Okay, time for chapter 5 of Digital Kingdom Hearts.
RDF1: Yeah, not so enthusiastic about the first world, mainly because I never saw the movie(s), and not really a fan of Jack Skellington, the 'Pumpkin King'.
Dx: Look at it this way: at least you only have to do it twice, not more.
RDF1: That is one bit of good news. I know everyone has his or her least favorite world in the Kingdom Hearts Universe, and this one happens to be mine.
Let's get it over with, so we can move onto the other world that's in this chapter, and happens to be a good one in my opinion.
Also, any world that has Sora and the others change forms, Takuya becomes Flamon for those world and can't revert until they leave.
Shout out: Thank you OathkeeperRoxasXNamine09 for reviewing. You are the first person who has reviewed this story and I thank you for it.
Disclaimer: Refer to first chapter for original Disclaimer on this fic.
(Chapter Begin)
(Recap)
Minutes later, Abu came running in with a valuable egg that he had swiped at the Cave of Wonders, with Aladdin on his tail.
"Isn't this how we first came in?" asked Takuya, getting nods from his companions.
Luckily enough, the Jewel glowed, giving Sora the prompt to open up the next pathway to the next world.
"Looks like it's time to say goodbye," said Sora.
"Make sure to come back and visit," said Jasmine.
"We will," said Sora, "I promise."
"Before you go," said Genie, bringing out the Lamp Charm and giving it to Sora, "Take this, in case you might need some Semi-Phenomenal, Nearly Cosmic Powers to help out."
"Thanks, Genie," said Sora.
"See ya later," said Takuya.
And with that, the group of four left Agrabah for the next world.
(Recap End)
(Halloween Town)
When they landed in the next world, Takuya was already in his Flamon form. Goofy looked like Frankenstein while Donald's appearance was more like a Mummy. Sora himself looked like a vampire, with a pumpkin on the right side of his forehead.
"Hey," said Sora, taking in the scenery, "Isn't this Halloween Town?"
"It does look like it," said Donald, before noticing something off in the distance.
A ghost dog floated down among them.
"Hey," said Sora, recognizing it, "It's Zero. How've you been, boy?"
Zero headed on into town and the four of them followed. Once they got into town, they didn't see anyone or anything, except for a giant ramp with a guillotine on the end of it.
"What's that for?" asked Sora, before they heard a sound.
"It's Jack!" said Donald, recognizing their friend.
Jack Skellington flew in on a sleigh of all things, with skeletal reindeer and all. Jack landed his sleigh on the ramp.
"Sora, Donald, Goofy!!" greeted Jack Skellington, "Welcome back! And Merry Christmas!"
"This guy is supposed to be who now?" asked Flamon.
"Merry Christmas??" asked Sora, "Don't you mean 'Happy Halloween!'"
"Of course," replied Jack, "Happy Halloween greetings from Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King! Forgive me, I'm in a Christmas Mood."
"Wouldn't surprise me," said Flamon, "Considering how close it is to Christmas."
(AN1)
"You see, I'm leading the festivities again this year, and I need Sandy Claws blessing," continued Jack, "So, I'm off to Christmas Town."
"'Sandy Claws?'" asked Sora.
"I think he means Santa Claus," said Goofy.
"I don't know," said Flamon, "Maybe in this world, Santa Claus is actually called Sandy Claws."
"Nah," said Sora, "Couldn't be."
"Are the decorations just splendid?" asked Jack, referring to the 'remodeling' that had been down over the last month or so, "This year, Halloween Town's handling Christmas too! Sort of a shared Holiday thing, so no one holiday shows more importance than the others. But first, we have to visit Sally. She's working on something no self-respecting Santa Claus can do without. Come along, I'll show you."
(AN2)
"A Halloween Town Christmas?" wondered Sora, as all four of them looked around at all the Halloween style Christmas that was being displayed, "Wanna check it out?"
"Why not?" replied Flamon, chuckling a bit, "Might be the one Christmas where no one wants to go to sleep to wait for Santa."
(AN3)
So, Jack led the way to his house, where his friends Sally and Doctor Finklestein. There, Lock, Shock, and Barrel were bringing in another piece of metal for the Doctor's latest experiment.
"Hello Doctor!" greeted Jack, "Where's Sally?"
"Can't you see," replied the Doctor, getting angry, "That I'm working on an experiment."
Sally walked in just as Lock, Shock, and Barrel tossed the piece onto the table, causing it to spark and blow up. They giggled and ran off, leaving Doctor Finklestein to yell about another experiment ruined.
"Sally, did you finish it?" asked Jack, "I want to show my good friends, and their new friend.
"Takuya," said Flamon.
"Nice to meet you," said Sally, before turning back to Jack, "I'm sorry, but I'm not done just yet."
"It's okay," said Jack, "Just as long as it's ready for Christmas."
"But Jack," said Sally, but Jack had already left through the door.
"Well, I got to go meet Sandy Claws," said Jack before he left, "Goodbye for now."
"Thanks for visiting," said the Doctor, wondering how he can recover his experiment.
"Go meet Santa Claus," said Sora, as if mulling over some thoughts.
"Please Sora," pleaded Sally, "I'm afraid something's going to go wrong if Jack keeps this up."
"You can say that again," said Donald.
"But you gotta admit," said Flamon, "He's not one for selfish behavior. He may want to be Santa, but I'm sure it's with good reason."
"Sora?" asked Goofy.
However, Sora just stood there with a strange smile on his face.
"Yo!" said Flamon, waving his hand in front of Sora, "Any Keyblade bearers home?"
"Hey," said Jack, suddenly returning, "Are those strange characters in the town square with you?"
"Depends on who the characters are," replied Flamon, thinking of a few people that may have stopped in.
"You know, the ones that wanted to spoil Halloween AND Christmas! What are they called again?"
"Heartless!" said Donald.
"That's right. Heartless!" replied Jack.
"Wouldn't know a Heartless I've been friends with," said Flamon.
"But we can get rid of them for you," said Sora, "Then we can meet Santa!!"
"Let's go," said Flamon, keeping his eagerness for a battle to a minimum. One eager beaver was enough for the group.
"Sora…" said Donald, tapping his bandaged foot.
"Of course the Heartless come first," said Sora quickly, trying to recover his dignity.
When they got outside, they saw Heartless they hadn't seen before, along with the Mayor of Halloween Town trying to get them to leave, but with no success.
"I'm just an elected official," said the mayor, "Jack, please help!!"
So, Sora, Donald, Goofy, Flamon, and Jack Skellington started battling the Heartless, Jack using his fiery pumpkin powers to help out. After the Heartless were taken down, Jack sighed at the return of the Heartless.
"How's Sandy Claws supposed to relax with these guys running about?" wondered Jack, before coming up with an idea, "That's it! Sandy Claws could use bodyguards. Think you're up for it?"
"Us?" questioned Donald.
"Sure!" answered Sora.
"Why not?" quipped Flamon.
"Okay, bodyguards," said Jack, "Christmas Town is this way, just past the Graveyard and into the forest."
When they got to the graveyard, more Heartless appearing, forcing the five of them to battle their way through the graveyard just to get to the forest, by the time they reached the door, they were exhausted from fighting.
"Here it is," said Jack, "The door to Christmas Town. The spooks of Halloween can get so tiresome year after year. I decided it was time for a change of pace. That's when I found this!"
Sora looked closely at the 'door' wondering if Jack was telling the truth or not; however, Sora was getting more excited as Jack spoke.
"Beyond this door is a world filled with wonders the likes of which you've never seen," continued Jack, "At first I couldn't believe my eyes. Everything was so fresh and exciting!!"
"C'mon!!" said Sora, his patience wearing thin, "Just open it!"
So, Jack opened up the Tree-like door and Sora jumped in first. Donald and Goofy were hesitant, but Flamon pushed them in before jumping in. Jack followed, closing the door behind him.
(Christmas Town)
Sora fell out, with Donald and Goofy falling on top of him. Nearly everyone's outfit had changed; Sora with a black version of Santa's uniform, Donald into a Snow Duck, and Goofy into a reindeer. Flamon got up shivering, a snotcicle hanging from his nose.
(AN4)
"Next time," said Flamon, his teeth chattering, "Remind me to stay on the Gummy Ship, where it's warm."
"Can't you keep warm on your own, 'firemon'?" teased Sora.
"Yeah, yeah," said Flamon, heating himself up with a bit of his power.
"So," said Donald, "Where's Santa?"
"In his workshop," said Jack, not affected by the cold, "Let's go!"
As they got to the town, more Heartless showed up. Everyone got ready to fight again.
"Here too?" said Sora, feeling like his joy had been violated, which it had.
DIGIVOLUTION!!
"Flamon Digivolve to…" said Flamon, "Agunimon!"
So, the five battlers began batting, fighting fiercely to protect the town.
"Christmas is in big trouble," said Donald.
"We can't let anything bad happen to Christmas," added Goofy.
"We're not," said Flamon, having Dedigivolve after the fight was over, "Christmas means more to the worlds than any other holiday. We won't let this world be ruined because a few Heartless."
"Right," said Sora, Donald, and Goofy.
"That's where Sandy Claws lives," said Jack, pointing at the workshop.
When they got inside, they saw Santa perusing THE list, like he does every year. Santa noticed them as they entered.
"Well, hello everyone," said Santa, "Did you come to see if you're on my nice list?"
"Sora," said Sora.
"Let's see," said Santa, looking down THE list, "Here you are."
Santa made a sound that Sora didn't like, as if Santa was disappointed.
"According to THE list, Sora," said Santa, "Seven years ago, you told everyone that you did NOT believe in Santa Claus. That IS unfortunate."
"Ahhh…" sighed Sora, instantly blaming SOMEONE for making him say that without totally meaning it.
"What about us? Name's Donald," said Donald.
"Goofy," followed up Goofy.
Santa looked down THE list, and gave a nod of approval.
"Takuya," said Flamon.
When Santa looked down the list, he saw not only one Takuya, but instead many.
"Looks like I've got about 15 Takuya's on this list," said Santa, "You're gonna need to be more specific."
(AN5)
'Why me?' groaned Flamon inwardly, before speaking up, "Takuya Kanbara."
"Kanbara?" asked Donald.
"I'll tell you later," said Flamon.
"Ah, here we go," said Santa, finding the right Takuya, "Looks like you haven't been totally forward with it, but you know that it's better to give, than to receive."
Flamon showed a small smile of appreciation towards Santa for that.
"Make sure to tell your friends, when you see them," continued Santa, "To tell them 'Merry Christmas' for me, will you?"
"What about me?" asked Jack, "It's me, Jack."
"Jack Skellington," said Santa, before hearing a noise in the other room, "What have you done this time?"
They went to check it out, only to hear voices upstairs.
"Maleficent!!" shouted Flamon, noticing the green flame of her departure.
The kids, Lock, Shock, and Barrel, left out a window they broke and headed back to Halloween Town.
"I want them back," said Santa, "Those naughty kids need a good lecture.
"We'll get them," said Sora.
"But wait," said Jack, "I wanted to talk to you about Christmas."
"Not right now," said Santa, "I need to make sure we're not behind schedule. We'll talk later."
"I'll stay here," said Flamon, "If Maleficent is behind this, then I'll need to be here in case she comes back."
"Are you sure you can handle her?" asked Sora.
"I'll be able to hold her off," replied Flamon, not telling the full truth.
As they headed outside, they found footprints leading back to Halloween Town. They hurried along, taking out more Heartless along the way until they got to the Tree with a Pumpkin on it, the doorway back to Halloween Town. They headed through it.
(Halloween Town)
When they got to Halloween Town, the trail led on to a hill with a very swirled tip. They found the three kids there with a large Heartless, but no Maleficent in sight.
"Let's hope Takuya's doing better than we are," said Sora, as they four of them got ready to fight.
(Christmas Town)
Maleficent returned with Oogie Boogie.
"Looks like your doing alright before being destroyed," taunted Agunimon.
"As long as the fire can breathe, it can always come back," replied Maleficent, summoning her power to blast Agunimon.
Agunimon responded with a Pyro Punch. The ensuing collision covered smoke everywhere, giving time for Oogie to knockout Agunimon from behind. Once knocked out, Maleficent summoned dark chains around him, preventing him from escaping.
(Halloween Town)
After defeating the Heartless, the trio ran off.
"I hope Mr. Oogie's ready by now," said Lock as they got away.
"Oogie?!" exclaimed Jack in fear.
"Didn't he try to take over Halloween Town before?" asked Sora.
"That's right," said Jack, "Looks like trouble's heating up."
"I just hope Takuya can stand the heat," said Sora.
The four of them hightailed it back to Christmas Town, hoping to find their friends in good standings. When they got to the graveyard, Sally came running from the forest.
"What's wrong Sally?" asked Jack.
"Jack! Santa Claus was coming here to tell you that Takuya has been captured by Maleficent when he got captured by Oogie himself!" said Sally.
"WHAT!?" said Sora, "It's bad enough to go after Santa, but why Takuya?"
"Maybe he poses a threat to Maleficent?" pondered Goofy.
"No time to worry about that right now," said Jack, "Let's make sure their safe."
So, the four of them continued on their way back to Christmas Town.
(Christmas Town)
When they got to Christmas Town, Flamon was hanging the middle of the square, like a big Digimon Christmas ornament. After fighting off the Heartless that were guarding him, Sora used his Keyblade to set him free.
"We gotta get to Santa," said Flamon, "I saw a sack of worthless thread take him inside."
"That'd be Oogie Boogie," said Sora, as they headed inside."
"The Oogie Boogie Man?" wondered Flamon.
"At least this world's version of him," replied Sora.
They headed inside, only to find Oogie waiting for them.
"Ya know," said Flamon, Digivolving on the spot to Agunimon, "That wasn't very nice what you did. So, I'm gonna have to repay that naughty act by giving you coal!!"
"Oh please," said Oogie, "Like your ridiculous little flame can harm me."
Agunimon just chuckled, slightly evil as well.
"You think," said Agunimon, still chuckling, "That my flame has nothing over you?? Who do you think you are?? Maleficent??"
Agunimon's laughter stopped while he changed into BurningGreymon. He resumed laughing after that.
"Takuya?" said Sora, starting to fear his friend's response to a lame insult.
"I'm gonna show you what real flame is," said BurningGreymon, all laughter having faded from him, "WILDFIRE TSUNAMI!!!"
A HUGH burst of flame flew towards Oogie faster than Oogie could even blink. He was caught on fire and before he knew it, he was burnt all over when the flames died down at BurningGreymon's command.
"You can take over, Sora," said Flamon, having reverting on purpose and walked over to Santa Claus to free him.
"Right," said Sora, getting himself together.
A quick slash of the Keyblade later left Oogie Boogie loosing his stuffing in ribbons while some of himself caught fire again at the sparks from the slash of the Keyblade. All that was left of Oogie this time was ash after the fire consumed the stuffing inside of Oogie.
Everyone reconvened outside the workshop.
"Looks like Christmas is safe again," said Sora.
"And I guess it's time for us to be heading out again," said Flamon.
"Yeah," said Sora, "But we haven't opened the pathway yet."
"Right," said Flamon, rolling his eyes.
"Perfect," said Jack, "I better get down to business."
"Leave that to Santa," said Donald.
"Yeah," agreed Goofy, "You better stick with Halloween. You're good at that while Santa's good at Christmas."
"Jack," said Sally, coming out of the workshop, carrying something, "Here. It's done."
Sally handed over to Jack his very own Santa outfit, heavy modifications done to match Jack's size.
"Wonderful," said Jack, enthusiastically, "Why I love it already! Thank you, Sally."
"Jack," pleaded Sally, "Do you really have to do this??"
"But I make a splendid Sandy Claws," said Jack, getting the outfit on.
"Listen, Jack Skellington," said Santa, joining them, "You saved me, and Christmas as well; and for that, I'm thankful. But please promise that you'll stay out of trouble."
"Don't know if I will, so I can't make that promise," said Jack.
"I guess so," agreed Santa, "Now, about that suit: don't do this again, please. This is just a one-time deal."
"I just thought you could use a little help this year, Mr. Claus," said Jack, "Since you're so overworked as it is."
"Yes," agreed Santa, "Being Santa Claus can be tiring; however, seeing the looks on the children's faces when they open their presents make it all worth it, each and every year."
Santa went inside and returned with a box.
"Speaking of presents," continued Santa, "This came for you, Takuya, from the Santa in your world."
"Santa in MY world??" asked Takuya.
"You didn't think I did all the worlds, did you??" replied Santa, "Each world has their own Santa, and we all work together to make sure every world has their presents delivered on time."
"Thank you, Santa," said Takuya, to both Santas, opening his present and revealed the two spirits of Ice, "Kind of apropos, wouldn't you say?"
The Spirits were collected in his D-Tector. As Jack and Sally headed back towards Halloween Town, his suit glowed. Sora took out his Keyblade and opened the path to the next world.
(AN6)
"I guess it's time now," said Sora.
"Before you do," said Santa, "Be sure to give Riku mine and the Destiny Islands Santa Claus's best wishes."
"Sure will," said Sora, giving Santa a thumbs up.
(Pride Lands)
When Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Takuya landed in the next world, they were in different forms. Sora was a lion cub, Donald a more animalistic duck, and Goofy was a tortoise. Takuya was back in his Flamon form.
"Hey," said Sora, "Check us out."
"Hay is for horses, Sora," said Flamon, "Not lion cubs."
"Very funny," said Sora.
Before they knew it, however, Hyenas, led by Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed, surrounded them.
"Heartless?" asked Sora.
"Decidedly not," said Flamon, "Hyenas."
"They probably live here," added Goofy.
"Don't mind us," said Donald, trying to sound innocent, "Just passing through. We won't be any trouble."
"Oh, I hope that's true," said Shenzi, "Because it'd be great if you stuck around for lunch."
"We didn't bring anything to eat," said Sora.
"We brought ourselves," said Flamon, slapping himself in the head.
"He's right, you know," said Banzai.
"HAHAHAHAAHAHHAH!" added Ed.
'Wow, and here I thought he would be the smartest of them all,' thought Flamon sarcastically, 'Then again, you never know with the silent ones.'
Sora, Donald, and Goofy tried to run for it, while Flamon used his tail to keep the other Hyenas at bay. Just before Banzai could take a bite out of Sora, a lion's roar was heard in the distance.
"Scar's got the worst timing," complained Banzai.
"Just let him roar," replied Shenzi.
"Better go see what he wants," said Banzai, signaling to the others to leave the prey alone.
After the Hyenas left, Flamon helped Sora up on his four paws.
"I don't know what that was about," said Sora, sighing in relief, "But I'm glad it's over."
"Something tells me we haven't seen the last of them," replied Flamon.
"I didn't know how hard it was on four legs," said Sora.
"I found a trick to it," said Goofy.
So, while Goofy helped Sora get accumulated to walking on all fours, Flamon took a look around the area, not liking what he saw.
"I think it'd be better if we got out of here," said Flamon.
So, they left the area, only to find a lioness being chased by unusual looking beasts.
"Now, THOSE are Heartless," said Sora, summoning the Kingdom Key in his teeth.
After a quick battle, the Heartless were destroyed, but they were harder to defeat because of the difficulties working in such an awkward body for Sora.
"Thank you," said Nala, the lioness, "I would've been a goner if it wasn't for you."
"We're just glad you're alright," replied Goofy.
"Are there anymore Heartless around??" asked Sora.
"Is that what they are??" asked Nala, "I don't know. I usually stay in the Pride Lands to hunt."
"Closer to home," said Flamon, "Sounds reasonable."
"But there's nothing left to hunt inside the Pride Lands," said Nala, "Scar and the Hyenas have driven the herds away. We're about to starve."
"Let's see what's up," said Flamon.
So, Nala went ahead to Pride Rock. Sora and the others took a longer route, taking out Heartless along the way. After about ten minutes of travel, they reached their destination. When they got there, Nala walked up to greet them with Rafiki, a monkey who was a great friend of Mufasa, the king before Scar.
"That's him," said Nala, nodding towards Sora.
Rafiki got close to Sora, examining him thoroughly with his eyes, and his wisdom. He returned to Nala and whispered something in her ear before moving on.
"Sorry," said Nala, "Looks like I was wrong."
"It's okay," said Goofy, "We'd still like to try and help if we can."
"That's the thing," explained Nala, "Whoever defeats Scar must take his place as the next King. And he needs certain qualities."
"Being home grown would provide some advantage," said Flamon.
"You better leave before Scar finds you," warned Nala, returning to her family and friends.
But, before they could leave, Banzai, Shenzi, and Ed were blocking their way, with more Hyenas behind them.
"I see you want round two," said Flamon.
"What was that?" said Shenzi, sounding offended, "Watch your mouth, freak!"
(AN7)
"At least I'm not a beck and call girl for Scar," countered Flamon.
"I'm NO ONE'S beck and call girl!!" shouted Shenzi.
A roar from Scar took the fight right out of her. Flamon smirked a bit as everyone turned to see two lions on the hill of Pride Rock, Scar and a very hefty lion-sized Pete.
"It's Pete!" said Sora in recognition.
Scar jumped down and approached them, while Pete tumbled down the cliff in a sad fashion.
"What are you doing here!" demanded Sora.
"To think a kid like you is worried about me," said Pete, "You should really worry about yourself, kid."
"He's right," said Scar, "Ladies. Time to do some hunting!"
"Are you kidding?" said Nala, "What is there to hunt!"
"You don't see four edible prey right here!" said Scar.
"We don't hunt other Lions, especially not cubs!!" said Nala, charging at Scar before he could kill Sora.
"Nala!" shouted Sora in worry.
"RUN!" shouted back Nala.
Flamon took advantage of the confusion to knock the Hyenas out of the way, so they could make their escape. Nala followed, for she knew she would be banished or killed if she stayed. They stopped in the Savannah for a few moments.
"I'm sorry about that," said Nala, "I thought you could help."
"Maybe we can," said Flamon, "Isn't there someone that can take on Scar and become King?"
"There was, a long time ago," said Nala, remembering her old friend, "But he died along with his father, Mufasa. Oh, I wish Simba was here."
"Simba!?" said Sora, "He's doing just fine."
"Simba's alive!?" asked Nala, "But where is he?"
"Simba helped them out last year, but I think we need to leave the Pride Lands if we're gonna have a chance to find Simba," said Flamon, "If Scar knew he was alive, he wouldn't stop hunting him until he was dead."
"We need to get out of here ourselves," said Nala, "Let's head through Wildebeest Valley. They wouldn't dare follow us there.
When they got there, they saw a HUGE crevice in the rock between them and their destination. Nala stepped back and little and managed to jump over the crevice with a little speed and power.
"What's wrong?" asked Nala, when they didn't follow.
"We're not going to make it!" replied Sora.
"Speak for yourself," said Flamon.
"Guess Rafiki was right," said Nala quietly, though Flamon managed to hear her.
"What was that?" shouted Sora, not catching what Nala said.
"Don't worry about it," said Nala, "It's not that difficult. I'll show you!"
Nala jumped back over to show how Lions jump over gaps while Donald just flew over. Flamon grabbed onto Goofy and scaled the side of the cliff to their right to make it over. After being shown how it was done, Sora managed to make it over without to many problems.
"Wow, I actually did it," said Sora.
"That you did," said Nala, "Let's keep moving."
As they moved through the valley, Nala was telling them about what happened years ago. Rafiki managed to catch up with them as they walked through the valley.
"Hey, monkey dude," said Flamon, "What's up?"
"It is time!" exclaimed Rafiki in a joyous voice.
"Simba!" said Nala, excited to see her old friend again.
They continued on their path, taking out Heartless along the way, until they came to an Oasis in the middle of the desert.
"Wow," said Flamon, "Looks like this place is thriving. Very different from the other parts of this desert."
"Hey!" said Nala, "That's my home your talking about!"
"I'm sure it'll regain its beauty when the balance is restored," said Flamon quickly, as to appease Nala somewhat.
Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Flamon headed on in, while Nala crept away, finding the scent of fresh prey. When the got inside, they saw Simba confronting Heartless by a waterfall. A loud roar from Simba send them running, scared. Simba then noticed the group of four, and prepared to attack, thinking they were more enemies.
"Wait Simba!" said Sora, "It's me, Sora! Donald and Goofy are here too!"
Simba pounced on Sora before seeing Sora's face close up, and remembered them in human form. Upon recognizing them, he got off of Sora after nuzzling his old friend.
"What happened to you?" asked Simba, "And who's this?"
"Comes with the territory," said Flamon, "Name's Takuya."
Before they could catch up any further, a scream from the trees got Simba's attention.
"Timon! Pumba!" said Simba, worried for his friends.
Simba raced off towards the source of the noise with the others behind him, after finding a few pages of Pooh's Storybook hidden in a bush. When they got there, Timon, a meerkat, and Pumba, a warthog, were cowering from a Lioness, Nala. Simon blocked Nala from attacking Timon and Pumba. Simba and Nala began fighting like no one's business, only when Nala pinned him like she did when they were kids did Simba finally recognize her.
"Nala?" asked Simba, wondering if it were true.
Nala backed off, wondering whom it was that knew her name.
"It's me, Simba," said Simba.
"Simba?" asked Nala, before recognizing him as her long lost friend, "SIMBA!"
"Hey!" asked Timon, "What's going on here?"
"Those two are old friends," said Flamon, making the two of them turned around, "And so are these three."
"But what about you?" asked Timon, pressing the issue.
"If I had a reason to attack you, don't you think I would've done it already."
"You have a point," said Timon, "But I have a warthog and I'm not afraid to use him."
Timon jumped on Pumba's back and pointed his tail at Flamon like a rifle. Flamon backed off a little, knowing what warthog stink would do to him.
(AN8)
"Could you guys excuse us for a moment?" asked Simba.
"Why am I not surprised?" asked Timon sarcastically, getting off of Pumba.
So, while Simba and Nala were off talking, Timon and Pumba showed Sora, Donald, and Goofy about Hakuna Matata. Flamon noticed Rafiki and went over to him.
"So, what happens now?" asked Flamon.
"If the King doesn't take his rightful place in the Circle of Life, then the balance may never recover," informed Rafiki.
"Go," said Flamon, "If Simba can't do it on his own, then maybe his father can talk some sense into him. I know you know a way to communicate with him. That's how you knew where we were."
"You know more than you let on," said Rafiki, "Yes, I can contact Mufasa, but it will be up to Simba to make that choice when the time comes."
"I'll see ya," said Flamon, "And for the record, Mufasa couldn't have had a better wise monkey."
"Thank you," replied Rafiki, as he headed to a place of Spiritual connection.
That night, Simba was looking up at the sky, remembering what his father, Mufasa, told him about the great kings of the past looking down on them.
(Flashback)
"Look at the stars, Simba," said Mufasa, "The great kings of the past are looking down on us from those stars. So, whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings will always be there to guide you, and so will I!"
(Flashback End)
"Father, are you there?" asked Simba out of desperation for some advice and council.
Soon, the sky opened a portal, and a ghostly image of King Mufasa walked forward.
"Remember that I am always here, so that I can help you, Simba," said Mufasa, "You have forgotten who you are, deep inside. You must return to take your place in the Circle of Life."
"How can I go back? I'm not who I used to be!" replied Simba.
"You must remember," said Mufasa, "And who you are deep inside will never change, as long as you never allow it to change you."
Before Mufasa left, a small sphere left his image, and floated down the morning sun, blocking it from view for the moment. Simba sighed, as he took in his father's words. He knew what must be done, even if he didn't want to, he had to: for the sake of the Circle of Life. He turned his head to the side.
"You can all come out now," said Simba.
"How'd you know we were here?" asked Sora.
"A hunter you are not," said Simba, turning to them, "It's time I returned to face my past. I could use some help."
"So, you really are a king?" asked Timon.
As the morning light shown behind Simba, the sphere from before absorbed the sunlight and turned into the Circle of Life Keyblade, which Sora decided to use while in cub form. As they made their way back, Sora and Simba unleashed a Limit Breaker upon the Heartless that got too close. When they got to the Savannah, Timon took one look around the place and said:
"You're gonna fight your uncle for this??" asked Timon.
"More than just this, Timon," said Simba, "For the whole Circle of Life that lived here once. I must do this in order to restore balance to these lands."
"You won't be alone," said Nala, walking up beside him.
"Yeah," said Sora, "We won't let you do this alone."
Meanwhile, at Pride Rock, Scar was looking around, a growing fear welling up inside of him. He looked up, and saw another Male Lion. His fears were confirmed.
'Mufasa!?' thought Scar, before realizing who it really was, 'No, it's Simba! But those three bumbling Hyenas told me he was dead. I should never have trusted them with that assignment.'
"Simba," said Scar, as Simba jumped down to his level, "You're… alive!?"
"It's over Scar!" said Simba, "I won't let you ruin the Circle of Life any longer!"
"Simba's the rightful King," said Nala, "not you!"
"The choice is yours Scar," said Simba, "Accept the challenge of one-on-one combat for the throne, or stand down and be banished!"
"Must it always resort to violence," said Scar, trying to sound innocent, "I wouldn't want to kill a family member."
"That's in the past," said Simba, "I've moved on!"
"Can you say the same about your friends and subjects?" asked Scar.
"What's going on, Simba?" wondered Nala.
"Why don't you tell them who was responsible for Mufasa's death!" continued Scar, smug in his lies.
"Really," said Flamon, "don't tell me you're trying to pin the blame on Simba!?"
"But he's right," said Simba, looking down, "It was my fault."
"Why not tell what happened?" said Flamon, "You might find some unanswered questions."
"I was playing in the gorge, when a stampede of Wildebeests charged through there. My father tried to rescue me, but died trying," explained Simba.
"Did you see him trying to get out?" asked Flamon.
"Yes," said Simba, "He was climbing out. I moved to another spot to see him, but the next time I saw him, he was falling back into the stampede."
"Interesting," said Flamon, "Then that leaves a few questions."
"Like what," said Scar, impatient with this visitor.
"Well, for one thing: Who started the stampede? There not many things that would send Wildebeests stampeding. One thing I do know is that Hyenas are a predator to them. And who controls the Hyenas??"
"Scar!" said Simba, "You killed my father!?"
"Of course!!" said Scar, the truth of it now out, "Your grandfather chose him as successor over me. I swore vengeance. What's worse is that he went and had you! So, I had to get rid of both of you, otherwise I would have never ruled. Luckily, I was able to entice the Hyenas with a ploy for power, and good hunting grounds that the Pride Lands could provide. It seemed like a win-win. Until you showed up!"
"It's over, Scar," said Sora, "You're finished!"
"You see," said Scar, "Like you, I too have followers. GET 'EM!!!"
The Hyenas charged into battle, some of them distracting Simba so Scar could escape. Sora, Donald, and Goofy got them off of Simba.
"Go," said Sora, "We'll handle the Hyenas."
And soon, the battle for Pride Rock began, Flamon and the Lionesses taking out the Hyenas with help from Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Timon and Pumba. However, the Hyenas were so great in numbers that they began to overwhelm them. Timon ran inside the den and joined Zazu, one of Mufasa's advisors, in the bone cage. Flamon chased after the Hyenas that went inside.
"So, Shenzi," said Flamon, "You ready for a some well done meat!"
"First you hit me, then insult me, and now flirt with me!?" said Shenzi, "That is it, I'm gonna kill you myself, you PIG!!!!!"
"HEY!" said Pumba, at the entrance, "Are you talking to me?"
"Oh great," said Timon, "Now you've done it."
"Are you talking to me!?"
"You shouldn't have said 'Pig' in his presence!"
"ARE YOU TALKING TO ME!?"
"You're in for it now!"
"THEY CALL ME!!" shouted Pumba in outrage, "'MR. PIG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!'"
Pumba then charged at the three Hyenas while Flamon jumped onto the ceiling out of the way. Soon after the Hyenas were chased out, followed by Timon, Zazu, and 'Mr. Pig', Sora, Donald, and Goofy charged in, wondering what happened.
"Simba's on up," said Flamon, dropping from the ceiling, "Let's go!"
(AN9)
When they reached the top, Donald wanted to help him, but Sora stopped him.
"Remember," said Sora, "We can't interfere."
"He's right, Donald," said Goofy, "We can't meddle in the affairs of other worlds."
The four of them could only watch as Simba and Scar battled it out like to starving lions over a small slice of meat, desperate to survive. In the end, Simba managed to defeat Scar by sending him over the edge.
"Good work," said Sora, "Everything okay?"
"Nothing broken, if that's what you mean," replied Simba, stretching out his sore muscles from his fight.
"Something tells me this isn't over," said Flamon, "That was too easy."
"Of course it was," said Pete, finally showing up again, "That was just a preview. The King of Pride Rock, angry and jealous of his brother and nephew, gave into darkness and became a Heartless."
Sure enough, darkness covered the sky as Scar climbed his way up the cliff, darkness glowing around him.
"Thanks," said Flamon, "You just made it our business!"
"We'll handle this one together, Simba," said Sora, bringing out the Circle of Life Keyblade.
"Hey Pete!" said Flamon, jumping up.
"Hey!" shouted Pete, trying to move away, "Stay away from me!"
With a precise kick to the face, Flamon sent Pete flying away, but disappeared before Flamon could see him hit the ground.
"Alright," said Flamon, "Time to Digivolve!!"
But, when he tried to Digivolve, he received a shock that made him fall to one knee.
"You mean you didn't know??" said the Heartless Scar.
"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Sora.
"Only Beasts can roam this realm. So anything human-like is out of the question," explained Scar.
"That explains why you guys changed," said Simba.
Scar used the distraction to knock Flamon off the Cliff. Sora and the others could only watch as Flamon fell, before turning their sights on Scar. Unleashing a Limit Breaker, they defeated Scar without Scar knowing what hit him. He tried to get up, but only fell down, the last of this life leaving him.
Flamon fell down the side of Pride Rock.
'Darn it!' thought Flamon, 'If only I could go BurningGreymon, but I can only do that by Beast Spirit Evolution, or Slide Evolution.'
Just before he hit the ground, his wits returned to him and he used his tail like a whip to grab a rock that was jutting out from the rock formation to change his momentum at the last second, sending him tumbling across the rock surface. Rafiki noticed and moved over to help him up.
"Not the smartest move I've seen you make," said Rafiki.
"Not my move," said Flamon, painfully getting up with Rafiki's help, "Scar's."
"It's over now," said Rafiki, pointing at Simba who was reaching the crown of Pride Rock.
Once he got there, he smiled at the sunrise, before giving out a triumphant roar. The other Lionesses followed, even Sora couldn't help but give a roar, though it was far softer and less intimidating than he wanted.
"Uh, don't tell Takuya about that," said Sora, embarrassed at such a weak roar.
"Tell me what, oh young cub," said Flamon, who limped his way over with Rafiki.
"Put a coconut in it," said Sora, looking away from Flamon with an embarrassed blush still on his face.
A portal appeared, and Mufasa shone with the sunrise behind him, making him glow even more.
"Well done," said Mufasa, "King of Pride Rock."
"Thank you, Father," said Simba, though quietly so no one could hear him.
The light glowed brighter, allowing Sora to pull out Circle of Life and opened the Pathway given by the Circle of Life.
(AN10)
"Hey," said Timon, "What's with the light show?"
"We gotta go for awhile," said Sora.
"I'll go tell Simba," suggested Pumba.
"Don't worry about it," said Goofy, "Just tell him we'll be back soon."
"Oh yeah," said Timon, "that's right. He's the new king. He's gonna be so busy now trying to get everything back to normal that he won't even remember us."
"Hey," said Sora, "You guys raised him, right? He couldn't forget you if he tried."
"You're right," said Timon, "That means… ROYAL LIFE BABY!!"
"Catch you later," said Flamon.
(Gummy Ship)
On their way to Twilight Town, Sora asked Takuya about his name.
"On my world," explained Takuya, "We have a first name and a last name. Mickey told me that since there are a lot of worlds out here that only use first names, that I shouldn't use my last name unless it's necessary."
"You could still have told us," said Donald.
"I know," said Takuya, "But I trust Mickey, so I didn't tell even you. I just assumed you wouldn't know about it and be even more wary of me since only Castle Disney had used first and last name basis."
"Hey," said Goofy, "we're coming up on Twilight Town."
"Guess we can check in on Hayner, Pence, and Olette," said Sora.
When they landed, it didn't take long for trouble to make itself known to them. Vivi ran by, shouting for help for Seifer in the Sandlot. They ran over to check it out. When they got there, they saw Seifer's group on the ground, with nobody dusks hovering around them. Takuya helped Seifer's team up and got them out of the way while Sora, Donald, and Goofy battled the Nobodies. More Nobodies appeared, stronger ones as well, inviting Takuya to Spirit Evolve into Agunimon and helped out. Once the battle was over, they heard a voice.
"Impressive," said Saix, stepping out of a Portal of Darkness.
"Saix!" said Agunimon, recognizing his voice.
"Have you seen a man named Axel?" asked Saix.
"Last I saw him was two-to-three weeks ago, before Sora woke up," said Agunimon, "Haven't seen him since. So, can't help you."
"Why are you hunting one of your own?" asked Sora.
"Axel has betrayed the Organization," said Saix, "And therefore he must be punished."
"Sounds like he has some tact after all," said Agunimon, "Anyone who joined up willingly seems to have death wish, starting with your leader!"
"Don't insult us," said Saix, "And be careful, Sora. Axel won't stop until you become a Heartless again."
Saix left via Portal of Darkness.
"Why would he do that?" asked Sora.
"Who knows," lied Takuya, "He's whack, just like most of the Organization."
"Alright, it's about time you left my town," said Seifer, having recovered from his battle with the Nobodies.
"Is that a threat, or a challenge," said Takuya, getting into a battle stance.
"It doesn't concern you, Takuya," said Seifer, bringing out a trophy, "However, your friend can't leave without taking this. It goes to the strongest being in Twilight Town, and that's not me anymore."
Seifer begrudgingly handed over his trophy to Sora, who was able to defeat an enemy he could not. He and his group left after that. Soon enough, Pence came running fast.
"SORA!" said Pence, catching his breath, "Do you know a girl named Kairi?"
"Kairi!?" said Sora, not expecting to hear from her until he got back to the Islands, "I sure do."
"Then you better come to the station," said Pence, turning around and heading to the station.
Looking around, they saw another glowing dark sphere, this time with a single-bladed axe on it.
(AN11)
"Let's get to the station," said Takuya, heading on.
"Alright," said Sora, who wanted to see what the spheres were about.
When they got to the station, Hayner and Olette were running up as well.
"So, how do you guys know Kairi?" asked Sora.
"She was here," said Olette.
"She was here!?" exclaimed Sora.
"Yeah, and she was looking for you too," said Hayner.
"Tell me where she is!" urged Sora.
"Unfortunately," said Pence, "This dude named Axel showed up and kidnapped her. There was nothing we could do to stop him. Sorry."
"Kairi," said Sora, taking out her good luck charm.
"Sorry we couldn't help out more," said Hayner.
"It's not your fault," said Takuya, "Axel's not easy to battle, let alone win against."
"Yeah, cheer up," said Sora, before realizing what he was saying, "Like I can even say that."
"Sora," said Takuya, "don't worry about Kairi right now. I'm sure she'll be fine."
"Yeah right," said Sora, "I've gotta find her!"
Sora's outburst startled Goofy, who held the trophy, causing the four spheres on the top of it to fall off. Hayner, Pence, Olette, and Sora picked up the red, green, yellow, and blue spheres respectively.
"That was close," said Pence, happy that the spheres of glass didn't break.
Sora extended his sphere out to the setting sun, Hayner, Olette, and Pence following his lead. It may have been the trick of the light of the sunset, but Takuya could've sworn he saw Roxas for a second before turning back into Sora.
"Whoa," said Takuya, rubbing his eyes, "No more sunset stares for me."
(AN12)
"Sora," said Goofy, "You okay?"
"Huh," said Sora, coming out of a trance, "What?"
Sora's blue sphere then glowed, allowing Sora to bring out the Kingdom Key and unlock the next pathway.
"Looks like we're heading out," said Sora.
"Wait, before you go," said Hayner, pulling out a picture, "Kairi gave this to us, to give to you in case we saw you before she did."
Hayner handed over a picture of Sora when he was younger, in his older outfit. Sora smiled a bit, glad that Kairi remembered him; however, when he touched it, it glowed for a second before disappearing. At the same time, Sora himself glowed a bit, before a word past his lips.
"Limit," said Sora quietly, as if the word just came to him.
"You unlocked Limit form?" asked Takuya.
"What about it?" asked Sora.
"Let's just say that if you use Limit form, it's like using a self Limit Breaker to access powers you have not known for over a year."
"Really," said Sora, remembering some of the moves he had on his last journey, "Sweet."
Just then, Kairi charm glowed, before turning back into the Oathkeeper Keyblade.
"Oathkeeper," said Sora, remembering the blade, "I thought I lost you."
Sora sent Oathkeeper into Hyperspace, vowing to use it soon.
(AN13)
After saying their goodbyes, the four of them returned to the Gummy Ship.
Saix appeared in his seat in the meeting room for the Organization. He turned to his leader.
"Sora is still doing well," said Saix.
"Good," said Xemnas, the leader of Organization 13, "With an army of Heartless ready to take Hollow Bastion, it's only a matter of time before Kingdom Hearts is completed."
"Aw man," sighed Sora, "The King, Riku, and now I've lost Kairi as well."
Takuya walked up beside Sora and whacked him in the back of the head.
(AN14)
"Are you forgetting what happened last time?" asked Takuya, "Kairi was taken once before and you got her back once, right? You can do it again this time too."
"You're right," said Sora, remembering how far he went to save Kairi last time, silently vowing to do so again, "Let's press on. We won't find Kairi moping around here."
"Let's go," said Goofy.
"You said it," agreed Donald.
Soon, Chip and Dale communicated them.
"Guys," said Chip, "Darkness is showing up all over Hallow Bastion."
"You better get over there and see what's up," said Dale.
"Let's check it out," said Sora, getting himself together.
So, they made their way to Hollow Bastion.
(Chapter End)
Well, that took a long time.
Believe or not, I finally got to see Tron the movie, so I have a better idea about the world of Space Paranoids. Yeah, after 20-30 something years of it being out. The movie's good, old school style.
Okay, time for character profiles:
Name: Sora
Keyblades: Kingdom Key, Star Seeker, Hidden Dragon, Hero's Crest, Monochrome, Follow the Wind, Circle of Life
Drives: Valor, Wisdom, Limit
Name: Jack Skellington
Alias: Pumpkin King
Weapon of choice: Fire and Pumpkins apparently.
Name: Sally
Other info: apparently love interest with Jack Skellington
Names: Lock, Shock, and Barrel
Weapon of choice: Mischief
Transportation: Bathtub
(What's that about?)
Name: Santa Claus
World: Halloween Town (Christmas Town)
Nickname: Sandy Claws by Jack Skellington.
Name: Simba
Title: Former summoning, Current King of Pride Rock
Weapons of choice: claws and teeth and roars
Name: Mufasa
Title: Former King of Pride Rock.
Other affiliations: Father of Simba
Name: Nala
Other info: love interest of Simba
Name: Rafiki
Title: Wise Monkey (Man) for Mufasa and Simba
Weapons of choice: Staff he carries and martial arts
(An excellent character all around)
Names: Timon and Pumba
Animal titles: Meerkat and 'Mr. Pig' Warthog
Battle tactics: running away, scaring away enemies with gas emissions by Pumba
Other information: Simba's adopted family, along with Timon's family, who appear in Lion King 1½
Name: Scar
Titles: Ex-King of Pride Rock, brother to Mufasa, and recent Heartless
I think that's all, now for Author Notes.
AN1: Well, considering when this is posted, ignore it and just consider it a few weeks before Christmas, or at least after Thanksgiving or something. I don't know. I could never keep up with everything that passes for time in Kingdom Hearts.
AN2: Not really relevant, so just ignore it. It was something I thought of as I was writing it, it doesn't have any real importance.
AN3: Would you want to sleep with Jack Skellington as Santa for Christmas? (LOL)
AN4: Tribute to past Digimon team leaders: Tai and Davis. If they can pull it off, then I do not see why Takuya can't either.
AN5: When I put in THE list, I mean the one for every world, not just Halloween Town. I mean, Sora, Donald, and Goofy are on it, so why would someone from a different world be on it if it only covers one world?
AN6: I decided to remove the mayor. He's pretty dang annoying.
AN7: Wow, didn't expect such references in a T-rated fic. Disney really dials down many things for this game. If you don't know what the references are, then you're not old enough to know.
AN8: I don't want to put that in the next five worlds they visit.
AN9: I couldn't take out that scene. It was so epic in the movie. I applaud the attempt at the boss battle, but please: give Pumba his due righteous fury.
AN10: First one is the sun, second is the Keyblade. Nice to be funny though.
AN11: This is Lexaeus's weapon. Don't know the name of it, but I find him to be a decent Nobody. Don't ask why because I wouldn't have an answer.
AN12: Don't hear anything about sunrises, though, do we?
AN13: Yeah, expect to see it in Final Form, which won't be used until the final world.
AN14: For those who don't have a clue: This is the Gibbslap. When you hit someone in the back of the head. Meant as a wakeup call, not humiliation.
Okay, I think that's everything. In the next part, the best battle against Heartless has arrived, I think.
Later,
RDF1