Hello KH fans! I hope you all enjoyed your 4th of July with fireworks! I sure did, the fireworks brought my ecstatic energy more to finish this. I know that the last chapter have been rough, but let's skip the drama and have fun with this chapter. So, for some of you reviewers/viewers, especially you Momijifan Low-Ki, wondered how Laila enters the world of Kingdom Hearts, well here are your answers, ya'll. I also wanted to post this chapter after I celebrate my culture's Independence Day this week!
The moment you all been waiting for! The adventure is about to begin which includes Leonel to be involved.
Laila is about to begin her destiny!
Enjoy!
I do not own Kingdom Hearts. I only own my OC.
Chapter 6: The Journey begins Part 1
Normal POV
Monday morning, 8:15 A.M…
Two days had passed, and the weekend was over. Laila's parents already had their suitcases ready to go, along with some of their precious things ever since before moving to America from Colombia.
Laila still hadn't listened to music for the past two days which made her almost going nuts, but her brothers kept her in high spirit as they can. She feels nothing without it as she also tried to survive and find something else to do.
While Laila is finding clothes to wear for today, she still wondered what she's going to do for a week. For a moment she had a minor headache after sobbing for 2 days, but it's gone now.
"Laila! C'mon, Mom and Dad are about to leave." Herman called through the door.
Laila looked at her door just as she put her outdoor attire on her bed. She sighed, doesn't want to say adios to her dad, not after what he did. But she must be presented in front of her parents.
After she exited her bedroom, she took a deep breath to get rid of the nerve before entering the living room.
Now, Laila is standing between her brothers in front of the open door while their parents are standing outside on the front entrance porch. Lázaro and Elizabeth are facing their children to say their goodbyes.
"Bueno, niños (Okay, kids). You take care of yourselves while me and your dad are away to go see sus abuelos (your grandparents)." Elizabeth said. Laila, Leonel, and Herman nodded at the same time. "Herman, I'm counting on you to look after your hermanito y hermanita (little brother and sister)."
"Ya no son tan pequeños (They're not that little anymore)." Herman laughed. But he ceased it the moment Elizabeth gave him a smirk and raised eyebrow. "Ahem, but I understand what you mean, ma."
Elizabeth smiled as she nodded, but looked at Laila, who has her arms crossed and a glum face. She hoped that this week of resting will be fine for both Laila and her husband.
Outside, a honk from a Honda CR-V car horned at the driveway street, Lozano family looked over and saw Nora and her husband in the car waving at them.
"Well, looks like our ride's here. We better get going before we're late for our flight at the airport." Lázaro said to his wife which she nods. "Alright, kids, be good and stay out of trouble."
Herman and Leonel nodded except Laila. One by one, their mother gives them hugs and kisses on their foreheads.
"Bye Herman. Take care of your brother and sister." Lázaro said as he gave him a manly hug.
"I will, pops." Herman replied in a smile.
"Bye Leonel boy, be a good man in this house." Lázaro turned to Leonel as he raised his fist in front of him.
"Sure, dad, as always." Leonel responded and returned a fist bump.
Then it comes down to Laila when he turned to face her, Lázaro frowned at her as he's still a bit upset of what he did and how she outburst at him in return. There was a moment of silence between those two, but that won't stop Lázaro from trying to say something to her before he leaves.
"Um… I'll see you soon, princess. Stay as a lovely flower as you are." Lázaro hesitantly bid farewell.
The only response he receives is a silent treatment from angry frowned Laila. She couldn't bear to say a word, her heart is wounded from losing music to relationship bond with her father.
"Laila?" Elizabeth said.
"Sis?" Herman said.
Still had her arms crossed and glum face, Laila's eyes moved to look at her dad for a moment before she turned her face away on one side and only give him one response.
"Bye." Laila mumbled loudly.
Flinched, Lázaro changed into saddened frown of her negative reaction along with Elizabeth's. So, he hesitantly raised his hand and softly ruffled Laila's head which made her lips pressed thin line in anger. After that, he regains a little of the argument they had, and his face turned back to anger once more.
"Bye." Lázaro replied grumpily.
Without another word, he turned away and leave to head to the car. Laila turned back slowly while giving a sad frown at Lázaro's back, Elizabeth also gives a sad frown on her face before she turns to her daughter. She bent down a little and say to her.
"Intenta pensar en los momentos felices que tuviste con tu padre (Try to think about the happy times you had with your dad)." Elizabeth softly said as she caressed Laila's right cheek.
Laila sighed and looked down at her feet, 'mm-hm' sounded as she nodded. With a reaction like that, Elizabeth smiled and kissed her on her forehead.
"We'll be back by the end of the week, niños." Elizabeth spoked in declaration.
"Alright, mom. Now hurry and get going before you missed your flight." Herman said.
"Right. Bye kids, te quiero mucho (I love you so much)!" Elizabeth exclaimed as she walked backwards before turned to head to the car.
"También te queremos (We love you too)!" Laila, Leonel, and Herman simultaneously said as they waved their hands.
Laila's POV
Once my aunt and uncle's car are out of sight with mom and dad, I slowly lowered my hand down and have a pout on my face.
"I'll give myself 2 days to EVER think about my good memories with dad." I said in displease.
"You know, that was kind of harsh for you to say an unhappy bye to him." Herman said in disappointment while closing the front door. "I think he feels guilty about what he had done."
"Hah! I highly doubt that. Did you see the way he got angry later after I said bye?" I said in tension.
"That's because you got him angry again on purpose." Leonel pointed.
"I don't care. He may be done getting mad at me, but I'm just started to warm up to get mad at him." I angerly said, with my arms crossed.
"Ay (Oh) baby sis, baby sis." Herman sighed, shaking his head.
Leonel also shook his head of disappointment, I may be the youngest in the family, but I'm matured close to be a young woman. Sometimes, women have rights to step up. Is like what singer Beyoncé had said.
'We need to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves. We have to step up as women and take the lead.'
And that's what I'm doing in my life.
"Well, enough of this drama. Look at the bright side, we have the whole house for ourselves! Which means, we can do whatever we want without any interruptions." Herman said in cheerful.
"Yeah, like what big bro said. And that also means, I can finally play Kingdom Hearts! Well, actually, it's a 1.5 ReMIX, my friends say it's like the original first one but with some new add on secret scenes." Leonel said.
Oh yeah, thanks to his 1st job as a teenager, Leo got the game that me and him have been waiting for since childhood. Kingdom Hearts… ever since the incident when I was 4, all I can remember was seeing the opening and the glass mural of a Disney princess, and then suddenly that's when I blacked out. I don't know why, but it's strange.
Leonel continued. "You are welcome to join me, Laila, we can finally see how the story takes place, even though we already seen the 2nd Kingdom Hearts game and I've seen some scenes from the 1st game from our cousins along with you."
"Yeah, it's been years we seen some scenes of the 1st. I'll come to your room when I can, first I have to get changed and do some drawings for my future fashion collection." I said.
"Alright, take your time, I'm in no hurry. I also need to do a favor for my friend." Leonel said.
I nodded and went into my room to select my clothes for me to wear, since it's the first day of this small vacation, I'm going to wear something exciting.
Hours later…, 5:30 P.M
I appeared in a powder blue spaghetti-strapped tank top, black leggings that stopped at the calves, white sneakers with black Lola flowers, and white cropped, sleeveless zip-through sweatshirt hoodie with the same black Lola flowers design at the body chest on the either side; zipper off and left it opened to see the tank top. For accessories, pearl stud earrings, and of course, her silver clover heart locket necklace. I put my hair the same style: basic half up braids, only to hold the braids with a clear mini hair claw clip.
I'm in my desk sketching my next dress in line with Sophie video chatting on my phone. I've been working on my fashion drawings for hours, this collection is for my future performances as a singer, if my dad didn't want to legally accept music again, there will be no performances until… who knows how long?! Sometimes I wish I want to listen to music in secret, but I can't, that's still breaking the law.
"So, what do you think?" I said as I show Sophie my evening gown dress design.
"Wow! It looks so gorgeous! If you wear like that, you will be a smoking hot gal in a jazz club." Sophie complimented through her face on video.
"I would be if weren't for my dad." I said in a frown.
"I can't believe he would do that to you! I mean, what was he thinking?! Illegally forbidding music?! That is so low!" Sophie exclaimed.
"I know. I don't know how long he will be like this; he's totally becoming a different person. He's not the same dad I once knew as a child." I said in shame.
"Hey, don't think like that. Maybe your mom's right, maybe your dad got so overworked that he's forgotten about his life around you." Sophie said.
"Maybe. Only time will tell for my dad to calm himself down. Hey girl, I gotta go. My dinner will be ready in a minute." I said as I put my fashion drawing in my folder along with the others.
"Ok, if you ever need anything, just call me and I'll be there for you." Sophie said.
"Alright, I'll see you later." I said as she waved to me before I closed the video chat.
I stood up from my desk and head out to the kitchen where Herman is cooking our favorite dinner: Lasagna. I was checking to see if he puts extra shredded cheese with the meat sauce in the layers, but he read my thoughts when I see him already put some in it from the oven.
"Boy, this looks so good, big bro." I ecstatically said while my mouth watered and rubbed my hands.
"Sure does, huh? It'll be ready in 2 minutes, so, get your hands washed up and call Leo." Herman said while watching one of the colleges' football games.
"Ok. Hey Leo! The lasagna is ready, come on out and let's eat." I said as I went inside the bathroom.
"Alright! I'll be out." Leonel said.
Time Skip
Half of the lasagna had been eaten from the glass bakeware on the table. Me and my bros are stuffed, but still it was delicious, I could go for another piece but I gotta keep in check of my slim waist and curves.
"Bro, you made an awesome lasagna." Leonel complimented while rubbing his stomach.
"Thank you very much, monsieur." I mocked.
"No problem, madame." Herman laughed as he picked up the leftover glass bakeware from the middle of the table.
Leo and I are picking up our dishes and ground Italian parmesan and other spices to put on the lasagna for adding more taste. After washing the plates and clean the kitchen, I was about to head to my room, but Leo called me.
"Hey sis, I'm about to play the game. If you want, you can see how the story really takes place for Sora and the others." Leonel said.
"Yeah, I would love to." I ecstatically said.
I followed him to his room that is close to mine, and I take a seat on the end of the bed in front of the TV. While Leo is setting up the PlayStation 3, Herman walks in the room with an eager face.
"Hey little sibs, I'm going to visit one of my college pals to help with his presentation of his final project. I won't be gone too long so I want you two to stay here and don't go anywhere until I return. You think you guys are gonna be okay?" Herman explained at the door.
"Sure we will, big bro. If anything goes wrong, we'll let you know." I said with a wink, along Leo nodded.
Herman returned a smile. "Alrighty. I'll be back in a few hours."
As he left, my heart skipping a beat which made me gasp. I was surprised by that action, I placed my right hand over my heart to see what had just happened, and I feel it beating so fast for some reason. But what is it? Maybe it's just a feeling that I am forgetting something or other, I get that at times.
"Laila, you okay?" Leo asked which made me pivot.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just thought that I forgot something, but nothing." I said as I shrugged my shoulders.
Leo glared at me for a bit of wanting to continue, but he shrugged and resume to set up the system.
"Okay, all set! And now, for the finishing touch." He said.
"What?" I smiled.
He grabbed the video game case from the bookshelf that the TV is on top of it and opened to reveal the disc. I give credits to the artist of the picture cover on the front disc.
"Come here, sis. I want us to put the disc on the system tray to share how much we love Kingdom Hearts II at first sight years ago. Together." Leo softly said, smiling.
I softly smiled back at him and got down on my knees next to him. Once he took out the disc from the case, I placed my right hand on top of his, holding the disc. We looked at each other before nodding, then at the same time, we put it into the PlayStation 3 eject tray, and close it.
Both of us went back to sit down on the bed and wait for the game to process. As it did, Leo just follow the PlayStation 3 menu until he stops at the disc logo and made it played 'Dearly Beloved' theme for a bit before Leo press it which is cool. While waiting, we heard a long string instrument note played and see the Disney Interactive Studios, Square Enix, and development by Square Enix information.
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX
"Woah…" Leo and I said in unison with interest.
Now, it shows the opening menu with 3 selections of each Kingdom Hearts games they had; Final Mix of the 1st game, Re:Chain of Memories, and 358/2 Days.
I was swaying to the music of 'Dearly Beloved', one of the songs that I love and want to learn to play it on the piano. I frowned a little for that is not going to happened.
"This is so cool! I totally waiting for this moment to come!" Leo exclaimed in excitement.
"Me too! We'll finally get to see how the story takes place and see the gameplay looks like, even though we seen some scenes from Roxas' vision dreams of the 1st game." I said.
"Yeah, which brings me to those two games." Leo said as he moves his control panel to let the selection game switch. He moves it back and forth for Re:Chain of Memories and 358/2 Days to blink a sound; which sounds beautiful. "Probably after I finished the final mix, I'll check those two out. Maybe it holds some story of Roxas or how did Sora, Donald, and Goofy end up in sleeping egg pods?"
"Good point. But for now, let's start with the final mix." I replied to his perspective.
"Right." Leo nodded as he pressed the Final Mix selection on the screen.
Another waits to loading and another same companies' logos only this time with Tarzan owned by Edgar Rice Burroughs Inc. and characters from Final Fantasy game series, we see the opening menu of Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix and I gotta say, they put a different artwork of Sora. Instead of the original of him being at the beach shore barefoot with his stick, it's him holding a long blue flag with his hood on his head in a dramatic pose.
"That's an awesome artwork of Sora." Leo complimented.
"Yeah, but to be honest, I like both the original and this new one." I replied.
Leo agreed with me and continued to press New Game. Just as the opening 'Simple and Clean' started, I thought the remembrance of what happened to me last time I watched this, and it was no picnic. I fainted right at the moment when I saw Snow White one time and a strange vision when I saw the old cover picture. I hope it doesn't happen again.
Thankfully, it didn't once again after the song ended. As the 'Dive to the Heart' realm had started, we were enchanted at each level of princess' murals while Leo is learning how to play. It turns out it's pretty much the same training as the 2nd game.
When Leo got to the last training, there's this weird big creature that I never seen before. It has a hole on its chest shaped like a heart and dark dreadlocks, at first, I thought it's a monstrous form of Sora but not really.
As Leo finished fighting that creature, Sora was ending up being swallowed into the dark puddle. I was frightened at first, until the words appeared in the black screen.
- But don't be afraid.
You hold the mightiest weapon of all.
So don't forget:
I gasped as terrified Sora had completely disappear from the dark fog.
You are the one who will open the door.
The last sentence echoed me for the second time. I shook my head out of the illusion and focused more on the TV. Then, I hear ocean waves and seagulls chirping, Sora is fluttering his eyes open from his slumber, this must be the first scene like from Sora's restoration/Roxas' visions in Kingdom Hearts II.
Sora yawns, starting to lay back down again, when suddenly: Kairi's face)
Sora: Whoa! (The boy jumps back up and turns around, kneeling in the sand. The girl giggles, hovering over him)
Sora: Gimme a break, Kairi.
Kairi: Sora, you lazy bum. I knew that I'd find you snoozing down here.
Sora: No! This huge, black THING swallowed me up! I couldn't breathe! I
couldn't-
(She bonks him on the head)
Sora: Ow!
I covered my mouth and giggled at that action.
Kairi: Are you still dreaming?
Sora: It wasn't a dream! Or was it? I don't know. (He looks off toward the ocean, seeing the clouds billow in the sky)
Sora: What was that place? So bizarre...
Yeah… it really is. And very enchanting.
Kairi: Yeah, sure.
(She walks past him toward the water)
Sora: Say, Kairi, what was your hometown like? You know, where you grew up.
(Kairi stares out into the sea)
Kairi: I've told you before, I don't remember.
Sora: Nothing at all?
Kairi: Nothing.
Sora: You ever want to go back?
Kairi (thinking): Hmm. Well, I'm happy here.
Sora: Really...
Kairi: But you know... I wouldn't mind going to see it.
Sora: I'd like to see it too. Along with any other worlds out there. I wanna see 'em all!
Kairi (facing him): So what're we waiting for?
I returned my smile at them; it seems like Sora and Kairi really remind me of myself. Having sense of adventure, curious, and wonder. And of course, Leo too.
As Riku made an appearance, he looked quite normal for a teenager, but I wonder what made him tick and turned to the dark side in those dream visions from Roxas. For me, all I ever think about him is being stubborn and feeling guilty himself, due to him from the 2nd game.
Riku: And you're just as lazy as he is!
Kairi (giggling): So you noticed. Okay, we'll finish it together. (She jumps up and down as Riku sits down next to Sora)
Kairi: I'll race you!
Sora: Huh?
Riku: What, are you kidding?
Kairi (giggling): Ready? Go!
(Sora and Riku glance at each other before leaping up and racing across the beach. They smile at each other as Kairi follows them, still giggling.)
Kingdom Hearts Final Mix
Me and Leo looked at each other for a bit and smiled one another then turn back to the TV. Well, this is it.
After collecting supplies for Sora and his friends' raft and meeting 3 different characters who are probably from that game series called, Final Fantasy, it's time for a break. The sun begins setting, Sora, Kairi, and Riku rest on the small island across the bridge and stare at the ocean. Sora and Kairi sit on the big crooked paopu tree as Riku leans against it, his arms folded, as usual for them.
You know, that miniature island with the leaning tree is a very nice place to relax, think some thoughts, and find inspiration. I wonder what is like to visit there.
As Sora and his friends are discussing what other worlds will be like once they're ready to sail, I had the same thought of what it'll be like when I grow up and travel the world. Like Paris, Spain, Egypt, New York, and Los Angeles and other worlds around me I would like to visit. I'll just wait until when it happens to me.
Just as Sora, Kairi, and Riku are heading back to the docks, Riku throws some kind of fruit to Sora.
Riku: Sora. (Sora turns around and catches a star-shaped fruit)
Riku: You wanted one, didn't you?
Sora: A paopu fruit...
Riku: If two people share one, their destinies become intertwined. They'll remain a part of each other's lives no matter what. (Riku walks past Sora)
I felt awed about the legend of this fruit, so that's what so special about this paopu fruit.
Riku: C'mon, I know you want to try it.
Sora: What are you talking-
(Riku laughs and Sora tosses the fruit away. They all run back to the dock and head for home.)
Maybe I should try something like that. Finding a fruit in my world that has a meaning for it and share it with someone to cherish of my future relationship or wedding.
Meanwhile, in another world; Disney Castle.
"Hey look that's the Disney castle." Leo said in enthusiastic.
"And there's Donald!" I said in excitement.
Donald Duck the court wizard walks proudly through the Colonnade of Disney Castle, passing a group of brooms carrying buckets. Donald stops in front of two enormous double doors. He clears his throat and knocks on three times. A smaller door just his size opens, and he walks through.
Donald: Good morning, Your Majesty. (He walks down the long red carpet of the Audience Chamber toward a golden throne)
Donald: It's nice to see you this morn- (He sees that the throne is empty)
Donald: What! (Shocked)
"Where's Mickey? Isn't he supposed to be there?" I questioned to Leo.
"He's… well, there but not at home." Leo answered, as I raised my eyebrow and eye narrowed at him.
Pluto, Mickey's Royal Dog, appeared and walks out from behind the throne, carrying an envelope in his mouth.
"Pluto?" I said in curious.
Donald opens it and reads the letter. He blinks for a second, then suddenly…
He screams and speeds back out into the Colonnade, which surprises me and Leo. He races across the courtyard to where Goofy, Captain of the Royal Knights, is sleeping.
Donald: Wake up, Goofy, wake up! This is serious!
But Goofy continues to snore and Donald's temper gets the better of him. He points his finger into the air, yelling, and summons a lightning bolt, which swoops down and strikes Goofy in the side, jolting him awake. He sits up sleepily and looks around to found Donald, waving at him.
Goofy: Hey there, Donald. G'morning.
Donald: We've got a problem, Goofy! But don't tell anyone...
Goofy (ignoring Donald): Queen Minnie?
Donald: Not even the queen.
Goofy: Daisy?
Donald (shaking his head furiously): No, it's top secret!
Goofy (calling over Donald's shoulder): G'morning, ladies.
Donald: What?
Donald slowly turns to see curious Queen Minnie with the lady-in-waiting, Daisy Duck. Daisy angerly stares at him while hands on her hips and clears her throat.
Daisy (Suspiciously Mad): What top secret?
Donald laughs sheepishly, I giggled at his funny face.
"Hey, that never happened before." Leo said.
"Huh? What do you mean?" I asked.
"In the original game, Daisy never said those words when I watched this scene with our cousins back then when we were kids. Not even my friends' 1.5 ReMIX as well." Leo explained.
"Really?" I said in astonish.
"Yeah." Leo replied.
Strange, I get the feeling that Leo is telling the truth. Let's just hope it's not too serious, my heart is relief for now.
