The Imbalance of Reality Chapter 3: Sharak, a kingdom hearts fanfic

Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories

The Imbalance of Reality

Daniel Wood

Chapter 3: Sharak

So much has changed.

The world we once knew…it no longer exists.

I had it all.

Only to lose it forever.

That which once was…can never be again.

Survival demands it.

My name is Sharak.

Once upon a time…I ruled all under my iron fist. As the source of all darkness, as the one responsible for bringing the Heartless, creatures that prey on the darkness in people's hearts, into reality, I was the reason that despair and suffering ran wild throughout all worlds.

For centuries, I was the overlord of reality, the superior of all.

Not anymore.

The impossible happened.

I was destroyed. By an army of heroes. By the light I had tried to consume. I lost my power, control and dominance over all life. In the aeons that followed, I lay comatose, unable to do anything but sleep. Then came my chance to avenge and reclaim what was rightfully mine.

People began fighting over the light, each one wanting it for themselves. The fools let greed consume them, allowing darkness to be reborn in their hearts. By foolishly fighting amongst themselves, they reawakened me, allowing me to live again. I re-gathered myself by feasting on others, devouring their hearts and souls. In time, I was able to reclaim my knowledge. Because I was the one who had originally put darkness in people's hearts in the first place, I could know everything about everyone. They all became linked to me, for I am the source of all darkness, I am the one who put darkness in Kingdom Hearts, the birthplace of all hearts.

Although I was able to return, I was not able to resume my original, vast, infinite form. I had to adopt a humanoid form to survive, which was abominable to do so, but regretfully mandatory. I had no desire to lose, after all.

Eventually, I was able to recruit allies, those who shared my interests and beliefs, my desire to conquer all. With their help, I was able to regain part of the vast darkness I had lost from the keyhole of Hollow Bastion. Not long after, I was able to regain the darkness I had put away in Kingdom Hearts. At long last, I could reclaim my crown as the master of everything.

Then I lost it. ALL – OVER – AGAIN.

There was light I could not consume, no matter how hard I tried. So I sealed it behind a door and hid it deep within myself. It was the door to the light, one buried in the deepest darkness, locked with all my power.

Yet I had forgotten it.

When I remembered, it shattered my mind into a million pieces and sent what was left over the edge. I had believed that I was the ultimate darkness. Ergo, no trace of light whatsoever. When I rediscovered the truth, and I became unhinged, the Keybearer, Sora was able to eliminate me…for good.

I don't know exactly how he was able to destroy me…how he was able to completely eradicate darkness from the universe…it was an unfathomable outcome.

Yet, somehow…I was able to return, along with darkness.

When I was born again, I was greatly confused and disorientated. I stumbled across the fields of this world, plagued by confusion. I didn't understand how I was here, what exactly had changed and how much.

I looked at Sora and his friends, the idiotic followers of King Mickey, running down the path…and that was when I realised that somehow, time had been restored to the point when Ansem, the seeker of darkness, and the one responsible for bringing the Heartless back after they had been destroyed…had been defeated.

I began to remember that events were repeating themselves. When Sora and his friends had defeated Ansem, I originally had anticipated that the Organization, mysterious entities that researched how the heart worked, would want to squabble over the child for their own crude, unenlightened children's games. I had much greater schemes in mind. Being unable to deal with the lad and his friends at the time, I attacked the Organization and crippled it so that they could not interfere with my plans. With them out of the picture and the trio of buffoons in exile, I could carry on with my regeneration.

Now I was back where I started. The Organization were behind this, I knew it. I discovered that somehow, they had captured Terron, a walking impossibility that could turn imagination into reality. He was the one who reversed time and brought darkness, and me, back into the world. Unfortunately, it was not the way I would have wanted.

I found myself no longer in control. My powers were severely less than they had once been. The Heartless no longer recognised their father. The mindless, ungrateful creatures turned their back on their master. TURNED THEIR BACKS ON ME!!! And to make matters worse…the light still plagued me. I carried the scars from my defeat at Sora's hands. And now…whenever I lost my grip on sanity and self-sustaining, the light exploded inside me, the chaos tearing me asunder…empowering me beyond my wildest dreams.

Yet accelerating me towards my inevitable doom.

I was dying. And no matter what I consumed, I could not cure myself of my ailment. Unless I could find a way to end my damnation, I would soon perish.

For the moment, I remain unable to do anything but monitor the proceedings, waiting for the time to exact retribution.

As well as find a cure for my condition.

Recently, I had visions of the future. Great visions that I can use to my advantage. With what I've learned, my knowledge has once again become unequalled. With this, I can…and will, take my revenge on the Organization, Sora and all those that dared to defy me.

Although, thanks to recent events, I am no longer hanging onto my existence by a thread, I am now condemned to an eternity of disease. Still, I have little doubt that I won't be able to find a solution.

Hope for my condition lies within two anomalies, both old acquaintances of mine. Riku and Adam have found ways to wield both the light and dark in incredibly stunning ways. Their precise mastery over their powers is uncanny. By knowing their secrets, I can understand how to solve my little problem. Unfortunately, Adam was too far away for me to pursue in my current state. And an encounter with Riku did not go according to plan.

Still…there is always another solution.

I know that Terron's talents are too much of a burden for him to bear. I knew that he was still alive but not for much longer.

Of course, when I say that…I knew it wouldn't be me that would kill him. His powers would do that for me. Which is why I thought he might appreciate a little visit on his deathbed. Besides…I knew he owed me a favour.

Castle Oblivion.

Sharak kicked the doors down.

"TERRON!!! WHERE ARE YOU??!!"

The inhuman roars echoed throughout the entire castle, rattling it.

Sharak sneered and looked from side to side. He knew Terron was still alive. After Ansem was defeated, Adam had been the first outsider that had arrived at the castle, only to walk out as an anomaly in control of both his light and dark, thanks to Terron. Then Sora and Riku had arrived, surviving the manipulations of the Organization, and destroying a handful of their ranks.

Sora was still asleep after his adventure, along with Donald and Goofy. They had to sleep after having their memories altered by Naminé in order to reclaim their true memories. Riku had defeated Ansem, who still lived on his heart, and was now walking along the twilit road to dawn along with King Mickey.

Sharak's attempt to assimilate Riku to cure himself had ended in failure, and with nowhere else to turn whilst living on borrowed time, the creature had to return to Castle Oblivion to find Terron. Only he could cure him now.

After Sharak had returned to life, he had pursued Sora and his friends. He remembered the past and knew that he had to keep up with them so as not to fall behind. Unbeknownst to the whole Organization, and Riku and Sora, Sharak had been lurking in the shadows, monitoring everything that had transpired. Nothing had escaped Sharak's eye.

Except Terron.

Injured as he was, Sharak had surveyed the whole castle looking for him but to no avail. The creature had found the whole thing confusing as it had been infuriating. How could Terron have eluded him so easily? It didn't make sense. But then again, that was Terron all over.

When Riku had left the castle after his ordeal, Sharak had abandoned the search for Terron and gone after the boy instead, knowing that a more opportune moment had arrived to help his predicament.

When that venture had resulted in more harm than good for Sharak, the creature became even more desperate. He had to find Terron. But Sharak knew that Terron was like him. He was living on borrowed time. His powers were starting to fail him, so Sharak would soon find him.

Yet that didn't mean Sharak was in control. He was struggling greatly to sustain himself and not lose control over his mind and condition. He started tearing apart the hallway, screaming for Terron, becoming more desperate by the second, breathing heavily and roaring in agony and insanity.

"TERRON!!!"

In another room, hidden in the highest tower of the castle, Naminé knelt down beside the bed. The man in the sheets was old, looking as though he was in his eighties. Naminé had done all he could to make him comfortable.

For all the good it will do, thought Naminé, on the verge of breaking into tears.

The old man heard the girl's gentle sniffs. He looked to his side and smiled.

"Do not be sad, child," he spoke softly and weakly. "Try to be brave."

"You've been like a father to me, Terron," wept Naminé. "I don't want you to go."

"All worlds will be better off without me. That is all that matters."

The young witch closed her eyes and lowered her head in sadness.

"Naminé…" Her eyes shot open when she noticed the change in Terron's tone. Like he was urging her to stay focused.

"We must not let Sharak succeed. He will stop at nothing to claim vengeance."

"Terron…I don't know how to stop him." Naminé shook her head in confusion and despair.

"I'm not asking you to. All I'm asking is that you show them the way. They will need you."

"What about the Organization?"

"They've been crippled for the time being," Terron dismissed. "The remaining members won't be giving you any grief for a while at least. You'll be able to carry on with the restoration of Sora's memories in peace. Remember to take exceptionally good care of him, and the king's servants."

"I'll never forget that," assured Naminé confidently. "They're my friends."

"Good girl," smiled Terron warmly.

"TERRON!!!"

Naminé shot up to her feet, the shock of impending confrontation taking over her.

"Any second now…"

"I know," said Terron. "My powers have diminished too much. I'm now too weak to stand against him."

"He'll have to go through me…"

"NO, child," seethed Terron in pain. "You're too valuable. Besides…he won't be able to get what he wants from me."

"How can you…?"

"Protect Sora," Terron interrupted, obviously wanting her to focus on the objectives in front of her. "Wait for…"

A great crack appeared in the wall. Plaster started to crumble.

"Go now. When he arrives, tell him."

Naminé wiped away the tears, nodded in affirmation and then kissed Terron on the forehead. The anomaly smiled warmly.

"You are a forgotten diamond, child. And that does not mean you're worthless. It makes you all the more special. Never forget that."

Naminé's heart was greatly warmed by Terron's words. It was so hard for her to overcome the emotion and stay focused. Knowing she had work to do, Naminé fled, respecting Terron's wishes.

The wall burst open seconds later, with Sharak walking into the room. For the lack of a better term, he looked like hell. Light was shining out his grey, skinny body, which was growing lighter and skinnier by the second. Sharak was literally about to explode at any second.

But soon as his burning red eyes locked on the dying man in the bed, Sharak's condition didn't look so critical anymore. As he came closer in proximity to Terron, Sharak chuckled evilly. His pain was lessening; he felt more in control, he felt…healthy, like he should be.

Terron looked up at the towering creature standing by his deathbed.

In contempt.

"I suppose in a way…" grinned Sharak, "I should be thanking you for all you've done for me."

"Your end will come, Sharak," said Terron, simply. "And when it does…all worlds will live on without you."

"I DOUBT…" Terron's comment had obviously stung the monster, who was trying not to let the old man get under his skin, "…that that will be the case. The reason being…is that that already happened. And reality crumbled without me. You all need me to make sure that you all live on. Because, Terron…deep down…you know in your heart…that I am the only one that can ensure survival. Which is why you secretly acknowledge me as your master."

"You're not the source of all darkness anymore."

"I'll reclaim my throne in good time. And you, and you cannot deny this…you are powerless to do anything but help me."

Terron, weak and frail as he was, just glared at the sinister demon.

"Go ahead and try," challenged the anomaly.

"With…PLEASURE," beamed the insane monstrosity.

Sharak extended the claws on his right hand.

Then thrust them into Terron's heart.

At first, darkness and light intertwined with one another as Sharak took all the darkness that Terron could offer, and replaced it with all the light Sharak could give. Terron was so weakened he didn't have enough strength to scream.

At first, Sharak felt as though this would be it. The answer to all his problems. Sharak felt stronger and more in control than he had been in recent times.

The transfer was almost complete.

When suddenly…

"AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The pain exploded like a bomb. Sharak's mind was on fire, the light ravaging his body yet again. He tried to pull his claws out of Terron's heart yet was powerless to do so. They were trapped in his body, and Sharak, no matter how hard he tried, was unable to break free from the transfer.

Terron, who had received some measure of strength from the transfer, grinned at the demon as he sat up out of the bed.

The light went out and Sharak, seemingly regenerated, fell down to the floor as he finally managed to pull his claws out of Terron's chest.

Sharak panted and groggily stood up, trying to keep his balance as he made it to his feet. He felt like his old self again. It felt as though he had rid himself of the light. And yet…a thought lay in the back of his mind.

What if it happens again? All of a sudden? Without warning?

Sharak's eyes narrowed menacingly at Terron, who was smiling happily at him.

"It didn't work, did it?"

"I never said I had COMPLETE control over my powers," grinned Terron. "Only Riku and Adam have successfully been able to wield both darkness and light. They are the only ones who know the secret."

"But you're infinitely more powerful than both of them put together!" bellowed Sharak in uncharacteristic protest.

"So? What does that prove? It proves that all the power in the universe is useless, worthless, if it goes beyond mastery. It only ends up consuming you. And I am the living example of that."

Sharak sneered and then bellowed in rage, "You've given me a cure that is worse than the disease! Instead of dying, I am now cursed with this condition for all eternity! You've condemned me to my own personal hell!"

"I've made you like me, Sharak," smiled Terron. "I've made you an anomaly."

Sharak, knowing he was in control for the moment, lunged for Terron's throat. The creature knew now that he couldn't reclaim his prize, not like this. Whatever he struggled to gain, he would easily lose.

In a flash.

At least, Sharak thought, I'll have the satisfaction of providing you with a slow, arduous, agonizing death!

Even as Terron crashed off the bed to the floor, Sharak exerting more pressure round his throat by the second, Terron wasn't in the least bit afraid. Even as he choked, he knew that he had won. Which is why he smiled to mock Sharak.

Sharak's eyes widened with surprise. Bizarrely, he removed his hands from Terron's throat, stood up, and turned away from Terron, with a look of sheer amazement on his face.

Terron was confused. As he coughed for air and rubbed his throat to get the circulation back, the old man looked at the creature, wondering what it was…what thought that had made the monster snap out of this murderous rage.

Oh no, Terron dreaded.

Sharak's eyes changed position to give Terron the impression he was smiling.

"I almost forgot that you could see the future," sniggered Sharak.

"NO…" Terron tried to stand up but Sharak placed his foot on the old man's chest, pinning him down to the floor.

"I am most pleased that this visit did not turn out so sour, after all. I thank you, Terron. Your assistance has been more worthwhile than I could have hoped for. As a reward, I'll leave you at peace. Believe me, you dying of your own accord is much worse than any fate I could give you. Goodbye."

Sharak's maniacal laughs echoed throughout all of Castle Oblivion as he left the room. Terron knew that he was powerless to stop Sharak now. The only hope left now was that Naminé would be successful in her objectives.

Sharak stood by the doors leading into the room.

He didn't know when he would lose control again but at least he was no longer dying.

Small compensation, the monster shuddered angrily. He would have much preferred to have been rid of his condition all together.

Still, I have time on my side now. And now…I have all the knowledge I need to leap ahead of everyone else.

Sharak stared at his hand and fashioned all his visions of the future into a card. Sharak was concerned as to how long his powers would hold out before becoming unstable again. Before they would ravage him again unexpectedly.

No matter how long I will be in control for, Sharak contemplated, I WILL make the most of it.

The demon used the power of the card to realize his visions.

And then he entered the door.

Sharak was greatly confused.

"Hollow Bastion?"

The creature recognised this part of the castle. This was the secret area hidden behind the castle's chapel.

This was the place where Maleficent had fallen.

Sharak knew that Hollow Bastion was a focal point to the universe. This world's keyhole led to Kingdom Hearts. It made sense that Hollow Bastion would be more than involved in future affairs.

Sharak noticed the dark purple cloud. And he was immediately taken aback by Sora, Donald, Goofy and the Beast entering into the chapel.

Then became immediately angered when he noticed an odd distortion in the air.

As though someone was fazing into existence.

I've already seen this! thought Sharak angrily. This was the Keybearer's first encounter with…

Sharak was struggling to understand why he was seeing the past instead of the future. Then he remembered the unreliability and unpredictability of his powers. When the demon had fashioned the card for the room to visualise, Sharak had inadvertently included an important, yet overlooked event of the past.

Sharak then calmed himself. He knew that he had dismissed this particular event, and the Organization in the past after he had crippled them so they could not interfere in his plans. With the Organization now a threat again, Sharak realised that he had to remember everything about the Unknowns in order to be prepared for what they could deliver.

Sharak had underestimated them before. They were all dangerous, and now that the Organization had lost five of their number, the remaining members would be more on their guard, and therefore much more dangerous than ever.

He wasn't going to underestimate them ever again.

I cheated the Organization out of their prize, Sharak remembered, just as they cheated me out of mine. And I have grown much weaker since then. Maybe it would be wise to remember what it is I'm facing. After all…knowledge is vengeance.

Knowing that no one would be able to see or hear him, Sharak leaned against the wall and decided to just enjoy the show.

He turned his attention to Sora. The fourteen-year-old turned round and gasped in shock as the Unknown walked straight through him. As he did, several thoughts flashed throughout the adolescent's mind. It was as though Sora remembered all the people that had spoken to him in his last adventure.

Sora fell to the ground and turned round to see the stranger walk a few more paces and then stop. Donald, Goofy and the Beast locked eyes on the man, wary of the newcomer and anticipating an attack.

"Who are you?" demanded Sora, rising to his feet.

You always were direct, Sora, viewed Sharak. Weren't you?

The enigmatic man didn't answer Sora verbally. Instead, the words simply appeared in Sora's mind. Sharak could hear the words, thanks to the telepathy he possessed. Whatever powers Sharak could still wield, he would make the most of.

Ah…it seems you are special too, the Unknown 'spoke'.

"Ansem?" asked Goofy, clearly confused. It was a logical guess. The arrival and presence of this enigma fitted Ansem's M.O. (Modus Operandi). Sharak pondered Goofy's suggestion.

Only time will tell how right and wrong you maybe, you unenlightened oaf.

That's a familiar sound, remarked the Unknown as he looked over his shoulder.

You look like him.

"What's that supposed to mean?!" The Unknown's remark had obviously got under Sora's skin. It confused him greatly because of the cryptic way the stranger had said it. For all the Keybearer knew, it could mean anything, maybe as an insult. As the Unknown's way of bragging that his knowledge and understanding were superior to Sora's.

Sharak had seen the face under the hood. He knew the names of all those that served in the Organization. And he knew it would best to keep the identity of this Unknown secret.

Knowledge is vengeance.

Sora gasped when he noticed the crackling ball of energy in the Unknown's hand. Knowing what he was about to do, the fourteen-year-old summoned his Keyblade. The Unknown turned round and fired the stream of energy at the young hero, who with both hands wielding the Keyblade, managed to block the attack. The power of the bizarre, lightning-type attack was incredible. At the time, Sora hadn't encountered anything like it before. He was struggling greatly to not let it destroy him.

Sharak understood the nature of these creatures. How they came to be and how they ended up being so powerful. They were a great threat. Although Sharak was still regenerating at the time of this event, the arrival of the enigmatic man had not escaped his attention. The creature knew that sooner or later, Sora would encounter more of these Unknowns. They would interfere with Sharak's plans for vengeance and conquest.

Which is why Sharak made his move before the Organization had a chance to.

With great will and determination, Sora managed to push the energy away. The deflected energy attack hit the ceiling causing a minor shower of stone and mortar to fall. Donald, Goofy and the Beast readied themselves for battle, knowing that it was imminent.

Even at this stage, Sora was truly dangerous, thought Sharak. There is no way of telling how powerful he could become if he realises his full potential.

Sora glared at the Unknown. His face was hidden by the hood of his raincoat. It was hard to tell what he was thinking.

Which means…the enigmatic man carried on from his earlier comments…you are not complete.

Sora stood tall, Keyblade in hand.

Incomplete one…

The Unknown stared long and hard at the Keyblade.

That power…

Then he turned his attention back to Sora.

Allow me to test your power.

Sora stared long and hard at the enigmatic man. Total focus was etched across his face.

The Keybearer assumed his battle stance.

The tense stand-off evolved into one of the most intense and ferocious battles Sora and his friends had ever fought. Likewise, Sharak acknowledged the fact that the boy's ability to match the enigma's power was nothing short of amazing.

The Unknown wielded red sabres of energy to clash against the Keyblade. His agility was unparallel as was his ability to defy gravity and shoot rings of energy that targeted Sora and the others with devastating accuracy and impact. The Unknown summoned energy shields to protect himself from attack, a powerful shield to surround himself with lethal protection and was actually able to drain Sora's energy and health on a few occasions.

Despite these bewildering powers, the enigmatic man was on the receiving end of Sora's own power. Throughout this adventure, the teenager had developed his abilities to outstanding levels. Sharak noted that in this particular battle, Sora was using abilities that not many people knew he had. When the Keybearer and the king's followers entered Castle Oblivion, Sora was using these previously unknown special attacks more than any other.

Sharak found reason to be concerned over this particular issue. From the demon's point of view, it was contact with the Unknowns that were bringing out these new abilities in Sora. It was no wonder then that Marluxia and Larxene had wanted him as their slave. Under the Organization's control, the Keyblade master could be unstoppable.

More reason to explain why I wanted Sora dead in the first place, Sharak remembered.

Despite the fact that his friends were helping him, and that he had summoned Tinkerbell to constantly heal him, Sora was the star of the show. The Unknown had knocked out Donald, Goofy and Beast plenty of times, leaving the Keybearer to fight most of the battle on his own. The teenager had taken the fight to the enigma, proving yet again to be a valiant and credible foe. Finally, after an enduring and hard-fought affair, Sora struck the critical blow.

A glow of energy sizzled in his chest like electricity. It looked as though the Unknown's death was near.

Shockingly, the enigmatic man was able to push the energy away with his hand. It dissipated into nothing.

Sharak's eyes narrowed in anger.

Damn these creatures. They usurped my power to make themselves virtually unbeatable! And HE was truly the biggest usurper of them all.

Sora and the others gasped in shock.

…Truly fascinating, complemented the Unknown. This is going to be most enjoyable.

"What are you talking about?!" yelled Sora, running towards the enigma, Keyblade in hand, before the others had a chance to stop him. The boy leapt at him, weapon held high. But before the strike could come down, everything went black and white as the man began to fade.

When things returned to normal, Sora stood up, now behind the Unknown. The boy was obviously irritated by the 'cheap trick' this creature had pulled. Eyes narrowed, Sora turned round to face the bizarre adversary, who still had his back turned.

In your present state of mind, the Unknown spoke again, you probably cannot understand.

Obviously, snorted Sharak. Sora was always a slow cretin.

Regardless, the enigmatic man half-turned and looked at Sora over his shoulder, the time when we can meet again…will doubtless come.

"Wait!" protested Sora. "Who are you?!"

Sora and the others gasped once again as the enigmatic man vanished before their eyes.

I am…

The transparent image of the Unknown flickered for a few seconds, rippling as he walked away.

…a mere shell.

Sora and the others stared long and hard at the space where the enigmatic man had once stood.

It was as though he had never been there at all.

A mere shell? doubted Sharak. Although there's no denying what you are, there's nothing 'mere' about you. To them you are a god. In many ways, you still are.

Sharak turned and walked away from the memory. There was nothing left to see here.

The creature pondered over reliving an important, yet largely unknown event of the past. Was there a point in seeing Sora's first ever encounter with an Unknown? It was nothing new to the former source of all darkness. After all, this event was what drove Sharak to act. It could never be forgotten.

Sharak then thought about Sora's arrival at Castle Oblivion. When the Keyblade master arrived at a crossroads shortly after Ansem's defeat. How he had encountered a person dressed in the same raincoat, saying that, "Ahead lies something you need. But to claim it, you must lose something dear."

When Sora and co. set foot inside the castle, they were greeted by another stranger, again dressed in the same attire. The trio of adventurers were never sure whether or not those people were in actuality the same person that they had fought at Hollow Bastion.

Then, as soon as they encountered the rest of the Organization, the rest was history. They met and fought several Unknowns, all different. Axel, Larxene, Vexen and Marluxia, each with their own agenda, and all dangerous enemies.

Yet during the time at Castle Oblivion, Sharak noted that Sora and his friends had never thought back to the first-ever battle they had with one of these beings. They never asked whether or not one of these people had been the one they had battled at Hollow Bastion.

Sharak knew that Naminé was the reason why Sora, Donald and Goofy never pressed the matter.

It wasn't just that self-serving dog Marluxia that made Naminé conveniently 'forget' that particular moment. She was the clichéd damsel in distress that the dashing hero had to save. And there was his other friends to search for as well. Yes...compared to what happened at Castle Oblivion, the 'forgotten battle' at Hollow Bastion was irrelevant. But what Sora and his friends don't know…don't REMEMBER…I DO. And that is what will give me the ultimate edge.

The vision changed.

Sharak stopped walking.

It was the endless abyss.

The contaminated darkness stood tall and surveyed his surroundings.

Nothing.

Just his red eyes burning brightly in the darkness.

And then…

Sharak stared at the image of Sora, looking up at the starry night, standing in the crossroads.

That was before he arrived at Castle Oblivion. Curse my inability to control these visions!

Sharak nearly gave into his rage again after seeing what he'd already seen. Then, all of a sudden, everything went dark again. The creature's eyes narrowed in confusion when he saw words form.

Utter silence.

A bottle with a note inside washed up on the shores of some island. More words soon visualised.

A fragmented tale.

A world without you.

The eyes will close.

The scene changed to a dark, desolate beach with sharp, jagged rocks sticking out of the shores. The moon shone brightly as an Unknown materialised through one of the rocks and set foot onto the beach.

Under the hood of its coat, Sharak could see a small portion of the stranger's face.

As well as the eyes glowing an eerie yellow.

Sharak just watched the proceedings, his interest growing by the second, whilst the Unknown stepped forward. All the while, words continuing to form for Sharak to see.

Something so natural.

The scene changed to another world. The rain beat down heavily in a world that was similar to Traverse Town, yet was filled with neon lights and tall buildings, making it more of a city than a town. The sky was dark, filled with black clouds, thunder and lightning.

Sharak saw the Unknown walking in the square of the city, the rain beating down heavily on him. The contaminated darkness looked hard at the newcomer.

This one I've never seen before.

It was hard to make out the face of the newcomer. It was draped in the hood of his coat, but Sharak was able to catch a glimpse of it. The newcomer looked young, about Sora's age.

More disturbingly, though, was how he looked so similar to the Keybearer, almost identical.

Sharak wondered if it was actually Sora he was observing. Then the creature noticed that this adolescent's hair was blonde. Sharak was amazed, wondering what all this could mean. Was this newcomer an evolution of Sora? Or perhaps a Sora that existed in the other side of his heart? Or was this person someone…or something completely different?

No. His smell is too similar to Sora's. But how can that be? Perhaps this is some form of experiment that Vexen had set in motion before he died? No. I would have known about it. Besides, it was Riku that Vexen became fixated with for his science. NOT Sora.

Wait…Naminé. Is this what Terron instructed her to do? To somehow create an altered replica of Sora to fulfil his role as Keybearer? While Sora sleeps to regain his true memories?

Sharak's fascination with this boy was growing. Whoever this person was, the creature knew that he would play a huge part in the future.

Without warning, the image became distorted and blurred. As soon as the vision returned to normal, the mysterious teenager was surrounded by dozens and dozens of Heartless. Sharak recognised them as Neo-Shadows, grown versions of the common Shadow, and thus more deadly.

What amazed Sharak the most…was the fact that the stranger was wielding two Keyblades instead of one. And what shocked the contaminated darkness even more was that they were both different. Both had different key chains attached, providing the Keyblades with different forms.

Sharak recognised the Oblivion held in the stranger's right hand. This Keyblade possessed ungodly power. It was truly a weapon of darkness, which justified the legend that the Keybearer used his weapon to wreak chaos and destruction on all worlds.

In the stranger's left hand was the Oathkeeper, a creation of light that justified the other legend that the Keybearer used his weapon to spread peace throughout all worlds.

Sharak almost couldn't believe what he was seeing. The keychain on the end of the Oathkeeper was the lucky charm that Kairi had given Sora. To make him promise to return it.

Is it the exact same charm?! Sharak desperately wanted to know. His yearning for future knowledge became hunger. The more he saw, the more he wanted to know.

Or is it…yes. It could just be an object transformed by Naminé using Sora's memories. The clever, little witch…more resourceful than I ever gave her credit for. But…how could a fake charm bring out the Oathkeeper form in the Keyblade?!

The Neo-Shadows lunged to attack the mysterious teenager. With no effort at all, the adolescent began to tear into the Heartless. The monsters of the darkness kept coming at him, only to be destroyed by swift strikes from the Keyblades.

The words 'The memory beyond' formed for Sharak to see, puzzling the creature even more.

Cutting back to the action, the Heartless continued to multiply in the city square. They danced around the Unknown, charging at him in an attempt to devour him. The teenager easily eliminated them. As more Heartless appeared, others leapt high into the air. The blonde-haired kid looked up to see the three Neo-Shadows coming down on him. He back-flipped away and destroyed the trio of attackers as they landed before him.

More creatures leapt up at him as the teenager launched himself high into the air, magnificently twisting his body whilst doing so, striking Heartless left and right in mid-air. As he fell back down to earth, the teenager threw the Oathkeeper at the three Neo-Shadows that were above him. The spinning Keyblade tore them apart. Afterwards, gravity pulled it down to ground level, only to be perfectly caught by the hilt, just as the teenager himself landed on his feet. A half-second later, he had somersaulted backwards, high into the air above the Heartless, and landed perfectly on the front steps of a tall building.

I could easily see Sora fighting like him, nodded Sharak, clearly impressed.

The blonde-haired kid paused to see that the Neo-Shadows had multiplied from dozens to hundreds. He then looked upwards to the top of the building.

The vision again became distorted as it changed to the words 'Something so simple'. The vision changed back to the top of the building to show another teenage boy, wearing a black robe. This one appeared to be the same age as the blonde-haired kid, yet possessed short silver hair. And he was blindfolded.

RIKU…obviously. Sharak's eyes narrowed, wondering how he could have lost his vision. Or maybe still possessed it, yet was ashamed of something. Maybe some transformation he wanted to hide.

Riku smiled as he lowered his head, as if knowing what the other teenager would do. The blonde-haired kid, his face still obscured by his hood, smiled back at Riku. He then somersaulted into the air, dodging attacking Neo-Shadows whilst doing so, and then proceeded to run up the building, carving up the Neo-Shadows that materialised out of the building. The relentless Heartless chased after the mysterious teenager, leaping up the side of the building to get at him.

Riku appeared as though he was getting ready to jump off the edge of the building. It was as though he knew what the newcomer was going to do.

Sharak was at a loss for words. To him, this was absolutely amazing, totally beyond his wildest expectations.

The distortion occurred again. Only this time, the number thirteen appeared in roman numerals, as though the vision was counting down to something. More words visualised, only now it was quotations of people speaking.

"Where's Sora?"

"We must find him."

For the next few moments, the vision would become distorted, as though Sharak's powers were beginning to fail him, to lose control over his sight of the future.

NO! I must know more!

The vision kept changing back and forth between Riku and the blonde-haired kid…to the countdown. All the while, more words kept appearing.

The blonde-haired kid hurled the Oblivion Keyblade to Riku as he dived off the top of the building, Neo Shadows in pursuit of both of them.

Ansem's other report.

"A creation born of ignorance."

Sharak's eyes brightened and widened. He knew Ansem had written in chapter 12 of his report that he would write another report, detailing 'the innermost part connected to the world's heart, the place connecting to the world of darkness'.

What creation born of ignorance was he referring to?! There was more than one!

The spinning Oblivion was caught perfectly by Riku as his descent accelerated.

Behind the darkness.

Door to the light.

As Riku and the blonde-haired kid passed each other, Sharak couldn't help but notice the image of Kairi appear on the giant video screen on the face of the building.

The secret place.

"His voice…it's left me."

"This time…I'll fight."

The blonde-haired kid continued to run up the building. Riku continued to fall down. The unknown teenager looked at Riku for a brief moment as they passed each other. Sharak thought he couldn't be surprised anymore after all he'd seen. Yet he was in for another shock when he noticed that after the Unknown adolescent had thrown the Oblivion to Riku, he was now wielding King Mickey's Keyblade in his right hand, yet still hanging onto the Oathkeeper with his left hand.

Sharak became obsessed with what was happening. He knew that Sora had never been the first one to wield a Keyblade. There had been predecessors before him, but none of them had wielded two Keyblades at the same time!

Or had they?

Sharak was confused. And his confusion was leading to frustration. If there had been dual-Keyblade wielders in the past, surely he would have been the first to know. But the plagued demon knew that he was not what he used to be. He had fallen prey to amnesia in the past. He had only recently been resurrected. He was not what he used to be. Ergo, it was logical that his memory was not entirely recovered.

Sharak finally accepted that there were things that even he didn't know. YET.

And he was content with that, knowing that it was only a matter of time before he would reclaim his throne. His title of 'the superior of all.'

The creature looked up to see the thunder and lightning subside.

And the dark clouds part to reveal the meteor shower.

The walls are coming down, nodded Sharak in approval. Lovely.

A world between.

A forgotten world.

The gathering.

Sharak began to notice portions of what he'd already seen repeat themselves. He also noticed the colours change to simply black and white.

The imperfect visions were coming to a close.

"NO!" roared Sharak. "They can't end yet!"

VIII

The third enemy.

Nobody.

"Who is Nobody, you ask? They are the non-existent ones."

The distortion began again, the vision flicked between colour and black and white. Flashback images of Sora, Kairi and Riku began to appear. Then the image of the Unknown walking on the beach.

VII

ENDLESS.

"What took you so long, Kairi?"

"Can we do it? Against that?"

Heartless.

"We have come for you, my liege."

"You are the source of all heartless."

Sharak couldn't believe it when he saw it. HE had created the Heartless. HE was their father. Would someone say this to him in the future?

It sounds more like a revelation than a statement of fact! It must be directed at someone else! But…if I no longer control the Heartless, then that would mean…

Sharak's eyes narrowed in anger.

Ansem. He brought them back into the world. He created artificial Heartless to bolster his ranks! He must be their source now! He's stolen everything from me! The cursed usurper!

Sharak was in rage. Time had changed so that he was no longer in control. If this meant that reality had been revised so he had never existed, then everything Sharak had accomplished meant nothing.

The demon was like Adam. He had lost everything because it had never ever happened.

No. Sharak calmed himself. I do not know for sure the full extent of the damage done. I'll find out in due course the ramifications of the reversal of time. THEN I will decide what to do next.

The Thirteenth Order.

Another reference to the Organization, understood Sharak. They do consist of thirteen members. That I remember.

More flashbacks and distortion followed.

Metamorphosis.

"Sora?"

"Sora…why?"

"Your Highness! But why?"

Sharak's eyes lit up with surprise.

Sora and the King betray their friends in some way?! VERY interesting.

Sharak knew that it was just speculation, but it was speculation that satisfied the demon even more. An evil chuckle followed. If such a betrayal did happen in the future, no doubt it would cripple the other heroes in such a way they could not bounce back.

Leaving Sharak a chance to be the ultimate victor.

The vision again resumed to Riku falling towards the ground. The endless Neo-Shadows waiting below. The countdown was rapidly drawing near to its conclusion.

Change.

The third key.

End of the world.

"What is this place?"

"Is this the answer you've been looking for?"

"This is the world in its true form."

"Maybe our journey meant nothing after all."

Paradise.

The image then changed to Riku, the blonde-haired Unknown, the Unknown with the glowing eyes that had been walking on the beach, and another Unknown that seemed to be staring out to see on a dark moonlit night. In front of the images were the words, "We'll go together."

A giant flash followed.

Then the number two, written in roman numerals.

The scene changed again with King Mickey, dressed in the enigma coat, landing on his feet, Keyblade at the ready.

The lightning flashing, the thunder clapping.

KINGDOM HEARTS.

The chaotic flow of images ended.

Sharak was speechless.

Just when he thought he could take a breather, yet another scene materialised.

The bright-eyed Unknown that had been walking on the beach…stopped and looked at the Unknown that had been looking out into the distance.

The person turned to address the arrival.

"He looks just like you."

The last thing Sharak saw was Sora, completely unconscious, flying backwards across a fierce sea.

Then the words, "Everything is coming back to me, the true…"

"Memories," said Sharak as he stepped out of the room. "I believe that the word you're looking for is 'memories'."

Sharak dismissed the final image. The creature knew that that was Sora's dream state. No doubt Sora's awakening would soon follow.

The demon's eyes narrowed. He chuckled evilly. What he had seen was simply amazing. He knew he needed time to dwell on these visions, and plot out his immediate course of action.

Sharak screamed as the light burst out of his chest without warning. His mouth grew and his body mass decreased exponentially. The pain was horrendous.

Running away as though he were on fire, Sharak smashed his way through the nearest wall, determined to get as faraway from the castle as possible.

In perspective…it was a good and bad day.

NNNEEEEAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hehh…hehhh….hehhh…hehh…I thought this pain would NEVER subside.

Temporarily.

It will never go away. At least not completely. Unless I can get the cure from either Adam or Riku.

At least now I am officially off 'borrowed time'. What matters now is the future. I am simply amazed by what I have seen. It may not have been entirely clear, but I have seen more than I could've dared to dream. More than anyone else.

It would be unwise to disrupt the natural order of things. Doing so is what landed me in this predicament. No, I will LET the others write the future themselves. When, the time is right, I will play my role. With these visions, I will sew the seeds for the destruction of all my enemies.

So that I can finally reap the rewards.

I think about all my enemies. There are many. Significantly more than last time. Sora, Riku, Adam, the king and his servants…they're obviously the biggest threats. Many other heroes loom on the other worlds out there, too. They can't be overlooked.

The Organization. A constant thorn in my side. They're licking their wounds for the moment but they will undoubtedly be back. Having lost five of their number will make them more on their guard, and thus more deadly.

Xigbar, Xaldin, Saix, Demyx, Luxord…I doubt that they'll be able to overcome the Keybearer. Their late colleagues were just like them…glorified soldiers. Kamikaze warriors to be used and thrown away.

Although Axel…he is an odd one. A wild card. He may yet become a major player.

And then, of course…there are the others.

'The Superior'. I will take my revenge on him, educating the arrogant fool in the true meaning of superiority. But I will do that when my more urgent agendas have been attended to.

DiZ. He is one I will have to be wary of.

I think of my old allies. The Council of Darkness. Jafar, Captain Hook and Hades…they are still alive. They will undoubtedly return. I am like them: through with old alliances that resulted in nothing but defeat and scars. It is every person for themselves this time.

Ursula, Oogie Boogie…and no one can ever forget Maleficent. They all died but so did I. Death will not stop them. If I came back, then there's a high chance they will be able to, somehow. More players in the game, along with other, newer menaces that will stop at nothing to come out on top.

The Heartless…the Nobodies…on the whole there is much competition…TOO MUCH.

So it is only logical, then, that I make preparations to start 'trimming the field'.

And I think I know where to start.

A sharp pain strikes my chest…it's happening again. Riku and Adam are again too faraway for me to pursue. Terron is close to death. A cure will have to wait for the time being.

Although not an anomaly, HE…is still like me.

INCOMPLETE.

He made me like this. In a way, he…helped me get to this stage, put me on the path to correction. Maybe I can help him along his merry way.

My mind explodes. My body is ravaged.

I cry out his name.

In rage.

"SORA!!!"