Hey guys sorry for the long wait. Life. Enough said. Well this chapter is really long. 18 pages in Works...geez. Well I hope you like it!
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Chapter Six: Black Cats and Spiders
It was the cold feeling, fear creeping up the spine. Terra pulled the sheet up to her chin staring wide-eyed at the open closet. Something moved amongst the clothes that had gathered themselves along the bottom of the closet. Iole was snoozing soundly beside her on the extra pillow. Terra whimpered as a flash of red appeared in the darkness. Her heart was beating so fast it threatened to leap from her chest. She could feel beads of sweat gathering along her brow. Something was watching her from that closet, but she wasn't sure what.
"Juussstt goo away!" She said boldly.
the red turned into two beady eyes staring directly at her. It shifted again moving closer to the edge of the doorway. A pair of hairy long black legs stuck from the doorway followed by the rest of the body. A large black spider made it way out from the closet, Terra let out a loud shriek quickly pulling the cover of her head. The bed became heavy as something got on it, something was shaking her.
"Terra, wake up." She screamed again and began to thrash about.
"Let me go!" Whatever was shaking her stopped.
"Damn, that hurt, Terra wake up!"
She stopped trashing dropping the covers Riku sat on the edge of his bed rubbing his jaw. Iole was awake sitting on the headrest.
"Where is the spider?" She asked still shaking looking around the room wondering where the giant spider had gotten to.
"There is no spider; you were having a bad dream." He replied gruffly.
He had shot up from the couch the moment he heard her scream. He thought maybe it was a heartless attack, though he hadn't seen a single one since being on the Islands, however he found her thrashing in her sheets and Iole on the headrest squawking.
Her lower lip crept out as she slowly pulled the cover up again. "
Sorry." She mumbled pulling her knees up to her chest.
He reached out and patted on as he got up from the bed.
"Don't worry about it, go back to sleep. And have pleasant dreams." He said heading for the door.
She threw off the covers getting up from the bed.
"Riku!" She called as he stepped into the hallway.
He stopped turning around to face her.
"What?"
"Uhmm…could you…stay with me till I fall asleep. Gabriel always would, I mean I know you're not Gabriel…but I just…," he chuckled and nodded.
She smiled climbing back into bed pulling the covered up to her chin. Iole settled herself back onto the pillow as Riku pulled up a chair and sat in it.
"Thanks." Terra said with a sleepy yawn, she fell asleep almost instantly.
He was tempted to get up but grabbed a stray blanket from the floor pulling it around himself. Better stay to make sure she didn't have another bad dream.
--
She found her voice caught in her throat, Maya had taken the liberty to beat her once Ishvara had left then chained her to the wall. The right side of her face was badly bruised and swelled up so she was only able to look out of her left eye. The room was dark and abandoned. She only been in the temple once and its former glory seemed paled to the shambles it was in now. A pillar had fallen and tapestries were strewn across the floor. Bits of the ceiling had fallen in, no doubt from the fallen stars. She sank a little as much as her chains could allow in comfort.
Her eyes widened in horror as a small black creature wiggled its way up from the floor. Its amber eyes fell on her and started toward her. She wanted to yelled but it would do no good, no one was coming to rescue her anytime soon. This isn't…why? She closed her eyes as the creature reached out and touched her.
"Vermin."
Galatea snapped her eyes open to find a tall, tanned, blonde man standing in front of her hold a sword whose blade looked like water. He dressed in short-overalls that were different in length, one side fell below his knee and the other rested just above his knee. He wore no shirt just and open face jacket that hung just above the middle of his torso. On his feet were yellow shoes with brown soles. On the hand holding the sword was a black glove that came to his wrist. On his other arm was a brown gauntlet that came up to his elbow, on his shoulder was a blue bracer and connecting the two was a red piece of mesh fabric. He turned his head to look at her and gave her a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, we're getting you out of here."
She opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out, he raised an eyebrow but turned his attention to the other person in the room, she couldn't see him but she could hear him.
"Tidus man, there is a more out here why don't you come and help a brudda out, ya?"
"Sure thing let just get her out of these chains."
He turned around, she noticed he wore a silver necklace with a charm of a T that blended into a J hanging from it, it matched the red marking on the longer short leg. He raised his sword and hacked down the chains. Galatea slumped to the floor, tired and bruised it would be hard for her to move.
"Here, drink this." He handed her a small bottom with a green liquid inside.
"It's a high-potion, it won't heal your bruises much but it will help you move with little pain." She narrowed her eyes at him as she drank it down.
After a second she stood up patting her sides.
"They took my gun." She said.
Tidus shrugged rummaging through a pocket tossing her a pair of small spiked knuckles.
"I'm sure Rikku won't be needing them anytime soon." He said with a smile as he ran toward the opposite side of the room.
She place the knuckles on her hands and followed him.
Gabriel sat half asleep in his perch next to Haniel. The world they had visited was a dead end, a boy in a green tunic had assured Gabriel he had no idea who this "Terra" was that she had never been to Neverland.
"Well that was a bust, see any other world you'd like to try?" Gabriel shook his head laying down looking at the ceiling of the airship.
"I hope she's ok…," he muttered.
Haniel laughed Gabriel looked up glaring at him.
"I'm sure she's fine, but listen man you should…well its really none of my business but you and Terra are close and all. Have you ever considered asking her for her hand?" Haniel asked eyeing Gabriel from the corner of his eye.
"I'm her guardian, that's our relationship." Gabriel said flatly, Haniel shook his head disapprovingly.
"That is the worst lie you've ever told me Gabriel."
"Just mind your own business Haniel."
"Whatever you say."
--
Terra yawned rubbing her eyes as the sunlight hit them. She could smell something yummy coming from down the hall, she was starting to really like this world. As she pushed off the covers letting her feet hit the floor, Riku's head jerked up from his position in the chair looking at her startled.
"Morning." She muttered turning to her reach behind her and grab Iole who had just woken up as well.
He cleared his throat tossing the blanket to the floor pushing himself from the chair then jerk his head to one side to let it crack.
"Mornin'." He replied gruffly holding out a hand, she took it and was pulled to her feet.
"You didn't have to sleep there." She said following him down the hall, though admittedly she was following her nose.
"I'm your temporary guardian, so there in lies the fact I should guard you whenever I feel you seem threatened. And dream spiders count as a threat." He replied yawning.
His mother had made quite a spread, eggs, French toast sausages, and something called hash browns which was nothing more than finely chopped up potatoes. After eating three platefuls Terra sat back in her chair feeling sleepy again. Riku had finished his second plate and downing the rest of his orange juice. Iole was eating away at a kiwi which she was enjoying.
"That was delicious, thank you very much." Terra after feeling she could speak without popping.
His mother had a slight age on her face, her hair was a shimmering blonde that was pulling into a long braid. Her eyes were the same aqua intensity as her son's and her facials structure matched him as well. His father was a handsome man with muscles on just about every ounce of his body, his hair was like his son's and roughly the same length. His eyes were a deep blue with a smoky hue, like a rainstorm. He finished his cup of coffee leaning over to kiss his wife on the forehead.
"I'm heading off now." He said in his deep booming voice, he nodded to his son.
"Don't stay gone so long this time Riku. We hardly see you anymore."
"Sure dad." Riku said as his dad stepped out the door.
His mother stood up gathering up the dishes, as she passed Riku she bent down and kissed the top of his head, he scoffed rubbing his hair.
"Come on Mom, we've got guests." Terra snickered covering her mouth to stifle it, Riku shot her a look which made her laugh harder.
"I believe she finds your reaction to affection amusing Rii." His mother said with a chuckle.
Riku sighed deeply leaning back in his seat his bright aquatic eyeing Terra scornfully. As the morning went one Sora and Kairi showed up, today Kairi was wearing a pink dress that seemed to have zippers for stripes. She wore something white beneath it showed at top in the middle and its two white straps. Around her waist was a black belt that smaller black pieces hanging on either side. On her left hip was a bag with purple ribbon, she also wore purple shoes tied around her ankles by black laces. She tucked a piece of her crimson hair behind an ear as they stood outside Riku's house discussing what to do.
"Donald and Goofy showed up last night, they got a call from Halloween Town." Sora said placing his hands on his hip looking to the ground.
"One stop and then we find Terra's world?" Kairi asked glancing nervously up the street.
Its not like she hadn't missed school before, but she had never missed school and stayed on the island…every other time she had been taken, forcefully, from the island.
"Are we taking two ships?" Riku asked, Sora looked up.
"Yes one stop if that's ok with Terra, and you decide on the ships Riku." Terra was tossing Iole up and down, the creature was enjoying this.
When she heard her name she caught Iole and placed on her on her shoulder turning to look at the group.
"I…I want to say no but I'd feel horrible if I did…and horrible if I didn't. You seem to be an important boy Sora, so what feels right to you?" She said catching Riku's eye.
He was smiling slight as though silently laughing to himself. She raised an eyebrow trying to figure what she had said that could have been funny. But she turned her attention back to Sora who smiled back at her reassuringly.
"I'd like to go and see if Jack and Sally are ok, and there is someone everyone should meet." Sora replied with a grin, the other three exchanged looks.
"How big is your gummi ship Sora?" Riku asked changing the topic to something more pressing.
"As big as it needs to be, Donald, Goofy, and I have found a lot of different models. If you want to take just one we can store yours in the gummi garage if you'd like." Sora replied enthusiastically, Riku nodded pushing back some of his hair.
"So when do we leave?" Kairi asked smiling at Sora but still was looking around.
"Now." A squawky voice called from behind him.
What appeared to be a Duck and Dog came strolling toward them, well the dog was strolling the duck seemed to be waddling. Donald Duck was short dressed in blue, he looked angry though it was hard to tell. Goofy was tall and lanky dressed in green shirt and yellow pants his wore a carefree face and wide smile. Terra's eyes widen at the two creatures before her. Indistinctively she moved closer to Riku hiding slightly behind him.
"Well gwarsh I think we scare your new friend Sora." Goofy said looking at Terra, Iole jumped from her shoulder landing on Kairi's to get a closer look at them.
"It's ok Terra, this is Donald and Goofy. They're going to help get you home too." Sora said motioning her to move forward.
Riku shook his head lightly grabbing her shoulder's moving her forward himself. Goofy held out a hand, after a second she took it shaking it.
"Its nice to meet 'cha Miss. Terra, right Donald?" The duck made noise then smiled up at her.
"Very nice to meet you."
With a few more words exchanged between the guys then they were off. The ship they got on this time was much larger, in fact it had a small bunker with three sets of bunk beds and tiny washroom. Sora sat in what he liked to call "The Captain's Chair", Goofy and Donald took the seats on either side of him. Riku placed his hands around the top of Sora's chair leaning over looking at control panel in front of him and Kairi sat down on the metal floor. Terra sat next to Kairi as the window around made a loud "blooping" noise and a screen popped and two small creatures appeared, one had a small black nose the other a large red nose. Terra and Iole squeaked as the screen popped up, how many surprises like this would they encounter?
"Ready?" The dark nosed creature asked in a high pitched voice.
Sora nodded and the screen disappeared. Soon they were once more soaring through space. Worlds appeared and disappeared in blurs behind them. Terra felt slightly sick and Kairi suggested she might want to lay down. Graciously she did and Iole curled up next to her stomach. Terra stroked the creature behind the ears closing her eyes trying hard to not concentrate on the motions of the craft. It was odd however, that this ship would cause to feel sick. It was like stepping on Galatea's rig for the first time. After a while she heard someone step into the small room and sat on the bed. She still refused to open her eyes fearing she'd throw up on whomever was in her company. Iole cooed and purred against whoever was sitting there. A hand reached out and gently stroked her back. Her eyes snapped open at the sudden contact, Riku was on his feet going slightly pink in the cheeks.
"I'm sorry, I though you were asleep. My…my mother she use to come and rub my back when I was sick to make me feel better. Sorry." He said in what appeared to be one breath then quickly left the room.
Terra heard chuckling followed by a loud "OW!" Iole purred curling back up around her stomach and once more Terra closed her eyes this time falling asleep. When she woke up Kairi was sitting next to her playing quietly with Iole. When she noticed that Terra was awake she smiled standing up cradling the creature in her arms.
"Hey there sleepy head we've been waiting for you to wake up. We're at Halloween Town, so let's go!" She said enthusiastically bouncing out of the room.
Terra swung her legs over the edge of the bed preparing herself for standing. She did so without much of a problem and walked slowly back into the main part of the ship. As Kairi has said they were waiting, Terra was slightly embarrassed to walk out to twelve pairs of eyes staring back at her. But as she stepped out they all smiled and turned to depart from the ship. However Riku hid his eyes behind his hair clearly still somewhat embarrassed from earlier. Sora chuckled noticing as well and received a punch to his side. Kairi scoffed shaking her head at the two of them as Sora launched a failed attempt at retaliation.
"Sora!!" Donald squawked jumping slighting in the air in his annoyance.
"You're both friends, you don't need to be fighting like that." Goofy added to Donald fuming squawked
Kairi nodded in agreement as Riku pulled Sora off of himself and holding him out to this side by his collar.
"Let me go Riku!" Sora huffed crossing his arms.
"Ok since we're all here let's go." Riku chuckled.
Sora still had his arms crossed Kairi had a hand on his shoulder trying to keep him calm. Riku stepped a head of the rest as Donald pushed a big red button. The bottom of the ship much like those Terra was use to and one by one they hopped down to the solid ground and the ship zoomed back up beyond the dark clouds. Terra followed it with her eyes before realize she was suddenly warmer. She looked down at the ground thinking maybe she was standing over something warm, however it was black and nothing made any sign of heat. She reached up a hand to rub her head and look back at everyone else. She screamed leaping backwards very fluidly rest atop a large, round, gray stone.
Riku was the first to look back at Terra as she scream a smile crept up on his face looking at her Halloween Town costume. A black and white pin-stripe vest that came just under her bust with a deep, pink, silk cami. A black mini skirt with a short petticoat underneath that has a lace fringe around the bottom. Black fish-net stockings, black boots knee-high that were laced all the way up and flat on the bottom. Behind her a thin black tail swished in the air. On her arms were black gloves that came to the wrists with small sliver nails, and on her head were a pair of black ears that poked out from her hair.
She looked at them, Sora in black with mini black wings, and an orange face on the side of his that seemed unhappy, he also had fangs and he was grinning from behind that face. He scared her the most. Kairi looked more innocent, a light pink dress with a ruffled mini skirt bottom that poofed out. The top of the dressed had short puffy sleeves and had purple accents around the sides. On her head was a pink pointy hat with a black lacy rim that was tied under her chin, she wore white knee-highs and pink ankle boots. Donald and Goofy were also less frightening than Sora, Donald was wrapped in white-ish paper and Goofy…well his outfit was hard to describe. Riku she noticed was wearing and open white top that accents his light skin, dark pants that had a few rips and tears. His hair has been slicked and pulled back. Around his eyes was a black lining, he also had fangs and what appeared to be dried blood around his lips. Iole was still in Kairi's arms…but nothing had changed around her. She blinked realizing how easily she had jumped back on to this rock and looked down at her position. She sat on her haunches with her…silver nails digging into the stone she felt as though ready to pounce at any given moment.
"Terra, what is the matter? You're costume is adorable by the way, you make a cute black cat." Kairi commented with a smile looking at Sora as though seeking a compliment on her pink witch outfit he merely grinned at her then looked back questioningly at Terra.
"Don't you celebrate Halloween in Spira?" He asked innocently.
The others nodded in agreement Terra just merely stared at her hand which she was now holding out in front of her. It took her a minute to reply, she cocked her head to the side as she lightly jumped from the stone landing neatly on her feet.
"No, what is this Hal-o-een?" Everyone began to laugh.
Then abruptly stopped when her face dropped once again embarrassed from her lack of knowledge of the outside worlds. Riku stepped forward lifting her head up by the chin smiling reassuringly.
"Halloween is a holiday were children dress up and run around 'trick-or-treating'. In other words they go around in the area where they live asking for candy. This world is centered around that holiday so essentially we're dressed for Halloween here in Halloween Town. Do you understand?" Terra looked at him for a second an eyebrow raised trying to understand the logic behind the idea of dressing up for sweets.
She shrugged stepping out of his touch looking around.
"I guess so."
"Riku! This world isn't just centered around Halloween!" Sora protested but said nothing more as he, Donald, and Goofy led the way into the town.
"What is his deal?" Riku asked Kairi as the three of them followed.
"Riku, Sora did say there was someone he wanted us to meet. Maybe there is more to this world. Though its very interesting here. Did you ever come here while you were away?" She asked looking up into Riku's face which darkened slightly.
He shook his head no and moved ahead of the girls. Terra watched him for a moment before turning her head to look at Kairi who looked very sad.
"Is there a rift between them?" She asked Kairi stopped facing Terra who stopped as well.
"Its really complicated Terra. Please don't take it as I don't trust you, but honestly I don't know you. I'd rather not discuss their history, that and there is a lot I don't even know. Just know that Riku is trying to make it up to Sora and me. He feels really bad. Come on, they're waiting for us." Kairi turned and skipped back toward the group.
Terra remained motionless staring off beyond an iron fence to a large black hilly filled with strange orange objects. Iole manage to remove herself from Kairi hold and bounded to Terra and leapt onto her shoulder.
"Come on Terra!" Kairi called, Terra waved a hand and turned walking back up the path through the large stones trying to find her way to the black field.
"Where is she going?" Donald asked looking up at Kairi who shrugged. Sora bit his lip and ran off after her.
"Wait here, Goofy go tell Jack we'll be there soon." He called as he followed Terra up the path.
"Terra wait!" Sora called, she was at the large gate that led to the pumpkin patch.
She stopped turning to look at him.
"Why did you follow me? Didn't you have to speak with someone in town?"
Sora stopped to catch his breath looking at her curiously from behind his mask, definitely something very strange about her. But even so, he couldn't help but think he'd met her…somewhere.
"Why are you wandering off on your own? Don't you know its not safe to when you don't know where you are." He stated placing his hands on his lips like he was scolding a child.
Her eyes narrowed and she twisted her lips with a loud 'hmph!' before stalking off beyond the gate. His mouth dropped open as he reached an arm out though he knew he couldn't grab her.
"Hey wait! That was just a joke. Come on Terra they must have those on Spira!" He called following her.
Riku was growling under his breath pacing as they waited for Sora and Terra to come back. Goofy and Donald had left talking to Jack who turned out to be a skeleton in a black pinstripe suit with a bat for a bowtie. Kairi giggled moving to stand in front of Riku who looked down at her with a slight scowl, he was not in the mood to discuss anything.
"Oh Riku you're really horrible at this you know." She said bluntly shaking her head.
"I have no idea what you're talking about Kairi." He replied crossing his arms attempting to give her a stern look in hopes of discouraging anything further.
"Riku, relax we're all in this together." She said softly walking away from him to explore the surroundings a bit more.
Once Sora has reach Terra she was crouching next to a pumpkin poking at it with her paw.
"Its such an odd thing, smells odd too. Why does it has such a creepy face?" She asked without looking away from the pumpkin, Sora sighed looking down at the pumpkin.
One eye was squinted and its mouth was slightly askew in a devilish grin.
"It's a pumpkin, though since its carved like that its called a Jack-O-Lantern. People use them as decorations on Halloween. How can you not know about Halloween? I thought it was standard everywhere. What about Christmas, surely you've heard of Christmas." Terra stood up shaking her head, Sora's mouth dropped open and grabbed her by the wrist.
"You've got a lot of learn Terra, and what better way than to meet Jack. Come on." He started running.
She didn't protest this time as she was pulled forward and back toward town.
"So you see it's a rather big problem, and with Halloween growing closer we don't have time to spare. If you'll get rid of it I'll be sure to give you something special as a reward." Jack said grinning while looking down at Donald with his bony hands on his hips.
Donald squawked crossing his arms. Goofy chuckled with a grin,
"Of course we'll do it for ya Jack. We're glad you help you. Come now Donald let's go tell the others." Goofy turned Donald by his shoulders while he silently fumed.
Sora and Terra came running into the square Sora stopped short of Jack who grinned wider.
"Sora! There you are I was telling Donald and Goofy my request. I'm very glad you've come, though I am sad that I won't be able to join you this time. I hope everything goes well. Happy Halloween." He waved as he walked away through a gate across from them.
Terra had edged her way behind Sora eyeing the skeleton.
"He's dead!" She said in a quite scream burying her face in Sora's back shaking.
He chuckled turning around placing his hands on her shoulders as the others joined them.
"Its ok, its part…"
"Part of the holiday fun. I'll explain it to you." Riku interrupted offering Terra his hand.
She smiled and bowed her head to Sora as she accepted the hand.
"Sora, Jack told us they have a pest problem." Goofy started as Riku led Terra away.
"I still don't see why HE can't handle it, I think he's getting lazy." Donald snapped crossing his arms.
"Sora, he wants us to get rid of a giant spider." Kairi winced, she wasn't too fond of bugs.
As soon as the word was spoken Terra froze Iole let out a stream of squeaks at Kairi followed by a loud shriek of terror. The residents of Halloween Town peered out from windows and various crevasses.
"I HATE SPIDERS! THERE IS A GIANT ONE AROUND HERE! I HAVE TO LEAVE NOW!" Terra yelled at the top of her lungs.
She was all to quickly she was gather up and hurried from the square while the group muttered their apologies to the town. Once in the quite safety of the cemetery Riku let go of his hold of Terra's mouth which she let out a few curses and more screams about the giant spider.
"Now, don't 'cha think you're overreacting a bit Miss. Terra?" Goofy asked smiling as always.
Terra's upper lip stiffened as she looked at the faces around who all stared back silently at her.
"No I'm not! Have any of you ever been chased around by a giant spider? Or even woken up with them in your hair? Their vile creatures! VILE!" She said firmly crossing her arms still shaking lightly.
"I have to agree, I don't like spiders much either. Maybe this a job for the guys to handle. We'll just wait here and talk, sound fair?" Kairi offered more than willing to stay behind.
"Kairi I don't think you should be left alone, what if something worse comes along?" Riku and Sora said together both clearly worried.
"Please, if its not a spider or any kind of bug we'll handle it. I have a keyblade too you know."
"I'm not exactly feeble either! Gabriel and I trained very hard, I can handle my share of…fiends." Both girls locked arms staring at them diligently.
"Well looks like they told them." Donald chuckled as they sauntered off.
"So Terra, why do you dislike spiders so much?" Kairi asked rocking back and forth on her heels.
Terra bit her lip staring at the ground. Kairi stopped rocking watching the other girl as she covered her face in her hands.
"Once when I was little I got lost in the Macalania woods. I wasn't too scared since I knew the Guado were around and would help me if I asked for it. You see, Gabriel and I were playing hide-and-go-seek, did that a lot when were kids. So seeing us walking around alone in a small area wasn't new. But this time Gabriel didn't come and find me, I waited in my hiding spot thinking that even though I wasn't sure where I was someone would find me as long as I stayed put. I slept there, and when I woke up at first like I felt something crawling on my head. When I ran my fingers through my hair I found a lot of spiders in my hand. "
I scream and when I running pulling at my hair trying to get them out. I ended up running into a Guado woman she took me to the lake and got the spiders out of my hair. For months I couldn't sleep unless I knew my head was covered and protected from spiders. I also spend days afterwards washing my hair thinking they had laid eggs in it. Then when I went on my pilgrimage Gabriel and were walking down the Djose Highroad. It was dark and were heard something shifting behind us. We figured it was a fiend so we armed ourselves. When it slunk into the light…well it was a giant spider fiend. So of course I screamed and ran and it chased after me. Gabriel kept telling me to stop running, face my fear he said. I didn't and he disposed of it. Every time I see one I keep thinking of that morning finding them in my hair, it creeps me out." Terra lifted her head from her hands looking at Kairi.
Kairi smiled putting an arm around the girl.
"Its ok, we're all scared of something. But you know, you'll have to face your fear one day. You can't live life hiding from things that are scary. But today you've got Sora, Riku, Donald, and Goofy out there protecting you from it. I'm sure your friend Gabriel would be out there too."
Terra nodded leaning her back against the cool tombstone. Iole had perched herself on the iron gate looking out into the pumpkin patch. Terra chuckled poking at one of the kitty-ears on her head.
"What a strange holiday, dressing up to get candy." She mused looking up at the 'jack-o-lantern' faced moon.
"Its just good fun. Besides it gives you a chance to be something or someone you're not. Think about it, wouldn't you like to have those cat like reflects on a daily basis?"
"They would come in handy, but the outfit seems a little over the top." Terra replied poking at the ruffles of her skirt.
"Heh, well I suppose so. But it does look really cute on you. Maybe it something you can take home and introduce. Who knows, maybe they'll really like it."
"I don't know. Its…different there. We're just now starting toward satiability from the fall of the temples. We have no knowledge of the outside worlds. So why would they believe something from one person? But maybe…one day." She sighed.
"Spira sounds like an interesting place." Kairi replied.
"Hey! Let's go walk around, see those woods over there. We may not get the chance to come back for awhile, don't you want to see as much of this world as you can?" Kairi beamed grabbing Terra by the hand and pulling her toward the trees.
Iole turned her head and hopped from the gate following after them. Terra bit her lip as they ran up the path and down into the dark woods. It was bad enough there was a giant spider on the loose, but here they were wandering around in a dark forest.
"Kairi, I think we should go back. This doesn't feel right." Terra said as Kairi let go of her hand.
They were standing in a circular opening Kairi was looking around with a wide-eyed expression. Terra scooped Iole from the ground clutching her close keeping as close to Kairi as possible while glancing around nervously at the surroundings. She hated herself for being scared like this, but it was very dark and silent. All that was missing was the giant monster ready to devour them.
"Wow, isn't this cool Terra? Terra?" Kairi turned around finding Terra right behind her.
"Come on Terra, the spider is far off and more than likely getting its butt kicked. Don't be scared." Kairi said gently.
"Its not just the spider. I told you, being here doesn't feel right." Terra muttered continuing to look around nervously.
Sora drew in a deep breath resting his keyblade on his shoulder staring at the slowly disappearing heartless spider. With Riku, Donald, and Goofy it was a lot easier and quicker to dispatch of it.
"Well that's over with. Let's get back for those two get themselves into trouble." Riku laughed as his own key blade disappeared from his hand.
As they made their way back to the pumpkin patch they heard a loud shriek. Without a second thought they dashed off toward the graveyard. Terra and Kairi were back up against a tree. Terra held out her staff forming a shell around the two of them as the spider tried to break through it with one of it hairy legs. With each blow Terra's arms feel a bit, her face full to terror thinking of what would happen if it got through.
"Terra…," Kairi whispered as the girls arms sunk lower and the shell seemed to be fading.
Terra closed her eyes taking in a deep breath. The one day she'd have to face her fear was today. She wasn't ready. She flung out her arm holding the staff sending a shock wave that pushed the spider back across the opening. Kairi readied herself with her keyblade while Terra held out her other arm. A faint glow appeared above her wrist, the glow spread out into a oval that spread across her hand. When it formed it began to spin Terra moved her hand over her face. When it stopped the glow engulfed Terra, the spider was up and moving toward them Kairi gripped her keyblade tightly. When the glow faded Terra stood holding out a large katana that mimicked the blade of her Paramour staff.
On head was a simple samurai style helmet with a thin yellow metal band that was shaped like a crescent on its side on the right side of the helmet. The helmet itself was black and metal that had thin flaps that covered her ears and the sides of her neck. The outfit was deep green with a blend of purple and blues. The top of the outfit hung around her shoulders showing a white tape wrap around her bosom. The rest was tight around her stomach and the skirt was lose with a large slit in the back and front to allow for movement. On her feet were knee high boots that looked like getas and white socks, they however were flat on the bottom. Along the sides of the garment were the same thin black metal that matched her helmet and ran from her waist to her knees. Kairi's jaw dropped as Terra lifted the sword from the ground crossing it across her body posed for an attack.
Riku was the first to reach the graveyard when he found neither girl there he began to search franticly through the tombstones hoping they were hiding. But he didn't find them, or any source of what could have frightened them. Sora, Donald, and Goofy reach him and looked around too.
"Maybe they went into to town." Goofy offered pointing toward the gates of Halloween Town.
"Maybe." Sora nodded walking toward the town.
"Don't move." Terra said softly eyeing the spider.
Kairi looking to the right toward the path that led back to the graveyard. They could lead the spider there, surely the boys were near by. But she looked back at Terra, she was shaking but she still held her position ready to launch into an attack at any moment. She bit down on her lip as the spider drew near. In one fluid movement she was in the air the sword held out to the side. The spider crashed in to the trees that had been behind Terra. Kairi leap aside and Iole who had taken refuge in the trees sprang to the ground and down the path. The spider turned toward Kairi to held out her keyblade and slashed at it cutting one of its legs. It make a high-pitched sound that caused both girls to cover their ears. Terra had landed in the center of the opening, Kairi was now boxed between the spider and the trees.
"Kairi, tuck and roll!" Terra called.
Iole screeched as she bound down the path. Goofy was the first to see her and nudged Sora and pointed toward the monkey-like creature.
"Hey Riku! Terra's pet came from the woods!" Sora called.
Riku was still hunting around the tombstones hoping they were hiding there. He looked up toward the woods and ran off in that direction. Sora followed, Goofy scooped up Iole and he and Donald took up the rear.
"Alright spidey let's see how you like this!" Terra called as she raised her sword above her head.
Pink, blue, and yellow lights flared up around her body as she concentrated her magic reading for the blow. She swung her sword down to the ground. Two balls of fire sparked up and hit the spider. It fell over for a moment, Kairi took her chance and ran to Terra standing at her side. The spider got up smoke rising from its back, but still not beaten.
"Ok, now what?" Kairi asked nearly breathless as the spider charged.
"Hit it with everything you got!" Terra yelled charging toward the spider both hands on the hilt of the sword.
The boys reached the edge of the opening just as the girls began the assault on the spider. One of its legs swung out knocked Terra back into a tree, Kairi fell back putting herself in front of Terra. Terra groaned as she stood up one arm wrapped around her sides.
"Terra here!" Kairi raised a hand throwing a green ball of light at Terra.
Terra stood up grabbing the sword with both hands again and once more the girls charged. Sora made a movement to go and help them but Riku held out and arm to stop him.
"Hey!"
"Sora, let them handle it. It would be a blow to their egos if we just finished it off."
"Hmph."
Terra once more leapt into the air this time landing on the spider's back. Kairi got beneath the spider where the heart should be. Kairi stabbed upwards and Terra stabbed down. The spider gave a loud shriek and the girls hurried back to the shelter of the trees. The spider fell and disappeared in a blue and black smoke a small pink heart floated up and into the night. The four boys clapped, it took the girls a moment to stop them at the edge of the clearing. The glow appeared on Terra's wrist once more and the samurai dress disappeared and was replace with her black cat costume and the Paramour staff in hand. Kairi held up a hand and the girls high-fived as they race back to the boys.
"So conquered your fear of spiders?" Riku asked.
Terra shook her head as she placed Iole on her shoulder.
"Not in the slightest." She replied, Riku chuckled.
"Hey Terra what was that? That thing that changed your clothes?" Kairi asked grabbing her wrist trying to find the source of the glow.
"It's a garment grid, it holds different dresspheres that each have their own unique ability." She stated matter-of-factly.
"Ooo, that sounds cool. How do you get one?"
"Hey hey, there is plenty of time for that later! Let's go report to Jack then I want you to meet someone. Come on!" Sora yelled as he raced toward town.
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Oh and if you see any errors please let me know. I try to go over each chapter as best I can, but no one is perfect right? Thanks.