Chapter 10: Alliances with benefits
Currently Eruka continued walking alongside Riku, traveling through darkness. The darkness gave Eruka a sense of curiosity and excitement. The type of excitement a child would get when entering a candy store for the first time. The type of curiosity a child would get with what they're presents would be during a birthday or maybe in Christmas. Exhilarating.
This is darkness between worlds huh-ribbit. I can't really see what's around us, but Riku seems to know where he's going just fine. How can he see with that blindfold on? I've seen him fight, he doesn't really need the blindfold. Does it really help him contain the "darkness" within his heart? Questions for later.
"Darkness is fascinating. Ribbit." Eruka repeated.
She continued to gazed at the area around her. "Hey Riku, why are we wearing these coats? They remind of what cosplayers would wear in my world."
"Cuz." Riku answered. "These coats protect us from the darkness. We need them to get to Castle Oblivion."
"Castle Oblivion?" Eruka remembered, "Oh, that was the castle that Xemnas kept going on about during one the first meetings." She made her voice soothing and Xemnas-like, "This castle— Castle Oblivion will represent the alliance between Organization 13 and the Witch Association. I'm so tall and mighty blah blah blah."
"Sounds just like him." Riku chuckled. His tone became more serious, " Eruka, what's the purpose of the alliance between the Organization and the Witches? The Organization is bad news What are you guys after exactly? ."
Isn't this Riku kid working with the DWMA? We aren't exactly saints ourselves looking at history.
"Depends on who you're asking. Witches like Medusa want the alliance to gain more knowledge,"Eruka shivered from even calling Medusa's name, " others like Lady Arachne would most likely use the alliance for feeding the Kishin— if she was still around that is. Word has it that she's back, but that's just a rumor. Either way, the witches who agreed to the alliance have something to gain."
"Lady Arachne?" Riku's attention was caught. "Is she royalty of some sort?"
"Not sure. She's related to Medusa, so she's super old and strong." Eruka summarized, "Maybe stronger than Medusa, but right now, I believe no one has seen Arachne for a while.."
"Is there anyone named Maleficent in the Witch Association?" Riku asked once more.
"You're really nosy about the Witch Association." she noticed, "Why ARE you teamed up with the DWMA?" Eruka fired back questions, "What will you gain by aiding the extinction of witches— an entire race of people who were assaulted day in and day out for something they can't control sometimes— magic."
Riku paused, giving a long exhale.
"I'm teaming up with the DWMA to wake up my friend— Sora." Riku's mouth formed a small smile of pride, "He's my best friend. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for him."
"Sounds like a bad friend if he's making you do all this to wake him up." Eruka scoffed, " Is he really a friend, or is he something more to you-ribbit?"
"You're right. He's more than my friend— he's my best friend." Riku claimed with pride, "If I was in his position, he would do anything to wake me up too."
"Ugh, so you're trying to destroy an entire Association for one guy?" Eruka beamed her opinion of annoyance, "If you teamed up with us, we would've waken Sora up by now. Especially with the new witch the Organization gifted us."
Eruka noticed Castle Oblivion within the distance.
" So what's stopping you from waking Sora up?"
"Lots of things." Riku sighed, "Namine got kidnapped for the Organization, the CORE machines are broken and need repairing, and Sora needs Roxas and Xion… to return to him, for his memories and powers to return."
"So, why are we going to Castle Oblivion then?" Eruka groaned at the many obstacles. "And why are you bringing ME along?"
"We're going to Castle Oblivion because apparently it's' been repaired." Riku informed, "Namine is most likely there as well, and some Organization members have been transferred there too. Also, some witches have also been placed their too." Riku turned to Eiruka, "Think you can handle some witches?"
"!" Eruka took a step back in shock.
"Hold on, Castle Oblivion has Namine, Organization Members, and Witches?" Erukas' eyes widened, "If I help you storm the castle, the treaty will be destroyed. What's in this for me?" she poked Riku's built chest, "I don't need to stick my neck out for an edgelord like you!"
"An edge—?!" Riku felt his character was being attacked, "Well this edgelord is just trying his best. So either help or leave. I thought you could handle a little magical competition, but guess I was wrong."
Eruka pouted. "Can't handle a little competition? I'll show you! We'll storm the castle, get Namine, beat the witches, and take the twerps Roxas and Xion afterwards." She rolled up the sleeves of her Organization coat. "Lemme at 'em!?
Riku smirked, "A little banter gets you this heated? Kinda immature don't you think."
"Tch." Eruka formed a frown, "So what will I get once we storm the castle, Mister Drama King?" She added air quotes to Storm the Castle..
Riku paused for a moment, standing still, hovering over Eruka's stature. The height difference appeared to have been increasing with each passing minute.
"There's a guy named Master Merlin the Wizard. He can cure whatever contract you have with Medusa, so if you help me storm the castle, I can have Merlin help you. Deal?"
Eruka playfully placed her hand against her chin, and summoned Jackson, her magical pet. Too good to be true?
"What do you think Jackson?" Eruka patted Jackson's head, "Should we help Riku with his boy problem and help destroy an alliance for our cure? If we do, we can get Medusa off our backs."
"Arf!" Jackson slobbered Eruka's face.
"Aww, I love you too." Eruka played with Jackson a bit longer.
Riku turned his attention, as they were now at the doorway to the castle. The doors were bright and tall, contrasting from the darkness around the castle. It seemed that someone was already inside the Castle, three people already went into the castle before he did. Who?
"So are you going to help me raid the Castle?" Riku asked, "If not I can send you back to your world."
"Hmmm, I think I'll go with you to raid the Castle." Eruka decided, "If Merlin is a Master wizard, then he might know how to get Medusa's curses off of me." She sent Jackson back to his spell home, "I'll see you real soon Jackson, when I summon you, we'll be free of Medusa's magic. I promise."
"Arf Arf!" Jackson the tadpole happily bounced.
With that said, Jackson vanished. Eruka turned to Riku.
"Alright I'm in your care Riku." Eruka winked, "Be gentle."
"..." Riku turned his attention to the doors, and it slowly opened. "Let's get moving."
The two entered the white castle; a grandiose hallway appeared before them; white creatures in different forms and outsides appeared before Riku and Eruka. These creatures are known as Nobodies; stronger than normal Heartless and serve the members of Organization XIII. They looked at one another and blitzed towards Riku and Eruka.
"Ug," Eruka groaned, massaging her temples, "I'm already regretting our treaty-ribbit." With a snap, her tadpole kamikazes appeared.
"Get ready!" Riku summoned Soul Eater (The name of Riku's Keyblade).Don't worry Sora, I'll wake you up soon. Just need to storm a castle first.
*Back at the World that Never Was*
"Saaaiix, it was a jooooke!" The tired Demyx continued to run for his life, turning his head to gauge the distance.
The one chasing him was none other than Saïx, in all his usual fury and fervor of combat. His eyes white was rage, foam practically coming from his sharp mouth, and his deadly Claymore in hand. He had no plans on letting his prey escape. His momentum was more than inhuman; it was frightening.
"ENOUGH OF YOUR GAMES!" He roared.
Saïx finally caught Demyx by the throat and sent him flying against the couch, and bouncing off onto the cold hard white floor. Saïx pulled the plunger arrow off his face, as his eyes beamed anger towards the poor Nobody known as Demyx. He pushed Demyx towards the window. A bad fall from their height would be more than just fatal.
"Enough of your pranks." Saïx venomously spoke, "If you wanted more work, you should've just said so!"
"Bu-but Saïx 'ol pal," Demyx's legs shook, "Xigbar was in on it too, in fact— he's the one who shot the plunger-tipped arrow at your scar. I was suppose to only act as the decoy. I cross my heart." He reasoned. "Well, not that we have hearts, but you know what I mean." His eyes yearned for a hero.
Just then, Xigbar waltzed into the room, drinking tea from a beaker. He raised his eyebrows with curiosity, and began to talk in a chipper manner.
"Woah, with all that racket— who'd guess the chump is trying to become the Champ. Not bad." Xigbar laughed, "Guess things are bound to change eventually." He decided to take a seat on the furniture; enjoying a show alongside his meal of coffee and only coffee. "Continue, I bet Little Owl over might put a stop to it."
"Lit-tle Owl?" Saïx's tonge clicked while his yellow eyes glared, "Who would that be?"
"You aren't too sharp for a right hand-man are you?" Xigbar motioned his head towards the hallway, Demyx and Saïx looked, "Medusa's twig of a kid."
A boy with pink hair and a skinny-build revealed himself. He knew the three had their attention on him, and his legs continued to shake as he took shallow breaths. Their stares pierced through him. He took a step forward. His rude and crude partner Ragnarok appeared from his back, muscles flexed, and his game face on.
"S-s-s-Saïx, you stop bullying Demyx!" Crona meekly but firmly demanded, "Or I'll tell your boss on you."
"Really now?" Saïx gave a menacing smile. He released Demyx from his iron grip.
"Oof." Demyx hit the floor. "Thanks Buddy." He was about to get up, when something forced him back down. "Ouch! What gives?"
The weight on top of Demyx's back was Saïx's heavy black boots. The Claymore-wielder locked eyes with the young boy.
"I told you to stop bullying him!" Crona frowned, "Can't you see you're hurting him?!"
"I'm very well it's hurting him. I wouldn't do it for any other reason." He stomped on Demyx's back, who in return let a voice of agony out momentarily.
"Ouch that's gotta hurt." Xigbar commented.
"It does." Demyx winced, "A lot."
Crona glared at the bully; who continued to crush Demyx beneath his feet without a shred of guilt. Woeful nostalgia seeped through Crona's mind as Demyx increased groaning in pain. It reminded Crona of his days of being scared of everything— constantly weak and feeble despite having Ragnarok and Black Blood on his side. The days his mother forced him to fight— the days where darkness was the only thing keeping him company besides Ragnarok within his bloodstream and bullying.
Anger and resentment towards the blue bastard began building up, along with black blood and adrenaline pumping itself throughout his body was building up. Crona wanted to fight Saïx. .
"Aren't you going to do something, Little Owl?" Xigbar asked, "I doubt our boss would care about this little incident. Care to stop him? I doubt the right hand man, Saïx would care if Demyx poofs into nothing either. C'mon, do something." The Freelance Shooter encouraged, "Take down the abuser for once. I bet Medusa would stop bullying you too if she hears that you can stand up for yourself."
Crona took a deep breathe, a bit shaky but still focused nonetheless.
"Ragnarok." He expressed determination, something he never possessed before the incident of gaining a second heart, and meeting Maka and Soul.
Ragnarok transformed into his weapon form in Crona's hand. The black broadsword made its' debut. It was heavier than before, and the hilt felt even sturdier thanks to Vexen's experimentations.
"C'mon Crona let's eat his soul! " Ragnarok roared, "He's goin' down!"
"Who knew the sword had a heart for justice." Xigbar quipped.
"Shut it, Eyepatch Bum!" Ragnarok shot back, "Demyx promised candy in return for protection. He's kept his deal, so will I!"
Crona took his battle stance, his determination to defeat Saïx grew stronger. The black blood was aching to be used, and the madness inside was low. Crona needed to stay calm.
"You stand no chance!" Saïx readied his blade, and kicked Demyx onto the couch seat next to Xigbar. "I'll make this quick." He declared.
"Like hell, we're gonna kick your ass!" Ragnarok pumped more black blood into Crona's system, increasing his tenaciousness. "C'MON LET'S ROCK AND ROLL!"
"This oughta be good." Xigbar took another sip, while Demyx took the seat next to him.
[Crona, The Witch Swordsman vs Saïx, The Luna Diviner]
"SCREECH ALPHA" Crona called forth, launching the Soundwave towards Saïx. Saïx faltered against the sounds ringing against his ears. The intensity did not let him think properly. With one hand holding onto the Claymore, he used the other hand to soften the noise.
"!" Saïx charged towards the boy.
Crona let Ragnarok cut through his wrist, having his blood pour onto the ground, and leak onto his hand. He glanced towards the blue bastard and gauged the distance. Crona hardened the blood as he pitched his blood into a hardened and sharp needle towards Saïx.
"Bloody Needle!"
"Wow that looks painful!" Demyx gagged, "Is he gonna be alright?"
Saïx's Organization outfit took the force of the hit, letting Saïx continue his dash towards the Witch Swordsman.
"Damn it. Guess it's up to Ragnarok now." Crona positioned himself for a horizontal slash; letting his arm prepare the motion.
Crona swung Ragnarok towards Saix's abdomen, who jumped above Crona. Now behind Crona's back, Saïx swung his claymore at Crona's side. However, Crona didn't budge.
"Was that supposed to hurt?" Ragnarok teased, as Saïx gave a tsk of annoyance in return.
"Why didn't he go flying? Saïx's swings usually do that." Demyx looked towards Xigbar in disbelief.
"Probably cuz Little Owl is unusual himself. That kid's full of black blood, something that makes him pretty sturdy when he needs to be." Xigbar answered, "Now shut up, I'm trying to enjoy the show."
Crona thrusted his blade towards Saïx's chest, only for Saïx to side-step away and seize the moment to grab Crona's face and slam him into the ground. Without hesitation, Saïx threw the Witch Swordsman into the air, and swung his claymore as hard as possible at the ribs. This time, Crona went flying towards one of the walls in the large room. His skinny but sturdy body collided hard against the Castle's interior walls.
Crona's teeth were grinding. How am I supposed to beat him?
"Grrr…" Ragnarok growled, "CRONA, STOP MESSING AROUND!"
"Can't you see that I'm trying my best?!" Crona groaned, "He's not like fighting normal Kishin, Heartless, or regular people! He's on a whole different level!"
"You dumbass! We need to get rid of his lame-ass weapon!" Ragnarok statement, "Or hit 'em hard before he hits us first." What's this guy made out of?!
Before another word could be spoken, Saïx lunged towards the duo, preparing for another attack; his weapon changing into a spikier version. The Claymore was making its way towards Crona.
"Crona get 'im!" Ragnarok instructed.
Crona prepared his stance for a counter, as well as some black blood hardening. Crona lunged forward with Ragnarok pumped.
"ENOUGH!"
Saïx halted his assault and barely avoided Crona's charge by a hair. The two fighters looked at who stopped the fight. He tsked in annoyance, putting his weapon away.
Crona recognized the man immediately. The tall man, the long white hair, those yellow dead eyes. Xemnas. Crona gulped with nervousness. Oh no.
Even Ragnarok let out a groan. "Aw crap, him of all people. I'm out."
Ragnarok slid back inside Crona. Leaving him to deal with the consequences— alone. He looked around to find the bully, only see that he vanished.
*A few hours later*
*Ring ring*
The calling card buzzed, inside the dorm of Saïx. An exhausted groan was all he could mutter, before picking up with a bruised hand. A familiar voice came to.
"Heya buddy," The flamed-haired member called, "So what did Crona do exactly? I got the reports from dear ol' Eyepatch, but I wanted to hear it from you."
"That creature had the audacity to challenge me." The Luna Diviner groaned, massaging his temples in a circular motion, "It seems however that Black blood… is something worth researching."
"Really? I thought the Keyblade was something worthwhile, it has a worthy host, given he's like a zombie sometimes."
"Quiet!" he hissed, "What's the situation at CO?"
"We got intruders, one of the girls from the WA and Sora's friend."
"How foolish."
"Cut him some slack, he's trying REALLLY hard to get Sora to reawaken. He even has the girl with the orange hat helping out. Which is weird if that Free dude is stationed there as well. Maybe a Coup, but then again who isn't nowaways."
"Her? What would they gain?"
"No clue, I'm not them. Anyway, I'll go follow my orders. See ya buddy."
"Hmph… don't fail."
"I'm in no mood to lose, too much to gain anyhow." he chuckled, ending the call.
The blue-haired warrior rose from his bed, letting his chin rest on his good hand. How can I use this to our advantage? A witch, choosing to breakway from the Alliance, with what purpose? What does CO have that they want?
The gears in his mind began spinning at a rapid pace. Why would that girl help him? The WA always want something to gain. What does his friend have that she'd want? She mentioned wanting freedom from Medusa's curse. Of course, he probably knows someone who can undo that curse. But what would he gain in return; what does Castle Oblivion have that he wants? It has to involve reawakening his friend— His eyes widened at the conclusion— THAT BLONDE WITCH NOBODY! She's a key member in reawakening Sora, once he has her, his next target would be the Sora's Nobody— Roxas!
He roared internally with the epiphany. He grunted, finding yet another roadblock, "What can I do with this? I need more time to use this is my advantage. This will be the perfect opportunity for Axel to execute the traitors and those extras, and maybe time to find out why Xemnas' obsessed with that castle."
He grinned, "They will fail and we will achieve Kingdom Hearts."
Author's Note: Enjoy. Feel free to message me if you have any questions. Also reviews always help.