Hey guys! Sorry for the long wait! I had writer's block and I re-wrote this so many times but here it is! I hope you like it!
POLL: Who Do You Think Charlie Should End Up With?
Sora: 16
Ryan: 3
The Author Should Decide!: 2
Neither: 0
Keep voting!
A Quest To Find Missing Friends Arc
The gang found themselves on the Ninth Floor. As Sora walked, he bows his head and sighs in defeat. Charlie pulls her sleeve down, hiding her hand and covers her mouth with it in worry. Donald and Goofy looked at each other with concern. Things weren't looking good for the heroes. Sora stopped.
"I don't get it. Riku and I – we both want the same thing. Both of us want to help Naminé out. How come we're fighting each other? I mean, Riku and I have argued about stuff in the past, but…"
"Could be 'cause ya care what happens to each other." Goofy suggested and Donald agreed.
Sora had originally thought that was the case but now he was unsure. Maybe Riku doesn't care about him anymore? Donald told Sora not to give up as they're all friends. The three of them: Sora, Riku and… and… Donald couldn't remember the other name… Even Goofy couldn't remember the other name. Jiminy popped up.
"Hm. It seems our memories are fading mighty fast. Sora, we gotta hurry. I bet Riku will come around if you just talk to him." Jiminy suggested.
"You're right. We three were never apart. Me 'n Riku… and Naminé." Sora smiled.
Charlie watched. The way Sora smiled liked that, sadness crept into her heart. She never made Sora smile like that. This was more than just friendship with Naminé, and Charlie knew that. Nevertheless, it hurt.
Crack!
"Charlie?" Sora asked.
"Uh… yes?"
"What happened back there with you and Kelly?"
"I'm not so sure myself. I wonder what she was trying to tell me?" Charlie asked out loud.
Something didn't feel right. It was like Kelly was trying to tell her something. Maybe she's in trouble? Is that why she was cryptic about it? But then… why would Kelly ask her to join her and Riku? Charlie wanted to go home with Kelly but she was unsure about joining Riku whilst taking care of Naminé. It was like going behind Sora's back. Why does Kelly want to take her away from Sora in the fist place?
"Should I join Kelly?" Charlie thought.
"I just want to go home with Kelly. I want to know if she's okay. I don't care about anything else." Charlie spoke.
Sora nodded and both teens walked up to the two large white doors. Sora fished in his pockets and grabbed the World cards. He looked at Charlie. There are only two cards left. She nodded. Sora put one card back and held it to the door.
When the gang arrived at the next world, they ended up in a castle. It had steam pipes and all sorts of mechanical objects. It felt familiar to Charlie and she didn't know why. Goofy then started hearing voices from around the corner. Jiminy hopped down and took a closer look. He claimed that something was wrong.
The group peered behind the corner and listened in. there was a beautiful woman in a golden dress and behind her stood a creature or some sort of beast. The Beast looked sorrowful for some reason.
"But Belle, I don't understand! I came here to rescue you!" Beast said.
"Beast… I did not ask you to come. And it doesn't matter anyway. I'm not going back with you, so you're wasting your time." Belle replied.
Beast couldn't comprehend as to why Belle wouldn't leave with him. He asked Belle how she could stay with a witch. Belle responded coldly by telling Beast to leave before the witch finds him. Belle leaves. Beast muttered Belle's name ad asked why she was doing this. Sora and the group walked up to Beast.
"I'm not sure what's going on, but… is everything okay?" Sora asked.
"Don't feel bad. There must be a reason she said those things." Donald added.
"I'm sure you both can work it out…" Charlie spoke.
"Keep your sympathy. No one could ever care for a beast like me." Beast replied before walking the opposite direction.
"Poor guy. Sure wish there was somethin' we could do for him." Goofy said.
"I'm sure there is." Charlie added.
The gang started to chase after Belle. Sora and Charlie received the Key of Beginnings Card. The teens traveled through the maze of rooms. They encountered a Treasure Room. In the centre of the room, stood a treasure chest, Charlie opened it and out popped a recipe for a Sleight for Charlie! It was called Lux Ray. The Sleight consisted of two Light cards and an attack card.
"Sweet!" Charlie smiled.
"Let's keep going, we need to chase after Belle!" Sora reminded her.
"Right." Charlie smiled.
The teens jumped onto a platform that raised the two up. Sora and Charlie jumped off onto a ledge higher up. Charlie couldn't help and take a closer look of the castle. It was creepy, why would anyone want to live here? Sora stood there watching Charlie gaze at the castle interior. He rolled his eyes before grabbing her wrist and dragging her along with him.
The teens finally made it back outside before making it to the top. The outside was full of Guardians which seemed a problem for only five minutes. Sora and Charlie realised that while the Heartless were impenetrable from the front with their shields, they were defenceless from the back. Finally, they made it to the Key of Beginnings room.
When the heroes entered, they found themselves in a library. Bookshelves after bookshelves filled with books. What information they withheld, Charlie didn't know. The group ran up the stairs and found Belle.
"Who are you? Were you kidnapped, too?" Belle asked.
"Kidnapped?" Charlie thought.
"Uh… not exactly. It's a long story. Wait! So you've been kidnapped? You don't want to be here?" Sora asked.
"Yes… No, I don't really want to be here. That witch forced me to be here. I have no one to talk to. Books are all I have to ease my loneliness. And then there's him… oh, I've missed him so much." Belle explained.
So Belle does care about Beast… Goofy asked what was in everyone's minds. Why was she so mean to him earlier? Sora told Belle that she hurt his feelings. It was true, Beast truly cared for Belle, if he didn't, he wouldn't come rescue her. That's why Sora is doing everything he can to save Naminé.
"You don't understand. I can't let him see how I really feel."
"Why not?" Sora asked.
"It's just that-"
Suddenly doors were being opened a few yards away from them. Belle panicked and told the heroes to hide quickly as 'she' is coming. Sora, Charlie, Donald and Goofy looked at each other in confusion in to whom 'she' is. Belle said there was no time to explain and told them to hide. They obliged and hid behind a bookcase.
Another bookcase slid open and a woman stepped out. She was cloaked in black and had green pale skin. Charlie peeked around the corner and her eyes grew wide. Is this the witch Belle was talking about? Belle turned to the other woman.
"Oh… Hello. To what do I owe this visit?" Belle asked.
"He was here – yes? He risked his life to come and save you. Why do you reject him?" The witch asked.
"I won't ask for his help." Belle explained.
"Oh, and why is that?" The witch smirked.
"You know very well why. I'm not going to fall into your trap!" Belle argued.
"Trap?"
"We have to do something!" Charlie whispered.
"Then I have no choice but to make you beg for his help!" The witch threatened before she and Belle disappeared in a puff of green smoke. Sorand the gang tried to chasing after them before it's too late….
"No! She got away!" Sora cried out.
"What should we do?" Goofy asked.
"Help her, of course! What else?" Sora answered.
"Boys, looks like we're going witch hunting!" Charlie smirked.
Sora and Charlie received the Key of Guidance card and headed off. As the teens searched for Belle and the witch, they defeated any Heartless that stood in their way. It all made sense now. Belle didn't want the Beast to get hurt and fall for the trap. Belle had said all those terrible things to push him away.
But wait…
Charlie stopped. She turned to see the door she had just entered. She pondered for a moment. Sora, not hearing his companion's footsteps behind him, stopped in his tracks. He turned to see Charlie just standing there. What was she doing?
"Uh, Charlie?" Sora asked.
No response.
"Charlie, what's going on?" He persisted.
"Beast doesn't know." Charlie responded.
"What?" Charlie turned to him.
"Beast doesn't know that Belle only said those things to protect him and that she's in trouble. Should one of us go back and tell him?" Charlie asked.
"But Belle needs our help, now." Sora explained.
"You can keep that witch busy until I come back with Beast, right?"
"We don't know how powerful she is. I need you, Charlie." Sora smiled.
Charlie's heart skipped a beat after hearing those words. He needs her. He's right. She could be really powerful, and he needs his mage. Beast will have to wait. Charlie nodded. Feeling determined, Charlie ran ahead and slashed at a Heartless. She turned around and smiled at Sora.
"What are you waiting for? We have a damsel in distress to save."
Sora nodded and sprinted after her. There was a feeling that both of them shared. When they stick together, they can achieve anything! With Keyblades in hand, the hens powered through their enemies. It was until they reached the right door, Sora and Charlie breathed a heavy sigh. Sora raised the right card and opened the Key of Guidance door.
When they entered, it appeared to be some sort of lobby or entrance hall. In the centre of the room, stood a fountain. Above them, was some kind of moving platform. But what drew the gang's attention, were the two females by the fountain. It was Belle and the witch!
"What are you waiting for? Call to him!" The witch demanded as she forced Belle towards the fountain.
"No! I won't let you hurt him!" Belle refused.
The witch, Maleficent, threatened to make Belle scream, causing the Beast to come save her as soon a he hears her cries. Sora had enough and objected as everyone summoned their weapons. Sora threatened Maleficent claiming the Beast isn't the only she has to deal with.
"You're gonna be sorry after we're finished with you!" Charlie smirked.
"Begone, children. You have no business here. Unless, of course, you wish to join in the screaming! This is perfect. When that brute hears your shrieks of terror, he'll come right to me!" Maleficent smiled.
"Don't trouble yourself."
The voice came from above but it was familiar to everyone. The beast jumped down beside the heroes. Belle was happy he was here but that suddenly changed. She warned him that he shouldn't be here and to leave her alone. She then added she never wanted to see him again.
"What an awful thing to say." Jiminy spoke up.
"All right. If that's how you feel, I understand. My hideousness is punishment for being selfish and unable to love. I was made into a monster, loved by no one… and I only became more selfish. That is… Until I met you, Belle. You're the only person who accepted me. Little by little, you warmed my cold, selfish heart. The memories of our days together are my most precious. I won't cast them aside. So I'm sorry, but I can't leave you here…even if you hate me for it. Consider it my final selfish act." Beast confessed.
Belle placed her hands over her heart. His words warmed her heart as he confessed. He loves her. He truly loves her. How could she be so cruel to him? She thought this was the only way to save him, to protect him. She doubted herself.
"Oh, Beast…" Belle said.
"Well, well. I never dreamed such ugliness could hide so beautiful a heart. This calls for a change of plan. Beast, I shall claim your heart instead of Belle's!"
Maleficent waves her hands and green smoke surrounds her. She lifts her arms up as Belle cries out. The young lady starts to run after Beast. Maleficent casts a jade coloured fireball and aims it at Beast. Suddenly Belle jumps in front of him! The fireball hits her! Belle disappears and her heart remains, floating up and vanishing from sight. The heroes gasped.
"Well, so much for the change of plan. Belle's heart it is, after all. It seems her cold words spoke little of her true feelings. Ha ha ha, she loves you, Beast! I can feel it shining in her heart!" Maleficent scoffed.
"You fiend! Release Belle's heart at once!" Beast roared.
Beast charged at Maleficent but the witch disappeared in green and black smoke. He roared again demanding for the witch and her whereabouts. Sora pointed forward claiming Maleficent had disappeared into that direction. Beast turned to the outsiders and asked what they were doing here.
"No time to talk! We gotta go after them right away!" Donald ushered them along.
"You'd help me?" Beast asked in disbelief.
"You bet! After what you just said, we gotta help you!" Gofy assured him.
"You need to save Belle and talk about your feelings!" Charlie smiled.
"Let's go get Belle's heart back!" Sora encouraged.
"Right!" Beast agreed.
Sora and Charlie received the Key to Truth card and carried on their chase. The teens leaped from one platform to another, defeating any Heartless that stood in their way. Travelling from room to room. Nothing was gonna stop them! Belle had tried to protect Beast because she cared. Maybe…. Kelly is doing the same thing? That doesn't matter now! What matters is saving Belle and stopping Maleficent!
Finally, the group had made it to the door. Sora held up the card and it vanished. The doors opened and the gang charged. Inside, Maleficent waited. The rom was dark but Charlie guessed they were in so sort of chapel. The gang readied their weapons in front of the witch.
"You've done well to make it this far, Beast. As your reward, I'll tell you why Belle rejected you. My dark magic requires hearts of the utmost beauty. Belle was perfect. Deep in her heart, her love for you shone with uncommon radiance. But she guessed my plans. By denying her love for you, she put her heart beyond my reach." Maleficent explained.
"But she saved me! She protected me!" Beast argued.
Sora explained that Belle couldn't hide how she truly felt. Beast becoming frustrated, demanded Maleficent to release Belle's heart and threatened the witch if she didn't. But Maleficent just laughed. The witch explained the reason in telling Beast all this was to erase his doubts for his heart is starting to shine with love for Belle. Maleficent then claimed that she will take his heart, too!
"Not if we stop you!" Sora objected.
"You dare to challenge me? You pitiful fools!" Maleficent shouted.
Maleficent raised her arms and dark smoke evaporated from her body, filling the chapel. She grew, wings sprouted from her body. Maleficent turned into a dragon! Charlie watched and her jaw dropped while stepping back. This was not looking good.
"Oh... sputnick!" She ran back and gripped her Keyblade G tighter.
The battle began. Sora changed forward while Charlie held back. Charlie asted Hastega on the both of them. Sora jumped and repeated attacked at the dragon's face. However, Maleficent had her own attacks! She spewed green flames in front of them. Charlie Dodge-Cartwheeled out of the way and Sora was out of reach.
"Since Maleficent's element is dark fire, maybe I should use Blizzaga?"Charlie thought.
Charlie stacked up Blizzard cards and waited for the right moment. Sora was relentless with his attacks causing more and more Card Breaks. A Green Mickey card appeared and Sora quickly grabbed and used it. A floating platform appeard and Sora jumped on it. This was the time to use Sonic Blade! Maleficent stood back on her hind legs and then fell to the ground, causing a shockwave. Charlie was about to jump but was too late. She was hit! Sora gritted his teeth seeing his friend getting hurt. He performed Sonic Blade. Charlie recovered and casted Blizzaga.
Platform disappeared and Maleficent stared stomping on the ground. Sora started gliding and Charlie followed suit. Charlie then casted another Blizzaga, causing another Card Break. Another Mickey Card appeared. Charlie had found a Goofy card and summoned her Disney friend. Goofy spun around in his Goofy Tornado attack and then vanished. Sora used the Green Mickey Card and performed Sonic Blade again.
Charlie casted as many Blizzagas her stack could carry and Sora performed Strike Raid. Soon Maleficent was defeated and vanished. The group sighed in relief but suddenly a light was floating down before them. It caught the heroes off guard. On closer inspection it was a heart. A figure then form around the heart. It was Belle!
Beast called out to her and the two walked closer. Beast took Belle into his arms He looked into Belle's eyes with love and relief that she was okay. Belle begged the beast to forgive her for being so cruel to him even though, she couldn't hide her true feelings for him.
"I'm the one who should apologise… for doubting you. I never want to remember feeling that way… so angry, so alone." Beast explained.
"Then don't. Let's replace the sad memories with happier one – starting now." Belle suggested.
Charlie smiled. Another happy ending. But Charlie realised something. Hiding true feelings just get people hurt. In fact, Charlie is hurting even now. But it was obvious who has Sora's heart…
"There they go with the mushy stuff, a-huck!" Goofy smiled.
"I think it's cute." Charlie added.
"Yeah, I think it's time we got on our way." Sora suggested.
"Good idea! Let's keep moving." Donald agreed.
The outsiders left. Sora ran ahead while Charlie lagged behind. It was a happy ending, yet…. why isn't she happy? Why does she feel empty inside? The teens climbed the ladder and headed to the door back to Castle Oblivion. Charlie stopped and looked back.
"Kelly… why can't we make happy memories instead of fighting? I feel like your heart is out of reach."
"Charlie?" Sora asked.
Charlie snapped out of her thoughts, smiled and ran to Sora. As they walked, Charlie couldn't help but wonder…. are the memories that bind them keeping them together or drifting them apart?
The heroes return to Castle Oblivion. They search around to find Riku and Kelly to no avail. This was worrisome. Donald asked where Riku and Kelly had gone and Charlie just sighed.
"Guess they must've finally got tired of fightin' with ya." Goofy suggested.
"I sure hope so." Sora smiled.
"Kelly is too stubborn to give up like that though." Charlie whispered.
Meanwhile, in a room higher up, Axel, Larxene and Vexen had been watching the heroes through a crystal ball, studying them carefully. What confused them was that Riku and Kelly were missing.
"So what's going on, Vexen? Your Riku and Kelly are supposed to counter Sora and Charlie. What are they waiting for? Where are they?" Larxene asked.
Vexen growls. Axel smirks as he explains that Riku and Kelly are hiding deeper in the castle to lure Sora and Charlie out. Axel made it out like that was the plan all along.
"A-ha! Oh, I see now! I would never have guessed that. So sorry, Vexen." Larxene mocked him.
"Silence!" Vexen snapped.
Larxene smirked claiming that was a typical response. She also added that men without hearts are boring. Vexen responded that she couldn't talk for she had no heart herself.
"That's enough."
A corridor of darkness appeared and out stepped a man, the same man who lured the heroes into the castle in the first place. He lowered his hood and rose petals appeared. The man reveal pink locks of hair as Vexen called out his name: Marluxia.
"Vexen, the simple fact is that your projects were a failure. You'd best not disappoint us again." He threatened.
"Disappoint you?! You go too far! In this Organization, you're No. 11! I'm No. 4 and I will not have you-"
Suddenly, Vexen was taken back as Marluxia had pointed his scythe at him.
"I've been entrusted this castle and Naminé by our leader. Defying me will be seen as treason against the Organization." Marluxia explained.
"'Traitors are eliminated.' I believe that's what the rules say." Axel recited.
Larxene remarked about who would need a good-for-nothing in the Organization. Vexen growled. Marluxia warned Vexen that he could not win against Sora and Charlie.
"Pity to be so ignorant. As you're only able to see the surface of things, I should not expect you to appreciate my true might." Vexen smirks.
"Oh?"
Marluxia dismisses his weapon then dares Vexen to prove it to him. VVexen, caught off guard, is confused. Marluxia explains that no one wishes to be suspicious of a comrade.
"Your insincerity is comforting." Vexen muttured before disappearing in a Corridor of Darkness.
Axel warns Marluxia that if you give Vexen a challenge like that, then he'll seriously want to eliminate Sora and Charlie. Marluxia smirks and responds that the situation would be an unfortunate dénouement. Marluxia walks over to Naminé and places a hand on her shoulder, startling her.
"What to do? Your hero and potential friend are soon to be wiped from existence. But I believe there is a certain promise he made you. Isn't that right, Naminé?" Marluxia spoke softly.
"…Yes." She tightens her grip on her lap.