Disclaimer: not mine
Chapter 26
Leon opened the door as someone pounded on it, surprised to see one of those from the castle…Ienzo he thought his name was.
"Please, are they still here?" he asked, and Leon nodded, letting him inside.
"Ienzo?" Axel stepped out of another room.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
"It's Demyx," he said before Axel could ask anything else.
Green eyes narrowed and Axel waved him in and Ienzo found himself in a dining room full of Keyblade wielders. It was…overwhelming, especially as they all looked towards him as Axel moved over to Roxas who was watching Ienzo nervously.
"Ienzo?" Riku called his name, shifting over to make room between himself and the newcomer, Harry.
He took the offered seat. "I am sorry to interrupt but I had a disturbing call."
"What did Demyx say?" Axel asked even as he put some pancakes on Roxas' plate for the teen to try.
"Nothing, that is the disturbing part. He called me and I answered, but he did not respond. All I could make out was what could be the sound of waves. It might be innocent; he might have accidentally called or dropped the phone but…"
"The Organisation might have found him," the King finished for him, and Ienzo nodded, that was his fear.
What would they do to Demyx for his betrayal? Xemnas' threat had been to turn them into Dusks, and Ienzo still remembered the demonstration…but Xehanort wasn't Xemnas, not entirely so there was no way to predict what he would do to a traitor.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Riku frowned, he knew Aqua needed to go after Ventus but after the help he'd given, they couldn't abandon Demyx. They had a big enough group though… "Do you know where he is?"
"I remotely accessed the tracking app in the phone. It's not a World I'm familiar with," Ienzo answered, holding out a piece of paper and Merlin took it.
"Oh my," the wizard murmured, glancing at Harry who blinked.
"Seriously?" he asked in disbelief.
"Indeed."
"Well, that's going to be a fun search. I haven't seen any Worlds as big as Earth."
How had Demyx ended up there when Merlin and Harry had explained how disconnected the place was…then again Ventus and Vanitas' Hearts had ended up there as well. Perhaps Earth was slowly becoming more connected to the rest?
"How large is Earth?" Mickey asked.
"Last population estimate I saw was almost six billion people, and that wasn't including the magical population."
Riku stared at him in shock, knew the others were as well. Six…billion? There was maybe fifteen thousand people spread across their Island chain back home, and that was a generous estimate. He knew other Worlds were bigger, but that big? "Even with all of us, it would take forever to search that kind of population," he admitted.
"The sound of waves cuts it down to coastlines but there are seven continents," Harry agreed, looking to Merlin. "Earth magic is different; I know everyone here feels very different to magicals back there. Could that help track him?"
"Yes…yes, it could. Let's see…" Merlin wandered off, and Riku hoped he could find whatever he was looking for fast.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Mickey looked over the group. They had to help Demyx if he was in trouble, they owed him at least that much for helping Ansem and bringing the Replica. But they also needed to find Ven and wake him and Aqua was very eager to retrieve him immediately. They had seven Keyblade wielders in the room, maybe eight if Roxas was in fighting condition, plus support, they could split into two groups. But then which group would get Harry? He would want to go after Ventus but he was the native Keyblade wielder for Earth and would likely be very useful in tracking Demyx down.
"We'll go after Demyx," he promised Ienzo, who nodded in relief.
Aqua opened her mouth to object but then didn't say anything.
Mickey began arranging the two teams in his head, shifting members around based on skills, experience, and personalities. He knew the teens wouldn't be happy but the best team split them up again. But they couldn't have all the Masters on one team either, so Riku would be going to Earth as they all hoped it wasn't a combat mission, while he and Aqua would be going for Ven with the other team.
When Merlin returned it was with a spell that should take them to within only a few miles of Demyx, cutting down their search. Kairi was not happy to be separated from Sora again, but she'd been training with Axel and it was better to keep them paired, and at least Riku would be with them. He'd given Harry the option and he'd chosen to go after Ventus, partially because he worried Vanitas would show up and because of the chance of being recognised if magicals were investigating a magical fight, if there'd been one. He'd left to help avert another civil war after all.
Ienzo returned to the castle to prepare for a patient or two while the two teams prepared to leave, Merlin having to send those going to Earth through a doorway he created, much like the one Minnie had told him about being used in their home to go fix the past.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Riku blinked, dazed by the sudden rush of noise, grabbing Kairi to steady her. He felt the World Order magic hit, but only Donald. He looked the same to them, but the people here would see whatever form allowed the knight to blend in.
"Whoa!" Roxas gasped; blue eyes wide as he stared beyond the alley they had arrived in.
Riku moved closer, staring in shock at the mass of people in the streets. Harry had said…but this… he shook his head. "Come on, we need to find him."
He felt Kairi's hand slip into his and he squeezed it gently before stepping out into the city. There was an arched bridge over a bay in the distance but there didn't seem to be a beach there so they needed to head for the coast and hopefully out of the city. He spotted a strange building whose roof seemed to be made to mimic white sails in the direction they needed to go.
"Hey, look at this!" Axel called and they crowded around to find a very basic map of the city posted against a pole, that helped. "I think these are transport routes, like the tram back in Twilight Town."
"Yeah, but we don't have the local currency," Riku pointed out softly. They'd been warned by Harry and Merlin that Earth didn't use Munny, in fact most countries each had their own currency.
"Well, from the street signs, I think we go that way," Roxas pointed at a nearby street that was also marked on the map.
"Let's go."
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
"Are you sure you're ready for this Aqua?" Sora asked as they walked up a path that felt scarily familiar, but he didn't remember ever walking. A glance at Harry showed he didn't seem familiar with it so it wasn't Ven who felt it…then he saw the crazy castle up ahead and pressed a hand to his head at the slight pain. Why would…oh…was that possible?
"Castle Oblivion," Mickey's whisper confirmed it, were the lost memories what was making his head hurt?
"You okay?" Harry asked, and he nodded, he'd be fine.
"Thank you. But...Ven's expecting me. I promised to wake him, said I'd be right back, but I'm not even close. I'm in for an earful," Aqua smiled wistfully before taking a deep breath, hand over her heart. "Do you remember the security, Harry?" she asked.
Harry frowned and they all waited to see how much he could remember about the Land of Departure. "Something…about the Master being able to lock it? Ven didn't really pay attention to that bit of history," he admitted.
"No, he never did," she laughed, summoning Master's Defender.
They watched as Aqua aims the Keyblade at the castle doors, a Keyhole appearing with a dazzling light. The wind whipped around them and Aqua steeled her resolve. She thrust the Keyblade forward and a beam of light sparked forward into the Keyhole. The group shielded themselves from a burst of wind, while Aqua stared unblinking as the seal on the castle broke. A projection of another, grander, castle rose on the face of the castle even as the many towers and floors readjusted themselves to match the projection, untwisting and untangling the endless halls, everything clicking into place. The shadowy darkness of the clouds around the castle were pushed back to reveal the brightest blue sky of the world known as The Land of Departure. As it did, the pain in Sora's head faded, leaving him staring in wonder at the changes. They walked forward in awe of their surroundings.
Aqua nodded at Harry and he stepped forward, reaching out to push on one of the doors, opening the castle. They walked through the entrance hall taking in its splendour.
Aqua turned to face them. "Ready?"
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Harry looked around at the castle he felt he knew as well as Hogwarts in awe. It was…everything he'd dreamed.
"Harry, you're crying," Sora was looking at him in concern, and Harry touched his face to find it was wet.
"Oh," he choked.
Aqua rested a hand on his shoulder gently, her own eyes brimming with unshed tears. "Take your time," she told him.
"It's really real," he laughed wetly, and she nodded.
"This is your home too now Harry," she promised. "Now let's go wake your big brother up," she grinned and he laughed again.
"Technically, I'm older now," he pointed out, wiping his face dry, the others being nice enough to ignore his tears.
Aqua led them through the golden halls and ascended the stairs to the Great Hall, where they find Ventus sleeping in the centre of three large chairs, Aqua rushing to his side. "Ven," she whispered but the sound carried well in the massive hall. She touched his face and then rested her head against his. "I'm sorry it took so long." She shook his shoulder when he remained unresponsive and Harry moved to walk closer. "Ven, wake up. Open your eyes, please!"
"Aqua, he can't. His Heart's in Sora," Harry reminded her gently.
"That was a neat trick," a familiar voice called, and they all moved to protect Aqua and Ventus. Vanitas walked in and then stopped, obviously taking in just how many had come. "No wonder no one could find him," he continued but Harry could hear the slight hint of nervousness in his voice now.
"Vanitas!" Sora summoned his Keyblade but then hesitated, glancing at Harry.
"Why are you here?" Aqua demanded, making sure she remained protectively in front of Ven.
"Oh, I'm sorry to interrupt your touching reunion, but surely you won't begrudge me a moment with my brother?" Vanitas sneered, and Harry stepped forward.
"Ven's not really up for a chat brother, but I'm game," he told him.
"Who are you?" Vanitas demanded in a snarl.
Harry walked calmly towards him, hands empty. "Harry," he offered only his first name for the moment. "I know you Vanitas, better than anyone here. You can feel it, can't you?"
"You don't know anything!" Vanitas launched himself at Harry who ducked, spinning to face him again, still without summoning his Keyblade.
"Harry!" the King called in alarm.
"I'm fine." He took a breath and summoned magic, throwing a shield up around them to keep everyone else in, and Vanitas contained within. He was content to keep dodging, let Vanitas tire, but it was only making him angrier so he finally summoned his Keyblade, letting Vani get a good look at the blade, knowing he'd recognise it.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Sora watched as Harry and Vanitas clashed within the shield, unable to hear anything but he could tell they were talking, or at least Harry was, the helmet made it impossible to tell if Vanitas was. Harry had the edge in speed but Vanitas was the stronger, if he could back Harry into a corner, land some hits, then the older teen would be in trouble. Vanitas vanished in a blur, dropping down from above but Harry literally vanished to appear a few feet away, a spell flying immediately from his new position. They shouldn't be fighting, he knew it, could feel it, and he knew Harry felt it too.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Mickey was impressed by the shield Harry had used, assuming it was Earth magic since it felt strange. He wasn't happy with the teen locking the two of them in there, but he understood why. Until Ventus woke, Harry was their best shot at turning Vanitas from Xehanort's side, even neutral would be fine with Mickey as long as he didn't fight for the Organisation.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Sora winced as Harry bounced off his own shield, rolling across the floor, and then Vanitas was on him. "HARRY!"
He gasped, feeling sudden tug in his chest. Above the stained glass in Sora's Heart, Ventus floated, his eyes closed in sleep.
'I...have to wake up...'
"Yes. Tell me what to do," Sora begged.
'The power of waking...'
"I can't, I still don't have it yet." After everything, how hard he'd tried, and what did he have to show for it? He felt a trickle of amusement from Ventus in response.
'You never lost it... It sleeps...until someone needs it... Call to it...'
Wait…what? He never lost it? Then why had he been so weak when he woke up? "I am calling...with all my heart," he promised.
The stained-glass platform shone with light and Sora appeared. He raised his Keyblade and the tip glowed. A Keyhole appeared on the floor in front of him and light rippled through the stained glass. Sora rose off the platform and the Keyhole shone brilliantly. Soon, thousands of white birds took off from the Keyhole, the light growing along the glass, revealing Ventus' platform. Sora took it in, awed, but then aimed his Keyblade, shooting a beam of light at Ventus' Heart.
'Thank you for always keeping me safe, Sora...'
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Blue eyes snapped open, taking it all in. Aqua standing protectively in front of him, the King, strangers…Vanitas! Inside a shield, another dark-haired figure on the ground, injured? No! Vanitas wouldn't hurt anyone else! He didn't notice the light shining from his body as he launched from the throne, smashing through the shield spell.
"Vanitas!"
His yell had Vanitas look up, their Keyblades clashing, even as the other person rolled to their feet, another shield going up around all three of them.
"Ventus," the stranger breathed his name and he looked over, taking in black hair coming loose from a tail and green/blue eyes. He didn't know him, and yet…there was something, he should know him. The colour of his hair made him think of Vanitas, but that was really the only physical similarity. He could feel Darkness in him but also Light, almost perfectly balanced somehow. And then the stranger knocked him over, blocking a strike from Vanitas.
"Focus!" the older teen told him, and Ventus got back to his feet.
He'd protect him, knew his name…he shook his head and focused on the fight.
"We don't have to fight," the stranger said a second later, and Ventus didn't need to see Vanitas' face to know he was sneering.
"Who are you?!" Vanitas snarled.
"You know who!" was the answer. "You can feel it, both of you. We don't have to fight, not because of that bastard."
"What would you know about him?" Now Vanitas sounded wary. Him…Master Xehanort?
The stranger held his Keyblade up and Ven was shocked to recognise it even though it had a standard grip, Lost Memory…but how? And then he freed one hand from it, holding it out, and Ventus shifted as an Unversed formed, the little Flood scurrying to half hide behind the teen's leg. He'd never seen one act like that before.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Aqua's eyes widened as she saw Harry summon an unversed but…she supposed it did make sense; it was just startling to see. She'd been told he'd pulled the Darkness from her but she hadn't seen him use any Darkness abilities herself. Then again, when they'd fought he'd been using his link to Ven to try and reach her so that made sense.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Kairi was relieved when they reached the shore. That city…she never wanted to go back; it was just too big, too noisy…how could so many people live in one place? Axel was holding a small orb set to detect a Nobody since they were different to normal people. She didn't know what she felt about helping one, Demyx hadn't been involved in her kidnapping or anything, she'd never met him before they'd gone to the castle for Roxas' revival. For his help with that though she was willing to give him a chance.
Roxas suddenly moved and knelt, touching a rock, frowning as he lifted his hand. "Blood," he stated, rubbing his fingers together.
Axel leant in and frowned. "And not human."
"What do you mean?" Kairi asked.
"Nobodies aren't human but they come from the bodies left behind. They can bleed but it's not quite the same as our blood," Riku answered. "Which means Demyx was here," he grimaced and she realised why, Demyx could be dead and they'd never know because there'd be nothing left to find.
"We're on a beach, Demyx wouldn't be that easy to kill," Axel told them. A beach? Oh, right, he was the one that controlled water. So had he come here in an effort to defend himself?
She reached out with her own magic, searching, she remembered the strange feeling Axel had given her as a Nobody, different to the pure Darkness of a Heartless. There was nothi… "There!" she pointed, running across the sand to the rocks, the others following.
Hidden amongst the rocks in a tide pool was a familiar black coat. Riku pulled her back even as Axel and Roxas moved in, Donald hanging back to watch their backs and cast from a distance if needed. The water around the blond was darkish…bloody. He looked a mess but he was still breathing.
"We need to get him back to Ienzo," Axel said after a few moments of checking him over. He pulled out a potion and coaxed it down the blonds' throat. He held Demyx up as Roxas pulled the coat off him, letting them see some of the smaller wounds healing from the potion, but he needed a lot more than that. She cast her strongest cure spell and it helped some more. They bandaged the rest of his wounds and then Axel picked him up as they huddled close, activating the spell to take them back to Radiant Garden.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
"Easy Sora," Goofy grabbed him when he swayed, shifting them back so the kid could sit on one of the stairs, making sure he was in position to defend him if Vanitas got free of the other two.
He'd done it! Somehow, he'd regained the Power of Waking and freed Ventus. Goofy'd always known he could do it; Donald was going to be upset he missed it, not that there'd been much to see.
"Are you alright Sora?" the King called.
"Yeah, little tired," Sora admitted, so the King cast a cure spell to be safe.
Sometimes Goofy wished he could have learnt real magic to help out more, but it wasn't to be. Some people just weren't good with spells. At least the fighting had stopped for the moment, the three facing each other, talking he guessed. Talking was much better than fighting.
TBC…
Not entirely happy with the Vanitas scenes but it's been months of working on it on and off.
Poor beaten up Demyx. Guess where on Earth he was?
