Chapter 17
Two hours later, Sora was up in the guest room with a stomachache. "Oh," he moaned, clutching his stomach. Geni was sitting next to him, concocting a potion to alleviate his stomach pains.
"Hey, I warned you about Merlin's cooking. He's getting better, but he still orders out a lot. It was probably the casserole that did you in." She grabbed a bottle from the nightstand and poured some powder from it into her mortar dish, using a pestle to mix it around with the paste already in the dish. It was taking her longer than usual because she could only use one hand, but she was quite dexterous. "You should have only had a small helping, like I did. But no, three mounding platefuls?!"
"Hey, it was good!" Sora tried to reason. But his stomach spoke louder than he did, causing him to roll over and clutch it tighter. Geni rolled her eyes, grabbing one last bottle. Pouring in a thick liquid, the cup released some purple smoke, and the paste turned into a pink, nasty looking liquid. She poured it into a cup and handed it to Sora.
"Here, drink this. It will lessen the cramping, but take it easy for the rest of the night." Sora sat up, wincing, and took the cup from her. "Drink it quickly – it does taste horrible." Sora took her advice, and downed the mixture in two gulps. He almost retched because the taste and smell were so bad but almost immediately the pain lessened and he felt better. He handed back the cup and lay back down on the bed with a sigh.
"Ugh, that was terrible," he said.
"But aren't you feeling better?" Geni asked as she cleaned up her potion bottles, plugging them up and putting them carefully back into her sectioned container.
"Yes, I am. Thank you oh mighty potions master, I am not worthy."
"I'll take that as a thank you."
It was about nine o'clock; Goofy and Donald were packing the gummi ship and getting it ready for an early morning flight. Merlin had apologized over and over again because of his flawed cooking, and offered to send more food along with them. Politely dissuading him, Geni had taken poor Sora upstairs to where he could moan in peace while she made him the potion. "You're lucky I had my kit here, otherwise you wouldn't have been leaving as early as you are tomorrow morning."
Sighing heavily, Sora turned towards her. "I know, I know." His stomach still hurt a little, but it wasn't as bad as it was before. For the most part he was already ready for bed; he had taken his shoes and coat off before Geni had made him lie down so he would be more comfortable. He closed his eyes slowly, hearing Geni leave the room. He could hear her footsteps walking to her room next door, and some stuff moving around before she walked back in. He opened his eyes and looked at her.
"Are you going to bed then?" she asked him as she sat back down in her chair.
"Yeah," he said yawning. "Even with that soak in the hot springs, my body still feels exhausted from today. I hope Donald and Goofy are feeling okay."
"I'm sure they are, but I'll check on them before I head off to bed as well. They should be done soon; you're lucky Merlin gave you all separate rooms this time. Anyway," she said, getting up. She dragged the chair over to the wall with her good hand. Walking back over to pick up her case, she said, "I'll be heading out then. If your stomachache gets any worse, just come get me and I'll mix up something a bit stronger. Good night Sora."
"Good night." Geni walked out and closed the door. Sora rolled onto his side, the lights automatically dimming like before. Unfortunately, his slow to fade stomachache kept him up, making him think of things better left alone.
Everyone is depending on me. Kairi, to rescue her. Everyone here, for me to completely destroy the Heartless and Nobodies. The Organization, to help them become whole. Well, that one maybe not so much, but technically yeah. And I promised Geni that we would all go home together – and that promise includes Riku and Kairi as well. What am I supposed to do? What am I going to do? Stupid stomachache…pain in the rear… As Sora mused, he at last drifted off into a restless sleep.
Sora wasn't the only one with restless thoughts that night. Geni left and went to check on Donald and Goofy as promised. They had finished loading the gummi ship and were talking with Merlin when Geni walked downstairs. "So, how is Sora?" Merlin asked worriedly.
"He's fine, Merlin. Just a stomachache, nothing major. I gave him some potion to alleviate the cramps and pain so he should be sleeping soon. I wanted to check on you two, though. How are you feeling after today?" she said, looking at Donald and Goofy.
"Tired," Donald said with a yawn.
"Yeah, we busted up major scores of Heartless and Nobodies today," Goofy added.
"I see that the hot springs helped as well. No cuts or bruises left?" Merlin inquired.
"No, none. And my wrist and ankle are both feeling much better as well, considering."
"Ah. Well, a little magic never hurts, right?" He winked at the three. "Well now, I have some business to attend to with my crystal ball. If you'll excuse me?"
"Of course. Good night, Merlin, and thank you for letting us stay over."
"Anytime, my friends. I will see you in the morning." Bowing his goodbye, he walked towards his table and made himself comfortable before activating his crystal.
"We'll, that's our cue to go." Geni walked back upstairs and to her room. Turning, she said, "I'm heading off to bed as well. See you two in the morning."
"Okee-dokee. Good night." Goofy waved and headed towards the room on the other side of Sora's, and Donald the one after that. Geni closed her door gently, smiling at her friends. However, once the door was closed her smile disappeared and was replaced by a worried frown.
"What am I forgetting?" she asked herself. She changed into her favorite pajamas, the ones with the rainbow rubber duckies; Geni of course had been visiting, so she had some spare clothes in a suitcase with her unlike Sora, Donald, and Goofy. As she sat down on the bed and undid her braid, her long hair cascaded down her shoulders and her back. Taking a brush, she carefully began the tedious task of brushing it out with her good hand. While doing this, she mused aloud.
"Sora said he saw someone from the Organization with me when they found me. That must mean it was him who saved me, and who also left the box. The ice cream and photograph must have been some kind of clue. But if I'm guessing right, it's meant to help Sora enter the realm of darkness somehow. The salty ice cream is a flavor I've never heard of, and besides it sounds revolting. The picture, the one with Hayner, Pence, Olette, and…Roxas, was it? Yeah, that's what Sora said. That picture must have something to do with the Nobody's world and Organization XIII. But what would those three and Twilight Town have to do with it?" Geni furrowed her forehead, deep in thought as she brushed out her hair.
Untangling the last knot, she finished and rebraided her hair. She removed her bandages for the night and placed them on the desk. Climbing into bed, her mind was still working too hard to concentrate on sleeping. The lights automatically began to dim, but did not go completely out as Geni was still sitting up in bed. Sitting with her knees pulled to her chin, she thought about what had happened that day.
I was so scared when I felt that pain in my shoulder; it was almost like a wave of terror washed over me and I could barely breathe. But why could I feel Sora's pain? Is it a twin thing, or something else? How deep is the connection that we have with each other? Also, the incident with Maleficent – or really, what happened after it. I should have been crushed, but I wasn't thanks to some help. He says he wants to stay away from Sora because of what happened, yet he comes all the way here just to give him a clue and in the process save me yet again. I don't mind, but…he always does it! I can't do anything to protect myself, and when I can help them it's usually too late – hence Sora's dislocated shoulder that he shouldn't have had in the first place. Stupid heart…why can't I just… And with that, Geni lay down and rolled over to face the wall, still irritated and as unable to sleep as before.
Long into the night Sora, Donald, Goofy, and eventually Merlin slipped off into the Land of Nod, whereas Geni couldn't fall asleep no matter what. She even tried a sleeping spell on herself, but it only lasted for an hour or so. Rolling over once again she noticed that her portable alarm clock read 2:34 am. Sitting up she mentally yelled at her brain to shut down for the night. Finally deciding that maybe a little exercise would wear her out, she got up and put on a long jacket and her sandals. Opening her door as quietly as she could, she stepped out into the hallway. Listening she heard three sets of snores coming from down the hall, and assumed it would be safe. After the soft click of her door closing, she walked quickly and quietly down the stairs. The lights began to flare to life and Geni swiftly had to spell them to keep the light down. Walking towards the front door she once again checked that no one had followed her.
Stepping out into the fresh night air, Geni took a deep breath. The air was cool, and she was glad she had put on her coat. Merlin's borough was still, the houses dark. The moon was shining brightly in the sky, almost completely full. Geni began walking towards the bailey to get a better view of the tranquil night. Climbing the steps was easier now than it was before so she wasn't even out of breath when she reached the top. Walking towards the edge, she admired the darkened landscape. The moon lit up the chasm and the small canyons around it, casting a pale glow onto the ruins in the distance.
The wind was blowing softly, fresh and clear. Taking yet another deep breath, Geni could feel her body and mind finally relaxing, enjoying the scene before her. However, the wind was also very cool and she pulled her coat closer around her. Closing her eyes, she let her mind wander. She must have been at the bailey for nearly twenty minutes or so like this when she heard someone or something calling her.
"Geni..." the wind sighed, wrapping her name around her. She opened her eyes and sensed for any enemies. She could feel nothing and no one, only people sleeping in the houses below her. "Geni..." it whispered again. She turned around and peered into her moonlit surroundings. Swinging her head from right to left, she didn't see anything until she spotted something small resting on the other ledge of the bailey. Walking over carefully, she was surprised and pleased at the same time at what was there. A small purple flower with a bright blue and red interior was tied with a black ribbon, and attached to the ribbon was a small piece of paper. It was her favorite – the Fortuna flower was only native to one place in the entire universe: the central garden back home at the Disney Castle. No one knew why, but it grew there all the time, even in the winter. Picking up the small flower, Geni breathed in its wonderful fragrance. Seeing the note, she opened its small flap and read it quickly. Smiling, she tucked the note into her jacket pocket with the black ribbon and quickly walked back down the bailey steps and towards Merlin's house.
Once inside, she grabbed a tall glass from one of Merlin's cabinets and filled it with water, placing the Fortuna flower inside. Carefully walking up the stairs as not to spill it, she opened her door and closed it hurriedly before anyone could see her. Smiling, she placed the flower on the nightstand next to her bed. Removing her coat and sandals, she quickly slipped under her covers, the lights dimming promptly. She smiled and stared at her flower until her eyes drooped and she drifted off into blissful sleep.
Sora woke up refreshed and rejuvenated. Looking out his window, he realized the sun was just coming up, and most of the people in the city were not up yet. Knowing Donald wanted to leave early, he got up right away and headed towards the bathroom next door to wash up. Geni's door, however, was still closed and he assumed she was still asleep; he had not heard any of her restless wanderings during the night. Donald and Goofy were also just waking up as Sora exited the bathroom, and he met Goofy in the hallway on his way.
"Morning Goofy," Sora said with a yawn.
"Hey, feelin' better?" he asked.
"Much. I can't wait to get going again." At this point he stretched from his toes to his fingers, showing off his newly grown few inches.
Goofy chuckled. "Well, as soon as we eat a quick breakfast we're leaving, so hurry up."
"Okay." Sora headed back to his room and grabbed the few things he had. Opening the small nightstand to get his Kingdom necklace, he noticed something he had almost forgotten about: Geni's journal. I had almost forgotten about this! Donald gave this to me before we went to search for her – it's what led me to her. Sora grabbed the purple journal and went to Geni's room. Knocking, he called, "Geni, are you up yet?" He heard some mumbling inside and a bed squeaking before any footsteps were audible.
Opening the door a little, Sora saw a pair of tired eyes. "Sora? It's only six in the morning. What is it?" she asked drowsily.
"I, uh, wanted to give you something."
"Can it wait five minutes until I get decent?" Sora peered around the door and realized she was still in her pajamas, his face turning a pretty shade of pink.
"Oh! Uh, sure. I'll meet you downstairs." Geni closed the door and Sora turned around to head down the steps. She looked exhausted, Sora thought to himself. Those huge bags under her eyes…I wonder if she didn't sleep well because of her wrist or ankle…
Quickly making her bed, Geni ran to the washbasin and washed up in record time. She pulled some semblance of an outfit together before she brushed and braided her hair. She also rewrapped her ankle and wrist, with surprisingly little pain if none at all. Within ten minutes she was walking downstairs more awake than she was before, although she still had bags under her eyes. "Morning," she yawned as she sat down at the table.
Sora was devouring a bowl of cereal when she arrived. "Good morning," he said brightly. Geni grabbed a lemon poppy seed muffin from a plate in the middle of the table and began unwrapping it. "So what did you want to give me that was so important that it couldn't wait, Sora?" she said as she took a bite.
Sora set his spoon down and reached into one of his large pockets and took out the journal. "I believe this is yours, the one you were talking about, isn't it?"
Geni started, almost choking on a piece of muffin. She put out her hand slowly, realizing what Sora was holding. He handed it to her, and she clasped it with both of her hands. She ran her fingers down the worn binding, feeling the faded cover. "Where did you get this?" she whispered.
"Donald gave it to me."
"But I thought I had lost it for good," she said as she hesitantly opened it and began paging through the small book.
"Well, you had until we found it again," Donald said. Geni and Sora looked up to see Donald and Goofy walking down the stairs. "A month or two after you left, someone here found it and gave it to Leon, realizing it was yours. He kept it until he saw us again, when we could take it back to the Disney Castle." They sat down at the table, also eating some breakfast.
As Geni leafed through her old diary, she could only smile at some of the things she had written in it. Much of the latter was about her dreams of Sora and the Destiny Islands, but the beginning was about her daily life at the Disney Castle and her trips to Hollow Bastion.
Today Lady Daisy took me to my favorite meadow outside of the castle where the amaranths grow. I even got to see a real faerie! Although Lady Daisy said it was just the sun playing tricks on me.
Leon said I'm getting much better at my sword work. He said we could start broadswords next week after I'm finished with the rapier. Although, I still prefer my staff to any other weapon.
Master Yen Sid has assigned me one of the hardest spells yet. In two weeks I must concoct a potion and accompanying spell for reproducing and healing wounds caused by a degenerative disease that attacks dividing red blood cells in the body. It's hard to study when the samples I am working with just dissolve and disappear all of the time, but I guess that is why it is so tricky to produce the right antidote for it.
She smiled, remembering how that particular exam had gone. Chuckling, she turned a few more pages and encountered some of her younger self's drawings. Stick figures after so many pages turned into delicate and detailed drawings. Although, she still had to admit that sometimes there wasn't enough room for her to continue some of her thoughts: hence the writing across, up, down, and every which way across some of the pages.
Leaning over, Sora said, "Nice drawing." He was referring to the page Geni was currently looking at which had a large and detailed drawing of his Kingdom Key on it.
"Thanks. It was one of the last ones I had drawn in this before I lost it. You guys don't know how much it means to me to have this back," she said with a wistful smile.
"Well, you're welcome," Donald said gruffly, stuffing a slice of an orange in his mouth. Well, as anyone knows, Donald isn't one for being all emotional and such (I mean, look at what he did to Goofy when he realized he wasn't dead. Author one, video game zero.)
As Geni paged through her old journal and as Sora, Donald, and Goofy ate breakfast, they sat in a comfortable silence. Unbeknownst to the four, this would be the last time they would all be together before their worlds' would fall apart.
In less than an hour, Sora, Donald, and Goofy were ready to launch in the gummi ship. Geni and Merlin were the only ones there to see them off; Leon, Cid, Aerith, and Yuffie were tending to the damages in town and so sent their farewells and well wishes with Geni and Merlin.
"Now be careful, my boy. Those Organization chaps aren't fooling around anymore, it seems."
"We will, Merlin. And thanks for letting us stay at your house last night."
"Anytime. I have plenty of guest rooms!" he said with a wink. Sora smiled, and walked up to his sister.
"Take care, Sora, and don't try to get into too much trouble, okay?"
"I won't," Sora replied with a laugh. "You be careful too, and try not to overdo yourself – that wrist and your ankle still need to heal."
"Yes, mother," she replied. "By the way Sora, I've been thinking about that box Donald found yesterday. I think it must have something to do with Organization XIII."
Sora leaned in closer, eying Donald and Goofy over near the ship as they said goodbye to Merlin. "Yeah? What's up?" he said quietly.
"I'm not sure, but I have a funny feeling that Twilight Town is where you'll find some answers. I don't know why someone in the Organization –"
"Actually, I think it was Riku." Geni raised her eyebrows at this suggestion. "Don't look at me like that. I mean, who else could it have been? No one knows where he is right now, except for King Mickey. But since he's gone to who knows where I can't ask him. No one in the Organization itself would give us these kinds of clues; maybe Axel, but I highly doubt it. Furthermore, if it was Riku, why? Why wouldn't he just say whatever it was in person or leave a message rather than a photo and some ice cream?"
"I can't answer that question Sora. Maybe, if it was Riku, he wanted you to find the answer by yourself. He probably had a very good reason for doing it." Geni was finding it difficult to keep her tongue from revealing everything to Sora. "Either way, I'm sure you'll find the answers you're looking for. I'll keep looking for any information that can help you as well."
"Sora! Move it!" Donald quacked from the gangplank of the gummi ship.
Sora rolled his eyes. "I guess it's time to go," he said.
Geni smiled, saying, "Come back soon Sora." She stepped forward and gave him a tight hug. "Please be careful when you've found what you have been looking for," she whispered in his ear. She let him go slowly, her eyes sad. Sora gave her a confused expression before he heard Donald calling for him again.
"I will," he said, puzzled, before he ran towards the gummi ship. The door closed swiftly behind him, and the engines roared to life. Strapping himself in, he looked out the window to where Geni and Merlin were waving goodbye. As the ship lifted off Sora felt his chest restrict, a sense of utter dread come over him – he felt as if he would never see her again. Geni and Merlin grew smaller and smaller as they headed into the outer atmosphere and entered the gummi conduits. Sora stared at Hollow Bastion until it turned into just another star among the universe.
"Gawrsh, Sora, we'll be back sooner than you think," Goofy said as he noticed Sora staring out the window towards the world they had just left.
"Yeah!" Donald added. "Once we've figured out where the Organization's stronghold is, we'll bust them up and be back in no time!"
Sora smiled, but his heart was still uneasy. "Yeah, you're right! Let's do it!"
Geni also watched until the gummi ship disappeared into the starry universe. She stood looking up at the sky long after Merlin went back inside his house. I'm sorry, Sora, that I couldn't tell you more. I hope you can figure it out in time; for now, I'll help you as much as I can. Her face set in grim determination, she headed inside to pack her things. She kept her hand in her pocket holding tightly to the note she received the night before:
Geni,
The doorway to the darkness can only be opened in a place where the sun never sets and the moon never rises. To seal the door two keys are needed: one to unlock and one to lock. However, the key to unlock the door can be used in several different ways; that is the danger – the door can be opened in ways other than that of the Organization's original plan. Please, be careful.