Kingdom Bastion: Session I

Stars flickered beautifully above in the midst of the deep, twilight sky, shining in their wondrous brilliance. The breeze felt cool on his pale skin. For the moment, it seemed that all of his worries, his fears, would be washed away in the vast, shimmering sea.

Wait.

A chill ran through his spine. Something's not right.

Suddenly, the serenity was broken; the very earth trembling underneath his feet. The world itself seemed to shatter like shards of crystalline glass. A vast darkness eclipsed the scenery, leaving him trapped in an endless abyss. He tried to scream, but his voice was gone... lost in the darkness.

DiVe InTo ThE hEaRt...

Don't be afraid.

Who said that?

And don't forget.

Thump. Thump. Glass?

He found himself standing on a bright pillar, beautifully graced with a stained-glass painting of a boy he'd never seen before. The boy's eyes were closed, his hands cuffed, as if in meditation.

Hero from the realm of light.

He looked up and noticed a large, stone statue of a six-horned dragon resting before him on the pillar. Its eyes were fierce, its body poised in a ferocious position as if it would attack at any given moment.

He approached it.

His footsteps thumped against the thick glass, echoing eerily throughout the void.

Don't stop walking...

A black smoke slithered from the edges of the stone statue. The smoke engulfed the pillar and then dissipated as quickly as it came. The image of the boy was gone, replaced by his own. His eyes were closed as well, but a thorny, black vine wrapped around his body, presenting a darker nature.

Denizen of darkness.

As he reached the statue, the eyes flashed an angry crimson. The statue itself rumbled and cracked, and he backed away.

InTeRtWiNe...

You are the one.

In a tremendous explosion of rock and debris, the statue was gone. In its place stood a black, snake-like dragon. Wisps of pure darkness flowed through every fibre of its being. The foundation shook at the powerful beast's very presence. Its reptilian eyes narrowed, glaring at him with a deleterious malice. It growled deeply in its throat. Its long, fanged mouth slowly curling into a malicious, toothy grin.

RiKu.

As he backed away further, the dragon came closer.

RiKu...

He was on the edge of the pillar, with nowhere left to run. His heart pounded rapidly in his chest. His breathing was ragged. If he didn't escape soon, it was going to kill him, slowly and painfully. The dragon swung its massive head and gave an almighty roar, revealing several rows of sharp, jagged teeth.

It lunged at him.

LeT mE oUt!

-----------

Reoccuring dreams were not a good sign.

It had been the third time he'd had this dream in the same week, and it was beginning to worry him.

Riku held his hand to his chest and found that his heart was still pounding from the fear. He glanced down at his still trembling hands, palms breaking out in a cold sweat. Taking deep breaths, the teen forced himself to calm down.

Even though he'd been sleeping all night, he felt exhausted. He knew now. Simply telling himself that it was just a dream was starting to lose its effect on his self-confidence. He felt it deep within his heart. He knew something big was going to happen.

But what it actually was, he didn't know.

Sighing softly, he settled back down into bed. The warmth from the sun in his window felt comforting on his skin after an experience like that. But he couldn't help feeling like he was forgetting something.

Something important...

Then it hit him.

Glancing at his clock, he realized that it was exactly 10:30 in the morning. He was supposed to meet his friends by the docks two hours ago!

Leaping from his bed, Riku quickly slipped on a short-sleeved hoodie and jeans and bolted out the door. Deep in his mind, he was still worried, but he had other concerns at the moment.

----------

By the time the silver-haired teen had arrived at the docks, it was nearly a quarter to noon. He had promised his friends the day before that they'd investigate the rumors of a supicious man in black who had been robbing people left and right. The burglaries had been going on for quite a few weeks, but only minor things were stolen. The man was said to be a refugee from a run-down town not too far off the coast, and had no home, no job, and no money. Hearing these terrible rumors, Riku felt very fortunate and grateful for what he had.

Surveying the docks, the silver-haired teen spotted his friends by the boats with a few bags and supplies. Just then, he realized in his haste, he'd forgotten his own bags at home. He considered going back and grabbing his bags real quick, but figured that his friends already had enough and could make do.

"Tidus! Wakka! Selphie! I'm here!" Riku called out.

The eldest male, Wakka, turned and noticed his friend at the foot of the docks, shouting and waving. "'Ey, Riku! Glad you could make it!"

"You're just in time!" The youngest girl, Selphie, added. "...where're your bags?"

"I forgot we were supposed to meet today, rushed out the door, and forgot 'em." Riku replied, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "Sorry about that."

"Ah, that's alright." Tidus replied. "We've probably got enough stuff here anyway. This is for you." Riku barely had time to react before Tidus tossed him a notebook, pen, and tape recorder. "Wakka says we each have our own bogus individual jobs. You're in charge of gathering information, Selphie's gonna search the town for clues, I'm in charge of evidence, and Wakka's gonna go out and find the crook."

"I didn't think he'd make this easy for us."

"This is Wakka, remember? You obviously can't expect that."

"We're all gonna meet back up here at the end of the day, ya?" Wakka quipped. "So no slackin' off. I expect a full report from you."

"Yes, boss."

"Good luck, Riku!" Selphie called back, and within seconds, the trio was off.

------

Infomation gathering, pfft. For a second, it seemed like an easy job.

Asking around town, the most information the silver-haired teen could get from anyone was that it was a man in a black coat, and that he stole something. This was getting him nowhere.

With an irritated sigh, Riku sat against a tree, laying the notebook, pen, and tape recorder to the side. It had been a long day, and already the sun was beginning to set. The sunset was beautiful, so close that he could almost touch it, and yet, so far away. The sky was painted with a brilliant array of oranges, purples, and reds, and was reflected against the vast ocean which only served to make it all the more wonderous. He wished he could bask in its glory more, but he had a job to finish. Reaching out to pick up his needed supplies, his hands only met the grainy, loose dirt of the ground below him.

It was gone!

The teen bolted upright and frantically looked around. Had someone taken his stuff when he wasn't looking? They must've. Riku knew he'd get the shorter end of the stick if Wakka ever found out he wasn't doing his job.

Wait. Useless stuff stolen? It had to be the man in black. Imagine the reward he'd get for catching him!

In the distance, a twig snapped. Looking over his shoulder, Riku found the figure in black desperately scrambling into the forest. Wasting no time, the silver-haired teen burst into a run, frantically trying to catch up with the man.

------

He'd already been looking for hours, but there was no sign of the man in black. Riku sighed. This wasn't going to be as easy as he'd expected. How hard could it have possibly been to find a man in a heavy, black coat during the summer?

"Great. Now what?"

A soft hissing in the distance suddenly caught his attention, followed by a ruffle of leaves.

Oh, man. Riku thought. Don't let it be a snake. I hate snakes...

Then a crackle.

Wait... that can't be a snake.

The crackling behind him grew louder and louder until it almost deafened him. Feeling strangely warm all of a sudden, he turned around and noticed an enormous fire breaking out in the woods. It seared through the trees in a sweltering blaze and the flames seemed to dance and twist into the clear sky.

The fire rapidly grew and grew until the entire forest was ablaze. The brightness of the flames almost blinded him, and he was having trouble finding his way out. Riku never truly admitted he was afraid of anything, but the thought of slowly and painfully burning to death in a tremendous forest fire terrified him. He had to find a way out, fast.

Your 'friends' won't miss you.

Where was that voice coming from?

Nobody will. You'll burn here... alone.

He didn't know where to go. Everywhere he turned, the fire blocked his only chance of escape. The smoke from the seared trees and heat of the fire itself was beginning to suffocate him. He coughed and covered his mouth with his arm to attempt to block out the poisonous smoke, but it was already beginning to take its toll on his body. His limbs felt heavy... drained of energy.

All alone.

And he was getting really sick of this voice.

Riku began to feel light-headed and weak as he tore through the forest. Embers flickered from the fire and trickled onto his skin, causing severe burns. He knew that if he didn't find a way out soon, either the smoke or the fire itself would most likely kill him.

"Help!" Riku coughed harshly. He hoped that someone, anyone, would hear him, but the deafening roar of the flames drowned out his desperate cries. "Please, help! Someone! Anyone!"

Nobody can help you.

He couldn't breathe; the heat of the fire was becoming too intense. His clothes were singed, and he barely found the strength to keep going. He called for help again, but his voice was too hoarse and he coughed again.

"Please..." Riku muttered, then crashed to his knees. He squeezed his eyes shut and struggled to keep his thoughts in order. The clarity of his mind was fading, suffocated by the intense heat. He couldn't do it. He knew now that he wouldn't be able to escape.

Think. Riku ordered himself. Just keep thinking. Don't pass out here, don't!

Now you're talking to yourself? How sad.

Shut up!

The burns from his body cried out in pain, and he found himself paralyzed by the agony. At that moment, he remembered about the man in black. Had he been caught in the blaze as well? Languidly forcing himself back to his feet, Riku took off through the fire, hoping to find the man and escape, but collapsed from fatigue soon after.

He didn't want to die like this, but it seemed like he had no other options. The flames danced and twirled, and his hazy mind seemed to, as well. He felt sick, sore, and weak. He grappled to hold onto consciousness, but it was a losing battle.

He couldn't fight it anymore. The fire, the woods, everything, seemed to fade into oblivion.

--------

It felt nice, just floating there in the darkness. No worries, no pain, no stress. For once, everything seemed at peace.

He became aware of his body again, but something seemed... off about it. Very off. Almost like this moment of peace wasn't meant to be. Why he thought that, he didn't know. Moving his fingers slowly, he felt something loose and grainy underneath him. Dirt, perhaps? Then that must've meant he wasn't in bed...

What happened?

As consciousness approached him, all the pain came sweltering back at that moment. He couldn't move. It was almost like he was on fire.

Fire? Fire! There was a fire!

Slowly opening his heavy, emerald eyes, Riku blinked a few times to clear his hazy mind. He felt completely stiff and sore. Judging from the way he felt, he must've caught on fire himself while he was out. But his clothes were gone... and he was in a dark cave of some sort. Several items were scattered about the cave; clothes, food, books...

And a... Gunblade?

What was going on?

"Hey."

Riku quickly glanced around the cave in search of the voice. It was definitely different from the one he'd been hearing lately.

"You alright?"

A short figure in black was watching him intently from the corner of the cave. This was the guy he was looking for... but why did he save him?

Riku struggled to say something, anything, but the pain of the burns became too overwhelming and all he could muster was a soft grunt. The figure in black strolled towards him and knelt down on one knee to get a better look at the teen. As the man came closer, Riku took notice that it wasn't even really a man. Rather, it was still a boy.

He smiled.

"Talk about running straight into the fire. You got a death wish or something?"

"I... I... " Riku groaned. He turned away from the boy, ashamed to even say it. "...I was chasing you." He muttered softly.

"Ah, I see." The boy nodded.

"...you're not mad?"

"Why would I be? You had every right to come after me."

"Oh."

The two sat in silence for a few moments. Looking out of the mouth of the cave, Riku noticed that the fire, as well as most of the forest, was gone. Nothing much was left, aside from the remains of the trees and bushes. The rain poured down heavily and thunder rumbled softly in the distance. Riku shivered from the cold.

Funny. Hot from the fire and cold from the rain. At the same time.

"Hey." Riku turned his attention back to the boy. "Where're my clothes?"

"Oh, yeah." The boy started. "Funny story about that..."

"I'm listening."

"Well... while you were out there... your clothes kinda caught fire and nearly burned through to you, so... I kinda, maybe... had to strip you."

"W-What?!" Riku shot up, but was driven back down by the dizziness in his mind. "So, now I have to run around naked?"

"Not exactly. I have some stuff here for you to wear."

Riku sighed. "Good."

Glancing down at his bare body, Riku noticed several severe burns on his arms, legs, and chest. Cool, wet cloths were placed over a few of the burns, but his body still ached intensely. He really hoped his friends hadn't followed him into that forest. ...But what if they did? Were they still alive? The thought of anyone dying by his own fault was a terrible burden to bear.

"Uh, can I ask you something?"

"Sure." The boy replied.

"Are... are my friends alright? Were they in the fire too?" He wanted to know. He had to know.

"Yes, they're alright. No, they weren't in the fire."

Riku breathed a sigh of relief.

"But..." The boy's tone took a more solemn pitch, which made Riku anxious. "I really don't know how to say this, uh..."

"What?"

The boy remained silent for a bit, obviously trying to figure out the best way to explain what he needed to say. He looked scared. "Y-your... uh... Because they found your clothes out there pretty much burned to nothing... your friends think you're... uh... dead. I-I'm really, really sorry. I heard them talking, and..."

Riku's eyes widened in shock. "D... d-dead?" He stammered. "You're... you're lying. This... you're just trying to scare me."

The boy remained silent.

Riku drew in a shaky breath, trying to regain his composure. "...Y-you're not lying... are you?"

The boy shook his head. "Almost the same thing happened to me a long time ago."

Riku turned his attention to the boy, trying his hardest to change the subject away from the thought of everyone thinking he was killed. "What happened?"

The boy looked to the ground. Underneath the hood, Riku could faintly make out tears from the boy's eyes.

"If it's a personal question, you don't have to--"

"My... my parents were caught in a house fire." The boy interrupted. "I got away, but... since nobody could find me, they all assumed I died along with my parents. It... It was terrifying." The boy quickly swept an arm over his tear-stained eyes. "So, I travelled here for awhile and, since I lost everything, I had to... steal in order to survive."

"Why didn't you just tell everyone you were alive?"

"I couldn't do it. I was too afraid of what they'd think." The boy turned to the entrance of the cave. The rain had died down somewhat, but it was still pouring heavily.

"I'm sorry."

"For you, I really suggest getting out of here. If you go back, everyone might think it was just a sick joke and ridicule you. Also, with you gone, they'll most likely sell your stuff. You'll be left with nothing by the time you get there."

"But... I don't know where I should go."

"I'll help you. I've been meaning to get out of here anyway." The sorrow from the boy's voice began to die away. "There's a train leading to a town far away from here nearby. We'll board in the morning."

"How? We don't have any tickets."

"I do. I managed to swipe some off an old woman who accidentally ordered a few extra."

"Thanks." Riku replied, rubbing his sore shoulder.

"You should get some sleep now."

"Yeah." Riku yawned. "Heh, I feel like crap."

Riku was about to doze off when he remembered something important. "Oh yeah, before I forget. I never got your name."

The boy smiled. Pulling down his hood, a young face with bright, turquoise eyes, and hazel hair with light, blonde streaks spiked up at unusual angles was revealed. "Sora."