Chapter 25 : Peace
The small gummi landed safely on the lush green field of Riza's home world. The field was no more then three miles from her home. She stepped out. She looked up to see a bright blue sky, white, soft clouds, and birds chirping. "I'm home," she uttered softly. Ren followed her, with Josh and Charlie next to him, and the monarchs of Hearte close behind.
"So, Riza," Charlie came up behind and swung her arm around Riza's shoulders, her body on the right, "This is your home?" The younger teen nodded. "Well, let's go see if your mom and Komaru-Sensei is home."
The six of them walked out the forest to see a bustling little town, alive with people and pets. "This way to my house," Riza lead the way, Charlie still close by, Ren and Josh silently looking, the King and Queen whispering what a quaint little place it was. It took the party ten minutes to get to Riza's house. The teen took a deep breath and raised her hand to open the door. As she opened it, the heavenly smell of her mother's cooking hit her like a ton of bricks, "Mom?" she choked out.
The woman turned, and her face was full of joy. "Riza," Cara whispered.
"Hi mom," Riza smiled. The taller woman walked over and embraced her daughter.
The woman weeped tears of pure happiness, "Where have you been?!"
"Saving the universe," Riza chuckled, not to sure that her mother would believe her. Her mom pushed her back to look at her daughter. From the living room, a male figure walked out. "Komaru-Sensei?" Riza gasped.
"Hey little one," but that's all he got out, Riza crashed into him in a fierce hug. "Saving the universe, huh?"
"It's true," a male voice spoke. Cara looked up form her daughter to see her long lost son, Komaru was surprised to see him as well.
"Ren?" Cara could not take all these surprises. "But I thought you were..."
"Dead?" the siblings finished. Riza backed away from her sensei and looked at her mother, "Told you I was saving the universe. Also, I brought some friends along, can they stay the night?" Riza opened the door more to reveal the inhabitants of the Kingdom of Hearte.
Cara laughed, "Of course, but I'm going to need more food. How about Ren comes with me down the market, as well as Komaru, if you please?" Komaru nodded, "Good, Riza watch...what am I saying? My daughter saves the universe but she can't even boil water." The group shared a laugh.
"Thanks mom," Riza grumbled, crossing her arms over her chest in a huff, I'm not home two minutes and already the jabs to my pride are flying.
"I can do it, Mrs. Ukaizr," Josh said.
"Thank you..."
"Josh."
"Josh. Thank you Josh." Ren and Cara left.
"King and Queen, please make your self more comfortable while I change my clothes. Dried blood and dirt aren't the most comfortable," Riza joked.
"Of course, we'll help Josh here," the queen answered.
Charlie followed Riza to her room but Riza stopped, "Excuse me?"
"Your shoulder's wound isn't completley healed just yet and you expect you get out of clothes by yourself? C'mon, in you go or would you rather I call Josh in here?" Riza shook her head, Charlie nudged Riza into her room. Inside, Riza stood in her room, wonder washing over. She made her way to her closet and got out a simple outfit: a grey tee-shirt with the Ukaizr crest on the back, and a pair of black capris. Like Charlie said she would, she helped the teen out of her destroyed clothes and into her newer ones. She removed her right glove and arm band, her left glove and arm band removed. Charlie removed the bandages, the scratches were healing, she then started to redress Riza's shoulder wound before the teen put on her shirt. She sat down on her bed and lied down after she put on her shirt, she stared up at the ceiling, then turned her to see Charlie smiling.
"What?" Riza matching her friend's expression.
"Nothing," Charlie crossed the room and sat on the bed, putting Riza's head on her lap. "Better?"
"Much, thanks," Riza smiled. She reached up to her glasses and removed them, cleaning away the dirt and grime and whatever was on them. Charlie saw the keybearer's eyes, the bright blue-grey orbs that they were. This was her first chance to do so. But it was awkward for her left arm seeing as the bandage was new and still a little tight. So Charlie reached down and cleaned the glasses for her silver haired comrade.
Even after all the horror and hate she has seen, they still look innocent as the first day I saw them. "So, why do you wear those small sunglasses?" Charlie asked and she brushed away her bangs only for them to fall in her face again. She placed the glasses on Riza's chest.
"They're a gift from Komaru-Sensei. He gives them too all his graduating pupils. My father and Ren had a pair, but Ren lost them on a mission some time ago. Dad's shoul;d be on my dresser," Riza smiled. Thinking that she actually brought her world back, and everyone she lost. She could start to lead a normal life.
"So, now that you're the big hero that saved the universe from the powers of evil, what are you gonna do?" Charlie asked, leaning back on her arms.
Riza laughed, "I guess, lead a normal life," Charlie looked at her like she was delusional, "A normal ninja life. Probably move up in the ranks. Believe it or not, I'm just a low level ninja in the village. I still have room to improve." Riza smiled a big grin.
"I see," Charlie chuckled. "Hard to think the one chosen by the Keyblade still has room to improve."
"Of course there is room to improve! I can strengthen my techniques, better my mad magic skills and perfect my swordmanship! What about you, Kuzumakii?" Riza yelped when Charlie flicked her nose, but it didn't hurt.
"Probably guard the King and Queen with Josh. Perfect my swordsmanship, as well," Charlie paused and slipped into a thoughtful face, a grin broke across her face.
"Huh? What are you thinking? Spill it!"
Charlie looked at the teen for a second before telling her what was on her mind, "Before I left, Josh was talking about this girl he fancied. I think her name was Catheryn."
Josh walked in, a white apron tied around his waist, his cloaked was discarded, possibly in the living room. Before he could tell them Cara had returned and dinner is almost ready and ask why they were talking about his friend, the two broke into a fit of giggles. "What?!"
Charlie spoke first, "Hey, Mr. Mom!"
Josh flushed, "I didn't want to spill anything on my pants. Now for that! No dinner!" Josh stormed out, totally forgetting why he went in the room in the first place.
Riza sat up, wide-eyed and jaw dropped, utterly floored. No...Dinner? I can't be denied mom's cooking after my journey! Josh, you're not getting away with this! Riza stood up and went after Josh. Charlie stopped laughing, and shared Riza's expression. She was on the keyblader's heels.
They ran into the kitchen and stopped when Cara's voice boomed, "Ukaizr Riza! You know better. There is now running in the house!" Cara finished setting the table. With the added guests, Cara and Ren set up more chairs. Everyone was a little squished, but they were happy. Charlie and Josh got their monarchs back and Riza got her brother, mother, and sensei back. Dinner was just the icing on the cake, and dessert afterwards was the cherry.
After dinner, Riza sat outside, watching the stars. The door opened behind her and it was her mother, Cara. "Hey mom."
Cara sat next to her daughter, then looped her arm around Riza's shoulders, "You slipped out without a sound soon after dessert, why?"
"To think. Let this set in. I'm home, you're alive, Komaru-Sensei is alive. And, with my help, along with Charlie, Josh, and Ren's help, the universe is a safer place. To think, I was just a ninja in this village. Then, bam, I'm thrown into the middle of the epic fight between good and evil; light verses dark. It's just hard to believe it's over. And I won."
"You are an Ukaizr, honey. You're stronger than any normal human because of you ancestors. You have fox power in your veins."
"Still, how does that make me the chosen one for the Keyblade?" Riza held out her right hand and summoned the said weapon. Her mother was amazed.
"Maybe the Keysword saw that you are a pure heart, little fox," Cara ruffled her daughters silver locks.
"It's called a Key-blade mom," Riza laughed and stood, gazing up at the dark sky littered with stars; other worlds. "But I get what you're saying. The Keyblade saw that I was a pure heart and sought me. Well, as long as I wield the Keyblade, I'll never change. I'll keep my pure heart!"
"Good vow," It was Ren. Riza turned to see her brother.
"Ren."
Cara stood up, "You mister! You are way behind in quality time with your mother! Starting first thing tomorrow, I'm not letting you out of my sight; you are gonna spend the entire day with me!" Cara embraced her son. Riza walked over and hugged her family. She then let go and yawned.
"Man! What a day. I think I'm gonna head to bed. Night all," Riza opened the door and began to walk in before Ren stopped her.
"Hey Squirt. Charlie is in your room, she went to sleep some time ago. Josh and the monarchs are still chatting with Komaru-Sensei."
"Gotchya. Night." Riza walked past the four bidding them a good night, and made her way into her room. Tiptoeing in, Riza glanced at her bed, a lump slowly lifting up then falling. That...That...Witch! She's in my bed! Riza just then thought of something truly evil. She ever so quietly made her way to her bed, plucking a feather from her pillow and dancing it against the warrior's exposed ear. Charlie brought a hand up to to brush it way, but Riza moved the feather. She continued this until Charlie turned on her other side, her face toward Riza.
Riza hesitated, noticing how peaceful the troublesome teen looked while asleep. She considered stopping now, but then the little devil on her shoulder urged her forth, reminding her all the nicknames that Charlie gave her. Riza put the feather down and pinched Charlie's nose until Charlie's eyes shot open, breathing in the air she was just deprived. "What is your problem?" Charlie hissed, Riza was laughing to hard.
"Sorry, I couldn't resist. Plus you're in my bed."
"So? Never had a sleepover with any of your friends when you were younger?" Charlie scooted closer to the wall, giving some of the bed to Riza.
"No. Not that I remember. Anyway, let's go to sleep. I'm tired." Charlie shrugged and tned to face the wall. Then something hit Riza, "Charlie?" the other mumbled, "What are you wearing?" Charlie said clothes, "The ones you've been fighting in?"
"Yes, sugar, the ones with blood and sweat and dirt on them. Of course not! Pj's. What else?"
"Oh...it's just..you know what? Nevermind." Riza lied her head down, and soon drifted off to sleep.
She opened her eyes to see a pair of boots. She lifted her self up to see that the boots belonged to Zakiasu. She jumped back and tried to summon her Keyblade, but nothing happened. "Pitiful keybearer, you have lost the power to summon your greatest weapon. But I have only just begun!" Zakiasu pulled away his jacket and his blindfold to reveal a hideous demon, saliva dripping from his jaws, blood falling from his claws, a thick tail whipping around behind him.
"I don't need the Keyblade if I have me friends!" Riza called, pulling out a kunai.
"Fool!" the demon growled, "Your friends are dead!"
Dead? Riza looked behind Zakiasu after he stepped to the side. There, hanging on the wall like prized game, were her friends. Josh, Ren, and Charlie. "No! NO!! NO!!" Riza bellowed falling to her knees, tears falling down her face. Time seemed to slow down as Zakiasu charged. Riza looked up through the blurred vision. She sat patiently waiting the deathblow, but something else happened. Riza was encircled by light. She stood as she felt and arm come around her waist the other gripping her right wrist. From it the Keyblade appeared. "How?"
Behind her, a female's voice whispered in her ear, "Don't worry, I got you..." Riza nodded and the light disappeared but the body still clung to her. She began to swing her Keyblade but the finishing blow never happened...
Riza woke up slowly, a warm feeling filling her body. She moved her right arm to see that other hand was lightly gripping her wrist, and around her waist was another arm. She slightly turned her head to see Charlie still asleep. Riza sighed, it was just a dream. Well, the nightmarish part. The white light? And the person that grabbed me, was that...? Riza's mind trailed off. Riza looked up at the ceiling, she was lying against Charlie, the warrior's arms around her protectively, snugging in a bit closer. I wonder what she would say if I asked her to stay? Would it be so bad? I mean, she is my best friend. When would be the next time I see her? Will I ever see her again? Riza turned her head slightly and noticed Charlie blinking the sleep away from her eyes. "Good morning."
"Riza! Y-you're awake!" Charlie loudly whispered and moved to she separate herself form the ninja. She pushed herself against the wall, "Riza, I'm sorry, it's just that-that you were tossing and-and a...a...turning and you I thought that it would st-stop if I held you. Like my mom did when I was little..." Riza put her index finger to Charlie's running mouth.
"It's ok. Thank you," Riza smiled softly, and got up.
"Where are you going?" Charlie said sitting up, the covers falling revealing her tanktop and the top of boxer shorts with little yellow chicken like creatures on them.
"Taking a shower," Charlie slightly blushed, "No, I don't need help. Don't worry," Riza took out a white towel from her closet, as well as some clothes; laying them on her bed at Charlie's feet," If I need help, you'll be the first one I call," Riza winked and left her room, towel in hand.
Charlie let out the breath she has been holding in, the blush slowly receding. She got up and found clothes lied out for her already. "When did they get there? Oh, when Riza pulled out that towel," Charlie shrugged and put on the clothes. A simple pair of loose jeans and a black tee with a picture of a large shuriken on the back. She made her way out of the room after fixing her hair; tied back in the same long ponytail. She made her way past the bathroom, the sweet smell of roasted vanilla and almonds assaulting her nostrils. She shook her head and continued to the kitchen, Cara Ukaizr making breakfast. "Morning, Ms. Ukaizr."
"Please, Charlie, call me Cara," the older woman laughed. This is the first time Charlie really studied the woman. Medium length silver hair, a soft, lean face, slightly worn by age, with the figure of an athlete. "Now, Charlie, what would you like for breakfast?"
"Um, eggs please. Sunny-side up, if you can?"
"Of course."
"Morning, ladies," Charlie turned to see her cousin. His hair sticky out more than usual, still in his footie pajamas with little white, purple-winged, creatures with red pom-poms sticking out of their heads. He rubbed his eyes free of the sleep, but he could still be a gentleman.
"Josh...or should I say Jo-Jo, why do you still have those?" Charlie pointed to her cousin's child-like sleep attire, while grabbing a muffin, waiting for her eggs.
"These? They're my favorite!" Josh explained, sitting down.
"OK, understandable, how about this: how do they still fit?!" Charlie poked him in the chest, hard.
"Ow!" He rubbed the sore spot, "You forget, o'loving cousin of the brash nature," Josh grabbed the muffin from her hand, taking a big bite out it, "I'm a sage. A simple enlargement spell and these puppies fit like a glove!" Josh explained, while little crumbs flew out of his mouth, hitting Charlie in the face then swallowing the large bite. Charlie just looked at him with death in her chocolate eyes.
"What fits like a glove?" Riza asked, coming out of the bathroom, drying her her, with her right arm. She was dressed in a black collared tee and a pair of black shorts. She saw Josh's attire, and dropped her towel. "Josh...?" Josh turned to the young ninja, Charlie was still glaring death at her relative.
"These. My pj's."
Riza shook her head, picked up her towel, sat down and grabbed a muffin, "We're the only ones awake, I guess." The queen strolled out, in casual clothing, and took her seat. She looked a little sad.
"We're leaving today," Charlie paused reaching for another muffin, Josh's mouth hung open, Riza just look down after the queen spoke, shielding her eyes with her bangs, and Cara stopped making the eggs and turned around.
Riza got up putting her muffin down, "Riza, honey, what do you want?" Cara asked trying to lighten the mood.
"Not hungry," she was out the door.
"Riza..." Cara went. Charlie got up and left, "Charlie?"
"I'll have my eggs later, thanks!" She followed Riza.She was gone. Outside, Charlie ran toward the forest, guessing that would be the place to start look. Charlie looked toward the branches. Halfway through the the forest see saw the gummi, the sunlight pouring over it. Sitting in the open door, feet dangling out, staring at the ground was the object of her search. "Hey Sweetie. What are you doing out here all by yourself? Some bandits might get ya," Charlie smirked, leaning against the ship's haul, looking up at Riza.
"Charlie, if I asked you something, would you answer truthfully?" Riza looked at Charlie, her eyes red and puffy, cheeks tear stained; the poor girl has been crying.
"Of course."
"Ah...Umm.." Riza thought how she could word this, "Charlie, can you stay? Here?"
Charlie smiled a sad smile, "I...I can't, Sugar. I would love to, really. If I could I would. But...they need me. The King and Queen. Before this Heartless thing started, Hearte has been threaten by the neighboring countries, Soule and Bodie. They need me and Josh." Charlie looked away. Riza jumped down and faced the back of Charlie. She swallowed the lump in her throat and hugged the warrior.
"What if I go with you? Help out!"
"You can't. You would be breaking an important rule. The keybearer must not meddle in the affairs of other worlds." Charlie turned in the embraced and hugged the teen. "Riza, I can't thank you enough for the joy you brought me in the short time. I know, someday, we'll see each other. I won't let a little thing like the universe keep me away form you." They look at each other, "I mean, who annoys you like me?"
Riza laughed, as small tears ran down her face, "No one of course."
Charlie wiped the tears away with her thumbs, "C'mon, breakfast is waiting for us. And we don't want your mom worrying about her little fox, right?"
"Yeah."
"Good," Charlie kissed the top of Riza's head and lead the girl out of the forest. "Hey, how did you bandage your wounds?"
"Actually I didn't. After breakfast I was gonna ask you to help me. Would you?"
"Of course."
The two made it out of the forest and went back inside the Ukaizr household. Breakfast was quiet, except for the idle chat every now and then. After breakfast, Charlie and Riza went to redress her wound. They appeared sometime later, as the monarchs, Josh, Ren and Cara were on the couch talking about something.
"Ah! Here she is," Josh announced, pointing at Riza, "You can finally tell us what happened when you fought the Troup Grimm single-handedly!" Riza smiled, and sat down and began to tell the tale of unwavering bravery, power beyond belief and her discovery of her father's favorite tenchnique. When she finished, Komaru-Sensei spoke first.
"That Key-weapon of your's is quite a thing. I still can't believe that you were able to master the Kitsune Claw so effortlessly."
"First, it's a Keyblade. Key. Blade. K-E-Y-B-L-A-D-E! Keyblade! Second of all," she paused, "I think that my father's spirit is in the Keyblade. I mean, the Keyblade was channeled through his sword. And the Keyblade I have now looks like the sword. And, lastly, I am an Ukaizr! Learning new moves just comes naturally to me!" Riza ended that with a cocky smile.
Her mother was next to speak, "Riza, I can't believe how far you have come. Your father would be proud. I'm proud to call you my daughter."
Ren placed his hand on her shoulder, "You might actually match me in power, little fox! But I do say might. No one can match the Brave Lion in strength!" Riza smiled, that was her brother's way of saying 'I'm proud of you too.'
She replied with her 'thank you.' "Please! You couldn't land a scratch on me, even if I let you!"
"Now, now, you two. Behave in front of our guests!" Their mother scolded playfully.
"Sor-ry," The two siblings drawled.
The monarchs looked at each other and nodded. "I'm afraid it's time we took our leave." Everyone followed the monarchs to the gummi ship. Cara stood behind Riza, seeing over her daughter clearly, Ren stood to her side. Josh hopped into the gummi ship and started the engines. He leapt out, taking his place next to his cousin. "Keybearer," the king turned to Riza, the rest turned to see the conversation, "I am, the universe, is indebted to you. You saved it from certain destruction. I have no powers, so I can't give any new powers, but maybe this can suffice." The king produced a ring from a pocket, it was plain and silver. "This ring up's you physical strength, but not as much as your brother's ring from what I heard."
"That's fine. This might help me against him. Thank you," she smiled and bowed, placing the ring on.
The queen stepped forward, "Young Riza, I, too, have a gift that will aide you. I give you this, the Band of Two. We were able to access the date of Sora about five hundred years ago. His clothes had special properties, our mages and sages accessed that date and reproduced to saee effect and created this." Riza slipped the band on her right wrist, a small steel crown jingled about.
Josh stepped forward, rubbing the back of his head, "Unlike the monarchs, I can help you along in your magic. Ever since I got the Staff of Dragons, I learned to control the other elements. So, I want to bestow their power to you. I just know you'll use them later on. I mean a ninja that can use elemental attacks! That's gotta surprise someone. So here," Josh withdrew his staff tapping the dragon's snout on Riza's forehead. The dragon's sappire eyes glowed and Riza felt the elements rushing into her.
"Thanks Josh." Josh shook hands with Ren and got a surprise hug from Momma-Ukaizr. Riza turned to Charlie, and the two shared a smile.
Charlie walked over and looked down slightly at the little ninja. She leaned down and kissed Riza on the cheek, "I'll see you again soon, little fox," she whispered in Riza's ear. Riza wrapped her arms around Charlie's waist as the elder's arms wrapped around her shoulders.
"You better," Riza muttered into Charlie's shoulder, bewteen small sobs. They parted and Riza wiped away any stray tears. Charlie and Ren shook hands and she held her arms open for Cara for a hug. The small group from Hearte boarded the gummi ship and soon lifted from the ground. The Ukaizrs waved at the gummi ship as it got smaller and smaller, till it was out of sight. The family headed back into the village and back to their house. Ren and Cara went inside, but Riza remained at the door. She turned. She felt something, something dark. Maybe it was nothing. You're just getting over your big fight. Maybe you still sense Zakiasu's presence even though he's gone. Yeah, she agreed with her mind. Nothing more than her mind playing tricks on her. She headed into the house the live out the rest of her ninja days without the worry of the universe coming to an end.
Kingdom Hearts: Ukaizr
Thank you all so much for reading this. I just hope you all review this. Maybe you're like me, and don't review a story till the very end. This story took my a long while, and even longer to actually post it. It's one of the few multi-chapter stories I completed. I'm working on another, but it's an original idea. Maybe when i get a good deal of it typed up, I'll post it. Check out my art page on Deviant ART to see drawings of the characters. Maybe you'll see an illustration of your favorite scene. If not, contact me through Deviant ART.
Thank you again! From Niko5290.