. If she "was" here before, she shouldn't have gone too far from this sanctuary in the darkness. Or maybe she's even...
"Really?"
"This is where we found our way back to the realm of light. Hey, maybe Aqua did, too!" Riku said with optimism.
But Mickey sadly shook is head. If Aqua had returned to the realm of light they would have felt it.
"Aqua...has fallen into an even darker abyss- somewhere I can't see her." Mickey explained as he looked off into the ocean's horizon. "And I don't think we're equipped to dive any deeper than we already are."
"So then..."
But Riku was cutoff as they both got in a defensive stance. Some unwanted company had found its way to them.
"Oh no!"
"What?!" Riku was slightly thrown off by Mickey drastic reaction to Shadows as he immediately pulled his Keyblade out. Sure the Shadows surrounded them, but Shadows are the basics of the Heartless, they weren't anything the two of them couldn't handle. Riku pulled out his Way to the Dawn Keyblade as well, not as on guard as Mickey.
"Riku...be careful." Mickey warned him. "Even the least threatening Heartless are stronger in this realm."
He had experience to prove it.
"I got it." Riku took his advice to heart. Slightly surprised as the Heartless ran passed them to gather together, forming a darkness much stronger than the whole of their individual. Coming together to form a Demon Tower. Riku got his guard up then. "Mickey, back me up!"
"C'mon!"
The two of them charged at the Demon Tower. The looming spire of Shadows wiggled and rammed at them like a tendril. They blocked the charge with Barrier, and Riku struck at the Demon Tower with Thundaga.
"Thunder!" Riku called out as he launched the spell at the tower with many beady eyes. Jumping as he struck at the head of the Demon Tower in midair, the force of his blows knocking it back a bit. "Sorry."
"Yay!" Mickey went in for the strike, too. The both of them dashing away as the Demon Tower came in for retaliation.
"Got'cha!" Riku smirked as he launched another Thundaga at the tower, building up enough Magic to unleash a Thundaza as well. "You're done!"
"Fire!" As the blinding light from the Thundaza lit up the area, Riku launched a Dark Firaga at the tower, saving enough MP to use a Curaga just in case they needed it.
"Riku!" Mickey and Riku jumped back to join up.
"Take this!" Attacking together and preforming a group Barrier as the Demon Tower came charging in at them. Pushing out the Barrier as an attack once the onslaught was blocked. "Bye."
"Now!" Mickey called out to Riku, as they joined together again for a combo attack.
"Sorry." Riku taunted to the Demon Tower as Mickey and him preformed a Double Duel on it. Unleashing a spinning attack of darkness from Riku and Light from Mickey, finishing off the Heartless. "You're done!"
But the Heartless was not done. It spun chaotically through the sky as bits and pieces of Shadows broke off from the clutter of tower. Raining down on the beach around them. Only to reform as Shadows again and circle around them.
"It's not over. Be careful!" Mickey called over to Riku.
"(Gasp)!" Riku had been paying too much attention to the Shadows closing in on him that he didn't notice the reforming Demon Tower coming at him from the side until it was too late. "Oh no!"
"Gh!" He grunted out as the Demon Tower shallowed him.
"Riku!" He could barely hear the worried called of Mickey as the darkness surrounded him like the dark depths of the ocean, sinking him further in.
"Gh…" The darkness was chokings him, he couldn't breath under its pressure. It was painful. "Gah! Gh…"
"Didn't expect to see you again." Came the muffled voice in the darkness that sound so familiar to Riku.
"!" He knew that voice...he knew that heart. He could hear, he could feel it, but he couldn't see where the voice was coming from. 'What...?'
"Why did you even come here?" Asked the voice as Riku clutched his heart over the darkness' pressure.
'Because somebody needs me.' Riku answered back to the voice with his own heart.
"Do you want some help?"
"..." He certainly could use some help. But this wasn't the first time a familiar voice in the darkness offering help turned out to be deceitful. He had to be careful and make sure this voice was who he thought it was. 'Who are you?'
"Me? I'm..." The voice paused for a moment, hoping that Riku would get the meaning behind the words. "I'm your shadow."
"!" That was good enough for Riku. As the pressure of darkness became too much to bare, he opened his heart and let the familiar presence in.
"Riku..." Riku woke up on the dark meridian beach again to the calls of Mickey. "Wake up... Riku."
"(Exhale)…" Riku let out a relieved breath as the pressure over his chest was gone. His eyes opened to see Mickey looking down on him with concern that instantly changed as he final woke up again.
"(Gasp)!" Mickey gasped in relief as Riku finally came to. "Are you okay?"
"..." Mickey gave him some space as Riku sat up again. Riku caught his breath for a moment, before remembering the situation they were in. "Where'd the Heartless go?"
"I got more than half of 'em and the rest vanished. But, they spit you out first." Mickey explained what had happened after Riku had been swallowed.
"Ugh...Thanks. I owe ya." Riku said in gratitude as he got on his feet again. Holding a hand over his skull at the massive headache. There were subtle changes to him, his hair had become spikier. The relaxed shoulder length locks he had before had risen and spiked like a porcupine's needles, making the locks seem slightly shorter.
"I know ya feel invincible, but we're not." Mickey pointed out in concern for Riku. They couldn't afford anymore recklessly lowering their guard like that again. Who knows if next time the Heartless will spit them out.
"Are you all right, Mickey?" Never mind about himself, Mickey was the one that was left to face the Demon Tower on his own. Riku wanted to make sure Mickey was okay.
"Yeah, thanks to the new gear." Mickey assured him before saddening at the bad news. "But...your Keyblade…"
"Oh..." Riku finally noticing that Way to the Dawn had been broken. Surprisingly it didn't concern him too much. Better his Keyblade than the wielder, it served its purpose well protecting him. Riku just shrugged it off with a chuckle.
"The Heartless here are stronger than what we expected." Mickey admitted. Until they have gotten a little more stronger they will struggle coming back to the dark realm again. "I guess we probably should've powered up our Keyblades before we came in here, huh?"
"..." Mickey was probably right.
"I think we need to go back to Master Yen Sid's tower so we can regroup."
"..." Riku looked back down at his broken Keyblade. "But Aqua's...still down here, alone. Facing enemies like that."
"I know..." Mickey knew this, and it pained him to leave Aqua down in this place for another minute. But there was nothing they could do for her if they couldn't survive this place themselves.
"What if she's feeling as scared and alone... as I felt the first time I came here?" Riku walked closer to the shore to look out at the moonlit ocean. "How long are we supposed to keep her waiting in this awful place?"
"..." Mickey couldn't answer Riku at first. It came to him, from his thoughts and memories as he walked over to join Riku. "But Aqua... She's like Sora."
"Whaaat?!" Riku flinched back at that. If she was like Sora, then she was getting into much more trouble in this place then they could afford.
"No no no… Strong like Sora!" Mickey admittedly corrected himself.
"(Exhale)…" Riku sighed in relief. As much as he loved his friend, one Sora was more than enough for all the worlds. Anymore would destroy the worlds with all that stubborn energy that tended to slack off at times. But it was strong, and could always be counted on being there when you needed it most. "Okay... Good. Then I guess she's gonna be all right. Sora could fall into any darkness and swim his way out."
"Besides, we won't be long."
"Right." Riku nodded at that. They most certainly will be back. And until then...
Riku walked a bit closer to the shore, stabbing his broken Way to the Dawn into the beach.
"Huh?" Mickey couldn't understand what he was doing.
"Can't use this Keyblade anymore. Might as well leave it here... for the other me."
"Wha…?" That didn't make any sense either.
"..." Riku knew Mickey wouldn't get it. But that was okay... It was his secret.
"C'mon. We better start heading back." Mickey advised, pulling out his Kingdom Key D again, ready to use it to open up a doorway back to the realm of light.
"Wait." Riku said, holding out a hand to stop Mickey from rising his Keyblade.
"Huh?"
"There's...something else I have to do here."
"What?" Mickey was floored. There was no way they could afford to stay in the dark realm any longer. "But Riku, your Keyblade is broken and the Heartless are much stronger here. It'll be dangerous to stay any longer."
"I know. Sorry, Mickey." Riku apologized before looking down at his hand. There was another waiting in the darkness. The question is, was he strong enough to reach them? "It's just that- I have some family business to take care of here."
"Ohh…" Mickey sighed out with worry. He knew that if it was a family matter it was important to Riku. But his safety was on the line now. "Riku… There's not much you can do here...without your Keyblade."
"You may be right." Riku clinched his hand into a fist with determination. "But she's out there..."
"Who is?"
"Family." Was all Riku answered before looking off further along the beachside. "Kadaj had said she wasn't too far in. I can still reach her."
"Riku…"
"We won't be long. She's not too far." He could feel her connection here...
"(Exhale) All right then!" Mickey pumped his fists, getting psyched for the mission extension before running up to Riku. "I've got your back, pal. If this is important to ya, I'll help in whatever way I can."
"Thanks Mickey."
"No problem, Riku. That's what friends are for."
"Right. But still, I appreciate this." Riku said in genuine gratitude as the walked up along the beach. "I know how much danger this puts us in and the fact that this wasn't part of the plan."
"You said there was someone else here stuck in the dark realm. That's more than enough reason for us to help them!"
"!" Riku had an idea Mickey would say something like that, but it was still a pleasant surprise to hear it. "Yeah. You're right."
"So how did Kadaj know where she is?" Mickey asked as the walked along.
"Because he left her there."
"Wha?! He left her here?!" Mickey practically jumped out of his skin at that.
"It's not really his fault. They were all raised here. At the time he was angry and had just left. But I think that he knew she would be safe where she is."
"Still..."
"And the Darkness tends to make you forget and manipulates your memory if you let it consume you. I was worried that he might have forgotten a few details during its past influence."
"So...you don't really know if the place he pointed you to is correct, or not?"
"No, she's there I'm certain of it." They came along the end of the beach as a cavern opened up on the side of a mountain along the end of the beach. The waves crashed onto the mountain's rock, dim moonlight broke through to shine light within the cavern.
"How?" Riku stopped at Mickey's question. Looking back over his shoulder at with a confident smirk.
"She's family. I feel the connection." With that, Riku turned back around and entered the cavern.
The cavern chamber was massive- as if the mountain had been hollowed out by the currents of the tide. The many pillars standing throughout the chamber scattered about the chamber as the moonlight shined down from the openings above, making the cavern look like a forest. Riku and Mickey continued on through. The exit further up ahead was bound to lead to more mountain area outside its chambers.
And it turns out they had been right.
"More mountains." Mickey pointed out with a silent groan as they finally found their way out of the cavern to find themselves in a valley under a chain of mountains.
"This one must have acted as a barrier between the other mountains and the sea." Riku pointed out. Sensing along the valley of mountains, he could feel the hazy connection coming from on top of the mountain- two mountains back from them. "She's up on the mountains. Let's go."
"(Sigh). I was hoping she'd be along a mountain."
"Heh, sorry. That's not our luck." Riku lightly laughs for a second as he started climbing, Mickey not too far behind.
The mountain was steep, but not enough that they couldn't walk up it. It was a killer on the legs, and occasionally they would have to jump from rock to rock. But they still kept going.
"Riku. (Inhale, Exhale). Are you sure she's on top of the mountain?" Mickey asked, slightly out of breath, hoping that she was only half way up and they were almost there.
"Not only is she at the top, she's at the top of another mountain."
"What?!"
"Two mountains-in on this one."
"You've got to be kidding."
"Sorry, the valley didn't go around to it. She's close, I just didn't expect for the path to be this treacherous."
"(Huff). When we get to the top I don't care if we have to use Glide or Airstepping the rest of the way, we're not walking."
"No arguments there." Riku was starting to get a little tired himself. Luckily for them, once they find her, they could just open a doorway back to the realm of light from there. The fact that they hadn't run into any more heartless yet also helped. It took them another 10 minutes before they reach the top. "You all right, Mickey?"
"I- I just need a moment to catch my breath." Mickey answered, resting his hands on his knees as they took a moment to rest. Riku looked along the cluster of mountains, pinpointing the one they would need to reach.
"There. It's that one right there." Riku said, pointing to the mountain a little to the right of them, behind another mountain.
"Well, ready when you are."
"Right." Riku nodded before jumping in the air, Focusing as he locked-on to a ledge of rock they could Airstep to. Unleashing the buildup of potential energy inside him, he took off. "Let's go!"
"Okay!" Mickey was right behind him, following along close to the same path. But as they were Airstepping, Demon Towers started rising out of cave openings along the mountains around them. Their spires reaching out to get them. "Look out!"
"Gh!" Riku made adjustments to his Flowmotiom, Counter Kicking off of a Demon Tower close to him and further into the air. Riku turned around to his friend, reaching out a hand. "Mickey!"
"C'mon!" Mickey had Highjumped to Riku, taking Riku's hand. With a Double Duel spin, they had knocked the Demon Towers back and Riku had launched Mickey over the other mountain. Riku Sonic Dodged from one Demon Tower to another until he joined up with Mickey at the top of the mountain. However, they still had to reach the mountain that was behind their own and the Heartless closing in on them fast. "We gotta keep moving or else we'll be surrounded!"
"I got it. Dream!" Riku slam a fist over his heart, calling forth the power he had obtained during his mastery exam. Using the power of Flowmotion, he created a Rail Gauntlet that went from where they were and curved along to the place they needed to go. "Hop on!"
"Let's ride!" Mickey slide along the rail of light right behind Riku, firing his Keyblade projectiles at the Demon Towers coming at them. Riku was doing the same with Thundaga. "Light!"
"Sorry!" Riku fired Thundaga upon Thundaga and a few Dark Firaga as the Demon Towers tried to ram at them while they were riding the rails. "Back off!"
"Riku!" Mickey tried to warn him, but it was too late. Darksiders came rising up from the mountain, one of them smacking down at Riku with its large hand. Mickey dashed in between Riku and the Darksider, blocking the attack off with Barrier. "Yah!"
"Gh!" But the force of the attack still sent them flying off the rail and down onto the side of the mountain a little ways from the top. Riku shook off the dizzy spell from the hard landing, remembering he wasn't the only one who took the fall. "Mickey!"
"I'm okay!" Mickey got on his feet again, Riku did as well, both of them with new bruises. The Demon Towers started to back off as the Dartksiders began surrounding them. "This doesn't look good."
"I know."
"Riku, what are you doing?" Mickey asked in alarm as Riku got in front of him.
"You need to rest, Mickey. That hit took more out of you than you care to admit. I can take them."
"No, Riku! You don't have your Keyblade-
"Mickey-"
"Their darkness is too much for you!"
"It'll be alright."
"!"
"Let me face my fear." A Darksider loomed in closer, rising a colossal hand that soon came to smack down on them. But Riku wasn't scared, he held his ground, ready to form Barrier. He was no longer afraid of the dark. "GaahHH!"
"!"
A blinding light shined out from the colliding impact, the light rising from Riku heart. From his act of courage of willing to face his fear in order to protect his friend, his heart deemed him worthy of a new Keyblade. Braveheart.
The light destroyed the attacking Darksider and scared away the Demon Towers. Only to fade back into Riku's heart, leaving him alone with his new Keyblade.
"Whoa!" Mickey gasped in amazement.
"Is this...mine?" Riku couldn't believe he had gained a new Keyblade. But he didn't have time to admire it for long, the other Darksiders were closing in. "Right. Come on!"
"I'll help too!" Mickey joined in the fray, rested enough to fight again.
"There!" Riku Focused, taking his new Keyblade on a test-drive as he Shotlock onto as many Darksiders as he could. Unleashing a volley of Dark Dive projectiles at the Darksiders. Taking out some, the rest closing in from where their fallen once stood. "You're done!"
Riku Highjumped after the first Darksider he could reach, attacking directly at the face, only to aerial dash on to the next one once it fell. This new Keyblade was powerful...
"Gh!" One of the Darksiders got a good hit in on Riku, forcing him to Aerial Recover and Counter Blast as he got back in the fray. When he noticed both Mickey and his health getting low, he jumped back to Mickey and cast Curaga around them. "Heal."
"Thanks pal."
They tore through the Darksiders until they were the last ones left. Out of breath and slightly tired.
"We- we did it!" Mickey cheered with a jump.
"Yeah." Both of them still out of breath and exhausted, glad that the fight was over.
"!"
But it was not.
"Mickey, something's coming." Riku got on guard, he could Sense a powerful darkness coming their way. And from the dark flames that rose out of nowhere a Dark Inferno had raised on the scene. "What is that?"
"A powerful Heartless. Be careful Riku."
"Right." Riku tightened his grip on Braveheart, the Dark Inferno summoned its flame blades. It charged in first, forcing Riku to Block. "Gh!"
They began to trade blows, the Heartless easily keeping up with both Riku and Mickey's clashes, knocking them back a few times and making them Barrier on occasion.
"Boy, this guy is tough." Mickey huffed out as they took a moment to catch their breath, jumping back to form some distance.
"Yeah, you weren't lying." Riku slightly teased as he prepared to jump back in. "We've gotta take care of this guy quick."
"Right!" Mickey rushed in with Riku, casting Holy on the Dark Inferno to try and give Riku some cover. "Light!"
"Sorry!" From the blinding light, Riku snuck in close, casting Thundaga on the Heartless. "You're done!"
But it was not done.
"What?!" The Dark Inferno launched multiple Dark Firaga at Riku that locked-on to him. Only for the Heartless to rush in on Riku with flash speed and bombard him with dark fire blade attacks. It was relentless and had Riku at the last bit of health. "GH!"
"Riku!"
But just as it was about to finish him off a Dark Blizzaga shot out from the mountain, knocking the Dark Inferno back. It was frozen in dark ice.
"Wha?" Riku was confused but greatly relieved for the save.
"Riku." Mickey cast Curaga on him as Riku got back on his feet.
"Thanks." Riku said in gratitude, Dark Rolling in to finish the Dark Inferno off before it broke out of its ice. "Bye!"
The Dark Inferno shattered into shards of ice that dissipated into dark specs of light, signaling that the fight was truly over. Leaving behind nothing but a Crystal Regalia, a reward for their victory.
"Phew, I'm glad that was over." Mickey sighed out in relief as he joined up with Riku.
"No. It's not." Riku shook his head, looking up at the mountain they were on. "Who fired the Blizzaga spell?"
"!" Riku was right. That Magic seemed to come out of nowhere just in the nick of time. "I don't know, but... whoever cast it came just in time to save you. Maybe they're on our side."
"Who knows..." Riku wasn't so sure about that, especially since they were in the realm of darkness. "I doubt that anyone that can cast a Dark spell is exactly our guardian angel."
"..." But... Riku can cast Dark spells too, so it can't all be that bad. But before Mickey could point it out, the sound of falling peddles made noise above them. "Huh?"
"What was that?" Riku saw subtle movement from the ledge above them, only for the sound of something sliding along the rocks soon to follow along with the hint of a shadow.
"It went over there!"
Riku and Mickey jumped up to the higher rock-edge of the mountain, only to catch the sliver of something crawling into the crack in the mountain side. Why it crawled into a crack instead of the dark cave beside it they will never know. The crack was small, but was still just enough to fit a person inside if they wanted to. Whatever had crawled inside it mustn't have wanted to be found.
"..." Riku could Sense a heart covered in darkness inside the crack, coming from whatever had crawled its way in. Whatever it had been Riku could Sense that it wasn't fear coming from its heart- it was more like...embarrassment.
"Do you think it's dangerous?" Mickey asked.
"... No." There was no hostility coming from hidden specter's heart. They should leave it be for now. "We should keep going. The connection stops just up ahead in this cave."
"Oh good. Then we're almost done."
"That's the plan. Let's go."
"I'm right behind you." Cautiously they went into the cave, a little more on guard after the battle they just been through. Who knows what could be lurking amongst the shadows.
The cave was dark, ironically pockets of mineral crystalized darkness deposits lit the way. Cracks aligned the cave, hinting to air-pockets hidden behind the walls. The cave was a nice size with one cavity that followed a linear set of chambers- although it wasn't exactly a straight linear path. They had gone half way into the cave when they reached a brightly lit chamber of dark crystals, in the center of the chamber was a portal. Locked away from the outside.
"This is it." Riku declared. They made it.
"She's in there?"
"Yeah." Riku nodded, summoning his Keyblade to him as unlocked the portal, ready to dive in. "Give me a minute, Mickey. I won't be long."
"You're going in alone?"
"She'll probably be a little on edge. It's best not to crowd her."
"All right. Hurry back then."
"I will." Riku dived in. The empty void of darkness slightly unnerved him. It was darker here than in the realm of darkness. Riku couldn't even see the floor under him, but could see it ripple like water as he moved around.
He ran. Following the connection in his heart. He may have never met her before, but it was still there. Waiting in the background, buried deep inside him. Its presence there only due to the bond by blood or inevitable Reunion shall never truly be known. All Riku could do now was follow it in the darkness.
Soon he began to see the spec of something white in the dark horizon. Was it light? No, there was no glow to it. Something was there. As he ran closer he notice that it wasn't exactly white, more like silver or platinum. Running closer, he could see that it was flowing along the nonexistent floor. That's when he realized it was hair.
"!" He came up to the mysterious object. It was a head.
Pale skin slightly bluish-grey; beautiful long platinum hair the same color as his; eyes closed and concealed by long eyelashes; and, a beautiful face that greatly resembled his father's. Her only blemish: the fading scars along her forehead from the helmet nameplate that had once been embedded onto her skull. There was no mistaking it, this was her... This was his grandmother Jenova. All that was left of her was a head.
He picked her up, holding her out in his hands.
"..." Was she dead...? But...she couldn't be. Kadaj and the others had said she had been only a head for as long as they can remember and used a Guardian Heartless to get by. And his mother said that she was old enough to have ridiculous regenerative abilities. She must be sleeping. Even as he looked down a her severed head, she had the look of a peaceful dream. "Hey..."
"..." She made no response.
"Are you still alive, Grandma?" Riku called out to her again, her eyes remained closed, but he felt a spark rise from within her. "Wake up."
"Aa..." Her face scrunched for a second, her eyes slowly opened. Cat-like pupils accompanied by glowing light purple irises slowly opened up to him. Her eyes were like a tainted Lifestream that had been corrupted by the powers of darkness, but they were strangely beautiful. She was slightly confused, still foggy from the long sleep. Long was gone her smug smile...she was just tired. "Ka...Kadaj…?"
"..."
"No...you're not him... I- I know you..." Her voice slowly coming back to her as she remembered the baby she had once laid eyes on before. "You've grown so big..."
"You know who I am?"
"I remember you, Riku." Jenova's eyes began to come clear. "The child that got away..."
"..." His eyes slightly twitched at that.
"Why are you here, Riku? Do you even know who I am...?"
"I do." He looked at her in the eyes with no falter. "You're my Grandmother, Jenova."
"How do you...know of me?" She could have sworn she had been forgotten by now. Over indulgence of darkness was toxic to the mind and ate away at the memory, she was certain that her son and her other grandchildren had forgotten about her.
"My mother told me."
"Did she?" Jenova was actually surprised by this as she chuckled it off. "I'm surprised that she didn't try to bury all knowledge of me from you."
"She was the one that insisted that we forgive you."
"!" Her eyes widened at that for a moment, Riku felt a strange spec of hope rising from within her. It wasn't strange that it was coming from her heart. What was strange was that it was coming from her heart instantaneously in two separate locations. Her eyes hardened. "She was always too soft. Her light would be snuffed out by the darkness drawn to her like leeches."
"!"
"The worlds are truly beautiful, but they're so fragile... How delicate their light shines only to be destroyed by the greed of those too filthy to appreciate their beauty."
"Mom is still there."
"Ha! So it would seem..." The little flowergirl was more durable than she gave her credit for. She didn't want Riku to notice, but he Sense the relief that came over her heart at the news of this. "You have her eyes..."
"..."
"As lovely as this conversation we're having is, that still doesn't answer why you are here?"
"I'm here to take you home."
"!" Home... "I am home, boy."
"No. This is not your home. This is your prison."
"..."
"Your home is where your family is, where you should have been all this time."
"And what makes you think I don't deserve to be here?"
"?!"
"I Am Jenova, the Calamity from the Sky. I have fallen countless worlds into darkness since longer than you can image." Jenova declared, challenging this boy's attempt of a blind hero complex. Such mindsets were damaging to the individual in the long run, and was best to be snuffed out. "What makes you think I don't deserve to rot away here?"
"Because you don't."
"I'm a Being of Darkness."
"But I don't think you're evil." Riku countered.
"..."
"The Light itself needs the Darkness to survive, and over the years I've learned that not all darkness is an evil that needs to be destroyed. If that was the case, I'd destroy half of myself as well."
"Good luck trying."
"You said so yourself, that the worlds were beautiful." Riku said, ignoring her sarcasm. "You genuinely love the worlds. But like you said, they're fragile and can easily be destroyed by the darkness of the few inhabiting them. You would rather have them fall into the sleep of darkness to return to the realm of light later than to have them completely destroyed."
"!"
"When a world is destroyed and its heart rotted away in the realm of light, it cannot come back. You were trying to save them in your own form of balance. It was twisted, but it was your own way."
"You figured that out on your own..." She couldn't believe that someone actually understood her actions and didn't simply paint her as the monster.
"We...surprisingly have the same thought process. But I don't think I'd be able to do what you thought needed to be done. And for all the times you had to, that must have taken a lot of strength."
"..."
"Are you ready to come home?"
"... My son...is he there...?"
"Dad is still fighting his own battles." Riku answered the best way he knew how. "But you don't have to fight any longer. You can take a different road, if your ready..."
"The road to a new Dawn...?"
"I've taken that road before. I think you'll like it." Riku couldn't help but lightly laugh a little at that, it gave him a small smile at how far he had come.
"..." Yes. She was tired of being alone. "I'm ready to go home now."
"Great. Let's start your new adventures with the family you need to catch up with in the realm of light."
"But before we do that: I need my body back."
"Yeah. I guess it would be pretty hard for you to get around with just your head." Riku commented, realizing she had a point. "But do you know where it is?"
"It's not too far. Let's get out of this place, first. I'm tired of being here."
"Seconded." Holding on tight to Jenova's head, Riku opened the doorway out with his Keyblade and took the dive.
"A Keyblade…? You're a Keyblade wielder?"
"A Keyblade Master."
"Hmph, impressive." Jenova was slightly proud of her grandson, especially since his Keyblade was one of darkness and light, a perfect balance. The true mark of a Keyblade Master.
They dropped down back in the cave's chamber, Mickey jumped up in attention as they landed in.
"Riku, you're back. How did- WHOA!" Mickey almost flipped his mind as he finally noticed the head resting in Riku's arm like a football.
"Calm down."
"Yes. It's like you've never seen a severed head before." Jenova teased, trying to hold back the laugh as Mickey practically fainted when she talked.
"Oh boy..." Which turned into reality as Mickey flopped down on the ground, out for the count.
FLOP
"Oh, no." Riku groaned, casting Curaga on Mickey to try and make him come to. They did not have time for this. "Heal."
"Ugh...huh?" Mickey rolled his head around, trying to shake the dizziness out of him. When he suddenly jumped at noticing Jenova's head again. "Whoa!"
"Easy, easy, calm down, Mickey. It's just my grandmother." Riku tried to keep Mickey calm so he didn't faint again.
"Nice to meet you." Jenova greeted Mickey who awkwardly returned it back.
"Nice to meet you, too?" Mickey got out before turning back to Riku. "Just your grandmother? Where's the rest of her?!"
"That's what we need to find out."
"No we don't." Jenova countered from her spot in Riku's arm. "It's over there."
"?!" "Where?" Both Mickey and Riku looked towards the direction her head was pointing.
"Over there, in the crack in the wall."
"Wait... Do you mean that thing from before? The one that helped us?"
"That was you?" Riku asked, finishing off Mickey's strings of question.
"It was half of me." Jenova explained. "The half of my heart that was awake inside my separated body while the other half was asleep inside my head. It's been wondering around the dark realm for so long, trying to find its other half. But its path had been blocked off and its existence forgotten by my son. It must have recognized you and came to your aid. Just put me down, Riku, I will handle the rest."
"All right?" Slightly curious, Riku put her head down by the crack where he Sensed the other heart half was coming from. It's embarrassment rising higher, surprising Riku with how shy her heart was being compared to the stories he had been told about her. Only to realized why the heart-half was being so shy. "!"
"Ah!" Mickey and Riku both covered their eyes as the pale blue-grey body of a naked headless woman came crawling out of the crack. It's movement was shy, almost hesitant in its actions. It's limbs staying close to its center as it quickly grabbed its head, sliding it into place as the sound of cracking and sealing flesh could be heard echoing in the cave.
"All right, I'm whole again."
"...""..." Riku and Mickey lowered their hands from their eyes just a bit to see for themselves. Only to realize that she was still naked as she tried her best to cover herself with her limbs and hair. There hands went instantly over their eyes again. "Sorry!" "Ah, S-sorry!"
"..." It couldn't be helped, her clothes had withered away over 2000 years ago and Shinra didn't care to clothe her either. However, it still made her feel vulnerable.
"Here." Riku blindly made his way over to her with his eyes still covered, holding out a hand to her as his black coat from the past summoned into his hand again. He had been keeping it as a souvenir for old times sake, but it would appear that it was in need of service again.
"My, what a gentlemen you turned out to be."
"It may be a little of a tight fit but it'll get the job done."
"Are you calling me fat?" She slightly teased at him.
"No. I'm saying that I wore this coat back when I was younger. Seeing as you're an adult the fit might not be exact."
"Hmph, I'm just teasing you, child." Jenova chuckled, taking the coat from his hand. Putting it on, she could see that it only went down 3 inches above her ankle and the leaves stretched back from her wrist by 3 inches, too. It was slightly tight around the body which made it impossible to zip it up all the way, revealing her collar bone and a tease of cleavage. While also revealing the faded sliver of a scar from her severed head. "You're right. It is a little small."
Riku and Mickey finally opened their eyes now that she was decent.
"You look fine." Riku assured to her.
"Really?" Jenova looked herself over. She had been a little out of the loop for fashion since it had been ages.
"It is a bit small but still looks classy on you. Though, I don't think you'll be able to use the hood." Mickey commented, laughing a little at the imagination of her trying to hid all that long silver mane in that tiny hood. It got a smirk out of her and a light laugh out Riku so his job was done. "But now that we're all here. We should head back to Master Yen Sid."
"Master Yen Sid?"
"The Wizard that was Mickey's Keyblade Master." Riku explained before turning back to Mickey. "I thought we could drop her off before heading over to Master Yen Sid's tower."
"We'll have to do that later. Right now, we should report to Master Yen Sid and the others what has happened to Aqua."
"Right..." He did have a point. And they had already detoured enough. Riku was grateful that Mickey had tagged along with for this family rescue, even though it was very dangerous. But they needed to return back to the task they were in charge of before they fell behind and held the other team back. If Riku got them off track any further he would be no better than Sora. "Let's return to the Gummi Ship and head back. Sorry, Grandmother, we'll have to postpone your reunion for a bit."
"I don't mind. It's been a while since I've been out. I'll enjoy the ride."
The Mysterious Tower
Riku had parked the Gummi Ship near the pathway that lead to Master Yen Sid's tower. Getting up as Mickey and him readied to head out. Jenova stayed in her seat, looking out the window as everything around her fascinated her. Things had changed since the last time she had been in the realm of light.
"We'll only be gone for a bit. Are you sure you want to stay on the ship?" Riku asked her, wondering if she wanted to wonder around and stretch her legs.
"I'm all right. I'm still figuring out this contraption you travel between worlds in."
"We can tell you all about Gummi Ships later then." Riku nodded to her, saving the date to catch her up another time.
"See you in a bit, Jenova." Mickey waved to her as they headed out.
"See you soon, tiny king." She nodded back to Mickey. In her own way already growing fond of the friendly mouse.
Riku and Mickey headed up the path to Master Yen Sid's tower, climbing up the set of stairs to head into the door to climb another spiral of stairs...
"Great. That's all I need, more stairs..." Mickey groaned.
"At least we're getting our Leg Day in." Riku teased on the brighter side. "Come on, Mickey. This should be nothing for us now."
"He-ha! You've got a point there!" Mickey laughed at that, climbing up the stairs with Riku. A bit of perk in his step had return. Once they reached the top, Riku could Sense that Master Yen Sid wasn't the only one present in the study.
Mickey knocked on the door, alerting the others in the room of their presence before they came in.
"We're back, Master!" Mickey greeted his old master as Riku and him entered the Study.
"..." Riku walked into the room, noticing that Sora was finally back. It was about time he showed up.
"Whoa!" Sora pointed as the other gasped in alarm at their presence and different getup.
"Oh, wow. You guys are all here!" Mickey wasn't expecting to bump into Sora, Donald, and Goofy again anytime soon. But he was glad to see them!
"We were here before, but you didn't wait." Sora complained with a slight pout before Donald and Goofy brushed him aside to converse with king Mickey.
"Your Majesty!" They both called out to their friend and King.
"Hey there, fellas. So, what've you three been up to?" Mickey asked, wanting to know how've they been.
"!" Sora shook of the dizzy spell and tried to jump in between Donald and Goofy. "We were visi- Whoa!"
But Donald and Goofy pushed him back in excitement at telling Mickey what they had been up to first.
"We went to Olympus to visit Hercules!" Donald rushed out first, barely able to contain himself. Sora fell to the floor in the background.
"And to figure our how to get all of Sora's lost powers back." Goofy added in. Riku joined over with Mickey as Donald and Goofy began to whisper.
"But...it was a big disappointment." Donald whispered over to Mickey and Riku, not even being quiet as Sora heard it all.
"Oh. What a shame." Mikey was sorry to hear that. He hoped that Sora would get his powers back. Looks like he would have to start from square one again. However, they weren't doing so well themselves. "But, honestly..."
"We didn't fare any better." Riku admitted in all fairness.
"Did ya manage to figure out where Aqua is? 'Cause Master Yen Sid said that's why you fellas left." Goofy asked.
"Even a hint?" Donald added in as well.
"..." Mickey and Riku looked at each other before lowering their head in silent admittance that they found nothing.
"Aw..." Donald and Mickey lowered their heads at the sad revelations as well. Looks like they all were back at square one again.
"Come on. Can I finally say something?" Sora shot back up from his spot on the floor in a rant. Riku addressed everyone in the room, including Sora as he calmly got back up on his feet again and joined the others.
"We know Master Aqua made it as far as the beach that Sora and I once visited, but that's where her trail ends."
"Meaning?" Sora asked. Riku felt the spark of an emotion coming out of Sora's heart that wasn't exactly his own...
"All traces of her vanished into the great abyss... beneath the realm of darkness." Mickey answered.
"..." Sora and the others in the room processed this.
"She's gone?" Donald asked what the others could not.
"No." Riku replied, his answer positive to the relief of the others. "Sora was dragged into the abyss during his exam. And I went after him."
"..." That was true...
"So, I think if we find someone who was really close to Aqua, and they make the dive, they could reach her down there." Riku suggested as a solution.
"..." Mickey sadly shook his head. That "could" work, however... "I'm not sure who's even left to ask. Ventus is hidden...and Aqua's the only one who knows where. Plus, nobody's seen Terra in ages. Aqua was the last."
"So Aqua- she's gonna be the key to finding all three." Riku thought aloud to himself, resting a hand on his chin.
"Yes." Master Yen Sid finally spoke, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. "Their teacher, Master Eraqus, would have been another possibility, had Xehanort not mercilessly struck him down."
"..." The news was a sad blow the others in the room. Not as much as it was for Master Yen Sid, whom had known and seen the two Master grow up as close friends. To be struck down by your old fellow apprentice and friend that was like a brother was a great blow for Master Eraqus and the Light. Strangely the news was just as striking for Sora as it was for Master Yen Sid. But it wasn't Sora's heart that was feeling this. It was coming from something inside his heart.
"I'll save her." It came out of Sora, making him speak and shocking the room.
"Huh?" They all said together at the sudden declaration.
"You can't!" Donald insisted, trying to make Sora see reason. He was not ready to face the dark realm; he hasn't even gotten his power back.
"But Sora, that's gonna be super hard since you don't have the power of waking." Goofy was a lot better at letting Sora down easy as he reasoned with him.
"Huh?" Sora suddenly pulled himself together, wondering where that outburst had come from. Rubbing the back of his head with one of his hands in embarrassment. "Sorry... I have no idea why that just popped out."
"Well, it was pretty convincing." Mickey assured to him, trying to cheer him up. Riku followed in as well.
"Yeah, better not let us down."
"Hm." Sora nodded, recovery his normal cheer.
"Sora, you must focus on regaining your lost power of waking." Master Yen Sid instructed to Sora, keeping on course the task he must complete. They all had their parts to play, and tasks that must be done. "Mickey and Riku, I recall that Master Aqua journeyed to many worlds, and connected with others who could be the link we need."
"Good plan, sir." Mickey answered back, knowing what Riku and him had to do. "Riku and I will retrace her steps and see if we can find any sort of clues, but first..."
"Hmm?" Master Yen Sid ponder what seemed to be the trouble as Mickey approached his desk.
"We got hit pretty hard in the realm of darkness." Mickey explained to his master at what Riku and him had been through. "My Keyblade was damaged, and the Heartless broke Riku's clean in half. So, we're gonna need to get replacements before we can continue."
"..." Riku stood with Mickey in silent agreement. The two of them will have to get much stronger before going back into the dark realm again.
"In that case, rendezvous with Kairi and Lea." Master Yen Sid instructed. "They are continuing their training under the tutelage of the wizard Merlin."
"Yes, sir." Mickey bowed to his master along with Riku.
"Also, I would like you to deliver these for me." Master Yen Sid requested as with the outstretch of his hand two suitcases appear in a poof of smoke with Magic. One brown with pink spots, the other red with black spots.
"Are they..."
"Yes, they are the same as the ones I gave you." Master Yen Sid answered Mickey's question before he could finish it. If the seven Guardians of Light were destined to clash with the thirteen of Darkness, the two of them would need new outfits to protect them from the darkness. "Special vestments to shield Kairi and Lea from the darkness."
"We got 'em." Mickey assured his master that he could count on them to deliver the package as Riku and him each grabbed a suitcase. Behind them Sora slightly deflated with a pout.
"What? No fair!" Sora pouted in complaint, feeling slightly left out. "What about my outfit, Master?"
"Sora, don't bug him like that. It's inconsiderate." Donald lectured to him.
"Settle down. I have new clothes for you, too, Sora." Master Yen Sid assured to him that he wasn't forgotten. All the Guardians would need vestment shields from the darkness.
"Yeah?!" Sora smiled in excitement.
"A gift from the good fairies."
"Huh?" Donald pointed at himself, wondering if Goofy and him were getting new vestment shields too?
Another poof of smoke appeared on the desk with a new brown suitcase with white spots.
"I knew you'd come through for me. Thanks!" Sora fist pumped into the air with a jump. Sora ran to the desk to grab his suitcase like a kid on Christmas day running to the tree. Now Donald began to silently pout as there was no new outfit for him.
"Those are no ordinary garments, Sora." Master Yen Sid explained to Sora through Sora's excitement as he turned and shook his suitcase, looking over it with the glee of a birthday present. "Like before, they have very special powers, so it took extra time to prepare them. In addition, there is a gift from Chip and Dale inside."
"Cool. Okay!"
"Heh. Happy now?" Riku couldn't help but tease as Sora rested his suitcase over his shoulder.
"Yup!" Sora honestly answered. Not even caring that Riku was teasing him. Donald walked over to Sora and Goofy joined them as well.
"Now, you are all ready to proceed." Master Yen Sid bid them off.
"Hey, wait!" Cried out Jiminy Cricket and he hopped onto the desk before everyone started to head out. Running on the desk over to Sora, Donald, and Goofy as he held on to his hat. "Don't forget about me!"
"Jiminy!" Sora, Donald, and Goofy said together, happy to see him.
"Every journey worth goin' on needs a cricket to keep track of it." Jiminy insisted. "And I can't let ya start this one without ol' Jiminy Cricket by your side."
"The whole team's back!" Goofy cheered.
"Yeah." "Yeah!" Sora and Donald fist pumped in hurray.
"Good. Now, to mark the beginning of a new journey, I wish for you to have this, Sora." Master Yen Sid drew their attention again as he used his Magic to poof a Dream Heartbinder into Sora's free hand.
"Huh?" Sora caught it by surprise. It looked like a charm. But Sora could feel that it was more than that as the Dream Eater Spirit sigil dawned its crest. "Okay?"
"That is a Heartbinder. Think of it as a good luck charm made just for you." Master Yen Sid explained. "You have a gift, Sora, for connecting with others, and this makes that gift stronger."
"Hn." Sora held on to the Heartbinder tighter. Assuring to himself and Master Yen Sid that he would use it well.
"It's time to go!" Mickey announced, making the others stand in attention before bowing to Master Yen Sid. Each group ready to head out and complete their task. But Sora, Donald, and Goofy broke from attention as they leaned in to listen in on Master Yen Sid.
He was quiet with his eyes closed, but under his breath you could make out the silence of words...
"May your heart be your guiding key."
That was meant to be said but wasn't meant to be heard. The three of them huddled up together as they whispered among themselves.
"See?" Goofy pointed out as if he had told them Master Yen Sid would say that. Sora and Donald nodded at Goofy: when he was right, he was right. Riku and Mickey groaned and silently chuckled among themselves as the three's behavior.
They had all returned to their Gummi Ships: Sora, Donald, and Goofy heading out in theirs, while Mickey and Riku headed out in their own. Jenova had patiently been waiting for them in her seat.
"That didn't take too long." And Jenova knew long, she had slept for two thousand of years once. "What's with the bags?"
"Just some gifts for our friends." Riku shrugged as he put the suitcase down and took the pilot seat. Mickey getting back in his seat ready go as Riku looked back at them. "Ready to head to Radiant Garden?"
"Yeah!" Mickey fist pumped in the air.
"I'm ready as I'll ever be." Jenova shrugged off, still slightly nervous but never showing it on her face.
"Right." Riku nodded before taking off, letting his heart be his guiding key. "To Radiant Garden!"
*** Author's Notes ***
Note: I loved the Riku's play aspects of Kingdom Hearts III, regardless with how minimal it was. The only thing that really gets on my nerves was the Quick Menu setup, and that's only because of my preference. I'm use to having Curaga on the (O) Command and Thundaga on the (/_\) Command. The fact that they switched them around and I couldn't change them due to being dropped into battle really got on my nerves. During the Demon Tower fight, I kept casting Curaga on instinct when I was trying to do Thundaga leaving me out of MP and a Curaga short for vulnerable amount of time.
Funny story, I've been ripping and tearing through Doom Eternal as of late, and it's almost had me writing Riku 'Rip and Tear' through the Dark Realm. But that wouldn't fit the ascetics and setting the Kingdom Hearts series has built throughout the years. But now I AM craving a Kingdom Hearts and Doom crossover. However, that's like putting Doom Guy in Disneyland, it's a hard thing to try and mash up.