The Uprising
Alright, I know you probably want to know what's going to happen to Riku, but I have to explain what's going on with Sora first! So, anyway, here is the fifth chapter of "The Uprising"! Like always, I hope you thoroughly enjoy it. Please note, potential readers who would like to sue me, that I do not own Kingdom Hearts, Square-Enix, or these characters, but I do own my ideas, so hands off!
!_!
Sora warily stalked down the corridor of Castle Oblivion, his Keyblade ready and accessible for battle. His oversized shoes squeaked with each step and echoed through the empty citadel. He was feeling incredibly alone, which took him back to the last time he had felt so forlorn. Memories of arriving in Traverse Town filled his head, reminding the Keybearer of his friends, Donald, Goofy, Riku, and Nami-. He stopped mid-thought. That name didn't feel right in his head. He spoke it several times, thinking of the girl he was in love with, but something was still wrong about it.
Concealed by the shadows, Larxene watched the teenager try to remember foreign things of his past. Her thin lips curled into a slight frown. Something wasn't going as planned and she had a feeling it was Namine's doing. Her grimace turned into a wicked, sadistic grin as she discreetly summoned a Corridor of Darkness and stepped through it. It was time to pay the little witch a visit.
Riku, meanwhile, many floors from where Sora was, stood alone in the barren landscape he had been transported to. Not a single Heartless remained, however the mysterious figure still stood far from the dark warrior, not yet moving towards him. Riku could feel the darkness pulsing through his body, sending out waves of power… Power he did not want. His appearance had changed as well. He did not turn into Xehanort's Heartless, as he had originally come expect, but a form not unlike his previous one. His platinum white hair was longer, now reaching his upper back. Riku's muscles were bulkier as well, and he could feel the strength that came with such a change. His eyes were now a dark amber color, which came along with his mildly tanner skin.
At last, the footsteps of the stranger filled Riku's ears. They grew louder and louder as he drew near. Finally, the man stepped into the light. It was Zexion. "End your resistance of the darkness, Riku; you were born for a purpose as great as this one." Riku did not sure the same beliefs, but just stood glaring at him. "Now, now," Zexion began again. "Let's not make judgments just yet. We can reunite you with your friends, Riku. Isn't that what you want? Perhaps a change in wardrobe is in order first." Riku looked down, suddenly realizing he wasn't wearing a stitch of clothing. He wasn't embarrassed for long, however, for the Organization member then snapped his fingers and Riku was clothed once more. He was now wearing longer, darker pants that had no abnormal bags near the end of them. Over his bare torso a shadowy substance swirled around him until it came together, forming a black sleeveless shirt, with two overlapping diagonal straps covering his front and back. Satisfied with his newest minion's attire, Zexion spoke once more. "You see, Riku, we are capable of many things. I am positive that we can help you find your friends, as well... If you do something for us." Riku thought a moment, weighing his options. With a definite nod, he took Zexion's hand and shook it. The loyalists had their secret weapon.
Namine sat in a dimly lit corner, silently drawing in her sketchbook. She made a few more strokes and gently blew on the page, removing the crayon dust that had gathered there. She continued again, but was interrupted by a Corridor of Darkness opening. Larxene marched out of it, on a collision course for the artist. Even the Nymph's hair crackled with the negative energy that drove her. The younger of the Nobodies quickly stood, fearing for what was sure to come. With a swift and clean motion, Larxene struck the girl across the face with the back of her hand, unleashing the power of lightning upon her at the same time. The receiver of this attack was sent to the ground, clutching her face in pain. Larxene grabbed her by the shoulders, her sharp fingernails digging into the girl's pale skin. "What have you done, you little brat?" She demanded. Namine did not answer, but her expression did the talking for her. She fiercely stared into the eyes of her assailant. This only angered Larxene, however, who hurled her victim back upon the hard floor and threw an electrified knife into her exposed thigh. While the memory witch writhed in pain, the Organization member took a look at the drawing upon the chair. It was of a girl who was obviously not Namine. She hurled the book across the room and summoned the rest of her knives. Perhaps their special Nobody needed another lesson in obedience, and Larxene was happy to oblige her.
Nearly an hour later, Namine sat with her back against the wall. With a shuddering breath, she grasped the knife lodged in her arm and pulled it out. With a defeated attitude, she tossed it away from her, leaving drops of blood all across the floor. Marked by a slight crackle, the weapon disappeared, returning to its mistress. With her slender hand, Namine tried to stop the bleeding in her upper arm, but the crimson liquid still seeped out from in between her fingers. She did not know which floor she was now on, for during their skirmish, Larxene dragged her into a Corridor of Darkness. She now rested, with no reason (or strength) to move. Her eyelids suddenly became very heavy as she drifted out of consciousness. The pain slipped away and her breathing became less staggered. She was finally at ease. Then, Sora walked in and saw her mangled body. The boy ran to her side, checking her wounds with great care. After he finished, Sora summoned his Keyblade in rage, knowing that he would do anything for this girl.